Lilian Gutierrez

In Isaiah 40, the prophet reminds the people of Israel that God is all-powerful and faithful, even in times of disobedience and captivity. He encourages them to wait on the Lord and trust in His strength, for He is the Creator of all things and can do great things for His people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's authority and taking hold of the keys to the Kingdom, even in tough times. She shares personal stories of God's faithfulness and encourages listeners to depend on God's grace in their weaknesses. Overall, the message is one of hope and trust in God's power and love.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength during difficult times. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Jacob wrestling with the angel and King David strengthening himself in the Lord, to show that God will provide for those who have faith in Him. The speaker encourages listeners to praise and worship God on their own, rather than waiting for others to do so, and to trust that God is capable of opening doors and providing for their needs. The speaker emphasizes that faith is a decision based on the conviction that what God has said is true, and encourages listeners to persevere on their journey with God.

The speaker talks about the worship song they sang, which talks about waiting on the Lord and being renewed, like an eagle soaring above its problems. They emphasize the importance of building up oneself before becoming a part of a couple or family. The speaker then quotes from 1 Corinthians, discussing the different categories of single people, including those who have never been married, those who have cohabitated, those who are divorced or separated, and widows/widowers. The speaker notes that each group may come with its own set of issues and insecurities.

The process of becoming a couple or a "we" is not easy and involves many factors to consider. One important aspect is the category of singles in the church, such as widows or widowers, and their past relationships. Another crucial factor is the presence of children, which can create dynamics and challenges in a blended family. It is important to be aware of biblical criteria when choosing a mate, such as being equally yoked and doing one's homework about their background. Love is not just a feeling, but a patient, kind, and enduring commitment. Communication is also essential in developing a deeper relationship, and involves sharing who you truly are with caution and progressiveness.

The speaker talks about the importance of building oneself and waiting on the Lord to renew one's strength. They use the metaphor of an eagle's wings to illustrate how one can rise above difficulties and fly towards one's destination. They also discuss the different types of single people in today's society and the challenges they face in finding a partner and building a blended family. Paul's advice on marriage and sexuality in Corinthians is also discussed.

Becoming a we (in a relationship) is not easy, especially in today's world. It involves dealing with ex-spouses, children, and various dynamics. It requires a lot of work and patience. When choosing a partner, it is important to consider more than just their faith, but also their background, likes, and dislikes. True love, or agape love, is not just a feeling but requires patience, forgiveness, and work. Communication and trust are also important factors in building a relationship. It is important to proceed carefully in sharing personal information and to observe a person's actions and dependability.

The speaker addresses the theme of "Before there’s a we, there’s a me" and emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself first. The world often views singleness as a problem, but the Bible has a positive view of singleness. The speaker shares her experiences of being introduced as a single woman and how people often have issues with singleness. However, the Bible has examples of single people and encourages them to live a dignified and fulfilling life. The speaker also mentions Harold Smith's book "Positively Single," which identifies four categories of thinking that some single people may fall into.

The speaker addresses the issue of single women feeling inadequate and the pressure to conform to societal norms. She highlights four ways of thinking that can be harmful: "arc thinking" (feeling like one is missing out on something by not being in a relationship), "ash thinking" (dwelling on past mistakes and regrets), "ape thinking" (trying to imitate others instead of being true to oneself), and "ask thinking" (constantly seeking more material possessions). The speaker urges women to find their satisfaction in Jesus and to let go of societal pressures. She shares her personal experience of finding true satisfaction in Christ and encourages others to do the same.

The speaker discusses the societal view of single life and the problems single people face, even within the church. However, the speaker emphasizes that God values single people just as much as those in relationships and encourages single people to take care of themselves and find contentment in their relationship with Jesus. The speaker also mentions biblical examples of single people and identifies four ways of thinking that single people can fall into, such as the belief that they need to be in a family (ark thought). The overall message is that single people are important and valuable to God, and they should not let societal pressures diminish their self-worth.

The author discusses four ways of thinking that can hold single women back: "ark thinking," "ash thinking," "monkey thinking," and "asking for more." "Ark thinking" is when a woman thinks she needs to be in a relationship to be complete. "Ash thinking" is when a woman dwells on the past and can't move forward. "Monkey thinking" is when a woman tries to imitate others instead of being herself. "Asking for more" is when a woman is never satisfied and always wants more material possessions or a better partner.

The speaker preaches from the book of Joel, discussing the latter rain that God will send in the last days. This rain will saturate the earth and prepare God's people to stand firm in the midst of chaos and crisis. The speaker emphasizes that God will provide for his people's physical needs and bring them joy. The speaker shares a personal testimony of God's provision in their life.

The writer shares a story about their first pastor from Cuba who founded churches in multiple countries. The pastor's family was often provided for by their congregation, who brought them clothes and meals when they couldn't give money. The writer then talks about a passage from Joel that says God will restore what was lost to insects like caterpillars and locusts. The author interprets these insects as representing demonic forces that can oppress families and individuals. The author encourages readers to seek help from others in their spiritual battles, and reminds them to be wary of Satan's deceptive disguises. The writer also shares a personal story about a former heroin addict who was instantly healed and delivered from addiction at a Pentecostal church.

Pastor Lilian Gutiérrez spoke at a church in León de Judá and emphasized the importance of joy and laughter. She encouraged the congregation to not take themselves too seriously and to enjoy life. Gutiérrez also spoke about the need for perseverance and persistence in seeking God and receiving His blessings. She referenced Ecclesiastes 9:11-12, stating that it's not how we start, but how we finish that matters. Finally, Gutiérrez encouraged the congregation to continue running the race of faith and to finish strong for the glory of Christ.

The book of Ecclesiastes questions every aspect of life and advises us to fear God and keep his commandments. Life is temporary and full of surprises, so we should not cling to anything or anyone except the Lord. Solomon observes that the race is not for the naturally fast, and the battle is not for the physically strong. We should keep our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus and run the race individually as if the prize has our name on it. We are in a spiritual war, not a physical one, and we must trust in the Lord and depend on Him completely.