Forensic Victimology; Understanding Violent Crimes.

Introduction
In the realm of criminal justice, the word victim describes any person who has experienced any injury, loss, or hardship, due to illegal actions of another individual or organization. For all intents and purposes, victimology refers to the scientific study of victimization, including the relationship between victims and offenders, the influence of social media, and even social movements. The problem is that violence does not have a standard, or fixed definition per se. Definitions of violence are different between different countries and cultures and different times and contexts.
We will only touch on several different points presenting a brief overview of forensic victimology. We will examine at a general and theoretical level the different types of violence. This study will also focus on describing aspects of the lives and lifestyles of victims to gain a better understanding of how they became victims, what took place, and their relationship to the offender. We are not going to assign blame per se, but within victimology, it’s important to understand the dynamics of the criminal behavior as well as victims themselves. But we must understand the impact of collective trauma in people’s lives and how that builds a different psycho-social construction of their reality and life experiences different from ours.
It is also important to understand that in no way are we suggesting that offenders are not responsible for their actions. Each one of us have a God given will to follow Him or own narcissistic desires. This teaching is based on both my professional experience and academic preparation. I have used many resources for this teaching. If you would like this information, it will be listed under this teaching listed under “Current Events” which is located on our webpage; HarvestEvangelisticAssociation.com

Explanations of Violence
Influencers of Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse.
There are many different reasons for aggression that relate to the person’s mind or body, and predisposition towards violence. I have labeled this as a person’s psyco-social construction of their reality.
There are a variety of mental disorders that can affect a person’s behavior. Schizophrenia, both homicidal and paranoid delusional, are considered more likely to be associated with violence and other forms of illnesses. Psychopathic disorders is a persistent and ongoing disability of the mind. The psychopathic checklist suggests a lack of empathy, callousness, and crucially lack of remorse or guilt or key predictors of psychopathic behavior. Furthermore, it includes indicators, such as superficial charm, grandiose, sense of self-worth, prone to boredom, pathological line, lack of realistic, long-term plans and impulsivity.
Also, ongoing research has indicated growing awareness of Posttraumatic, Stress Disorder, and some individuals suffering from this experience range of symptoms, including problems of concentration and memory, a constant alert, awareness to danger and extreme cases. Some have a need to reenact the traumatic situation that aligns her condition. This can be a precursor for violent behavior.
Of course, all these above-mentioned symptoms can be exasperated when we involve self-medication of drugs and or alcohol. Both affect behavior and constraints. Data shows that those prone to violent offences were either on drugs or drinking period two third of offenders intoxicated when they killed.

Sociological Theories; Poverty, Strain, and Crime.
Sociological theories are also indicators for some propensity towards violence. These are considered learning theories. Differential association expressed by Edwin. Sutherland stated that behavior is learned in interaction with others, mainly small, intimate groups. Most people encounter individuals who think law should be obeyed, but there are those that think that laws could be broken. Differential Association Theory is based on two key factors; learning takes place for the intimate personal groups, and the context of what is learned includes that committed to personal experiences as well as definitions towards future events. Another theorist named Bandura indicated that the use of physical violence against children is not necessarily based on learning theories. He said some people who inflict such violence have often been victims themselves. This is basically attributed to the lack or failure of socialization in childhood. Research into delinquent and aggressive children has shown that their behavior can be linked to the use of violence by their parents both on one another and on their children.
Furthermore, the visual portrayal of violence has a significant effect on younger viewers. Some studies have indicated that television viewing habits and aggressive behavior for both boys and girls have a tendency for more violent programs. Many studies of the behavior of children have indicated that there is an increase in violent and antisocial behavior of those children who are exposed to violent programs. To some degree this is the theory behind copycat killers. There was a release of a movie in 1984 called natural born killers. Another one was called child’s play 3. These are typical types of movies that have been linked to aggressive and or violent behavior with young offenders.

Psychological Aspects of Victimology
There are variety of psychological aspects attributed to the response of victims to violent crime. To come up with a solid definition is difficult if not impossible because different people respond differently. However there appears to be 3 stages or phases that victims go through. The first is the impact stage, then the recoil stage, and finally the reorganization stage the impact stage is the initial response to assault. The intensity and length of the assault and the level of physical injury and perceived threat to life or functionally paralyze even some minor assaults. The recoil stage is when the victims attempt to deal with the effect of the crime on themselves and their lives. Emotions will vary from sadness, anger, self-pity, fear, and even guilt. It is this stage where denial sets in and even detachment is sometimes evident period. It is very important during this stage to allow the victim over time to slowly come to grips with what would have happened to them. The 3rd and final stage involve reorganization. This emotional intensity of the recoil stage is expected to lessen and the victim has more energized to deal with life daily activities. Some people can pass through all stages quickly others have appeared never to finish the process. In any event post-traumatic stress disorder is as evident in their lives as other syndromes present. This is wolves the battered woman syndrome or domestic violence. The rape syndrome it’s both a sexual and violent act and it’s about the control and anger which are the motivators for the crime. Therefore, the consideration of these factors, and the response of victims to violent crimes, can benefit from appropriate behavioral health interventions when needed and supported by network of family, friends, and agencies.

Victim Lifestyle and Exposure
Victimology is a very important topic, because there must be an examination of how the victim became a victim and their relationship to the offender helps solve the crime. The main purpose of classifying victims is exposure lifestyle exposure as to which to achieve an understanding of how the victim’s lifestyle conditions might have intensified their exposure to violent crime. Research has included that there’s a low, medium and high in extreme high lifestyle exposure that increases the possibility of suffering harm. I exposure victims or those exposed to the possibility of suffering harm or loss more than not. An example would be a child who lives in an abusive and neglectful environment with one parent or another. Medium exposure victims are those who are exposed to the possibility of suffering harm or loss often. An example would be a college student who engages in excessive bridge binge drinking. Low exposure victims are those who are really exposed to the possibility of suffering harm. These victims rarely engage in behaviors or put themselves in harm. Lifetime lifestyle exposure refers to the frequency of exposure of the victim in the different categories indicated. Lifestyle factors can influence the overall possibility of individuals harm and three ways. One by increasing the victim’s proximity to and interactions with the offender those who are predisposed to criminality. Creating conditions of conflict with the offender by enhancing the offender’s perception of the victim’s vulnerability. And there are victims’ lifestyles which facilitate victimization through their routine activities. These lifestyle factors which we have spoken about may increase the exposure and vulnerability of victim’s period.

False Allegations of Crime
Most of the false reports that we find are mentioned in the press, and or outside of formal scientific research. However, the subject of false reports is there, and should be taken into consideration in investigation of Victimology. Some reaches found that people are threatened with sanctions, who are not politically acceptable, and are blackmailed and threatened. The problem is Victimology is very emotional, but professionals must be objective in there. The problem is those who make these allegations that are false nature really suffer any type of legal consequences.
The FBI unified uniform crime report noted that 30% of all raped and alleged sexual assaults reported to the police were determined by investigations to be unfounded. This writer also, through his professional employment and law-enforcement, found that mostly and custody disputes one parent or the other will make up allegations of sexual abuse, which he found at least 60% to be unfounded. False report may be an active revenge by the alleged victim. Another factor might be the need for attention. Another might be for profit or material gain. Also, it might be an alibi for inappropriate behavior and loss of virginity or sexually transmitted diseases. And finally, a change of heart after consensual sexual encounter.
Most alleged allegations of false reporters will name or even provide details of a subject in their complaint. Accusing a stranger is a red flag for many investigators. The pseudo victim claims an overwhelming force was used and that they resisted greatly, or that there were multiple assailants, even though there’s an absence of any injuries. Also, most victims cannot remember certain details, but pseudo victims sometimes are very detailed or very vague. Pseudo victims are also very indifferent to their injuries. They’re also very vague about where the crime was. In summary, false confessions could have a variety of different reasons or circumstances that are being investigated. Is not this writer’s intention to criticize any victims reporting but unfortunately, there are those who use this for other than legitimate purposes.

Conclusion
In conclusion, not only as a psychologist, but is a Christian minister. I understand that many of these factors that we examined regarding Forensic Victimology and violent crimes, have a tremendous impact upon people’s lives. Not only in a temporal, but also in the long-term. We must understand the impact of collective trauma in people’s lives and how that builds a different psyco-social construction of their reality and life experiences different from ours. However, I must also indicate that if a person truly repents and turns their back on this type of behavior and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, there can be no true healing that takes place. Everything that has its basis, physically, psychologically, and emotionally has its root spiritually. As mankind in their rebellion to the give accountability for their conduct to Father God have drifted further into darkness. I have witnessed that their journey into darkness has had tremendous repercussions upon themselves and their victims. Over the years, I have dealt with many people from all walks of life and I have seen over and again that when people fail to surrender to the Lordship of Christ, there is no healing in their lives. Mankind is rebellious, and do not want to become accountable to father God, and His truth. For those who are truly tired and repented of a life of violence can find true healing through the power of God. There are no lost causes for Jesus!

References
Jones. S. (2000). Understanding Violent Crime. Open University Press.
Meloy, J. (1992). Violent Attachments. Jason Aronson Inc.
Turvey, B. (2009). Forensic Victimology; Examining Violent Crimes. Elservier Academic Press.

Reverenda Claudia y Dr. Timothy Emerick
Misioneros de la Cruz
1 Corintios 1:18.

¡Dios tiene el Control!
Les he dicho esto para que en mí tengan paz. En el mundo tendrán aflicción; pero ¡ánimo!, yo he vencido al mundo. Juan 16:33.

Introducción.
Las preocupaciones de la vida nos afectan a todos. Todos nos enfrentamos a las mismas circunstancias. Siendo así, y aunque el Señor Jesucristo afirmó que estas cosas nos golpearían y nos perjudicarían a nosotros, a nuestras familias y seres queridos, ¿cómo podemos superarlas? Jesús dijo: «No se preocupen, Él ha superado todos estos problemas y circunstancias.
Creo que Satanás, el artífice del mal, hará todo lo posible por intentar robarnos la fe. Pero debemos tener un fundamento firme y sólido en la Palabra de Dios para sobrevivir y resistir cada día de maldad, revistiéndonos de la armadura completa de Dios.

Aférrate a tu confesión.
Nos falta fe. No comprendemos el amor de Dios Padre por nosotros. Él es un Padre bueno y amoroso que quiere que confiemos en Él en toda situación. No dije para todo, sino en todo. Dios Padre no es el autor del mal ni de las situaciones malas, sino un Padre amoroso que nos rescatará cuando actuemos con FE.
Es de vital importancia que, después de orar, nunca nos retractemos de nuestras oraciones. Muchas personas niegan la Palabra de Dios con una confesión negativa. Dios declaró: Así será mi palabra que sale de mi boca: no volverá a mí vacía [sin producir ningún efecto, inútil], sino que hará lo que yo quiero y me propongo, y prosperará en aquello para lo cual la envié. Isaías 55:11.
Y esta es la confianza (la seguridad, el privilegio de la audacia) que tenemos en Él: [estamos seguros] de que si pedimos algo (hacemos cualquier petición) conforme a su voluntad (de acuerdo con su propio plan), Él nos escucha y nos atiende. Y si sabemos con certeza que Él nos escucha en todo lo que le pedimos, también sabemos con certeza que ya nos ha concedido lo que le hemos pedido. 1 Juan 5:14-15.

Ahora veamos estas escrituras.
Echen sobre él toda su ansiedad, porque él cuida de ustedes. 1 Pedro 5:7 RSV.
Echen sobre él toda su ansiedad [todas sus preocupaciones, todas sus inquietudes y todas sus preocupaciones, de una vez por todas], porque él cuida de ustedes [con profundo afecto y los cuida con mucho cuidado]. 1 Pedro 5:7 Versión Amplificada.
No se preocupen por nada, sino que, en todo, mediante la oración y la súplica con acción de gracias, presenten sus peticiones a Dios. Filipenses 4:6.
Por eso les digo: No se preocupen por su vida, qué comerán o qué beberán; ni por su cuerpo, qué vestirán. ¿Acaso no es la vida más que el alimento y el cuerpo más que la ropa? Observen las aves del cielo: no siembran ni cosechan ni almacenan en graneros, y sin embargo, su Padre celestial las alimenta. ¿Acaso no valen ustedes mucho más que ellas? ¿Quién de ustedes, por mucho que se preocupe, puede añadir un solo instante a su vida? ¿Y por qué se preocupan por la ropa? Observen cómo crecen las flores silvestres del campo: no trabajan ni hilan. Sin embargo, les digo que ni siquiera Salomón, con toda su gloria, se vistió como una de ellas. Si así viste Dios a la hierba del campo, que hoy está y mañana se echa al horno, ¿cuánto más hará por ustedes, hombres de poca fe? Así que no se preocupen, diciendo: ¿Qué comeremos?, o ¿Qué beberemos?, o ¿Qué vestiremos? Porque los gentiles buscan con afán todas estas cosas, y vuestro Padre celestial sabe que las necesitáis. Pero buscad primero el reino de Dios y su justicia (su manera de obrar y ser justos), y entonces todas estas cosas os serán añadidas. Y todas estas cosas os serán provistas. Por lo tanto, no os preocupéis por el mañana, porque el mañana se preocupará de sí mismo. Cada día tiene bastante con sus propios problemas. Mateo 6:25-34. ¡

Preocuparse es pecado!
Para muchas personas, la preocupación es tan pecado como cualquier otro estilo de vida que no esté en consonancia con la Palabra de Dios. Algunas personas piensan que están agradando o ayudando a Dios cuando están llenas de dudas y preocupaciones. «Lo que no es de fe es pecado». Romanos 14:23.
Echad toda vuestra ansiedad sobre él, porque él cuida de vosotros. 1 Pedro 5:7. Por lo tanto, no os preocupéis por el mañana, porque el mañana se preocupará de sí mismo. Cada día tiene bastante con sus propios problemas. Mateo 6:34. ¡
Es una locura no preocuparse!
La gente piensa que es inmaduro no preocuparse. Ser una persona preocupada es señal de madurez. No, solo demuestra que tienes poca o ninguna fe en Dios Padre o en su palabra.
Echando toda vuestra ansiedad [todas vuestras preocupaciones, todas vuestras inquietudes y todas vuestras preocupaciones, de una vez por todas] sobre él, porque él se preocupa por vosotros [con profundo afecto y vela por vosotros con mucho cuidado]. 1 Pedro 5:7 Versión Amplificada. ¿
Cómo lidiar con la ansiedad?
No se preocupen por nada, sino que, en todo, mediante la oración y la súplica con acción de gracias, presenten sus peticiones a Dios. Filipenses 4:6. ¡

¡Dejen ir sus problemas!
Como CREEMOS, HABLAMOS con fe o duda. ¡Y como hablas, VIVES!
Jesús les respondió: «Tengan fe en Dios. De cierto les digo que si alguien le dice a este monte: “Quítate de aquí y échate al mar”, y no duda en su corazón, sino que cree que lo que dice sucederá, le será hecho. Por lo tanto, les digo que todo lo que pidan en oración, crean que ya lo han recibido, y les será concedido. Y cuando estén orando, si tienen algo contra alguien, perdónenlo, para que también su Padre que está en los cielos les perdone a ustedes sus ofensas».
Marcos 11:22-25.
Y puesto que tenemos el mismo espíritu de fe, conforme a lo que está escrito: «Creí, por lo tanto, hablé, nosotros también creemos, y por lo tanto hablamos. 2 Corintios 4:13.

¡Creer, Hablar y Vivir la Palabra de Dios!

Rev. Claudia & Dr. Timothy Emerick
Missionaries of the Cross
I Corinthians 1:18.

God is in Control!
“I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Introduction.
The cares of life come to everybody. We are all hit with the same circumstances as everyone else. So, if this is the case, and the Lord Jesus Christ stated that even though these things would hit us and come against us and our families and loved ones, how can we overcome as Jesus stated don’t worry, He has overcome all these problems and circumstances.
I believe that the architect of evil Satan will do all that he can to try to steal our faith. But we must have a sure and solid foundation, in the Word of God to survive and resist every day of evil, putting on the full armor of God.

Hold Fast to Your Confession
We lack because we lack faith. We do not understand the love of Father God for us. He is a good and loving Father who wants us to trust Him in every situation. I did not say for everything but in everything. Father God is not the author of evil or evil situations, but He is a loving Father who will rescue us when we act in FAITH!
It is vital importance that after we pray, we never go back on our prayers. Many people negate the Word of God by a negative confession. God stated, “so shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isa. 55:11.
And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him. I John 5: 14-15.

Now let us look at these scriptures.
Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 RSV.
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Version.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6.
“Therefore, I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Observe how the wildflowers of the field grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these. If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.) and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34.
To Worry is a Sin!
To many people worry is just as much as a sin as any other lifestyle that does not in line with the Word of God. Some people think that they are pleasing or helping God when they are filled with doubt and worry. “What is not of faith is sin”. Rom. 14:23
Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 RSV.
Therefore, don’t worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt. 6:34.
It’s Insane Not to Worry!
Some people think it is immature not to worry. To be a worry wart is a sign of maturity. No, it just shows you have little if any faith in Father God or His word.
Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 Peter 5:7 Amplified Version.
How To Deal with Anxiety?
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6.
Let Your Problems Go!
As we BELIEVE we will SPEAK either faith or doubt. And as you speak you will LIVE!
Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”
Mark 11:22-25.

And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore speak. 2 Cor. 4:13.
Believing, Speaking, and Living the Word of God!

Rev. Claudia & Dr. Timothy Emerick
Missionaries of the Cross
I Corinthians 1:18

¡Jugando con fuego!
Por tanto, tomen toda la armadura de Dios, para que puedan resistir en el día malo, y habiendo acabado todo, estar firmes. Efesios 6:13
Señor, yo sé que no puedo servir a dos señores. Hay muchos ejemplos de personas que tratan de obedecer a sus propios deseos carnales, inspirados por Satanás y al mismo tiempo tratando de servir a Dios.

Recuerdo la amarga lección que aprendió el rey Asa al tratar de jugar a dos bandas contra el centro. Apaciguó al rey de Siria, un arquetipo de Satanás, dándole regalos costosos del Templo. ¿Resultado? “No le ayudó” (2 Crónicas 28:21). Afligido, Acaz se volvió a Siria y sacrificó a sus dioses, “pero fueron su ruina” (v. 23). El rey cometió el error de pensar que podía satisfacer a Satanás. Cuanto más trataba de apaciguar a Satanás, su situación empeoraba.
¿Cuántos creyentes se engañan a sí mismos pensando que si se dejan llevar por el pecado, se debilitarán? En realidad, creen que, si no hacen olas y se rinden un poco, Satanás los dejará en paz. Hay muchos ejemplos de personas que tratan de obedecer sus propios deseos carnales y a Satanás, quien los inspira, y al mismo tiempo tratan de servir a Dios. Me gusta lo que dijo Pablo cuando dijo que no debemos darle oportunidad a Satanás (Efesios 4:27). Mire las vidas arruinadas de aquellos que le dieron una oportunidad: Eva, David, Judas, Ananías y Safira. El precio es demasiado alto.
A mi naturaleza carnal le encanta negociar. Me acobardo ante el dolor y la lucha, porque pensamos que es más fácil mantener a Satanás callado. El apaciguamiento es el hábito de una vida descuidada, no el hábito de un soldado. Hay algo en mi interior que comienza a desmoronarse si me enfrento a Satanás. El apaciguamiento es mi confesión de derrota y fracaso, mi renuncia al discipulado, mi rendición a aquel que clavó a Jesús en la cruz. Pablo afirmó: “ni por un momento nos doblegamos” (Gálatas 2:5). Cada vez que rechace a Satanás y sus mentiras, me fortaleceré; cada resistencia me hará un mejor soldado de Jesucristo.

Playing with Fire!
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13.

Lord, I know that I cannot serve two masters. There are many examples of people who try to obey their own fleshly desires, inspired by Satan and at the same time trying to serve God.
I remember the bitter lesson King Asa learned trying to play both ends against the middle. He appeased the King of Syria, an archetype of Satan, by giving him expensive gifts from the Temple. Result? “He helped him not.” (2 Chronicles 28:21). Distressed Ahaz turned to Syria and sacrificed to its gods, “but they were the ruin of him” (v23). The king made the mistake thinking that he could satisfy Satan. The more he tried to appease Satan his situation grew worse.

How many believers are self-deceived thinking if they give into grip of sin over them will weaken. They really believe if they don’t make waves and give in a little Satan will leave them alone. There are many examples of people who try to obey their own fleshly, desires, and Satan who inspires them and at the same time trying to serve God. I like what Paul stated when he said we should give no opportunity to Satan. (Ephesians 4:27). Look at the ruined lives of those who gave him a chance-Eve, David, Judas, Ananias and Sapphira. The price is too steep.

My carnal nature loves to bargain. I shrink from pain and struggle; because we think it is easier to keep Satan quiet. Appeasement is the habit of a careless life, not the habit of a soldier. There is something inwardly begins to crumble if I do stand up to Satan. Appeasement is my confession of defeat and failure, my resignation from discipleship, my surrender to the one who nailed Jesus to the cross. Paul stated, “not for one moment do we yield”. (Galatian 2:5). Each time I refuse Satan and his lies I will be strengthened; each resistance will make be a better solider of Jesus Christ.

Dios no necesita tu ayuda, solo que creas en El.
“Así fueron acabados los cielos y la tierra y todas sus huestes. Y en el séptimo día completó Dios la obra que había hecho, y reposó en el día séptimo de toda la obra que había hecho.” Génesis 2: 1-2.

Los primeros seis días de la creación Dios trabajo solo. El no hizo al hombre primero para que lo ayudara en la creación. Dios hizo todas las cosas primero y después hizo al hombre. Porque, solo para enseñarnos que El no necesita de nuestra ayuda. El solo necesita que podamos confiar y creer en El. Dios no quiere que preocupemos porque comeremos, que vestiremos o por cualquier otra necesidad física.

¿Cuántas veces estamos aferrados tratando de conseguir que de una u otra manera podamos por nuestra propia fuerza cambiar una situación o de componer otra?
¿Cuántas veces estamos quebrando nuestras cabezas y espaldas tratando de asegurar nuestro futuro financiero? En 1 de Pedro 5:7 dice, Depositen en La toda ansiedad, porque él cuida de ustedes. Yo no estoy diciendo que no necesitamos ser sabios cuidando nuestras finanzas. ¡Simplemente estoy diciendo que hagas todo lo Dios te manda hacer lo mejor que puedas y RELAJATE!

Dios tiene cuidado de ti. Dios quiere que entendamos cuanto él nos ama y toma gran interés de nuestra vida entera. Dios quiere que descansemos en El. ¿Cuántas veces pensamos que no podemos cambiar algo o a alguien? ¡Comenzamos a preocuparnos sobre una situación o nos molestamos cuando alguien no quiere cambiar y todo empeora! Porque, porque no es nuestro trabajo cambiar ninguna situación ni tampoco de cambiar a nadie. Dios nos dice que cuando estemos cansados le hagamos saber y

El tomara toda la carga. Ese es el trabajo de Dios, él es el experto en las cosas difíciles. Dios está más interesado en cambiarnos para nuestro bien y para glorificarlo, para que podamos responder en amor hacia aquellas personas que son difíciles y que tengamos una actitud positiva todo el tiempo, cuando todo va bien y en tiempos difíciles. Dios quiere que descansemos en su poder. Él sabe lo que está haciendo.

No es fácil reclinarnos hacia tras y dejar a Dios estar en control. Nosotros queremos depender de nuestro intelecto, poder y conexiones. Pero una vez más Dios nos está diciendo que descansemos en El. Descansa en el hecho de que Él sabe lo que está haciendo. Dios dice que cuando nos encontremos en una situación imposible le pidamos en oración par que él tome esa situación. Suéltalo, y deja que Dios se haga cargo.
¡Descansa, y cree en El!

Rev. Claudia & Dr. Timothy Emerick
Missionaries of the Cross
I Corinthians 1:18

God doesn’t need your help; just that you believe!
“Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Gen. 2:1-2

Man was created on the sixth day (which is the last day of creation) and then God rested. The first five days of creation God worked alone. He did not make man first to help Him. God made everything first than He made man. God finished His work and rested. We don’t have to do anything that is beyond our control. Why, because He wants us to rest in His rest. He just needs us to stand back, believe and see Him move on your behalf. God does not want us to worry and fret over what we are going to eat, where we are going to live, or any other physical necessities.

How many times are we busy, busy, busy trying to make things work and fix things? How many times are we breaking our heads and backs trying to secure our financial future? In I Peter 5: 7 it says, “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I am not saying that we don’t need to be wise and save. All I am saying is do your best with what God has given you and RELAX!

God cares for us. God wants us to understand that he loves us and takes great interest in our entire life. God wants us to rest in Him. How many times do we think we can change something or someone? We began to worry over a situation or nag someone to change and things get worse! Why, because it is not your job to change anything or anyone. God says when you get tired let me know and I will take over. That is the job of God. God is more interested in changing us, so we respond in love to difficult people or to have a positive attitude in all things. God wants us to rest in His power. He knows what He is doing.

It is not easy to sit back and let God be in control. We want to rely on our own intellect, power, and connections. But once again God is saying rest in Him. Rest in the fact the God knows what He is doing. God says when you come to an impossible situation you ask Him in prayer to take over. Let go and let God take over. Rest in Him and believe!

Believing, Speaking, and Living the Word of God!

¿Qué tan mal es tu boca?
“Si alguno se cree religioso, pero no refrena su lengua, sino que engaña a su propio corazón, la religión del tal es vana.” Santiago 1:26

Las palabras son poderosas. Estas pueden sanar o destruir. Te pueden levantar o te pueden derrumbar. Las palabras han destruido matrimonios, familias, trabajos, y todo tipo de relaciones. Si examinas los pecados, lo que Dios más odia es nuestra manera negativa de hablar. Yo creo que mi boca me ha metido en muchos más problemas que cualquier otra cosa. He tenido la propensidad de criticar a otras personas. Esta batalla la he venido tratando más en mi edad adulta, y por semanas he podido mejorar y luego comienzo a criticar de nuevo. Cometemos un grave pecado cuando no nos cae bien nuestro jefe y hablamos a sus espaldas y enfrente de él o ella sonreímos. Hemos criticado a nuestro cónyuge, nuestros hijos, otros miembros de la familia, vecinos, trabajadores y amigos.

¿Qué es lo que causa esto? ¿Porque tratamos de encontrar errores en otras personas? Yo creo que tiene que ver con soberbia. Nosotros pensamos que somos mejores que los demás. Pensamos que nuestra vida esta tan perfecta que queremos componer la vida de los demás según es aceptable a nosotros. ¿Pero la pregunta es cuando murió Dios? Nadie tenemos el derecho de juzgar excepto Dios. Recuerdas la mujer que cacharon en adulterio y toda esa gente religiosa la llevo ante Jesús para ser juzgada. ¿Qué fue lo Jesús dijo? “El que esté libre de pecado que tire la primera piedra” Dios es el único juez justo. El ve todos los acontecimientos. Él es el único que puede ver lo que está pasando en la vida de cada uno. Él es el único que puede ver las luchas de todos.

¿Te gusta ser criticado? Recuerda que con la misma medida con la que trates a las personas con esas misma tú serás tratado (a). Cuida tu lengua y estarás fuera de problemas.

Rev. Claudia & Dr. Timothy Emerick
Missionaries of the Cross
I Corinthians 1:18

How bad is your mouth?
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

Words are powerful. They have the ability to heal or to wound, to build up or to tear down. Throughout history—and even in our own personal lives—words have destroyed marriages, fractured families, cost people their jobs, and damaged countless relationships. When we reflect on the sins that God warns us about most strongly, many of them are connected to the way we speak.

Personally, I have come to realize that my words have caused more problems in my life than almost anything else. I have a tendency to be critical of others. It’s something I have struggled with throughout most of my adult life. There are times when I make progress—weeks when I am mindful and careful—and then, almost without noticing, I fall back into old habits and begin criticizing again.

It’s a common struggle. We speak negatively about our bosses behind their backs while smiling in their presence. We criticize our spouses, our children, our family members, neighbors, coworkers, and even our friends. The question is: why do we do this? Why are we so quick to find fault in others? At its root, I believe it comes down to pride. We begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. We convince ourselves that we are better, that our way of living is the right way, and that others need to be corrected or “fixed” according to our standards. We attempt to rearrange other people’s lives to match our own idea of what is acceptable.

But this raises an important question: when did we take God’s place? No one has the authority to judge others except God. Scripture reminds us of this in the story of the woman caught in adultery. When the religious leaders brought her before Jesus, ready to condemn her, He responded with these powerful words: “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” One by one, they walked away. God alone is the righteous judge. He sees the full picture—the parts of people’s lives that we can’t see. He understands their struggles, their battles, their past, and their pain. Where we see only surface-level faults, He sees the heart.

So, let’s ask ourselves honestly: do we enjoy being criticized? Of course not. And yet, we often treat others in ways we would never want to be treated ourselves. Scripture reminds us that with the same measure we use toward others, it will be measured back to us. For that reason, we must learn to guard our tongues carefully. If we control our words, we can avoid so much unnecessary hurt, conflict, and regret. Choosing our words wisely is not just about avoiding trouble—it is about reflecting grace, humility, and love in a world that desperately needs it.

Fruit of your lips!
Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. Heb. 13:15; (AMP)

Give thanks and rejoice for everything that God has done in your life. I think that it is human nature to look at the dark side of things. It’s almost like we want to wallow in misery. We think that grass is greener on the other side especially when things are not going the way we want. But remember when we complain and get negative God cannot work with that type of attitude. There are many examples in scripture where doubt and being negative tie the hands of God.

God is a God of faith and either we believe in Him and His power working in our lives or we don’t. Paul stated in Heb. 13:15, “let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.” Why did he say a sacrifice of praise? It is considered a sacrifice when during difficult times our mind and emotions are full of negative things but we choose to praise God. It is during these times when we don’t understand what is going on in our life but we continually praise God not for the negative things but in the middle of the negative things. As we do this, we are declaring to God that we know that He is bigger than any problem we have. We are declaring that we fully understand that God is in control even when we are not.

I encourage you today that you look around you and begin to give thanks to God for the many blessings that you have. God is able to meet all of your needs as you praise Him. Choose to be happy and give thanks!