It was in the fulness of time. In a place selected by God. In a manner and fashion chosen by God. God acted. It is still being discussed and debated. It is not fully believed by all. It is said God could have done better. Yet, it was on this night that God chose to give the world God's only Son through human birth to a young, frightened woman. The event took place in a stable, a setting that most, if not all, with which people can identify through slowly dying agricultural roots, yes, among the common people, God sent a Son. Some have said it should have been in a palace; but who can identify with a palace? Those who can are limited in number. Some have said it could have been in a better place, like Rome. The fast pace of Rome even in those days would not have worked. It was on a tranquil night that the cry of a newborn broke the night. It brought wonder and excitement mixed with the fear of the unknown to that young couple blessed by the birth of their first child. The mother knew to name him Jesus, as told by the angel. She knew that his birth was to take away the sins of the world. She had heard that this special child would also be known as Emmanuel, God with us, for God truly chose to be with us on that night. Have you chosen to live with God?
Set aside some quiet time today to celebrate in your own way, this special, special gift given to you and me. Later this evening, find a church if you don't already have one, and go and be with others as they celebrate the specialness of this birth. God gave to us, what can we give to God except ourselves?
PRAYER: Loving God, may the meaning of this day never be lost on me. As family and friends arrive, may the joy of being with them only add to the joy of You being with me. Emmanuel it is! And may we never forget that. God, we know that the specialness of today is made more difficult by the absence of those with whom we once spent this day, but we celebrate Your presence as comfort and peace. We remember that the birth on this night came as Your sign that You would defeat sin and death. God, we also remember there are many who cannot be with loved ones tonight because of their service to country or because of their need to be elsewhere; may the spirit of love unite us even if physcially we cannot be together. But in all our doings and celebrations, be glorified! I pray in the Name of He born tonight, Jesus, my Lord, amen!
Have a great and blessed Christmas!
Eradio and Nellie Valverde
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The New Song of Christmas
Loving God, may the true power and peace of Christmas be with this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 96: 1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice , and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar , and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful , and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh , for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (KJV)
This psalm starts with something difficult for most people; new songs. In my life there have been "new song" moments where a song has come on the radio (I'm dating myself, I know) and immediately I knew that I liked that song. One was "Blue" by LeAnn Rimes. I remember exactly where we were and where we were going. And there have been others that I have immediately liked. In the sacred, a new hymnal for most people brings mixed responses and of course a mad dash to one's favorite hymns to see if they "made the cut" or if there really are new songs. And new songs don't come over very well the first time through. But some make lasting impressions such as "Tu Has Venido A La Orilla" or other hymns whose melody and message bring us great comfort and joy (that phrase is in a Christmas hymn!).
But true worship is not about us. It is about God as this psalm is reminding us. Christmas is about God and not about us. It is a worshipful time in which we remember the goodness and greatness of God. Christmas then as Christmas now, should involve all of creation as the psalmist sang. The presence of God's truth especially during a time of half-truths and outright lies, should serve to motivate us to righteousness.
PRAYER: Loving God, let this Christmas be all about You and Your love and truth for my life. May I seek to be more like You this day and all days. May I join the chorus of those singing Your praises and may we invite others to join us; this I pray 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 96: 1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice , and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar , and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful , and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh , for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (KJV)
This psalm starts with something difficult for most people; new songs. In my life there have been "new song" moments where a song has come on the radio (I'm dating myself, I know) and immediately I knew that I liked that song. One was "Blue" by LeAnn Rimes. I remember exactly where we were and where we were going. And there have been others that I have immediately liked. In the sacred, a new hymnal for most people brings mixed responses and of course a mad dash to one's favorite hymns to see if they "made the cut" or if there really are new songs. And new songs don't come over very well the first time through. But some make lasting impressions such as "Tu Has Venido A La Orilla" or other hymns whose melody and message bring us great comfort and joy (that phrase is in a Christmas hymn!).
But true worship is not about us. It is about God as this psalm is reminding us. Christmas is about God and not about us. It is a worshipful time in which we remember the goodness and greatness of God. Christmas then as Christmas now, should involve all of creation as the psalmist sang. The presence of God's truth especially during a time of half-truths and outright lies, should serve to motivate us to righteousness.
PRAYER: Loving God, let this Christmas be all about You and Your love and truth for my life. May I seek to be more like You this day and all days. May I join the chorus of those singing Your praises and may we invite others to join us; this I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The Promises of Christmas
Amazing God, may Your love blaze a blessing upon the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 9: 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined . 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor , as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
Yesterday at breakfast there was a group of whom we believed were co-workers exchanging gifts. They were a loud group, laughing and laughing so hard some were crying with tears of joy and happiness. I don't know what gifts they exchanged and from the laughs I was guessing they were what some call "white elephant" or useless or comical gifts. They were having a great time being together and their joy spread over me. Isaish spoke of that joy of the time whenever the "light" would come upon the earth. Isaiah compared it to the joy of those about to harvest a great field or as those who are dividing a great treasure or those who enjoy each other so much they can exchange gifts, even funny ones. Why? That joy comes from the presence and power of God which is what Christmas is all about. God's presence can break the weight and burden of sin and in the midst of what may otherwise seem dismal, a child is born.
In the midst of what can serve to disturb and distress us comes this child who will "be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Beyond titles, we read God's promises of God's actions in our lives: The God who brings wonder; the God who counsels; the infinite God; The loving parent and the One who brings peace. The God whose reign will NEVER end. This is Christmas. You ready?
PRAYER: Loving God, may these promises be realized in my life and in the life of those in need. May I be a part of helping to bring about Your work in a fulfilling way, a way of love and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 9: 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined . 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor , as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)
Yesterday at breakfast there was a group of whom we believed were co-workers exchanging gifts. They were a loud group, laughing and laughing so hard some were crying with tears of joy and happiness. I don't know what gifts they exchanged and from the laughs I was guessing they were what some call "white elephant" or useless or comical gifts. They were having a great time being together and their joy spread over me. Isaish spoke of that joy of the time whenever the "light" would come upon the earth. Isaiah compared it to the joy of those about to harvest a great field or as those who are dividing a great treasure or those who enjoy each other so much they can exchange gifts, even funny ones. Why? That joy comes from the presence and power of God which is what Christmas is all about. God's presence can break the weight and burden of sin and in the midst of what may otherwise seem dismal, a child is born.
In the midst of what can serve to disturb and distress us comes this child who will "be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Beyond titles, we read God's promises of God's actions in our lives: The God who brings wonder; the God who counsels; the infinite God; The loving parent and the One who brings peace. The God whose reign will NEVER end. This is Christmas. You ready?
PRAYER: Loving God, may these promises be realized in my life and in the life of those in need. May I be a part of helping to bring about Your work in a fulfilling way, a way of love and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas is Salvation
Blessed Lord, bless and protect those loved ones of this dear reader who need Your touch today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly , righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)
The other evening I chose to join my wife for supper rather than stay with the group at my meeting and so I decided to walk the 1.7 miles from Drew University to our hotel. I was joined on this adventure by the president of Iliff School of Theology, David Trickett. What most of us take for granted, New Jersey does not provide: sidewalks! And that makes for an interesting walk in the dark along a very busy highway. But I was able to re-visit my year at Iliff as I walked and talked with Dr. Trickett. I told him the most challenging question was asked of me in a class at Iliff by Dr. Harvey Potoff, an elderly, almost ready to retire professor of theology. He was a captivating teacher and he had a classroom full of captive first year seminary students when he said, "I know most of you know that salvation is being saved from sin; but I ask you an equally important question today, What are you saved to?" I had to confess that at that point in my life I had not given that much thought. I knew I needed Jesus to save me from my sin, but I had not thought about to what Jesus had saved me.
The answer is a better life, a grace-filled life, a daily walk with the Lord. That is what we are saved to. And Christmas is that time when we remember again, the greatest gift shared with the world was that which John wrote in the sixteenth verse of his third chapter of his gospel; God's love was so great that God gave His only begotten son that we would not perish. And beyond perishing our call is to live life as the tenth verse of the tenth chapter in that same Gospel says, we might live abundantly. Christmas is about living abundantly, and not in the material sense, but in the sense of the spiritual things that are ours for the asking. Christmas is about the world needing to know we have a Savior, who will and does save us from our wickedness, our doubts, our fears, our angers, and the list goes on and on; but who also takes us into a realm of deep spiritual blessings that is life in abundance, a life lived to the fullest. And as Titus says, we should be all about works that reflect that change that has come into our lives.
PRAYER: Loving God, blessed are You for Your love and for sharing Jesus Christ with us. During this hectic pace of Christmas may we slow down enough to remember that Jesus came to save us from and to something. The to part is most special if we let it be. 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 Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly , righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)
The other evening I chose to join my wife for supper rather than stay with the group at my meeting and so I decided to walk the 1.7 miles from Drew University to our hotel. I was joined on this adventure by the president of Iliff School of Theology, David Trickett. What most of us take for granted, New Jersey does not provide: sidewalks! And that makes for an interesting walk in the dark along a very busy highway. But I was able to re-visit my year at Iliff as I walked and talked with Dr. Trickett. I told him the most challenging question was asked of me in a class at Iliff by Dr. Harvey Potoff, an elderly, almost ready to retire professor of theology. He was a captivating teacher and he had a classroom full of captive first year seminary students when he said, "I know most of you know that salvation is being saved from sin; but I ask you an equally important question today, What are you saved to?" I had to confess that at that point in my life I had not given that much thought. I knew I needed Jesus to save me from my sin, but I had not thought about to what Jesus had saved me.
The answer is a better life, a grace-filled life, a daily walk with the Lord. That is what we are saved to. And Christmas is that time when we remember again, the greatest gift shared with the world was that which John wrote in the sixteenth verse of his third chapter of his gospel; God's love was so great that God gave His only begotten son that we would not perish. And beyond perishing our call is to live life as the tenth verse of the tenth chapter in that same Gospel says, we might live abundantly. Christmas is about living abundantly, and not in the material sense, but in the sense of the spiritual things that are ours for the asking. Christmas is about the world needing to know we have a Savior, who will and does save us from our wickedness, our doubts, our fears, our angers, and the list goes on and on; but who also takes us into a realm of deep spiritual blessings that is life in abundance, a life lived to the fullest. And as Titus says, we should be all about works that reflect that change that has come into our lives.
PRAYER: Loving God, blessed are You for Your love and for sharing Jesus Christ with us. During this hectic pace of Christmas may we slow down enough to remember that Jesus came to save us from and to something. The to part is most special if we let it be. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 19, 2011
Awe and Wonder
Loving God of this special season, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Nellie and I are on the road and this devotional is being written on the Mac side of my laptop; this may mean your letters may appear with strike-throughs. I pray that is not so with everyone, but some of you do get them and makes it hard to read. I invite you to the blog where this same devotional will appear without strike-throughs: http://TheUniversityOfTheWay.blogspot.com. Pray for our safe return later today to Texas.
Our text for today comes from Luke 2: 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed , every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was , that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered . 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste , and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , as it was told unto them. (KJV)
It seemed as if all the world was on Seventh Avenue, New York City two nights ago. The languages and appearances of people made us know the world was here. Too numerous to count, one person said (in English), "We're not walking, we're waddling!" And it was true. We could not take full strides of a walk, we walked in mini-steps and we were pushed from side to side, just like ducks as we waddled to our destination. And we had to keep changing destinations because the crowds just waiting to get inside those were incredibly large. The famous coffee shop, about 50 deep outside in the cold, waiting to get in to warm up with a coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. The large store for toys, with a ferris wheel in the center and three stories of toys, also, too many folks just waiting to get in. Years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, "And all this because of a little baby born some two thousand years ago."
We act, though, as it is our birthday. We have lists or have been put on lists naming our requests for OUR presents. We will await Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to see what we received. Yesterday's newspaper had a photo from Catalan, España, where children line up to see a "king" who takes their requests and promises to take those lists to the Three Kings, who are the ones in that part of the world who delivers the gifts. I pray that in spite of the lights and trees and Santas, we not lose the wonder and awe of that which God did on our behalf on that special night. The model of the shepherds' response should be ours as well; frightful at first, later realizing that God did indeed act in this special way, their lives were never the same. That last verse in today's passage, verse 20 says, the shepherds left "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen."
May it be so in our lives that we realize that God does love us and enough so, that God worked in that special part of the world in a special way. May that little baby's birth be the symbol of our re-birth to the things of God not just at Christmas, but all the time.
PRAYER: Loving God, we pray that the birth of Jesus be our birth to the newness of a life lived in the spiritual realm, seeing with His eyes the things You have brought in our midst. May the wonder and awe of Christmas never leave us. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Nellie and I are on the road and this devotional is being written on the Mac side of my laptop; this may mean your letters may appear with strike-throughs. I pray that is not so with everyone, but some of you do get them and makes it hard to read. I invite you to the blog where this same devotional will appear without strike-throughs: http://TheUniversityOfTheWay.blogspot.com. Pray for our safe return later today to Texas.
Our text for today comes from Luke 2: 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed , every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was , that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered . 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste , and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , as it was told unto them. (KJV)
It seemed as if all the world was on Seventh Avenue, New York City two nights ago. The languages and appearances of people made us know the world was here. Too numerous to count, one person said (in English), "We're not walking, we're waddling!" And it was true. We could not take full strides of a walk, we walked in mini-steps and we were pushed from side to side, just like ducks as we waddled to our destination. And we had to keep changing destinations because the crowds just waiting to get inside those were incredibly large. The famous coffee shop, about 50 deep outside in the cold, waiting to get in to warm up with a coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. The large store for toys, with a ferris wheel in the center and three stories of toys, also, too many folks just waiting to get in. Years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, "And all this because of a little baby born some two thousand years ago."
We act, though, as it is our birthday. We have lists or have been put on lists naming our requests for OUR presents. We will await Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to see what we received. Yesterday's newspaper had a photo from Catalan, España, where children line up to see a "king" who takes their requests and promises to take those lists to the Three Kings, who are the ones in that part of the world who delivers the gifts. I pray that in spite of the lights and trees and Santas, we not lose the wonder and awe of that which God did on our behalf on that special night. The model of the shepherds' response should be ours as well; frightful at first, later realizing that God did indeed act in this special way, their lives were never the same. That last verse in today's passage, verse 20 says, the shepherds left "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen."
May it be so in our lives that we realize that God does love us and enough so, that God worked in that special part of the world in a special way. May that little baby's birth be the symbol of our re-birth to the things of God not just at Christmas, but all the time.
PRAYER: Loving God, we pray that the birth of Jesus be our birth to the newness of a life lived in the spiritual realm, seeing with His eyes the things You have brought in our midst. May the wonder and awe of Christmas never leave us. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 12, 2011
Changing the Labels
Amazing God of all people, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 1: 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said , Hail , thou that art highly favoured , the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be . 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold , thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be , seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold , thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible . 38 And Mary said , Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (KJV)
This passage is known as The Annunciation or the announcing to Mary of that which God expected of her. This passage has inspired several great works of art that try to depict the visitation of the angel with Mary. The Roman Catholic Church even celebrates a Feast Day on March 25, a full nine months before Christmas, as the day when this occurred. The passage is key to us because it tells us several things: God visits us where we are. God knows our condition and abilities and thus the calls that have come upon our lives. God can take the things we have already labeled as impossible and make them doable. And sometimes God even points to others in whom we thought whatever we had labeled as impossible was, in our opinion, No Way in Heaven, and we see that they, too, are doing what we thought they nor we could do.
Such is the Advent Journey. God visiting and inviting us to service. And Advent should be our saying, Yes, Lord, with Your help in whatever You might ask, I will do.
PRAYER: Loving God, take that in my life that I had already labeled as Never and change to Now. That which I had labeled as Impossible and make doable, so that I might serve and glorify You. I pray this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Luke 1: 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said , Hail , thou that art highly favoured , the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be . 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold , thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be , seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold , thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible . 38 And Mary said , Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (KJV)
This passage is known as The Annunciation or the announcing to Mary of that which God expected of her. This passage has inspired several great works of art that try to depict the visitation of the angel with Mary. The Roman Catholic Church even celebrates a Feast Day on March 25, a full nine months before Christmas, as the day when this occurred. The passage is key to us because it tells us several things: God visits us where we are. God knows our condition and abilities and thus the calls that have come upon our lives. God can take the things we have already labeled as impossible and make them doable. And sometimes God even points to others in whom we thought whatever we had labeled as impossible was, in our opinion, No Way in Heaven, and we see that they, too, are doing what we thought they nor we could do.
Such is the Advent Journey. God visiting and inviting us to service. And Advent should be our saying, Yes, Lord, with Your help in whatever You might ask, I will do.
PRAYER: Loving God, take that in my life that I had already labeled as Never and change to Now. That which I had labeled as Impossible and make doable, so that I might serve and glorify You. I pray this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus my Lord, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 08, 2011
The Presence of God
Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader today in all that they may face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 1: My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold , from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed . 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away . 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (KJV)
This is one of the recommended texts for the Psalter or Psalm reading. In Luke? you might ask. Yes, this is Mary, the mother of Jesus reflecting on her special position as the one chosen to carry the Christ child. She begins where it matters most in her spirit; she says that because of God's presence in her life she is able to give glory to God. She is also very happy because of God and God's power in her life. God came to her and chose her from among all the women of the earth at that time. For that selection, Mary knows that people will call her blessed. This visitation is special and great and serves to make the name of God even more holy. The rest of this psalm is a song of God's greatness in history, in the present, and in the time to come.
Today's Upper Room reading mentioned Advent as a time of new beginnings. And it is. On that night in which Mary was visited and given the news of her role in God's plan, her life would never be the same because of this new beginning given to her. The specialness of God in her life far outweighed any consequences or thoughts of consequences that tomorrow might hold for her or for her baby. If God was with her, that's all she needed to face the rest of today and all the tomorrows that might come.
Advent should be like that for us as well. The awesomeness of God in the right now far exceeds the what-could-bes of tomorrow.
PRAYER: Loving God of power and might, grace and light; You have visited me in a special way and do everytime I pray and listen for You after I pray. Make me know and live a way that says to me and to others that with You present and active in my life, that in itself far exceeds what I fear may come. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Luke 1: My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold , from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed . 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away . 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (KJV)
This is one of the recommended texts for the Psalter or Psalm reading. In Luke? you might ask. Yes, this is Mary, the mother of Jesus reflecting on her special position as the one chosen to carry the Christ child. She begins where it matters most in her spirit; she says that because of God's presence in her life she is able to give glory to God. She is also very happy because of God and God's power in her life. God came to her and chose her from among all the women of the earth at that time. For that selection, Mary knows that people will call her blessed. This visitation is special and great and serves to make the name of God even more holy. The rest of this psalm is a song of God's greatness in history, in the present, and in the time to come.
Today's Upper Room reading mentioned Advent as a time of new beginnings. And it is. On that night in which Mary was visited and given the news of her role in God's plan, her life would never be the same because of this new beginning given to her. The specialness of God in her life far outweighed any consequences or thoughts of consequences that tomorrow might hold for her or for her baby. If God was with her, that's all she needed to face the rest of today and all the tomorrows that might come.
Advent should be like that for us as well. The awesomeness of God in the right now far exceeds the what-could-bes of tomorrow.
PRAYER: Loving God of power and might, grace and light; You have visited me in a special way and do everytime I pray and listen for You after I pray. Make me know and live a way that says to me and to others that with You present and active in my life, that in itself far exceeds what I fear may come. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
You Packed Yet?
Great indeed, is Thy faithfulness, O God. May it be so for this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 61: 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified . 4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations , and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed . 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (KJV-400th)
It seems like every other week Nellie and I pack for a trip. We ask each other or ourselves, How many days? What's the occasion? ("Are we going to church?") What will the weather be like? And once we're comfortable with our answers, we pack. Advent is a time of packing and unpacking as well. We should pack that which will bless God and our journey with God, and unpack that which weighs us down and serves us no purpose. The prophet wrote of that which God had shared with him; the needed things that should be proclaimed among God's people: God's Spirit was active and among them; Glad tidings (Good News) was being shared; Brokenhearts would be mended; Captives would be set free; prison doors would fling open and the declaration that this was the acceptable year of the Lord. This message would be later read in worship, where a young carpenter would declare that this passage was about Himself. That which the prophet prepared became that necessary part of the Messiah's journey among us.
Christ's first visit should still be an occasion of great celebration, much like a wedding where every person is truly happy and hope for a new family is felt among all those present. Have we unpacked our thoughts and lives to feel that about Jesus having come 2,000 years ago? If not, it's not too late to do that now.
PRAYER: Loving God, for Jesus' first visit I am truly happy and blessed. May I live my life in a joyous way that says to others that I am awaiting with hope His next arrival. May my journey be with You be filled with joy and hope. I pray this in Christ's name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 61: 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified . 4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations , and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed . 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (KJV-400th)
It seems like every other week Nellie and I pack for a trip. We ask each other or ourselves, How many days? What's the occasion? ("Are we going to church?") What will the weather be like? And once we're comfortable with our answers, we pack. Advent is a time of packing and unpacking as well. We should pack that which will bless God and our journey with God, and unpack that which weighs us down and serves us no purpose. The prophet wrote of that which God had shared with him; the needed things that should be proclaimed among God's people: God's Spirit was active and among them; Glad tidings (Good News) was being shared; Brokenhearts would be mended; Captives would be set free; prison doors would fling open and the declaration that this was the acceptable year of the Lord. This message would be later read in worship, where a young carpenter would declare that this passage was about Himself. That which the prophet prepared became that necessary part of the Messiah's journey among us.
Christ's first visit should still be an occasion of great celebration, much like a wedding where every person is truly happy and hope for a new family is felt among all those present. Have we unpacked our thoughts and lives to feel that about Jesus having come 2,000 years ago? If not, it's not too late to do that now.
PRAYER: Loving God, for Jesus' first visit I am truly happy and blessed. May I live my life in a joyous way that says to others that I am awaiting with hope His next arrival. May my journey be with You be filled with joy and hope. I pray this in Christ's name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Prescription and Plan for Life
Blessed Savior, grant Your faithfulness in the life of this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (King James Version, 400 years young this year!)
Have you ever suffered from physical pain and sought help from all kinds of folks rather than the doctor? One tells you to do this and another to do that. One says buy this and the other says buy that, and off we go. When we finally can stand the pain no longer and we go to the doctor, we get a prescription and perhaps a plan to avoid the pain in the future. Would you follow it? Most of us would say, Of course! Today's passage is a prescription and a plan for our Advent journey. Whatever may be ailing you spiritually stands no chance against one who is rejoicing. Just yesterday I reread the comment attributed to Martin Luther, "Laugh at the devil and he will flee from you." That makes sense. The devil does not want someone who is rejoicing, especially over something God may have done in their lives. The second part, Pray without ceasing. Occupy your mind with prayer and there is no room for anything that may detract you from God. Third, In everything give thanks! A grateful heart is a heart filled with grace, and a grace-filled heart is one filled with love, so much so it pours out unto others. Fourth, Quench not the Spirit. Receive and be guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, do not resist the Holy Spirit. Fifth, speak God's word in all circumstances and situations. Sixth, reason out if what you are doing is good or not. Do no harm, Wesley said; Christ said for us to do good. Seventh, live a life that shows the positive presence of God in your heart.
What will be the result? A sanctified life; that is, a life made holy in this journey of life. And that may be just what your neighbor has been waiting to see and experience so that their life may be made right and ready for God.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I seek to live the life You intended, let me bless You and be a blessing to Yours. 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: 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (King James Version, 400 years young this year!)
Have you ever suffered from physical pain and sought help from all kinds of folks rather than the doctor? One tells you to do this and another to do that. One says buy this and the other says buy that, and off we go. When we finally can stand the pain no longer and we go to the doctor, we get a prescription and perhaps a plan to avoid the pain in the future. Would you follow it? Most of us would say, Of course! Today's passage is a prescription and a plan for our Advent journey. Whatever may be ailing you spiritually stands no chance against one who is rejoicing. Just yesterday I reread the comment attributed to Martin Luther, "Laugh at the devil and he will flee from you." That makes sense. The devil does not want someone who is rejoicing, especially over something God may have done in their lives. The second part, Pray without ceasing. Occupy your mind with prayer and there is no room for anything that may detract you from God. Third, In everything give thanks! A grateful heart is a heart filled with grace, and a grace-filled heart is one filled with love, so much so it pours out unto others. Fourth, Quench not the Spirit. Receive and be guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, do not resist the Holy Spirit. Fifth, speak God's word in all circumstances and situations. Sixth, reason out if what you are doing is good or not. Do no harm, Wesley said; Christ said for us to do good. Seventh, live a life that shows the positive presence of God in your heart.
What will be the result? A sanctified life; that is, a life made holy in this journey of life. And that may be just what your neighbor has been waiting to see and experience so that their life may be made right and ready for God.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I seek to live the life You intended, let me bless You and be a blessing to Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 05, 2011
Making the Way Ready for Christ
Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe . 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed , and denied not; but confessed , I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith , I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered , No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou ? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said , I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying , I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is , who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose . 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing . (King James Version - In honor of its 400th Anniversary).
Advent is a time of preparation and reflection. It is a time of looking forward, backward, upward and inward as well. As we prepare for Christ's coming again, we ask if we are ready. As we remember Christ's first visit, we ask if we responded as Christ expected. As we reflect in Scriptre about Advent we ask, What more can I do? And as we reflect in prayer we ask, Am I prepared? John's short visit on the earth was to give witness to the coming of Jesus. He knew who and Whose he was. He knew he was not the Messiah, but he knew Him. He knew he was to fulfill the ancient prophecies as found in Isaiah and so he quoted the prophet and said yet again, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord." Get ready, in other words, and be made worthy, thus his offering of baptism.
John could not be trapped by those sent from the religious ones. He spoke from his heart and spirit and said he was only using water in preparation of one who would bring something the world needed, namely reconcilation with God.
As you live your life today ask yourself, Am I ready for Christ Jesus? Have I responded as Christ expected? Have I done all that Christ asked of me? Am I truly as prepared as I can be through Christ so that others can be reconciled with God?
PRAYER: Loving God, during this Advent Journey make me ready, make me faithful, make me prepare well, and help me to live in a way that gives witness to You; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe . 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed , and denied not; but confessed , I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith , I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered , No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou ? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said , I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying , I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is , who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose . 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing . (King James Version - In honor of its 400th Anniversary).
Advent is a time of preparation and reflection. It is a time of looking forward, backward, upward and inward as well. As we prepare for Christ's coming again, we ask if we are ready. As we remember Christ's first visit, we ask if we responded as Christ expected. As we reflect in Scriptre about Advent we ask, What more can I do? And as we reflect in prayer we ask, Am I prepared? John's short visit on the earth was to give witness to the coming of Jesus. He knew who and Whose he was. He knew he was not the Messiah, but he knew Him. He knew he was to fulfill the ancient prophecies as found in Isaiah and so he quoted the prophet and said yet again, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord." Get ready, in other words, and be made worthy, thus his offering of baptism.
John could not be trapped by those sent from the religious ones. He spoke from his heart and spirit and said he was only using water in preparation of one who would bring something the world needed, namely reconcilation with God.
As you live your life today ask yourself, Am I ready for Christ Jesus? Have I responded as Christ expected? Have I done all that Christ asked of me? Am I truly as prepared as I can be through Christ so that others can be reconciled with God?
PRAYER: Loving God, during this Advent Journey make me ready, make me faithful, make me prepare well, and help me to live in a way that gives witness to You; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 01, 2011
The Kiss of God
Living God, fall afresh on the life and needs of this dear reader through the presence of Your Spirit; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 85: LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak : for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. (King James Version)
The earth sometimes reflects the drama of what happens when something positive is missing from it. In our case here in Texas, the drought has left very visible signs of the absence of water. Last evening, it was one of the major stories on a major network newscast. The images were startling as were the predictions of how long it would last. Broken chunks of dirt, dried and thirsty for water, the scorched brown earth, even a Christmas tree farm that did not open for business because of the lack of water. Can you imagine what our spirits must look like when we've chosen to apart ourselves from God? Just like people who complain (or used to!) when rain would come and "ruin" a picnic or outdoors event, some people complain about the presence of God in having to attend worship or to make decisions they know are right and correct, but lament not being able to "enjoy themselves." The presence of rain is like a wonderful kiss from God on God's earth. Imagine as the Psalmist did, to say that "mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other;" (v. 10) is this not the connection between our spirits and God?
God still knows how to give what is good and needed for not the earth but for us. Do we still know to seek God in a way that is pleasing and uplifting? Do we seek and receive and live righteousness when we have chosen to be apart from it?
PRAYER: Loving God, quench the parchness of my soul. Kiss my spirit with life-giving refreshment. May my soul and mind be in tune with You, so that I may be a part of those who truly are preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah again. In Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 85: LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak : for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. (King James Version)
The earth sometimes reflects the drama of what happens when something positive is missing from it. In our case here in Texas, the drought has left very visible signs of the absence of water. Last evening, it was one of the major stories on a major network newscast. The images were startling as were the predictions of how long it would last. Broken chunks of dirt, dried and thirsty for water, the scorched brown earth, even a Christmas tree farm that did not open for business because of the lack of water. Can you imagine what our spirits must look like when we've chosen to apart ourselves from God? Just like people who complain (or used to!) when rain would come and "ruin" a picnic or outdoors event, some people complain about the presence of God in having to attend worship or to make decisions they know are right and correct, but lament not being able to "enjoy themselves." The presence of rain is like a wonderful kiss from God on God's earth. Imagine as the Psalmist did, to say that "mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other;" (v. 10) is this not the connection between our spirits and God?
God still knows how to give what is good and needed for not the earth but for us. Do we still know to seek God in a way that is pleasing and uplifting? Do we seek and receive and live righteousness when we have chosen to be apart from it?
PRAYER: Loving God, quench the parchness of my soul. Kiss my spirit with life-giving refreshment. May my soul and mind be in tune with You, so that I may be a part of those who truly are preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah again. In Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
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