Harvest Joy!

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1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 127 NRSV)

Dear Friend, what makes you happy? I mean, really happy? Leave a comment or email me with your response as I'm curious. I ask because joy is important, for it causes as the psalmist says laughter and shouts, and even bragging rights of sorts (among nations) when others realize that God has done great things for us. Earlier today of this recording (Wednesday) I saw a YouTube video of Miami, Florida. (Inside Wealthy Miami - Why Are So Many People Moving Here) The mere thought of Miami makes one think of opulence, and having visited the city many times I know that's true. This video was by a gentleman we follow who does deep dives into communities and areas and asks really interesting questions and tries to interview a wide spectrum of people who reside in those cities or areas. As he toured Miami, he was hosted by an interior designer for the uber wealthy, who drove a very nice luxury car, the "uniform" of success, a watch to match and knew the prices of the oceanside mansions, especially the ones of islands where big name stars make their homes. His part in the video ended in an old long-standing fruit stand that is known for serving nice fruits. It was there the designer said his best years were those he spent in Southeast Asia in Cambodia and Laos, where those who had nothing in terms of material possessions were the happiest, not even having words like "yours" and "mine." The man explained they were happiest when they could help others and share what they had with those who had nothing.

Lent is a season of sowing—of planting seeds of faith, repentance, and trust in God, even in times of sorrow. Psalm 126 speaks to the journey from exile to restoration, from weeping to joy. It reminds us that the path of faith is often marked by both struggle and hope.

The psalmist recalls a time when God restored His people, filling them with laughter and joy. Yet, there is also an acknowledgment that the present may still hold tears. Sowing in tears means choosing to trust God even when life feels uncertain, painful, or barren. But the promise of God is this: Joy will come. Just as seeds planted in the earth eventually grow into a harvest, our faithfulness in difficult seasons will lead to renewal and restoration.

During Lent, we walk the road to the cross, knowing that sorrow is not the end of the story. Jesus’ suffering led to resurrection. Our own seasons of struggle are not wasted—God is at work, preparing a harvest of joy in due time.

Whatever burdens you carry, know this: God is faithful. He will turn tears into joy, sorrow into laughter, and fasting into a feast. Keep sowing, keep trusting—the harvest will come.

PRAYER: Faithful God, In times of sorrow, help us trust in Your promise of joy. Give us the strength to sow in faith, even when the path is difficult. As we journey through Lent, prepare our hearts to receive the joy of resurrection. Remind us that You are always at work, bringing restoration and renewal. In Jesus’ strong name we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider what you are sowing in this season of Lent. Are there prayers, sacrifices, or acts of faith that feel small or unnoticed? Trust that God sees them. Take a moment today to reflect on a time when God has turned sorrow into joy in your life, and thank Him for His faithfulness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Our Desire is Christ

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4 If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 3:4b-14 NIV)

Today is Tuesday, the 1st of April, 2025; it's also that funny day called April Fools Day; so don't fall for any pranks today. There are no April Fools' content in this email. I'll leave that fof your family and friends to have fun with you.

When a first responder retires from his/her career, they place what is called their last call. The officer/firefighter will radio in to their headquarters and shares whatever is allowed or required and the dispatcher will acknowledge that call. The officer then replies with the appropriate code that says s/he is now off-duty. On social media this morning I saw one of a police chief in the patrol car with his youngest granddaughter in the passenger's side of the cruiser. It was an emotional call for the chief and his emotions were having an impact on his granddaughter. His wife was the dispatcher and that made it doubly emotional. But the chief said that being a police officer is a calling and he said he was glad her responded to that call. Today's devotional is about one who responded to a call above all calls; the Apostle Paul shares his lineage as a Jew, a Pharisee, and then as a disciple of Jesus. We can't help but note all the very Hebrew and Jewish things he achieved, including the sad chapter of persecuting the Church of Jesus; but all that paled to what he truly desired after he encountered Jesus; his heart wanted to "gain Christ, and to be found in Him," with a strong and true faith in Christ Jesus. Though he had seen and met Jesus face-to-face, he still desired to know Christ; for that encounter only ignited a hunger to know Christ more fully. His conversion was simply hearing the fire of the starter's pistol to run a race for Christ all his life. Have you heard, "On your marks? Get Set! Go!"?

Lent is a season of stripping away, a time to reflect on what truly matters. In this passage, Paul speaks of letting go of everything he once valued—his status, accomplishments, and self-righteousness—because nothing compares to knowing Christ.

Paul’s words challenge us to examine what we hold onto. Are there things we cling to that keep us from fully pursuing Christ? Our achievements, possessions, or even religious practices can sometimes become sources of pride or security rather than expressions of faith. But Paul reminds us that all these things are nothing compared to the joy of knowing Jesus.

Lent calls us to let go—not just of material things but of anything that keeps us from drawing closer to God. It is a time to press on toward the goal, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to run the race with endurance. We are not perfect, but by God’s grace, we are being made new.

As we continue this Lenten journey, may we, like Paul, release what is temporary in order to grasp what is eternal. Let us press on, not looking back, but moving forward into the life Christ has called us to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to let go of anything that keeps us from fully knowing You. Show us where we place our confidence in things other than Your grace. During this Lenten season, renew our heart and give us the strength to press on toward You. May our lives reflect the surpassing worth of knowing You above all else. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect on what you may need to release—whether it’s pride, past mistakes, or distractions that keep you from pursuing Christ fully. Make a commitment to press on toward Him, whether through prayer, fasting, or a renewed focus on His Word.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Love Enough to Go Around

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1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (John 12:1-8 NRSV)

Happy Monday to my dear Friend. May this be a wonderful day in all things, knowing that God goes with you and prepares you, sustains you, and helps you overcome all things!

I shared with you a couple of weeks back how the Bible is a book of meals as well as as a book of geography and truth. This week's gospel lesson is about a meal. A special dinner given in honor of Jesus by a household whose lives were turned upside down with a miracle. A certain man, Lazarus had gotten sick and his two sisters Mary and Martha called on Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus was delayed in coming and Lazarus died. Four days after the funeral Jesus arrives and astonished everyone by raising Lazarus from the dead. So, at the table of honor, Lazarus is seated near Jesus; Martha is serving, as usual, and Mary is doing something not expected. She had taken a pound of very expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet. She then wiped His feet clean with her hair. This act filled the home with the odor of this perfume and it annoyed one of the Twelve, namely Judas Iscariot, who had already resolved in his heart to betray Jesus. He protests, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" The writer knows Judas' heart and added, in parentheses, "He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief' he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it. Judas was the treasurer, as it were, of the Twelve and he was known already as an embezzler. Judas, even then, was stealing the glory of this moment by making this protest. Yet Jesus declares for all to leave Mary alone, for what she was doing was helping prepare Jesus for His burial. And then Jesus adds a profound truth; "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

This can also happen in our lives. We may be in a solemn and deeply personal part of worship, lovingly connected to God and an unexpected and usually unwelcome distraction will come and takes us away from the beauty of the moment and it become difficult to reconnect and reengage in our time with God. Jesus was about fulfillment of prophecy and God's plan; Judas was serving the enemy of God using distractions and diversions. Yet, it is when Jesus is present and we allow Him to be in control, He can reclaim and refocus us to what God would have us receive.

Lent invites us to reflect on how we express our love for Christ. Do we give Him only what is convenient, or do we pour out our best for Him? Mary’s actions remind us that true devotion is costly—it requires humility, sacrifice, and a heart fully surrendered to Jesus.

As we journey toward the cross, may we seek to worship God not just with our words but with our actions, giving Him our time, resources, and love without hesitation.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Mary’s love for You was bold and extravagant. Help me to love You in the same way—not holding back, but offering You my very best. Show me where I need to surrender more fully, and teach me to worship You with my whole heart. May my life be a fragrant offering to You. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. OUR CALL TO ACTION. Take time today to reflect on what you are offering to Jesus. Is there something He is calling you to surrender or give generously? Find a way to express your devotion—whether through prayer, an act of kindness, or a sacrifice of time or resources in His name.

I love you and thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A New Beginning

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9 The Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt." And so that place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 While the Israelites were camped in Gilgal they kept the passover in the evening on the fourteenth day of the month in the plains of Jericho. 11 On the day after the passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year. (Joshua 5:9-12 NRSV)

Dear Friend, blessings upon blessings on this Wednesday. May it be wonderful and worshipful for you and those around you. May you bring God's love to life in your thoughts, words, and deeds to all.

The Bible is as much as book of geography as it is a book of meals. If you're at all familiar with the stories you know that a lot of meaningful events take place around the table; previous historical events are memorialized around the table, and the first great celebration in Heaven will be as we gather around Jesus for that Great Banquet. Meals are meaningful; some would say and do observe meals as sacred. How is it at your home? All meals should have meaning; our gratitude towards God should first, our gratitude towards those joining us at the table; and an awareness and a commitment to do for those who do not have should be part of our outreach and mission as believers.

The meal here in this passage is an important one. It was forty years in the making! I think of the first meal that Nellie and I shared on our honeymoon and that was 25 years in the making. And it was and still is, very special. The Israelites that made it to the Jordan and crossed over it received the blessing of finally being washed clean of anything and everything Egyptian and all of the negative memories of that slavery experience were "rolled" away as they set foot on the promised soil thus the name Gilgal. That night they celebrated the passover with its very significant meaning, then they moved to eating the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain; meaning all this is ours now. And at that moment there was no more manna; theirs was the natural production of the land.

Lent is a season of transition—a journey from bondage to freedom, from wilderness to promise. In this passage, the Israelites have finally crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering. God declares to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” This marks a fresh start. The shame of slavery is behind them, and a new chapter has begun.

For years, the Israelites relied on manna from heaven to survive, but now, as they enter the land of promise, they eat the produce of Canaan. The manna ceases, signaling a shift from survival to abundance. God provides in new ways for new seasons.

During Lent, we reflect on the places where we may still be carrying the weight of past shame or struggles. Like the Israelites, we are invited to let go of the past and step fully into God’s promises. Sometimes God provides manna in the wilderness, and other times He calls us to trust Him in new ways.

As we journey toward the hope of Easter, may we trust God in every season—whether in the wilderness or the promised land. Let go of the burdens that no longer serve you and embrace the new beginning God is offering.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for rolling away the shame and burdens of our past. As we walk through this Lenten season, help us to trust You in every season of life. Open our eyes to the new ways You are providing for us, and give us the courage to step fully into the promises You have prepared. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect today on what burdens or past struggles you need to release. Write them down and offer them to God in prayer. Then, consider how God may be calling you to embrace something new—a new habit, relationship, or mindset—that reflects His faithfulness. Let this be a season of renewal.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A New Creation in Christ Jesus

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16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NRSV)

Dear Friend, a blessed and terrific Tuesday for you! May our hearts be made stronger and more loving by our time spent in God's Word. May He speak to us with our needs being met and may we receive the commission and permission we need to be His witnesses in all things. As we pray, may we pray for the family of Connie Avant from the Gonzales Methodist Church. Connie passed away this morning. May God's comfort and peace be with all who loved her and who will miss her. Pray for your needs and for those who have asked prayers from us.

I remember the day on the college campus when news of a friend who had turned his life over to Jesus. It was a joyous time but one person spoke a negative question, wondering if this conversion would mean a change of personality? Would an arrogant non-Christian become an arrogant Christian? Hmm. Discuss among yourselves. Reading Paul one would say if all things are made new; the heart, the mind, the spirit, why not personality and interpersonal skills? Paul would be one to talk, but he went from an almost fire-breathing persecutor of Christians into a love-breathing evangelist, seeking to make Christians of all the world. Something happened to him and that was his face-to-face encounter with Jesus Himself. One has to believe that as Jesus called Paul by name, that that was a loving, come-home-to-me voice. It had to be like voice of the father of the Prodigal Son; tender, loving, understanding and compassionate. Yesterday I shared with a reader in a private email my prodigal son moment. I've shared it in some previous devotionals of my rebellious hair-growing episode; one of two. As a boy we cut our hair in a Black-owned barber shop that specialized in two styles; Gi and Flat top. The minor difference is that the flat top allows for a three-sided fence on the top of the head; the GI was strictly put-the-helmet-on-me-and-hand-me-the-M1-sir, yes sir! As The Beatles made their impact on the world on that Sunday evening, I politely asked my dad if I could, please, have a part in my hair. I knew I was asking a lot, but I thought how much more cuter I could be if I had enough hair to part it on one side. He must have prayed about it and said yes, and a part was soon on my head. The second time, as a college boy, I decided I no longer wanted to cut my hair and it almost reached my shoulders. I did not look good, but Dad thought I looked hideous and ordered me to cut it or leave home. It was not a polite conversation and if did involve my mother and my grandmother (his Mom) sharing their very loud opposition to the ultimatum that Dad had given me. I had a dorm room I could drive back to and so I made my crying way back to the car. Dad was crying too, but not as much as my Momó or Mom, who were now solidly on Dad's case and as I put my key in the ignition, Dad comes running out of the house and opens the door and hugs me and crying says I don't have to leave. I hugged back and resolved I would drive straight to the barbershop.

Both of us rose above the human level to Paul's "new creation" level. We strive to leave behind the usual and expected human responses to that which only makes sense to God on the spiritual level. And it might have been the season of Lent when this prodigal moment took place.

Lent is a season of transformation—a time to lay down the old and embrace the new life found in Christ. In this passage, Paul reminds us that through Jesus, we are not simply improved versions of our old selves; we are new creations. The old ways of living, thinking, and striving are gone, and we are invited to live in the freedom of God’s grace. It is said that when the Emperor Constantine surrenedered to Jesus, as he presented himself for baptism, he held his sword above the water, for he did not want to surrender his needed weapon of war. Some joke that some Christians do that with their wallets.

This transformation is not our own doing. It is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ. Through the cross, Jesus took our sin, our shame, and our brokenness so that we might be made right with God. This is the heart of the gospel—the great exchange where Christ's righteousness becomes ours.

But reconciliation is not where it ends. Paul says that we are now entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to reflect His love in the world. Lent is a time to ask: How am I living as a new creation? Am I holding on to old patterns, or am I stepping fully into the life Christ offers?

As we journey through this season, let us remember that God not only redeems us but also calls us to be His ambassadors—bringing hope, peace, and love to a world in need.

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for making us a new creation through Christ. In this season of Lent, help us to let go of the old ways that hold me back. Reconcile my heart to Yours so that I may reflect Your love to others. Empower me to live as Your ambassador, sharing the message of hope and grace with those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect today on what it means to be a new creation. Are there old habits or burdens you need to surrender to God? Take a step toward reconciliation—with God, with yourself, or with someone else. Let this Lenten journey be a time of renewal and transformation.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Loving Embrace

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1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 11 “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-31 NIV)

Dear Friend, Welcome back to ConCafe! Or should you be saying that to me? I thank you for your prayers and thoughts while Nellie and I, and several family members had a delightful time watching our oldest grandson, Liam Carlos Vasquez, march with his band, the Canyon High School Cougar band in Disneyland, during a spring break time of year at that park. What a thrill and an honor for us to be there. They did outstanding by the way! We had fun bus discovered that a long weekend in a theme park is for those ready to run a marathon! But we flew there and back and we were blessed. I trust you had a good spring break time of year, even if you're not at school, but that you feel renewed and refreshed. Prayers for Col. Glenn Hill, whose wife Jodi passed into glory this past week; funeral services were this past Saturday and interment will be on the 8th of April at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Jodi was a delightful woman of faith, sang in our choir at First Methodist of Harlingen. May God share His comfort with Glenn and their children and grandchildren.

I love watching reunion videos of the type of people who have not seen loved ones for many years. Some feature children who because of immigration issues found themselves unable to see each other. Others feature servicemen and servicewomen, who because of military deployment have not seen sons or daughters. I cry with each one because I'm human and I love seeing loved ones reunite with one another. I have noticed there are two types of responses, maybe more, but the two most common will have the surprised one, usually the mom or dad who is not aware of the presence of the absentee loved one, will run away upon seeing the loved ones, usually into the other room where they will break down in tears, then will either turn and embrace the absentee son/daughter and both will cry and hold each other for a long time. The other is the straight forward run immediately into each other's arms upon realizing the loved one they had not seen in many, many days, has returned. Both responses are valid, but I'm the kind who will run towards the loved one I have not seen in a long time. Which type are you?

You have to love Jesus' ability to tell a story that has all elements of human drama. Jesus pressed all the right buttons that touched everyone in His audience. There's the family element of drama; a father with two sons, and as sometimes happens, both sons are as different as day and night. And as usually happens it is the younger of the sons who has a desire to test and/or taste life. LIfe on the farm had gotten to him and now he thinks he's old enough to leave home. And there is nothing wrong in leaving home, for most parents want to raise their children to be independent and one day leave home. In our country when the child graduates from high school, the next step for many is to leave home for college, or the military, or a trade school, or just to relocate and start a new life on their own. Jesus is sharing something most parents go through, so He has their attention. The next element is the worry on the part of the parent on seeing a child leave home. Will s/he be alright? Will they find work? Will they have enough to make it? And in this story, Jesus has built in the factor of Daddy being rich and the desire to leave home was factored as a reason to leave. "Give me my share of the estate." And off he goes.

I left home when I was nineteen, to head to college as an obedient son of God, called to prepare for ordained ministry and I left with my pockets full of faith and the hope that the scholarship the school promised would be enough. I had no car and my parents loaded all of my earthly goods in the back of the Chevrolet, including my prized possession my graduation gift of a Radio Shack record player and a very limited collection of vinyl records. Two trips up to the second floor of Clark Hall and I was moved in, and my parents, two brothers and sisters loaded themselves back into the car and drove back to Houston. How I wanted to cry but an upperclassman invited me to the movies almost immediately. Drat, no time to cry now; I had to wait until lights out that night to cry.

The story that Jesus is sharing hits those points parents don't want to hear; junior runs out of money and now has to find work to support himself. And this good little Jewish farm boy can only find work in a nonJewish farm, slopping hogs. Yuck, think the parents in the crowd; not my son! Or daughter! Yes, says Jesus, your child is working in a nonJew friendly environment, and worse, they don't provide free food for him; in fact, he's so hungry he's contemplating eating some of the hog slop. Yes, he's that hungry. But it was at this low point of reality that the boy comes to his senses and realizes that back home even the lowest of his father's employees had plenty of food, and resolves to return home, hat in hand, with a repentant heart and a prepared script of confession and contrition. And off he goes on the long road home.

We know that Dad has not truly slept since Junior left. His sleep was wracked by tossing and turning, his dreams were those of Sonny in trouble, or hungry, or beaten left for dead, or worse. Afternoons and evenings I believe were spent on the rocking chair on the front porch of the old man's home, where the man strained his eyes every day with hopes that down the dusty road that led Junior out of town will seen him return. Jesus does not tell us how long son was away, but does He really have to? No. One day away was too long.

The day finally arrived when the old man's eyesight made his heart stir, for far away from the house yet, he saw the long-lost son walking towards him. I want to believe what little running ability Dad had was put to full use as he sprinted off the chair and down the road. The two run into each other and the embrace to break all embraces takes place. The son tries to spit ouf this little speech, but Dad didn't want no speech; he has what he had always wanted, his son in his arms! The drama continues for not all were happy for this reunion; older son, one could say the good. son, soon hears the music of the celebration and wonders then hates the idea of lil bro back to this kind of homecoming; not what he deserves he says to Dad. Dad can only say, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of your was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

The parable of the prodigal son is a powerful picture of God’s mercy, and during Lent, it calls us to reflect on both our own need for repentance and the depth of the Father’s love.

The younger son, seeking freedom, squanders his inheritance on reckless living. When famine strikes, he finds himself destitute, longing for even the food of pigs. In his brokenness, he decides to return home, hoping to be received as a servant. But the father’s response is breathtaking—he runs to embrace his lost son, restoring him fully.

The older son, however, struggles with resentment. He has been faithful but cannot understand the father’s mercy. This tension reveals how easy it is to fall into self-righteousness, forgetting that grace is not earned but freely given.

Lent is a time for both returning and releasing—returning to God with repentant hearts and releasing bitterness, pride, or anything that keeps us from embracing His grace. Whether we relate to the wayward son or the resentful brother, the Father invites us all into His love.

This season, let us come home to God, trusting that His mercy is always greater than our failures.

PRAYER: Merciful Father, We come before You in humility, knowing that we often stray. Thank You for Your boundless love that welcomes us home no matter how far we’ve gone. Help us to embrace Your grace fully and extend it to others. During this Lenten season, transform our hearts so that we may live in the joy of Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ strong name we ptay, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect: In what ways have you strayed from God’s love? Are there areas of pride, resentment, or guilt that keep you from fully receiving His grace? Spend time in prayer, asking for His mercy, and take a step—whether through confession, reconciliation, or an act of kindness—to live out the love of the Father.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Lord is My Light

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1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27 NRSV)

Dear Friend, a blessed and tremendous Thursday to you! Thank you for praying for those whom asked prayers of us yesterday. I pray the Lord bless and protect you today and all days!

I love verse 4 of this passage for it reminds me of my love of the Lord and His Church at an early age. My joy and happiness was in being in that place and taking part in all that was offered for that day. I even told my parents that I would be better served if I could go to Sunday school and worship Monday through Friday and maybe a day of regular, public school on Sunday. That never worked out, but I did become a minister and while my future bride had been praying for a man who loved to go to church she soon told me that I lived in church. I confess that as a retired pastor I do miss having full and easy access to the church building, but to the Lord I still enjoy full and easy access.

David was raised to love the Lord and his life allowed him to desire to build the Lord a house, but he knew that God was everywhere and everywhere was exactly where he found Him. I found God through forced worship at my Dad's request, but upon finding God I no longer had to be forced; I found joy in going there and I still do. David did, too. In the pasture, in the wilderness, in the palace, in his writing and singing of these psalms.

Lent is a season of seeking, a time when we draw near to God through prayer, fasting, and reflection. In Psalm 27, David expresses unwavering confidence in God even in the face of trials. His words remind us that when fear and uncertainty surround us, the Lord remains our light, our salvation, and our stronghold.

The psalmist longs to dwell in the presence of God, to gaze upon His beauty and seek Him in His temple. This yearning reflects the purpose of Lent—a time to step away from distractions and fix our hearts on the One who is our refuge. Though enemies may rise and troubles may come, David declares his trust in the Lord’s goodness.

Yet, even in his confidence, David pleads with God: “Do not hide your face from me… Do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!” (v. 9). This honesty mirrors our own spiritual journeys. There are moments when God feels distant, when we struggle with doubt, grief, or fear. But Psalm 27 ends with a call to perseverance: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (v. 14).

Lent teaches us to wait on God. It reminds us that even when we cannot see the full picture, He is working in our lives. As we walk through this season of repentance and renewal, may we hold fast to the truth that our salvation is found in Him alone.

PRAYER: Loving God, You are my light and my salvation. In times of fear and uncertainty, help me to trust in You. Draw me closer during this Lenten season, that I may seek Your presence above all else. Strengthen my heart as I wait upon You, and let my faith be rooted in the promise of Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Where do you need to trust God more fully? What fears or distractions keep you from seeking Him wholeheartedly? Offer these to Him in prayer, and take a step—whether in fasting, service, or stillness—to dwell more deeply in His presence this Lenten season.

I love you and I thank God for you! Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Promises Beyond the Stars

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1 After all these things, this word of God came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand!" 2 Abram said, "God, Master, what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?" 3 Abram continued, "See, you've given me no children, and now a mere house servant is going to get it all." 4 Then God's Message came: "Don't worry, he won't be your heir; a son from your body will be your heir." 5 Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!" 6 And he believed! Believed God! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God." 7 God continued, "I'm the same God who brought you from Ur of the Chaldees and gave you this land to own." 8 Abram said, "Master God, how am I to know this, that it will all be mine?" 9 God said, "Bring me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, and a dove and a young pigeon." 10 He brought all these animals to him, split them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. But he didn't split the birds. 11 Vultures swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram scared them off. 12 As the sun went down a deep sleep overcame Abram and then a sense of dread, dark and heavy. 17 When the sun was down and it was dark, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch moved between the split carcasses. 18 That's when God made a covenant with Abram: "I'm giving this land to your children, from the Nile River in Egypt to the River Euphrates in Assyria - )Genesis 15:1-15, 17-18 The Message Bible)

"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen." The biblical definition of faith as we find in Hebrews 11:1. It's the foundation of life upon which we can build our dreams and prayers and we can tie into them our aspirations for things we would like to do. It was this faith that allowed me to be dropped off at college with hardly any money, just the promise of a work-study scholarship as I took the first official steps towards my call into ordained ministry. I found myself far from home, no car, no friends; just the reality of this is it. I was living in an answered prayer and hope for my parents who desired all five of us to attend and graduate from college; and a requirement for the path towards ordination I had chosen. I was the first from either side of the family to leave home for school, and it was both exciting and scary as all get out; but I knew I could do it. I couldn't yet see it, nor did I have any idea what it would look like, but I trusted God and I knew God loved me, so off I went. I believe you've had similar experiences with faith. Faith comes with hope but also with some pain at times, but always with the certainty that with God all things will be possible.

I'm thankful this all happened when I was nineteen years old. Abram was not quite that young. Abram could smell the nursing home from where he stood that night when God visited him. I could smell incense and other smells foreign to me. God told Abram with those always necessary words to all whom God visits: "Don't be afraid." Aw, so easy for God to say; for us not so much. Yet, Abram trusted God especially as God says, "I'm your shield and your reward will be grand!" And the two begin their talk. Abram reminded God that well, God hadn't quite delivered all God had promised. "There's the matter of children, and so far, nada; none that I can call my own." God says, "Hold on; one will soon be here, one that you will call your own." The Lord then takes the old man to see the sky and asks him to count the stars, knowing that such a thing is impossible, yet many in many churches on Sunday count the windows on the stained glass and the holes in the tiles of the roof; as many stars as you see will be the number of your descendants! One large family coming up! And the old man believed! God certified him, in this version, as "Set-Right-With-God." (Which other versions read as "righteous.").

But God’s response to Abram is full of love and grace. He reminds Abram of his place in God's story—not as someone forgotten, but as someone cherished, deeply known, and promised an inheritance that far exceeds his current understanding. God's promise to Abram wasn't just about land or wealth—it was about relationship and trust, even in the face of uncertainty. The imagery of the stars, as God invites Abram to count them, serves as a reminder that God's promises are vast, immeasurable, and beyond our comprehension. Every star in the sky was a reminder that God's covenant is eternal, filled with hope for the generations to come.

At the heart of this passage is the message that God is not far away when we doubt. He is with us, walking alongside us, and reminding us of His steadfastness. He doesn’t leave us in our moments of weakness or uncertainty, but draws us back to His heart, inviting us to trust Him more fully.

In this Lenten season, as we reflect on Jesus' journey to the cross, we are reminded that our faith, like Abram’s, is rooted in a promise. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the fulfillment of God's covenant—He is the ultimate promise, the ultimate sign of God's unshakable faithfulness.

As we walk through Lent, may we find courage in God’s promises and draw near to Him, trusting that He will always show up, even in the moments when we are unsure.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the promise of Your presence in every season of life. Just as You assured Abram of Your faithfulness, reassure us today. Help us trust in Your unshakeable promises, especially in times of doubt or struggle. Teach us to see Your signs, even when they are hidden, and remind us of the inheritance we have in You. In this Lenten season, may we grow closer to You and learn to trust You more deeply. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: What are the "stars" He has placed before you as signs of His faithfulness? Write them down, and spend time meditating on them throughout the season of Lent. When doubts arise, return to these promises and let them remind you of God's unchanging love and commitment to you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Not of This World

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1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Phillippians 3:17-4:1 NIV)

The word citizenship confused me when it showed up in my report card. Finally it was explained to me that was my grade for behaving or misbehaving. I misbehave a lot, but not in class! My citizenship grade was always an E for Excellent. On the playground or with my siblings, thank God there was no grade, but it might have been a solid U all the time. U standing for Unsatisfactory. Then one day, when we were leaving the Valley and we stopped at the Border Patrol Checkpoint, the agent asked me, "What is your citizenship?" It took me a full two seconds for me to 1) Not laugh, 2) Decide if was a question of my behavior or my citizenship in a nation. I smiled and said, "U.S. Citizen." He waved us through.

Paul wants all believers to be clear on several things; self-examination as this season of Lent calls for: Are we truly joyful in our faith in Jesus? Are we truly careful about who we are and how we are presenting ourselves and our faith? Paul knew that these believers in Philippi were facing the challenges of the Jews, who believed Christians had to first be Jews, then could be Christians; Paul took the opposite view, even though he was thoroughly through birth, upbringing, education and career, a Jew, but he did not truly come to life until he became a Christian. Paul knew through his encounter and time with Jesus during the three days of blindness and prayer, that he must be a spiritual person and through that he received the confidence he needed as a believer and as an apostle entrusted with converting the world for Jesus. He shares a biographical snapshot of his life, yet when compared to what he gained in knowing Jesus, it is both "loss" and "garbage," when he gained Christ. What a testimony and what faith!

His desire is to know Christ better each and every day. He speaks of knowing Jesus' power of resurrection and even to participate in Jesus' suffering, and ultimately to know his own resurrection at the time of his death. For now, he said, it is press on time; pressing ever onward and upward. The Apostle urges the believers in Philippi to imitate him in his work and also on those who live in the right way. He honestly says that there are those who are true enemies of Christ, who place their faith in their own stomach which they saw as a god, and whose glory is in their shame; clearly they are citizens of earth and not heaven. Paul then says the true believers are those who recognize they are citizens of heaven, who are eagerly awaiting Jesus Christ.

Lent reminds us to strip away the things that keep us focused on the temporary and fix our eyes on Jesus. It is a season to realign our desires with His, to seek transformation, and to remember that our true home is not here. Even in the struggles of this life, we have an unshakable hope—Jesus will return, and He will transform us completely.

Paul encourages us to stand firm in the Lord. This means remaining faithful in prayer, resisting the temptations that pull us away from God, and living as reflections of Christ’s love. As we continue through Lent, may we remember that we are not defined by this world, but by the Savior who calls us His own.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for calling us to be citizens of Your kingdom. In this season of Lent, help us to let go of distractions and desires that pull us away from You. Transform our hearts and minds so that we may seek You above all else. Give us the strength to stand firm, to follow Christ’s example, and to trust in the hope of His return. May our lives reflect Your love and truth each day. In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect on where your focus has been. Are there distractions keeping you from fully embracing your identity in Christ? Consider fasting from something that shifts your attention away from Him—whether it’s a habit, a mindset, or an earthly pursuit. Use this Lenten season to realign your heart with the hope and joy of your true citizenship in heaven.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Heart of Christ's Ministry

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31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.' " (Luke 13:31-35 NRSV)

Dear Friend, may the blerssings of the Lord be with you and keep you! May He guide your steps and may you learn to be led by Him.

What always gets me about the Bible is the number of so-called "religious" men, for they always seem to be the men, but there were a few women who also wanted or did kill others. The environment during the time of Jesus was very volatile. The Jews were living under a foreign enemy's rule, the Roman Army not known for their kindness or patience; tensions ran high with the potential of violence and death at any moment. And as the passage opens, the very one who wanted or would eventually want Jesus dead, told Him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." Boom! We can't let Herod kill you - we want to kill you. The man who loved the world and sent to the world because His Father loved the world, is told that He was in danger of being killed by a political ruler. The religious rulers wanted to kill him instead.

Jesus, not one to back down from a threat, answers in a most interesting way. Jesus with His response has ranked Herod as a fox. Of all the animals in the region, the fox is rated towards the bottom, so is this an insult to the king? Jesus didn't call him a lion, or a Siberian bear, or a snake, or any of the other regional animals, Herod is a fox. Jesus probably means that Herod is, like the fox, deceptive and untrustworthy; the fox was not an honorable animals. The fox was also weak and insignificant, when compared to the true power of a lion. And a fox was a nuisance but not a real threat; and Jesus knew His mission was in God's hands. AND, Jesus shows His power when he said, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work." Boom again! Jesus knew His end was drawing near and the path to death would be clear; yet His love increased as He realized what was at stake and how His death would bring to the world what the world needed. It was also a challenge and comparison of powers; Herod could try to kill Him as he had killed others, but He, Jesus, had the power to restore, renew, and resurrect. Then, who cannot love what Jesus said about the mother hen? "How often I desired to to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" For loving parents and most adults, nothing hurts more than to see their children, or children in general, suffer; to gather and protect them is a must.

During Lent, we are invited to walk with Jesus on His journey to the cross, a journey filled with rejection, sorrow, and unwavering love. In this passage, Jesus is warned about Herod’s threats, yet He remains steadfast. He knows His mission, and no earthly power will deter Him. His words reveal both His divine determination and His deep sorrow for Jerusalem—the city that has rejected God’s messengers time and again.

Despite this rejection, Jesus’ response is not anger but longing. He compares Himself to a mother hen yearning to gather her chicks under her wings. This imagery speaks to Christ’s tender, protective, and self-giving love. Even as He faces betrayal and death, His desire is to embrace and save.

Lent is a season to examine our hearts. How often have we resisted God’s call, just as Jerusalem did? How often have we ignored His desire to gather us close? Yet, even in our stubbornness, Jesus does not turn away. He continues His journey, offering His very life for our redemption.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You walked the path of suffering with love and determination, longing to gather us into Your embrace. Forgive us for the times we have resisted Your call. Help us to surrender our fears and pride so that we may rest in Your presence. During this Lenten season, draw us closer to You, that we may recognize and proclaim, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Spend time today in quiet reflection. Ask yourself: In what areas of my life am I resisting Christ’s embrace? What fears keep me from trusting Him fully? Take a step toward Him—whether in prayer, repentance, or an act of love for another. Let this Lenten journey be one of drawing closer to the One who longs to gather you in His grace.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A Grateful Heart

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1 Once you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you as an inheritance and take it over and settle down, 2 you are to take some of all the firstfruits of what you grow in the land that God, your God, is giving you, put them in a basket and go to the place God, your God, sets apart for you to worship him. 3 At that time, go to the priest who is there and say, "I announce to God, your God, today that I have entered the land that God promised our ancestors that he'd give to us." 4 The priest will take the basket from you and place it on the Altar of God, your God. 5 And there in the Presence of God, your God, you will recite, A wandering Aramean was my father, he went down to Egypt and sojourned there, he and just a handful of his brothers at first, but soon they became a great nation, mighty and many. 6 The Egyptians abused and battered us, in a cruel and savage slavery. 7 We cried out to God, the God-of-Our-Fathers: He listened to our voice, he saw our destitution, our trouble, our cruel plight. 8 And God took us out of Egypt with his strong hand and long arm, terrible and great, with signs and miracle-wonders. 9 And he brought us to this place, gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. 10 So here I am. I've brought the firstfruits of what I've grown on this ground you gave me, O God. 11 And rejoice! Celebrate all the good things that God, your God, has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. (Deauteronomy 26:1-11 The Message Bible)

It's day two of Lent, dear Friend Did you give up chocolate? Soft drinks? Or as I said at the beginning of this devotional, did you just give up? Please don't! God isn't through with you, or with us or with whatever we are facing; we hope and trust in God.

Many a parent has told their child or children, remember where you came from, meaning that the traditions, values, experiences, and all things along the way are worth remembering. Many have told me, "You have so many stories!" Which I think it's their very nice way of saying, "You talk too much!" Okay, some may think that but seldom say it to me. They might tell Nellie and she's too sweet to relay to me that which is not helpful to this old man. All of us have had experiences and memories that if remembered help others. I'm one of many who say, "How I wish I had made more time to sit with my grandfathers and my grandmother and really paid attention to their stories. And now that they're gone I wish I still had my Dad and Mom to talk to; so many questions that I need answers that only they can answer. And how I wish my grandkids had that wisdom now to ask more about our life stories and faith stories. In fact, we are thankful that the Bible is our family stories of faith which teach us a lot. Those who say that to us in love, mean for us to always be thankful for what we had in terms of love, compassion, faith lessons, etc.

Deuteronomy 26:1-11 offers a beautiful picture of worship that is deeply connected to the rhythms of life and the recognition of God's goodness. As the Israelites are about to enter a land of promise and abundance, they are called to remember their humble beginnings and God's faithfulness in their journey. The offering of the firstfruits is not just about the physical act of giving, but about a heart that remembers and acknowledges God's hand in every blessing.

In the passage, the act of bringing the first of their harvest before God is a declaration of gratitude. It is a way of saying, “This is all from you, God. We would not be here without your faithfulness.” The people are reminded to not only look back on their history with thanksgiving but to also look forward with trust in God's continued provision.

Lent invites us into a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Just as the Israelites were called to remember their past and offer the firstfruits of their harvest, we are called to offer the firstfruits of our lives—our time, our resources, our gratitude—to God during this season. The heart of Lenten practice is not just about abstaining from certain habits or indulgences but about offering our whole selves—our hearts, our minds, our actions—to God, who has given us everything.

In times of uncertainty, it is easy to focus on what we lack or what we want. Yet, this passage encourages us to look back and recount God's faithfulness, even in the midst of hardship. When we remember how God has provided in the past, we can trust that God will continue to provide in the future.

PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for Your steadfast faithfulness. You have brought us through many seasons and have been with us every step of the way. As we walk through this Lenten journey, help us to remember Your goodness and to offer our hearts as living sacrifices, filled with gratitude for all that You have done. May we not only reflect on Your past provision but also trust in Your future care. Guide us to give our firstfruits—not just from our resources, but from our time, our love, and our devotion. May we be generous in all things, reflecting Your generosity to the world around us. In Jesus’ strong name we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take time each day to recount one way God has been faithful to you—whether in your past or your present. Let this be a moment to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust. Consider how you might offer the firstfruits of your time, talents, or resources during this season of Lent, in response to God’s generosity toward you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Confess, Believe and Be Blessed

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8"The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:8b-13 NRSV)

Our Lenten Journey begins, dear Friend. Forty days of preparation, repentance, new birth, new life, and the joy of the eternal gift, which is life with the Lord.

This passage comes from the hand of the Apostle Paul from the pages of his letter to the believers in Rome in what is also known as The Gospel According to Paul, for he tackles serious theological issues and needs for each believers. Paul had Jesus' heart, and his desire was for all people to come to know Jesus and away from sin. And that included his own people, the Jews as is evident in chapter 9. In this brief passage Paul says that if we know the word of God and if we keep it near to us and on our lips and in our hearts, we, too, should have the desire to win the world for Jesus. Paul stresses that we should confess with our lips and confess with our heart that Jesus is Lord, we're in! And we should be so blessed by that, and excited about that, that we tell others about it. It became my life's calling; to tell others about Jesus and to try and win the world for Jesus. In no way am I a perfect man; far from it, but I am a forgiven on a daily basis sort of believer, but the joy of the Lord is my strength. The Chapter of the Lost in Luke 15 inspired me during my ministry. The Lost Sheep. The Lost Coin. The Lost Son. All great stories of how God loves and welcomes the lost.

As we start our Lenten Journey, we should take seriously our need for repentance. Repentance means to sincerely turn around and away from whatever sin we commit. Confession is the verbal act of contrition, and while not a sacrament like the Catholics, it is still a serious act. A while back I shared about Martin Luther, the German monk who frustrated his fellow monks by spending hours of reflection while in the confessional (the little booth where a priest sits on one side and the confessor on the other. The booth has a separation between the two to provide some anonymity. My darling bride raised a Catholic tells of the frustration of her priest when she would take some time in trying to remember her sins (i.e. "I fought with my brother; called my sister a silly name...") and the shock was when her priest told her by name that she had no sins and to say one Our Father, and two Hail Mary's.

Sin is "missing the mark," as in archery and not hitting the dot in the target. Sin meant something you said, thought, or did, against God or against someone else. Sin is so serious that the Bible says "the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23); and shows how for every sin there was a ritual and pattern to follow in offering an animal to take our place to die for that sin committed. And when Jesus came, He became the sacrificial Lamb, Who took our place on the cross.

This passage invites us into a deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The steps are straightforward: confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Through this confession and belief, we are saved. There is no need for complicated rituals or barriers between people—whether Jew or Greek, rich or poor, there is only one Lord who welcomes all.

Lent is an opportunity to reflect on this gift of salvation and to recognize how closely the word of faith is to us. The gospel is not something we have to search for in distant lands or high places. It is near, close enough to be a part of us, to dwell within our hearts, and to be proclaimed through our words.

This season of Lent challenges us to look at our faith and see whether we have truly confessed Christ as Lord in our hearts and with our lips. Do we believe the resurrection power of Jesus is at work in us? And if so, are we living out that faith with courage, sharing the good news that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved"?

The simplicity of this message is beautiful and life-changing. It is available to everyone, regardless of background, status, or past mistakes. Salvation is not about earning our way to God, but responding in faith to the invitation He offers to all.

PRAYER: Loving God, as we journey through this season of Lent, we come before You in humble gratitude. We thank You for the gift of salvation, which is always near to us. Help us to truly confess with our lips that You are Lord, and believe with all our hearts in Your resurrection power. May this season be one of deep reflection, transformation, and renewal. We ask for Your guidance as we grow in faith, sharing Your love with others and drawing closer to You each day. This we pray in the strong name of Jesus, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment to reflect on the simplicity of the gospel message. Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Do your actions reflect that belief? Consider sharing this message of salvation with someone close to you, and take a step of faith in living out the truth that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Truth Over Temptation

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1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ ” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ ” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-13 NIV)

Happy Fat Tuesday, dear Friend! If you don't know what that is, I don't either. I think it's a permission-free day to overload on the things you're about to give up for Lent. New Orleans may have invented it, but I'm not sure. I looked it up and NOLA calls it Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday, which is a day for overdoing it on the rich, fatty foods that you will be giving up during Lent. Like I shared in yesterday's devotional, I was introduced to "giving up" as an elementary student in Kingsville. It was a close friend who hung around with me, and he showed a bit later than usual with a huge black smudge on his forehead. I immediately thought it was mud, because mud at that age was very near and dear to my heart and face and all parts that should be clean. It made for some horrifying Sundays for Mom. But my friend said very of factly, "It's not mud, it's ash." "Ash? Where did you get ash?" "From my priest.." "When?!" "This morning at mass." "Wait. What? Mass this morning? On a Wednesday?" "Yes, it's Ash Wednesday and we had to write down what we were giving up for Lent and I gave up candy." I dared not voice my complete meltdown of such an absurd thing! But I had to ask what exactly did giving up candy mean? He said like no candy. Zero. Zilch. Nada. For. Forty. Days. I could count that high but wondered why I would have to when it came to no candy? He said it was something about being spiritual. I only heard something about being heathen or pagan and a torture I had never heard of. The example for fasting is biblical. The first mention comes in the book of Judges 20:26 and it was a spiritual discipline of giving up food in order to focus more on the spiritual. Later, in Houston, we talked about fasting in my youth group and I decided I would go for 24 hours without food; which is like being a member of a famous tabacco family and annoucing to grandpa that I no longer would smoke for it was bad for my health. But after I had resolved to give up food and replace it with prayer, I came home and finding the boys' dorm (I shared a room with my two younger brothers), I knelt by my bed and began to pray. As I prayed, the aroma of my favorite, of course, food wafted into the room. In my closed eyes mind, I could see the aroma ghost of my mother's tacos taking shape in the kitchen and floating ever so seductively towards and then under my door. It may have done a delicious, seductive dance, but my eyes were closed and I could not see it, but I did feel it tap on my shoulders. Darn it, tacos! And then I hear my Mom's familiar yell for all to come and eat. What do I do now, thought I? I'm praying, I can't answer! Mom sent my brother to check. Keep in mind I was keeping yesterday's passage in my heart and didn't wnat to make any scene of glory for myself as I prayed. I stopped praying long enough to tell my brother that I was not eating. That is as believable as some of the things on the news today. My brother goes back and announces that ridiculous statement to all in the kitchen and then Dad himself comes into the room. "Why aren't you eating?" This was serious news to the Valverde familia in Houston. I had to break my fast long enough to say that I was fasting; which only invited more investigation as to my mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Did I mention, or do I have to, that fasting was not common practice in the Familia Valverde at that time or ever.

In this passage we witness Jesus facing the wilderness; a place known for its geography and role in spiritual formation, think the Exodus, and how it took forty years for God to form a people as they trekked across it. But as Jesus was led into it, He was not so much worried about the physical reality of the place as He was the spiritual realities of His preparation for the start of His ministry. He would come face to face with the devil, who would throw difficult temptations His way. And these were well timed; for they arrived when Jesus was at His weakest. Jesus did not eat anything for forty days, and He is very hungry. The first temptation was focused on that hunger; turn these stones into bread. Jesus responds not of His own strength but on His reliance on God's word. Jesus replies that "Man shall not live on bread alone."The next two temptations finds the devil presenting an invitation to abandon the Father’s plan and take an easier, quicker route to power, fame, and comfort. The devil first tempts Jesus to satisfy His physical hunger by turning stones into bread. He then tempts Him with authority and worldly glory, offering all the kingdoms of the world. Finally, the devil encourages Jesus to test God’s protection by throwing Himself off the temple. In each instance, Jesus responds with Scripture, using the truth of God's Word to resist temptation.

Lent is a time when we reflect on our own struggles with temptation. Jesus' time in the wilderness teaches us that, like Him, we can overcome temptation not through our own willpower, but through the strength that comes from God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Temptations may arise in many forms, but God’s Word equips us to stand firm. Just as Jesus relied on God’s truth in His weakest moments, we too can turn to Scripture for strength and guidance when faced with trials.

In our own wilderness experiences—when we are hungry for fulfillment, tempted by worldly success, or driven to test God’s promises—we can remember Jesus' example. He teaches us that God’s Word is not just a set of rules, but the life-giving truth we need to endure and remain faithful.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, as an example of how to live faithfully, even in the face of temptation. As we journey through this season of Lent, help us to rely on Your Word as Jesus did. When we face the wilderness of temptation, may we stand firm in the truth of who You are and what You have promised. Teach us to live by Your Word and not by our own desires. Strengthen us through Your Spirit to resist the lies of the enemy and remain steadfast in our walk with You. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: As you reflect on the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, think about your own struggles and how you can counter them with Scripture. Choose one verse this week that speaks to a specific temptation or challenge you are facing, and memorize it. When temptation arises, remind yourself of the truth of God’s Word and allow it to guide you through the wilderness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Living a Secret Faith?

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1 "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 5 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.16 "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 NRSV)

A blessed and wonderful Monday to you, dear Friend. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today. Bless those around you with prayer and joy. Smile more, laugh more, and invite others to laugh with you. In all things, we are never alone; God is with us, and God is good.

Praying in public is not for everyone. I've known ministers who refused to pray on the spot; one asked his Rotary Club to give him a 30-day notice before he would pray at the club's meal. The old adage was that a Methodist minister should be ready for three things; to pray, to preach, and to eat. That list varies from region to region, but this is perhaps the most common. I learned to be prepared to pray when asked, and while it has always made me quite nervous I sought to be a listener first as I visited with people and if asked, I could pray and ask God for the blessings as the needs were shared. Some lay people are quite the experts at public prayers and some share some nuggets worth repeating. One called to pray for the Sunday offering, happened to be the treasurer of the church and when he prayed, he said es español these exact words: "Chihuahua, Señor; por estas migajas te damos gracias." Translated: Chihuahua, Lord, for these crumbs we give you thanks." Okay, sounds funnier en español. My biggest fear came when I visited my home church in Houston and our new pastor was there. He had heard, more often than he wanted to, more than likely from my parents, that I was in seminary preparing to be a pastor. So, on seeing me in worship, without warning, he called on me to do the pastoral prayer. Gulp! I had heard my new pastor pray before and he was a PhD level person of prayer; And I barely considered myself a GED* as in Get 'Er Done, prayer person. But God provided and all was well.

I love that Jesus loved prayer and in teaching His disciples about, we can sense that love and joy that Jesus had in connecting with God. And this is key because we are starting our Lenten journey this Wednesday with it being Ash Wednesday, the starting point of our 40 days, like Jesus, as we seek to get right with God in preparation for Good Friday and Easter. Prayer is the starting point for our journey and we will discuss this here.

As we journey through Lent, Jesus calls us to examine the intentions behind our actions. In this passage, Jesus warns against the temptation to practice acts of piety—such as giving, praying, and fasting—simply to gain the approval or admiration of others. This defeats the entire purpose of Lent. This passage challenges us to look inward and reflect on the authenticity of our faith. Are we performing religious acts for the glory of God, or are we seeking to draw attention to ourselves?

Lent is a season of renewal, a time for personal reflection and spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to make our relationship with God the focus of our lives, rather than seeking external validation. Jesus encourages us to act with humility and sincerity, keeping our devotion between us and God, knowing that our Father who sees in secret will reward us.

Jesus also reminds us of the impermanence of earthly treasures and encourages us to store up treasures in heaven. Earthly wealth and recognition fade away, but the treasures we build through acts of love, service, and devotion are eternal. The focus of our hearts should not be on what we can gain in this life, but on the rich rewards of a life lived faithfully in God’s presence.

As we observe this season of Lent, let us strive to live with authenticity in our faith, turning away from the desire for earthly accolades, and seeking only to please our Heavenly Father. In this, we may discover a deeper peace and joy than anything the world can offer.

PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You today, grateful for Your love and grace. In this season of Lent, help us to examine our hearts. May we turn away from the desire for recognition and seek to serve You in humility and truth. Teach us to give, pray, and fast not for the approval of others, but as acts of devotion to You alone. Help us to store up treasures in heaven, where true joy and peace are found. May our hearts be set on You and Your kingdom, not the fleeting rewards of this world. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Starting today, take time to evaluate your motives. Ask yourself, “Am I doing this for God's glory or my own?” Commit to at least one act of kindness or service this week that no one will know about but God. Remember that the truest rewards are those unseen, given in secret, and held by the Father.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Moving Towards Holiness

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Hear devo: https://bit.ly/4i8owL2

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1 God rules. On your toes, everybody! He rules from his angel throne - take notice! 2 God looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names. 3 Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you! Holy. Yes, holy. 4 Strong King, lover of justice, You laid things out fair and square; You set down the foundations in Jacob, Foundation stones of just and right ways. 5 Honor God, our God; worship his rule! Holy. Yes, holy. 6 Moses and Aaron were his priests, Samuel among those who prayed to him. They prayed to God and he answered them; 7 He spoke from the pillar of cloud. And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them. 8 And then God, our God, answered them (But you were never soft on their sins). 9 Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain. Holy. Yes, holy is God our God. (Psalm 99 The Message Bible)

A couple of dear friends were ordained this past weekend as elders in the Global Methodist Church, one of which was an MYFer in one of my churches. The Rev. José (Joey) Flores is now an Elder, and he serves the Methodist Church in Stockdale. The Rev. Rob Clopton is also an Elder with Senior status; Rob was my associate pastor at FUMC in San Marcos. Our congratulations and prayers to these gentlemen as well as to all who were recently ordained.

This brought back memories of my own ordination in June 1980. I was a member of the Río Grande Conference which covered all of Texas and a large portion of New Mexico. My ordination took place in Albuquerque, NM. I had studied ordination in seminary and the point was driven home that being ordained an Elder is to allow God to "set apart" those who are ordained. I understood that meant my allowing and asking God to make me holy, not in a "holier than thou" posture, but seeking to be one who seeks to be closer to God and to seek to be not distracted by things that might make me fall away from God's grace; a list too long for me to list here. If I was to become an Elder, which is the final ordination in the Church at that time. If I look and act just as others; what can I show as a positive change that Jesus can offer them? (This is just my opinion and I know not everyone will agree; but to each their own). Even my travel from the Rio Grande Valley to Albuquerque was filled with interesting, and touching, events. One took place on a mountain highway as we neared Albuquerque; a coiled rattlesnake facing our car. Of course it reminded me of a certain serpent and read into it all the negative I could, and I wondered if I should run it over... We traveled into Albuquerque as a three person family; Nellie, our baby Nellie, and myself. Yes, our daughter and her Mom share a name. My wife is named Maria Nellie, because at the time of her baptism the priest said Nellie is not a Christian name and so gave her Maria as a proper name. He did, did he? I asked. Well, says I, if we ever have a daughter she will be named Nellie Maria! And so it was; as was the reality that both of my Nellies do not like Maria as their proper name. Mom was Nellie in those years, and our daughter Nellie became Nelita. On the day of my ordination, Nelita was four months old and already quite the lovable character. I awoke and knelt by the bed to begin my important day in prayer. I felt the bed move gently, and I opened my eyes to see a smiling baby girl near my face. She was laughing at her Daddy. and made the cute noises she was making as her way of saying, "Look at me!" I hugged her and finished my prayer hugging my baby. My final period of questioning took place in the church where I would be ordained, and the registrar was also the conference director of enlistment, and he presented the ordinands with a gushing, "Brothers and sisters, we should be so thankful to God to this large class of elders that we have not seen in many years; and as we consider their final examination I dare say that if anyone asks them a question that person is going to hell." Gulp. Okay. Should I chuckle or outright laugh at that question? Of course, one man asked a question.

I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders when Bishop J. Chess Lovern placed his hands upon my head, and several others; including my wife, who the bishop invited to also participate in the ordination. I prayed hard trying not to lose it in tears, asking that God would use me.

This passage offers a vivid picture of God's greatness, His holiness, and the awe that He inspires in His people. This psalm speaks of God's transcendent power, His justice, and His invitation to dwell in His presence. It paints a beautiful picture of how God is both above all things, yet intimately involved with His people. It beckons us to experience a transformation through encountering His holiness. This invitation the psalmist knows, if for all believers, whom have the authority to share the Lord's love and grace.

In the opening verses, we are reminded that the Lord reigns, that the earth trembles before Him. His throne is established in righteousness, and He is exalted above all. This imagery is powerful because it transcends the ordinary understanding of kingship. God is not just a ruler; He is the King of all creation, holding dominion over both heaven and earth. His holiness is not just a moral characteristic, but the defining essence of His being. It is His holiness that transforms everything it touches.

As the psalm progresses, we are reminded of God’s justice. "You have been a sure defender of the weak, a tower of strength for the needy in distress," the psalmist writes. God’s holiness is not an abstract concept; it is active, moving in the world. God’s justice reaches into the brokenness of our lives, lifting the needy and rescuing the oppressed. His holiness and justice are inseparable—His moral perfection calls us to a higher way of living, a way of compassion, of righteousness, and of love. When we are touched by God’s holiness, we are called to reflect that holiness in our own lives, transforming not just our hearts but the world around us.

This psalm also recounts the stories of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who called upon the name of the Lord in their times of need. They were men of faith, interceding on behalf of God’s people, and through their faithful prayers, God responded. God’s holiness is not something that leaves us in fear and trembling alone; it is a holiness that invites us to draw near, to call upon His name in our times of need, and to find grace. His holiness does not distance us; it draws us closer, inviting us to become participants in His redemptive plan.

The call to worship in this psalm is powerful. It speaks of the awe that we should feel when we come into the presence of such a holy God. But it also invites us into transformation. The more we encounter God in His holiness, the more we are called to reflect His holiness. The transfiguration of our hearts begins in that awe-filled space—where we see ourselves in light of God’s greatness and begin to understand His desire to shape us into His image.

God's holiness invites us to take off our old selves, to leave behind the things that keep us bound in sin and brokenness. In His presence, we are made new, transformed from the inside out. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in us—changing us, renewing us, making us more like Christ.

As we consider Psalm 99, let us reflect on the holiness of God and the transformative power it has in our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects His holiness? Are we allowing Him to shape our hearts, minds, and actions? God is calling us to be holy as He is holy. His holiness is not distant or out of reach; it is here, among us, and within us, shaping us into His image.

PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You in awe of Your holiness. Your greatness is beyond our understanding, and yet You have drawn near to us. We thank You for the invitation to experience Your transforming presence. Help us to reflect Your holiness in our lives, to live with justice, compassion, and love. May Your Spirit work in us, changing us from the inside out, that we may be more like You. We surrender ourselves to Your holy work in us, trusting that You will continue to shape and transform us for Your glory. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to reflect on the holiness of God. In what areas of your life is He calling you to a deeper transformation? How can you reflect His justice and compassion to those around you? Allow His holiness to touch your heart, and let that encounter be a catalyst for change.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.