Knowing God's Promises

"I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people." -Ephesians 1:18


One of my favorite spots to hang out and read the bible or any other book is Starbucks. I just enjoy the people, the music, the setting, oh yeah and the iced chai latte (or Horcahta that's what I like to call it) It seems like everything makes my experience there a great one! So as I was in Sbux yesterday I came along this verse and I started to think "How do I KNOW the promises of God? What do they SAY about me?"
For the longest of time I always wished I had internet service here at Sbux, it would just make my experience even better. I remember times when I'd bring my laptop and just stare at it in hopes that I would magically receive internet someway somehow, but nothing. Not to long ago I asked my mom what kind of service plan we have and what is included in our plan, to my surprise our plan ALREADY includes free wifi at any AT&T hotspot!
So what I'm trying to say is this, that the internet service, the one I so desperately wished I had, I already had it. It was already mine, but because of my lack of KNOWING I wasn't able to receive it.
Many of us live life that way, walking around with the promises of God right in front of us but because our lack of knowledge we aren't able to receive them. Dig through the scriptures and search for the promises of God and once you have it hold on to it and come into agreement that HIS promise is YOUR promise.

I AM SECOND

Going through my daily blog roll this website "I AM SECOND" was mentioned. Not knowing what it was all about, I was glad I came across it. If you have time check it out, it's pure testimonies of people that you and I might know. Some are actors, athletes, and musicians. I clicked on a familiar face, Josh Hamilton, some might not know who he is but he's a baseball player who made a tremendous comeback last year in the MLB. As I watched his clip it gave me goosebumps, not because it's a sad story but because you see the power of God and His work in someones life.
I thought to myself...If I was on that hot seat what would I say? (maybe i'll make my own video)
All the videos conclude with a declaration and I want to end this with the same declaration...I AM SANTOS SAMAYOA AND I AM SECOND.

Missing my Bro

Well as you may all know my brother came down last week for the holidays. We always have a great time when he's around. Since my brother is super buff now, he decided to help my mom workout, I caught a glimpse of the strenuous workout it's pretty funny :) here is a quick peek into my families life, hope you like it!

The First

Everyday at work I have a chance to catch up on listening to podcasts and hearing many great pastors like Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley, Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, T.D. Jakes and many more. Todays sermons all touched up on a basic truth, tithing. Now I blogged about this before you can check it out here. But today their messages challenged me to evaluate what God has given me and decide if I should go beyond the regular 10%.
Not only that as I was on my Exodus Journey I encountered a whole chapter that lines up with tithing so to me this is definitely a sign from God. Exodus 22:29 is the verse that pushed me over the edge "Do NOT hold back your offering from the first of your harvest and the first wine that you make.."
I honestly believe that God gave me this position and job that I am in at CPMC. I look at myself and wonder sometimes "what the heck am I doing here? I don't suppose to be going up this ladder this quickly, but I am." This job is definitely God because I know that by my own merits I would not be here. Reminds me of the Joseph story.
Listening to these sermons you can't but help to get excited about giving but what about when God puts it in your heart to raise your tithe? is that biblical? can you really do that? or is that some way of trying to be better than everyone else? these are the thoughts and questions that rise, but on the other hand I also think God gives me 100% of my check he deserves way more than 10%, God has been too good to me, my family, and to my church.
I read a commentary that I want to share with everyone pertaining to the principal of tithing here it is:

"Get into the habit of tithing as soon as you have the time, money, or talent. Tithing is not just about money. It's about whatever God gives you as gain. You might discover that you have more time than you used to . Give 10 percent back to God. You may be blessed with additional abilities or position or power. Give 10 percent to His agenda."

Tithing does not only consist of our money how about if we would give God the first of our time, money, and talents? If there is 24 hours in a day then that means 10% of that is 2 hours and 40 minutes dedicated to God and God alone.

God I thank you because I can honestly say that I AM RICH! maybe not according to wallstreet but according to you I am. I have everything I need family, friends, a church, clothes, food, and some money in my account. Throughout this day i wrestled with the thought of giving more mainly because I know that you have given me a lot more sometimes more than I deserve. Lord forgive me for not taking this job more seriously, thinking thoughts that I shouldn't be the one doing this. Lord you placed me here not man, and I believe that this job will be my starting point in saving and stewarding money not the way i know how but the way you direct me to. I think about Hawaii, marriage, and the future and worry about finances; God I don't want to worry anymore so with this I say...I Trust you.

Throughout the whole messages I've come to a conclusion, GOD DOESN'T NEED OUR MONEY, WE NEED GODS BLESSINGS.