May Your joy and peace be with this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 40: 1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished , that her iniquity is pardoned : for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted , and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed , and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 6 The voice said , Cry . And he said , What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7 The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for ever. 9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings , get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings , lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up , be not afraid ; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd : he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young . (King James Version)
Imagine a day without broadcast or print news. Better yet, imagine a day with nothing but good news. Such is the message of the entire Bible for those who love the Lord; but for those who do not, they have chosen a different path. Israel's story is our story. The people of God lived much like us, one day we're close to God, loving God and thanking God for all of God's wonderful blessings; then the next we're far from God, having chosen another path, usually one of self-direction and one of passion and pleasure. Our decision has led us away from God and we still sometimes blame God for our feeling so alienated from God.
The message in this Isaiah passage was the same one God shared with John the Baptist to share with God's people. It is a message of hope and peace. It is an invitation back to God. It is a call to the flock of God, that God our Shepherd shall gather us and carry us as God leads us back to God's place. Such is Advent, the time of preparation. It is a time spent shedding off that which has weighed us down with regret and guilt from the past, so that our time of preparation is a time of excitement and happiness for that which is coming.
PRAYER: Gracious God, You better than anyone know what has weighed me down and caused me to feel away and alone from You. Free me from all of that and allow this time of Advent to truly be a time of joyful preparation for that which You have, are, and will do. May I be a part of those who share good tidings with all. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Make Ready Your Heart!
Loving God, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 2 Peter 3: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up . 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved , what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? 13 Nevertheless we , according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. (King James Version)
"If a thousand years are to the Lord one day; Jesus was in our backyard the day before yesterday!" So said one of the speakers at the World Methodist Conference. He was from Galilee so he could say that about Jesus. In today's passage we see the Advent theme: Jesus will come again. God promised this and God will hold to this. When, no one knows. Jesus shared what the writer shares, "The Lord will come as a thief in the night." And the understanding is that when He does come, an apocalyptic event will occur. Peter lists the heavens (skies) passing away with great noise. The elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) will melt with great heat. The earth will be consumed with fire. This is the warning and this is the question, What will happen to us? Peter knew that was a great concern to them and to him. Those who know and trust the Lord will be taken to a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness can be found. This Peter says, is "salvation."
Advent is a time of personal preparation. Just like we decorated our churches to make them ready for this season, again the call is for us to be ready. We don't know the day or hour, but we do know as we say every time we take His Supper, "The Lord will come again." So be it, but let us be ready!
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, to my waiting heart. Let me prepare room for You in my life and in my realm of being. May I seek to tell others about Your love and greatness. May I help others escape an event where those who do not know You are separated eternally from You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from 2 Peter 3: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up . 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved , what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? 13 Nevertheless we , according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. (King James Version)
"If a thousand years are to the Lord one day; Jesus was in our backyard the day before yesterday!" So said one of the speakers at the World Methodist Conference. He was from Galilee so he could say that about Jesus. In today's passage we see the Advent theme: Jesus will come again. God promised this and God will hold to this. When, no one knows. Jesus shared what the writer shares, "The Lord will come as a thief in the night." And the understanding is that when He does come, an apocalyptic event will occur. Peter lists the heavens (skies) passing away with great noise. The elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) will melt with great heat. The earth will be consumed with fire. This is the warning and this is the question, What will happen to us? Peter knew that was a great concern to them and to him. Those who know and trust the Lord will be taken to a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness can be found. This Peter says, is "salvation."
Advent is a time of personal preparation. Just like we decorated our churches to make them ready for this season, again the call is for us to be ready. We don't know the day or hour, but we do know as we say every time we take His Supper, "The Lord will come again." So be it, but let us be ready!
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, to my waiting heart. Let me prepare room for You in my life and in my realm of being. May I seek to tell others about Your love and greatness. May I help others escape an event where those who do not know You are separated eternally from You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Monday, November 28, 2011
Are You Ready?
Loving God, bless the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Happy Advent Season everyone! Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold , I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached , saying , There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose . 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (King James Version: In honor of its 400th Birthday, we will studying our texts in the KJV until the end of the year).
"This is a great place. They have a Poblano Soup to die for." With those simple words, we were convinced to try this new place. Word of mouth. It is still the best and cheapest way to advertise anything worth knowing. Word of mouth makes or breaks new movies. It helps sell new books or not. Someone who cares enough prepares the way, as it were, of this which is coming. Advent is our opportunity to prepare the way for Jesus much like John the Baptist did prior to Jesus' start of His ministry. Mark's Gospel tells of this coming messenger and his purpose. It would be a "voice crying in the wilderness" (one of many phrases used beyond the Church thanks to the King James Bible), "Get ready, the Lord is coming!"
John did more than announce the coming Messiah, he started in sharing the message that God would be sharing through His Son: Confess your sins! Get right with God! Get to work in telling others! And it worked then and it can work now. John was an unamplified, unbroadcast voice by the River Jordan, telling the message of truth. It was a hard message for some to receive, for they did not want anyone to know of their sins, which they prayed remained hidden. But the offer: These sins and all their weight can be removed from you - it struck a chord because many came and presented themselves for the ritual of washing reserved not for Jews but for those wishing to be clean. And as they were baptized, they heard the message that the One coming after John would be greater; so much greater that John confessed he was not worthy to untie his sandal. So much greater that His baptism would be not of water but of the Holy Ghost!
Thanksgiving and Advent sort of ran together this past week. On Thursday we were having a great meal; come Sunday we saw the beauty of the church decked out in green and white, bright sparkling lights on the Christmas tree and wreaths; signs that the church building is ready for the celebration coming that is Christmas. The message may have been, Are you ready? As we remember and celebrate Jesus' first coming, what are we doing to ready ourselves for His second return? More importantly, as an old professor used to say, "What have we done about His first coming?" We can get ready, just like the people who came to John; confessing our sins and presenting our lives are that sacrifice of love and service to all the world.
PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus, come. Enter into my heart anew as Lord and Savior. Clean out the clutter of the sins and bad deeds of my heart. Let there be room for Thee in all places of my life. May I share with someone today of the goodness and grace You have shared with me, so that yet another person can be ready. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Happy Advent Season everyone! Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold , I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached , saying , There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose . 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (King James Version: In honor of its 400th Birthday, we will studying our texts in the KJV until the end of the year).
"This is a great place. They have a Poblano Soup to die for." With those simple words, we were convinced to try this new place. Word of mouth. It is still the best and cheapest way to advertise anything worth knowing. Word of mouth makes or breaks new movies. It helps sell new books or not. Someone who cares enough prepares the way, as it were, of this which is coming. Advent is our opportunity to prepare the way for Jesus much like John the Baptist did prior to Jesus' start of His ministry. Mark's Gospel tells of this coming messenger and his purpose. It would be a "voice crying in the wilderness" (one of many phrases used beyond the Church thanks to the King James Bible), "Get ready, the Lord is coming!"
John did more than announce the coming Messiah, he started in sharing the message that God would be sharing through His Son: Confess your sins! Get right with God! Get to work in telling others! And it worked then and it can work now. John was an unamplified, unbroadcast voice by the River Jordan, telling the message of truth. It was a hard message for some to receive, for they did not want anyone to know of their sins, which they prayed remained hidden. But the offer: These sins and all their weight can be removed from you - it struck a chord because many came and presented themselves for the ritual of washing reserved not for Jews but for those wishing to be clean. And as they were baptized, they heard the message that the One coming after John would be greater; so much greater that John confessed he was not worthy to untie his sandal. So much greater that His baptism would be not of water but of the Holy Ghost!
Thanksgiving and Advent sort of ran together this past week. On Thursday we were having a great meal; come Sunday we saw the beauty of the church decked out in green and white, bright sparkling lights on the Christmas tree and wreaths; signs that the church building is ready for the celebration coming that is Christmas. The message may have been, Are you ready? As we remember and celebrate Jesus' first coming, what are we doing to ready ourselves for His second return? More importantly, as an old professor used to say, "What have we done about His first coming?" We can get ready, just like the people who came to John; confessing our sins and presenting our lives are that sacrifice of love and service to all the world.
PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus, come. Enter into my heart anew as Lord and Savior. Clean out the clutter of the sins and bad deeds of my heart. Let there be room for Thee in all places of my life. May I share with someone today of the goodness and grace You have shared with me, so that yet another person can be ready. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear friends,
What a wonderful time of year is this holiday set aside to give thanks. May we never forget the intent and purpose behind it, and may we never cease to be a people that give thanks to God for all things. Last year I was asked to write a prayer for the UM Portal and this is what I shared. May it still speak to God our thankfulness:
Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen.
May all who are traveling, travel safely. May time with loved ones be a special time. May the cares and worries of the past not hinder the present.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Eradio and Nellie Valverde
What a wonderful time of year is this holiday set aside to give thanks. May we never forget the intent and purpose behind it, and may we never cease to be a people that give thanks to God for all things. Last year I was asked to write a prayer for the UM Portal and this is what I shared. May it still speak to God our thankfulness:
Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen.
May all who are traveling, travel safely. May time with loved ones be a special time. May the cares and worries of the past not hinder the present.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Eradio and Nellie Valverde
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Do You Know the Password?
Loving God, may this dear reader be part of those who pave the way for Your love to be felt in the heart of others; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 100: 1 On your feet now - applaud God! 2 Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. 3 Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep. 4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. 5 For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever. (The Message) and the more traditional NRSV: 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
To enter special places one had to know the password. The password was the key that allowed us entrance into that desired place. Growing up I remember seeing kids that had clubs that had passwords that allowed them entrance into the clubhouse, usually an old cardboard box that had housed a refrigerator or large appliance of some sort. This newer version of the Bible gives worship a wonderful perspective; what if you and I and others, entered into worship with the words, "Thank you!" on our lips, minds, hearts, and spirits? Having served as pastor for many years, I know that "Thank you!" for some is the last thing they wanted to say on Sundays. "Entertain me!" or "Humor me!" or "Give me something to think about," was about as close as they got, then they wondered why life was so miserable for them. "Thank you!" conveys a wonderful attitude we should have towards God. "Thank you!" puts us in the right spirit to worship and receive from God. I read yesterday a pastor's words on a rock given him. It's a small, smooth rock that he carries everywhere and it's his "Thank you!" rock. When it was given, he was instructed to hold it and say, "Thank you!" to God in all circumstances, and more often than not, even for the things that were not so "Thank you!"-worthy, he has been blessed and then it was a genuine "Thank you!" lifted up.
We're days away from the national day of "Thank You!" May we already be thinking about what great and wonderful things God has done. Even when the event was not what we expected or desired, may we learn to see what we can be thankful for, and then truly use the day of Thanksgiving, to say to the One who deserves it, "Thank you!"
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You! Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Our oldest grandchild, Sarai Evangelina Cortez, 4, of San Marcos, TX, is undergoing surgery tomorrow, Friday in Kyle, TX. Please keep her and her parents in prayer. Yes, and for her grandpa and grandma (on both sides!). She's having her tonsils removed. Thank you!
Our text for today comes from Psalm 100: 1 On your feet now - applaud God! 2 Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. 3 Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep. 4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. 5 For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever. (The Message) and the more traditional NRSV: 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
To enter special places one had to know the password. The password was the key that allowed us entrance into that desired place. Growing up I remember seeing kids that had clubs that had passwords that allowed them entrance into the clubhouse, usually an old cardboard box that had housed a refrigerator or large appliance of some sort. This newer version of the Bible gives worship a wonderful perspective; what if you and I and others, entered into worship with the words, "Thank you!" on our lips, minds, hearts, and spirits? Having served as pastor for many years, I know that "Thank you!" for some is the last thing they wanted to say on Sundays. "Entertain me!" or "Humor me!" or "Give me something to think about," was about as close as they got, then they wondered why life was so miserable for them. "Thank you!" conveys a wonderful attitude we should have towards God. "Thank you!" puts us in the right spirit to worship and receive from God. I read yesterday a pastor's words on a rock given him. It's a small, smooth rock that he carries everywhere and it's his "Thank you!" rock. When it was given, he was instructed to hold it and say, "Thank you!" to God in all circumstances, and more often than not, even for the things that were not so "Thank you!"-worthy, he has been blessed and then it was a genuine "Thank you!" lifted up.
We're days away from the national day of "Thank You!" May we already be thinking about what great and wonderful things God has done. Even when the event was not what we expected or desired, may we learn to see what we can be thankful for, and then truly use the day of Thanksgiving, to say to the One who deserves it, "Thank you!"
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You! Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Our oldest grandchild, Sarai Evangelina Cortez, 4, of San Marcos, TX, is undergoing surgery tomorrow, Friday in Kyle, TX. Please keep her and her parents in prayer. Yes, and for her grandpa and grandma (on both sides!). She's having her tonsils removed. Thank you!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Christ, Our Shepherd!
God of power and light, may Your grace be sufficient for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Ezekiel 34: 11 "'God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. 12 As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. 13 I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. 14 I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. 15 And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. 16 I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited. 20 "'Therefore, God, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep. 21 Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills, 22 I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another. 23 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd. 24 And I, God, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, God, have spoken. (The Message)
I was just thinking yesterday how far removed I have become from the land. By that I mean, while I personally have never lived on a farm or ranch, in my growing up years I was always discovering things about nature, the earth, creeks, water creatures, etc. I loved watching ants and the now rare horned frog. In fact, in a conversation with someone we said, "We're not on the farm anymore!" meaning what we had been saying shows that we've come a long way, for both good and bad, from what used to be. My experience with shepherds has not been firsthand. I have heard sermons and lectures on the image of a shepherd and I have a general understanding and a tremendous appreciation for how the shepherd, the solitary figure in charge of a flock of sheep, works and lays his/her life on the line for these sheep. I love the care and love that a shepherd shares with his flock. I love the idea of the sheep know the shepherd's voice and respond to it. Yet, you and I can't begin to understand the tremendous love that God has for God's people. This Old Testament passage speaks of that love and care that God claims for us. God shares how the want is there to gather the flock and make right the relationship between each sheep and between sheep and God. And the passage ends with God's promise that one shepherd, from the house of David, will be both shepherd and prince.
Sunday is a day to celebrate Christ as King. The passages thus far this week have been centered on that idea. Ours is a call to honor and worship Christ the King. Ours is to live a life that trust God for all things. Christ is our shepherd. What shall we want?
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Your Son, whom we acknowledge as our King. May our lives reflect the honor and obedience deserved by Him. May we truly be sheep of Your flock all days. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Ezekiel 34: 11 "'God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. 12 As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. 13 I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. 14 I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. 15 And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. 16 I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited. 20 "'Therefore, God, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep. 21 Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills, 22 I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another. 23 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd. 24 And I, God, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, God, have spoken. (The Message)
I was just thinking yesterday how far removed I have become from the land. By that I mean, while I personally have never lived on a farm or ranch, in my growing up years I was always discovering things about nature, the earth, creeks, water creatures, etc. I loved watching ants and the now rare horned frog. In fact, in a conversation with someone we said, "We're not on the farm anymore!" meaning what we had been saying shows that we've come a long way, for both good and bad, from what used to be. My experience with shepherds has not been firsthand. I have heard sermons and lectures on the image of a shepherd and I have a general understanding and a tremendous appreciation for how the shepherd, the solitary figure in charge of a flock of sheep, works and lays his/her life on the line for these sheep. I love the care and love that a shepherd shares with his flock. I love the idea of the sheep know the shepherd's voice and respond to it. Yet, you and I can't begin to understand the tremendous love that God has for God's people. This Old Testament passage speaks of that love and care that God claims for us. God shares how the want is there to gather the flock and make right the relationship between each sheep and between sheep and God. And the passage ends with God's promise that one shepherd, from the house of David, will be both shepherd and prince.
Sunday is a day to celebrate Christ as King. The passages thus far this week have been centered on that idea. Ours is a call to honor and worship Christ the King. Ours is to live a life that trust God for all things. Christ is our shepherd. What shall we want?
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Your Son, whom we acknowledge as our King. May our lives reflect the honor and obedience deserved by Him. May we truly be sheep of Your flock all days. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Way Out There? Or Right Here?
Living God of the fullness of life, fill the cup of this dear reader in all they need; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Ephesians 1: 15 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. 17 But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, 19 oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength! 20 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, 21 in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. 22 He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. (The Message)
Way out there? Or right here? Such is the question asked the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley. You see, Mr. Wesley was on a ship bound for America when they encountered a terrible storm that destroyed a lot of the boat. Fearing death, Mr. Wesley cried and sought a place in which to die. He found a group of Moravians (Germans) who were singing and seemed excited about their possible death. Wesley could not understand this. The leader of the group asked Wesley if he knew Jesus Christ. Wesley replied he knew Jesus to be the Savior of the world. He was then asked if he did not know Him personally. Way out there? Or right here. It used to be you could ask any baby, "Where's Jesus?" and they would point skyward. And there Christ remains until our personal encounter with Him. In this passage, Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Christians in Ephesus and asking God that these Christians would continue to grow. Growth, Paul knows, comes from knowing Christ.
How do we know Christ better? It starts much like the initial encounter, with a prayer of invitation. We know the famous picture from the passage in Rev. 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." And many a sermon has been preached about opening the door of our heart with a simple prayer, and inviting in the Savior of the world to be our Savior. Right here. And through prayer, through a disciplined pattern of Bible study, through worship, through conversations (listening is involved!) with Christ, we come to know Jesus better and as a result grow in our intelligence. Our closeness with Christ also helps our vision and focus for our lives. We get to know where it is that Christ is leading us and asking us to do. And Paul believes, Christ will also provide "endless energy and boundless strength." I do, too.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into Your proper place in my heart and life. Help me move away from knowing You way out there, to knowing You right here. Rule as my Lord and Savior, guide me into a deeper knowledge of You. Heal my weakness and drive, for I seek Your energy and strength to live life to the fullest. I ask this in Your Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Ephesians 1: 15 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. 17 But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, 19 oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength! 20 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, 21 in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. 22 He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. (The Message)
Way out there? Or right here? Such is the question asked the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley. You see, Mr. Wesley was on a ship bound for America when they encountered a terrible storm that destroyed a lot of the boat. Fearing death, Mr. Wesley cried and sought a place in which to die. He found a group of Moravians (Germans) who were singing and seemed excited about their possible death. Wesley could not understand this. The leader of the group asked Wesley if he knew Jesus Christ. Wesley replied he knew Jesus to be the Savior of the world. He was then asked if he did not know Him personally. Way out there? Or right here. It used to be you could ask any baby, "Where's Jesus?" and they would point skyward. And there Christ remains until our personal encounter with Him. In this passage, Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Christians in Ephesus and asking God that these Christians would continue to grow. Growth, Paul knows, comes from knowing Christ.
How do we know Christ better? It starts much like the initial encounter, with a prayer of invitation. We know the famous picture from the passage in Rev. 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." And many a sermon has been preached about opening the door of our heart with a simple prayer, and inviting in the Savior of the world to be our Savior. Right here. And through prayer, through a disciplined pattern of Bible study, through worship, through conversations (listening is involved!) with Christ, we come to know Jesus better and as a result grow in our intelligence. Our closeness with Christ also helps our vision and focus for our lives. We get to know where it is that Christ is leading us and asking us to do. And Paul believes, Christ will also provide "endless energy and boundless strength." I do, too.
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into Your proper place in my heart and life. Help me move away from knowing You way out there, to knowing You right here. Rule as my Lord and Savior, guide me into a deeper knowledge of You. Heal my weakness and drive, for I seek Your energy and strength to live life to the fullest. I ask this in Your Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, November 14, 2011
What Can I Do As Busy As I Am?
Loving God, in the midst of all expected of this dear reader, may the loudest and strongest voice, be Yours; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 31 "When he (Jesus) finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward." (The Message)
The demands of our job or our schooling can prioritze our life. I need to do this and I have to complete that. I don't have time for churchy things! Yet, can you imagine some students prioritizing their lives not around school but around this passage? Yes, it actually has and does happen. The ones I'm referring to were some interesting students. Their leader would awaken early and spend about an hour on his knees in prayer. Yes, one hour. Then he would spend about an hour in reading his Bible. Yep, one hour. Then he would join his friends for about an hour of worship. Then to breakfast. Then to class. After school was when the interesting part would happen. They had a schedule for what they would do to comply with this list of demands from Jesus. They would visit orphanages. They would visit jails. They would visit hospitals. They would visit widows. They actually took Jesus serious about these demands being important for the life of the believer.
The list we place up on top of most Christian lives include the words worship, prayer, Bible study, etc. This list given by Jesus very honestly comes as a result of a great and earnest relationship with Him: Feeding the hungry. Giving water to the thirsty. Helping the homeless. Clothing the naked. Visiting the sick and the prisoner. And to make it more powerful and urgent, Jesus says, "That was me whom you helped or neglected to help." Ouch. Was that you, Lord, on the street asking for money or in the homeless shelter that took the bowl of soup and thanked me and the shelter for doing this? "Yes," Jesus will reply to you and me, "That was me. Thank you again."
That group of students were mocked for their goodness by other students. They were called "holy rollers," and because they always had their Bible, "Bible Moths," and one smart alec even thought to call them, "A bunch of Methodists!" Yes, that's who we are. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, John and Charles Wesley, and all of those of the Holy Club who started a movement that became a church that needs to become a movement again.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to go beyond the self and society imposed demands of my time. Help me go beyond the constraints of comfort and restraints that I or my church place on me. I want to go where You would have me go, to be the Church for all, especially the you's in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and prisoner. Give me not only the courage and boldness to do this, but Your grace and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 31 "When he (Jesus) finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward." (The Message)
The demands of our job or our schooling can prioritze our life. I need to do this and I have to complete that. I don't have time for churchy things! Yet, can you imagine some students prioritizing their lives not around school but around this passage? Yes, it actually has and does happen. The ones I'm referring to were some interesting students. Their leader would awaken early and spend about an hour on his knees in prayer. Yes, one hour. Then he would spend about an hour in reading his Bible. Yep, one hour. Then he would join his friends for about an hour of worship. Then to breakfast. Then to class. After school was when the interesting part would happen. They had a schedule for what they would do to comply with this list of demands from Jesus. They would visit orphanages. They would visit jails. They would visit hospitals. They would visit widows. They actually took Jesus serious about these demands being important for the life of the believer.
The list we place up on top of most Christian lives include the words worship, prayer, Bible study, etc. This list given by Jesus very honestly comes as a result of a great and earnest relationship with Him: Feeding the hungry. Giving water to the thirsty. Helping the homeless. Clothing the naked. Visiting the sick and the prisoner. And to make it more powerful and urgent, Jesus says, "That was me whom you helped or neglected to help." Ouch. Was that you, Lord, on the street asking for money or in the homeless shelter that took the bowl of soup and thanked me and the shelter for doing this? "Yes," Jesus will reply to you and me, "That was me. Thank you again."
That group of students were mocked for their goodness by other students. They were called "holy rollers," and because they always had their Bible, "Bible Moths," and one smart alec even thought to call them, "A bunch of Methodists!" Yes, that's who we are. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, John and Charles Wesley, and all of those of the Holy Club who started a movement that became a church that needs to become a movement again.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to go beyond the self and society imposed demands of my time. Help me go beyond the constraints of comfort and restraints that I or my church place on me. I want to go where You would have me go, to be the Church for all, especially the you's in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and prisoner. Give me not only the courage and boldness to do this, but Your grace and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, November 10, 2011
What Are You Waiting For?
Our text for today comes from Judges 4: 1 The People of Israel kept right on doing evil in God's sight. With Ehud dead, 2 God sold them off to Jabin king of Canaan who ruled from Hazor. Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoyim, was the commander of his army. 3 The People of Israel cried out to God because he had cruelly oppressed them with his nine hundred iron chariots for twenty years. 4 Deborah was a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth. She was judge over Israel at that time. 5 She held court under Deborah's Palm between Ramah and Bethel in the hills of Ephraim. The People of Israel went to her in matters of justice. 6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "It has become clear that God, the God of Israel, commands you: Go to Mount Tabor and prepare for battle. Take ten companies of soldiers from Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I'll take care of getting Sisera, the leader of Jabin's army, to the Kishon River with all his chariots and troops. And I'll make sure you win the battle." 8 Barak said, "If you go with me, I'll go. But if you don't go with me, I won't go." (NRSV)
This week's Lectionary does not include verse 8, but I think it makes the story more interesting to read it with the eighth verse included. Interesting how the people blame God for their own evil. It had been because of their own decisions and consequences that they ended up under foreign rule and an oppressive one at that; but they still cried out to God because it was so unpleasant living under stuch conditions. Interestingly enough, it was Deborah, who was now judge over Israel. She was God's spokesperson and ruler over Israel's limited matters. And through her role of representing God, God let her know that the time was right for a victory over this oppressive government. God even gave her the name of the man to lead this battle and that was Barak. How much more assurance do you need than to know 1) God called you by name. 2) God is with you. 3) God says you will win this battle. 4) The time is right! Well, Barak is very much like us. He says he won't go unless Deborah goes with him. That's a lot like saying, "Unless the senior pastor comes to pray with me before this surgery, I haven't been prayed for!" (Would anyone really say that?).
God has called us by name for whatever it is that God has asked of us. God is with us. God says that in all things we will be more than conquerors. God says the time is right for service. What's holding us back? There should really be nothing holding us back! Get to conquering!
PRAYER: Loving God, let nothing nor no one hold me back today. You are with me. You have called me by name to serve You and I will do whatever it is You ask of me. I can do this and all things with You by my side. In Jesus' great and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
This week's Lectionary does not include verse 8, but I think it makes the story more interesting to read it with the eighth verse included. Interesting how the people blame God for their own evil. It had been because of their own decisions and consequences that they ended up under foreign rule and an oppressive one at that; but they still cried out to God because it was so unpleasant living under stuch conditions. Interestingly enough, it was Deborah, who was now judge over Israel. She was God's spokesperson and ruler over Israel's limited matters. And through her role of representing God, God let her know that the time was right for a victory over this oppressive government. God even gave her the name of the man to lead this battle and that was Barak. How much more assurance do you need than to know 1) God called you by name. 2) God is with you. 3) God says you will win this battle. 4) The time is right! Well, Barak is very much like us. He says he won't go unless Deborah goes with him. That's a lot like saying, "Unless the senior pastor comes to pray with me before this surgery, I haven't been prayed for!" (Would anyone really say that?).
God has called us by name for whatever it is that God has asked of us. God is with us. God says that in all things we will be more than conquerors. God says the time is right for service. What's holding us back? There should really be nothing holding us back! Get to conquering!
PRAYER: Loving God, let nothing nor no one hold me back today. You are with me. You have called me by name to serve You and I will do whatever it is You ask of me. I can do this and all things with You by my side. In Jesus' great and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
A Reflective Point
Loving God, blaze clear the path for the life of this dear reader today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 90: 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. 10 The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. 12 So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. 13 Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands! (NRSV) (To read the modern version The Message click here: http://www.biblestudytools.com/msg/psalms/90.html).
This is one of the passages where an older translation of this passage is more appropriate than the modern one, in my opinion. It's an honest account of the Psalmist's life at that point and through prayer we can truly understand what he is trying to say to, and about, God. It's a reflective psalm as he is at a reflective point in his life and the biggest issue confronting him is his mortality and on top of that, his sinfulness. Not a happy place to be, but a necessary one. We all have those days when we're honest with God and with ourselves and we take stock of who we are and where we have been. We realize that not all our steps were God-directed. Not all our words and actions were God-pleasing. And we realize that the day may be soon coming when we will be called to account for these choices. Though we may not hear it preached very often, the Old Testament does speak a lot about God's wrath and anger. And it's usually directed towards those who make sinful decisions at some points in their lives. Is it any wonder that Wesley asked that all who wanted to join a class in the Methodist movement had to answer the question, "Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?"
The writer comes to an important decision point where he seeks forgiveness and compassion from God. And he seeks to want to please God more times than the times he has saddened God. Is it too much to ask that God's favor be upon God's people? Of course he realizes as do we, that God's favor does come our way and we recognize it more easily when we're seeking to do God's will than when we're wandering far away from God.
Where are you today?
PRAYER: Loving God, may I seek to close to You today. Let my eyes see Your favor upon me as my hands labor to please You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 90: 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. 10 The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. 12 So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. 13 Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands! (NRSV) (To read the modern version The Message click here: http://www.biblestudytools.com/msg/psalms/90.html).
This is one of the passages where an older translation of this passage is more appropriate than the modern one, in my opinion. It's an honest account of the Psalmist's life at that point and through prayer we can truly understand what he is trying to say to, and about, God. It's a reflective psalm as he is at a reflective point in his life and the biggest issue confronting him is his mortality and on top of that, his sinfulness. Not a happy place to be, but a necessary one. We all have those days when we're honest with God and with ourselves and we take stock of who we are and where we have been. We realize that not all our steps were God-directed. Not all our words and actions were God-pleasing. And we realize that the day may be soon coming when we will be called to account for these choices. Though we may not hear it preached very often, the Old Testament does speak a lot about God's wrath and anger. And it's usually directed towards those who make sinful decisions at some points in their lives. Is it any wonder that Wesley asked that all who wanted to join a class in the Methodist movement had to answer the question, "Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?"
The writer comes to an important decision point where he seeks forgiveness and compassion from God. And he seeks to want to please God more times than the times he has saddened God. Is it too much to ask that God's favor be upon God's people? Of course he realizes as do we, that God's favor does come our way and we recognize it more easily when we're seeking to do God's will than when we're wandering far away from God.
Where are you today?
PRAYER: Loving God, may I seek to close to You today. Let my eyes see Your favor upon me as my hands labor to please You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Encourage One Another!
God of all riches, provide faith and hope to the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. 2 You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. 3 About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other - "We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!" - suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman. 4 But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? 5 You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. 6 So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. 7 People sleep at night and get drunk at night. 8 But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 9 God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! 11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. (The Message)
Christ will come again. We say that once a month during our celebration of Holy Communion. In the act of remembrance of that which Christ did for us, we celebrate that which Christ is doing and we celebrate that which Christ will do, and part of that is declaring our faith that Christ will come again. But for many of us we think, but not today. Please. We think of that day being in say, maybe, one thousand years from today. We think, but not too hard, that it might come after our death, but we prefer not to think about our death. Yes, Christ will come again, but I'm not going to worry about it. And some will and do ask, when? For Paul, there was no question. He met Christ and Christ told him that He would come again. Like He did with the disciples, He promised His return but did not give a date or time. Paul didn't worry about the day nor time, he was ready! Paul stresses to all, Christ loves you! Christ died for you! Christ wants to be with you! And Christ wants you to be with Him! So, be ready now and do all that you were created and called to do. Now.
Life is best spent living with hope and encouraging one another about that hope. We can't sit down and give up on life. Nor can we let others do that either. Christ does not want anyone left behind.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my purpose and plan for my life. I know You created me to do great things, among them to encourage others to have faith in You. Let me not fail. Let me share hope. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. 2 You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. 3 About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other - "We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!" - suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman. 4 But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? 5 You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. 6 So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. 7 People sleep at night and get drunk at night. 8 But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 9 God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! 11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. (The Message)
Christ will come again. We say that once a month during our celebration of Holy Communion. In the act of remembrance of that which Christ did for us, we celebrate that which Christ is doing and we celebrate that which Christ will do, and part of that is declaring our faith that Christ will come again. But for many of us we think, but not today. Please. We think of that day being in say, maybe, one thousand years from today. We think, but not too hard, that it might come after our death, but we prefer not to think about our death. Yes, Christ will come again, but I'm not going to worry about it. And some will and do ask, when? For Paul, there was no question. He met Christ and Christ told him that He would come again. Like He did with the disciples, He promised His return but did not give a date or time. Paul didn't worry about the day nor time, he was ready! Paul stresses to all, Christ loves you! Christ died for you! Christ wants to be with you! And Christ wants you to be with Him! So, be ready now and do all that you were created and called to do. Now.
Life is best spent living with hope and encouraging one another about that hope. We can't sit down and give up on life. Nor can we let others do that either. Christ does not want anyone left behind.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my purpose and plan for my life. I know You created me to do great things, among them to encourage others to have faith in You. Let me not fail. Let me share hope. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, November 07, 2011
Jesus Demands Our Best!
Loving God of all people, shine brightly the light of Your love upon this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 14 "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. 15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. 16 Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. 17 The second did the same. 18 But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money. 19 "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. 20 The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. 21 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 22 "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. 23 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 24 "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. 25 I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.' 26 "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? 27 The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. 28 "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. 29 30 Throw him out into utter darkness.' (The Message)
"In this economy?" It saddens my heart every time I hear that, especially in a church setting. People do silly and sad things when they fear the loss of money. Churches do worse things. Yet, here in a modern version is Jesus telling again the parable of the talents. And many have used the ancient word for a type of money to literally mean one's abilities and gifts. And that's appropriate, too. The main issue is, what have you done with what God has given you? And that questions includes abilities, talents, gifts, money, time, energy, love, et al. This version omits my favorite passage in verse 21, "'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'" This modern version has Jesus making the faithful servants, "partners," which is not bad either. This version also has the weak servant saying, "I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error..." Jesus does have high standards for us; they're called ethical and loving ways to live. The "careless" way to live is to care less for the things of God and the people of God. Jesus does demand the best, which is He loves us and wants us, and wants to steer us away from sin ("error"). Is this such a terrible thing?
In God's economy, we count. We matter. God wants us. And God expects from us our best in our living, our giving, and our caring. Am I measuring up?
PRAYER: Loving God, may my mouth only share faith and hope. I pray that doubt and fear have no room in my mind or heart even in times like these. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 14 "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. 15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. 16 Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. 17 The second did the same. 18 But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money. 19 "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. 20 The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. 21 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 22 "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. 23 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 24 "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. 25 I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.' 26 "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? 27 The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. 28 "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. 29 30 Throw him out into utter darkness.' (The Message)
"In this economy?" It saddens my heart every time I hear that, especially in a church setting. People do silly and sad things when they fear the loss of money. Churches do worse things. Yet, here in a modern version is Jesus telling again the parable of the talents. And many have used the ancient word for a type of money to literally mean one's abilities and gifts. And that's appropriate, too. The main issue is, what have you done with what God has given you? And that questions includes abilities, talents, gifts, money, time, energy, love, et al. This version omits my favorite passage in verse 21, "'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'" This modern version has Jesus making the faithful servants, "partners," which is not bad either. This version also has the weak servant saying, "I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error..." Jesus does have high standards for us; they're called ethical and loving ways to live. The "careless" way to live is to care less for the things of God and the people of God. Jesus does demand the best, which is He loves us and wants us, and wants to steer us away from sin ("error"). Is this such a terrible thing?
In God's economy, we count. We matter. God wants us. And God expects from us our best in our living, our giving, and our caring. Am I measuring up?
PRAYER: Loving God, may my mouth only share faith and hope. I pray that doubt and fear have no room in my mind or heart even in times like these. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
We Who Know and Hope!
God of health and wellness, bless and strengthen this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. 14 Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. 15 And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence - we have the Master's word on it - that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. 16 The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise - they'll go first. 17 Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. 18 Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. (The Message)
I attended more than my share of funerals when I was young. My parents did not shield us from the realities and sufferings of death. And I'm old enough to remember a funeral being a room filled with women in black dresses and heads covered with black scarves. And I remember well the wailing and screaming that would happen whenever a new blacked-dressed woman in a scarf would walk in to join the rest. It was not a pleasant scene, but as I was later joined by siblings, we found humor and entertainment even in that; but not lacking the respect of the grief that was being felt by those mourning. Questions about what happens when we die haunt many. But not Paul. Paul had a face-to-face encounter with Jesus, Who was resurrected and Who showed and revealed to him many things, including the things that come after life. Thus with this passage he is addresses the fear and the grief of those who have lost loved ones. The first thing he teaches is, that unlike those who have no hope, we do! And because we have hope, we actually have something to look forward to! Paul saw the product of resurrection and so his hope is in the power of God to resurrect us. The rest of the passage is his portrayal of that great event of reunion with God and all of God's people.
This is a time in the Christian year when many who have died have been remembered either last Sunday or this coming Sunday. It is a sad time and a time when the question still is asked of what happens when we die. It is for us a time to remind all of what we know and hope for.
PRAYER: God of life and victory, bring to my heart the sureness of life even in the face of death. May I not fear death nor the unknown of the rest of this day and tomorrow. May my life be an example of one who trusts in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. 14 Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. 15 And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence - we have the Master's word on it - that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. 16 The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise - they'll go first. 17 Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. 18 Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. (The Message)
I attended more than my share of funerals when I was young. My parents did not shield us from the realities and sufferings of death. And I'm old enough to remember a funeral being a room filled with women in black dresses and heads covered with black scarves. And I remember well the wailing and screaming that would happen whenever a new blacked-dressed woman in a scarf would walk in to join the rest. It was not a pleasant scene, but as I was later joined by siblings, we found humor and entertainment even in that; but not lacking the respect of the grief that was being felt by those mourning. Questions about what happens when we die haunt many. But not Paul. Paul had a face-to-face encounter with Jesus, Who was resurrected and Who showed and revealed to him many things, including the things that come after life. Thus with this passage he is addresses the fear and the grief of those who have lost loved ones. The first thing he teaches is, that unlike those who have no hope, we do! And because we have hope, we actually have something to look forward to! Paul saw the product of resurrection and so his hope is in the power of God to resurrect us. The rest of the passage is his portrayal of that great event of reunion with God and all of God's people.
This is a time in the Christian year when many who have died have been remembered either last Sunday or this coming Sunday. It is a sad time and a time when the question still is asked of what happens when we die. It is for us a time to remind all of what we know and hope for.
PRAYER: God of life and victory, bring to my heart the sureness of life even in the face of death. May I not fear death nor the unknown of the rest of this day and tomorrow. May my life be an example of one who trusts in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Happy Your Day, Saint?
God of grace, fill the cup of need in this dear reader with Your grace today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 5: 1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)
Good morning saints! Good morning sinners! Every time I have tried that on a Sunday morning I don't know why I get a louder "Good Morning!" from the sinners than the saints. Everyone who is baptized and believes in the promises of Jesus is a saint. That many times is more a liberal and generous labeling than is necessary in some folks. And I'm basing it on external expressions of faith or the lack thereof. Yet, who am I to judge? But it is up to me to encourage all to live as saints, worthy of the calling and the name. Today's passage is such a passage of example and encouragement. It is from Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount and this morning it comes from the Message version of the Bible. As we read it we can feel the patient love of Jesus who seeks to embrace all who would listen and receive. Jesus begins by addressing those "at the end of their rope." And who hasn't or isn't there at times? Life doesn't always go our way; sometimes it seems life takes a different street and we're on the wrong street corner or midblock and life is at the stop and pulls away just as we hurriedly run to catch it. Yet, we're "blessed." Jesus then says that when there is less of us, there is more of God. Have you ever thought about that? When we feel weakest is when God can be strongest in our lives. That's a blessing is it not? Jesus also says we're blessed when we have lost "what is most dear to us," for it is then that God can embrace us. And who can't use a good embrace every day? We're also blessed when we're content with who we are; when we realize that God has made us just the way we are and we have something to offer to the world. Everything that matters was not bought but given to us by God's amazing love. That's an awesome blessing when we realize it.
We're blessed when we have worked up a great appetite for God, for God is the best food and drink that there is. Nothing the world offers comes close to that satisfaction. We're also blessed when we care for others, for it is in caring that we are cared for as well. Ours is a blessing when our "inside world," our spirit and our thoughts are put right in God. For when God is "inside" we can see the "outside" in a better light. We're blessed when we show people how to get along rather than to compete and disagree; for it is in doing so that we discover our place in God's great family. Our blessing also comes with our being persecuted; those are times when we can get even deeper into God and God's family. And we should be happy when we are found to be worthy to be put down or lied about. The saying is that we must be doing something right when we suffer insults and put-downs for God's sake. And never forget the company we're in when we're suffering in that way, for God's chosen prophets and messengers suffered in the same way. The applause that we get is the applause that matters, those done in Heaven.
So, Happy Saints Day to you! Live a life like the one Jesus mentioned above and you'll truly be a saint, not for the label but for the blessings.
PRAYER: Loving God, for many today is a day of remembering those who have died in the faith. We thank you for their lives, memories, and examples. May they seek to inspire and encourage us each day. But I thank you for the blessings that can be mine when I strive to live as one set apart by You and Your love to encourage and bless others. May it be so, for I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 5: 1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)
Good morning saints! Good morning sinners! Every time I have tried that on a Sunday morning I don't know why I get a louder "Good Morning!" from the sinners than the saints. Everyone who is baptized and believes in the promises of Jesus is a saint. That many times is more a liberal and generous labeling than is necessary in some folks. And I'm basing it on external expressions of faith or the lack thereof. Yet, who am I to judge? But it is up to me to encourage all to live as saints, worthy of the calling and the name. Today's passage is such a passage of example and encouragement. It is from Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount and this morning it comes from the Message version of the Bible. As we read it we can feel the patient love of Jesus who seeks to embrace all who would listen and receive. Jesus begins by addressing those "at the end of their rope." And who hasn't or isn't there at times? Life doesn't always go our way; sometimes it seems life takes a different street and we're on the wrong street corner or midblock and life is at the stop and pulls away just as we hurriedly run to catch it. Yet, we're "blessed." Jesus then says that when there is less of us, there is more of God. Have you ever thought about that? When we feel weakest is when God can be strongest in our lives. That's a blessing is it not? Jesus also says we're blessed when we have lost "what is most dear to us," for it is then that God can embrace us. And who can't use a good embrace every day? We're also blessed when we're content with who we are; when we realize that God has made us just the way we are and we have something to offer to the world. Everything that matters was not bought but given to us by God's amazing love. That's an awesome blessing when we realize it.
We're blessed when we have worked up a great appetite for God, for God is the best food and drink that there is. Nothing the world offers comes close to that satisfaction. We're also blessed when we care for others, for it is in caring that we are cared for as well. Ours is a blessing when our "inside world," our spirit and our thoughts are put right in God. For when God is "inside" we can see the "outside" in a better light. We're blessed when we show people how to get along rather than to compete and disagree; for it is in doing so that we discover our place in God's great family. Our blessing also comes with our being persecuted; those are times when we can get even deeper into God and God's family. And we should be happy when we are found to be worthy to be put down or lied about. The saying is that we must be doing something right when we suffer insults and put-downs for God's sake. And never forget the company we're in when we're suffering in that way, for God's chosen prophets and messengers suffered in the same way. The applause that we get is the applause that matters, those done in Heaven.
So, Happy Saints Day to you! Live a life like the one Jesus mentioned above and you'll truly be a saint, not for the label but for the blessings.
PRAYER: Loving God, for many today is a day of remembering those who have died in the faith. We thank you for their lives, memories, and examples. May they seek to inspire and encourage us each day. But I thank you for the blessings that can be mine when I strive to live as one set apart by You and Your love to encourage and bless others. May it be so, for I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
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