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From the moment we are born, into our adolescence, and even through our adult years, we are inadvertently trained to think of everything through the scope of time. For example; what time do we get up, what time do we begin our workday, what time do we end our work week, what is a good age and time to get married, when should we retire, and the list goes on... We all struggle with believing that we possess some control of our lives and that we can plan our life events according to our personal timeline. This may seem like the characteristics of a disciplined person but, what we fail to see is that we are but stewards of our time rather than owners of our time. Just consider what happens to us when our plans are frustrated, or that vacation trip we so eagerly awaited is canceled? Don’t we become so easily disheartened and perplexed? The Bible teaches us that there is a time, and season for everything in life. And, just like you and I can not control the time the sun rises or the moon sets, or when the clouds will form and send us rain. So, God is in control of our every time and season. Eternity is not confined by our timeless ranting, but someday He will reveal to us how time, and time again he has saved us from unknown troubles. God may just be doing an eternal work of the trust in our hearts. Proverbs 3:1-6 1My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart, 2for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. 3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

What is it that initiate wars, and instigates battles? What is it that causes one marriage to succeed, and the other to fail? That causes some relationships to blossom, and others to drift. Isn’t it the failure to attain that which we so eagerly desire? You and I have been there when frustration kicks in, and tempers are flaring. When all that we have worked so hard for crumbles in just a matter of minutes, if not seconds. It has been said; “it takes an entire lifetime to practice discipline, but one moment to lose it.” That is how quick it takes for us to go from “turtle slow” to “high octane demolition”. So whenever you and I are provoked into a wrestling match or instigated to point fingers at others - it is best to ask ourselves is the pride of being right worth losing a relationship? Or is the relationship more important than the pride of being right? There is always greater things at stake than winning an argument. War games! James 4:1-3 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your personal pleasures. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries #wargames

"While we are concerned about our nation, God is concerned about the World. Our patriotism should not limit God’s plan for His Kingdom upon the earth." #andyfernandez #iamministries

From a beloved friend who recently received a poor diagnosis from the hospital or perhaps the parent of a child who lost his/her battle with cancer it would seem easy to understand why so many people can struggle with the issue of unbelief especially when it comes to the topic of God. In so many ways, what we are witnessing across the globe right now is the summary of broken hearts, broken homes, and broken dreams. If we were ever tasked to chronicle the stories of how the universe has been unfair to us, and those around us - we would find that there wouldn’t be enough library space to house the number of books with all their titles, even on the internet. But, even in the midst of so much spiritual carnage, be encouraged that we serve an infinitely loving God who is near, and who sympathizes with our natural unbelief. Faith is not something that you and I can muster up, but rather a gift God bestows to each individual according to His perfect plan. God is closer than you and I think. Lord, help my unbelief! Mark 9:21-24 21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

There is a time when being politically correct is NOT an option. If you have ever been brushed with a life and death situation or you were found to be submerged in a mangled accident you will quickly come to terms with realizing that there is no time to dabble with popular opinions. The quickest way to know what is at the core of someone’s belief system or whether an individual has ever wrestled with the “God” Word is to put that individual in a rapidly descending plane with no hope of control. You will immediately witness the transformation of an individual who will drop their Speedo suit, and sing to every hymnal in the book like Mother Teresa. It's unfortunate that sometimes it takes difficult moments to wake us up to the reality that God is knocking at the doorpost of our hearts. So, don’t become so easily entangled with the popular trend that God is only for wimps. For it takes a “real trooper” to humble him/herself to seek God against all odds. Politically Incorrect. Revelation 3:20-21 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

When having to make choices in life we all possess our personal preferences to those things which we like or dislike, or perhaps those things which add or take away value from our lives. For example, some of us may like vanilla, and others may like chocolate. Some may enjoy football, and others enjoy baseball. Some may even prefer cats over dogs - which I will never seem to understand :) But, whenever we describe our unique taste or distaste for something - it may very well reveal something about our authentic human nature or condition. Yes, that which gravitationally pulls on our inner cravings may be a clear reflection of our spiritual appetite or lack of it. Take for example, what it says in Proverbs 6:17-19, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” God reveals to us in this exert the righteous nature of His divine judgments, by what He likes or dislikes. Here, He reminds us that he doesn’t hate things because of what it does to Him, but rather for what it does to you. On God’s personal social media platform this would equate to a “dislike”. Thumbs down! #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

Like incoming traffic zooming to get on the right lane to make its exit before being caught in a possible traffic jam or like a stampede of wilder-beast trying to cross over the river to not break stride. We, also are found at times rushing into the “rat race” of the week to get things done. The only problem is, you and I should not forget to “yield” to the possible signs ahead. The Bible tells us of a chilling story of a man who viewed all of the potentials of a promising nation. He scaled the size of the loot, and all of the wealth dispersed throughout the land. He also took time to consider the advantages, and/or disadvantages that this new real estate brought to his disposal. But, after thoroughly weighing all his options, he found it more valuable to begin his journey with God at his side - than to have all the riches this new world had to offer. Today, before starting off your week, why don’t you stop for a minute, or pause for a few seconds to invite God into your lane. To let him take the lead, and you gradually follow. It is better for Him to accompany your journey than for you to be found treading alone. Exodus 33:14-17 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked because I am pleased with you and I know you by name. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

It would do well for all of us to add value to what God has already done in, and through our lives. To give thanks for the many ways He uplifted our spirits when we were going to throw in the white towel. To acknowledge the small, and also large blessings that at times He sends our way - that enables us to smile. So many of us do not need the help of others to reside underneath our “downcast” clouds. We are experts in quickly finding a way to disqualify ourselves while forgetting all our net worth and advances. Unfortunately, you and I don’t have to look very far to find that in, and of ourselves we may at times suffer from self-degradation. Whether it be masked by false humility, self-condemnation, victimization, or a simple self “pity-party” we must remember to intentionally shake off the emotional cobwebs, and allow ourselves to view ourselves through the loving lens of our creator. King David the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 139 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” So, the next time we find ourselves struggling with the temptation of sitting downcast - remember to learn how to smile, and sing along to that 1970’s classic: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day when it's cold outside I've got the month of....”:) Don’t be downcast! Psalms 43:5 5Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior, and my God. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

Like gladiators who are known to overpower their opponents and never surrender in battle or like a soldier who has been trained to go beyond enemy lines to establish dominance - we all are edging our way through this universe to mark our territory until we can yell our victory chant. The most powerful force in the mantra of human affairs is the human will. Every day we wake up in the morning, we are forced to look at ourselves. We are trained to take selfies, encouraged to self reflect, are bombarded with self improved books and messages, and are even forced to self promote. Everything seems to focus on self-image these days. Contrary to sociological trends the Bible teaches us that the way to spiritual maturity is not to focus on self, but rather to become selfless. To think about the well being of others before lavishing in on our self-interest. Sometimes some of our greatest battles in life are fought not against the will of others, but rather against the will of God. I encourage you today to stop struggling with having things your own way. But, rather humble yourself on callused knees and surrender to God’s divine plan to encompass the wellbeing of others. The Lord did say “not my will, but yours be done.” Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

God loves what is good, but he hates what is evil. Whenever you stand in the side of what God loves you can comfortably trust that He will turn everything the enemy means for harm, for the good of those who love him. There are times when doing what is right can get you into a lot of trouble. Not everyone will agree with how you display or live out your moral convictions. Sometimes when a society struggles with issues of morality it becomes inadvertently difficult to decipher what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong. But, the Bible teaches us clearly that - that which came out of the mouth of God, and that which has been written to reveal His heart has been gifted to us so that we may be inspired, well trained, and equipped to do what is good. Therefore, trust in the Lord today, and allow Him to write His Words on the tablets of your heart so that when you sow into the vineyards of others, you may reap a good harvest. Goodness will follow. Romans 8:28-31 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

If you love to cast your rod in the early morning hours at “Crystal River” or cast your net in the deep sea off the “Florida Keys” you know what it feels like to prepare for an all-day fishing excursion and return home empty-handed. Sometimes when you and I are in pursuit of something in life, and we are close to reeling in the possible catch-all of a sudden you and I may hear a snap - or a rip, and all that was held is lost. Well, the Bible teaches us that the first disciples of the Gospel were ordinary fishermen who were far from perfect, whose flaws were as many as the scales on a fish, and whose demeanor was far from pristine. Each of these men, despite their many flaws, did possess their own unique qualities for their trade. Some possessed rods, others nets, and yet others possessed simple tenacity. While they each had something to offer - the only thing limiting their potential to haul in the large loot was their ability to work and tug together towards a common goal. Working as a team requires all hands on deck. Don’t allow indifference to dismantle (rip) the woven strands that hold your spiritual mesh together. For it takes a team to haul in a net but a single player to reel in a rod. In the end, everyone is trying to fish. No Broken Nets! John 21:10-11 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn. #oneminutewithgod #andyfernandez #iamministries

Oh, how easy it is to frown when things are looking tough. When our natural human instinct is to ride the cultural waves of society and adapt to the sad and volatile state. It doesn’t take much to get upset these days. But, how pleasant it is when gratefulness breaks forth, and thanksgiving is hopping on the front door of your heart. It is like the radiant sun shining forth through the clouds of a new day dawning. There is so much to be grateful for. We are alive, we are for the most part healthy, we are surrounded by our beloved tribe, and are compassionately awakened to new mercies every day. The Bible teaches us that there are spiritual conditions which can influence your physical state of wellbeing. Consider this saying from Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Ever wonder where arthritis comes from? How about this saying found in 3 John 1:2 “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” Here it would seem that there is a direct correlation between your health, your prosperity, and the condition of your soul. Begin your treacherous journey today by taking the first step of being thankful. It can literally change the outcome of your day. Be thankful. Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. #oneminutewithgod #iamministries #andyfernandez