Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Thinking like Christ Jesus in All Matters

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When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,nor the human heart conceived,what God has prepared for those who love him’— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are discerned spiritually. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny. For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:1-16)

Do you suppose the current state of the Church has something to do with few people sharing their faith any more?  Was it commonplace for you to hear others in years past to talk about their faith?  Or, did we leave that to the professionals; i.e. the pastors, Sunday school teachers, missionaries, etc?  Was the Christian faith something you heard shared in the church parking lot prior or after a church meeting?  I know now that I'm meddling; but here's the thing; our society is seriously lacking many things. Moral direction, compassion, and a list so long we won't mention it here, but what we do know is that if more of us would make an effort to share in Who we believe and what we believe we might make a positive impact on the lives of others.  It's not easy as Paul writes above that when he first started sharing his faith he did so "in fear and in much trembling."  But it can be as easy as saying something like, "Did I learn something this past Sunday I didn't now before!"  And, if they ask what was that?  "Well, it was...."

At the core of this passage is the need to focus on being spiritual and seeking to think and act like Jesus. Those bracelets and other items of some time ago, WWJD?, really did help ask people, What Would Jesus Do?  And decisions and other things could be made in great ways knowing we sought to think and be like Jesus.  And that's how Paul ends this passage, "But we have the mind of Christ."  Indeed we do.

PRAYER:  Loving God, speak to me and grant me strength and boldness to lovingly share that which has blessed my life with those who You lead me to.  I want to be a blessing.  And I pray this in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to today's video, and it was recorded "off the cuff" prior to my writing this devotional.  Please share it with those who might need a blessing!:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR-RDnvmp_Q

Monday, January 30, 2017

Let Me Tell You Why You Are Here

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‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:13-20)

"Let me tell you why you are here.  You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.  If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?  You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage."  I love The Message version's take on the first verse of today's passage.  Jesus has declared that those who hear and receive His word and live according to the new way He is sharing in this Sermon on the Mount are like the "salt of the earth."  We know that salt is key to anything you want to make. I consider myself a pretty good cook, but one day while trying to care for my sick wife, I wanted to impress her with one of her favorite dishes.  I got everything ready, mixed and stirred in the comino, cilantro, ajo/garlic, bell pepper, everything except the salt.  When I tasted the progress of the meal I was disappointed.  I tried adding it in at that point but it was too late.  Salt is key as we are key, as this version says to bring out the God-flavors of this earth.  Salt is also used as a preservative.  Remember salted bacon and other meats?  Those were salted to keep them from spoiling.  Salt was also used in Jesus' day as an insulation to line the bottom of their ovens; salt would heat up evenly and make the oven perfect for baking bread.  We can apply any of those uses to the way we live life.  We can add positive flavor to situations or to persons we know.  We can preserve the goodness of things that society has now made bad; or we can help insulate those who are hurting by bringing God's words of comfort and peace.

Jesus also said we are light.  Just yesterday someone directed me to a post on FaceBook that someone posted.  The person said it was a hateful message from someone who should know better.  I thought about it and as Nellie and I drove to church we talked about it and I simply said that person has momentarily stopped being one who brings light; that which was shared was darkness.  We should share light, which means bringing the Christ-colors to life in our lives, a hopeful and joyful outlook on life - not get drawn in to the hatred and ignorance running rampant in our world today.  All that we say, think, and do should "give glory to your Father in heaven."  Think about what that does to those who have momentarily stepped away into darkness.

Live a life that brings good flavor and needs light into the world!

PRAYER:  Father, let all that I do today bring honor and glory to You.  Help me be that which does bring out the God-flavors of this world, and the God-colors in the world as I live my life obedient to You.  I pray in He who shared that Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is your link to see this devotional on YouTube.  Please feel free to share this with those who might be blessed by it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ecWIqfRuxY 

Thursday, January 26, 2017

God's Guest List?

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God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list?  "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth.  "Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor;  despise the despicable. "Keep your word even when it costs you,  make an honest living, never take a bribe. "You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this." (Psalm 15 The Message)

Have you ever driven by a nice home and wondered what it was like inside?  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be invited to eat in that house?  In today's psalm the modern version has the psalmist asking God, "God, who gets invited to dinner at your place?  How do we get on your guest list?"  The answer comes back following this week's theme of dealing fairly with others, telling the truth, not intentionally hurting anyone, and not blaming neighbors.  Add to that "despise the despicable," be a person of your word, seek to make an honest living, and never take a bribe.  Those are the ways to get blacklisted.

The psalmist wanted to get to know God more intimately.  That's what is behind his question.  We tend to get to know people better once we get to know them over a meal.  The setting usually should be relaxing.  The mood should be upbeat and the conversation pleasant.  We've had those meals when someone has disclosed something to us we didn't know before or let's us in on something wonderful.  God is the same way.  If we make time to talk and to listen to God, God will reveal awesome and wonderful things.  If we make time to sit down and prayerfully study God's word, God will speak to us.  This psalm basically lays out righteous living.  And the foundation with righteous living is to be right with God, be right with yourself, and seek to be right with all other people.  Seek to serve and not be served.  Seek to bless others and not blessing ourselves all the time.  You'll be on God's guest list.

PRAYER:  Loving God, help me to know You better.  Calm my spirit when I am anxious and worries.  Let my ears hear You as You and I walk through this day together.  Help me be the person I know You want me to be.  Let me be a blessing to You and Yours.  This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request:  Please add a dear friend to your prayer list; Mr. Tom Carrington of Lukin, Texas is fighting a melanoma in an experimental drug test at M. D. Anderson. Tom was my college roommate my freshman year and holds a dear place in my heart. Thank you.

Here is the link to the devotional video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz3fAumaD3U

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Walk Humbly with Your God

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Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains,and let the hills hear your voice.  Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the Lord has controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. ‘O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.’ ‘With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’ He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:1-8)

If you're looking for an excuse not to worship God, you will find one easily.  You'll see that a recital is taking place on a Sunday morning, or a soccer game for your neighbor's children.  Some may even say I stay away from God because I don't know what He wants!  I think God is demanding too much from me, so I just stay away and that way I can't be bothered.  The last part of today's passage lays it out, and a modern translation makes it even easier to hear what it is that God wants:  But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.(Micah 6:8 The Message translation).  Yes, that might be demanding for some; being fair people, who seek justice with their neighbor.  We're asked to be compassionate and loyal in our love.  And here's a hard one for some:  Don't take yourself too seriously, but do take God seriously.  And of course, the title for this devotion:  Walk humbly with your God.  God is yours!  Take God by the hand and walk with Him, trusting Him and looking to Him for answers and strength when we seem overwhelmed by the things of life.  God is faithful and asks us to be.

We can worship God anywhere; I won't argue that.  But facing life and all its challenges is found doing it in community, with people who love and pray for you, and who are there to hold you and sustain you when you find yourself feeling down.  If that doesn't describe your place of worship, prayerfully talk to the pastor and share that with her or him.  If that does not work, prayerfully consider another church.  Be with people who love and walk with their God.

PRAYER: Loving God, I seek no excuse to not be with You.  I do want to do all that You ask of me.  I want to be a person that fits the description above; to be a loving and fair person with all people whether they live in my neighborhood or not.  I want to be a compassionate person, looking out for the needs of those around me.  I want to take Your hand, for You are my God, and walk humbly beside you this and all days.  I pray this prayer in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to see the YouTube video of this devotional.  Again I ask if this blesses you, please share with those who might also be blessed.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k13MqqWVIvE

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Get to Know the Real Jesus

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For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

Most people know the "out there" Jesus, distant, an idea or ideal, a thought or image.  Believers know Jesus as a person, as Lord, Savior, friend.  The out there Jesus people know about His life, some of his teachings, and some other things.  Believers know Jesus.  They know He came to earth to reconcile the world to God.  They know He preached, taught, healed, suffered and died for us.  And on the third day after dying, He rose again.  His Holy Spirit carries on the work here on the earth if we but ask.  This passage says some people believe the cross' message to be foolishness; and it also says those who believe that are perishing.  One candidate for ministry was among those for they believed God would not allow such a thing to happen.  This passage also says that God will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and those who claim to be discerning will be thwarted.  Listen to this passage again:  "but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength."

John Wesley was one of those who knew the "out there" Jesus.  On a ship tossed by every stormy wave, he sought to find a place where he might die, but encountered a group of believers singing and praising God.  He wondered why the happiness and peace in the midst of a terrible storm that would surely claim their lives?  The leader of the group pulled Wesley aside and asked him if he knew Jesus Christ.  Wesley replied with "I know Him to be the savior of the world."  The leader pressed him, "Don't you know Him to be your savior?"  Wesley could not.  And he wrote so in his journal.  It would be not long after that he attended a lay-lead Bible study, where one was reading Martin Luther's Preface to the Epistle of the Romans," and he was touched by a warm heart where he came to know Jesus.  He wrote, "I felt that I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me, that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."  For years he had preached, as he had been told by a friend, faith. "Preach faith until you have faith, and then because you have faith you will preach faith."  What a difference to bring Jesus right into your heart and out of the clouds.  It makes all the difference in how we live life, handle the challenges of this life, and we receive the hope we need for tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that.

PRAYER:  Loving God, I want to know Jesus as a person.  For too long I have kept Him at arm's length, now I want Him in my heart as my Lord and Savior.  I want to live my life as one who loves, walks, talks, and trusts Him in all things.  This I pray asking forgiveness of my sins, in His precious name, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to today's devotional through YouTube.  Please feel free to forward this message to loved ones who might be blessed by it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldk-YmByhgs

Monday, January 23, 2017

¡Bienvenidos!  Welcome to the Kingdom of God!

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When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12)

Do you want to hear Good News?  Do you want to hear Good News from God?  Here it is!  Jesus' invitation to those who heard Him that day and who hear Him today.  It is Jesus saying, God loves and cares for you enough that He understands what life is like, what you are going through, and here is that which explains it.  It begins with you who have just about given up on faith and perhaps even God; that's okay - yours is the kingdom of heaven.  Those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, or a job, or a home, or a relationship; you will be comforted, by God Himself!  Those of you who feel you've been a doormat for so long and people are stepping all over you; guess what, the earth is yours!  If you're hungering and thirsting for those things you know are right and just and well in God's sight; you will be satisfied!  If you're the kind who shows mercy to those who deserve it or not, God will show you His mercy.  If you're pure in heart and seek after God, you will see Him.  If you're one who seeks to make peace, God will call you His child.  If you're not left alone and bullied for your faith or stance on faith issues, even lie about you and who you are - God knows better, and God's reward for you is great in heaven.  Even those called to speak on God's behalf in the old days were treated the same way.

God's Kingdom is an awesome place and an awesome attitude to have towards life.  The things that seem harsh and unfair in this life pale in comparison to that which is God's.  It's for those who feel that things have not gone your way; God's in control and God's watching over you.  Don't despair and don't give up on God.  Hear again Jesus' words:  "Rejoice and be glad."  That holds true for that entire list that Jesus shared; rejoice and be glad.  A joyful and positive, thankful attitude beats out all other things, and we and those around us are the better for it.

In other words, Jesus is saying, "¡Bienvenidos!  Welcome!  All who desire God, God welcomes You into His kingdom.  No one is turned away.  God loves you and can change your life right now.  God will take away your sins, your destructive habits and addictions, and make you whole in His sight.  Won't you come in?"

PRAYER:  Loving God, thank You for this awesome invitation.  I accept and want to be a part of Your Kingdom here on the earth and someday there in Your holy presence.  Help me to have a joyful and thankful heart in all things.  Give me strength to overcome what I face now.  And I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is the video link to this message:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuHiouU00nY

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Why Be Afraid?

Image from madsociologist.com

Light, space, zest - that's God! So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing. When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces. When besieged, I'm calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool. I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet. That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God. Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: "Be good to me! Answer me!" When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!" Don't hide from me now! You've always been right there for me; don't turn your back on me now. Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; you've always kept the door open. My father and mother walked out and left me, but God took me in. Point me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street; show my enemies whose side you're on.  Don't throw me to the dogs, those liars who are out to get me, filling the air with their threats.  I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth.  Stay with God! Take heart. Don't quit. I'll say it again: Stay with God. (Psalm 27 The Message)

Our home as a boy in Kingsville stood on blocks.  It provided a nice crawl space for boys even my size to crawl under and hide.  And it wasn't just for hide and seek, sometimes it was to escape coming punishment from my Mom for something I had, of course, wrongly been accused.  In the very hot summer days of Kingsville, that space was cool.  Thinking back I never thought of spiders or snakes being under there, I just knew I had a safe space.  The psalmist found such a space in his walk with God.  The three words that start this psalm in The Message version of the Bible strike me as needed for our lives:  Light, space, zest.  Light because most of us don't want to hide in dark spaces; we want light.  Space because we don't want to feel cramped into something; we want to be safe but we also want space, and sometimes that space between our fears and us is what we crave.  And zest speaks of the excitement and joy of being with God.  Nothing could faze the psalmist as he hid in the Lord.

The list he shares in this 27th Psalm could be our list as well; we may face vandals of all sorts, including illness or disease.  We or our loved one could face bullies and toughs, but with God on our side, they fall down and can't carry out what they'd like.  When deadlines and assignments are due, and the pressures that come with those mount up, in God we find the breathing room we need to complete and meet them.  When it seems everything is falling apart, we can remain calm and collected.  Yesterday as an example, we get an early morning call from our youngest who lives in Houston.  We were not aware there was flooding there, but our daughter was trapped in the turnaround under the Interstate Loop.  We asked if her vehicle was in water, it was not.  There was water on the frontage roads on both sides of her, but not where she was.  She was worried about getting her son to school on time and her to work on time as well.  We told her to be calm, to turn off the car, and just wait.  The water would recede soon, and her work and her son's school would understand.  That calm and collectedness does not come from me; it comes from God.  I ask for it all the time!  There are far better things to do than be sick with worry.  Look at David's list:  Contemplate God's beauty; study of His word - "The only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic."  God holds us and we should sing God's praise.

Our message for today ends the way the psalm ends:  Stay with God!  Take heart.  Don't quit.  I'll say it again:  Stay with God.

PRAYER:  Loving God, you know what is all around me and what scares me.  You know what pressures me and what gives me anxiety - I turn all those things over to You and ask that You hold me and give me the assurance David had in You.  I want to be safe, secure and blessed by You.  I want light, space, and zest.  I want to say with You and not lose heart.  This I ask in Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is today's YouTube link to see this devotional:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKdM7qHQlUU

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Power of God; & We're Quarreling?

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Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

If you stop to think about it, the first four books of the New Testament are about the Gospel; the Good News of Jesus Christ.  They share the stories and teachings of Jesus, and His life, death, and resurrection.  Then the next book is a book of history of the early Christian Church.  And after that, it seems the rest of the books are letters to Christians asking them to behave!  And this passage is a sample of that.  Paul encounters in the church of Corinth a division about who baptized who; and I know this no longer happens in the church, right?  People love each other, love and serve God, and never argue nor quarrel, right?  I wish!  This was a sad quarrel, as most quarrels are (ask a married couple about them).  But people in that church began to compare baptisms.  Some said, "I belong to Paul," others:  "I belong to Apollos, or Cephas, or Christ..."  Paul asks the question, "Has Christ been divided?"  Then he thanks God that he did not baptize any of them with the exception of Crisps and Gaius; and the household of Stephanus," but other than those, none.  And then he stresses that his purpose and mission was to preach the gospel and strengthen the message of the cross.  Anything else would be foolishness, as is quarreling in the church.  And his message is still as true today as ever: "For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Dr. Gil Rendle is a noted writer and speaker/teacher who shared his life cycle of a church:  Birth, Visioning, Structure, Ministry, (these on an upward spiral); then Nostalgia (downward spiral) where he stresses the church should either go back to Ministry or Visioning or face Polarity, then Death.  And this may apply to us in our lives as well.  We should always have a vision for what we were called to do; then we must do it in the ways we've prepared for it, and when we reach the point of Nostalgia, that of thinking back to "the good ole days" we need to re-think our purpose or retrain ourselves for new and better work or  we will find ourselves fighting within ourselves  and others and we will spiritually die before we physically die. No bueno.    Churches that are quarreling have reached the point of Polarity, that is, division, and the message is simple as illustrated in today's graphic:  Divided We Fall.  Christ stresses unity in that He shared the new commandment of loving one another; and we know that in love we give and take, we compromise, we seek common ground, and we seek ways to mend our paralyzing differences so that we can continue to move onward and upward.  There is strength in unity and that strength comes from a common vision and purpose. And that is to save those who are not yet saved.  And the message is still as powerful and as needed as always; Jesus died for us and we should accept Him as Lord and savior and share that with the world.

Where do you find yourself, dear friend?  Have you prayed about a vision for yourself?  For your church?  Do you have the right structure in place for your life to do what Christ calls you to do?  If not, now is the time to see what training and preparation could bless your ministry as a believer.  

Let's get busy!

PRAYER:  Loving God, help me in my life be the person You called me to be.  Help me pray, study, worship, praise, and love You as I learn and grow and prepare for better and more effective service.  This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to see and hear today's devotional(CUT & PASTE in your URL):   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNa2xX-mZtQ

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Good News! And You're Invited!

Image from angusday.org

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’  From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:12-23)

Where do you go when you've heard bad news?  To cry?  To pray?  To cry and pray?  To sleep?  Or maybe you drive for a bit, or take a walk.  Such was the case with Jesus.  He heard about His cousin, John the Baptist having been arrested and so He withdraws to areas He knew and in so doing fulfills yet another of the prophecies about His ministry.  He goes to a region where the people needed to be pulled out of darkness, and it comes with His sermon:  "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."  This was as much an invitation as it was a challenge.  If you're tired of the way you've been living, there is good news; you can leave behind that sin and its destructive behaviors and come into the light, into the fullness of life, where sin is removed and you're welcomed into a land of life and love.  While there in Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon Peter, and Andrew and extends to them an invitation to continue their passion for fishing, but for people instead of fish.  They immediately left their nets and followed Jesus.  Jesus then sees two other brothers, James and John, sons of Zebedee, also fishermen, and His invitation is accepted also immediately.  They left their father and their boat and accompanied Jesus through Galilee as Jesus taught, preached good news, and cured every disease and sickness among the people.

These men left everything; the vocation, their families, all to say yes to Jesus and His ministry.  Nothing was now as important as being faithful to Jesus.  They saw and heard the good news.  They saw the power of God's love as expressed and demonstrated through Jesus' actions.  People were turning away from sin and turning towards life.  People who were sick were being healed and restored to wholeness.

Have you heard the Good News in a similar matter; shaken and stirred enough to leave everything behind to follow Jesus?  Have you given Jesus the central place in your life, and now can't find enough to do to satisfy that calling?  

PRAYER:  Loving God, I want to follow You through Jesus.  I want to be a disciple who is faithful and fruitful. I want to make others disciples as well.  I want to serve You.  Grant me strength, wisdom, and all that I need to be able to do this.  I can do it only through the power and strength of He in Whose name I pray, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

To view to today's devotional, please cut and paste this in your URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WltYN-NLEvU 

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

It's all in God's Time! God Holds Us Together!

I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn't slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.  Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world's "sure thing," ignore what the world worships; The world's a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts. Nothing and no one comes close to you! I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words. Neither numbers nor words account for you. Doing something for you,bringing something to you - that's not what you're after. Being religious, acting pious - that's not what you're asking for. You've opened my ears so I can listen. So I answered, "I'm coming. I read in your letter what you wrote about me, And I'm coming to the party you're throwing for me." That's when God's Word entered my life became part of my very being. I've preached you to the whole congregation, I've kept back nothing, God - you know that. I didn't keep the news of your ways a secret, didn't keep it to myself. I told it all, how dependable you are, how thorough. I didn't hold back pieces of love and truth For myself alone. I told it all, let the congregation know the whole story. Now God, don't hold out on me, don't hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. (Psalm 40:1-11 The Message)

It would appear to me that we all live in the land of hurried drivers.  I've seen some incredibly stupid maneuvers, and maybe I've done one or two of those same silly things, but it seems the more I live the later people behind the wheel seem to get.  They just can't seem to get there fast enough!  And the speed signs posted on the side of the road are more like suggestions or guidelines and not necessarily laws if we are to believe how people drive.  It's as if when we open the door to our cars we leave patience on the curb and we buckle in with hurry up.  We speed off to wherever it is we don't want to go and get there early or late and still can't seem to remember where we left patience.  The psalmist for all we know walked everywhere he went.  Sometimes he may have ridden a horse or camel, but usually he took walks.  And he seemed to be a man of patience for he begins this psalm about how patience is an important ingredient of prayer.  He had a need and he took it to the Lord and he waited.  We don't know for how long, but this version says, "At last He looked; finally He listened," and some of us would identify with that description of prayer as well.  The key to remember is that God answered.  And what an answer he gave to the psalmist for David writes that God lifted him out of the ditch and pulled him out of the deep mud.  He stood him on a solid rock to make sure he didn't slip back into that mud and ditch.  And as a bonus God taught him a new song, a song of praise.  And David saw more and more people enter that mystery of faith, forgetting everything else and centering on God.  It may be that patience is a God thing and when we hurry ourselves we may even be leaving God behind.  David says to give ourselves over to God, to turn our back on the "sure things" of this world and to ignore the latest fads and gadgets and gimmicks; which, if we aren't careful could turn into objects of worship.  The psalmist says that if we just look around we might see God-wonders and hear God-thoughts.  We don't see much as we speed along and try to text at the same time, do we?  Okay, I've gone from preaching to meddling.  The point is that we have to listen.  We need to make God the center of our lives to the point that He becomes the center of our being.  Those who have tried putting other things as the center of their being soon discovered that idol or habit or addiction made you as sick as the idea of turning away from God.  

We should not keep the good news of God's love to ourselves.  It's too precious a message to keep to ourselves.  It is a message we should share with all people. We are called to tell the whole story and how God took us from where we were to bring us to where we are.  We may not yet be where God would have us be, but again, it's all in God's time, not ours.  We hold nothing back, not love nor passion for God and God's people - we share all.  And that brings about that which holds us together.

PRAYER:  Loving God, as I reflect on my life I can see faintly where I used to be.  Yes, You took me out of the mud and the ditch in which I found myself and You pulled me out and gave me a new chance to live.  Help me to be the person that blesses You and blesses others.  Hold me together and let me be patient in all things, especially my driving and my dealings with all people.  I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to the video presentation of this devotional: (Copy and paste in your URL) https://youtu.be/0JyBJiGC9NM

A Light to the Nations; Salvation to the World

Image from native.net

Listen to me, O coastlands,pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword,in the shadow of his hand he hid me;he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ But I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.’ And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— he says,‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations,that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’  Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers,‘Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’  (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Something a lot of us wonder about is the question why am I here?  This has troubled so many for so long, and through prayer, reflection, conversations, reading, more prayer, some of us come to know our meaning and purpose for life.  Such was not the case for Jesus, He knew why He was here and he had the help of His scriptures, this passage among them.  The words of the prophet are words of God encouraging and inspiring the Son of God to know what it is that He would do.  The message begins with everyone in all the world to know who Jesus is, and for Jesus to know that even while He was in his mother's womb, God had called Him to use His mouth as a sharp sword, meaning Jesus' words would have power and purpose for all who heard and heeded them.  And His mission would be to be the light to the nations, with a message of salvation reaching all the world, even to the ends of the earth.  Such is God's love that God wants all to be in a relationship with Him.  We are called to love and trust God and to seek to be made right with Him, walking all our days with Him.  And the prophet ends this passage with the prophetic word that Kings, princes, will stand and then prostrate themselves before the Lord, because the Lord has been faithful and because His love has chosen us.

So, if you happen to still wonder at times why you were born, consider this; you were made to find and follow Jesus.  If you happen to still feel as if you're living in the darkness of confusion and sin, bad habits, destructive lifestyles, consider that Jesus is the Light of the world; He can pull you out of darkness and lead you in the light of the fullness of life, which is a life lived in Him.  Your joy shall be one that will make others ask what you have and how can they have the same thing, and you will reply that your joy has come from Jesus.  Jesus has led you out of a self-serving, self-pleasing life into one of service and love for all people.

PRAYER:  Loving Father, may this be the message that speaks not only to me, but to all people.  Let me find myself in You and thus find meaning and purpose in my life.  Pull me out of darkness and into the light; out of the muck and mire of despair into the fullness of light.  Grant me the joy that is Yours only, so that I can live in such a way others will be blessed.   This I pray in Christ Jesus, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Here is your link to today's devotional on video(Copy and Paste on your URL):  https://youtu.be/CALpC_FgxKs

Friday, January 06, 2017

Taken By the Hand into Light

Image from unleashing.com

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,my chosen, in whom my soul delights;I have put my spirit upon him;he will bring forth justice to the nations.He will not cry or lift up his voice,or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break,and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God,the Lord,who created the heavens and stretched them out,who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you;I have given you as a covenant to the people,a light to the nations,to open the eyes that are blind,to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other,nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass,and new things I now declare;before they spring forth, I tell you of them. (Isaiah 42:1-9)

I remember nothing more soothing and reassuring to me as a child than holding the hand of my father or mother. It was usually when I had become afraid or as we were walking a neighborhood dog decided to come and bark at us or chase us, that strong hand made me feel safe, loved, and important. I guess that's why the verse in today's passage about God saying, "I have taken you by the hand and kept you" spoke to my heart. And it comes in this description by the prophet of the coming Messiah who would finally bring into history the fulfillment of all things expected, namely justice for all people which is to say making all things right for those who love God. The prophet is saying that God will provide breath and His spirit to His people to live and serve in a way that gives glory to God, for we have been called into righteousness. That is to say once we believe in God we should turn over lives to God to live in a worthy manner, a living example of covenant to those not yet in the covenant and a light to the nations. And the phrase before that? "I have taken you by the hand." That says to me we are not alone. We do not walk alone. And we should feel safe enough to risk that which will bring this living covenant to life in us in a way that gives witness to others.. God wants light to shine in the areas of life where there is still darkness, and release to those still captive by their sins. God wants the former things to pass away and the new way of life to come into the fullness of life.

And dear friends, there is no more fitting time to reflect on these things than the start of a new year. What are the areas of darkness in our lives? Where are the areas of darkness from which we have been led out that we should share with those still in darkness? Nothing speaks louder to someone in need than for someone who has been there to share with them, this is where I was, and here I am now, thanks to God.

Won't you give God your hand and let Him guide you?

PRAYER: Loving Father, I give You my hand. Take it and guide me into the fullness of Your light. Help me to feel loved, safe, and secure to live as You would have me live; a life that blesses You and blesses those not quite there yet. Help me to be a blessing to those around me, especially the little ones that may look up to me. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

LISTEN TO TODAY'S CONCAFE (COPY AND PASTE IN A NEW WINDOW) https://gallery.mailchimp.com/ddb0d8e9e8610bb92960afa4d/files/ConCafe162107.mp3

Thursday, January 05, 2017

Just As You Are; But Don't Stay that Way!

Image from workingpreacher.com

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ (Acts 10:34-43)

I never attended one in person, but I say plenty on television.  The manner in which the gospel was presented was a dynamic message, compelling and challenging.  And at the end of each sermon, an invitation to Jesus was given, and Billy Graham would wait while George Beverly Shay sang, "Just as I Am," and the crowds would flock to the altar.  So many would give their lives to the Lord in those crusades and I believe many would remember the hymn sang as they did.  The message was as shared by Peter in this passage:  God loves all people, but especially welcomes those who fear Him and try to live as God expects. God preached through Jesus, who is Lord of all, and through Jesus gave witness of His power and willingness to make all people whole.  The promise was that in this life we would find life to the fullest, but at the end of this life we would enter life eternal, where all healing and restoration begins in an eternal way.  And all our sins are removed.

There are no more Billy Graham crusades, and the sermons that compel and challenge seem to be few and far between for many; but the message is still the same; come to God through Jesus and receive a new life. The hymn is sometimes still sung, but many don't hear the entire message and believe they should stay as they are with no change needed; habits, practices, and addictions should continue for all is right with me.  Please re-read your Bible and hear the true message that God desires for us to be made right in and through Him.  Life in abundance means leaving behind that which "kills, steals, and destroys." (John 10:10).  If you made a resolution for the New Year it probably involved leaving or shedding something; the best thing to rid ourselves of is our sin.

PRAYER:  Loving God, I confess that I am a sinner and stand in need of Your love and mercy.  I don't want to stay as I am, I want to be a new creature made whole and right in You.  You know my needs and ills and I turn them all over to You asking for healing, comfort, forgiveness, transformation, and reconciliation in my life.  This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

God's Love for Us is So Awesome; He Identifies with Us.

Image from gracecolumbia.com

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ (Matthew 3:13-17)

If you've ever traveled to a strange place where perhaps the language was different, or a place where customs were not like ours, and you saw someone from home or who dressed or talked like they were from home, how did you feel?  Years ago, we traveled to the recently opened Epcot kingdom at Disney World  and the first pavilion we visited was the one sponsored  by Mexico.  They had a fast food cafe by the entrance and I ordered in Spanish.  The young woman behind the counter was ecstatic as she had recently arrived to the US and no one had spoken to her en español.  She couldn't do enough for us and our youngest was still a baby and she handed us an order of mini-sopapillas for her stating, "Gratis pa la niña."  Imagine seeing the savior of the world present Himself to be baptized like us who stand in need of God's forgiveness and washing of our sins.  You can see the reaction in John's question.  Jesus' response is His need to be identified with us; understanding and getting involved in our situation.  And then to hear God's voice speak from the heavens stating, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with Whom I am well pleased."

Such is God's love in your life.  No matter how mundane or how troubled it may seem, God is right there with you, identifying with you and your circumstances.  God relates to you and reaches out to you, for God wants your life to be blessed with the knowledge of His love.  This is Good News for a New Year; God with us.  God loving us.  God caring for us.  And we loving God and caring for God's children.

PRAYER:  Loving God, speak to me and my situation.  Help me be guided and blessed by You to be witnesses to You. As this New Year begins, let it be one in which You become more and more real to me in such a way that I can share You with others.  I pray in the name of He who is my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Jesus For All People

Image from agnusday.org

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.(Matthew 2:1-12)

The 6th of January sees children from many parts of the world receiving presents from the Magi.  A tradition largely followed in Latin American countries, some place their shoes outside their doors and the morning of the 6th, they find gifts in them, symbolizing the visit of these wise men from the East.  If you live near the border or near a popular shopping area, you may see Christmas size crowds shopping as if it were Christmas, and for many in their own regard, it is.  January 6 is also known as Epiphany, the day that showed that Christ mattered to all people even the Gentiles.  This is because the birth of this little Jewish baby caused those who studied the stars and were up to date on all prophetic writings even outside Israel, found everything aligned and set for an important birth.  It was the appearance of this unusual star that made these men make the journey from their homeland to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.  They come to the king and ask the wrong question:  "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?"  Herod was not a secure sort of guy, and history records the people who died as a result of his anger, so this question was not the one he wanted to hear.  Scripture says that he and "all Jerusalem with him" were frightened, but that fear on the part of they who were not king was a result of the threats and way he ran the country; those nearest the palace knew of his anger and the results of his anger.  We know the story, Herod says, please find the baby and let me know where he is so that I may go and worship Him as well.  The magi went, following the star, and found the child and presented Him with prophetic gifts; gold, the gift of kings, for Jesus would be the King of Kings.  Frankincense, a gift for a priest, for Jesus is our High Priest, interceding between us and God, the "bridge" between humanity and God.  And the last gift was myrrh, an expensive ointment meant  usually for those about to be buried.  Then as they slept after their visit, God warned them to go home another route.  We know the rest of the story; Herod angered by this betrayal set out to kill all male children 2 years of age and younger, in hopes that he might rid Israel of this new king.

This visit showed that Jesus was for all people.  And as I like to remind you, somebody told somebody, who told somebody who told somebody who told you all about Jesus and Who He is and what He can do for you.  We as non-Jews, aka known as "Gentiles" came to know of the good news for all the world, that indeed He born in that stable, placed on a manger, did it all to save us from sin, and lead us to fullness of life and life eternal.  The revelation that is Epiphany is our call to action, our call to serve, our call to save those who have not yet heard nor received the good news.

PRAYER:  Loving God, there is still much to do and we want and need to be a part of it.  Guide me to faithfulness in this new year, and may that faithfulness lead us to fruitfulness.  The harvest is here and ready, help me be among those who will bring in that harvest.  It is in the name of Jesus my Lord and Savior that I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day and year in the Lord Jesus!

Eradio Valverde