Seek God Always!

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O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he has uttered, O offspring of his servant Abraham,children of Jacob, his chosen ones.Then Israel came to Egypt;Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham. And the Lord made his people very fruitful, and made them stronger than their foes, whose hearts he then turned to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants. He sent his servant Moses,and Aaron whom he had chosen. that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws.Praise the Lord! (Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c)

There are some things in my life that I seek just for my own pleasures; tv shows, certain foods, some magazines, books, and quite honestly, it could be a long list.  For example, I shared with our Bible study class yesterday that for about seven years (seven seasons) I have been following Game of Thrones.  I have a daughter that bought and read all the books (yes, apparently, there are books behind the show!), and even in those years I do not know the names of any of the characters, the kingdoms, etc.  One name I know, Stark.  That's it.  And this season came to an end Sunday night and we'll have to wait until 2019 for us to know what happened with the blue dragon now serving the Army of the Dead.  But the One I do seek is the Lord.  This psalm blesses my life with what it shares that we should do in our quest to know God better; to give thanks to Him, to call on His name, to make His deeds know among all people.  God likes for me to sing praises to Him, and to tell of His wonderful works.  I certainly "glory in His holy name."  And I am a grateful sort that not easily forgets a kind deed done for me, especially the great deeds God has done for me.

Our class spoke of how parents have not done their job in telling their children about God.  Some have, some, thank God, have not.  But think on how important it is to make God real in our lives so that those who watch us and learn from us can see that indeed God is real.  This summer we have enjoyed having our two oldest grandchildren stay with us for extended times, and we enjoyed teaching them how to pray.  We pray that they will know that God is real in our lives and that we seek God all the time.

It's not too late to start!

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to seek You in ways that teach and bless others.  In Jesus Christ's holy name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Seek God right now!

Eradio Valverde

Please continue prayers for those being affected by this terrible storm; for those still awaiting help and electricity and medical attention.  One last prayer: For me.  Men of a certain age get asked to undergo a procedure and it's time for mine.  Today is prep day and tomorrow is the procedure.  I pray for healthy results.  Please do the same.  And thank you for taking time to read and for those of you who forward this devotional, thank you, and a special thanks for praying for me.  May the Lord bless you and keep you!

God's Holy Name

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Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, ‘I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.’ When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ He said further, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.’ But Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you”, and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ He said further, ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.” ’ God also said to Moses, ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you”:This is my name for ever, and this my title for all generations. (Exodus 3:1-15)

God is holy. God is pure. In fact, the entire realm of God is sacred. This is revealed to Moses on that day he is busy watching the flock of his father-in-law. As he nears Horeb, known also as the mountain of God, he sees a peculiar sight, a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire. He nears it to check it out and hears God's voice calling him by name. That gets his attention as it would ours. Whenever someone we don't know calls us by name, it makes us stop to listen. Then God presents His holiness by asking Moses to removed his sandals as the ground he was standing on was holy. Then God reveals the history that Moses would know: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." By now God has Moses's full attention and has him full of fear. But God then reveals the purpose of His visit with Moses, and it was to call him into service as the one who would deliver God's people from the Egyptians and would lead them into a Promised Land. Moses questions God's ability to choose the right person for this work. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God assures Moses of His ability to be with Moses and to help him in his task. Moses asks for more information especially God's name. In the same way God got Moses by knowing Moses' name, Moses wants to know God's name. And God reveals His Holy Name: I Am Who I Am.

Two things we should know from this passage. We serve and believe in an involved God. And we serve and believe in a God who equips us for the task at hand. Bonus thing about God: God never leaves us. No matters the task or situation, if God has called us, He will equip us and deliver us victorious over the task. Nothing or no one should hold us back.

PRAYER: Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader as this is being read. Remind us of what You have called us to, and equip us for doing that and greater things for You. Holy is Your Name, and we should share it with others. We pray in Christ Jesus' holy name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Overcome Evil with Good (Marks of a Christian)

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Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

If you had to live your life by a to-do list, here it is!  If you needed a passage to paste on your morning mirror, this would be it.  We are called to live unlike others.  Our lives, because they've been saved and shaped by Christ require us to live on a higher plane than what the world expects.  The list would read as follows: 1) Love like never before.  2) Hate what is evil and bad for your life.  3) Never let go of what is good for you and your life.  4) Love others with mutual affection. 5) Show honor to one another. 6) Don't lag behind.  7) Be on fire in your spirit.  8) Serve the Lord! 9) Rejoice in hope. 10) Be patient in suffering. 11) Always be in prayer. 12) Give generously to needs of other believers. 13) Show hospitality to others. 14) Bless those who seek to curse you. 15) Be happy with those who are happy. 16) Cry with those who cry. 17) Try to live in harmony with others. 18) Don't think of yourself better than others.  19) Hang out with those whom others avoid.  20) Don't act wiser than others or than what you really are.  21) Don't pay back evil with evil. 22) Reflect on things that honor the Lord and live them.  23) Live at peace with one another.  24)  Never seek revenge,  for God has that covered for you.  25) Feed your enemies.  26)  Share water with the thirsty even if they hate you.  27) Don't let evil get the best of you!  28)  Overcome evil with good.

You might consider printing out this devotional, and cutting out the list above and placing it somewhere where you see it as your start and end your day.  Paul lived it, though he knew it was difficult.  But he blessed so many and brought change to his world; we can do the same.

PRAYER:  Loving God, let me live a life shaped and guided by You.  Let me be a model of love and peace, showing goodness and love even to those who seek to bring me down.  This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Overcome your previous life with the life Christ offers you!

Eradio Valverde

Prayers continue to be needed for Houston and eastward to Louisiana. Still so many who need protection and blessings.  Pray that the rain might stop in those areas that are already flooded beyond "biblical proportions" as one news source called them.

Don't Run from Suffering; Embrace It!

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From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ (Matthew 16:21-28)

"From hero to zero in just five words" say our friends the sheep in the Christian strip Agnusday.org (above).  You will remember that last week's gospel lesson had Jesus calling Peter the "rock" on whom He would build His church.  Today's lesson shows Peter being called Satan for his remarks against Jesus' suffering and death.  I wish I could say that wasn't my story as well, but it isn't.  One day I'm a "hero" in the faith and the next I may be as far from Jesus as I never want to be.  The reality of Jesus' future troubled Peter, who thought he could defend Jesus and prevent any harm from coming to Him; but Jesus tells him to set his mind on the divine.  The rest of the teaching is Jesus telling all who would want to serve Jesus to realize the difficulties and challenges that may come; the Message Version says, in today's title; "Don't run from suffering, embrace it.  Follow me and I will show you how."  If we count the cost, it is better to lose our lives for the sake of God, than to save them for the sake of the world; we lose everything.  Our decisions have life and death implications when it comes to serving the Lord.

We have for this past weekend seen the suddenness with which can come loss.  If you've seen the images of the coastal cities impacted by Hurricane Harvey you have seen that many have lost a lot, if not all.  Some have lost their lives.  Our prayers continue to be with all who are still being impacted, especially those in Houston and surrounding areas.  As I write, rain continues nonstop on our roof and we are under flash flood warnings, but we trust the Lord.  We embrace this chapter of our lives and we trust the Lord more.

PRAYER:  Loving God, bless those we have mentioned who have lost a lot, if not everything in this storm.  Comfort those who may have lost loved ones in the aftermath of the storm; be with those who rescue those who are in deep waters.  We pray for Your will to be done, but bring blessings and protection to all.  We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.  Be safe and help those around you to stay safe.

Eradio Valverde

Everything in Me Says, "Thank You!"

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Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say "Thank you." They'll sing of what you've done: "How great the glory of God!" And here's why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us. When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal - don't quit on me now. (Psalm 138)

Does anything in you say "Thank you!" in the way you live out your life?  I've shared with you before about a Japanese student in our seminary that may have been taught to respond with a smile and "thank you" when he did not understand a question or statement from some one.  It made a dear friend of mine and myself smile when we realized that.  And whoever taught him that was smart.  Who can argue with a thank you and a smile?

The psalmist knew gratitude towards God was essential for his life.  As he looked around at what he had, what he had escaped, and how he knew his steps were being guided by God, all he knew to say was "Thank You!"  And I love how he writes, in this version, "Everything in me says, "Thank You!"  He would sing his thanks to God, and angels would listen.  He would kneel in worship as he faced the direction of the temple and say it in prayer, "Thank You!"  He was thankful for God's love, for God's faithfulness, for the holiness of God's name and the specialness of God's holy Word.  David knew God to be a God involved with those who invite Him.  He knew God to answer prayer according to His will as he prayed.  God strengthened David's life, and as he shared with other leaders about God, he saw them say "thank You" as well.  David knew that God knows and sees all.  God sees us in trouble and if asked, steps in and helps.

I think we have our marching orders for today.  Live a life that says "Thank You!" to the Most High.

PRAYER:  Loving God, again we thank You for all things.  We pray again that you would be with us and whatever it is we are facing.  We especially pray your protection and blessing on those in the path of the oncoming storm.  May Your hand guide all to safety and keep us from all harm.  Above all, as told to evacuate, we pray all would listen and seek safer places in which to face this storm.  Be glorified in our lives and in the lives of those in need.  We pray in faith in the strong name of Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Say "Thank You!" several times today; to those who need it, but especially to God.

Eradio Valverde

God's Blessings Never End for God's People

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Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn,and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him,but I blessed him and made him many. For the Lord will comfort Zion he will comfort all her waste places,and will make her wilderness like Eden,her desert like the garden of the Lord;joy and gladness will be found in her,  thanksgiving and the voice of song. Listen to me, my people,and give heed to me, my nation;for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples.  I will bring near my deliverance swiftly my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath;for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be for ever, and my deliverance will never be ended. (Isaiah 51:1-6)

I love the image of our being hewn from the Rock, and I capitalize it for it signifies our being hewn from God; and we're all from the same quarry.  And before that it reads that this is for those who pursue righteousness.  What a wonderful lineage we have, for we share a great family tree.  That in and of itself speaks to those who would hate others for evident differences in our race; there can be no hate in those who recognize we all come from the same place, and if we do pursue righteousness, we're headed to the same place.  This was the prophet's message from God to the people of God, that God's blessings had not stopped.  God's comfort was coming, even to the most desolate places, and speaking of desolate places, those would be made into gardens, and joy and gladness would be found in all places.  Songs of thanksgiving and praise would come from those being blessed.  Again, for those who seek God and God's righteousness.  God's salvation, chief among all blessings, will be eternal.

Here's the key:  God is always good.  We should at least seek to be good.  God provides for us, we should receive and share that which God shares with us. Our message should be one of gladness in the Lord for all people, telling especially those who do not hear or have yet to receive.

PRAYER:  Loving God, our thoughts turn to You during this day filled with some anxiety and fear about the weather.  As people brace for the rain and wind of this tropical storm, bless and protect all people, especially our loved ones who may be in harm's way.  But, above all, let us share comfort, joy, and peace that comes from knowing and trusting God, for indeed, Your blessings never end for those who pursue righteousness.  This we pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.  Share the Good News while staying dry and away from danger.

Eradio Valverde

Living a New Life in Jesus Christ

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I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. (Romans 12:1-8)

The world offers so many things; Christ offers more.  The world expects this and that; Jesus expects holiness and purity.  Not a holier than thou attitude, but a I'm here to serve God one, that blesses others while blessing you.  Paul, as he writes this, is literally wanting believers to live as sacrificial lambs of God.  The lambs chosen for this were without blemish, and stood out among all the rest.  The blemishes offered by the world stain us to the point of being useless for God, still Christ calls us to be renewed, "holy and acceptable to God, living a life that is worship.  It is so easy to give in and follow the world, but Jesus calls us beyond; our minds can be transformed and renewed from thinking and living earthly ways, to a life that is "good, acceptable, and perfect."  We should serve God and God's people with humility, guided by Him to places that bring good.  Whatever it is we are called to do, we are part of God's team, each job done by others may be different from ours, but still is worthwhile and good.  Use whatever gifts God has given you in ministry, and do it exceedingly well.

Take a moment today to reflect on the good you have been called to do for Jesus.  If you're not pleased or satisfied that you are doing it well, make that your prayer priority for today.  Jesus wants you and needs you and you can do it well.

PRAYER:  Loving God, for whatever You have called me to do, let me do it well.  Let me be a blessing to You and Yours.  If You should find me lacking in any way, restore me right now to Thy service.  This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have  a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

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Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-20)

Most people have an idea of Who Jesus is.  Usually, it's an "out there" sort of answer, much like the one John Wesley gave before he came to know Jesus personally; "I know Him to be the Savior of the world."  The one who asked him the question then asked, "Don't you know Him as your savior?"  And Wesley wrote that he did not.  The disciples are first asked by Jesus in the above passage, what people were saying about Him.  They shared what they had heard, that some thought him to be John the Baptist, other Elijah, and some, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.  Then the really important question to them, and us:  "But who do you say that I am?"  It was Simon Peter who answered immediately, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."  Boom.  He was correct.  And notice what Jesus says in response to this good answer.  "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in Heaven."  Then the kicker:  "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."  Petros becomes the rock, the foundation of Christ's church.  It was Peter's faith and walk with God that helped him see Who Jesus truly was, and was rewarded by Jesus for this faith.  Of course, like you and me, this was on this day, and later, he was not in such high standing with Jesus because of things Peter would say.  Yet, he remained in favor, never rejected  by Jesus, just like us.

We have a profound responsibility to share with others the faith we have in Jesus.  What we say, how we say it; what we do, and how we do it - all show Who Jesus is in our lives.  Ours is a living witness to the Son of the Most High, and any little thing that diminishes from that, may harm the faith of someone else.  Why not be intentional today in showing Jesus as your Lord and Savior in a way that compels others to want to know more.

PRAYER:  Loving Father, thank You for Jesus.  Thank You for letting Jesus be the Lord and Savior of my life.  May I have the courage and boldness to show Him as my Lord and Savior.  May I live my life in a way that glorifies You and blesses others.  This I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Show Jesus off today!

Eradio Valverde

Prayers for Rev. Sid Spiller, whose wife died this weekend.  May God's comfort be with her.  And continued prayers for Rev. Michael Dobbs and his health.

God's Face Shines Upon Us!

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May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,that your way may be known upon earth,your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us. May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. (Psalm 67)

Don't you just love people with great big smiles?  Something in them is happy and content and as they see people their mouths just form the perfect smile and you can almost feel the warmth of that person.  Imagine God's smile.  David knew it and wrote about it a lot.  Other Old Testament writers did as well.  We closed our MYF meetings back in the day with the MYF Blessing that included that phrase from the Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord make His face shine upon you,"  It was asking for our actions to bless God to the point of God smiling upon us.  And this psalm asks the same of God, but it also places on us our responsibility to praise God and to make God's way known among all the nations.

Stop and think about ways that you have been personally blessed.  Now think about how those ways make others know about God and God's role and place in your life.

PRAYER:  Loving God, I celebrate You and Your love.  Let me today cause You to smile upon me by doing that which pleases You and blesses others.  In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

God's Covenant Leaves No One Out

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Thus says the Lord:Maintain justice, and do what is right,for soon my salvation will come,and my deliverance be revealed. And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants,all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,and hold fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain,and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel,I will gather others to them besides those already gathered. (Isaiah 56:1, 6-8)

Monday's text ends with a non-Jewish woman (Foreigner) asking Jesus for her daughter's healing. Remember Jesus' response? "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The woman persisted and even countered Jesus' assertion that "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs," with "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." The prophet Isaiah had heard from God that even foreigners who join themselves to Him, to minister to Him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be His servants, who keep the sabbath without profaning it, and holding fast to the covenant, will be included now and forever. In other words, God's covenant really does not leave anyone out. Those who desire God, and follow God, will see God, no matter their race or nationality.

We even asked and answered the question, Does God ever give up on us? The answer is still no. God loves us, desires a relationship with us, and even welcomes us back when we have strayed far from where we should be. This is salvation, and it is for everyone.

PRAYER: Loving God, let me never feel apart from You. Let me know always that I belong to You and You belong to me. Let me live my life in that way that shows others that they too, can join in that relationship. Open opportunities for me to witness to Your love. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Welcome others, even "outsiders" into your world!

Eradio Valverde

Does God Ever Give Up on Us?

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I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Nellie and I once had a marvelous doctor who was known for firing his patients.  He was a kind, loving man who simply expected his patients to do what he told them.  If you did not, you were fired.  He was especially very rough with smokers.  He thought that smoking was very harmful to your health and if you were to continue as his patient, you had to quit smoking.  He would help you with medical options to quit that habit, but you had to follow them and ultimately quit.  Thank God, we were never fired by this doctor.

God will never fire you, nor give up on you.  We sometimes will do or say something that hurts us as we reflect on it to the point where we wonder, "Will God ever forgive me for having said/done this?"  And the answer is, of course, yes, God will forgive us.  Paul as he writes today's passage answers the question many of his day asked about the Jews and their relationship (or lack thereof) with God.  We can apply the questions, and we do, about us or our loved ones and their actions; would God ever grow tired of us and just give up on us?  No.

Ours is a God of love and mercy.  Ours is a God of patience.  We are the one who are hardest on ourselves than God will ever will be; but we need to have our hearts in the right place, filled with righteousness and the desire to please God, and we will never be out of God's favor.

PRAYER:  Loving God, thank You for your love and never failing mercy.  Help us never to take advantage of that; help us instead live lives that bless You and those who need blessing.  Help us share the message that You never give up on us, nor do You ever fire us.  This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Bless someone with the message that God never gives up on us!

Eradio Valverde

What's in Your Heart?

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Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, ‘Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.’ Then the disciples approached and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees took offence when they heard what you said?’ He answered, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘Explain this parable to us.’Then he said, ‘Are you also still without understanding?Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.’ Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:10-28)

Did you ever stop to think that what you see in the mirror may be a reflection of what is in your heart?  Certainly, what comes out of our mouths gives away who we are and what we are thinking.  The ever present critics and would-be captors of Jesus wanted to trap Him in anything He might say or do.  In this instance, Jesus and His disciples were seen as not having washed their hands before eating.  This troubled Jesus, for after His encounter with His enemies He still discussed this with the disciples.  Jesus says it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles someone, it is what comes out.  And it's not necessarily what we call curse words, but words that harm and maim and kill.  This week's news from this nation have shown that to be true.  Instead of sharing words of love, peace, and harmony among the races, hate groups like the KKK and the alt.right, and Nazis, came together in a rally.  One of the photos coming out of that meeting was a baby dressed as a Klansman, alone, touching the riot shield of a policeman.  You question, what is in the heart of this baby, and who put it there?  The same could be asked of the adults in that place, and certainly of the 20 year-old who mowed down a crowd killing a young woman.  If you have evil in your heart, evil will come out of your mouth and your actions will reflect the shortcomings you have before God and God's creatures.  It's not about how clean your hands are.  

The actions shifts as a Canaanite woman comes towards Jesus shouting, asking Jesus for mercy for her daughter, who was tormented by a demon.  At first, Jesus does not answer her and keeps walking.  It was the disciples who were bothered by her actions and they asked Jesus to send her away.  Jesus states that His plan was for the "lost sheep of the house of Israel."  The exchange between Jesus and her convinced Jesus of this woman's faith and her request was granted.  What was in her heart was the love and desire for wholeness in her daughter, and she had faith that Jesus was the One who could heal this daughter.  Out of the desire for goodness, goodness was granted to her.

What's in your heart?

PRAYER:  Loving God, examine me and remove from me all that should not be there.  Help me to be a person of faith, who blesses You and Yours.  I long to be one whose heart is filled with pure love for all; an unconditional love like the one You have for me.  Grant it so that I may tell others about You and Your love.  This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.  Love like Jesus loves you today!

Eradio Valverde

Revive Us Again!

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Lord, you were favourable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin.You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation,and put away your indignation towards us. Will you be angry with us for ever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps. (Psalm 85)

There's no telling how many plants I have killed in my lifetime.  I have planted and replanted, and tried to have this or that grow here and there, and what I usually end up having are little pots filled with dust.  The only success was asking my grandson Liam to help me plant a gardenia bush that flourished right away and bloomed some delicious-smelling flowers.  In our move from Corpus here, I donated a Valley lemon tree and a Valencia orange tree to the district office.  But we did discover some plants we had written off as dead, were revived and are now doing well here.

The psalmist knew the land and how planting and growing worked; but more importantly, he knew the need for our souls to be restored and revived in the Lord.  There is nothing sadder than to see a human whose soul is like the pot full of dust. Lack of prayer, worship, scripture reading, conversation about God all lead to the slow death of one's soul. A pot of dust does not have reason to be joyful.  It has long lost the sweet touch of love on it, and no love can come from it for others.  Salvation is the full restoration of that pot from dust to fertile soil to blooming plant; and it can and should happen in our souls.  Seek a relationship with God and all these things will be added unto you.

PRAYER:  Loving God, may the sweet rain of salvation be mine today.  I confess my sins and admit my need for You, so come living Lord into my life and reign there as Lord and Savior.  May the stale dust of inactivity and indifference towards You and Your love be blown away by Your Holy Spirit so that I may rejoice in new life.  This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Seek the Lord while He may be found; then share Him with someone today!

Eradio Valverde

At the Corner of Despair and Disappointment

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At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’ He said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’Then the Lord said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram.Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place.Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.’ (1 Kings 19:9-18)

We've all been there at one time or another, and pastors especially; right at the corner of Despair and Disappointment.  It seems all we have tried and all we have done has been for nought.  And that's where the prophet Elijah found himself that day.  He had seen a tremendous victory take place over the followers of Baal.  Four hundred (400) prophets of that god and followers gathered to see a contest between the Living God (our God) and the false god Baal.  God won!  But, the fallout from that victory was that the king who believed in Baal and more especially the queen (that mean old Jezebel) wanted Elijah dead.  Elijah went to hide.  And he first sought refuge under a broom tree, then later in this cave.  God came to him and asked what he was doing, and Elijah poured out his heart to God.  Then God instructs him to go and stand on this mountain before God and to await His passing by.  First, there was a great wind that splits the mountains and broke rocks into pieces.  But God was not in the wind.  Then an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake.  Then a fire and again, God was not the fire.  And after a fire, sheer silence.  Then God asks Elijah again, "What are you doing here?"  These terrible disasters that can come from nature happen and God is not in them.  We may be near them or see what they can do to others, but we are not necessarily harmed by them.  Then it may be very quiet and we wonder, where is God?  And God speaks, and God is with us.  

Elijah then heard his new orders, which he followed.  He had the message; God was with him the entire time.  Mountains had split and broken up; earthquakes could come and destroy all kinds of things; fire could come and destroy everything, and in the sheer silence that may follow these disasters, God speaks, "I am here."  Dear friend, whatever you may be facing today may seem as big and as powerful as any of these natural disasters, but listen closely:  God is with you.  You are not now or ever alone.  Then, move forward and continue to do what God has asked of you in your life.  Greater things happen after what we believe to be setbacks or failures.  Never give  up.

PRAYER:  Loving God, as mountains fall and break, and as earthquakes come to shake the ground on which I stand, and as fires sweep through my life, You are with me.  I have to listen and be still and I will hear You.  Speak to me at Your will and share with me that which I am to do.  I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Say goodbye to the mountains stopping your forward motion; and enjoy the shaking of the ground.  Spit on the fire.  God is with you.  Then move on!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Updates:  Bethel Lester underwent surgery yesterday morning and is recovering in the hospital.  Larry Ehrig had a rough night two nights ago, and Bill Reaves continues to recover in the Seguin hospital.  Prayers please for their recovery.

Salvation is For All

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Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that ‘the person who does these things will live by them.’ But the righteousness that comes from faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or “Who will descend into the abyss?” ’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?‘The word is near you,on your lips and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ (Romans 10:5-15)

The hardest question ever posed to me was in my first Theology courses in seminary. The professor said, "We know we are saved from our sin; but what are we saved to?" Uh. The class pondered long and hard and the quizzed looks on the faces of my classmates reassured me that I was in the right place in spite of the difficulty I was having in trying to answer it. He replied, "We are saved to a new life, into abundant life!" Yes! And he was sharing that with the right people. We as believers should know all about salvation. God loves us so much (see John 3:16) and read there about salvation. God loves us so much He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to take us out of our sins and destructive ways, and into a life of fullness. (Read John 10:10, here it is: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly). And today's passage is from Paul sharing with us the responsibility we have to tell others about all God has done for us. "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord (and you can do this on a daily basis or as needed in your spiritual walk), and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." And then he asks the questions, "How are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one in whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim Him? And how are they to proclaim Him unless they are sent?" It is you and me that have that task: 1) Help others with their faith to believe in Jesus, 2) Proclaim/share Jesus with others. 3) Send them to tell others as well. This last Sunday was my first to preach at First United Methodist Church of Gonzales, where I am working part-time. As I was giving the benediction at both services, the words came to my mouth, "Receive authority to be the church as we are sent to do God's work among those who are in need." We have the authority, we have the mandate, and we have the message. What does Nike say? Just do it.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me with the task at hand. Increase my faith to the point it cannot be contained only in me! I must share it and in a way that bubbles over in those who have not yet heard. Help me teach them how to share it, and then help me send them on to others so that more can come into relationship with You. Thank You for the abundant life that is ours in Jesus, in Whose name we pray, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share Jesus today with someone in need.

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request and Update: Larry Ehrig underwent a successful surgery in San Antonio, and today sister Bethel Lester undergoes surgery in San Antonio as well. Prayers for healing, successful surgery and recover for these and others we know, in Jesus' name, amen!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!

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Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ (Matthew 14:22-33)

How many times in our lives have we tried to do things without Jesus?  Of those times how many were successful?  Some may have been, but you know something was missing.  It's like worship and going to church; those weeks that travel or illness have kept me from church, that whole week afterwards was just not the same.  And the same is true for how I start each day.  If I don't start my day praying and trusting Jesus, the day is not what God intended it to be, in my opinion.  Look at what Jesus can do in this passage.  First of all, Jesus was a man of prayer.  He always made time to find a play in which to pray.  Jesus knew the power of staying connected to God.  Jesus' ministry was the result of that strong, unbroken connection He had with His father.  The second thing about Jesus is that He knows when we are in trouble.  Jesus loved the disciples and was not about to let them sink in the storm in which they found themselves at about 4 in the morning.  He comes to them; and here's another thing Jesus can do; walking on water.  This scares the disciples even more thinking Jesus was a ghost, but hearing Jesus (that's the best thing about prayer is listening to Jesus after we say amen), who speaks to them telling them not to be afraid.  The one who hears this and believes Him most is Peter, who asks if he can come to Jesus.  And the awesomeness of this story is that Peter walks on water too.  You have to admire Peter's bravery first of all.  The others were terrified of the power of this storm and how it was churning the water in a scary way, but Peter, seeing that, asks to come to Jesus, for he knew that where Jesus is, things will be all right.  As he begins his walk on water, he's like a baby taking first steps towards Mom or Dad, but then, he takes his eyes off Jesus, and down he goes.  Jesus reaches out to him and pulls he up, and as He does says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"  The story ends with all worshipping Jesus as they realized that indeed, Jesus is the Son of God.

We of little faith could do so much more is we strengthened our faith and dealt with our doubt.  We can do things even in the midst of some of life's greatest stories coming towards us.  Those should not scare us or make us doubt; we must keep our focus on Jesus.  Jesus is there, offering His hand to us, and we should walk confidently and boldly towards Him, and all will be alright.   Life is hard enough without us having to make it harder with our doubts.  Doubts can serve to make us stronger if we but keep our eyes on Jesus!

PRAYER:  Loving God, I pray for this dear reader and whatever storms s/he is going through right now.  Help them keep their eyes on You and not on the storm.  Give us courage and boldness.  This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Bless someone by keeping your eyes on Jesus!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Requests:  Mr. Larry Ehrig of Gonzales is undergoing surgery today in San Antonio.  Please pray for he and his family as he faces this.  Mr. Doug Smith of Wimberley awaits further tests on Tuesday for a medical condition he may be facing.  Pray for healing for these and for those you know and love.  Thank you!

Don't Quit! God is Ready to Give You a Fresh Start.

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The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all and his compassion is over all that he has made. The Lord upholds all who are falling,and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you,and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing. The Lord is just in all his ways,and kind in all his doings. The Lord is near to all who call on him,to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name for ever and ever. (Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21)

Mercy is a great thing; I believe it is the foundation of fresh starts.  For many ready to quit and give up, they may just need to hear that whatever has driven them to despair and giving up may have been the absence of hearing "You're okay; we all mess up, and God gives us a new start each and every day."  We can be extremely hard on ourselves, but God is gentler with us.  Read again:  The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding (isn't that a great word?!) in steadfast (never-ending) love.  And a bit later:  The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down."  Never quit what you know God has asked of you.  A bad day today doesn't mean tomorrow will be bad as well.

We believe in a just and fair God, who is as near as your next prayer; call on Him and He will answer.  Seek to do right by God and God will sustain you.  Bad choices will have consequences.  Praise God even now.

PRAYER:  Loving God, for all You provide, I am thankful and blessed.  I am thankful that today is a fresh start for me.  Forgive my bad choices of yesterday, and let today be a day of praise to You.  Show your mercy to me, and let me show my mercy to all who need it.  Let me call on You when I need you, but let me praise You when it seems I don't.  This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Show someone mercy today.

Eradio Valverde

An Invitation to Abundant Life

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Ho, everyone who thirsts,come to the waters;and you that have no money,come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant,my steadfast, sure love for David. See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. See, you shall call nations that you do not know, and nations that do not know you shall run to you because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,for he has glorified you. Seek the Lord while he may be found,call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts;let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts,nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:1-9)

My family and I lived in Kingsville, Texas for thirteen years of my life.  During that whole time, we shopped only at Chapa's Grocery Store.  That was where I had my first job at 9 years of age.  There was an HEB, a supermarket, but we never set foot in it.  Honestly, I did not really know where it was until I was a littler older than 9.  At the corner of the block on the same side as Chapa's, there was a larger store named Martinez' Grocery store.  From time to time we ran to Martinez' for items that Chapa did not have.  As I have come to know of God's invitation to abundant life, I've compared it to the way my world changed when we moved to Houston.  There was no outlet or franchise location of Chapa's in Houston.  There were no HEB's, only Kroger, and Safeways.  And upon first entering the supermarket on our first grocery buying trip, it was like we had stepped into another world, a complete city the same size of Kingsville under one roof!

What God offers is what the prophet Isaiah knew and wrote about.  It is a new world and it can't compare to the world we know.  We know a world where items have prices and some not cheap at all, and worse there are times when we can't afford very much, or even anything at all.  Yet, it is God who loving says, "Come, you who are thirsty, and you who are hungry, drink and eat!  You don't need money, my gifts have no price at all.  They're free, but they're not cheap, and these will last for all eternity.  For what God offers is love, grace, and compassion, and as we enter into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we are part of the glory of God.  Ours is to seek the Lord, talk with Him, and let others see Him in us, so that they too, may come and be a part of the feast that God offers.  God offers us forgiveness and offers us new life.  We will come to know as the prophet did, that God thoughts are not our thoughts; and God's ways are not our ways.  God's ways and thoughts are better and more satisfying. 

PRAYER:  LOVING God, I want to accept Your invitation to abundant life.  I want new eyes, new ears, and a new heart to truly and fully understand your ways in all things.  Be with those in need this morning of Your grace and comfort; bring Your healing touch to all who hurt and need healing; for we pray this prayer of faith, loving and trusting You, in Christ Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Step into abundant life today!  Let it be obvious that you belong to God!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request:  Our prayers for our brother Bill Reaves of Gonzales, TX, who undergoes surgery early this morning.  May God's healing touch be with he, and comfort be with Ann, his wife.  

Sorrow for the Lost

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I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah,who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 9:1-5)

It was after a funeral when my daughter Nellie and I were walking out of the back door of the church and across the alley towards our home. She asked, "Daddy, do you ever do a funeral where you know the person went to the other place?" I said quietly, "No, because I leave that to God; some people do not make it to heaven, but only God knows who those are. My job is to try to convince people to accept and serve Jesus so that they do make it to heaven." It was a sad moment for me. And as we read the above passage, Paul also went through some sad moments when he reflected on those who had not yet heard and who had refused to hear the Good News about Jesus Christ; the ones for whom all things "belonged." He was referring to the Jews; Paul's "own people," his "kindred according to the flesh," to whom belonged "the adoption (the rightful people for whom God was Father if they would but ask), the glory (all that God had done in their history and was doing through Christ was theirs), the covenants (the holy contracts, sacred covenants between God and them), the giving of the Law (all for their sake to find their path back to God), the worship, and the promises (Read the Old Testament to see all that they were promised)." And their also were the forerunners of faith, from whom Jesus had come, as Messiah, the anointed one sent to deliver Israel from their sin." And in return, God heard, "No thanks." Literally, no thanks given.

We all know or have, loved ones we want reached for the kingdom of God, but for some reason or another they never accept and they continue to wander lost in the things of the world. We want to scream, "All this could be yours if you would but believe!" But we don't give up. We plant seeds praying God's work will bring out a bud of life and hope, and the day when full-blown believers are ours. We never give up.

PRAYER: Loving God, here I share with You the names of loved ones for whom I pray salvation would come: _________________________. May Your will be done. Empower and use me to reach them in whatever way would bring faith to them. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Write out that list and pray for it each morning.

Eradio Valverde