The Promise of Faith

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1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." 3 Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, 4 "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come forth from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. 15 And God said to Abraham, "As for Sar'ai your wife, you shall not call her name Sar'ai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her; I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Revised Standard Version Bible)

God is so good. Yes, all the time. I am blessed by God's tender mercies, and I am way blessed more than I truly deserve, but that's what grace is all about. Since that moment when I put my faith in Jesus and asked Him to be in my heart as Lord and Savior, I have seen and done many things that never in my wildest dreams I would have thought possible for a boy from Kingsville, Texas. I have a woman for a wife that I never dreamed I'd have and she blessed us with four incredible, gorgeous babies, who in turn have blessed us with almost-seven grandchildren. And God has blessed me with you! My life has been the product of faith. I must add not a perfect faith on my part, but perfect on God's part!

Now, let's focus on Father Abraham. In our time, he would be a resident of Morningside Manor (or add your local nursing home/elderly care facility). You would think he'd be a pro at shuffleboard or dominoes and maybe even first in line for supper at 4 o'clock p.m. His wife Sarah, wears Eau de Ben-Gay, and has many "comadres" with whom she shares "the news" of other residents of the manor. The closest you would think she would get to a baby would be a great-granddaughter's baby shower. And you'd have to drag Father Abraham to such an event. But one thing the two have is a close personal relationship with God. The two have been asked by God to "walk before me," which is an invitation to a deeper, more intentional relationship with Him. God has also asked them to live lives of "blamelessness," not perfection, but surely an ongoing commitment to growth and integrity.

The two have undergone name-changes by the Lord God to reflect the change in role and responsibilities they will have. Abram has been called to change from "exalted father," to "father of a multitude," meaning that God was not through with him, so he needed to pack his bags and head from Morningside Manor to Methodist Hospital, where Sarai, now Sarah, would become not just "princess," but "princess of many." Her work was not yet done. The message from God transcends mere lineage; it signifies a spiritual lineage of those who, like Abraham and Sarah, embrace transformation and walk faithfully with God. It should remind us that the promises of God extend beyond our immediate lives, that will impact generations to come, which will leave a lasting legacy of faith.

This devotional isn't just about historical figures; it's a call to action. God invites each of us to walk before Him, seeking personal transformation and alignment with His purpose. Are we willing to embrace change, even when it's uncomfortable? Are we open to God renaming us, revealing hidden potential within us?

PRAYER: Loving God, as we reflect on the covenant with Abraham and Sarah, open our hearts to your transforming power. Help us shed old ways of thinking and embrace new beginnings. Grant us the courage to walk faithfully before you, trusting your promises even when we don't fully understand the journey. May we, like Abraham and Sarah, become instruments of your blessings, leaving a legacy of faith and hope for generations to come, this we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Allow God to reshape your life, one step at a time. Be open to new names, unexpected blessings, and the enduring covenant of love He offers to all who seek Him.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Standing on the Promises

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13 That famous promise God gave Abraham - that he and his children would possess the earth - was not given because of something Abraham did or would do. It was based on God's decision to put everything together for him, which Abraham then entered when he believed. 14 If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract! That's not a holy promise; that's a business deal. 15 A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise - and God's promise at that - you can't break it. 16 This is why the fulfillment of God's promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does. God's promise arrives as pure gift. That's the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it, those who keep the religious traditions and those who have never heard of them. For Abraham is father of us all. He is not our racial father - that's reading the story backwards. He is our faith father. 17 We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. 18 When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!" 19 Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. 20 He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, 21 sure that God would make good on what he had said. 22 That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." 23 But it's not just Abraham; 24 it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. 25 The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God. (Romans 4:13-25 The Message Bible)

Happy Tuesday, dear Friend. May this be a day of new beginnings for you as you hear God's heart speak to your heart.

The story of Abraham has always impressed me as we can sdee it did Paul as well. Abraham is truly to Paul and to the entire Jewish people, the Father of the faith, for his obedience to God. He said yes, as did his wife, Sarah, when God asked them to leave home and family to follow Him into a new land. And that promise also included believing in something that would gradually make less sense by the day; that he was to be the father of many children when they knew that Sarah could not bear children. And we know the entire story of him having a child by the servant woman, whose son became the father of the Arabs. The emnity between the two women, Sarah and Hagar, with Hagar and Ishmael being banished from the camp. Yet God had made, as this version says, a holy promise, not a business deal, to provide this couple with a child. Though faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles – advanced age and infertility – Abraham clung to God's promise. This reminds us that faith isn't blind optimism; it's choosing to believe God even when doubts whisper and circumstances scream otherwise.

Just as Abraham was transformed from a nobody to the "father of many nations" through faith, God offers us similar transformation. When we trust Him, He declares us "fit," seen through His lens of grace and love, not the world's harsh judgments. "The message of being put right doesn't go to those who work their way into it but to those who trust the One who puts wrongs right, who gives life to things that are dead and calls creation to life. Abraham trusted God when there was no reason to; as far as human hopes went, he was surrounded by death. But he held on to the promise anyway, trusting God to bring life out of death and create the future He'd promised." Faith isn't a transaction; it's a free gift we receive by trusting God's power to create and redeem.

The culmination of this passage brings it all home. Jesus' sacrifice embodies God's unwavering promise and makes us "fit for God" through faith. Just as He raised Jesus from the dead, He can breathe life into our brokenness and fulfill His purpose in our lives. This devotional isn't meant to leave you simply inspired; it's a call to action. Embrace the gift of faith, stand on God's unwavering promises, and trust Him even when your future seems like a barren desert. Like Abraham, you too can be transformed and experience the miracle of God's faithfulness in your life.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of faith and the unshakeable promises You offer. Forgive our moments of doubt and help us anchor oursevles in Your Word. We choose to trust You, even when we don't see the way. Bring life out of our challenges and fulfill Your purpose in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Remember, you are not alone in this journey of faith. May this passage fuel your steps as you walk hand-in-hand with God, trusting His promises even when the path seems uncertain.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Jesus Predicts His Death

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31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:31-38 NIV Bible)

Good day, dear Friend! May this be a wonderful day for you and yours. May you hear God's voice as you spend time in His word and explore His message for you. May God's Holy Spirit prepare us for all God has to share with us.

There seems to be no way that the cross looming ahead for Jesus should have surprised the Twelve. They had been there for most of the traps and tricks Jesus' enemies presented to Our Lord, and to hear they were finally going to get their way and kill Him should have really have come as no surprise, but it did. The news from our loved ones when they shared medical news and alerts still did not prepare us for their death, so here is Peter, the chief disciple reacting like Peter when he rebukes Jesus. This shocks us but it shouldn't. Peter loved Jesus. Peter had given up his life and career to follow He whom some suspected could truly become the new king of Israel. Nowhere and at no time did Jesus promise the disciples or even us, any illusions of comfort or ease. Nowhere do we read Jesus sugarcoating the reality of following Him; demands of sacrifice, rejection, and even suffering were on the menu for those who have chosen to be His disciples. The reality from this verse is that our journey of faith won't always be smooth sailing.

I feel for Peter when he hears Jesus tell him, "Get behind me, Satan!" Gulp. Wait. What? Lord, did you mean to call me Satan? Isn't Satan our enemy? The evil one? Jesus continues, "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." Ouch. Can we blame Peter for being, like us, wanting and seeking an easier, more comfortable path? Don't we often want the benefits of faith without embracing the challenges it entails.

The crowd is called together by Jesus when He declares, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Gulp. Jesus is saying to truly follow Him we must let go of our selfishness, our worldly desires, and everything that hinders our spiritual growth. To "take up our cross" means we should embrace the challenges and choose God's will over our own comfort. Jesus knew of the power we find in sacrifice; it is the transformative power that can take us from self-preservation to full dependence on God. We can find true meaning and fulfillment in giving our lives to something greater than ourselves - to God and His purpose. We should ask if we are spending our time changing pleasures at the expense of our spiritual wellbeing. Jesus wants us to put our souls in their proper place which is aligning our lives with His teachings and values. We should walk alongside Jesus, carrying our "crosses" of challenges and sacrifices. This does involve our making difficult choices, standing up for what's right even when it's unpopular, or prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

PRAYERS: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to face the reality of following You. Help me embrace self-denial and pick up my cross with faith and commitment. May I prioritize my soul's salvation over temporary gains and find true fulfillment in serving You and living out Your message, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Walk on, carrying your cross with faith, knowing that true life and purpose lie in following Christ.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Rain-Soaked Hope

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8 Then God spoke to Noah and his sons: 9 "I'm setting up my covenant with you including your children who will come after you, 10 along with everything alive around you - birds, farm animals, wild animals - that came out of the ship with you. 11 I'm setting up my covenant with you that never again will everything living be destroyed by floodwaters; no, never again will a flood destroy the Earth." 12 God continued, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. 13 I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth. 14 From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, 15 I'll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. 16 When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth." 17 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I've set up between me and everything living on the Earth." (Genesis 9:8-17 The Message Bible)

Happy Wednesday, dear Friend. And HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! An update on Baby Ivy Escamilla is that she underwent her second open-heart surgery in four months and was resting comforgtably.Please continue to pray for this 22. month old infant and her family. Why do we pray? Because God answers prayers!

One of my favorite childhood memories were rainy days with my grandma, Momo, in her home, which was right behind ours. She loved the rain and it seemed every time it rain, kittens would appear under her porch. We're talking newborn kittens that we would dry off with a towel and to this day I can't remember what would happen to those kittens. I would be allowed to play in the rain water runoff on our front street, and I generally loved rainy days. Today's passage takes us to the most known of rainy days as found in The Bible. It was God speaking to Noah about the post-rain sign of a rainbow as a sign of a covenant "that never again will everything living be destroyed by floodwaters; no, never again will a flood destroy the Earth." (v.11). This was a covenant beyond imagination; not a punishment, but a sign of hope and a fresh start. I also remember the day I was to preach for the first time for a grade in my Preaching class in seminary, it rained. I wondered aloud to my professor as we both walked into the chapel is that was an omen. He stopped, smiled at me, and said, "What? A washing of the earth; a cleansing, a sign of newness?" Boom. He got me. I was looking for a way out and he showed me the way in. I thank God for that gentleman of faith; for he helped me prepare to preach. I should note that this was the day way before cameras on cellphones and we had an ancient huge camera, do I dare say black and white one? A huge Umatic video recorder and a playback on what had to be one of the world's largest monitors (B&W) where the professor and I would sit to, gulp, watch my sermon. For a grade. Gulp again.

Up in the sky, God placed a rainbow. Ah, rainbows, we could spend the rest of the time oohing and aah-ing about rainbows. They're just gorgeous and to this day, most of us will never tire of seeing them. There is nothing like a complete rainbow, one whose start and end you can see; and yes, you wonder if you could get to that end, find that pot of gold that leprechauns said would be there. But for this passage, know this: The rainbow signifies more than just aesthetics. It represents reconciliation, reminding us that even after broken promises or mistakes, God offers forgiveness and a chance to rebuild. It speaks of resilience, reminding us that life will bring storms, but we can weather them and emerge stronger. We can enjoy the beauty of the rainbow, but we also can think of the awesomeness of God's love for you and me.

The rainbow came after a devastating flood. Let us not forget this flood killed off all humanity save for eight people. 8. Noah and family. While the literal flood recedes, the passage invites us to reflect on personal floods we face – setbacks, losses, feelings of overwhelm. It offers a message of solace, reminding us that even in the midst of personal storms, God's promise of hope stands firm. Like a rainbow bridging dark clouds with sunshine, God's presence shines through, offering comfort and the promise of brighter days.

But God wanted a positive and loving response from humanity to this new covenant. This covenant isn't a passive promise; it calls for action. We are invited to live in a way that honors God's creation, respecting all living things and nurturing the fragile beauty of our world. It's a call to be bearers of hope, radiating compassion and reminding others of the promise etched in the sky, even when their own storms rage.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for Your enduring covenant, painted in rainbows and whispered in moments of grace. When storms threaten to drown us in despair, remind us of Your unwavering promise. Grant us the strength to weather our personal floods and the courage to be instruments of hope, reflecting Your love and reminding others of the rainbow that shines beyond the rain, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Remember, even amidst the greyest clouds, hope remains, like a vibrant rainbow waiting to be discovered. Be a beacon of that hope, reminding yourself and others that even after the storm, the sun will rise again.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

From Suffering to Salvation

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18 That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all - was put to death and then made alive - to bring us to God. 19 He went and proclaimed God's salvation to earlier generations who ended up in the prison of judgment 20 because they wouldn't listen. You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved then, eight to be exact - saved from the water by the water. 21 The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus' resurrection before God with a clear conscience. 22 Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes. (1 Peter 3:18-22 The Message Bible)

Blessings upon blessings dear Friend on this Tuesday. May the Lord bless you and keep you! I thank God for you and your willingness to pray for others. Baby Ivy Escamillea at this writing is in recovery and breathing on her own. Her brain functions look good, and her chest has been closed after surgery. She will remain in the hospital for maybe three weeks. We thank God for these news, and may we continue to pray for her complete recovery. Our brother, The Rev. Virgilio Vasquez Garza has been having severe eye pain in his left eye and spent some time on Sunday in the ER; then this morning (Monday) at 3:30 am the severe pain returned and was at the Stand-Alone ER but was taken by ambulance to University Hospital where he was treated until 1:30 pm, then he went to his opthamologist who had to remove liquid from his eye in a painful manner. Virgilio is home now and we pray God bless him with healing. Late Monday, Ms. Kelly Lester was awaiting gall bladder surgery. Let us pray that happened quickly and successfully! Prayers for her husband Rick and their family.

I remember learning about Jesus for the very first time and I wanted Him as my Lord and Savior. And the more we studied Him, the more I wanted to know about Him. I have to admit that I envied the faith and lives of the disciples as they heard Jesus' voice say, "Follow me," and the joy Jesus felt in hearing or seeing them leave everything behind to serve Him. I sadly recall telling Jesus no the first time He called me into ministry; not because of Him but because of me; the view I had of myself and how I limited myself in thinking I could not do half of the things He might ask of me in ministry. But yet, Jesus never gave up on me. I tire not of saying that while "hiding in the belly of the great fish (AT&T-Houston), I get assigned to sit across from another seminary dropout. I remember getting a letter from the scholarship people from the United Methodist Church letting me know I still had a scholarship if I so desired to return. And the next day getting a letter from a seminary telling me that I did not have to apply but make a simple phone call to be admitted if I wanted to continue my calling. Long story short, I responded and now I'm mostly retired from that; but my desire to know Jesus more has not waned.

Peter as author is sharing his knowledge and love of Jesus for all Jesus did for him and for us. Peter knew, and later himself suffered all Jesus suffered because of our sins. The idea of The Righteous One dying for all of us unrighteous ones, is almost unbelieveable. Jesus was put to death in a death that we truly deserved; but He was made alive once more to give us the assurance that His death and resurrection will bring us to His presence and glory. And as an added bonus, Peter shares what he knows that not many do; that Jesus went and shared God's plan of salvation to all who had died prior to His being among them and sharing salvation, including those who did not listen to the prophets, yet God's grace was extended to them by Jesus.

Peter mentions all who were not invited on the ark during Noah's time, and uses that reference to speak of the waters of baptism as a symbol of our hope. Peter knows that baptism is not just a ritual, but a symbolic cleansing and a fresh start. This Peter says is a reminder that God offers forgiveness and the chance to begin anew, free from the weight of guilt and shame.

The resurrection of Jesus is the ulimate symbol of hope; just as Jesus conquered death, we too shall overcome obstacles and emerge stronger through faith. Our present sufferings can serve to draw us closer to God and refine our character. We should know that Spirit conquers flesh; we should focus on the inner strength and the enduring power of our spirit that God offers to us. We should always seek redemption knowing that if we embrace God's forgiveness and the chance to start anew. And we top this off with the hope of our resurrection because of Jesus.

PRAYER: Loving God, when storms rage in our lives, grant us the strength to endure and the wisdom to see your purpose. Help us find forgiveness and renewal, and remind us of the hope that lies beyond suffering. May we, like Christ, overcome every obstacle and live in the light of your love, we pray In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be strong as you navigate through the ses of challenges with faith and unwavering hope.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Baptism of Jesus

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9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:9-15 NIV Bible)

A blessed and awesome Monday to you, dear Friend! I was blessed to have been in the house of the Lord this morning, (Yes, I write this on Sunday) hearing our pastor preach an awesome sermon on Jesus' Transfiguration and partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Blessings abound when we find ourselves in a worship space. Let's declare this our worship for our time together. Let us be about re-capturing the power of prayer as we pray for Mr. Rick Gonzales, our brother from Mission, Texas, who underwent a series of painful injections to combat his battle against MS in Houston. The results from that therapy were not what they sought and a new series of injections await him later this spring. Please pray that the desired results and God's will be done for our brother's health and wellbeing. Please pray for his wife Maridol during this time of their lives. Let us also pray for baby Ivy Escamilla, a 22-month year old baby who is in Texas Children's Hospital in Houston awaiting surgery. She had s pulmonary venous obstruction and this surgery will, Lord willing, clear that up. Pray for Ivy and her family. She has been restless and anxious. May God bless baby Ivy with healing and her family with comfort and peace. Let us pray for all who have asked prayer from us, pray for one another, and pray that God bless you with just what you need. Amen!

In our rhythm of life there are certain events that seem to come at the same time for most; baptism, confirmation, and other events. I pretty much followed the events needed or desired, and tried to handle the surprises. My baptism was almost exactly thirty days after my birth, the result of my mother's many miscarriages, and this rush I am guessing was just in case. I was confirmed at nine years of age, and married at twenty-five; much too late in my grandmother's opinion; maybe too soon in others, but just right in my opinion. What about you?

In Jesus' life everything was on God's time and plan. Theologically, there was no need for Jesus to be washed from any sin, but His desire to identify with us, was strong and so He presents Himself for baptism by John the Baptizer at the Jordan River. And for the second time God makes a declaration of His delight, love, and pride in His Son, Jesus Christ. This happens for Jesus' sake, and for the sake of the inner circle, who wrote it down for ours. It is a public declaration of Jesus' lineage, plan, and purpose. And part of that transformation for Jesus happened in that moment. In our own lives, seeking transformation often requires leaving our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in new experiences, or facing challenges with an open heart.

The next phase of Jesus' life was a time of testing and connecting with God. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness for a period of fasting and testing, a process of preparation for what lay ahead in His life and ministry. This particular version has Jesus tempted by Satan and Jesus' life among wild animals and having angels attending Him. The timeline in this version says "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God." The sermon Jesus preached was simple and powerful, His Call to Action; "The time has come," He said, "The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the Good News!"

What this teaches us is this; We should always be open to transformation as presented to us by God. This mean our deliberately wanting to leave behind complacency and comfort to seek those experiences that challenge us and allow us to grow. We should also seek to connect with the Divine in those spaces we create for allowing us to reflect and pray, inviting God's presence into our lives. As challenges come, we can face them with faith. We must never forget that even in times of trial, God is with us, helping us grow stronger and guiding us to where we need to be. Finally, let our actions radiate God's love and compassion to the world.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant us the courage to face challenges, the wisdom to discern your will, and the strength to reflect your love. May we transform ourselves and touch the world with the message of hope and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Remember, like Jesus, you are loved, empowered, and destined to share God's light with the world.

I love you and thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

God is Awesome. Are We?

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1 The God of gods - it's God! - speaks out, shouts, "Earth!" welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west. 2 From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view. 3 Our God makes his entrance, he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him. 4 He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court: 5 "Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me." 6 The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here God is judge. 7 "Are you listening, dear people? I'm getting ready to speak; Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you. 8 I don't find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer. (Psalm 50:1-8 The Message Bible)

Happy Thursday, dear Friend. May blessings upon blessings be yours for enjoying God's peace and presence in your life today.

A famous comedian once was asked to introduce Jesus. I am relying solely on memory but I recollect that he did an amazing job. All the accolades he could think of were included in this amazing introduction of Jesus. Now, if you were asked to introduce God, what would you say? I know we would be searching here and there, high and low, for anything and everything that we can to make people know that we know God. Well, what we have here for today is King David introducing God in this psalm. He wants us to know the importance and power of God. He calls God, "The God of gods, " adding, "It's God!" And this God of ours, is not a silent God, He is a God of might and power and a booming voice that all the world can hear. God has the power to not only summon but to recognize the Sun as it makes its arrival in the east, and dismiss it as it disappears into the west. God is more blazing that the sun; His appearance is like the "Starbursts of fireworks" coming before Him. And David reminds us that God is a God who will judge the world and God can call any and all witnesses that He wants, and David has God calling on heaven and earth to be part of the jury that will judge us! We are being taken to court by God and we'd best be ready!

God will recognize the saints, that is the faithful, who will fare better in judgment than those who are not saints. These were they who swore on the Bible, who took God's word seriously and applied it to their lives. And even in the fairness that will be this court, we should fear the Lord if we are not saintly in our lives before God. Israel should fear the coming judgement, their king says. Our call is to hear God speak to us, and to show our faithfulness in our worship of God, and the offering of sacrifices we present to Him.

The Psalm emphasizes God's desire for justice, but not for endless punishment: "I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices... For all the animals of the forest are mine, the cattle on a thousand hills." (v. 8) It's not about appeasing God through rituals; it's about offering genuine repentance and a heart open to restoration.

Now, let's shift our focus to the mountaintop experience of Jesus' Transfiguration. Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, is bathed in dazzling light, revealing his divine glory. This isn't just a spectacle; it's a tangible expression of God's transforming power, a glimpse of the restoration He offers not just to Jesus, but to all who seek Him.

PRAYER: Lord of love and hope, as we reflect on the ashes of our choices and the hope offered by Christ's Transfiguration, open our hearts to your transforming love. Help us see ourselves through your eyes, not with condemnation, but with compassion and the promise of restoration. May we walk towards the light you offer, carrying within us the embers of hope and sharing its warmth with the world around us; in Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us turn our hearts to God for God to make us saints.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

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1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” 4 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” 6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on. 7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. (2 Kings 2:1-12 NIV Bible)

Happy Wednesday, dear Friend. May this point of the work week bring you a blessing of enlightenment and truth.

A key component that I failed to share on Monday is that when Jesus underwent His transfiguration in front of three of His disciples, He was sharing the hope of life beyond this life and a life in another realm, that of Heaven itself. That the three disciples saw two long-dead heroes of the faith live and in person, spoke to them about life, God's life that has no end for those who come to life in Him and die in Him. The Old Testament lesson also stresses this, for it deals with the pain and grief one feels when one knows that death is coming. Even with an advantage most do not have; God made it known when Elijah would be taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind, but that did not make it easier for those involved. The old prophet, Elijah, had served God well. Israel was a better nation because of his faith and faithful leadership to God. He singlehandedly led a fight against idol worship that challenged God. The prophets of Baal were not match for God and God's servant, Elijah. Four hundred priests of Baal lost their lives after they lost an embarrassing content where God demonstrated His power against these make-believe gods. His faithfulness to God irked the king and queen of Israel, Ahab and Jezebel, and this story closes out the story of Elijah and introduces us to the new prophet Elisha.

Elisha was strong in his faith and was a faithful follower of God; so much so that God chose him to follow the great Elijah. Yet, Elisha is human and hurts to know that a dear mentor is about to exit this earth and enter into Heaven. Elisha's emotions mirror our own struggles. We face moments of loss, uncertainty, and even a feeling of abandonment. Elijah's departure feels like a whirlwind, leaving us grasping for stability and meaning. Yet, amidst the chaos, hope endures. Elisha doesn't despair; he cries out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" (2 Kings 2:12). This desperate plea echoes our yearning for guidance and assurance in turbulent times.

Just as Elisha found hope in the midst of loss, the disciples experience hope amidst fear on the mountaintop of Transfiguration. Jesus, their mentor and leader, is bathed in dazzling light, revealing his divine nature. This glimpse of glory strengthens their faith, preparing them for the challenges ahead. While the Transfiguration is extraordinary, the message translates to our daily lives. No matter how ordinary our days may seem, God's glory is present, offering us glimpses of hope and strength.

Elisha inherits Elijah's mantle, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility and spiritual authority. Similarly, we are entrusted with the mantle of faith, called to carry on the legacy of love and service established by Christ. This doesn't require extraordinary acts; it calls for faithfulness in the ordinary. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand – these seemingly small actions become our "fire chariots," carrying love and hope into the world.

So what to do? Reclaim the faith in you that says that hope endures even in loss. We should not despair in the face of challenges. Remember, just like Elisha, we are not alone. God is with us; His presence and hope endure, even when life feels like a whirlwind. Remember to seek glimpses of glory. We can find moments of reflection and connection with God, just like the disciples on the mountaintop. These experiences can rekindle our faith and offer us fresh perspective. Remember to embrace our mantle; we are entrusted with the legacy of love and service. We should look for opportunities, however small, to share God's love and hope with the world around us.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant us the strength to face our challenges with courage and hope, just as Elisha did in the face of Elijah's departure. Remind us of your presence, even in the ordinary moments, and empower us to be vessels of your love and faithfulness in the world; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Carry the hope of Elisha and the light of the Transfiguration, remembering that even the smallest act of love, like a gentle breeze, can ripple outwards, creating a wave of hope and transforming the world around us.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Jesus Christ is Lord

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3 If our Message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. 4 All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get. 5 Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we're proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. 6 It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6 The Message Bible)

A blessed Tuesday to you, dear Friend. May the Lord bless us with grace and peace and the knowledge that we belong to Him and that we should love one another.

Yesterday evening, Nellie and I watched a movie called "Play the Flute." It hit home because the message of this passage was the message of this movie. It is about a youth pastor who struggles to connect with his kids and in getting his kids to connect with God. The kids in his youth group were living out the first verse, verse 3, they were "looking or going the wrong way," and truly "refuse(s) to give it (the gospel message) serious attention." The movie is on Netflix and I highly recommend it.

Paul shares a frustration of all Christian workers and preachers; we want the whole world to know Jesus but the whole world is not interested. As this modern version says it, "All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see." Ouch. This being the Sunday that The Transfiguration is celebrated, the image of the bright light of Christ can only shine in those hearts receptive to Him; not until they open their hearts will they see all the Lord has to offer to us. Just as the disciples couldn't fully comprehend the transfiguration until their understanding was ready, the "light of the message" may sometimes seem veiled in our daily lives. This doesn't diminish its brilliance; it simply reminds us that our perception might be clouded by worldly concerns and anxieties. Just like on the mountaintop, a shift in perspective is needed to truly see the light.

As messengers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light in a world shrouded in darkness. Our lives serve as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, bearing witness to the reality of Christ's resurrection and the hope it brings. Like mirrors, we are to reflect the radiance of Christ's love, grace, and truth, illuminating the hearts and minds of those around us.

Just as the disciples were transformed by the glorious sight of Christ's transfiguration, so too are we called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as we behold the beauty and majesty of Christ revealed in the Scriptures. Through prayer, study, and fellowship, may we open our hearts to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, allowing His light to shine brightly through us, leading others to encounter the living Christ. What can we do? We can carve out space for reflection and prayer, asking that God shift our perspective and unveil the light within so that others can see. We should be mindful of worldly distractions that might cloud our vision and hinder our ability to see the light of God's message in us and others. We should exercise our spiritual practices of prayer, study, and service, and seek Christ's presence in our daily life. Finally, don't wait for mountaintop moments to share our light; let our everyday actions of love and compassion, be a testament to the presence of Christ's love within us.

PRAYER: Loving Lord, open our hearts to receive the light of your message, not just on mountaintops, but in the midst of our daily lives. Help us recognize the veils that obscure our vision and fan the flame of your love within us. May our words, actions, and very presence radiate your glory, transforming the world around us, one small act of kindness at a time, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let your daily life be a testament to the extraordinary power that Christ Jesus has placed in us.

I love you and thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Transfiguration: Mountaintop Experience

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2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (Mark 9:2-9 NIV Bible)

Happy Monday to you, dear Friend! I learned that Mr. Gilbert Tagle did pass away on Saturday as they expected having had his life support removed. I ask prayers for his widow, Ms. Alma Arevalo, his son, Carlos, and his brother Richard continue. I pray that God bring them comfort them and bring them peace. Also, prayers of celebration for The Rev. Jose Angel Flores III, aka Pastor Joey, pastor of First Methodist of Stockdale, as he was ordained a Deacon of The Global Methodist Church on Saturday at their annual conference in Waco. Joey was a youth in my MYF when I was his pastor in Mission, Texas. I am touched by his call and entrance into the ministry. I anxiously await his full ordination as Elder next year in San Anotnhio

As a youth our church took a group of us to The Youth Assembly of The Rio Grande Conference held at Mount Wesley Methodist Encampment in Kerrville, Texas. For a South Texas boy who had not ventured yet to the Texas Hill Country or any other areas of the state where one could see hills and mountains, to drive into Kerrville was a spiritual experience in and of its own. I learned later these "mountains" of Mount Wesley, were really hills. Whatever. The event and the site worked hand in hand in providing quite the mountain top experience my life needed at the time. At thirteen years of age I had my share of that age-level stresses and griefs, and those were met in the time and experiences shared there with me and all who were a part of that event.

Jesus takes with Him His three closest disciples; Peter, James, and John, to "a high mountain," where they were about to have a life-changing, career and call-affirming experience. I am sure they had no idea what awaited them on this mountain, but their days thus far with Jesus had prepared them for pretty much everything that could possibly come their way. They were not disappointed; quite the opposite - They saw the glory of God in Jesus, and they saw the realm of Heaven in the presence of Moses and Elijah. This event was as if God was saying the mundane and ordinary challenges of life do not compare to the power and awe with which you have aligned. My time at that week at camp made me forget all that worried me back home, but the blessing was knowing that I belonged to God and God was mine. Jesus took the three not to escape their problems, but about seeking a fresh perspective of power and peace. In the same way, we too can seek such perspective, not necessarily on mountaintops, but in moments of quiet reflection, prayer, or connecting with nature. Stepping away from the daily grind, even for a brief moment, can offer a clearer glimpse of hope beyond our immediate struggles.

On the mountain, Jesus undergoes a breathtaking transformation. While we may not expect dazzling white robes in our daily lives, the passage reminds us that God's glory is present even in the ordinary. Perhaps you find it in the kindness of a stranger, the resilience of a loved one, or the quiet beauty of a sunrise. Recognizing these small miracles can be our own personal "transfiguration," transforming our perspective and igniting hope within us. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus signifies the connection between God's past promises and His present action in Jesus. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We carry within us the strength of those who came before us, the wisdom of tradition, and the unwavering presence of God. This inner strength can empower us to face our challenges with hope and resilience.

The powerful voice booming from the heavens declares, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This isn't just about Jesus; it's a message for each of us. In the midst of our everyday struggles, God's voice whispers, "You are loved. You are not alone. Listen to the teachings of Jesus, for they offer guidance, hope, and the strength to overcome."

The transfiguration experience ends, and the disciples return to the valley, the challenges of their daily lives waiting. But they are not the same. They carry the echo of hope within them, the knowledge that God's glory shines even in the ordinary, and the strength to face their challenges with renewed faith.

What can we learn from this passage? We need to constantly seek moments of quiet reflection by stepping away from the daily grind to get a new perspective and reconnect with God. We also need to find God's glory in the everyday. There are small miracles around us and we can be a part of those as well by acts of kindness, smiles, silent prayers, and seeing the awe in God's creation. This will help us remember the inner strength we have; we are not alone and we can draw from the wisdom of tradition and the presence of God within us. Remember also that we can find hope and guidance in Jesus' words as we allow them to transform our perspective and our actions.

PRAYER: Loving God, open our eyes to the hope you offer even in the midst of our everyday struggles. Help us see your glory in the ordinary, find strength in your presence, and listen to the teachings of your Son, Jesus Christ. May we carry the echo of hope from the mountaintop into the valleys of our lives, sharing its light with others and making the world a brighter place; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Remember, even the smallest act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a moment of reflection can be a beacon of hope, transforming your own life and touching the lives of those around you.

I love you and thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Start With a Shout!

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1 Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting. 2 God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem, who regathers Israel's scattered exiles. 3 He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. 4 He counts the stars and assigns each a name. 5 Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does 6 God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch. 7 Sing to God a thanksgiving hymn, play music on your instruments to God, 8 Who fills the sky with clouds, preparing rain for the earth, Then turning the mountains green with grass, 9 feeding both cattle and crows. 10 He's not impressed with horsepower; the size of our muscles means little to him. 11 Those who fear God get God's attention; they can depend on his strength. 12 Jerusalem, worship God! Zion, praise your God! 13 He made your city secure, he blessed your children among you. 14 He keeps the peace at your borders, he puts the best bread on your tables. 15 He launches his promises earthward - how swift and sure they come! 16 He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, 17 He broadcasts hail like birdseed - who can survive his winter? 18 Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter - suddenly it's spring! 19 He speaks the same way to Jacob, speaks words that work to Israel. 20 He never did this to the other nations; they never heard such commands. Hallelujah! (Psalm 147 The Message Bible)

Happy Thursday, dear Friend! May this find you well and blessed. Please continue to lift up your prayers for the needs of the world, the needs of your neighbor, and the needs of your community. Pray that God be glorified in you right now and always!

There is nothing sweeter, in my opinion than a baby learning to sing. And what is awesome they've not yet heard any negativity about their voice and so their singing is full-out and joyful. And leave it to the psalmist to share this psalm in his usual, "Get busy and join me in praising God!" charge. Thus, the title for today's devotional, "Start with a Shout!" and adds, "It's a good thing to sing praise to God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting." God deserves it because God has done so much for us; He's a God of rebuilding, regathering, healing, and bandaging. He knows the number of stars and assigns each a name. He has limitless strength, and we will never fully comprehend all that God knows and does. So, start singing and make it real!

Dear friends, this is a blueprint for daily living. We should start our day with praise. Yes, most of us are satisfied to begin our day with grunts and moans; but imagine how sweeter we might be if we started with praise? Our first response to the day and to the world should be joyful, loud praise to He Who makes each day possible. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty and the awesomeness that surrounds us.

Our day should then move to prayer that seeks healing and restoration for ourselves, our loved ones, and those who have asked prayers from us. We should keep ever before us the knowledge that God loves us all and it cannot be contained to specific areas or behind walls, and God is all about offering solace and hope to those who are hurting.

And at least once a day make time to appreciate you. There is a vastness to you and the significance you bring to the world. And by world I mean, that sphere of influence you have; family, friends, coworkers, etc. You are truly a cherished creation of God, loved by He who is the artist Who made you and Who loves you very much. Remember, He also made the stars.

Then, become a part of the symphony of praise going on all around you. We should express our gratitude with words, but also with actions, choices, and our very presence in the world. We are called to be witnesses to the goodness of God. We can be, and should be, walking, talking sermons that point to God.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the vibrant canvas of Your creation, for the strength You offer in times of weakness, and for the love that binds us all together. Open our hearts to sing your praises, not just with our lips, but with our lives. May we be instruments of your love, radiating joy and hope in a world that needs your song; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be a voice in the chorus of praise, a testament to God's love, and a brushstroke on the magnificent canvas of His creation.

I love you and thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.