Strangely Dim

Today is Song of the Week day! Enjoy this great song from Francesca Battistelli :)

"Strangely Dim"

I've had all these plans piled up sky high
A thousand dreams on hold
And I don't know why,
I got a front row seat
To the longest wait
And I just can't see
Past the things I pray
Today

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

Sometimes where I stand
On this narrow road
Is in a raging storm
Or a valley low
But oh

When I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

I don't know, I don't know
What tomorrow may hold
But I know, but I know
That You're holding it all
So no matter what may come

I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are
'Til every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
Let all my worries fade
And fall to the ground
I'm gonna seek Your face
And not look around
Til the place I'm in
Grows strangely, strangely, strangely dim.

Why I hate Religion but love Jesus

Mondays: Adventure in the Kitchen

A new recipe for all of you!!! How to make Brazilian Crepes!!

Enjoy! Yum Yum!

Bianca 

Just say Jesus

Hello everybody! On Wednesdays I'll post the song of the week. I recently heard this song and I love the message. When you don't what to say... just say Jesus 

Life gets tough, and times get hard

It's hard to find the truth in all the lies

If you're tired of wondering why

Your heart isn't healing

And nothing feels like home

Cause you're lost and alone just screaming at the sky

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There is power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words won't come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out

However it comes out, He hears your cry

Out of nowhere He will come, you got to believe it

He will rescue you

Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Light

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There is power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words won't come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

There is just one name

Strong enough to save

There is just one name

There is just one name

Jesus

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There's still power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words wont come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

If the words wont come

And you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

Do you love the world?

If you are thinking that I'm asking if you love the Planet Earth then you're mistaken. My question is much deeper than that!

While reading 1 John 2:15-17, John clearly told us to not love this world or anything it offers. I started to ponder about it and I even took some notes. After all what does the world offer us? This is what I came up with:

* A scapegoat from problems we encounter

* Momentary pleasures

* Fillers for the emptiness we carry inside

But in reality, the world only offer illusions... pretty images for the eye of the beholder. It's in the feeling of happiness when one is out partying, or the feeling of being loved in every new relationship. The feeling of escaping from all the pressure or even trying to make ourselves feel worthy by stepping on others. Illusions.. Illusions...

John also said that the world is fading away along with what people crave. Someday and very soon (I believe) all of this world we know will be gone. Faded away... Forgotten. However in despite of this John give us the solution from this soon to be forgotten world. He said: "...But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever " 1 John 2:17. 

Dear reader,the world is fading away quickly and its illusions with it. Will you fade away as well or will you turn to the One who can save you? Surrender your life completely to God and obey His Word and you shall be saved. Hurry before tomorrow is too late.

God bless You,

Bianca

Minha Universal- My Universal

Feliz Aniversário IURD! 36 anos de lutas, guerras, perseguições, mas também 36 anos de conquistas, bênçãos, levando ao mundo a palavra de Deus. Eu me sinto tão privilegiada por fazer parte desta obra incrível! Que Deus abençoe a Igreja Universal! Eu nao vou a Universal, EU SOU A UNIVERSAL! #EuamominhafamiliaIURD #Parabens #36anos

Parabens IURD!!!!!! Happy Birthday UCKG Happy Birthday Iurd! 36 years of fights, wars, persecution but also 36 years conquering, blessings, telling the world about the word of God. I have the priviledge of being part of this amazing work! May God bless the Universal Church! I am don't go to Universal, I am Universal!

Mondays- Adventure in the Kitchen

Hello readers!!!

I am back.. LOL.. Mondays are now "Adventures in the Kitchen with Bianca"

I will try to make a video every month and post recipes every week :)

Enjoy!!

We have fun

So I know it's been almost 2 months since I've written anything... but I will get back to it! To kick off Summer Blog Posting...LOL... Here is a video of the youth group in my church... some people say Christians have no fun.. I beg to differ! Just watch and tell me what you think :) 

God bless

Bianca

The Approved Assistant

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply put the uniform; but they wear their BATTLE CLOTHES

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply go to church, They go to the SPIRITUAL FIELD;

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply go evangelize, they go TAKE AWAY SOULS FROM THE DEVIL'S HAND

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply read the Bible, they TALK TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply pray, They CRY OUT TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply give the  fish, but TEACHES HOW TO FISH

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply fight against the devil, but COMBAT ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER

The Approved Assistant doesn't say: "God willing," but SAYS IN THE NAME OF JESUS​​! ;

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply counsel people, They GIVE DIRECTION THROUGH THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply help the lost, but they GO DOWN TO HELL TO WIN A SOUL

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply read the Bible, they TALK TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply step on the devil, they CRUSH HIM UNDER THEIR FEET


The Approved Assistant doesn't ask, they OBEY!

^"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Unbelief

Hello readers,

Here is Mrs.Nanda's message for the 8th day of the 21 days of the fasting of Daniel

God Bless,

Bianca

Cold-Heart Faith

" See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." Hebrews 3:12

So I was reading this verse today and I was thinking: Isn't this what is really happening inside the churches?? 

More and more people are letting their hearts be fulfilled of hatred, envy, anger, feelings..feelings. They are letting their faith grow cold because of spiritual pride.

But it all makes sense... in 2 Timothy 3:5 says: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 

In other words, in the final days there will an increase of people leaving the Presence of God due to the evilness and unbelief of their hearts. That's why some many burned-out "christians" turn atheist... because they have let their unbelief (also worldly superstitions)  turn them away from the Living God.

So, dear readers, beware of your spiritual life! Don't let your heart fool you with emotions that will bring the unbelief and evilness to your life. Don't let your faith grow cold!!! That would only lead you towards an empty life away from God.

God bless,

Bianca

Strong enough?

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" 1 Corinthians 10:12

Paul tell the church in Corinthians to be careful not to fall. That sounds like some common advice to give to any christian right? Well...yes, of course! Let's re-read it.... Paul says IF YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG...

Hmm... why would Paul say such thing? For the obvious reasons... a human being is naturally proud. Therefore if one thinks they are strong enough that makes them too proud to receive rebuke, to receive advice of any sort and even to ask God for help. 

They are not humble to recognize "the red flags" but instead they constantly they say "I know" or "Dont worry, I am strong". In reality we must always be on guard because the devil doesn't waste time. He only needs a tiny little space so he can get in your life!

So for all those who believe they are The Spiritual Superman....Be careful NOT TO FALL!

God bless,

Bianca

He is Greater

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." Hebrews 1:3-4

Jesus is not like any angel in heaven. He is greater. He is powerful.

Jesus showed and shows the character of God. In Him, we find the example for our lives. Jesus was perfect! Of course, we can never be like Him but we should yearn the same holiness the Son had. Through His character, the Father was glorified and His glory was reveal to all of us. 

The same way those who are truly God's children should have lives that show this world the Greatness and Glory of Our God.

Let's live like Jesus did

God bless,

Bianca

21 days of Spiritual Cleaning

Hello readers,

I wanted to post here about this spiritual purpose I will start on Sunday. It's called 21 days of the fasting of Daniel.

As we know, Daniel was a man of prayer. "...he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 

Now the fast is not just about praying three times a day... it's much more than that. This fast is very different because we are not doing food fasting either. Instead we are doing 21 days of spiritual cleanse. Its like doing a spring cleaning on your communion with God. We will stay 21 days without getting involved with things of this world. 

We will not be watching TV, listening to worldly music, be in social networks like Facebook or Twitter unless is to share something that God has spoken to us... Instead we will use this time to seek the Holy Spirit,  read the Bible, read books that edify our lives like Nothing to Lose or V-Woman. We will be tuned in to IURDTV to listen to the messages Bishop Macedo. 

In other words, we will be turned off for this world to be tuned in to God's voice. Bishops, pastors, pastor's 

wives, assistants, Kids Zone teachers, YPG, even the kids will be in the same faith for 21 days. 

I believe it's going to be a blessing for all of us. This is a great opportunity for those who already are baptized to be renewed, Those who still haven't received the Holy Spirit to receive, those who are struggling with their 

deliverance to be delivered. In other words, this is a sacrifice where one can only benefit. So take this 

seriously and invest. I can tell you by experience that one haven't found love or peace until they met Jesus for 

themselves. Revolt against this situation and give everything you have. God is extremely interested in giving us 

His Spirit because He knows that without Him, we can't stay strong. Someone without the Holy Spirit has a expiration date.

So seek and pray because God is ready to pour out His Spirit upon us without limits. 

In this faith,

Bianca

The View

This is how it felt when I accepted Christ, like I was looking out at a new start, a beautiful mystery. 

How about you? How was your experience with God?

God bless :)

No Shame About It

Hello everyone, 

Today I want to share a message that it was preached this morning at church. It was very strong and it can be apply to all our lives regardless of what title you may hold.. 

The message was about sharing your faith regardless of what people might say or think. It was showed to us through the story of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19)

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way." 

Now after reading these verses, we can see that Zacchaeus was a very important man. He definitely had a reputation to hold, after all he was the chief tax collector and very rich. However what is very interesting was that he wanted to see Jesus. He wanted to know who He was. So he ran up a tree( because he was short)  so he could see Jesus. He didn't care what people might say or think about his action. He wanted to see Jesus! Many people often want to please people so they never admit who they are. They live indecisively because they act as "Christians" at church but when it comes to share their faith with others... they feel shameful and they can't stand up for their beliefs. 

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

So Jesus saw Zacchaeus' desire to know who He was. As always, there are the people who will talk about others and criticize. Often enough, those people criticize others because they want to hide their faults by pointing out the faults in others. Zacchaeus didn't care and I imagine he was extremely happy because Jesus was going to his house. Gladly, Zacchaeus wasn't influenced by what those people said. 

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The verses above are my favorite from this story because Zacchaeus rendered his life to Jesus right away. Regardless of who he was, a rich important man, he broke down his pride and he recognized that how he was living his life was wrong. Zacchaeus was humble and God was able to do His work in his heart. Zacchaeus was saved because he wasn't ASHAMED to accept God and change his ways. 

There will always be people who will criticize your faith and beliefs...but it is up to you to either be proud and hide it or have NO SHAME ABOUT IT.

God Bless,

Bianca

Forgive or Not Forgive? Pt.3

Continuation...

"We're done" Alice said as we walked out the door. For the rest of my 6th grade year we didn't talk. We hated Ellen and Ellen hated us.

Grudges become a baggage that you carry with you for a long time. My hatred became a burden and it was eating me alive. I hated her even more. It's interesting how humans rather hold onto hatred then to forgive...

It took time but I finally realized that I needed to change. Ellen probably had forgotten about it but I held onto the feelings as if it had happened yesterday. I couldn't do it anymore.

"Ellen, I know we haven't spoken since 6th grade but I wanted to tell you that I am sorry. I'm sorry for the harsh words, rolled eyes, back talk and everything else. I just wanted to clear this up so I can move on. Good luck in high school."

She never apologized or said a word. I guess she didn't feel the need to apologize and I really didn't care anymore. I felt free from this dark shadow over me. It was over.

Grudges drag you down into a pit of hate. For as long as you hate somebody you won't be able to love. I guess we are so stubborn that we don't like to admit we are wrong. Guess what? We all make mistakes so it really is not our right to hate anybody for their faults.

Many times we'll have to ask ourselves this question "Forgive or not forgive?" Just know one thing...those that forgive are forgiven as well.

God Bless,
Bi

Forgive or Not Forgive? Pt.2

Continuation from yesterday.....

Ellen told Mrs.B the whole story... well her side of course. She cried and to be honest we felt no pity for her. We were called into her office so we could "talk" about it.

"So what is going on, what happened at Six Flags?" she asked. I told her that Ellen had placed her money bag in my bag and we left our things by some trees so we could go into a ride. (I know... not very smart...) When we came back my sunglasses, Sally's shirt, Alice's shoes and somehow Ellen's money were all gone! The strangest thing was that I had money as well but I guess the thief didn't look into my bag very well. I had my money and she didn't. We looked all over the park until we gave up. It wasn't our fault but we felt  bad. We bought her lunch, candy for the rest of the day.

When you are angry and upset, you tend to cry like I did. You try to connect the dots but you can't. They hurt you and you hate them. You ask yourself many times "Can I forgive her?" and you know the answer is No.

"Now she comes up with this story that we stole her money. I don't care if your mom thinks that of us Ellen, but you know it's a lie!" I said and Ellen started to cry again.

I hated her so much. I never thought I could hate someone but there I was. I don't know why she used this story to start drama. "How does your story even makes sense? We all left for the ride together! You're just a liar and to be honest we wasted our money on you" I said again.

It felt good telling her the truth but deep inside I felt horrible as well. Grudges make you say things that you know you'll regret.

To be continued....

God Bless,
Bi

Forgive or Not Forgive? Pt.1

Hello everyone... wow looks like there are spider webs in this blog... LOL! I do recognize that I barely wrote in 2012 but many things happened in my life that I can write about it now.. so I am back :D To kick off 2013, I wanted to share a story from my 6th year that I wrote about it in my freshmen year. It's a story and at the same time it's suppose to make people realize about the importance of FORGIVENESS.

So here is Part 1... Enjoy :)


Have you ever felt a strong dislike towards someone? Did they hurt you? Well you're not alone because I've been there too. The constant dirty looks, ignoring, gossiping are all symptoms of grudges. However no one will tell you that you are the most affected when you hate someone.

"She is telling everybody we stole her money. Is it our fault that it was stolen?" I told my friends as we walked into the choir room. The calm mood of the room only seemed to irritate me.

"Ah, I know! She is such a brat! We even paid for her lunch and now she is acting like that." Alice said as she cracked her knuckles. I had a feeling something bad was going to happen.

Ellen, the girl that was really mad at us walked in the room. She rolled her eyes as she passed by. I promise that Alice was about to pull her hair if we hadn't stop her in time. We were all angry and we wanted an explanation for her little theory. The only way to do it....asking her.

Our choir teacher made us sing but we weren't feeling it. I could only think about everything I wanted to tell Ellen. She was wrong and I was going to prove it. I know, I know we sound like Mean Girls but we were hurt! Ellen had to know that it was not ok to just lie. My head was telling me to just forget about it and move on but my heart... oh the heart... was burning with anger. I wanted her to cry as much as I had. It wasn't fair!

To be continued....

God bless,
Bi