Monthly Archives: April 2013

Don’t miss a single moment…

29 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Relationship with GOD

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fall in love with Jesus - Lion and girl biggerI have a friend that I haven’t spoken to in a while. She and I have been friends since elementary school. Life gets busy and we can go months, even years without speaking. When we finally speak we have so much to catch up on. It’s as if time stands still and before we know it the minutes turn into hours. I must admit, this is not the ideal situation because I hear about the birth of her son and realize that I missed experiencing the joy of being there. I hear of the health problem he’s had to overcome and I’m saddened that I wasn’t there to comfort my friend or be a shoulder for her to cry on. I missed great moments and all because I was too busy.

At times this is how our relationship with GOD plays out. We feel as if life gets too busy to meet with Him. The overlapping deadlines, endless responsibilities, struggles of balancing work and home, and dealing with everyday pressures can weigh on us in such painful ways. But the Bible says that GOD considers us His friend (John 15:15, Proverbs 3:32 (NLT), Romans 5:10 (NLT)). We can have a friendship with GOD. How amazing is that! I mean this is GOD, my friend. The One who’s placed the universe in motion and keeps it precisely intact. He is the One that has all power and might in His hand and no one can withstand Him (Psalm 147:5, 2 Chronicles 20:6). He is the Lion of Judah, Almighty GOD and He longs to walk and talk with you daily.

When you cultivate a relationship with GOD He begins to reveal Himself to you in a personal way. He reveals what pleases Him and what grieves Him; what angers Him and what blesses Him; what brings Him joy and how to make Him smile. He delights in directing and guiding you and He desires to be known by you. My friend, GOD is not a monstrous entity somewhere high above the clouds passing judgement. No, no my friend He can be known and experienced just as you know your friends here on earth, only better. He is faithful and glorious; loving and kind; protective and wise; powerful and patient.

GOD doesn’t want you to miss a single moment of His comfort, guidance, wisdom and peace. If we are too busy to meet with Him we miss these precious moments. Then we are left to do things in our own strength and make decisions that may lead us in the wrong direction – venturing us into potentially dangerous territory. GOD patiently waits to speak with you every single second of every day. He is waiting now. He is beckoning you into a deeper relationship with Him that will leave you in complete and utter awe. Can’t you feel His tugging on your heart? My friend, hush the world and all of it’s many distractions and meet with GOD today. Set time aside and let Him reveal Himself to you in ways you could never, ever imagine. He will leave you hungering and thirsting for more of Him. I promise you!

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see GOD and all of heaven rejoicing over you as you meet with Him today. I see it, my friend, and I am so very excited for you.

Lessons from Spider-Man…

22 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Obedience, Surrender

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Spiderman and venomMy daughter loves The Amazing Spider-Man. She watches it on television in the morning while getting dressed for school. She can even stomach parts of the Spider-Man movies. For example, she likes Sandman but hates the Lizard. She enjoys Harry Osborn’s new goblin but not so sold on his father, the sinister Green Goblin. So when we came across Venom she was a bit on the fence. So, we talked about it.

Venom is a character that’s been consumed by ‘venom,’ a black sticky, icky mass that has the capacity to attach itself to people who are angry and vengeful. It’s constantly seeking a bitter and angry host. In the movie Spider-Man 3 Peter Parker (Spider-Man without the suit) finds out who killed his uncle and his anger rages. Hmmm, perfect opportunity for the venom to attach and it does. Once the venom attaches Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s personality changes. He is hipper, sassier, and wickedly more confident because venom gives him a surge of power and confidence that makes him feel alive. The only drawback is that this power is evil, menacing and controlling. And he finds out that it’s not so easy to free himself of this malevolent creature who desires to consume him.

So where’s the message? Well, I explained to Noah how extremely important it is to always forgive because if you don’t that anger is like a poison that takes root in your heart and has the potential of changing you in awful ways. When you harbor unforgiveness you become jealous, prideful, easily offended and bitter. Furthermore, it impedes spiritual growth and blocks our fellowship with GOD. All because of the poison in your heart that begins to control and consume your thoughts and behavior.

So may I ask you, my friend, is there anything or anyone you need to forgive? Or have you found justification for this anger? Has someone deeply offended or disappointed you? Perhaps you didn’t receive what you thought you deserved? Or maybe something you really wanted fell apart and now you’re upset? Whatever it is, forgive that situation. Forgive that person. Forgive yourself. The Bible says that you are to go and make peace with your brother and then come before GOD with your gifts (Matthew 5:24). Unforgiveness does nothing but harm and hinders the flow of GOD’s blessings, power, anointing and favor in your life. Further, that toxic poison has the propensity to negatively impact your relationships and skews your ability to enjoy and be grateful for what you do have. GOD desires for you to experience His fullness and that simply won’t happen until you surrender that anger, disappointment and pain to Him.

My friend, if you have been deeply offended, treated unjustly, angered or disappointed know that GOD is very well aware of the situation and with trust in Him we are not to pay back evil with evil (Romans 12:17). For He says that vengeance is His – not ours (Romans 12:19). The Bible also states that it’s okay to be angry but be careful not to sin in that anger or let it consume us (Ephesians 4:26 NLT). So are your ‘spidey senses’ telling you there’s someone or something you need to go before the Lord and forgive? Let the Holy Spirit lead you to surrender every person and every situation to Him. He is the only One that can prevent it from consuming you and remove the poison if it has taken root. And my friend I promise you – GOD is beyond ready and exceedingly willing. Humble yourself before Him and watch Him raise you up.

I hope this message blesses you. I see the Lord revealing to you all those situations that need forgiving and with your obedience the floodgates of His blessings, power and favor being opened up onto you. And I’m so very happy for you. I truly, truly am!

Do not be afraid of what you see or hear…

15 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Faith, Obedience

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I had a dream about a month or two ago. It was one of those dreams where you have a very strong emotional reaction upon waking. And although you may not remember the details you never forget how it made you feel. In this dream I could hear a strange voice and see a flickering of light coming from a room down a hallway. I turned and asked the people in the room with me if they could hear the strange voice. But no one heard it but me. So, I walked down the hall and into the room. The room was dark, cold and extremely frightening. I turned to run and suddenly heard something that stopped me in my tracks: “Do not be afraid of what you see or hear.” I knew that this was a command from GOD. And I immediately experienced an overwhelming peace wash over me. Ever since this dream whenever I’ve received unfavorable news I am reminded of those words and it has given me a peace, confidence and boldness I can not even put into words.

Oh my friend, what unfavorable information have you recently seen or heard? Is it news of a layoff or foreclosure? Maybe an unfaithful spouse? Could it be a denial or rejection letter? Missed opportunity? Or perhaps a friend or family member is slipping back into an addiction or dangerous behavior. Whatever your unfavorable news know in your heart that you are not alone. You are never alone. GOD stands beside you. He fights for you and He has already made the crooked path straight. Numerous times in the Bible GOD commands us to not be afraid and promises to never leave or forsake us. In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your GOD who goes with you.” In Joshua 1:9 it says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your GOD is with you wherever you go.” In Hebrews 13:6 it says “So we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” And in every single situation GOD was faithful and delivered each person from their enemies.

My friend, whatever unfavorable information you may have received I have been sent to tell you that you do not have to be afraid any longer. Like a heavy bag of bricks you can lay it down on the floor. Drop it. Release it. Exhale the poison of fear from your heart and inhale the love and peace of GOD. You are covered. Before you can even look back down at that heavy bag of bricks Jesus has carried it away. He owns it now. It’s no longer in your possession. The peace of GOD engulfs you like a warm blanket on a cold day. The assurance of His power surrounds you. The promise of His presence and care hedges you in. So, you can cast your cares onto Him and know in your heart that you are covered, surrounded and hedged in (1 Peter 5:7). The GOD who covers you is the same GOD who created all that is seen and unseen. He is the same GOD who created the vast universe and keeps it together with indescribable precision. He is the same GOD that says that nothing is too hard for Him (Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27). He is Jehovah Jireh (the GOD who provides). He is El Shaddai (the all-sufficient GOD).

And He is mindful of you.

The news you may have received has not taken GOD by surprise. He’s waiting to give you His peace; the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). When GOD commands you to not be afraid of what you see or hear it’s because He is in control. It’s because He has already made the crooked path straight. It’s because He’s already provided a way of deliverance. So, release your fear to Him and receive the peace, boldness, and confidence that only GOD can give you. You will not regret it. I promise you.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see you walking with a newfound confidence and boldness that the world didn’t give you and the world can’t take away. I see it my friend and boy am I excited for you.

Close the gap…

08 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Relationship with GOD

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I am a school psychologist. I absolutely love my job and believe that GOD has strategically placed me in this position to prepare me for what He has truly called me to do. Part of my job entails explaining various disabilities to people in relatable terms; no psychobabble allowed. For example, with a learning disability I explain that a discrepancy (a gap) exists between what a person is capable of doing and how they are actually performing. I use my hands to further drive the point: One hand is horizontally held up high (capability) while the other hand is horizontally held low (actual performance). And the space in between is ‘the gap.’ With the use of various assessment tools we psychologists are able to identify the cause of the gap and provide suggestions on closing it. (I then take my two hands that are held apart and bring them together until they meet and the gap is closed.)

This is much how our relationship operates with our Heavenly Father. He is a holy GOD, who longs to have a close relationship with us and has made provision to do so with the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. He desires that we experience His presence, power, anointing, glory, and revelation so that He may equip us to become all that He has called us to be (1 Corinthians 3:9). And although GOD is ever present and remains hopelessly in love with us, at times sin can create a feeling of ‘distance’; a gap so to speak. This distance often feels like GOD is far away or a sense that your prayers are weightless – floating in the air and not being heard. It could also feel like the power, passion and zeal for the things of GOD has gone. This distance may appear to occur suddenly or by way of a slow drifting. It is at this time that we are to press in.

My friend, if you are or have experienced this distance from GOD, you are not alone. I have experienced it many, many times. Just recently, in fact. I had struggled with a sudden lack of passion and a general feeling of distance from GOD. I yearned for the closeness He and I had just a few weeks earlier. So, I prayed and pressed in. It was hard, very hard. But GOD showed up. He always does! While praying I saw an image of me standing in the middle of a white, empty, wall-less room. In my hand I held a long thin stick and I struck it into the ground. The striking caused a ripple effect expanding outward to create a circle around me. On the outside of the circle was the glory of GOD. Inside of the circle was confusion, disorder, and a sense of foulness. I knew instantly that something was hindering me from experiencing His presence and power. After much prayer He revealed what was creating the gap and how to close it. (It is from this experience I learned firsthand that delayed obedience is disobedience.)

Are you currently experiencing ‘a gap’ in your relationship with GOD? Does it feel as if something is hindering your prayers from reaching GOD or experiencing His fullness? Could it be unforgiveness or unconfessed sin? Perhaps, a lack of faith (Hebrews 11:6) or not taking heed of His promptings? Maybe it’s an unchecked jealousy, pride, or like me delayed obedience. My friend, if you would pursue Him GOD will reveal what’s causing the distance and show you how to close it. He is faithful. GOD is not upset or angry with you. And He has not forgotten you. He absolutely loves you and hates not being able to reach you. He is on the outside of the gap desiring to pour wisdom into you, re-ignite your passion, give you the abundant life He promised, and bless you with an overflow of fresh anointing. Humble yourself before Him and let Him show you how to close the gap.

I truly hope this message blesses you. I see the gap closing and I am beaming ever so excitedly for you because I know that GOD is ushering you into a deeper, fuller relationship with Him. And boy, oh boy are you in for one of the greatest experiences of your life!

It’s time to trade in the lies…

01 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Renewing of your mind

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Today I am going to bare my soul and reveal to you a secret about myself. You may ask, “Now why would she want to go on and do that? That’s crazy.” But I am doing it for a few reasons: 1. Because I feel compelled to 2. I will be obedient to this urging of the Holy Spirit 3. I am confident that in doing so that someone will be abundantly blessed And 4. There is freedom in the release of toxins from this body in which the Holy Spirit dwells. So, as you can see it is a win-win-win-win situation.

My friend, I have lived with a lie. And this lie had replayed itself over and over in my head like a tape recorder. I viciously guarded it with as much maneuvering and tenacity as one possibly could. And as you might imagine keeping this lie under wraps was extremely exhausting and secretly weighed heavily on me as I attempted to muster one smile after another. Please, let me explain…

In the movie Clueless, a clever 90’s flick about pampered teenagers, there is a scene where two characters are talking. One points and says, “Do you think she’s pretty?” The other replies, “Oh no, she’s a full-on Monet. Like the painting – From a distance she’s all that but up close she’s not at all that put together.” I hung my head and whispered to myself, “That’s me.” You see, for many years I had placed great emphasis and importance on what others thought or felt about me; constantly seeking approval, acceptance, worthiness, and validation. And although GOD had blessed me with numerous people who have poured great things into me, what was always on heavy rotation in my head were the words that spoke disapproval. Deep inside I was never smart, pretty, shapely, successful, special, or talented enough. Regardless of the number of awards and degrees I achieved or material possessions I obtained I felt empty, void, insecure, and unworthy – nearly buckling under the weight of maintaining the ‘she’s got it all together’ image. And I lived with the fear of people finding that out. That I, Tanny Alicia Garcia was a Monet. And, my friends it hurt deeply to live that way.

I wish I could say that I had a supernatural experience that instantly changed this inaccurate way of thinking but I can’t. It has been an ever-developing, ongoing process of exchanging the world’s lies with the truths of GOD. While in prayer GOD revealed to me that the standards under which the world dictates success are erroneous, elusive and shifty. (As Heidi Klum of Project Runway says – “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out.”). To identify your worth under earthly standards and at the mercy of man’s opinion is foolish. Because this, my friend is your walk, your journey, your mistakes, your growth, and your personal relationship with Christ. And the GOD we serve isn’t concerned with how you measure up to earthly standards! So hush the world and get alone with GOD and let Him download His truths into you.

And the truths of GOD are: He is absolutely head over heels for you (1 John 4:10). He promises that He will make all situations and circumstances work out for your good (Romans 8:28). He considers you the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). He woos you to Him (Hosea 2:14). Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). He has extraordinary, mind-blowing plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). You can go boldly to the throne of GOD (Hebrews 4:16). He calls you His friend (John 15:15). And He found you ever so worthy that He died a horrible, painful, and lonely death just for you (John 3:16).

And these truths, my friend are solid, unshakable, and steadfast. So, you never ever have to feel insignificant or insecure again. How exciting is that! And under GOD’s standard of worth I can now recognize that I am gifted enough, bold enough, anointed enough, spiritually-led enough, purpose-driven enough, and passionate enough. And with every encounter with GOD I am changed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

So, I ask you dear friend whose standard of worth will you judge yourself under? The heavy burdened weight of the world with it’s elusive approval and acceptance? Or through the eyes of GOD, who even in your worst state deems you worthy of His love, mercy, grace, favor, peace, protection, forgiveness, and sacrifice (Romans 5:8). What a powerful choice and to think… The choice is all yours!

I truly hope this messages blesses you. I see you as GOD sees you. And my heart is ever so full knowing that in your trading in the lies you have put on the robe of truth. And boy does it look good on you!