Author Archives: Christina

About Christina

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Blessings to all that are viewing this. My name is Christina Cruz-Mendez. I am a Senior Pastor at Mission United International Church in Yonkers, NY working along side my husband Juan A. Mendez Jr. Senior Pastor, currently residing in Canton, Georgia. We have been together for 29 years with 2 children that God has blessed us with. Makes us the family of four - "JusChrist4". I have been a Christian and active in ministry for about 22 years now. Through all the rocky and smooth roads in life I am eternally grateful that God has brought me this far in life to share with the world what He is doing in me, through me and for me.
March 31, 2016

When God Shuts The Doors

By Christina

imageWhen He Shuts the Doors… then He obviously wants you to walk through another one. Shutting doors are great ways that He can keep us from disastrous situations. Sometimes we experience the greatest storms, when we try to open the doors that have already been slammed shut for a reason.

Did you know that when a door is shut, God is sending a message to you in this way? Now you can discern.

“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭MSG‬‬

So now in front of that closed door, God is there… Knocking, for you to find HIM during those times of melt down, shut down, cast down or being thrown down. Now is the time for you to go DIRECTLY to Him! Continue reading

Leave a comment | posted in Inspiration

March 30, 2016

The Fall

By Christina

imageI hate falling. But it is inevitable. We all fall.

I just came back from a short walk to get lunch with my cute little gray Aldo heels and WHAM! There I went hitting the pavement. Thought it would be a little trip but no…I went down for the count. I think I laughed out loud. But I did stare at the pavement in quick disbelief and disorientation wondering what just happened. It was quick, brief and then comes a young Jewish boy to pick me up and ask if I was okay.

Yes I am okay, but the ankle hurts.

See we can get back up from a fall, we can even have others pick us up…but in every fall something occurs. There is always that chance of loss or injury from a fall. We always lose something when we fall instantly.

Dignity, respect, confidence… all that quickly escapes. In the fall we feel shame, upset, embarrassment or the like. Thank God for the young Jewish boy….but wow! Here goes my little swollen ankle already. I was obviously embarrassed. As he helped me up, I looked around to see if anyone else saw! How we are always concerned with what everybody else thinks of our fall.

Human nature. Continue reading

Leave a comment | posted in Encouragement, Inspiration, Recovery

March 30, 2016

Second Best

By Christina

imageSecond Best…

Being first always counts.
First bloom. First born.
First steps.
First date.
First kiss.
First love.
First car.
First home.
First is foremost, it is what impacts us.

It set’s a stamp and seal that …. THIS matters.

Then there is the second best.

Life’s storms, mistakes, frustrations, waits, worries and even some tragedies.
It is the what if…. What if this doesn’t really count? Does this life of mine even matter?
This can be so disheartening, but with God we are never second best…

We are His FIRST CHOICE every time.

“We love because He first loved us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Continue reading

1 Comment | posted in Encouragement, Inspiration

March 27, 2016

Because He Lives, I Live

By Christina

imageHappy Easter Sunday!

The pages that are never seen are the ones that become the most powerful answered prayer. It is that moment that all you can say in your soul is, “Yes! God you see me, hear me, acknowledge me and move me in every way.” It is greater than any other affirmation or confirmation. It is your moment KNOWING…. God is with me.

I read my last devotional over coffee in the a.m. which stated the following:

March 27
Every morning when you awake, I’m there beside you. I hear you and I have mercy on you at all times: when you’re weak and when you’re strong. I hear you. I know when your bones ache and your energy wanes. I know when you laugh wildly and when your pillow is wet with tears. I see you in triumph and in defeat. Never doubt Me. I’m your miracle, your trophy, your fortune, and your strength. I’m the fuel and hope you need, dear one, not the world.
“Walk With Me Jesus, Daily Words of Hope & Encouragement” by Marie Chapian

Continue reading

Leave a comment | posted in Celebration, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration