Tag Archives: Ana Martinez

04.18.14
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The Narrow Path, A Wide Future

The following message from our devotional writer Ana Martinez, reminds us the perfect gift we have in Jesus Christ. On this Good Friday, we celebrate our unimaginable opportunity of everlasting life, peace, true freedom, true living, through His dying for our sins. His living, death and resurrection has shown us the many challenges and definite promise of a victorious and better way of life. Thank you LORD!  We love you. -Nicole

Matthew 7:13-14- “Enter ye at the straight gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (King James Version)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

You may wonder what this means.  Most people choose the wide road (the way of the world), as it appears inviting and says “do what you want,” “do what feels good to you now,” it’s your life.” This road leads to destruction.  Whereas, the narrow road (the path to righteousness) is a road less traveled. It is a road of discipline and self-control; a much harder road, but in the end leads to everlasting life.  It says “die to your flesh,” “surrender all,” “Do not conform to the ways of this world,” “Do not compromise your beliefs.”

Jesus IS the way. God came down to earth in flesh to show us a better way; a life worth living.  Verse 14 says “few there be that find it.” Not everyone will travel the narrow road that leads to righteousness because they are not willing to surrender all.  But I challenge you to live as Jesus did.  Before His death upon the cross, he kneeled down and prayed for He knew what was to come. Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

04.02.14
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Walk in God’s Amazing Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (King James Bible)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Something that was said during the March 26, 2014, Voices Against the Grain radio show episode entitled “Celebrating Faith and Family,” truly spoke to me.  One of the guests (Lilly Hayes) mentioned the importance of walking in grace.  I did not truly recognize exactly what it meant to walk in His grace.  I knew I was forgiven, set free and His amazing grace is what rescued me but I still was trying so hard to do everything right.  I can’t change my past or failures and I will continue to fall short—yet I have found hope in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ rest upon me.” (King James Bible)

His grace is so precious and so sweet and I am basking in it.  I can feel His peace within me and His grace and strength rest upon me. Once we truly “Fully” walk in His Grace we can see ourselves the way Jesus sees us.  We can walk in truth and know that through Him we are more than Conquerors and He alone is what is holding us togther.  We then must extend that same grace toward others along with mercy to those who mistreat us. By doing this, we are not only walking in grace but living in it.

I leave you with a song of encouragement (play video below):

“In Heavenly armor we’ll enter the land the battle belongs to the Lord

No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand the battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor power and strength to the Lord

We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord

When the power of darkness comes in like a flood the battle belongs to The Lord

He’s raised up a standard, the power of His Blood the battle belongs to The Lord

We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord

We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord

When the enemy presses in hard do not fear the battle belongs to The Lord”

 

Take courage my friend. Your redemption is near and the battle belongs to The Lord!

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

 

03.07.14
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You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! And Your Accuser is a Loser

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Kicking the devil in the teeth every day!” Yes! Those words began this Wednesday’s radio show with Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier of RealTalkKim.com and Conquering Hell in High Heels ministry, and Ana Martinez, chef and Voices Against the Grain devotional writer. We ENJOYED our time in the Lord! We shared an authentic conversation on relationships, surrendering to God when you’re going through trials, how to ignore your accuser (Satan) who surfaces your mistakes, and “What Is a Proverbs 31 Woman?” In a society where “anything goes,” Proverbs 31:10-31 reveals the honorable woman. The conversation kicked off our month-long radio show series “March with Us, March with Her” as we highlight women of God who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.

Several golden nuggets of truth emerged from our discussion to include:

  • There is nothing you go through that God can’t use for someone else’s benefit—you are getting through it for you and someone else
  • Deliberately set aside quiet time with God to develop your purpose
  • We all fall short—yet your past is not beyond God’s reach or restoration
  • God will accelerate your path and recover time lost
  • If you are not equally yoked or on the same page with the person you’re in relationship, they can destroy your future
  • Recognize your identity in Christ and don’t be defined by the world; get your eyes off of what the world portrays and pray for God to reveal to you everything He created you to be
  • God will finish the good work He began in you, no matter how broken your past
  • Satan is our accuser and will remind you of your faults to hinder your purpose—take away the devil’s authority by confronting your past and walk in God who has called you! You are a new creation in Christ who is fearfully and wonderfully made! You are more than a conqueror! Keep moving forward! Only YOU can stop YOU! (Psalm 139:14, Romans 8:37)
  • God’s plan is to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • A Proverbs 31 Woman is one whose confidence is anchored in the LORD

Want to hear more ‘truth’ nuggets? Listen here! 

03.06.14
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Move Forward, Press On

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Philippians 3:12-14

12-Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13-Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead 14-I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What does this mean? In order to move forward we must let go of things of the past that keep us bound.  It is so important that we properly deal with tragedies that have taken place but after we are healed we must let them go and move forward.  Today is a new day and God has amazing things in store for you if you will just daily look to Him to supply your needs.  Keep moving forward on the path of righteousness, keep doing good unto others, keep upholding the Word of God and stop looking back in fear.  You can’t drive a car properly if you are constantly looking into the review mirror.  Deal with your issues, face your giants and then MOVE FORWARD! Victory is just around the corner.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

02.20.14
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GO Past Fear of the Unknown

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. GO past it.

As a young girl, I won a beauty pageant in our small Michigan town.  I became “Little Miss Hispanic Princess.” During the pageant, I planned to do a tap dance number. However, technical failures with the music stopped my routine.  The judges then evaluated us according to how we looked and the answers we gave to their questions.  I responded with a desire to help children and those in need.  At that young age, I am unsure if I fully understood such a concept.

Following that victory, I wanted to enter our town’s main beauty pageant called “Little Miss Blueberry.” However, my mother’s friend told her that the only girls who win have “blonde hair and blue eyes.”  I was neither. I had golden tan skin, brown hair and deep chocolate eyes. So, we did not enter the pageant. Fear held us back.  I remember the confidence I had from winning the first pageant quickly dwindled away as if I was inadequate to even enter the next.   go-button

My Mother is White and my Father, Puerto Rican. Interestingly, I won “Little Miss Hispanic” and didn’t even speak Spanish.  I write this not to criticize race or people’s opinions. I write this to encourage you to not allow fear to prevent you from stepping into the unknown.  At that point in time, I could have been the first Spanish girl to win “Little Miss Blueberry.”  God sees our heart and judges by our inward condition.  We judge by outward appearances.  I would not be here today if a Puerto Rican man hadn’t fallen in love with a White American woman.  In spite of my parent’s differences of race and language, they shared a strong common denominator that brought and has held them together. They share a love for Christ and they were both determined to fulfill His Perfect Will for their lives, and thus they have.

1 Samuel 16:6-7 (King James Version) 6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him.

7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance. But the LORD looketh on the heart.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

02.19.14
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A Life for God

Jeremiah 10:23- “I know LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Do we know? Is it possible to comprehend the magnitude of this verse and navigate a path, without even seeing the blueprints? Is there a plan when a young girl stands desolate without hope, due to a man robbing her of her purity? Her body now appears dismembered as if painted by Salvador Dali. Her mind is now distorted and love becomes nothing more than sewage down the pipes of a commode. Her heart is now encased in ice. Physically and emotionally she is dead. Her body is no longer her own, but a corpse walking among the living. Her spirit is ready to move on, BUT GOD pulls back the curtain to reveal the light. Her eyes burn and she stumbles, but she manages to reach the door. FREEDOM is found as she takes steps forward. Friends and family rush to aid in her walk, as God never left Ana Martinez, but enabled her to tell her story. Click here to listen http://bit.ly/1jEGXXN Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 24, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

02.13.14
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Your Testimony Will Free Somebody Else

Your testimony, your healing will free somebody else.

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

On Wednesday’s Voices Against the Grain radio show, we heard a powerful testimony of healing and restoration from sexual trauma and self-hatred shared by our blogger/devotional writer, Ana Martinez. For 22 years, she stuffed feelings of shame and guilt, starting with being molested at age 8, statutory rape at age 13, and raped again at 15. Growing up in her parent’s church and loving the Lord, she then walked away from God and His call upon her life. Today, she is a mom and bold woman of God involved in several ministries and has received freedom by sharing her story with others—so they too can heal. The episode, entitled “Christ: Your True Heart Healer, Soul Lover” conveys how deep, wide and unconditional Jesus Christ’s love for us. He is our special Valentine. No matter how horrific and dark your past or present situation, He LOVES YOU more than you can imagine. He died, rose and lives so you may experience true freedom, joy and peace —not bound by things of this world that enslave.

We were joined by Noel Bouché, president of pureHOPE, a ministry that provides Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. Noel discussed how they provide strategies to equip parents to help their children navigate in this digitized world, where images and messages of sexual immorality are rampant. pureHOPE envisions a world free of exploitation and brokenness. As a new partner with pureHOPE, Voices Against the Grain will join them to fight the proliferation of porn and sex trafficking in our society. To win this fight, Jesus Christ is our HOPE.

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Noel Bouché, President of pureHOPE

Noel Bouché, President of pureHOPE

Immediately following the airing of Wednesday’s show, the calls, emails and text messages poured in from listeners (some in tears) who were positively impacted by the conversation. We could not have planned the perfect formation of elements that has begun the healing and restoration process for many since our discussion. God’s perfect timing unites situations, people and willing hearts to accomplish His purposes. Not a day sooner or later. Right on time.

Words cannot adequately convey what I feel in my spirit. In simplest words, I have a spirit of gratitude and humility that such a big God chooses to involve us in His greater plan. Thank you Lord. We love you.

Satan hoped that Ana would remain silent, ashamed and bound by her past. But God’s plan was already at work. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” As referenced in Jeremiah 29:11, which furthermore says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,” “plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

As Ana says, “No matter your situation, your story, know that GOD can restore you. HE can heal you. HE is our Redeemer. He has a bigger plan for your life greater than you know. He will turn around the darkest things in your life and make them beautiful.”

Just like Ana, sharing your story, your healing will help somebody else.

Listen to the show here. 

02.06.14
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STOP: A Mission of Missed Opportunities

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger

After a long day, I rushed to the grocery store but made time to say “hello” to Pam as she bagged my groceries.  Pam works at the grocery store almost every day. She is always thorough and cautious not to break an egg or smash other items. She works hard yet manages to always display a smile. Sometime ago, I realized that I would rush in and out of the store, in and out of coffee shops, usually occupied by talking on the phone. I ignored those around me because “I was on a mission.” I used to acknowledge others’ presence more but as my work load increased, I justified my actions.  However, recently I decided to STOP!  To stop rushing through life, to stop being in a hurry so I can acknowledge important things like PEOPLE along the way. 

 Matthew 25:40-45, And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

I caution you my brothers and sisters: do not be so hurried to reach the pinnacle of your success.  Take time to know those around you. Take a moment to say “hello” to those serving you, and in turn serve others.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

01.23.14
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Christ’s Love Expressed Through a Child

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

The other day as my son and I were sitting next to each other, The Lord used Him to witness something to me.  For more than 16 years, I have struggled with problematic skin and the result has left scarring on my face.  I’ve visited several doctors who were  unable to reduce the scarring due to my darker skin pigment.  So the topic has always been a sensitive area for me.  However, as we both sat there laughing and playing, he turned to me and out of the blue said, “Mommy you know everybody loves you even with all these marks.” He then began to gently touch the scars on my face and said yet again, “Everyone loves you even with all of these marks.” He repeated this, letting me know I am loved. It warmed my heart, as he has no idea this was an area I have struggled.

It reminded me that’s how God loves all of us. In spite of our flaws, our minor and major imperfections, He still loves each and every one of us.  No matter our past sin, present sin, or future sin He unconditionally loves us.  As we are reminded of the love Christ has for us daily and the price He paid upon the cross let’s not take His love for granted.  But let us love Him back by bringing Him Glory, Honor and Praise in all areas of our lives.  Let us uphold the Word of God to the fullest and keep His precepts along the path of righteousness.

Romans 8:35-39 (KJV) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

01.09.14
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God’s Design: Nothing Compares

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Ana Martinez, Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

While vacationing in Aspen, I learned something interesting from my ski instructor besides how to properly ski.  One day as we headed up the mountain on the chair lift, he stated that a few years back there was an article on how man-made snow is different than natural snow.  Underneath a microscope, a natural snowflake looks like a piece of art.  Each one is intricately structured with its own unique design.  However, a single man-made snowflake created to copy God’s design in every way under the microscope looks like a blob.  It is not uniquely crafted and doesn’t come close to the beauty of God’s natural snowflake.Snowflake-Pictures

Who would you desire to be most like: The one who tries to copy the original masterpiece or the one who created the masterpiece?  We idolize people and things, we follow suit of what man does. We fear what people may think about us.  Though God’s Word clearly tells us in Romans 12:12 (New International Version), “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” We are better to pattern our walk, our behaviors our lives after Him than to imitate the counterfeit ways of this world.

Psalm 118:8- “ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

When all said and done, we will each stand before The Creator of All Things and give an account for how we conducted ourselves here on earth.  How great and Magnificent is He who took the time to uniquely design each snowflake.  He who knows the number of every hair upon your head.  Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.   Honor Him and reverence Him for He is worthy of all our Praise.  Be blessed and be encouraged my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative isGeorgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

Ana resides in Southern California with her three beautiful children and seeks daily to model this scripture from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”