The University of The Way

Everlasting God!

2012-02-01T04:48:00.001-06:00

Loving God of great surprises, bless the life of this dear reader with an unexpected blessing of joy and peace; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Today's text is very special to me. It comes from Isaiah 40:21-31: 21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; 23 who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. 24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (New Revised Standard Version)

If you've ever heard the Christian Song, "Everlasting God" by Lincoln Brewster, at the very end a child is heard reading this passage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM). The first time I heard it, I was taken back many years to La Trinidad United Methodist Church, on a Sunday morning, when our firstborn, Nellie Maria, was asked to read the Scripture for the day. She was six years old and was already reading at a sixth grade level. Her voice and that of the child on the recording were the same. Today is Nellie Maria's birthday, so it is extra special to have this OT lesson on her birthday. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NELLIE!).

The passage is the prophet's song of praise to Almighty God. His life experiences had allowed him this time of reflection on the greatness of God and God's presence in his life. He had reached a point of faith that others' lack of faith puzzled him. It was as if he's asking, "Weren't you ever in Sunday school? Did you not pay attention? Have you not ever picked up a Bible or seen across the sky or in the beauty of the earth, the presence and majesty of God?" Sadly, there are still many like that and Isaiah would be puzzled. It's as near as your next breath, proof of the presence of God. If you can reach the nearest window and look out and see the stars or the moon or the beginning of a new day, you've seen God's handiwork. If you hear the singing of a bird or the rustle of the wind, you're listening to God. If you smell the bouquet of fresh flowers in your garden, you're smelling the presence of God's awesomeness. At some point in our life our faith should allow us to recite this affirmation of faith: The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Our God is a God that will never die. Our God is the creator of all things. God's strength cannot be compared to ours, where one day we are strong, the next we are not. God understands all things. God gives power to the faint and give strength to the weak. Even the youth among us may faint and grow weary and the young may fall from exhaustion; but we who wait for the Lord shall receive new strength, even that which seems like we have mounted up with wings like eagles. We will run and not be weary, we shall walk and not even faint. What more do we need for having a great day?

PRAYER: Loving God, grant me an increase of faith today to face all that may come my way. Let me be a beacon of inspiration to others, especially the weak that I may live this affirmation of Your presence and strength in my life. I claim for my life that strength so that I may not grow weary nor faint, but instead have that newness of faith that gives my life wings, and my legs untiring strength. I ask and pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Are you in on It?

2012-01-31T05:51:00.001-06:00

Blessed God of new days and new starts, bless and proect the life of this dear reader in whatever may come their way; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Corinthians 9: 16 If I proclaim the Message, it's not to get something out of it for myself. I'm compelled to do it, and doomed if I don't! 17 If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I'd expect some pay. But since it's not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? 18 So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don't even have to pay my expenses! 19 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 20 religious, nonreligious, 21 meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 22 the defeated, the demoralized - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. 23 I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! (The Message)

The life and ministry of the Apostle Paul came as a sort of course correction in the evangelization of the world. Paul's life was not God's Plan B, it was more of God's A1. Okay, now you're thinking steak sauce, which is not a bad thing, but it's early in the day (at least for me). In Paul, God saw and called forth a passionate person with a determination and commitment that God needed. Think on why you're a believer at this point of your life. What did God see in you? In Paul, God saw someone who would stay on task and complete the task the best he could. God saw a man who would use both head and heart to not only accept the Gospel (Called the "Message" thus this version's name), but also to proclaim it AND live it. Remember the pre-Jesus Saul? He was a go-getter and did he ever go and get and arrest followers of Jesus. Saul was a very well connected person who was able to secure the rights to arrest the Christians in Damascus, and it was on that road that God called him through the Risen Christ.

How did God call you to faith? Through your parents? If so, have you realized what your parents saw and believed in Jesus? If it was through a friend or spouse, the same question; have you found that same faith as this important person? If you have come to faith as one who believes and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, have you gotten into a life that is the Gospel? By that, we mean as one who fully understands it, shares it, and seeks to make his/her life a witness of the better way to live. In Paul's words of today, he didn't settle for being an armchair quarterback, he wanted to be the quarterback. He didn't want to reflect and critique Sunday's sermon on Monday; he wanted to preach and live his own. He didn't stop at only those people who were like him, he wanted to know that all people, as Jesus had directed him, had truly come to accept Jesus for themselves. Are you in on it? If you're not, you're missing out. Get going!

PRAYER: Loving God, I don't want to miss out! I want to be in on it. I want to be a part of whatever it takes to help the whole world come to know Your love and grace through Jesus Christ. Help me be a part of it in however I can best help. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed dayin the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Our God of Wholeness

2012-01-30T06:54:00.001-06:00

Gracious God of opportunities, bless and protect this dear reader in whatever challenges they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Good day, dear friends, our text for today comes from the Gospel of Mark 1: 29 Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew's house, accompanied by James and John. 30 Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. 31 He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them. 32 That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, 33 the whole city lined up at his door! 34 He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn't let them say a word. 35 While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. 36 Simon and those with him went looking for him. 37 They found him and said, "Everybody's looking for you." 38 Jesus said, "Let's go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I've come." 39 He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons. (The Message)

The smart-alec theologians and scholars might call a portion of this story, the double-miracle healing, for not only was the woman healed, Peter actually wanted his mother-in-law healed. For those of us who were blessed with sweet, loving mothers-in-law, we can identify with the ansxiousness of Peter and his household. For those of us whose mothers-in-law are in Heaven, we miss them dearly. Yet, this is the story of Jesus' early ministry according to Mark. The arrival of Jesus and His disciples to the home of Simon and Andrew finds a key member of the household very sick. A fever in those days was not a good sign and thus the people there told Jesus of this illness. Jesus takes her by the hand and she is healed. Her healing is so complete that she began fixing the evening meal. You might be one, like me, who would have said, "Well, the fever has left me, but I'm still a little weak, perhaps I should stay in bed a little longer to recover my strength."

That evening the village, having heard of this healing, brings to Jesus all of the sick and demon-possessed. Jesus healed them all, and in so doing begins to demonstrate the power of God within Him. Jesus was the Son of the God of wholeness. He reveals to His disciples that His power came from staying connected with God through prayer. And this prayer was a holy habit of Jesus, and one usually done in seclusion so that Jesus could not only speak to God, but listen to God as well. The lesson shared here is that we should stay connected with God and share with God all of our needs, trusting God to be at work in helping and blessing us. We should also model our lives as those who go forth, after prayer, to serve the God of wholeness.

PRAYER: Loving God, I praise and love You. I am blessed to have You as my God. I thank You for Your strength, ability, and desire to be at work in my life. Bring me to wholeness according to Thy will. Let me stay connected with You throughout this day, and guide me to more deeper service in all areas of my life. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Personal Note: Dear friends, I thank all of you who prayed for me this weekend as the first round of interviews were held in Dallas and Little Rock. I thank God for safe travel and for this special opportunities to meet the fine leaders of our jurisdiction. Please continue to pray for all the candidates before us as we have offered ourselves to serve God in this unique way. This coming Saturday I am traveling to Oklahoma City to meet with two delegations there. Blessings to you!

Still driving your first car?

2012-01-26T06:16:00.000-06:00

Loving God of light and mercy, shine brightly in the life and path of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 111: 1 Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got - Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. 2 God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study - endless enjoyment! 3 Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. 4 His miracles are his memorial - This God of Grace, this God of Love. 5 He gave food to those who fear him, He remembered to keep his ancient promise. 6 He proved to his people that he could do what he said: Hand them the nations on a platter - a gift! 7 He manufactures truth and justice; All his products are guaranteed to last - 8 Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof. All that he makes and does is honest and true: 9 He paid the ransom for his people, He ordered his Covenant kept forever. He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. 10 The good life begins in the fear of God - Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever! (The Message)

What products last forever? Are you still driving your first car? Chances are you are not and if you are, you have either a well-kept classic or the prime example of what baling wire and duct tape can do for a car. What about the shoes you wore in junior high? Are you still wearing those? And the list goes on and on, and the answer is that very few products last forever. In that imagery, the Psalmist is saying (in this version) that God's "products are guaranteed to last. Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust proof." He started the list with Grace and Love (v. 4), the continued with "truth and justice." (v. 7). We can add to it as well, but we're also proving that God is always relevant for those who seek God. Many today struggle with finding and providing ways to make God and God's Church relevant, but we discover that one on one, friend to friend, or family member to family member, as we share and show, God becomes real and relevant.

In our worship settings we should praise the name of God. We should be part of a joyous gathering that provides a setting to worship God and a place where we receive what we need to carry on and to move forward. We should gather to give thanks to God. We should be reminded of God's generosity as we share back with God our lives and our gifts, our service and our witness.

While you're thinking about it, why not take someone to worship this weekend?

PRAYER: Loving God, You are indeed worthy of my praise and that is what I seek to do today and all days. I know of my need to worship and also of my need to share with others. Give me wisdom and boldness to take the next opportunity that presents itself to take someone with me to worship You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

God's Mouthpiece

2012-01-25T07:16:00.001-06:00

Loving God of new paths and opportunities, may Your grace shine brightly upon the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Deuteronomy 18: 15 God, your God, is going to raise up a prophet for you. God will raise him up from among your kinsmen, a prophet like me. Listen obediently to him. 16 This is what you asked God, your God, for at Horeb on the day you were all gathered at the mountain and said, "We can't hear any more from God, our God; we can't stand seeing any more fire. We'll die!" 17 And God said to me, "They're right; they've spoken the truth. 18 I'll raise up for them a prophet like you from their kinsmen. I'll tell him what to say and he will pass on to them everything I command him. 19 And anyone who won't listen to my words spoken by him, I will personally hold responsible. 20 "But any prophet who fakes it, who claims to speak in my name something I haven't commanded him to say, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die." (The Message)

I remember hearing in seminary that the word prophet literally meant "mouthpiece." And from countless black and white gangster movies I had seen, I knew that the word mouthpiece had been used to describe lawyers. "Don't ask me, ask my mouthpiece!" God uses people to speak God's word to people. And it usually is not a message one could label "comfortable," it is usually a message calling us to repent and get right with God. In today's passage the message is clear that God will call another prophet to continue to share God's word with all the people. The people knew that Moses was getting old and that he might not be with them much longer, and they also were tiring of their time in the desert. God tells them that this new prophet will come out of not only their ranks, but from their relatives. This prophet will speak, like Moses, for God; so everyone must listen to what this prophet will say. God then stresses that anyone would "fakes" it, that is, that does not speak for God but for him/herself, must die.

This week's texts speak of both Jesus and you and me. The Gospel reading says that when Jesus taught, He was being God's prophet. The Epistle says that when we talk and how we live should speak prophetic words to our neighbor. And today's text underscores the seriousness with which God takes on the message we have received and should be passing on to others. Have you ever thought of yourself as God's mouthpiece? Have you ever lived as God's mouthpiece?

PRAYER: Loving God, I understand and accept the seriousness for which you have called me and called all of us. May my life reflect the seriousness with which I have taken the teachings of Jesus and the way that I live my life before You and Yours. May I serve to share Your words in a way that blesses You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Helping Transform the World

2012-01-24T05:33:00.000-06:00

God of unlimited resources, bless the needs in the life of this dear reader in whatever way blesses You; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (Key verses) 9 But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a Christian still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track. 10 For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused - maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong. 11 Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him - because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! 12 When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." 13 So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters. (The Message)

We as Christians enjoy great freedoms. We are free from sin. We are free from death. We have and enjoy these freedoms because of the great price that God paid through Jesus, God's Son, on the cross. We are also responsible for how we live our lives as a positive influence on the lives of others. In Paul's day, the threat to baby Christians was the whole issue of what is considered right in living the Christian life in the midst of a culture where most everyone else was not a Christian but believed in the worship of the day. That worship was the worship of idols. Most merchants of the day either worshiped idols or provided the meat for the worship of them. The issue was, can we eat meat that has been offered in the worship of idols? Paul knows that there was nothing to idol worship. Paul knew and believed in the one, true God, as do we, so to eat meat offered to nothing was no big deal for him, yet, he knew it could be for someone just pulled out of idol worship. Paul urges believers to live lives that reinforce the faith rather than placing new Christians in positions of confusion and doubt. Never "trip up one of your brothers or sisters," Paul says in verse 13.

We too, have freedoms to make our choices on how we will live. We may choose to enjoy our freedom in ways that may confuse or cause doubt in the lives of new Christians. Paul asks if that is worth it in the long run. I know you know the answer to that, so why risk it? Ours is to reach new people, help them become believers and then disciples; all for the transformation of the world. Is your world already transformed, or does it look just like everyone else's?

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to understand my responsibility to You and Yours in the living of my life. May the choices I make be those which help build up Your Kingdom. Forgive me those times that I have placed myself first and cared nothing for someone else. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Imagine being in a place of worship...

2012-01-23T07:24:00.001-06:00

Amazing God of grace, pour out Your love upon the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 21 Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. 22 They were surprised at his teaching - so forthright, so confident - not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars. 23 Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, 24 "What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you're up to! You're the Holy One of God, and you've come to destroy us!" 25 Jesus shut him up: "Quiet! Get out of him!" 26 The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly - and got out. 27 Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. "What's going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!" 28 News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee. (The Message)

Imagine, in a place of worship on the day of worship. For some of us now that seems rare for most people. It wasn't for Jesus. But not everyone in Capernaum was in the place of worship either, but there were enough to be blessed by their experience with Him. Jesus taught. Imagine the teachings of Jesus that were not recorded. I believe we have the core of those teachings in our gospels, but to be there and experience His voice, His thoughts, His examples as He taught from that from which He came! There is a difference between knowing and experiencing truth. One can read about truth all day long and that will not match what comes from those who experience it. And as sometimes happens in a setting where good and positive things are happening, something or someone will oppose or challenge it. Mark says it was a demon possessed man who knew who Jesus was. He questions Jesus and even declares that he knows what Jesus is up to; but this demon was no match for Jesus and Jesus cast him out. Those who were in worship that day saw what perhaps very little of those who were not there believed. But it did make for a great story that was spread through out Galilee.

Imagine being in a place of worship this coming Sunday. Imagine being there expectant and hopeful for a teaching from God about God's love. Imagine being one who supports and prays for that person who brings the message. Imagine more like you in worship doing the same.

PRAYER: Loving God of power to cast out that which "steals, destroys, and kills," even in church and worship settings, let me be among those who are there not only to receive but to share life in abundance. Let me also be among those who go out and share the stories of You love beyond the worship place, for You are needed everywhere. I ask this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Equipped to Serve God!

2012-01-19T05:55:00.001-06:00

Loving God of the Journey of Life, journey closely with this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray,amen.

Our text comes from Psalm 62:5 God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? 6 He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. 7 My help and glory are in God 8 So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. 9 Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing. 10 And a windfall, if it comes - don't make too much of it. 11 God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes Straight from God." 12 Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work! (The Message)

One of my life's greatest blessings was to go to youth camp as a child and youth. In those days, the Rio Grande Conference went to Mount Wesley Methodist Encampment in Kerrville, Texas. I first went as a seventh grader recently moved to Houston. At that point in my life I had seen Kingsville, Monterrey, Mexico, the Valley, and now Houston. Monterrey had inspired me with mountains, a beautiful waterfall and caves. It was a short trip during those years when you don't remember much, but Kerrville had what seemed like mountains to me. The camp was located outside of town, isolated and ideal for a retreat. To climb to Vesper Point was to invite something spiritual to happen. The setting and the events, the speakers, all had a lot to do with my hearing God call me into ministry. This psalm reminds me of those days that I didn't fidget nor whisper jokes - I did indeed sit and wait for God. Those moments allowed me to have hope in God and in what might lie ahead for me and my life. I did feel that I could walk anywhere and do anything that God might ask of me, for I never walked alone. I had the fullness of life through Jesus Christ through those moments and during those times. God indeed took me to the mountain top and I could see what lay ahead for me, a journey filled with the blessings of God. I received my strength from God, "Straight from God" (v.11). I fell in love with God and that is a relationship that has never failed me, and I still seek to serve God in whatever ways God may still have for me.

Make time today to listen for God. And as you listen be reminded of all that God has shared with you. You can be a different person because of the presence of God and the strength that God provides for you. Come what may, we are never alone and we are never defeated because of what God shares with us. And in the joy of these discoveries, serve God! God rewards us lovingly and generously!

PRAYER: So be it, dear God, that I might find time today to be quiet and listen to you. Let me put down the cellphone, silence the music, turn my gaze away from the computer monitor, remove the ear buds from my music player and genuinely listen. May what I hear be a loving reminder of how blessed I am and how well equipped I am to serve You and Yours. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A personal note: Dear friends, I had not yet said anything about an important journey that begun this past summer and in a couple of weeks becomes more real for me. As I may have mentioned through this e-devotional, I am a delegate to General Conference and as a result of that election I have been blessed and humbled and honored by an endorsement by the Rio Grande Conference of The United Methodist Church to be a candidate for bishop. The process is long and hard. I have to travel very soon to begin my series of interviews with all the delegations of our South Central Jurisdiction. I ask for your prayers. I want God's will to be done, not mine. The time is too critical for us to elect just anybody and I truly want the right persons (for we are electing three this time) for this important ministry position. I love what I am doing as a district superintendent, but will serve with God's help if elected, to the best of my ability. I thank you for your prayers for my wife, Nellie, our family and myself.

God's Do-Overs

2012-01-18T06:39:00.001-06:00

Loving God of second chances, give to this reader that understanding of Your grace; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Jonah 3: 1 Next, God spoke to Jonah a second time: 2 "Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." 3 This time Jonah started off straight for Nineveh, obeying God's orders to the letter. 4 Jonah entered the city, went one day's walk and preached, "In forty days Nineveh will be smashed." 5 The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance. Everyone did it - rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. 10 God saw what they had done, that they had turned away from their evil lives. He did change his mind about them. What he said he would do to them he didn't do. (The Message)

"Do over!" How many times have we not said that during an intense game with family or friends? How close we were to victory and we flubbed it so we said, "Do over!" Depending on the friend or family member, you probably heard, "NO WAY! That's it, you had your chance and you blew it!" Game over. You lost. God doesn't play that way. In fact, God gives do overs time and time again. Jonah found out. Jonah was asked to share his faith in the Living God and he fled at first, then tried to hide from God and the task and you know where he ended up for three days. Then he finally did what God had asked, he shared his faith and the message God asked him to share. And what a message! "In forty days Nineveh will be smashed." I truly think that's the condensed version of the message the old boy preached, but the point was, he finally was obedient and he finally shared the message and guess what, the people believed! They "trusted God, (and) proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentence." Verse ten, here's the do-over: "God saw what they had done, that they had turned away from their evil lives. He did change his mind about them. What he said he would do to them he didn't do." They got a second chance. So do we.

Have you ever talked to someone about your second chance? Don't you think someone could benefit greatly from hearing such a message from you? Don't wait until you're in the belly of a whale...

PRAYER: Loving God, I thank You for the many do-overs I have had in my life, thanks to You. I ask that I receive the courage and the boldness to share my faith with someone today. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Things and Time

2012-01-17T07:39:00.000-06:00

God of the richness of life, pour out Your knowledge of the fullness of life upon this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Corinthians 7: 29 I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple - in marriage, 30 grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things - your daily routines of shopping, and so on. 31 Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out. (The Message)

Someone once said, "You never see a hearse with a trailer attached to it," meaning that the other phrase we often hear is, "You can't take it with you," is true. Paul shares the urgency of time with his readers in this passage. He knows that what really matters is that which we can't see, yet we carry on like the physical is more important. Paul is stressing that in our comfort we become complacent in all things and the urgency of helping bring more people to Christ falls by the wayside, and this is true especially in most churches today. Our minds and thoughts should be on Jesus and Jesus' message of Good News for the world. Yet, is it something we as individuals and as members of a church strive for? Our minds and concerns tend to focus on "making ends meet," or meeting deadlines or just attending meetings; Paul would ask, "Where is Christ Jesus in all of this?" And he would remind us of his belief that Jesus was coming back soon. The theme of this week's scripture lessons is on reaching more for God. Never have we seen scripture deal with the problem of better furnishings or new carpet or better choir robes; it always seems to be about sharing God's message with those who have not yet heard. And what are we doing about it?

PRAYER: Loving God of all people, use me today to reach at least someone new. May my life be part of that sermon that someone should experience about how loving and wonderful You are. I ask for boldness and wisdom so that I may be a part of that sharing. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Changing Our Diet

2012-01-16T07:08:00.002-06:00

Loving God of justice and peace, may Your touch of peace be upon this dear reader's heart so that she or he may be a person of justice with all; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: 15 "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message." 16 Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." 18 They didn't ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. 19 A dozen yards or so down the beach, he saw the brothers James and John, Zebedee's sons. They were in the boat, mending their fishnets. 20 Right off, he made the same offer. Immediately, they left their father Zebedee, the boat, and the hired hands, and followed. (The Message)

What does your diet consist of? And I'm not talking about the "new" diet you resolved to follow until yesterday's playoff games; I'm talking about your intake of thoughts and messages. What message does the music you hear share with you? What message do the news share with you? What message do the televisions shows you watch give you about life and morality? What reading materials have you had that gave you inspiration to do and live better? I ask because it is important to ask. If you surround yourself with negative messages or messages that influence you to live less than the way God would have you live, then you know you should be asking yourself, why? Consider the world during the First Century when Jesus walked and taught and preached and did miracles. It was a dismal place. The religious people were no different nor any better than those who did not believe. The message from the holy places was a iist of Do Nots (I know it's early but that is do not in plural form, not donuts!). People's lives were not being changed because there was no message of hope nor power to change. That's why Jesus' sermon as shared in this language says, "Change your life and believe the Message." The "message" refers to what other versions call gospel. And gospel as we know refers to Good News. John the Baptist started sharing that message and here comes Jesus to seal the deal. And as Jesus begins His ministry He knows that He will need those who are ready to help in sharing and taking the message to others. Here we read that Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew, with the invitation to become fishers of others. They were primsed and ready to follow as some believe that they were disciples of John the Baptist. They had heard of the One who was coming and in seeing Him and hearing His invitation, they followed. The same happened with James and John. They hear the invitation and they too, follow. Their lives were changed, never to return to what they had been before.

What about you? You must have heard about the Good News which is why you're reading this, or, someone has shared this with you because they care about you and your life. The Good News says that we can change for the better. We can let God have reign over our inner being and lead us away from destruction and death to life and the fullness of life through Jesus Christ even today. This goes beyond a simple New Year's resolution, it goes to a personal revolution overthrowing the bad and accepting the presence and power of the good from God. Are you ready? Do you want it?

PRAYER: Loving God, let the revolution begin in me now, as I overthrow the negative and the bad that is leading me to certain death. Help me in my choices to choose the good and positive and the things that lead to life. Let this apply to physical and spiritual things alike in my life and body. I want to be a person who knows, loves, and serves You. I cannot do it alone, I need You, and I lift this prayer up in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Going or Coming, God is with You!

2012-01-12T06:05:00.000-06:00

Splendid God of grace and peace, pour out a double portion of peace on the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 139: 1 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too - your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in! 13 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. 14 I thank you, High God - you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation! 15 You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. 16 Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. 17 Your thoughts - how rare, how beautiful! God, I'll never comprehend them! 18 I couldn't even begin to count them - any more than I could count the sand of the sea. Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you! (The Message)

No one ever cared for you like God. Some might say, "My mom did." Yes, close, but not quite. Others might say, "My dad did?' Okay, but not as much. This is what the Psalm is saying. There is no aspect of your life, warts, wrinkles, pimples and all, that God did not know or better yet, that God did not care for. God has known us since Day One. The Psalmist even says that God knows us inside and out, like an "open book." Such is the love and care of God for you and me. The Psalmist uses this as a motivation to live life with that peace and comfort of knowing that there is nowhere we can go that God does not go with us. What a difference this makes in the lives of those who take this to heart and know that anywhere they go, God is with them, and all actions, words and thoughts should reflect the presence of God with us. Does this even include behind the steering wheel of our car? Yes, especially there. Many of us tend to forget we're Christians in that spot, we have a tendency to change religions from Christian to Impatients. Don't do that, God is there too and God will bless us as we try to go from point A to point B. May God's care for us begin a new attitude on our care towards our care for others.

PRAYER: Loving God, may I live life in a way that says to You and myself, God is with me and I am lovingly and carefully being watched by God. May my actions and my words reflect the love God has for me. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Speak, Lord, for I Am Listening!

2012-01-11T06:52:00.001-06:00

Loving God who provides daily bread, bless and grant to this dear reader the bread of life; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Samuel 3: 1 The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli's direction. This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. 2 One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad - he could hardly see). 3 It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested. 4 Then God called out, "Samuel, Samuel!" 5 Then he ran to Eli saying, "I heard you call. Here I am." Eli said, "I didn't call you. Go back to bed." And so he did. 6 God called again, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, "I heard you call. Here I am." 7 (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.) 8 God called again, "Samuel!" - the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, "Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am." 9 So Eli directed Samuel, "Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, 'Speak, God. I'm your servant, ready to listen.'" Samuel returned to his bed. 10 Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak. I'm your servant, ready to listen." 11 God said to Samuel, "Listen carefully. I'm getting ready to do something in Israel that is going to shake everyone up and get their attention. 12 The time has come for me to bring down on Eli's family everything I warned him of, every last word of it. 13 I'm letting him know that the time's up. I'm bringing judgment on his family for good. He knew what was going on, that his sons were desecrating God's name and God's place, and he did nothing to stop them. 14 This is my sentence on the family of Eli: The evil of Eli's family can never be wiped out by sacrifice or offering." 15 Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then rose early and went about his duties, opening the doors of the sanctuary, but he dreaded having to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But then Eli summoned Samuel: "Samuel, my son!" Samuel came running: "Yes? What can I do for you?" 17 "What did he say? Tell it to me, all of it. Don't suppress or soften one word, as God is your judge! I want it all, word for word as he said it to you." 18 So Samuel told him, word for word. He held back nothing. Eli said, "He is God. Let him do whatever he thinks best." 19 Samuel grew up. God was with him, and Samuel's prophetic record was flawless. 20 Everyone in Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, recognized that Samuel was the real thing - a true prophet of God. (The Message).

If you made a New Year's Resolution, from whom did it come? From you or from God? Did God tell you to lose weight or stop spending so much, or was that you? The tasks that you do, same question: you or God? The career or work path you took for your life, was it your desire and dream or was it God's? Today's passage deals with one of the most known call stories in the Bible, God calling the boy Samuel to be God's prophet. Samuel's whole life story to this point in his young life is very interesting and can be found in the two chapters prior to this one. Samuel's mom was a devout woman and she promised Samuel to the Lord. At an early age she turned him over to the care of Eli, and it was while under that care that this call from God comes to Samuel.

When God calls we have a choice, but our first choice should always be to listen. As God called Samuel, Samuel replied he was ready to listen. God explained to Samuel the purpose of that call. Our call may not come as crystal clear as Samuel's though I believe Samuel wasn't quite ready to hear a judgment pronounced on Eli and his family, but he heard it and delivered it as told. Our call may take some time to form and become doable, but we should keep in mind that God is with us and will help us in whatever God has called us to do or be. Whatever the task, it matters to God and to the person, person or situation to which we are called to serve.

PRAYER: Loving God, speak, for I am listening. Help me to hear what it is You would have me hear. If this is a call for new ministry or new service, so be it, but be with me. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

God Owns the Whole Thing!

2012-01-10T05:59:00.000-06:00

Blessed God of all days, may this day be blessed for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Corinthians 6: 12 Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims. 13 You know the old saying, "First you eat to live, and then you live to eat"? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that's no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body! 14 God honored the Master's body by raising it from the grave. He'll treat yours with the same resurrection power. 15 Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master's body. You wouldn't take the Master's body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not. 16 There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." 17 Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever - the kind of sex that can never "become one." 18 There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for "becoming one" with another. 19 Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. 20 God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body. (The Message)

We're good at playing games. We're also quite good at rationalizing things. As the New Year's countdown approaches, we get out a slip of paper and a pen and we write that which we resolve to do, and usually the majority of people resolve to do something related to the body. Then at about this time of year we realize we did not have the willpower to continue the resolution and we give up. And that's when the games begin; What matters most is what's within. God doesn't judge me by my looks; it's what's in my heart! And so on. We sometimes play the game of keeping the spirit clean even though we're messing with the physical. This version of the Bible goes into deeper detail than most of us are used to. In fact, uses words that we would not be comfortable hearing from a pulpit. Yet, it is a clear picture of that which is rationalized for us in the movies or on television shows, that sex has nothing to do with our spiritual lives. A recent magazine headline said something to the effect that Christian teens are no longer waiting to engage in sexual acts. Paul knows as we should know, that God owns the whole thing, the body, the mind, the spirit; everything that defines who we are. Paul stresses what we know God's word to say, Glorify God through your body. Let everything we do reflect the presence of God in and through us. God owns the whole thing.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to do away with the games. Let me be honest with me. You own the entire me, and no part of me does not belong to You. Forgive me for what I have rationalized in some of my actions, and help me to reflect You alive and present in me. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde
God

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are, Though He Knew Us When We Were Somewhere Else!

2012-01-09T07:08:00.000-06:00

Loving God of life, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from John 1: 43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, "Come, follow me." 44 (Philip's hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.) 45 Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, "We've found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It's Jesus, Joseph's son, the one from Nazareth!" 46 Nathanael said, "Nazareth? You've got to be kidding." But Philip said, "Come, see for yourself." 47 When Jesus saw him coming he said, "There's a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body." 48 Nathanael said, "Where did you get that idea? You don't know me." Jesus answered, "One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree." 49 Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus said, "You've become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven't seen anything yet! 51 Before this is over you're going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again." (The Message)

Jesus meets us where we are, though He knew us when we were somewhere else. Such was the case here in this story but in our lives it may not seem as innocent. Some of us were in places where we hoped no one saw us, doing things we pray will never come to light. And yes, some of us where simply sitting under a fig tree. Jesus calls us out of love and out of a hope that we will never return to where we were. Jesus' call means a complete change of life and life-attitude so that we will never be the same. I've shared about a film one sees (or used to see) on the retreat called Walk to Emmaus; The disciples have just had the Last Supper and they're talking about what they'll do next and one of the disciples says to the other, "Don't you realize that we will never the same? We'll never get to go home again!" He was telling the truth. Those of us who encounter the Living, Risen Christ and have their lives transformed for the better, never should be the same again. And home is where we serve the Lord, not the same place we've laid our heads to sleep in years past. And the best part? Just as Jesus said to Nathanael, we haven't seen anything yet! "Before this is over," we're "going to see heaven open and God's angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again," meaning we will see and witness wonderful, unexplainable things. What will you see if you stay seated under the fig tree? Just a hint: Don't look up!

PRAYER: Loving God, I thank You for Your call upon my life. May my walk with You be one that never leaves me the same. May each step, each day, bring to me opportunities to witness Your power and grace. May I be among those angels that minister to You and Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Newness of This Day and This New Year!

2012-01-05T07:16:00.001-06:00

Loving God of peace, grant a blessing of calm and confidence in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Genesis 1: 1 First this: God created the Heavens and Earth - all you see, all you don't see. 2 Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God's Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss. 3 God spoke: "Light!" And light appeared. 4 God saw that light was good and separated light from dark. 5 God named the light Day, he named the dark Night. It was evening, it was morning - Day One. (The Message)

No better way to start a New Year than with a reminder of how everything, I repeat, everything, began. It began with God. A simple yet profound way to start any New Year and any day for that matter. You can tell yourself, "Everything I see today, was created by God, and God did not abandon me nor God's world!" And to further our thoughts about God's awesome power think about that first day of creation; From nothing came everything. And over everything God's Spirit "brooded like a bird" over it. And of all the things God created first, there comes light. And light is good, and it separates light from dark. And that was Day One.

May the newness of this day not scare us; nor may the thought of a New Year lead us to darkness. May all our days be days lived in the knowledge and comfort of God's presence and the power of God's light.

PRAYER: God of creation, create in me a new heart with new hope and new love, for You and Yours. May I live each day knowing Your Spirit is with me and that with that knowledge I can live in the light. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Next Steps to a New You in the New Year!

2012-01-04T06:22:00.001-06:00

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on the life of this dear reader in all they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Acts 19: 1 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. 2 The first thing he said was, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?" "We've never even heard of that - a Holy Spirit? God within us?" 3 "How were you baptized, then?" asked Paul. "In John's baptism." 4 "That explains it," said Paul. "John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you've been baptized in John's baptism, you're ready now for the real thing, for Jesus." 5 And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. 6 Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God's actions. 7 Altogether there were about twelve people there that day. (The Message)

As many have been talking about having a "New You" in the New Year, some have actually taken steps to become a new person. This means different things to different people. As I shared yesterday, the loss of weight for many does actually mean a new person. For others, it is a time to reassess old habits and consider abandoning or quitting same so that a new person can truly emerge. John the Baptist's message was for a new person to emerge out of the waters of the Jordan River; a forgiven person who had left his/her sins in the water. This was a message that many took to heart and as today's lesson shows, kept preaching. Paul encounters a group who had been baptized for the forgiveness of sins and stopped there. Paul asks, in effect, did you take the next step? Have you "embraced Jesus with all your heart? Is He living in you?" This modern version is trying to explain what it means to have the Holy Spirit. Paul goes on to explain that John's baptism was valid and necessary, but John also spoke of the One who came after him and His baptism.

The presence of Jesus dwelling within us is evidence of God's Holy Spirit. If we surrendered our hearts and lives to Christ Jesus and invited Him in, He has come in and become our Lord and Savior. To me, it is a daily surrender and a daily asking; "Christ Jesus come into me and guide me and use me," is part of my prayer at the start of each day. And I keep praying thought prayers and situational prayers, knowing that I want not only to embrace Jesus, but to be embraced by Jesus as well. There are moments when I am too weak to stand on my own and the strong arms of Jesus hold me. How about you? Have you discovered the awesomeness of God's Holy Spirit and the difference it can make in your life?

PRAYER: Loving God, I want to receive Your presence in my life. I want to be Spirit-led and Spirit-changed, so that my life will be one that gives evidence of all that is possible within us through You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Life-Change is Possible!

2012-01-03T07:29:00.001-06:00

Loving God of new and old things; bless and protect the days of this new year in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

CORRECTION: The Prayer Request from last night said surgery for Mrs. Leifeste is tomorrow Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., not today. My apologies for the wrong day! Keep praying!

Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 4 John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. 5 People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. 6 John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey. 7 As he preached he said, "The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will change your life. 8 I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism - a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit - will change you from the inside out." 9 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. 11 Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life." (The Message)

This is the time of year many of us resolve to change our lives. We have made a list of "resolutions" of things that we will do, for at least two weeks, then with the right invitation or temptation, go right back to what we were doing in 2011. Probably the number one resolution is that to lose weight. Sales of exercise equipment is high during this time of year and new gadgets and appliances appear in homes and for a few days the clinging and clanging of iron and steel may be heard in our own homes. Then one long, tiring day at work will cause us to place our blouse or shirt on the exercise equipment and before we know it, we have a thousand dollar wardrobe holder. So much for the resolution. Please know this has happened to me and I am not criticizing nor pointing fingers. Life-change is what is required. And so it was that on that day that this wild man from the desert came to the Jordan River with his loud message of life-change, many came to hear him. John would not have gotten very far in yelling, "All ye must lose weight!" His message was a deeper and more profound one. His message had something to do with the personal side of our lives, the spiritual, where we know we have deep-rooted sins, especially the kind we hope will never resurface nor brought to light so that others will know just how bad we are. John's message said, "You don't have to live that way! Come to God and have that sin removed once and for all!" That got the attention of the fat and skinny, the energetic and the lazy. This was a message that hit home in the hearts of all who truly heard it. The passage said that people began to confess their sins and received changed lives.

A changed life is still available to us. This morning's Upper Room devotional is by a former drunk, who gives God complete credit and glory for having changed his life. He went from facing a life on the streets to being a respected and loved husband, father and now grandfather. He also was able to be with his mother as she died some years ago, something he knows he would not have done had he stayed under the grip of alcohol. John the Baptist offered this to all, setting the stage for the power of Christ to change our life into a "kingdom life." I love the way it says, His baptism-a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit-will change your life from the inside out."

How's your inside? Want it changed? Leave it to God.

PRAYER: Loving God, may our voices join those whose lives have been set free from the clutches of sin. May I be among those who can say that God changed even me, from the inside out. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T08:01:00.001-06:00

Loving God, may the fullness of a relationship with You be this dear reader in all the days of this New Year; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Happy New Year! Here it is, 2012! And as Hollywood tried to warn us, it is the final year of existence for the human race! And this based on a Mayan calendar that simply runs out this year and then it starts again.

Our text for today is one recommended by my lovely wife for a New Year's verse, Matthew 6: 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message).

Many people always ask at the start of a New Year, What does this year hold for me? And the answer is, God only knows and God's not telling! What we do know, as the hymn writer said, But we do know who holds this year! It's God. The modern language of this version shares some key thoughts for us and how we could and should live: If we immerse ourselves in the knowledge that God exists and God is with us; that is "God-reality." If we believe we do have a plan and purpose for our lives and that each day brings us closer to fulfilling that for ourselves if we listen for and trust in, God; that is "God-initiative." If we truly believe Christ in His words in that powerful prayer we call the Lord's Prayer and we ask and believe God does provide for "our daily bread," then that is God-provisions. Too many of us miss out by worrying so much about little details and we don't see the big, awesome picture that God is painting for us. God is in the present and God will be in the future, but our attention and energy should be right here, right now to whatever God is doing in your life and personal ministry. Listen again to that last verse, "God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Amen!

PRAYER: Loving God, this gift of a New Year comes from You. I also know that whatever I may encounter, whatever I may need, I need trust only in You. Let that be my resolve for a better me in this New Year; that I do fully and truly trust in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Emmanuel: God with us!

2011-12-24T06:28:00.001-06:00

It was in the fulness of time. In a place selected by God. In a manner and fashion chosen by God. God acted. It is still being discussed and debated. It is not fully believed by all. It is said God could have done better. Yet, it was on this night that God chose to give the world God's only Son through human birth to a young, frightened woman. The event took place in a stable, a setting that most, if not all, with which people can identify through slowly dying agricultural roots, yes, among the common people, God sent a Son. Some have said it should have been in a palace; but who can identify with a palace? Those who can are limited in number. Some have said it could have been in a better place, like Rome. The fast pace of Rome even in those days would not have worked. It was on a tranquil night that the cry of a newborn broke the night. It brought wonder and excitement mixed with the fear of the unknown to that young couple blessed by the birth of their first child. The mother knew to name him Jesus, as told by the angel. She knew that his birth was to take away the sins of the world. She had heard that this special child would also be known as Emmanuel, God with us, for God truly chose to be with us on that night. Have you chosen to live with God?

Set aside some quiet time today to celebrate in your own way, this special, special gift given to you and me. Later this evening, find a church if you don't already have one, and go and be with others as they celebrate the specialness of this birth. God gave to us, what can we give to God except ourselves?

PRAYER: Loving God, may the meaning of this day never be lost on me. As family and friends arrive, may the joy of being with them only add to the joy of You being with me. Emmanuel it is! And may we never forget that. God, we know that the specialness of today is made more difficult by the absence of those with whom we once spent this day, but we celebrate Your presence as comfort and peace. We remember that the birth on this night came as Your sign that You would defeat sin and death. God, we also remember there are many who cannot be with loved ones tonight because of their service to country or because of their need to be elsewhere; may the spirit of love unite us even if physcially we cannot be together. But in all our doings and celebrations, be glorified! I pray in the Name of He born tonight, Jesus, my Lord, amen!

Have a great and blessed Christmas!

Eradio and Nellie Valverde

The New Song of Christmas

2011-12-22T07:31:00.001-06:00

Loving God, may the true power and peace of Christmas be with this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 96: 1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. 4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised : he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. 9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. 10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth : the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved : he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice , and let the earth be glad ; let the sea roar , and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful , and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh , for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (KJV)

This psalm starts with something difficult for most people; new songs. In my life there have been "new song" moments where a song has come on the radio (I'm dating myself, I know) and immediately I knew that I liked that song. One was "Blue" by LeAnn Rimes. I remember exactly where we were and where we were going. And there have been others that I have immediately liked. In the sacred, a new hymnal for most people brings mixed responses and of course a mad dash to one's favorite hymns to see if they "made the cut" or if there really are new songs. And new songs don't come over very well the first time through. But some make lasting impressions such as "Tu Has Venido A La Orilla" or other hymns whose melody and message bring us great comfort and joy (that phrase is in a Christmas hymn!).

But true worship is not about us. It is about God as this psalm is reminding us. Christmas is about God and not about us. It is a worshipful time in which we remember the goodness and greatness of God. Christmas then as Christmas now, should involve all of creation as the psalmist sang. The presence of God's truth especially during a time of half-truths and outright lies, should serve to motivate us to righteousness.

PRAYER: Loving God, let this Christmas be all about You and Your love and truth for my life. May I seek to be more like You this day and all days. May I join the chorus of those singing Your praises and may we invite others to join us; this I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Promises of Christmas

2011-12-21T07:05:00.001-06:00

Amazing God, may Your love blaze a blessing upon the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Isaiah 9: 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined . 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor , as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)

Yesterday at breakfast there was a group of whom we believed were co-workers exchanging gifts. They were a loud group, laughing and laughing so hard some were crying with tears of joy and happiness. I don't know what gifts they exchanged and from the laughs I was guessing they were what some call "white elephant" or useless or comical gifts. They were having a great time being together and their joy spread over me. Isaish spoke of that joy of the time whenever the "light" would come upon the earth. Isaiah compared it to the joy of those about to harvest a great field or as those who are dividing a great treasure or those who enjoy each other so much they can exchange gifts, even funny ones. Why? That joy comes from the presence and power of God which is what Christmas is all about. God's presence can break the weight and burden of sin and in the midst of what may otherwise seem dismal, a child is born.

In the midst of what can serve to disturb and distress us comes this child who will "be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Beyond titles, we read God's promises of God's actions in our lives: The God who brings wonder; the God who counsels; the infinite God; The loving parent and the One who brings peace. The God whose reign will NEVER end. This is Christmas. You ready?

PRAYER: Loving God, may these promises be realized in my life and in the life of those in need. May I be a part of helping to bring about Your work in a fulfilling way, a way of love and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Christmas is Salvation

2011-12-20T06:11:00.000-06:00

Blessed Lord, bless and protect those loved ones of this dear reader who need Your touch today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly , righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (KJV)

The other evening I chose to join my wife for supper rather than stay with the group at my meeting and so I decided to walk the 1.7 miles from Drew University to our hotel. I was joined on this adventure by the president of Iliff School of Theology, David Trickett. What most of us take for granted, New Jersey does not provide: sidewalks! And that makes for an interesting walk in the dark along a very busy highway. But I was able to re-visit my year at Iliff as I walked and talked with Dr. Trickett. I told him the most challenging question was asked of me in a class at Iliff by Dr. Harvey Potoff, an elderly, almost ready to retire professor of theology. He was a captivating teacher and he had a classroom full of captive first year seminary students when he said, "I know most of you know that salvation is being saved from sin; but I ask you an equally important question today, What are you saved to?" I had to confess that at that point in my life I had not given that much thought. I knew I needed Jesus to save me from my sin, but I had not thought about to what Jesus had saved me.

The answer is a better life, a grace-filled life, a daily walk with the Lord. That is what we are saved to. And Christmas is that time when we remember again, the greatest gift shared with the world was that which John wrote in the sixteenth verse of his third chapter of his gospel; God's love was so great that God gave His only begotten son that we would not perish. And beyond perishing our call is to live life as the tenth verse of the tenth chapter in that same Gospel says, we might live abundantly. Christmas is about living abundantly, and not in the material sense, but in the sense of the spiritual things that are ours for the asking. Christmas is about the world needing to know we have a Savior, who will and does save us from our wickedness, our doubts, our fears, our angers, and the list goes on and on; but who also takes us into a realm of deep spiritual blessings that is life in abundance, a life lived to the fullest. And as Titus says, we should be all about works that reflect that change that has come into our lives.

PRAYER: Loving God, blessed are You for Your love and for sharing Jesus Christ with us. During this hectic pace of Christmas may we slow down enough to remember that Jesus came to save us from and to something. The to part is most special if we let it be. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Awe and Wonder

2011-12-19T07:23:00.001-06:00

Loving God of this special season, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Nellie and I are on the road and this devotional is being written on the Mac side of my laptop; this may mean your letters may appear with strike-throughs. I pray that is not so with everyone, but some of you do get them and makes it hard to read. I invite you to the blog where this same devotional will appear without strike-throughs: http://TheUniversityOfTheWay.blogspot.com. Pray for our safe return later today to Texas.

Our text for today comes from Luke 2: 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed , every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was , that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered . 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste , and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , as it was told unto them. (KJV)

It seemed as if all the world was on Seventh Avenue, New York City two nights ago. The languages and appearances of people made us know the world was here. Too numerous to count, one person said (in English), "We're not walking, we're waddling!" And it was true. We could not take full strides of a walk, we walked in mini-steps and we were pushed from side to side, just like ducks as we waddled to our destination. And we had to keep changing destinations because the crowds just waiting to get inside those were incredibly large. The famous coffee shop, about 50 deep outside in the cold, waiting to get in to warm up with a coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate. The large store for toys, with a ferris wheel in the center and three stories of toys, also, too many folks just waiting to get in. Years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, "And all this because of a little baby born some two thousand years ago."

We act, though, as it is our birthday. We have lists or have been put on lists naming our requests for OUR presents. We will await Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to see what we received. Yesterday's newspaper had a photo from Catalan, España, where children line up to see a "king" who takes their requests and promises to take those lists to the Three Kings, who are the ones in that part of the world who delivers the gifts. I pray that in spite of the lights and trees and Santas, we not lose the wonder and awe of that which God did on our behalf on that special night. The model of the shepherds' response should be ours as well; frightful at first, later realizing that God did indeed act in this special way, their lives were never the same. That last verse in today's passage, verse 20 says, the shepherds left "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen."

May it be so in our lives that we realize that God does love us and enough so, that God worked in that special part of the world in a special way. May that little baby's birth be the symbol of our re-birth to the things of God not just at Christmas, but all the time.

PRAYER: Loving God, we pray that the birth of Jesus be our birth to the newness of a life lived in the spiritual realm, seeing with His eyes the things You have brought in our midst. May the wonder and awe of Christmas never leave us. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Changing the Labels

2011-12-12T06:22:00.000-06:00

Amazing God of all people, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Luke 1: 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said , Hail , thou that art highly favoured , the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be . 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold , thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be , seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold , thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible . 38 And Mary said , Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. (KJV)

This passage is known as The Annunciation or the announcing to Mary of that which God expected of her. This passage has inspired several great works of art that try to depict the visitation of the angel with Mary. The Roman Catholic Church even celebrates a Feast Day on March 25, a full nine months before Christmas, as the day when this occurred. The passage is key to us because it tells us several things: God visits us where we are. God knows our condition and abilities and thus the calls that have come upon our lives. God can take the things we have already labeled as impossible and make them doable. And sometimes God even points to others in whom we thought whatever we had labeled as impossible was, in our opinion, No Way in Heaven, and we see that they, too, are doing what we thought they nor we could do.

Such is the Advent Journey. God visiting and inviting us to service. And Advent should be our saying, Yes, Lord, with Your help in whatever You might ask, I will do.

PRAYER: Loving God, take that in my life that I had already labeled as Never and change to Now. That which I had labeled as Impossible and make doable, so that I might serve and glorify You. I pray this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Presence of God

2011-12-08T06:45:00.001-06:00

Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader today in all that they may face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Luke 1: My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold , from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed . 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away . 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (KJV)

This is one of the recommended texts for the Psalter or Psalm reading. In Luke? you might ask. Yes, this is Mary, the mother of Jesus reflecting on her special position as the one chosen to carry the Christ child. She begins where it matters most in her spirit; she says that because of God's presence in her life she is able to give glory to God. She is also very happy because of God and God's power in her life. God came to her and chose her from among all the women of the earth at that time. For that selection, Mary knows that people will call her blessed. This visitation is special and great and serves to make the name of God even more holy. The rest of this psalm is a song of God's greatness in history, in the present, and in the time to come.

Today's Upper Room reading mentioned Advent as a time of new beginnings. And it is. On that night in which Mary was visited and given the news of her role in God's plan, her life would never be the same because of this new beginning given to her. The specialness of God in her life far outweighed any consequences or thoughts of consequences that tomorrow might hold for her or for her baby. If God was with her, that's all she needed to face the rest of today and all the tomorrows that might come.

Advent should be like that for us as well. The awesomeness of God in the right now far exceeds the what-could-bes of tomorrow.

PRAYER: Loving God of power and might, grace and light; You have visited me in a special way and do everytime I pray and listen for You after I pray. Make me know and live a way that says to me and to others that with You present and active in my life, that in itself far exceeds what I fear may come. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

You Packed Yet?

2011-12-07T07:51:00.001-06:00

Great indeed, is Thy faithfulness, O God. May it be so for this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Isaiah 61: 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified . 4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations , and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. 8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed . 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth ; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (KJV-400th)

It seems like every other week Nellie and I pack for a trip. We ask each other or ourselves, How many days? What's the occasion? ("Are we going to church?") What will the weather be like? And once we're comfortable with our answers, we pack. Advent is a time of packing and unpacking as well. We should pack that which will bless God and our journey with God, and unpack that which weighs us down and serves us no purpose. The prophet wrote of that which God had shared with him; the needed things that should be proclaimed among God's people: God's Spirit was active and among them; Glad tidings (Good News) was being shared; Brokenhearts would be mended; Captives would be set free; prison doors would fling open and the declaration that this was the acceptable year of the Lord. This message would be later read in worship, where a young carpenter would declare that this passage was about Himself. That which the prophet prepared became that necessary part of the Messiah's journey among us.

Christ's first visit should still be an occasion of great celebration, much like a wedding where every person is truly happy and hope for a new family is felt among all those present. Have we unpacked our thoughts and lives to feel that about Jesus having come 2,000 years ago? If not, it's not too late to do that now.

PRAYER: Loving God, for Jesus' first visit I am truly happy and blessed. May I live my life in a joyous way that says to others that I am awaiting with hope His next arrival. May my journey be with You be filled with joy and hope. I pray this in Christ's name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Prescription and Plan for Life

2011-12-06T05:50:00.000-06:00

Blessed Savior, grant Your faithfulness in the life of this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (King James Version, 400 years young this year!)

Have you ever suffered from physical pain and sought help from all kinds of folks rather than the doctor? One tells you to do this and another to do that. One says buy this and the other says buy that, and off we go. When we finally can stand the pain no longer and we go to the doctor, we get a prescription and perhaps a plan to avoid the pain in the future. Would you follow it? Most of us would say, Of course! Today's passage is a prescription and a plan for our Advent journey. Whatever may be ailing you spiritually stands no chance against one who is rejoicing. Just yesterday I reread the comment attributed to Martin Luther, "Laugh at the devil and he will flee from you." That makes sense. The devil does not want someone who is rejoicing, especially over something God may have done in their lives. The second part, Pray without ceasing. Occupy your mind with prayer and there is no room for anything that may detract you from God. Third, In everything give thanks! A grateful heart is a heart filled with grace, and a grace-filled heart is one filled with love, so much so it pours out unto others. Fourth, Quench not the Spirit. Receive and be guided and blessed by the Holy Spirit, do not resist the Holy Spirit. Fifth, speak God's word in all circumstances and situations. Sixth, reason out if what you are doing is good or not. Do no harm, Wesley said; Christ said for us to do good. Seventh, live a life that shows the positive presence of God in your heart.

What will be the result? A sanctified life; that is, a life made holy in this journey of life. And that may be just what your neighbor has been waiting to see and experience so that their life may be made right and ready for God.

PRAYER: Loving God, as I seek to live the life You intended, let me bless You and be a blessing to Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Making the Way Ready for Christ

2011-12-05T05:22:00.001-06:00

Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from John 1: 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe . 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed , and denied not; but confessed , I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith , I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered , No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou ? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said , I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26 John answered them, saying , I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is , who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose . 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing . (King James Version - In honor of its 400th Anniversary).

Advent is a time of preparation and reflection. It is a time of looking forward, backward, upward and inward as well. As we prepare for Christ's coming again, we ask if we are ready. As we remember Christ's first visit, we ask if we responded as Christ expected. As we reflect in Scriptre about Advent we ask, What more can I do? And as we reflect in prayer we ask, Am I prepared? John's short visit on the earth was to give witness to the coming of Jesus. He knew who and Whose he was. He knew he was not the Messiah, but he knew Him. He knew he was to fulfill the ancient prophecies as found in Isaiah and so he quoted the prophet and said yet again, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord." Get ready, in other words, and be made worthy, thus his offering of baptism.

John could not be trapped by those sent from the religious ones. He spoke from his heart and spirit and said he was only using water in preparation of one who would bring something the world needed, namely reconcilation with God.

As you live your life today ask yourself, Am I ready for Christ Jesus? Have I responded as Christ expected? Have I done all that Christ asked of me? Am I truly as prepared as I can be through Christ so that others can be reconciled with God?

PRAYER: Loving God, during this Advent Journey make me ready, make me faithful, make me prepare well, and help me to live in a way that gives witness to You; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Kiss of God

2011-12-01T05:44:00.001-06:00

Living God, fall afresh on the life and needs of this dear reader through the presence of Your Spirit; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 85: LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. 8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak : for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. (King James Version)

The earth sometimes reflects the drama of what happens when something positive is missing from it. In our case here in Texas, the drought has left very visible signs of the absence of water. Last evening, it was one of the major stories on a major network newscast. The images were startling as were the predictions of how long it would last. Broken chunks of dirt, dried and thirsty for water, the scorched brown earth, even a Christmas tree farm that did not open for business because of the lack of water. Can you imagine what our spirits must look like when we've chosen to apart ourselves from God? Just like people who complain (or used to!) when rain would come and "ruin" a picnic or outdoors event, some people complain about the presence of God in having to attend worship or to make decisions they know are right and correct, but lament not being able to "enjoy themselves." The presence of rain is like a wonderful kiss from God on God's earth. Imagine as the Psalmist did, to say that "mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other;" (v. 10) is this not the connection between our spirits and God?

God still knows how to give what is good and needed for not the earth but for us. Do we still know to seek God in a way that is pleasing and uplifting? Do we seek and receive and live righteousness when we have chosen to be apart from it?

PRAYER: Loving God, quench the parchness of my soul. Kiss my spirit with life-giving refreshment. May my soul and mind be in tune with You, so that I may be a part of those who truly are preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah again. In Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Great Tidings!

2011-11-30T06:09:00.001-06:00

May Your joy and peace be with this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Isaiah 40: 1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished , that her iniquity is pardoned : for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted , and every mountain and hill shall be made low : and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed , and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 6 The voice said , Cry . And he said , What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7 The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth , the flower fadeth : but the word of our God shall stand for ever. 9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings , get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings , lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up , be not afraid ; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd : he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young . (King James Version)

Imagine a day without broadcast or print news. Better yet, imagine a day with nothing but good news. Such is the message of the entire Bible for those who love the Lord; but for those who do not, they have chosen a different path. Israel's story is our story. The people of God lived much like us, one day we're close to God, loving God and thanking God for all of God's wonderful blessings; then the next we're far from God, having chosen another path, usually one of self-direction and one of passion and pleasure. Our decision has led us away from God and we still sometimes blame God for our feeling so alienated from God.

The message in this Isaiah passage was the same one God shared with John the Baptist to share with God's people. It is a message of hope and peace. It is an invitation back to God. It is a call to the flock of God, that God our Shepherd shall gather us and carry us as God leads us back to God's place. Such is Advent, the time of preparation. It is a time spent shedding off that which has weighed us down with regret and guilt from the past, so that our time of preparation is a time of excitement and happiness for that which is coming.

PRAYER: Gracious God, You better than anyone know what has weighed me down and caused me to feel away and alone from You. Free me from all of that and allow this time of Advent to truly be a time of joyful preparation for that which You have, are, and will do. May I be a part of those who share good tidings with all. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Make Ready Your Heart!

2011-11-29T05:52:00.001-06:00

Loving God, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 2 Peter 3: 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up . 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved , what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? 13 Nevertheless we , according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. (King James Version)

"If a thousand years are to the Lord one day; Jesus was in our backyard the day before yesterday!" So said one of the speakers at the World Methodist Conference. He was from Galilee so he could say that about Jesus. In today's passage we see the Advent theme: Jesus will come again. God promised this and God will hold to this. When, no one knows. Jesus shared what the writer shares, "The Lord will come as a thief in the night." And the understanding is that when He does come, an apocalyptic event will occur. Peter lists the heavens (skies) passing away with great noise. The elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) will melt with great heat. The earth will be consumed with fire. This is the warning and this is the question, What will happen to us? Peter knew that was a great concern to them and to him. Those who know and trust the Lord will be taken to a new heaven and a new earth, a place where righteousness can be found. This Peter says, is "salvation."

Advent is a time of personal preparation. Just like we decorated our churches to make them ready for this season, again the call is for us to be ready. We don't know the day or hour, but we do know as we say every time we take His Supper, "The Lord will come again." So be it, but let us be ready!

PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, to my waiting heart. Let me prepare room for You in my life and in my realm of being. May I seek to tell others about Your love and greatness. May I help others escape an event where those who do not know You are separated eternally from You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Are You Ready?

2011-11-28T06:13:00.001-06:00

Loving God, bless the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Happy Advent Season everyone! Our text for today comes from Mark 1: 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold , I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached , saying , There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose . 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (King James Version: In honor of its 400th Birthday, we will studying our texts in the KJV until the end of the year).

"This is a great place. They have a Poblano Soup to die for." With those simple words, we were convinced to try this new place. Word of mouth. It is still the best and cheapest way to advertise anything worth knowing. Word of mouth makes or breaks new movies. It helps sell new books or not. Someone who cares enough prepares the way, as it were, of this which is coming. Advent is our opportunity to prepare the way for Jesus much like John the Baptist did prior to Jesus' start of His ministry. Mark's Gospel tells of this coming messenger and his purpose. It would be a "voice crying in the wilderness" (one of many phrases used beyond the Church thanks to the King James Bible), "Get ready, the Lord is coming!"

John did more than announce the coming Messiah, he started in sharing the message that God would be sharing through His Son: Confess your sins! Get right with God! Get to work in telling others! And it worked then and it can work now. John was an unamplified, unbroadcast voice by the River Jordan, telling the message of truth. It was a hard message for some to receive, for they did not want anyone to know of their sins, which they prayed remained hidden. But the offer: These sins and all their weight can be removed from you - it struck a chord because many came and presented themselves for the ritual of washing reserved not for Jews but for those wishing to be clean. And as they were baptized, they heard the message that the One coming after John would be greater; so much greater that John confessed he was not worthy to untie his sandal. So much greater that His baptism would be not of water but of the Holy Ghost!

Thanksgiving and Advent sort of ran together this past week. On Thursday we were having a great meal; come Sunday we saw the beauty of the church decked out in green and white, bright sparkling lights on the Christmas tree and wreaths; signs that the church building is ready for the celebration coming that is Christmas. The message may have been, Are you ready? As we remember and celebrate Jesus' first coming, what are we doing to ready ourselves for His second return? More importantly, as an old professor used to say, "What have we done about His first coming?" We can get ready, just like the people who came to John; confessing our sins and presenting our lives are that sacrifice of love and service to all the world.

PRAYER: Come Lord Jesus, come. Enter into my heart anew as Lord and Savior. Clean out the clutter of the sins and bad deeds of my heart. Let there be room for Thee in all places of my life. May I share with someone today of the goodness and grace You have shared with me, so that yet another person can be ready. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T05:53:00.001-06:00

Dear friends,

What a wonderful time of year is this holiday set aside to give thanks. May we never forget the intent and purpose behind it, and may we never cease to be a people that give thanks to God for all things. Last year I was asked to write a prayer for the UM Portal and this is what I shared. May it still speak to God our thankfulness:

Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen.

May all who are traveling, travel safely. May time with loved ones be a special time. May the cares and worries of the past not hinder the present.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Eradio and Nellie Valverde

Do You Know the Password?

2011-11-17T06:19:00.001-06:00

Loving God, may this dear reader be part of those who pave the way for Your love to be felt in the heart of others; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 100: 1 On your feet now - applaud God! 2 Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. 3 Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep. 4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. 5 For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever. (The Message) and the more traditional NRSV: 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

To enter special places one had to know the password. The password was the key that allowed us entrance into that desired place. Growing up I remember seeing kids that had clubs that had passwords that allowed them entrance into the clubhouse, usually an old cardboard box that had housed a refrigerator or large appliance of some sort. This newer version of the Bible gives worship a wonderful perspective; what if you and I and others, entered into worship with the words, "Thank you!" on our lips, minds, hearts, and spirits? Having served as pastor for many years, I know that "Thank you!" for some is the last thing they wanted to say on Sundays. "Entertain me!" or "Humor me!" or "Give me something to think about," was about as close as they got, then they wondered why life was so miserable for them. "Thank you!" conveys a wonderful attitude we should have towards God. "Thank you!" puts us in the right spirit to worship and receive from God. I read yesterday a pastor's words on a rock given him. It's a small, smooth rock that he carries everywhere and it's his "Thank you!" rock. When it was given, he was instructed to hold it and say, "Thank you!" to God in all circumstances, and more often than not, even for the things that were not so "Thank you!"-worthy, he has been blessed and then it was a genuine "Thank you!" lifted up.

We're days away from the national day of "Thank You!" May we already be thinking about what great and wonderful things God has done. Even when the event was not what we expected or desired, may we learn to see what we can be thankful for, and then truly use the day of Thanksgiving, to say to the One who deserves it, "Thank you!"

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You! Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request: Our oldest grandchild, Sarai Evangelina Cortez, 4, of San Marcos, TX, is undergoing surgery tomorrow, Friday in Kyle, TX. Please keep her and her parents in prayer. Yes, and for her grandpa and grandma (on both sides!). She's having her tonsils removed. Thank you!

Christ, Our Shepherd!

2011-11-16T07:14:00.000-06:00

God of power and light, may Your grace be sufficient for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Ezekiel 34: 11 "'God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. 12 As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. 13 I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. 14 I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. 15 And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. 16 I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited. 20 "'Therefore, God, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep. 21 Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills, 22 I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another. 23 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd. 24 And I, God, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, God, have spoken. (The Message)

I was just thinking yesterday how far removed I have become from the land. By that I mean, while I personally have never lived on a farm or ranch, in my growing up years I was always discovering things about nature, the earth, creeks, water creatures, etc. I loved watching ants and the now rare horned frog. In fact, in a conversation with someone we said, "We're not on the farm anymore!" meaning what we had been saying shows that we've come a long way, for both good and bad, from what used to be. My experience with shepherds has not been firsthand. I have heard sermons and lectures on the image of a shepherd and I have a general understanding and a tremendous appreciation for how the shepherd, the solitary figure in charge of a flock of sheep, works and lays his/her life on the line for these sheep. I love the care and love that a shepherd shares with his flock. I love the idea of the sheep know the shepherd's voice and respond to it. Yet, you and I can't begin to understand the tremendous love that God has for God's people. This Old Testament passage speaks of that love and care that God claims for us. God shares how the want is there to gather the flock and make right the relationship between each sheep and between sheep and God. And the passage ends with God's promise that one shepherd, from the house of David, will be both shepherd and prince.

Sunday is a day to celebrate Christ as King. The passages thus far this week have been centered on that idea. Ours is a call to honor and worship Christ the King. Ours is to live a life that trust God for all things. Christ is our shepherd. What shall we want?

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Your Son, whom we acknowledge as our King. May our lives reflect the honor and obedience deserved by Him. May we truly be sheep of Your flock all days. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Way Out There? Or Right Here?

2011-11-15T06:16:00.001-06:00

Living God of the fullness of life, fill the cup of this dear reader in all they need; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Ephesians 1: 15 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. 17 But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, 19 oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength! 20 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, 21 in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. 22 He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. (The Message)

Way out there? Or right here? Such is the question asked the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley. You see, Mr. Wesley was on a ship bound for America when they encountered a terrible storm that destroyed a lot of the boat. Fearing death, Mr. Wesley cried and sought a place in which to die. He found a group of Moravians (Germans) who were singing and seemed excited about their possible death. Wesley could not understand this. The leader of the group asked Wesley if he knew Jesus Christ. Wesley replied he knew Jesus to be the Savior of the world. He was then asked if he did not know Him personally. Way out there? Or right here. It used to be you could ask any baby, "Where's Jesus?" and they would point skyward. And there Christ remains until our personal encounter with Him. In this passage, Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Christians in Ephesus and asking God that these Christians would continue to grow. Growth, Paul knows, comes from knowing Christ.

How do we know Christ better? It starts much like the initial encounter, with a prayer of invitation. We know the famous picture from the passage in Rev. 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." And many a sermon has been preached about opening the door of our heart with a simple prayer, and inviting in the Savior of the world to be our Savior. Right here. And through prayer, through a disciplined pattern of Bible study, through worship, through conversations (listening is involved!) with Christ, we come to know Jesus better and as a result grow in our intelligence. Our closeness with Christ also helps our vision and focus for our lives. We get to know where it is that Christ is leading us and asking us to do. And Paul believes, Christ will also provide "endless energy and boundless strength." I do, too.

PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into Your proper place in my heart and life. Help me move away from knowing You way out there, to knowing You right here. Rule as my Lord and Savior, guide me into a deeper knowledge of You. Heal my weakness and drive, for I seek Your energy and strength to live life to the fullest. I ask this in Your Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What Can I Do As Busy As I Am?

2011-11-14T06:24:00.002-06:00

Loving God, in the midst of all expected of this dear reader, may the loudest and strongest voice, be Yours; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 31 "When he (Jesus) finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward." (The Message)

The demands of our job or our schooling can prioritze our life. I need to do this and I have to complete that. I don't have time for churchy things! Yet, can you imagine some students prioritizing their lives not around school but around this passage? Yes, it actually has and does happen. The ones I'm referring to were some interesting students. Their leader would awaken early and spend about an hour on his knees in prayer. Yes, one hour. Then he would spend about an hour in reading his Bible. Yep, one hour. Then he would join his friends for about an hour of worship. Then to breakfast. Then to class. After school was when the interesting part would happen. They had a schedule for what they would do to comply with this list of demands from Jesus. They would visit orphanages. They would visit jails. They would visit hospitals. They would visit widows. They actually took Jesus serious about these demands being important for the life of the believer.

The list we place up on top of most Christian lives include the words worship, prayer, Bible study, etc. This list given by Jesus very honestly comes as a result of a great and earnest relationship with Him: Feeding the hungry. Giving water to the thirsty. Helping the homeless. Clothing the naked. Visiting the sick and the prisoner. And to make it more powerful and urgent, Jesus says, "That was me whom you helped or neglected to help." Ouch. Was that you, Lord, on the street asking for money or in the homeless shelter that took the bowl of soup and thanked me and the shelter for doing this? "Yes," Jesus will reply to you and me, "That was me. Thank you again."

That group of students were mocked for their goodness by other students. They were called "holy rollers," and because they always had their Bible, "Bible Moths," and one smart alec even thought to call them, "A bunch of Methodists!" Yes, that's who we are. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, John and Charles Wesley, and all of those of the Holy Club who started a movement that became a church that needs to become a movement again.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to go beyond the self and society imposed demands of my time. Help me go beyond the constraints of comfort and restraints that I or my church place on me. I want to go where You would have me go, to be the Church for all, especially the you's in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and prisoner. Give me not only the courage and boldness to do this, but Your grace and peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What Are You Waiting For?

2011-11-10T06:34:00.001-06:00

Our text for today comes from Judges 4: 1 The People of Israel kept right on doing evil in God's sight. With Ehud dead, 2 God sold them off to Jabin king of Canaan who ruled from Hazor. Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoyim, was the commander of his army. 3 The People of Israel cried out to God because he had cruelly oppressed them with his nine hundred iron chariots for twenty years. 4 Deborah was a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth. She was judge over Israel at that time. 5 She held court under Deborah's Palm between Ramah and Bethel in the hills of Ephraim. The People of Israel went to her in matters of justice. 6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "It has become clear that God, the God of Israel, commands you: Go to Mount Tabor and prepare for battle. Take ten companies of soldiers from Naphtali and Zebulun. 7 I'll take care of getting Sisera, the leader of Jabin's army, to the Kishon River with all his chariots and troops. And I'll make sure you win the battle." 8 Barak said, "If you go with me, I'll go. But if you don't go with me, I won't go." (NRSV)

This week's Lectionary does not include verse 8, but I think it makes the story more interesting to read it with the eighth verse included. Interesting how the people blame God for their own evil. It had been because of their own decisions and consequences that they ended up under foreign rule and an oppressive one at that; but they still cried out to God because it was so unpleasant living under stuch conditions. Interestingly enough, it was Deborah, who was now judge over Israel. She was God's spokesperson and ruler over Israel's limited matters. And through her role of representing God, God let her know that the time was right for a victory over this oppressive government. God even gave her the name of the man to lead this battle and that was Barak. How much more assurance do you need than to know 1) God called you by name. 2) God is with you. 3) God says you will win this battle. 4) The time is right! Well, Barak is very much like us. He says he won't go unless Deborah goes with him. That's a lot like saying, "Unless the senior pastor comes to pray with me before this surgery, I haven't been prayed for!" (Would anyone really say that?).

God has called us by name for whatever it is that God has asked of us. God is with us. God says that in all things we will be more than conquerors. God says the time is right for service. What's holding us back? There should really be nothing holding us back! Get to conquering!

PRAYER: Loving God, let nothing nor no one hold me back today. You are with me. You have called me by name to serve You and I will do whatever it is You ask of me. I can do this and all things with You by my side. In Jesus' great and powerful name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Reflective Point

2011-11-09T07:08:00.001-06:00

Loving God, blaze clear the path for the life of this dear reader today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 90: 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You turn us back to dust, and say, "Turn back, you mortals." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; our years come to an end like a sigh. 10 The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. 12 So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. 13 Turn, O Lord! How long? Have compassion on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands! (NRSV) (To read the modern version The Message click here: http://www.biblestudytools.com/msg/psalms/90.html).

This is one of the passages where an older translation of this passage is more appropriate than the modern one, in my opinion. It's an honest account of the Psalmist's life at that point and through prayer we can truly understand what he is trying to say to, and about, God. It's a reflective psalm as he is at a reflective point in his life and the biggest issue confronting him is his mortality and on top of that, his sinfulness. Not a happy place to be, but a necessary one. We all have those days when we're honest with God and with ourselves and we take stock of who we are and where we have been. We realize that not all our steps were God-directed. Not all our words and actions were God-pleasing. And we realize that the day may be soon coming when we will be called to account for these choices. Though we may not hear it preached very often, the Old Testament does speak a lot about God's wrath and anger. And it's usually directed towards those who make sinful decisions at some points in their lives. Is it any wonder that Wesley asked that all who wanted to join a class in the Methodist movement had to answer the question, "Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?"

The writer comes to an important decision point where he seeks forgiveness and compassion from God. And he seeks to want to please God more times than the times he has saddened God. Is it too much to ask that God's favor be upon God's people? Of course he realizes as do we, that God's favor does come our way and we recognize it more easily when we're seeking to do God's will than when we're wandering far away from God.

Where are you today?

PRAYER: Loving God, may I seek to close to You today. Let my eyes see Your favor upon me as my hands labor to please You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Encourage One Another!

2011-11-08T05:58:00.001-06:00

God of all riches, provide faith and hope to the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5: 1 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. 2 You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. 3 About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other - "We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!" - suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman. 4 But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? 5 You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. 6 So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. 7 People sleep at night and get drunk at night. 8 But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation. 9 God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with him! 11 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. (The Message)

Christ will come again. We say that once a month during our celebration of Holy Communion. In the act of remembrance of that which Christ did for us, we celebrate that which Christ is doing and we celebrate that which Christ will do, and part of that is declaring our faith that Christ will come again. But for many of us we think, but not today. Please. We think of that day being in say, maybe, one thousand years from today. We think, but not too hard, that it might come after our death, but we prefer not to think about our death. Yes, Christ will come again, but I'm not going to worry about it. And some will and do ask, when? For Paul, there was no question. He met Christ and Christ told him that He would come again. Like He did with the disciples, He promised His return but did not give a date or time. Paul didn't worry about the day nor time, he was ready! Paul stresses to all, Christ loves you! Christ died for you! Christ wants to be with you! And Christ wants you to be with Him! So, be ready now and do all that you were created and called to do. Now.

Life is best spent living with hope and encouraging one another about that hope. We can't sit down and give up on life. Nor can we let others do that either. Christ does not want anyone left behind.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my purpose and plan for my life. I know You created me to do great things, among them to encourage others to have faith in You. Let me not fail. Let me share hope. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Jesus Demands Our Best!

2011-11-07T07:33:00.001-06:00

Loving God of all people, shine brightly the light of Your love upon this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 14 "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. 15 To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. 16 Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. 17 The second did the same. 18 But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money. 19 "After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. 20 The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. 21 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 22 "The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. 23 His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.' 24 "The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. 25 I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.' 26 "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? 27 The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. 28 "'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. 29 30 Throw him out into utter darkness.' (The Message)

"In this economy?" It saddens my heart every time I hear that, especially in a church setting. People do silly and sad things when they fear the loss of money. Churches do worse things. Yet, here in a modern version is Jesus telling again the parable of the talents. And many have used the ancient word for a type of money to literally mean one's abilities and gifts. And that's appropriate, too. The main issue is, what have you done with what God has given you? And that questions includes abilities, talents, gifts, money, time, energy, love, et al. This version omits my favorite passage in verse 21, "'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.'" This modern version has Jesus making the faithful servants, "partners," which is not bad either. This version also has the weak servant saying, "I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error..." Jesus does have high standards for us; they're called ethical and loving ways to live. The "careless" way to live is to care less for the things of God and the people of God. Jesus does demand the best, which is He loves us and wants us, and wants to steer us away from sin ("error"). Is this such a terrible thing?

In God's economy, we count. We matter. God wants us. And God expects from us our best in our living, our giving, and our caring. Am I measuring up?

PRAYER: Loving God, may my mouth only share faith and hope. I pray that doubt and fear have no room in my mind or heart even in times like these. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

We Who Know and Hope!

2011-11-02T08:18:00.001-05:00

God of health and wellness, bless and strengthen this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. 14 Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. 15 And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence - we have the Master's word on it - that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. 16 The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise - they'll go first. 17 Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. 18 Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. (The Message)

I attended more than my share of funerals when I was young. My parents did not shield us from the realities and sufferings of death. And I'm old enough to remember a funeral being a room filled with women in black dresses and heads covered with black scarves. And I remember well the wailing and screaming that would happen whenever a new blacked-dressed woman in a scarf would walk in to join the rest. It was not a pleasant scene, but as I was later joined by siblings, we found humor and entertainment even in that; but not lacking the respect of the grief that was being felt by those mourning. Questions about what happens when we die haunt many. But not Paul. Paul had a face-to-face encounter with Jesus, Who was resurrected and Who showed and revealed to him many things, including the things that come after life. Thus with this passage he is addresses the fear and the grief of those who have lost loved ones. The first thing he teaches is, that unlike those who have no hope, we do! And because we have hope, we actually have something to look forward to! Paul saw the product of resurrection and so his hope is in the power of God to resurrect us. The rest of the passage is his portrayal of that great event of reunion with God and all of God's people.

This is a time in the Christian year when many who have died have been remembered either last Sunday or this coming Sunday. It is a sad time and a time when the question still is asked of what happens when we die. It is for us a time to remind all of what we know and hope for.

PRAYER: God of life and victory, bring to my heart the sureness of life even in the face of death. May I not fear death nor the unknown of the rest of this day and tomorrow. May my life be an example of one who trusts in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Happy Your Day, Saint?

2011-11-01T06:15:00.000-05:00

God of grace, fill the cup of need in this dear reader with Your grace today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 5: 1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)

Good morning saints! Good morning sinners! Every time I have tried that on a Sunday morning I don't know why I get a louder "Good Morning!" from the sinners than the saints. Everyone who is baptized and believes in the promises of Jesus is a saint. That many times is more a liberal and generous labeling than is necessary in some folks. And I'm basing it on external expressions of faith or the lack thereof. Yet, who am I to judge? But it is up to me to encourage all to live as saints, worthy of the calling and the name. Today's passage is such a passage of example and encouragement. It is from Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount and this morning it comes from the Message version of the Bible. As we read it we can feel the patient love of Jesus who seeks to embrace all who would listen and receive. Jesus begins by addressing those "at the end of their rope." And who hasn't or isn't there at times? Life doesn't always go our way; sometimes it seems life takes a different street and we're on the wrong street corner or midblock and life is at the stop and pulls away just as we hurriedly run to catch it. Yet, we're "blessed." Jesus then says that when there is less of us, there is more of God. Have you ever thought about that? When we feel weakest is when God can be strongest in our lives. That's a blessing is it not? Jesus also says we're blessed when we have lost "what is most dear to us," for it is then that God can embrace us. And who can't use a good embrace every day? We're also blessed when we're content with who we are; when we realize that God has made us just the way we are and we have something to offer to the world. Everything that matters was not bought but given to us by God's amazing love. That's an awesome blessing when we realize it.

We're blessed when we have worked up a great appetite for God, for God is the best food and drink that there is. Nothing the world offers comes close to that satisfaction. We're also blessed when we care for others, for it is in caring that we are cared for as well. Ours is a blessing when our "inside world," our spirit and our thoughts are put right in God. For when God is "inside" we can see the "outside" in a better light. We're blessed when we show people how to get along rather than to compete and disagree; for it is in doing so that we discover our place in God's great family. Our blessing also comes with our being persecuted; those are times when we can get even deeper into God and God's family. And we should be happy when we are found to be worthy to be put down or lied about. The saying is that we must be doing something right when we suffer insults and put-downs for God's sake. And never forget the company we're in when we're suffering in that way, for God's chosen prophets and messengers suffered in the same way. The applause that we get is the applause that matters, those done in Heaven.

So, Happy Saints Day to you! Live a life like the one Jesus mentioned above and you'll truly be a saint, not for the label but for the blessings.

PRAYER: Loving God, for many today is a day of remembering those who have died in the faith. We thank you for their lives, memories, and examples. May they seek to inspire and encourage us each day. But I thank you for the blessings that can be mine when I strive to live as one set apart by You and Your love to encourage and bless others. May it be so, for I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Journey of Being Ready

2011-10-31T07:21:00.000-05:00

Amazing God of love, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 1 "God's kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. 2 Five were silly and five were smart. 3 The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. 4 The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. 5 The bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. 6 "In the middle of the night someone yelled out, 'He's here! The bridegroom's here! Go out and greet him!' 7 "The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. 8 The silly virgins said to the smart ones, 'Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.' 9 "They answered, 'There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.' 10 "They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. 11 "Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, 'Master, we're here. Let us in.' 12 "He answered, 'Do I know you? I don't think I know you.' 13 "So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive. (The Message)

"Christ will come again." It is part of our Holy Communion ritual and it is a tenet of our faith as Christians. The questions most seminary professors ask, "What have we done with His first coming? And what are we doing to prepare for His second coming?" Both are great questions and as much a part of our faith as our declaration of Christ's return. This teaching from Jesus has to do with our being ready. We should be ready daily to receive Jesus and His leading in our lives; and we should be ready to live a life that shows others that they too, should be ready for Jesus and all that He offers. The illustration mentioned above as late as the 20th Century was still a part of Palestinian life. I do not know if it still is, but the wedding celebration was a festive week or so. The bride and her bridesmaids would gather early and have their celebrations and await the arrival of the groom and his party. The tradition was to try and catch the bridal party asleep, so the bridegroom could come at any hour. The understanding was that no one was allowed on the street after dark without a lampt and so readiness involved having enough oil for the lamp while they awaited the arrival of the groom.

The Kingdom of God requires our commitment to being ready. Ready to enter in and ready to serve. We do not know the time nor date of Jesus' return, but we labor on, ready at each instant for that return. Jesus was stressing to His disciples and to us, that there is so much still to be done that we cannot just sit and look skyward. We must continue to care for one another as the second part of this chapter in Matthew will show. In the meantime, we do not lose heart nor hope. The journey should be as fulfilling as the destination.

PRAYER: Loving God, as I journey on today, remind me of the joy that is mine as I seek to serve You and Yours. May I not lose heart nor hope about all that is mine now and can be others if I but show them the way. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Wonderful Journey Back?

2011-10-27T05:54:00.001-05:00

God of all days, may the present of today be Your presence with this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 107: 1 Oh, thank God - he's so good! His love never runs out. 2 All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, 3 Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 4 Some of you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live, 5 Half-starved and parched with thirst, staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. 6 Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God. He got you out in the nick of time; 7 He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. 33 God turned rivers into wasteland, springs of water into sunbaked mud; 34 Luscious orchards became alkali flats because of the evil of the people who lived there. 35 Then he changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water, 36 Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in - what a great place to live! 37 They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest. (The Message)

People are prone to wander, usually by necessity. Some show up in our communities. Some leave our communities. We'll never fully understand why. Do you understand why you may have wandered in your younger age or why you can't wait to retire so that you can wander back, wherever back may be? I know of at least two songs that tell of the hope of one day coming back or coming home. One was sung while at a Walk to Emmaus in Puerto Rico. The song is "My Viejo San Juan," and as this all-male "choir" sang it, tears formed on their eyes and on the eyes of those of us hearing it for the first time. We understood the words. It would be later that we learned the song was written for soliders from the island leaving to fight in a World War. Later the song came to mean something to all Puerto Ricans who left or were born off the island. The other song is from, I believe, Mexico, called "Adios Mariquita Linda" and also represents the departure of a beloved homeland to a foreign place. The hope is the promise of one day returning. And yet a third comes to mind, "Mi Tierra." And yes, even Dorothy knew, "There's no place like home." Or was it Toto who understood that better?

The Psalmist knew of God's love that would one day allow for a return to that place where we really are at home. The home promised in this psalm is a promise of restoration to wholeness. It is a journey back to where love, health, prosperity and abundance are all present for us, wonderfully provided by God for us all. This resonated well with those who left home either through economic hardships or the results of war or forced relocation; what a promise to return home!

Where have you wandered? What do you long for from where you left? Maybe where you're from is not as good as that place to which God is leading you and me. We can be sure of one thing, as God leads us, we are truly blessed now and will be wowed by the blessings that await us!

PRAYER: Lead on, Awesome God! Help me in my faltering steps and hold me when I faint. May I truly seek that which You are providing now and are preparing for my eventual arrival. May I not lose sight of all that I can and should do while on this journey, for there are many in need. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Crossing the Jordan River

2011-10-26T06:02:00.000-05:00

Loving God of unexpected joys and surprises, may this day prove to such a joy to this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Joshua 3: 7 God said to Joshua, "This very day I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel. They'll see for themselves that I'm with you in the same way that I was with Moses. 8 You will command the priests who are carrying the Chest of the Covenant: 'When you come to the edge of the Jordan's waters, stand there on the river bank.'" 9 Then Joshua addressed the People of Israel: "Attention! Listen to what God, your God, has to say. 10 This is how you'll know that God is alive among you - he will completely dispossess before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. 11 Look at what's before you: the Chest (Ark) of the Covenant. Think of it - the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch. 12 Now take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe. 13 When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the Chest of God, Master of all the earth, touch the Jordan's water, the flow of water will be stopped - the water coming from upstream will pile up in a heap." 14 And that's what happened. The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant. 15 When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), 16 the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap - a long way off - at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea (the Salt Sea). And the people crossed, facing Jericho. 17 And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot. (The Message)

To follow someone as leader of a group or organization or even a church is never easy. The grief of having lost the former leader is not easily nor quickly forgotten, especially if the former leader was effective and well-loved. I have read and heard some less than pleasant stories of those who have come into an organization to try and lead once a beloved leader is gone. Think Apple Computers with Steve Jobs now gone. Think of a mega church with a new pastor. That's what God was addressing in the life of Joshua and the people of Israel. Moses was dead and now Joshua is in command. This selection was not an easy one for the usually grumbling people of God. And Josh knew that Mo was a hard act to follow! Yet, God steps in and says, "Don't worry about it, I am with you and beginning right now, you're going to look better and better in the eyes of these people." Keep in mind that it was Moses through whom God did some pretty amazing things, and most felt it was just Moses himself who had the power to open up the Red Sea and cross. Yet, now at the border of the Jordan River, God says, "Watch this." And another similar miracle happens, and the entire people of God, a new generation who had not experienced not seen the first miracle, only heard of it, now cross over dry land where there should be a river.

Josh's job was difficult. He had to convince the priests to trust God as they started walking towards the flood banks of the Jordan. There were twelve of them! He had to say to them, "Trust me, God is with us! Just walk!" Would you have had that faith to be one of the 12? How about the faith to be Joshua? Yet, the story says that the priests trusted enough to begin walking into the flood waters and to follow Joshua's command. The water opened up and across dry land they went into the Promised Land. The River Jordan has come to symbolize many things for many people since that day. Some even use it as the symbol of crossing from this life into the next. One song we sang a lot in Spanish was "I will not cross alone the Jordan River." And it's based on the faith we find in this story.

What "Jordan River" are you facing? What first steps do you have to take to make the journey across that challenge or opportunity? Trust God and start walking!

PRAYER: God of all faith, give me the faith of Joshua to face what I may face today. May I know You are with me as I walk towards the flooded banks of fear/opportunity. I know that with You by my side I will walk on dry land safely across. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Human Opinion or God's True Word?

2011-10-25T07:57:00.001-05:00

Loving God, granter of life, thank You for this precious day; may it be a precious day in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 2: 9 You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. 10 You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! 11 You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, 12 holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life. 13 And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! (The Message)

The Apostle Paul encountered many good people in his journeys of sharing the Good News with everyone. As he established churches he found that in them were found many good people, and some not so good. The same is true today. My only encouragemenet with the ones who are not yet where God would have them be, is that they're in the right place for perhaps one day God touching them and bringing them to faith. In this passage he is reminding these readers of how he and those with him worked hard at supporting themselves so that they would not be a burden to them while they labored among them in preaching and teaching the Gospel. They were to them like fathers who encouraged and held hands so they would not slip nor fall from their faith. And now as they looked back on those days, they rejoice because God's word became a living word,a true word; God Himself at work in the life of believers.

How about you? Is God alive and working in you or have you not yet made room for God in your life? And how do you view the Good News of God? A good human opinion of possibilities or options or have you received it as God's true word for your life? The right choice might make all the difference in the world (and Heaven!).

PRAYER: Loving God, bring rich and wonderful blessings upon Your church. For those who believe make their faith stronger. For those who have not yet come to faith, bless and protect them and help them come to true, living faith. Bless and protect those pastoral leaders among them, giving them encouragement and support during each day. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Christ is Our Life-Leader!

2011-10-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Loving God of new challenges and opportunities, bless and guide this dear reader into an awesome adventure of faith this day; I pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 23: 1 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. 2 "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. 3 You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer. 4 "Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. 5 Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. 6 They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, 7 preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.' 8 "Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. 9 Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. 10 And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them - Christ. 11 "Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. 12 If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. (The Message)

Jesus is saying, Be careful what you preach and teach because you must live it. Jesus knew from hearing and seeing the religious authority figures of His day, that they taught what they knew well. What they didn't do well was to live their teachings. And worse because it was all head teachings, they did not know how to teach it from the heart. They had no personal relationship with God. Their teaching was all theory. And theory when not proven and lived, remains something unobtainable. They began to see their job as to teach the Don'ts instead of sharing God's love for humanity. Jesus came so that we could see God's love incarnate.

Our Life-Leader is Christ. In Jesus we have the perfect model of an obedient life surrended to God, a life that knew and lived the teachings and power behind the Law. We can do no wrong in following and surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Loving God, let me surrender myself completely to You. May I see and seek in you my life's leading; be my Life-Leader. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Sin Saloon?

2011-10-20T09:48:00.001-05:00

Amazing God of new life, bring rich blessings to this life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 1: 1 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. (The Message)

You have to love the attempt to modernize Scripture! I wonder what David would have thought of this modern version. Is it close to or far from, the ancient text? Do you understand what it says? Does God really like us? Yes! And those who know that don't hang around "Sin Saloon" or "slink along Dead-End Road" and you didn't register to attend "Smart-Mouth College." Do you know anyone who does or did?

The opposite are those who "thrill to God's Word," who "chew on Scripture day and night." We're compared to a tree being "replanted in Eden," which would "bear fresh fruit every month, "always in blossom." What guides us is that "God charts the road" we "take." The others are on "Skid Row."

Here's the NRSV of that same Psalm: 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

You decide. But do decide the right path to walk on!

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to walk on Your path. May my actions reflect those who are in love with You and seek to live with You. Watch over my way and help me to bless You and others. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Who Do You Look Like? Do You Act Like That Person?

2011-10-19T09:01:00.001-05:00

God of life, enrich and bless this dear reader in all they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Leviticus 19: 1 God spoke to Moses: 2 "Speak to the congregation of Israel. Tell them: Be holy because I, God, your God, am holy.15 "Don't pervert justice. Don't show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right. 16 "Don't spread gossip and rumors. "Don't just stand by when your neighbor's life is in danger. I am God. 17 "Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. 18 "Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. (The Message)

The late Rev. Juan Canales, a mentor of mine in ministry, used to love to do baptisms. He would proudly hold the infant in his hands and declare, "The baby looks a little like mother, and looks a little bit like the dad; but this child looks more like God in Whose image s/he was made!" I loved that and could never remember to use it during the times I baptized children. But the truth is, usually if he look like someone, you're more than likely going to act like that someone. In this case, God said to Moses to say to God's people: Be holy because I, God, am holy. Live a life of justice towards others. Treat everyone the same and don't show partiality to the poor or the rich. Judge on what is right. Don't be a gossip and don't spread rumors. Help people out when they're in need. Don't hate those around you. Get things out in the open to settle disagreements. And don't seek to get even or to hold a grudge against others. And the commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Do you look anything like those things that God does and expects us to do? If not, now's a great time to start.

PRAYER: Loving God, I am blessed to be made in Your image. Let my image reflect Yours. Let my word, thoughts and actions reflect Your great love. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Matinee Edition: It's Never Easy

2011-10-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

Loving God of all days, may the rest of this day be a blessing in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. 2 We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition. 3 God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. 4 Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval - only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. 5 We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. 6 Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. 7 We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. 8 We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. (The Message)

This comes at a later point of the day than usual. I'm sorry for those of you who start your day with my devotional that I was not able to share one early. This morning found me on the road to Goliad for a meeting with some pastors. It was a delight to travel there and more of a delight to meet and chat with them about the Why Not's of ministry. This passage would have fit in very appropriately into our discussion. Ministry has never been easy. Ministry of God's message will always be met with opposition of some sort. Paul shares how even his visit to Philippi was not an easy visit. He calls his time there and that of his companions a "test" to make sure we "were qualified to be trusted with this Message." Paul knew that our call into ministry did not mean that every day was a sure day of our knowing everything and doing everything as God wanted. There are those days when we think we know what we're doing and fail to ask God's presence and guidance. There are even times when we seek the approval of people rather than God and we fail both.

God's message of God's unending love never changes. God loves us. God seeks for us to love God back. God desires our turning away from sin and towards life, and that message is never readily and happily met. Yet, we press on asking that God be with us as we seek to grow God's Kingdom in our midst. It's not about about our being pleased, it's about our pleasing God.

PRAYER: Loving God, may I never lose sight of the Message. May I seek to share it as You would direct and guide. May I truly be a vessel of Your grace for all, even those who may at first resist and find fault in what I seek to do. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

PS. Dear friends, please be in prayer for the family of The Rev. Dr. Roy D. Barton, who passed away this afternoon in Dallas. Dr. Barton was a faithful servant of God in the Rio Grande Conference and for many years a mentor to many, this servant included, at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. May Roy rest in peace and may God's comfort be with Roy's wife, Rosa Marina and their children.

How Do You Apply These Questions To Your Life?

2011-10-17T06:42:00.000-05:00

Loving God of the journey, journey closely with this dear reader and their needs; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 34 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. 35 One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: 36 "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" 37 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' 38 This is the most important, the first on any list. 39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' 40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." 41 As the Pharisees were regrouping, Jesus caught them off balance with his own test question: 42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said, "David's son." 43 Jesus replied, "Well, if the Christ is David's son, how do you explain that David, under inspiration, named Christ his 'Master'? 44 God said to my Master, "Sit here at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool." 45 "Now if David calls him 'Master,' how can he at the same time be his son?" 46 That stumped them, literalists that they were. Unwilling to risk losing face again in one of these public verbal exchanges, they quit asking questions for good. (The Message)

If you deliberately set a verbal trap for somebody, you might just be the one who gets caught. Such was the case with those who tried to trick Jesus into answering wrong so they might pounce on Him. Today's question for Jesus: Which is the most important command in God's Law? That one, for any regular Sabbath attender and worshiper, was easy: Love God with all you got. In this version it reads, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." I read that to mean love God with every ounce of emotion in your heart, every spiritual breath that counts as prayer, and every particle of thought in your brain. Let all of those work together as love towards God and that's the command! Then Jesus adds, "Don't forget the one that goes with this: Love others as well as you love yourself." To this crowd, the Pharisees, that meant as much love as you put into primping before a mirror and making sure your beard is just right and your curls fall right where you want them, spend that much attention to God's other children, and that's the second command.

Now it was Jesus' turn to ask the question to this paternal linage freaks: About this Messiah we hear is coming, Whose Son is He? That was for them, they believed, an easy one; David's son, of course! Then Jesus asked, then why did David call his own son, Master and Lord? Not one of those in that crowd would dare think of his own son as better than he, and Jesus knew that and used it to stump their attempt to trick Him. And Matthew writes that that was the end of the questions "for good." We know the plotting never ended, and we know how the Story ends. The questions that Jesus asked of them stay for us to answer daily: How do we treat God? How do we treat others? How do we treat ourselves?

PRAYER: Loving God, let me apply what the Bible teaches about loving You to my life. Let me love myself in the proper way and may I seek to love others in that same way. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

How Can I Be Sure?

2011-10-13T06:27:00.001-05:00

Loving God, Thy healing mercies fail not; bless and protect this dear reader from sickness and illness today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Dear friends, my apologies for no ConCafe yesterday, but I was under the weather and away from my computer, office, and even a couple of my charge conferences. I am up and around and will be working today and going to my charge conference tonight. I ask for your prayers for continued health. Blessings!

Our text for today comes from Exodus 33: 12 Moses said to God, "Look, you tell me, 'Lead this people,' but you don't let me know whom you're going to send with me. You tell me, 'I know you well and you are special to me.' 13 If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don't forget, this is your people, your responsibility." 14 God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." 15 Moses said, "If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now. 16 How else will it be known that you're with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we're special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?" 17 God said to Moses: "All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name." 18 Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory." 19 God said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, God, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind." 20 God continued, "But you may not see my face. No one can see me and live." 21 God said, "Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. 22 When my Glory passes by, I'll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I've passed by. 23 Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back. But you won't see my face." (The Message)

"Take thou authority!" Words or something similar to that was taught and then used at my ordination and the ordination of others. Earlier, at my baptism and yours, as water was sprinkled, poured or immersed, we were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were all at some point given the promise that God is with us. Yet, you and I sometimes feel alone or abandoned and we shouldn't. Moses felt that way. And there was that special moment in the Garden when Jesus asked for the "cup" to pass from Him. So, it happens even to the best of people. God's response? I am with you! Even God's Son's name was "Emmanuel," which means, "God with us." The promise is too precious for God to break and for us to doubt.

What "garden" or "desert" are you walking through today? What reassurance can God possibly give you that you are not alone? Look again at the words in verse 18: "I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name."

PRAYER: Loving God of Glory and Presence, be with me today in all things. I look towards You for Your comfort and help in all that I may or am facing. Let me reassure others of that same presence; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Do You Get It?

2011-10-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

God of mercy and peace, pour out Your joy on this dear reader today in whatever they face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 1: 1 I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace! 2 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers 3 as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. 4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. 5 When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. 6 and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! - taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble. 7 Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? 8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore - you're the message! 9 People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. 10 They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. (The Message)

This passage reminds me of Jesus' lesson on new wine in old wineskins from Mark 2:22. It's a reality of what we in the USA are encountering with our dying churches. We have been lulled to sleep by our own comfortableness, our routines, our traditions and customs - business as usual. And the result is that business as usual will result in a going out of business shutdown. The supernatural aspect of our existence and all the excitement that should accompany it, is lost on those who no longer see beyond the financial report or the weekly bulletin. Paul is thanking God for the excitement and strength he found in the lives and work of the people at Thessalonia. They caught it! They received it! They understood it and went right to work! They encountered much resistance and "trouble," but used it as part of their training and work. I love the line, "The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions." Compare that to the stop signs we sometimes put in our convictions. Paul knows the power of prayer and he is still amazed that God worked a mighty way in the life of this church. Don't get me wrong, I'm hearing of the same kind of awakening happening in some of our churches in this area. Folks are praying like never before and new and different kinds of ministries are being tried. I have been sharing with the churches during our annual meeting (Charge Conference) that God is about to do a wonderful, unexplainable work if we're willing to be made uncomfortable, outrageous, and courageous about the work that is set before us. And some folks are getting it!

What about you? What does God have to do to allow the Holy Spirit to move you outside of your comfort zone? What does God expect from you that you won't do because you think it's too outrageous? What can God do to give you the courage to be courageous? It might just be what you've been waiting for!

PRAYER: Loving God, awaken in my spirit that boldness of first century believers to do the uncomfortable, the outrageous and courageous that You need from me. Help me to reach those who need You before it's too late. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Games with God?

2011-10-10T07:40:00.001-05:00

Blessed God of all days, may this day be one full of Your blessings to this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 15 That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 16 They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. 17 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece. 20 "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" 21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." 22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads. (The Message)

Don't you love it when people pose a question that either way you try to answer it, you get into trouble? "Does this outfit make me look fat?" "Have you stopped beating your kids?" Such was the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees about paying taxes. The Jews did not like that their country was occupied by Roman soldiers. They were now a part of the Roman Empire and as Roman subjects, had to pay taxes. Not a popular theme for discussion. To answer this question about whether it was "right" or "lawful" to pay taxes you would lose on any side. If you answered, no, it is not right, you would be in trouble with the Roman government. If you answered yes, you'd be in trouble with the Jews. So, Jesus asked to see a coin. He then asks, "Whose image is this? And whose name appears on the coin?" They answered, "Caesar." Then Jesus said, "Then give to Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."

Gotcha! This is what happens when we try to play games with God. We lose. We can try and get out of serving God and every time whatever reason we give, we find out we're better off serving God than trying to rationalize our way out of serving. Give God what is God's and do what is right.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to render myself unto You this day. Forgive me the times I have sought to serve myself or my interests rather than You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Great Shepherd!

2011-10-06T07:14:00.001-05:00

Loving God, let this dear reader center on You and only You today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today is from a well-known Psalm, the 23rd: 1 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (The Message).

Okay, you decide. This is from a very recent translation of The Bible. How does it read for you? Does it still have the same power and effect as some of the older, more well-known translations? I thought it might refresh our appreciation for the traditional if we read it in a new way. The message is still the same: God cares for us. God provides for us. God knows our needs and is right there for us as we face these needs. God walks with us, even when the walking is tough. Though the surroundings may not be familiar, God is with us. God celebrates with us. God refreshes us, and God loves us not only now but forever. God will provide an eternal home for us.

This goes right with yesterday's lesson on impatience. This psalm teaches us patience in God. It is a gentle reminder of God's presence in our lives. Though it may seem that God is busy elsewhere, God is with us. It serves a great purpose in our lives, and calms us for the day's journey. Journey with God!

PRAYER: Loving God, may I center myself in You today. May I seek after You as You seek after me. May I know the power of Your presence even when it seems that I feel so alone and weak. I ask this in the Name of He who was and is The Good Shepherd, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Impatience Can Lead Many (Wrong) Places!

2011-10-05T07:52:00.000-05:00

God of all people, bless and protect this dear reader with the knowledge that all people are Yours, especially him/her; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 32: 1 When the people realized that Moses was taking forever in coming down off the mountain, they rallied around Aaron and said, "Do something. Make gods for us who will lead us. That Moses, the man who got us out of Egypt - who knows what's happened to him?" 2 So Aaron told them, "Take off the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters and bring them to me." 3 They all did it; they removed the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took the gold from their hands and cast it in the form of a calf, shaping it with an engraving tool. The people responded with enthusiasm: "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egypt!" 5 Aaron, taking in the situation, built an altar before the calf. Aaron then announced, "Tomorrow is a feast day to God!" 6 Early the next morning, the people got up and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings and brought Peace-Offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and then began to party. It turned into a wild party! 7 God spoke to Moses, "Go! Get down there! Your people whom you brought up from the land of Egypt have fallen to pieces. 8 In no time at all they've turned away from the way I commanded them: They made a molten calf and worshiped it. They've sacrificed to it and said, 'These are the gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt!'" 9 God said to Moses, "I look at this people - oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! 10 Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I'll make a great nation out of you." 11 Moses tried to calm his God down. He said, "Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. 12 Why let the Egyptians say, 'He had it in for them - he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.' Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! 13 Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them 'I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I'll give this land to your children as their land forever.'" 14 And God did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people. (The Message)

It is amazing what we will do when we are impatient; especially with God. Think about the things you and I have said or done thinking God was not involved or active in our lives. Remember the decisions you've made simply because you thought God was taking too long in answering your prayers? It was impatience that drove the people of Israel to tell Aaron to do something since they thought Moses was probably dead. Their impatience drove them to madness. They could not reason well. If they had thought about it, it would have not made sense. After 400 years of crying for freedom, God granted it to them. After facing certain death at several points in this journey, especially at the beginning at the shore of the Red Sea, God had acted and saved them. And here simply because the old man had taken too long up in the mountain, the people believed God had forsaken them. How easy it was for them to say, "Make us new gods." How easy it is for us to assume new gods just because we think God is taking too long.

What can serve as a "god" in our lives? Anything that takes the place of God. Washing the car instead of worship. A television program instead of a devotional time with God. The list can get quite long. As should our patience with God. God never gives up on us and though answers to prayers may not come immediately, we still have no reason to abandon God.

PRAYER: Loving God, may my patience be a blessing. May I never forget that You are at work in my life. May I never turn away from You in search of another god. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Better Invitation We Cannot Find!

2011-10-03T07:32:00.001-05:00

Blessed Redeemer, touch and guide the life of this dear reader into the fullness of Your life; in Your name I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 1 Jesus responded by telling still more stories. 2 "God's kingdom," he said, "is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn't come! 4 "He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, 'Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!' 5 "They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. 6 The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. 7 The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city. 8 "Then he told his servants, 'We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren't up to it. 9 Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.' 10 The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on - every place filled. 11 "When the king entered and looked over the scene, he spotted a man who wasn't properly dressed. 12 He said to him, 'Friend, how dare you come in here looking like that!' The man was speechless. 13 Then the king told his servants, 'Get him out of here - fast. Tie him up and ship him to hell. And make sure he doesn't get back in.' 14 "That's what I mean when I say, 'Many get invited; only a few make it.'" (The Message)

When was the last time you were invited to church? Did your church send you an invitation to come and join them? If you're like me, you don't need an invitation; it's assumed that since you took the membership vows promising to uphold your church by your prayers, presence (hint!), gifts, service, and witness, that you'd be doing that on a regular basis. The last invitation you received was probably a direct mail by either a new church starting up in your neighborhood or by one who's got the money to spend on such a campaign. Pastors pray that folks will come to regular and special worship. Jesus prayed that we would come into the kingdom. Coming into the Kingdom of God involves Church, but it's more about our way of life. It's all about how we treat God and how we treat God's children. It requires our complete devotion to God and our willingness to serve. The parable that Jesus told in this passage is an eye-opening one, for it shows the reality of how people treat invitations to God's kingdom; we're too busy, we don't care, don't bother me. Yes, some even treat Sunday worship in this way.

The second part of this lesson troubles people. What can it mean? God will throw out people from the Kingdom? It's more a lesson on our lives and how we live and the readiness expected of us by God. William Barclay said, "Grace is not only a gift, it is a grave responsiblity." If we think in terms of our being invited to a friend's house for dinner, we bathe and dress accordingly. To receive an invitation to God's Kingdom involves our lives being made ready to receive and share the love God has given us. Let us not be among those not ready and shown the door for our foolishness.

PRAYER: Loving God, make me ready! May my life be washed in the Blood of Jesus in order to receive all that You might share with me. Shape my heart to give as You have given to me. May I witness to Your grace in all places. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Prescription for The Fullness of Life!

2011-09-28T06:16:00.000-05:00

Loving God of all journeys, journey today with this dear reader; hold his/her hand as needed. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 20: 1 God spoke all these words: 2 I am God, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of a life of slavery. 3 No other gods, only me. 4 No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. 7 No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverant use of his name. 8 Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Work six days and do everything you need to do. 12 Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you. 13 No murder. 14 No adultery. 15 No stealing. 16 No lies about your neighbor. 17 No lusting after your neighbor's house - or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey. Don't set your heart on anything that is your neighbor's. 18 All the people, experiencing the thunder and lightning, the trumpet blast and the smoking mountain, were afraid - they pulled back and stood at a distance. 19 They said to Moses, "You speak to us and we'll listen, but don't have God speak to us or we'll die." 20 Moses spoke to the people: "Don't be afraid. God has come to test you and instill a deep and reverent awe within you so that you won't sin." (The Message)

Yesterday a colleague shared how much he dislikes going to the doctor. Can I get a witness? Those of us who tend to tip the scales away from health, hate stepping on them. I always hear what I read in a cartoon strip, "Elvis, is that you?" or worse, "One at a time!" And of course, stepping on the scale comes after a long wait of thumbing through magazines that highlight the news of the day, Grant being elected President; a thing called a car is going to be mass produced by a company started by Henry Ford. Then the cuff on the arm and the squeezing of life out of your arm in order to see if you're healthy. A probe under your tongue or in your ear and a reading that says if you're feverish or not. Then the doctor comes in and you exchange greetings, he asks questions, you answer; then the consultation, followed by the writing of a prescription.

The Ten Commandments can be seen as both a consulation with a divine doctor, and that divine doctor writing us a prescription. Our visits to a doctor are a desire on our part to be healthy as should we see the reading of the Commandments. They contain everything! Our proper relationship with and towards God, and our proper and healthy relationship with each other, and a proper and healthy relationship with ourselves. Read them again. Each has a powerful message of respect, dignity, humility, worship, reverence, and hope. Each leads us away from sin and its consequences towards a life filled with hope. Too many have called these the do's and don'ts of righteous living and that tends to make it seem too constrictive. See it as our prescription for fullness of life.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Jesus, Who brought us the fullness of life and the fulfillment of Your law. He did not abolish the law so we should read it and be guided by it as a remembrance of what pleases You. Let me be all about pleasing You this day; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Ice Cream Scoop??

2011-09-27T05:37:00.000-05:00

Amazing God, may this dear reader see Your presence and power in mighty ways during this day; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text comes from Philippians 3: You know my pedigree: 5 a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law; 6 a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting Christians; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book. 7 The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash - along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. 8 Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ 9 and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ - God's righteousness. 10 I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. 11 If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it. 12 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13 Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. 14 I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. (The Message)

It's not who you are, but Whose you are. Paul encountered what you and I have probably encountered; those who brag on what someone in their lineage did for the church property or building. "That tree! This pew! That organ pipe! This candle holder! That ice cream scoop!" Well, okay, not that ice cream scoop, but you know what I'm getting at. People looking backwards instead of forwards. Paul had the lineage and he also had the connections. And by his own account he was in every sense of the word, religious and thought he was near righteousness by the way he kept the law. But when Jesus came along, he came to life. I pray that has happened to you as well. Church and all that goes with "church" comes alive and is a powerful and blessed experience when we know the person of Jesus Christ. He offers to us a living relationship and a daily walk and when we enter into that, everything falls into place. Paul's life was never again the same, and neither should ours. Our should be that life of walking and reaching for Christ in order to live and do the things that Christ has asked of us.

So, why be content with only existing when we have an invitation to the fullness of life through Jesus Christ? Every day an adventure. Every day a blessing with hope and promise.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to reach for Christ today. And may I seek to know Christ more than yesterday. May the fullness of life be mine. I ask this in His precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Living a Kingdom Life?

2011-09-26T06:12:00.000-05:00

Loving Lord, bless and watch over the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 21:33 "Here's another story. Listen closely. There was once a man, a wealthy farmer, who planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, put up a watchtower, then turned it over to the farmhands and went off on a trip. 34 When it was time to harvest the grapes, he sent his servants back to collect his profits. 35 "The farmhands grabbed the first servant and beat him up. The next one they murdered. They threw stones at the third but he got away. 36 The owner tried again, sending more servants. They got the same treatment. 37 The owner was at the end of his rope. He decided to send his son. 'Surely,' he thought, 'they will respect my son.' 38 "But when the farmhands saw the son arrive, they rubbed their hands in greed. 'This is the heir! Let's kill him and have it all for ourselves.' 39 They grabbed him, threw him out, and killed him. 40 "Now, when the owner of the vineyard arrives home from his trip, what do you think he will do to the farmhands?" 41 "He'll kill them - a rotten bunch, and good riddance," they answered. "Then he'll assign the vineyard to farmhands who will hand over the profits when it's time." 42 Jesus said, "Right - and you can read it for yourselves in your Bibles: The stone the masons threw out is now the cornerstone. This is God's work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it! 43 "This is the way it is with you. God's kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life. 44 Whoever stumbles on this Stone gets shattered; whoever the Stone falls on gets smashed." 45 When the religious leaders heard this story, they knew it was aimed at them. 46 They wanted to arrest Jesus and put him in jail, but, intimidated by public opinion, they held back. Most people held him to be a prophet of God. (The Message)

The lessons never ended for the religious leaders of Jesus' time. They had becomes to comfortable and accomodating to themselves; that God was taken out of the equation. More importantly, God's love and concern for humanity was taken out of their messages and practices. It became of matter of What must we do to protect our comfortable way of life? People were not attracted to this way of life; except those who wanted to become them (think Saul of Tarsus). Jesus reminds them of their history and how they had dealt with those whom God had sent as messengers with God's word for their lives. They were at best, ignored and left alone; at worst, they were killed. God's message of love and action and care for others was not heard. God's call for repentance and acts of service was not heeded. They began to make up their own message of self-service. At the crucial point of history, God sent Jesus, His Son, to bring the message. At this point of His life, Jesus is talking to them about what He knows they will do to Him. And all because they dared not live "a kingdom life."

Everyday we get a chance to live a kingdom life - the uncomfortable, outrageous, courageous life that puts others first; and what do we do? Honestly, many of us prefer our routines and our comforts. We don't want to try something new or out of the ordinary. And that may even hold true for the church we attend. What is it going to take to make Jesus real for those outside of the church? How can we hope to win the world for Christ when we live a life that says we don't need Jesus?

PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me those days I choose me over You. Help me to see what lies beyond me. Open my soul and heart to love beyond myself and those whom I call mine. Let me love others. Help me to be uncomfortable, outrageous, and courageous. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Journey With God!

2011-09-21T06:09:00.001-05:00

Blessed Lord, take the hand of this dear reader and guide them gently through the day to Your path; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 17: 1 Directed by God, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages from the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn't a drop of water for the people to drink. 2 The people took Moses to task: "Give us water to drink." But Moses said, "Why pester me? Why are you testing God?" 3 But the people were thirsty for water there. They complained to Moses, "Why did you take us from Egypt and drag us out here with our children and animals to die of thirst?" 4 Moses cried out in prayer to God, "What can I do with these people? Any minute now they'll kill me!" 5 God said to Moses, "Go on out ahead of the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel. Take the staff you used to strike the Nile. And go. 6 I'm going to be present before you there on the rock at Horeb. You are to strike the rock. Water will gush out of it and the people will drink." 7 He named the place Massah (Testing-Place) and Meribah (Quarreling) because of the quarreling of the Israelites and because of their testing of God when they said, "Is God here with us, or not?" (The Message)

What if we re-named ourselves at certain points of our lives, what would your name be? What if we re-named our churches every year, what name would we give to them? Can you imagine wearing a name or placing a sign based on where you were in relationship with God? DOUBTER. QUARRELER. TROUBLE-MAKER. SWEET SPIRIT. HELPER. ANGEL ON EARTH. DIVIDER. IN LOVE WITH GOD. TESTED. TESTER. BORED. Hos about your church? QUARREL CENTER. GOSSIP CENTRAL. DON'T BOTHER US. COUNTRY CLUB. FRIENDLY TO US. WHAT DO YOU WANT? LEAVE US ALONE. WHAT MAY WE DO FOR YOU? HOW CAN WE HELP BRING HEAVEN TO YOU?

You can begin to understand the wanderings in the wilderness by a people being formed by God as God's people. Moses was leading the people by following God. There was no real estate that Moses' feet touched that were not touched first by God. Moses led by trusting God. The people grumbled as they followed and found fault every three yards. Today's text tells of a very important need that God's people faced and that was thirst. We all know that we can go longer without food than we can without water. We die very quickly without water. Moses led the people to this place and there appeared to be no water. The people started with their favorite hymn, "Why Did You Bring Us Here? We Were Better Off Where We Were!" Moses prayed to the Lord with all his heart and God answered him quickly and showed him where to touch the rock with the same staff that had done the miracles in providing their liberty.

How do you journey with God on a daily basis? Do you quickly forget what God has done in your life and then grumble and gripe because you think God has never done anything for you before? Do what Moses did; stay in touch with God.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to stay in touch with You. Forgive my quickness to forget what You did yesterday or earlier today that blessed me. Remind me I am never alone; You journey with me. I thank You and praise You, in the Name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Living Like Christ. Living in Christ. Living With Christ

2011-09-20T07:03:00.001-05:00

God of all people, bless and protect the needs and life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Philippians 2: 1 If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - 2 then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. 3 Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. 4 Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. 5 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. 6 He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. 7 Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! 8 Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death - and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. 9 Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, 10 so that all created beings in heaven and on earth - even those long ago dead and buried - will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, 11 and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. 12 What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. 13 That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. (The Message)

Sometimes we live life thinking like we've always thought and never give a thought to thinking like Christ. Our way of thinking is usually me-centered and getting ahead; Christ's thinking was service and helping others. Thinking of our own needs, we will disagree with those who don't see things our way, and we'll try to sweet talk ourselves to the front of the line. Christ-thinking is thinking of others, looking for solutions and helping others, making sure everyone gets what they want and need.

Living like Christ is living in obedience to God. Living in Christ is living with the renewing energy of His Spirit so that we never tire of doing good and doing for others. Living with Christ is receiving the fullness of life, which should being us the kind of satisfaction the world cannot offer.

PRAYER: Loving God, make me an instrument of Yours. Give me the mind of Christ so that my thoughts today be Your thoughts. May my focus and joy be on serving You and pleasing You and helping others come to Your love. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Authority of Jesus

2011-09-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

Amazing God, bless with showers of Your grace, the needs in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 21: 23 When he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 24 Jesus said to them, "I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say, "From heaven,' he will say to us, "Why then did you not believe him?' 26 But if we say, "Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet." 27 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 "What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, "Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He answered, "I will not'; but later he changed his mind and went. 30 The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, "I go, sir'; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him. (NRSV)

What authority do you let Jesus have in your life? Can He make you uncomfortable? I know we seek Him when we need comforting, why not when we need to be uncomfortable? Authority is permission with credentials, however we might define credentials. Jesus stepped on toes usually when doing supernatural things or very human things against humans. In this case, Jesus had spent time in the Temple upsetting the money-changer's cart. He drove them out call the Temple, "my Father's house," and saying things like, "this is supposed to be a house of prayer!" Whose authority do you suppose had given the money-changers entrance into the Temple to practice their wares? Uh huh. The chief priests and the elders. And this upset them as did the fact Jesus was doing some mighty amazing things that defied explanation. Who gave you that right? they demanded to know. Jesus throws it back to them: Who gave John the right to baptize? Heaven or Humans? They knew they could not answer that question without risking much difficulty. Then the story about the man who had two sons; one who said no, but did the work requested of him by the dad, and the other who said yes, but did not do the work. Who did the will of the Father?, Jesus wanted to know.

The religious people of Jesus' day sought to be comfortable. They had their revenue-generating schemes in place. They had fine clothing. They lived in nice homes within walking distance of their work. They were so comfortable they would work only with those who would come and spend time inside their domain. This meant the comfortable among the laity (non-clergy or nonprofessional religious types). They had not reached the tax collectors or prostitutes. John had. Jesus did. Who was doing the will of God?

Why not give Jesus power over your life to make you uncomfortable today? Cross the room or the street to talk to those who are not comfortable with the creature comforts of this life. Seek the ones no one is seeking. Find the ones which others care nothing about.

PRAYER: Loving God, I confess that I find great comfort in being comfortable. I confess that I also realize that being a Christian is not about seeking to be comfortable; I have to go beyond my comfort zone to reach others. Forgive me and empower me to be uncomfortable and to reach those who need Your touch. I ask this in the Name of He who came to show me that, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Way to Live, and One Not

2011-09-15T05:37:00.001-05:00

O God of the comforting presence, be with this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 105: 1 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! 2 Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! 3 Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! 4 Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. 5 Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered - 6 O seed of Abraham, his servant, O child of Jacob, his chosen. 37 He led Israel out, their arms filled with loot, and not one among his tribes even stumbled. 38 Egypt was glad to have them go - they were scared to death of them. 39 God spread a cloud to keep them cool through the day and a fire to light their way through the night; 40 They prayed and he brought quail, filled them with the bread of heaven; 41 He opened the rock and water poured out; it flowed like a river through that desert - 42 All because he remembered his Covenant, his promise to Abraham, his servant. 43 Remember this! He led his people out singing for joy; his chosen people marched, singing their hearts out! 44 He made them a gift of the country they entered, helped them seize the wealth of the nations 45 So they could do everything he told them - could follow his instructions to the letter. Hallelujah! (The Message)

A life lived in prayer involves a lot of giving thanks. One cannot live and not see the things of God all around us. And one should not live a life that does not share the Good News with anyone who might be in need or who is asking. And some can live lives that produce music that give witness and praise to the wonders of God. All of us can live a life that honors God in our midst. And all of us should never lose the wonder of the awesomeness of God all around us.

How are you living? Please don't tell me it's the opposite of the above! Selfish and thinking you deserved what you have? Closed minded and closed-eyed aboutg God? Quiet because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings or embarrass someone, namely you? Thinking that you've done enough because you sat through one hour of worship? And you think you have seen and heard everything?

Your choice!

PRAYER: Lord, You know what I want! Please help me change when I think I want the wrong thing! I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request: Sharon Allsbrooks is undergoing surgery this morning in Corpus Christi. She is the wife of Rev. John Alsbrooks of Brady, Texas.

Who Are You Complaining About Really?

2011-09-14T06:13:00.001-05:00

Loving God bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 16: 2 The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. 3 The Israelites said, "Why didn't God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You've brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!" 4 God said to Moses, "I'm going to rain bread down from the skies for you. The people will go out and gather each day's ration. I'm going to test them to see if they'll live according to my Teaching or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they have gathered, it will turn out to be twice as much as their daily ration." 6 Moses and Aaron told the People of Israel, "This evening you will know that it is God who brought you out of Egypt; 7 and in the morning you will see the Glory of God. Yes, he's listened to your complaints against him. You haven't been complaining against us, you know, but against God." 8 Moses said, "Since it will be God who gives you meat for your meal in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, it's God who will have listened to your complaints against him. Who are we in all this? You haven't been complaining to us - you've been complaining to God!" 9 Moses instructed Aaron: "Tell the whole company of Israel: 'Come near to God. He's heard your complaints.'" 10 When Aaron gave out the instructions to the whole company of Israel, they turned to face the wilderness. And there it was: the Glory of God visible in the Cloud. 11 God spoke to Moses, 12 "I've listened to the complaints of the Israelites. Now tell them: 'At dusk you will eat meat and at dawn you'll eat your fill of bread; and you'll realize that I am God, your God.'" 13 That evening quail flew in and covered the camp and in the morning there was a layer of dew all over the camp. 14 When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the wilderness ground was a fine flaky something, fine as frost on the ground. 15 The Israelites took one look and said to one another, man-hu (What is it?). They had no idea what it was. (The Message)

You've been there and one that. You've been both the complainer and the complained against. How often, though, have you complained against God? I know, you didn't mean or even think it was God against Whom you were lifting up your complaints. It was the Sunday school teacher, or choir director, or finance committee chair, or the pastor - not God! Pastor Moses had a difficult congregation. They had a short memory of where they had been and what they had been through. He could give them credit for remembering the high points of any otherwise miserable existence. But how they forgot they had been slaves, owned by another human being and driven past the point of exhaustion daily, I don't know. How they could forget their children had been killed had they been born male, I don't know. What they did remember was they had meat to eat! Hey, isn't everything made better with meat? Forget freedom, you had hot dogs! Slavery was fine with fajitas! Okay, there was a lot of walking. And with old people going too slow and the kids running wild and loose. One minute you're tugging at Grandma to help her along, then your grandchild zooms past you like a gazelle and your son hollers for you to go catch him! Then God responds with love and in ways you notice that you do matter after all, and you have not been abandoned or unloved as you first thought.

We have complained against God and we have then seen God answer our complaints (if we've had our eyes and ears open); but what have we done about it? Have we spent enough time talking with God about our complaints and the targets of those complaints, asking perhaps for a new perspective? Or, is it more fun talking to other complainers about where we find ourselves? The truth is the more time we spend talking to God who sits on the throne than to gossips on the phone, the better the outcome will be. Shouldn't we go to the Throne rather than the phone?

PRAYER: Loving God, this hits hard, knowing that I have really been complaining about You. Forgive me for those times and help me have a more positive attitude about where I am and what I am to do. Help me to serve You in all things and in all ways. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Am I A Credit To The Message of Christ?

2011-09-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

Amazing God of peace and protection, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Philippians 1:21 Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose. 22 As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. 23 Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better 24 . But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. 25 So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. 26 You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other. 27 Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, 28 not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you - and both because of God. 29 There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. 30 You're involved in the same kind of struggle you saw me go through, on which you are now getting an updated report in this letter. (The Message)

I saw a show late last night whose name I am trying to forget. It is about helping turn certain businesses around. This first and last episode that I saw involved a declining establishment where the wait staff and the cook staff were part of the problem in killing the business. The cook had been professionally trained and could work at almost any fine establishment if he could find work in such, but this was his only job. He never cleaned the deep fat fryers nor his work area and the food he produced was terrible. He had no pride in what he did. The consultant hired to turn this place around believed it was because the owner/manager never acknowledged him nor directly interacted with him, so his conduct and work ethic was less than what one would expect from an employee.

Paul is writing to people who wanted him to come and visit and be with them. They had done much and there was still much to be done but they were holding back in a way and wanted and they believed, needed, his presence. Paul writes that they must "live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not." (v. 27). How many times do we think we need extra attention or acclamation from someone before we do what we should? How many times has the church stopped growing as a result of not caring anymore? Has Christ stopped visiting the Church and being her main encourager? Sadly, in some churches, Christ is no longer invited or sought. But in those whose lives Christ is the center, new things happen everytime they are together and new people are sought. We should all follow that list Paul shares: 1) stand united. 2) singular in vision. 3) sharing in such a way people come to the Message. 4) Do not flinch nor dodge because of the opposition. 5) Courage and singleness of vision will bring God the victory.

If you seek Christ daily, you're on the right track. If you know that Christ seeks you daily you're on the right track as well. And ask yourself the important question, Am I a credit to the Message of Christ (meaning you yourself)?

PRAYER: Loving God, I think I already know the answer, but I seek to be a credit to You and Your Son and the Good News of salvation and new life. Help today be the day when I can truly know and say that I am a credit to You. I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

How Ya Plowin'?

2011-09-12T07:31:00.001-05:00

Loving God of peace and healing, be with this nation. May the principles of forgiveness be with us all; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 20: 1 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3 "Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. 4 He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. 5 They went. 6 At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing? 7 ' "They said, 'Because no one hired us.' "He told them to go to work in his vineyard. 8 "When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.' 9 "Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. 10 When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. 11 Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 12 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.' 13 "He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? 14 So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. 15 Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?' 16 "Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first." (The Message)

Oh, the grumblings of workers in God's Kingdom... One would think that no one would grumble and complain, but Jesus knew better and we're learning! Is it the working or the workers that we're about? Jesus' point is that there is much work to be done in bringing others to know God's love. Some will "get it" early in life, others, late in life. What does it matter? The question is, did the work get done? Did people come to know God as a loving, forgiving God who desires a relationship with you and me? Yet, our being human gets in the way and people grumble and point and compare. We rarely stop and just thank God that we're where we are for a purpose and a reason and we put ourselves to work. Yes, some will work in places that seem nicer than others; and some places are nicer than others. Some will work with many people; some will work in smaller groups. Some will work at getting more to come and be a part of the work; others will grumble that they're not been given a chance to grow, while doing nothing. Hmm. Some will lead lives of complete recklessness and could-care-less-ness, set bad examples, then one day, one word or sermon will completely change that man or woman, and their lives are different, knowing that they must be right with God and others will say, "Why them and why now?" This is sometimes true in some settings where these new believers might get the "job" or "office" some "older and long-time" members may have wanted but never got! Jesus was all about moving forward, thus His use of the plow illustration. The best rows are plowed when you look straight ahead and don't get distracted by looking right nor left - just do the work.

How are you plowing?

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the work I have. Use me to the fullest while I labor here and bless my efforts for Thy good. Forgive me times that I've looked to my left or right and thought I might have deserved this or that. Help me keep going. I pray this in Your name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What Red Sea Are You Trying to Cross?

2011-09-08T05:11:00.001-05:00

Loving God of solutions and remedies, bless the life of this dear reader in whatever challenges and opportunities they may have; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 14:19 The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. 20 The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The Cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light. The two camps didn't come near each other all night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and God, with a terrific east wind all night long, made the sea go back. He made the sea dry ground. The seawaters split. 22 The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground with the waters a wall to the right and to the left. 23 The Egyptians came after them in full pursuit, every horse and chariot and driver of Pharaoh racing into the middle of the sea. 24 It was now the morning watch. God looked down from the Pillar of Fire and Cloud on the Egyptian army and threw them into a panic. 25 He clogged the wheels of their chariots; they were stuck in the mud. The Egyptians said, "Run from Israel! God is fighting on their side and against Egypt!" 26 God said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea and the waters will come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots, over their horsemen." 27 Moses stretched his hand out over the sea: As the day broke and the Egyptians were running, the sea returned to its place as before. God dumped the Egyptians in the middle of the sea. 28 The waters returned, drowning the chariots and riders of Pharaoh's army that had chased after Israel into the sea. Not one of them survived. 29 But the Israelites walked right through the middle of the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall to the right and to the left. 30 God delivered Israel that day from the oppression of the Egyptians. And Israel looked at the Egyptian dead, washed up on the shore of the sea, 31 and realized the tremendous power that God brought against the Egyptians. The people were in reverent awe before God and trusted in God and his servant Moses. (The Message)

This is precisely the story that drove someone, and it probably had to be a preacher, who invented the story about the little boy who went home after Sunday school and relayed to his parents (remember when both parents and children went to Sunday school?) how Moses defeated Pharoah: "Moses called in air support and the fighter jets came in and strafed the Egyptian army. Then Moses sent tanks to flank both sides of the enemy and they opened fire with their big cannons; meanwhile the engineers used this distraction to build a pontoon bridge across this Red Sea and they crossed it using that bridge and won the war!" One of the parents said, "Is that how it really happened?" The little boy said, "No, but you wouldn't believe it the way my Sunday school teacher told it to me."

If you trust in God, God will sometimes amaze us with ways we cannot describe. If you walk with God, God will lead you to amazing places. And not everyone will be impressed. And the sad part is that you might forget all that God did that was amazing and spectacular and ask God, What have you done for me lately? And if you don't hear the answer you like you might walk off again in the wrong direction. That's what Israel did, though the last verse in this passage ends on a positive faith note. God's power is undescribable. God has the might to do what we might call miracles and does, every day in different ways in our lives and in the lives of others. Whether we acknowledge them or not is not God's fault. But imagine if you had "reverent wonder" as this version of the Bible says in 2 Peter 1:6, you might see your "Red Sea" open and your "enemy" disappear. After all, the Exodus story is our story as well. The call and love from God to Israel is the same for you and me. Why not trust in God and walk with God today?

PRAYER: Loving God, open my eyes to the presence of Your wonder. May my Red Seas open and may my enemies be blessed. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What Ultimately Matters?

2011-09-07T07:22:00.001-05:00

Loving God of signs and wonders, may this dear reader be blessed with passionate patience today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 14: 1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. 2 For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume all Christians should be vegetarians and eat accordingly. 3 But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. 4 Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. 5 Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience. 6 What's important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God's sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you're a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. 7 None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. 8 It's God we are answerable to - all the way from life to death and everything in between - not each other. 9 That's why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other. 10 So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I'd say it leaves you looking pretty silly - or worse. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit. 11 Read it for yourself in Scripture: "As I live and breathe," God says, "every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God." 12 So tend to your knitting. You've got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. (The Message)

I reminded one of my congregations that on Sunday we'll be remembering that ten years ago, we suffered a terrible tragedy on what is now known as 9/11. I told them it was a sad day for us as citizens of the USA. I also reminded them of how for about two weeks people were unlike other times. You could see it as you drove, people were more courteous. People appreciated people. There seemed to be more patience and compassion. There was more understanding. Why? People realized that things can change from one minute to the next. That's what Paul is saying in this passage. Why get caught up on things that divide us when we should center on He who unites us as one? Someone has said that churches do better when they identify a common enemy; I ask why can't we do better identifying to others the common Savior we share? Vegetarians vs. meateaters. What a contest. Saturday vs. Sunday for worship. Really? You did this. I did that. Does it matter in the end? Jesus came that we might have life and that to the fullest; anything that detracts us from that understanding and that way of life in the end, doesn't really matter.

Center on Jesus.

PRAYER: Loving God, for the multitudes of divisions we have we apologize and ask for forgiveness. Let me begin by centering on Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and let Him help me put the rest into perspective. I pray this in His name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Forgive to Live!

2011-09-06T07:04:00.001-05:00

God of mercy and grace, may Your showers of love be upon the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 18: 21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, "Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?" 22 Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. 23 "The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. 24 As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. 25 He couldn't pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market. 26 "The poor wretch threw himself at the king's feet and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' 27 Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt. 28 "The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay up. Now!' 29 "The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.' 30 But he wouldn't do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. 31 When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king. 32 "The king summoned the man and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. 33 Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?' 34 The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. 35 And that's exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy." (The Message)

As our daughters grew up, we watched a lot of Sesame Street. One character I loved was The Count, who, as his name says, loves to count. His character was to teach children how to count and the joy of counting. There's one area, though, where we shouldn't count, but do, and that's the area of when people sin against us. (Sound familiar? It's in the Lord's Prayer!). To have someone hurt us never sits well with us. We ache and we hurt, sometimes we cry and we carry around the weight of this having been done to us. We know we should forgive but we can't. We wonder how we could ever be harmed in the way that happened and why in the world that person could do such a thing to us. It's an ancient problem and it was addressed by the rabbinical teachings that said every person was to forgive three times. Depending on your past hurts, that's either a small number or a huge number. For many, it is an unattainable number. Some scholars believe Peter knew this number and so, in order to impress his teacher, asks if we should forgive someone seven times. Keep in mind, this was a difficult question for Peter to ask, though you can almost hear the "what a good boy am I" tone in asking if seven was the new number.

Peter learns what we should know; God's math is different from ours. In the Old Testament we learn that when a man and a woman marry, the two become one. One plus one is one. I know the Count would freak with that, but that's Bible Math. Here in the New Testament we find Jesus saying we should forgive seventy times seven or Why do you keep count of something you should readily and always do? I may have mentioned the book, "Forgive to Live," a story by a man whose best friend who was also his boss, constant lunch companion, tennis and golf partner, from one day to the next, fired him from the best job he had ever had. It was a cold-blooded termination with no justification other than the money the hospital wanted to save by eliminating that position. This man became physically sick and almost died. Doctors tried and tried but could not find the cause of his illness. One doctor asked if there was someone whom he had not forgiven in his life. That was the answer. It was not a simple or easy answer, it took years of prayer and study but the man reached the conclusion that one must forgive to live. It make sense. Many times the victim is the only one who still carries around the weight and burden of an offense. The one who caused it goes on with his/her life and never even thinks about what s/he has done. It's not until we forgive that we can be freed of that unnecessary weight.

Do you need to forgive to live? Do it today.

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to understand Your math. Help to me know what power there is in my learning to show mercy to those who have harmed or hurt me. Let me move on with my life. Let me forgive to live. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name; He who knew and taught how to forgive, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T07:28:00.001-05:00

Dear friends,

Today is Labor Day. May it be a happy and restful one. May we remember to give thanks to God for all who work, a prayer for those seeking work, and a thought of inspiration for those who are underemployed. Our United Methodist Hymnal has a prayer suited for today (UMH 409) "For Grace to Labor" by Thomas More, 16th Century: "The things, good Lord, that we pray for, give us the grace to labor for. Amen."

Though started by a labor union in New York, the day has come to mean a day of reflection on those who work. Our country was built by those who worked hard at making it what it is (or was), and we thank God that God is not finished with us yet and we trust that it is in God in whom we truly trust for today and tomorrow. Given all that we hear and fear, we rise above it all in our hope rooted strongly and deeply in our trust in God.

We also reflect on our work. Though you may be retired, you're probably working harder than ever or at least that is what we hear from most of those who are. If you have today off, reflect on what you have been called to do in your present setting or job. Last weekend during free time among pastors, we shared stories of now retired ministers and the work that some put in. I heard of one now retired pastor who worked so much, he had three suits and changes of clothes in his office. Many were the ones who had weddings with him that knew that he would shower in the church building, dress and do either the rehearsal or wedding. This was a pastor who, like most of us who started as solo pastors in small churches, learn to do everything. "Old habits die hard," is true in his case. And we compared it to a generational difference between some other pastors that seek to do as little as possible or do things differently from what could be called established ways. Those who either were children of blue collar, 8-to-5 (or longer) work houses, or who worked blue collar jobs prior to responding to our into ministry, know and follow a pattern of long, hard work. And there are those who say, "Take care of yourself." That is great advice but some have followed that a little too much, avoiding most things in the name of care. But let's look at Jesus. His life could be a case for both types of ministry: Jesus worked long and hard hours, resting only when He prayed. Some would remind us that Jesus was both the son of a carpenter and some believe, a carpenter himself while awaiting the start of His ministry. Others would say there were some times that Jesus just gave the word for the work or sign to be done and it was done. The common theme of Jesus' work was touch. Jesus was out and about in the midst of human suffering and need. Jesus touched those that never were touched. Jesus touched the untouchable, including a leper. Jesus ate with those whom society considered too filthy for any type of interaction, let alone fellowship. Our ministry as believer should be modeled after Jesus. Our touch and contact with all people should be one of love and hope.

May it be so!

PRAYER: Loving God, while we have been reading and reflecting on these words, You have been at work in this world and in my life. May this day remind me of how blessed I am and what I still need to be doing. Lord, You also know of those who seek a way to provide for their families so, remind me that these people need my love and understanding. Lord, be with those who can create jobs and let it be so. Lord, be with those who believe that some jobs need to go other places in the name of the bottom line, but especially bless the ones who have lost their jobs because of such actions. May we never lose faith in You and Your economy. Give us patience. Give us peace. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A GPS Equipped iPod, Please!

2011-09-01T05:33:00.001-05:00

Blessed God in the life and toil of this dear reader, be present and powerful; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text comes from Psalm 119: 33 God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. 34 Give me insight so I can do what you tell me - my whole life one long, obedient response. 35 Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! 36 Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. 37 Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. 38 Affirm your promises to me - promises made to all who fear you. 39 Deflect the harsh words of my critics - but what you say is always so good. 40 See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways! (The Message)

When one is on a plane for many hours, watching movies is a good option. Such was the case in both going and coming from South Africa. On the way there I made the mistake of trying to catch up with my summer list of "must-see's" and even those I had never heard of. Such was the case with a movie starring Martin Sheen call "The Way." Remember, Martin is the dad, not Charlie, the son. The other son, who has kept the true family name, Emilio Estevez, wrote, produced and directed this movie. The title refers to a pilgramage one can take from varying points in Europe leading to a chapel where the remains of St. James the Disciple are said to rest. It is a very expensive and very extensive journey. The story of the movie deals with Martin Sheen being a rich eye doctor whose son, Emilio, cannot decide what to do with his life and drops out of college and tries this and that and finally tells his dad he is leaving to wander Europe. Dad, of course, does not approve and then gets word that his son has been killed on this pilgramage. Once in Europe to claim the son's body the dad learns of this journey and decides to honor his son's memory, begins the long trek to see why so many take this journey.

Today's psalm speaks of our trek through life and how much more meaningful and easier it becomes when we know and trust God. What killed the son in the movie is never fully explained but it has to do with his not staying the course. We know all too well what happens to us when we stray off=course in our lives. The psalmist knew as well thus his pleading to God to help him know what to do and where to go. It was like he was asking for an iPod to use while walking that would only speak to his heart about life and life's choices in a such a way that he would never lose his way. Yes, an iPod with a G.P.S., a God-Positioning System, so that one knows exactly where God is and where we are in relation to God. Listen to the life-affirmations that come from God, not the life-deflating comments of critics and cynics. Keep your spiritual appetite fixed on God and you will be filled and never lost.

PRAYER: Loving God, guide me today in the way I should go. Let me hear Your voice of love and leading so that I might reach those places along the way where I can be serve You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Marking Our Special Days

2011-08-31T05:32:00.000-05:00

[Concafe2011] Amazing God, blaze a path of righteousness before the
life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 12: 1 God said to Moses and Aaron
while still in Egypt, 2 "This month is to be the first month of the year
for you. 3 Address the whole community of Israel; tell them that on the
tenth of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one lamb
to a house. 4 If the family is too small for a lamb, then share it with
a close neighbor, depending on the number of persons involved. Be
mindful of how much each person will eat. 5 Your lamb must be a healthy
male, one year old; you can select it from either the sheep or the
goats. 6 Keep it penned until the fourteenth day of this month and then
slaughter it - the entire community of Israel will do this - at dusk. 7
Then take some of the blood and smear it on the two doorposts and the
lintel of the houses in which you will eat it. 8 You are to eat the
meat, roasted in the fire, that night, along with bread, made without
yeast, and bitter herbs. 9 Don't eat any of it raw or boiled in water;
make sure it's roasted - the whole animal, head, legs, and innards. 10
Don't leave any of it until morning; if there are leftovers, burn them
in the fire. 11 "And here is how you are to eat it: Be fully dressed
with your sandals on and your stick in your hand. Eat in a hurry; it's
the Passover to God. 12 "I will go through the land of Egypt on this
night and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, whether
human or animal, and bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am God.
13 The blood will serve as a sign on the houses where you live. When I
see the blood I will pass over you - no disaster will touch you when I
strike the land of Egypt. 14 "This will be a memorial day for you; you
will celebrate it as a festival to God down through the generations, a
fixed festival celebration to be observed always. (The Message)

Which holiday is the most special to you? How do you celebrate it?
Which personal day is most special to you and how do you celebrate it?
You and I have many answers to these questions. Sometimes I would say
Christmas, other times I might say Easter. And yes, I might say
Thanksgiving. And the second part of the first question I would answer:
food! As for personal days, my anniversary is very special to me as
is the birthday of my family members, and I would have to answer, for
the second part of that question: food! There seems to be an age-old
pattern of celebration and one might argue it has to do with food!

Today's passage has to do with the setting of the Passover with Moses
and the people of Israel. God could not stress enough its purpose or
its meaning nor how important it would be to always remember the event
for all time. The instructions for that first event were specific and
quite graphic. Every believer in the Lord God would have to sacrifice a
lamb which met God's specifications. The blood of that lamb would be
placed on the doorposts and lintel of the house of each believer. This
would be a sign of faith and obedience for the angel of death as he
would pass over each house with that symbol on it. And the urgency of
this celebration was marked by how the people were to dress, ready to
leave! It is God saying, You asked for it, you got it! You're about to
receive your freedom and liberty from your oppressors but be ready to
leave in short notice.

God has acted on our behalf as well, in special holy days that we
observe in the church as well as personal days that mean something
special to us; our baptism, our confirmation, our marriage, the baptism
of our children, our times of goodbyes to loved ones who have passed on
to their reward, etc. May we never forget God's presence, love, and
involvement in our lives. May Jesus' peace be ours always as a reminder
that He was our Lamb who took away our sin and delivered us from
captivity of that sin.

PRAYER: Loving God, all days are special to You and may those days
special to me always remind me of Your presence and care for me. May I
never take Jesus' sacrifice for granted, for He paid the price of my
sinfulness and set me free. It is in His name that I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

PS Our prayers for Rev. Pamela Dykehouse of St. Luke's UMC here in Corpus Christi, who undergoes foot surgery this morning. We pray for a successful surgery and relief from pain that necessitated this procedure. To God be the glory!

Dressed in Christ. Dressed to Love!

2011-08-30T07:10:00.000-05:00

Loving God, bless the life and needs of the dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 13: 8 Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along. 9 The law code - don't sleep with another person's spouse, don't take someone's life, don't take what isn't yours, don't always be wanting what you don't have, and any other "don't" you can think of - finally adds up to this: Love other people as well as you do yourself. 10 You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love. 11 But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. 12 The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. 13 We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. 14 Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (The Message)

Imagine getting love invoices from loved ones? They might come in the mail, addressed to you, with the message: You owe me love! Sadly, some of us might get SECOND NOTICE or THIRD NOTICE or even worse, FINAL NOTICE. Paul's message was urgent. We should be all about love in every aspect of our lives. We owe love to one another. We should treat each other in love. Paul saw that as the foundation of the Law, especially the Ten Commandments. If you study them you see he's right; we should love God and then love others in the correct way. Later, the Law would sum it up in The Great Commandment and the second greatest, love thy neighbor as you love yourself.

The urgency has not worn off except in most of us. We just cruise along looking out for ourselves and our families and we're forgetting the needs all around us. If confronted with needs we have great excuses. I challenge churches as I did last night and size, the belief another church "is doing that already," or a sense of hopelessness saddens me. I remind them that our church now, in most cases, looks exactly like the established church that John Wesley left to start the Methodist movement. In that movement the key word was "go, " not "come." Yet, we say, "We can't get people to come to church!" Uh, yes, most folks don't want to come to your church - Your church has to go to them. Sort of like what verse 14 says, "Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minutes. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!"

PRAYER: Loving God, pour out Your Holy Spirit on me and on my church! Let us have that sense of love and urgency that Paul and John Wesley and so many others have had at the start of great awakenings, and may it spread to our church members that they may see and come alive to the needs of loving and serving You and Yours. I ask this and pray this in faith and in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Where Two or Three Are Gathered...

2011-08-29T07:50:00.001-05:00

Loving God of health and healing, be with those whose lives need Your divine touch this day; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 18: 15 "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him - work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. 16 If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. 17 If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love. 18 "Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. 19 When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. 20 And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." (The Message)

Someone once said, "Where two or three are gathered, there's bound to be trouble soon enough!" Sadly, that's true. And it's also true in the church. Notice that Jesus talks about "fellow believers" not getting along and hurting each other. Notice that Jesus also talks about how this can best be worked out. Honest communication, give-and-take, compromise, confession, whatever it takes. Work it out. And if that doesn't work involve the church and if that doesn't work, you start over, offering God's forgiving love. Notice the powerful statement about how long words can last: "What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this." Yikes. We know that to be true. You and I have heard damaging words that we have carried to this day. Anything that triggers a reminder hurts again and again. Imagine how different it is for words that catch someone by surprise that help someone or boost their feelings. Those "tapes" can be played again and again for good. And notice that when two agree on something and make it a prayer, God goes into action on the matter. And then what Jesus said is better than what was first stated above, "When two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Amen.

PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me the times I have said something against someone. Help my words to be the kind that last for good for all eternity in the lives of those who need to hear them. May my words be of love and encouragement and support. May my words make someone's life a litte brighter and better today. And may the presence of another believer be an occasion for a celebration of Jesus, in Whose name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

PS Prayers for Alisha Purdy Carrizalez, daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Steve (Vicki) Purdy who is undergoing surgery this morning here in Corpus Christi.

Sunset or Sunrise?

2011-08-28T07:51:00.003-05:00

Early this morning Nellie and I walked along the beach of Mustang Island. We're on the last morning of our Area Cabinet retreat with Bishop & Mrs. Dorff, the district superintendents and spouses, and staff that make up the Extended Cabinet of the San Antonio Area. It's been a great time and this morning we resolved to do our brisk walk/run on the beach. Nellie ran barefoot and I ran with my Vibram Five-Fingers (just like barefoot but with protection). We started early enough that we only saw the light of the sun hidden behind distant early morning clouds. We walked until the sun peeked and were awed by the beauty of the sun rising slowly to its place. I wondered, which do I like best, a sunrise or a sunset? A sunset means the end of a day with rest coming, but a sunrise means the start of a new day with adventures and challenges coming... Which do you like? I like the promise of a new day and new adventures and challenges. More so if we do it with the knowledge that Christ goes with us. Who can forget His promise, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:20)

Enjoy your day! Glorify God today!

Coke Or 'Sbury?

2011-08-27T06:45:00.002-05:00

Nellie and I got to spend a couple of days in London on our way to South Africa. We learned a lot about our Methodist roots in visiting and worshiping with the fine folks at Wesley's Chapel on Sunday, July 31, 2011. The church was packed and with people of all shapes and colors. Noticeable is the number of Africans that are now a part of the church. There was an American community choir made up of all faiths that sang; the senior pastor baptized his grandson (actually he played the grandpa role and let his associate do the actual baptism), and there was a Commendation for the soul of a young man brutally murdered earlier that week. The young man was African and his family was there all wearing the same garments, both women and men.

We toured the house after refreshments. It seems to be a Methodist tradition that the South Africans have learned and come to love - that of immediately after worship of serving tea, coffee and pastries. Everyone is welcome and invited and we may have been the strange ones in not taking part in eating. We walked down to the museum and toured it and guess-timating the time of the tour joined the tour upstairs. The chapel itself is a marvel of architecture. The main beams holding the structure were once ship masts that were donated to the building effort. These have long been replaced with modern support beams and the original ship masts now take up a place near the entrance of the chapel. The pews are solid and built with dividers that keep each row from being one long row and the most interesting thing about each pew is that at the end of each near the aisle there is a slat that slides out as needed to provide yet another seat for an overflow crowd. Amazing!

Wesley's house is considered a Level 1 home. That is to say it was among that period's most beautiful and strongly made. The woman giving us the tour stressed that at no time did John Wesley live alone in that house. There were usually at least 36 or so that lived there at any one time. Among these were visits by his brother and sisters, lay preachers of the Methodist movement, those who had lost their homes and needed a place to stay, etc. Everyone was literally welcomed and cared for in his home. There was however, a rule; if you stay the night you had to be at 5:30 a.m. worship led by John himself in the Chapel. No exceptions! Most were very thankful to be housed there and to be in the presence of Mister Wesley so they were there. There was one who had the most trouble getting up. The tour guide asked us who it might be. I wanted to answer Charles Wesley, thinking the younger brother would think he was exempt from being there, but it turns out, of course, that when Charles was there he was the organist. The rascal? Mister Thomas Coke. Yes, one of the original American superintendents, later known as bishop Thomas Coke, the Coke of Cokesbury fame. That made me chuckle and this morning I awoke thinking about Rev. Coke. I don't know his age, for he lived a long time and he worked very hard. He crossed the "pond" between England and American some 18 times and that was no small feat. He then turned his ministry towards India and other parts and it was on one of those voyages that he died and his remains were buried at sea. When the Revolutionary War broke out Thomas Coke returned to England. He did return during the war but returned again to Great Britain.

The 'Sbury in Cokesbury was for young Francis Asbury, who, unlike Thomas Coke, was not a part of the Church of England. Thomas Coke left his ministry as a part of the established church to work under the supervision of John Wesley. Francis, on the other hand, was ordained by John Wesley at the age of 24 and sent to America with Rev. Coke, to be a superintendent as well over the work among the Methodists in America. It was Rev. Asbury that first called himself Bishop to distinguish himself as supervisor over this important work. Rev. Asbury stayed in America during the war and moved amongst those fighting and those caught in the middle of the fighting, preaching and praying, and being the church while this war raged on. When it was over and the new nation of the United States was formed, it was Francis Asbury that called upon the newly-elected President, Mr. George Washington, to pray for him and for the country; a tradition that continued for many years (and may still be in effect) through the visit and prayer by several United Methodist Bishops with newly-elected Presidents.

Two different men, with two different and fruitful ministries. It was said about both of them that they had a zeal for the Lord and the Lord's work. Both were open to the leading of God and they served in different places and served as leaders in each setting, doing what they could for the good of the Lord.

May it be said of you and me, that we too, never lost our zeal for the Lord and that we were open to the Lord's leading to different places as leaders; bold to take charge and lead the way to bigger and better things for the people of God!

Live a Happy Life! Sing if You Have To!

2011-08-25T08:28:00.000-05:00

Blessed God of the Sower, may the life of this dear reader be filled with the seeds of hope from Thy heart; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 105: 1 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! 2 Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! 3 Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God. Live a happy life! 4 Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. 5 Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered - 6 O seed of Abraham, his servant, O child of Jacob, his chosen. 23 Then Israel entered Egypt, Jacob immigrated to the Land of Ham. 24 God gave his people lots of babies; soon their numbers alarmed their foes. 25 He turned the Egyptians against his people; they abused and cheated God's servants. 26 Then he sent his servant Moses, and Aaron, whom he also chose. So they could do everything he told them - could follow his instructions to the letter. Hallelujah! (The Message)

Nellie and I started reading the gospels at night. We covered the Gospel of John while in Africa and this week we started with Mark. We forgot to read last night! Yes, we did. So, while on our morning walk, while walking through Seaside Cemetery, I let the Bible be read to us. Using my smart phone for something smart for a change, it read Mark 4 in this English accent. At the very last verse in that chapter I started singing, "What a Mighty God We Serve." Not too loud, didn't want to disturb the residents and Selena was nearby and she could sing; me somewhat.. But then we started talking about the power of God to calm even the storms and cast out demons. I said, "Why do we cower in fear at the sight of storm in our lives when the God we worship controls anything and everything that can and does come against God's Church?" The Psalmist is saying the same thing. Make known your faith in a joyful manner and others will want to know and some may even want the same for their lives. Live a life that radiates the joy and profound happiness that is ours as Christians. Don't let people say, "Why should I want to be a gloomy-faced 'believer?' They seem down all the time!" Not so or shouldn't be so in our lives. Remember the great things God has done in your life and the even greater things still to come!

Live a happy life!

PRAYER: Loving God, give me a smile when it hurts to move my mouth. Give me a laugh when others expect a cry. Let Your joy be my strength today and all days; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Saying Hmm to God

2011-08-24T05:48:00.001-05:00

Loving God of the journey, travel with the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 3: 1 Moses was shepherding the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the west end of the wilderness and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. 2 The angel of God appeared to him in flames of fire blazing out of the middle of a bush. He looked. The bush was blazing away but it didn't burn up. 3 Moses said, "What's going on here? I can't believe this! Amazing! Why doesn't the bush burn up?" 4 God saw that he had stopped to look. God called to him from out of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" He said, "Yes? I'm right here!" 5 God said, "Don't come any closer. Remove your sandals from your feet. You're standing on holy ground." 6 Then he said, "I am the God of your father: The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God. 7 God said, "I've taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I've heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. 8 And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 9 "The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I've seen for myself how cruelly they're being treated by the Egyptians. 10 It's time for you to go back: I'm sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt." 11 Moses answered God, "But why me? What makes you think that I could ever go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 "I'll be with you," God said. "And this will be the proof that I am the one who sent you: When you have brought my people out of Egypt, you will worship God right here at this very mountain." 13 Then Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the People of Israel and I tell them, 'The God of your fathers sent me to you'; and they ask me, 'What is his name?' What do I tell them?" 14 God said to Moses, "I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, 'I-AM sent me to you.'" 15 God continued with Moses: "This is what you're to say to the Israelites: 'God, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.' This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known. (The Message)

You called me just so I can end up here? God has a wonderful and sometimes unexplainable plan for your life. And yes, sometimes it doesn't make sense to us, but that's all right because it makes sense to God for God's purposes. I heard of a man who during World War II decided he would sign up to do his part for his country and see the world at the same time. He was from a small town here in Texas, south of here, Bishop, Texas. He was sent to San Antonio, Texas, to train and when fully trained was sent to Kingsville for the duration of the war. For those who don't know Texas, Kingsville is 5 miles south of Bishop. Moses, newlywed and working for his father-in-law, is also a fugitive from the law. He had murdered someone in Egypt and now a strange call from God comes from a burning bush. The bush was not consumed by the fire but it served its purpose, that of calling Moses towards it so that God could call Moses. The voice of God tells Moses that God has heard the prayers of the people and God was going to set them free using Moses and that when this liberation took place God would be worshiped on the same spot that Moses stood. You and I would probably have said, Hmmm. Moses almost did and said something similar in his response and several times during this faithful service to God. As probably you have during your life of service to God, you've had those days when you've wondered just why you said yes to God to begin with; yet at the right moment you've said, Thanks be to God!

May today be one of those days when the bright light of assurance and blessing breaks through the dark and gloom of doubt. May God share a revelation with you today about your life and purpose. And may we all be ready to receive it.

PRAYER: Loving God, may today be the day of blessing and assurance for my life; may I walk with You in a way that will speak to me about faithful devotion and service to You; I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Loving from the Center of Who We Are

2011-08-23T05:55:00.000-05:00

O Lord, be Thou the vision and future of this dear reader in whatever she or he may be facing today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 12: 9 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. 10 Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 11 Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12 cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. 13 Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. 14 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. 15 Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. 16 Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. 17 Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. 18 If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. 19 Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." 20 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. 21 Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. (The Message)

Yesterday in many parts of the country it was the first day of school. Those of you who are on FaceBook may have seen pictures of those going on their first day of school. Our grandson, Liam, 2, went to his school and did not cry, which I think may have made his mom cry. He was ready and he was learning about dinosaurs and wasn't all that ready to leave school when she picked him up. It made her laugh because for as long as she can remember everyday when I would pick them up or see them when they got home, no matter their age, I would ask, "What did you learn in school today?" Usually their reply was, "Nothing." I would immediately ask, "You didn't learn about dinosaurs?" No, sir. "Volcanos?" No, sir. "What kind of school are you in??" Yes, even in high school we had that routine. One thing I worried about for my kids and perhaps you worry about yours is bullying. Not every child is in Sunday school every Sunday. Not everyone has the solid spiritual foundation that perhaps you're trying to instill in your child(ren). Not everyone will see this great passage from Paul about how to act. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone read this list and learn from it? Even Christians?

We all have room to grow in our relationship with God and with others. We should never reach a point where we can say, I am comfortable or I have done enough. I don't love enough as I should. I don't think I have learned quite how to "love from the center," because "I" usually get the in way. Loving from the center of who we are means putting God and others first. That is a difficult thing to do. We don't always want to be number two in anything and we're just out for what we can get for ourselves. And that flies right in the face of what our Lord taught us.

May we today learn from Jesus and those who write about him, like Paul, about how to live. May it rub off on our children and we pray on their friends and schoolmates.

PRAYER: Loving God of love and peace, may I today be as Your Son taught. May this passage from Your Word be a list of how I should be and live. May my life be a positive force in the lives of those who are in need of it. Bless and protect all of our children and their schools. May we come closer to that which You would have us be and live. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Let Jesus Lead!

2011-08-22T06:51:00.000-05:00

Blessed God of all creatures, pour out showers of Your grace and love upon this dear reader. We also could use some rain, dear Lord, according to Thy plan and will for us; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 16:21 Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. 22 Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!" 23 But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works." 24 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. 25 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. 26 What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? 27 "Don't be in such a hurry to go into business for yourself. Before you know it the Son of Man will arrive with all the splendor of his Father, accompanied by an army of angels. You'll get everything you have coming to you, a personal gift. 28 This isn't pie in the sky by and by. Some of you standing here are going to see it take place, see the Son of Man in kingdom glory." (The Message)

If we take Jesus by the hand, let Jesus lead! To be quite honest with ourselves and with God, we don't always know what we're doing or wanting to do or knowing where we need to go. Jesus does. Even when it seems that we don't like what we're about to do or undergo or where it seems Jesus is leading. Such was the case in this passage. Jesus was sharing with His disciples that which He needed to endure for the sake of God's plan for His life. It was not what the disciples, especially Peter, wanted to hear. As often happens with us, the first one or two words of bad news we stop hearing or understanding what follows. Jesus said He would suffer and die, and that's all they heard. They probably did not hear the part about "the third day." Peter takes Jesus by the hand and began to protest and to utter words of protection for Jesus. This from the man whose name Jesus had changed to ROCK. Now Jesus gives him another name, thank God no permanently, "Satan." His words and actions were not God-like; they were Satan-like and thus the name. The message to the disciples is ours as well: Let Jesus lead. Let Jesus drive. Do not fear suffering, learn from it. Self-help is not as good as self-sacrifice. If you lose yourself, you'll find your true self. Be patient and realize that God's in control and all things will go God's way.

These are not easy lessons. They run contary to everything the world teaches. These lessons are lessons of obedience, surrender and trust. They are eternal lessons of truth that we should learn from and embrace for the good of our lives and the good of Christ's ministry in us.

Let Jesus lead.

PRAYER: Loving Lord, I surrender to You and allow You to take my hands and gently lead me to obedience and service. I repent of the times I have thought I have been leading when all along I was wrong and lost. Thank You for new opportunities! I pray this in Your Name, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

You Matter to God!

2011-08-18T07:17:00.001-05:00

Loving God of this precious day, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Exodus 1: 8 A new king came to power in Egypt who didn't know Joseph. 9 He spoke to his people in alarm, "There are way too many of these Israelites for us to handle. 10 We've got to do something: Let's devise a plan to contain them, lest if there's a war they should join our enemies, or just walk off and leave us." 11 So they organized them into work-gangs and put them to hard labor under gang-foremen. They built the storage cities Pithom and Rameses for Pharaoh. 12 But the harder the Egyptians worked them the more children the Israelites had - children everywhere! The Egyptians got so they couldn't stand the Israelites 13 and treated them worse than ever, crushing them with slave labor. 14 They made them miserable with hard labor - making bricks and mortar and back-breaking work in the fields. They piled on the work, crushing them under the cruel workload. 15 The king of Egypt had a talk with the two Hebrew midwives; one was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. 16 He said, "When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the sex of the baby. If it's a boy, kill him; if it's a girl, let her live." 17 But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn't do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live. 18 The king of Egypt called in the midwives. "Why didn't you obey my orders? You've let those babies live!" 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, "The Hebrew women aren't like the Egyptian women; they're vigorous. Before the midwife can get there, they've already had the baby." 20 God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number - a very strong people. 21 And because the midwives honored God, God gave them families of their own. 22 So Pharaoh issued a general order to all his people: "Every boy that is born, drown him in the Nile. But let the girls live." 1 A man from the family of Levi married a Levite woman. 2 The woman became pregnant and had a son. She saw there was something special about him and hid him. She hid him for three months. 3 When she couldn't hide him any longer she got a little basket-boat made of papyrus, waterproofed it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it. Then she set it afloat in the reeds at the edge of the Nile. 4 The baby's older sister found herself a vantage point a little way off and watched to see what would happen to him. 5 Pharaoh's daughter came down to the Nile to bathe; her maidens strolled on the bank. She saw the basket-boat floating in the reeds and sent her maid to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the child - a baby crying! Her heart went out to him. She said, "This must be one of the Hebrew babies." 7 Then his sister was before her: "Do you want me to go and get a nursing mother from the Hebrews so she can nurse the baby for you?" 8 Pharaoh's daughter said, "Yes. Go." The girl went and called the child's mother. 9 Pharaoh's daughter told her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me. I'll pay you." The woman took the child and nursed him. 10 After the child was weaned, she presented him to Pharaoh's daughter who adopted him as her son. She named him Moses (Pulled-Out), saying, "I pulled him out of the water." (The Message)

Your birth may not have been as dramatic as Moses', but it had a purpose nonetheless. What is that purpose? You and I mattered to God on the day of our birth and we matter just as much now. What are we doing about it? We can choose to ignore thinking we owe anything back to God and live our lives pleasing only ourselves and what will that get us? Most everyone will reach a point where the spiritual will matter and a lot of people seek to find answers. And that is especially great if we know to look in spiritual places for spiritual answers. Some try to buy things for comfort and meaning. Those things grow old and start to malfunction. You can keep trying to re-place them but why? Others seek comfort and meaning in stimulants and vices and soon learn there is nothing there only part of what Jesus said about our nemesis in John 10:10. Some know right from the start and you see it in their development and joy. Others find it later in life and spend their lives trying to tell others about it. The good thing is that it is never too late to find the meaning and purpose God has for your life and then doing something about it.

Spend some time today in quiet reflection with your God and allow God to speak to you about what it is that is missing in your life's meaning and purpose. Then do something about it.

PRAYER: Loving God all of us matter to You and for that we are thankful. May today be a day of confirmation for the plan and purpose you have for me and my life. May I seek to be faithful to Your leading. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

God, bring out the best in me!

2011-08-17T06:10:00.001-05:00

Loving God of joy and peace, pour out Your rich and wonderful blessings upon the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

At the World Methodist Conference we heard from a man who when a boy lost his home and belongings to an army of occupation. The home and the land his father owned was taken from them and they were forced to walk many miles to a refugee camp. It had been the father who had told the family that this army was coming and they needed to accept them for they had had not place to call home for many years and they were a persecuted people. They did as the father said and welcomed them, fed them; and within a few days the army sends them away from their own home. This would have planted the seeds of hatred in most of us. Many of our lives would have taken a different course and many of us would have sought ways to pay back this injustice.

Today's text comes from Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 12, verses 1-8:

1 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. 2 Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. 3 I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. 4 In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. 5 The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, 6 let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; 7 if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; 8 if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. (The Message)

This young man grew up with love for all people and dedicated his life to God as a priest. Yes, he is a Christian. And the army to which he lost everything was the Israeli army (Jewish). He is a Palestinian Christian living alongside the Jews who took his land. It was in 2005 when the Israeli police chief of his town called him frantic that something tragic had happened and could get worse for both sides if he did not help out. The situation was that a young Jewish soldier riding in a bus filled with Palestinians lost his temper and shot the bus driver dead. He shot the nephew of the bus driver, and he shot dead two young women. One was on the bus to the bridal shop where she was to buy her wedding dress, and the other on her way to her college graduation ceremony. The other passengers on the bus stoned the young soldier and killed him. There was a standoff between Palestinians and Jews. The police and army could not retrieve the body of the soldier and thus the call to this priest to help them recover the body and to stop and prevent further bloodshed. He accepted the call and went. He asked permission to board the bus and was given it. He talked to the Palestinians and told them what he was going to do. The police chief told him the bus was wired to explode. He entered the bus and said he saw blood everywhere. He wanted to know which was Palestinian blood and which was Jewish blood. He said, "It was all the same!" With God's help he diffused the situation and allowed the people to go home without further bloodshed. This priest is now the Archbishop of Galilee.

Paul writes to Christians about Christian behavior. In fact, a lot of the New Testament is Paul writing to Christians about Christian behavior (or the lack thereof!). Paul is basically saying, let God bring out the best in you! He was echoing Jesus about this type of living that makes no sense to the world. It inspired the famous prayer, "where there is hatred, let me sow love," etc., God bring out the best in me.

May your life today be the best that God has brought out in you!

PRAYER: Loving God, bring out the best in me. Let me truly be an instrument of your peace; let me show love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy; no matter what the world may show. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Request for Mrs. Marcelina Alegria, who suffered a fall at a convenience store in Bryan, TX, on her way home to Corpus Christi. She was airlifted to the hospital with various injuries and is now recovering at her son, Rev. Frank Alegria's home. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Jesus Christ for the Healing of the Nations (World Methodist Conference theme)

2011-08-16T06:23:00.000-05:00

Loving God of all people, may Your rich and wonderful blessings be upon this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Dear friends, I thank you again for your faithfulness in your prayers for Nellie and I during our trip to South Africa. We were richly and wonderfully blessed by what God is doing among the people called Methodists all around the world, but especially in South Africa. The World Methodist Council sponsors the World Methodist Conference and it is to celebrate and be aware of needs among people of the world. The Council was started in 1891, a hundred years after John Wesley's death to commerate his work among the people of the world and because they knew that the people called Methodists numbered about 2 million in 1891. Among the purposes for establishing the work of the council is to "Pray for and support needs of persecuted Christians " and "Encourage ministries of justice and peace." The reason we were in South Africa was to celebrate the work of Jesus in ridding the country of apartheid. This was the first time the conference and council could meet their after the end of apartheid and the work of Methodists was key in helping end legalized segregation and injustice. It was a tremendous time of worship and witness to the people of South Africa as well as the 3,000 delegates from around the world. It was very much in line with the Gospel text for this coming week found in Matthew 16:13:

13 When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." 15 He pressed them, "And how about you? Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter said, "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. 18 And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. 19 "And that's not all. You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven." 20 He swore the disciples to secrecy. He made them promise they would tell no one that he was the Messiah. (The Message)

Every day and in every way, you and I have an opportunity to give an answer to Jesus' question, "And how about you? Who do you say I am?" May our words, our actions, our love and compassion give the answer that Peter shared, Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

PRAYER: Loving God, may it be so in my life today and all days; that I give witness to Who you are. May I say something or do something that will glorify You and give evidence that in my heart, You are the Messiah, the Son of God, and my Lord and Savior. I pray this in Thy name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What Do You See When You Pray?

2011-07-28T06:29:00.001-05:00

Loving God of all people, fill the heart and spirit of this dear reader with Your joy; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 17: 1 Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear. 2 Show the world I'm innocent - in your heart you know I am. 3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night - You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose. 4 I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way. 5 I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up. 6 I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So - answer! bend your ear! listen sharp! 7 Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you. 15 And me? I plan on looking you full in the face. When I get up, I'll see your full stature and live heaven on earth. (The Message).

"Close your eyes when you pray!" I believe my Mother and my Father taught me that. My grandmother also stressed that. I wonder who taught that to them. As a child it was hard to close my eyes, there was too much going on and so much to yet see! And in recent times the danger after a long day and a long night sometimes makes it easy to sleep after one closes ones eyes to pray. What or who do you see when you pray? Does your mind take you places like the ones for which you're praying? Do you see the people for whom you've just asked a blessing? Does it matter? The Psalmist in this prayer psalm is saying that his desire as he prays is to see God "full in the face." This means that though we do not know what God looks like he still wants to see the presence of God and while there may not be an image which can describe that, it is the intention that matters. Our prayers should be such that God can see us as we really are. No hiding anything from God. God knows it all. Are you scared? Worried? God knows. Are you anxious and stressed over a pending thing happening today? God knows. But as you pray do you know Who God is in your needful times? If it worry, do you know God is the quencher of worry? If it is illness, do you know God as the divine healer? If it is fear, do you know God as the author and provider of peace?

Our prayers should never end. Our hope should never end as well. I love the phrase in this new translation of God "(p)ainting grace-graffiti on the fences." Can you imagine that, messages that address your needs? "Don't worry!" "Be still and know that I am God." "God's on the case," and an old favorite from a dear former member of one of my churches, "There's no need to fear, Jesus is here!"

Indeed.

PRAYER: Loving God as I pray this morning let me see You for Who You are. As I adore and worship You, let me see You as Almighty, Powerful, Worthy of my praise. As I confess my sins and thoughts for me, let me see You as mercy and peace, the giver of forgiveness. As I thank You for You have shared, let me see You as a provider of all good things. As I pray for others, let me see You as the God who loves everyone. I pray this in Jesus' name , amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

PS ConCafe will be on vacation for a bit. I ask your prayers as Nellie and I today start a trek towards South Africa for the World Methodist Conference. I am not taking my computer with me so there will be no new ConCafes until August 15th. Please continue to read your Bible and say your prayers and by all means go the House of the Lord of your choice and worship God!

How Are You Sleeping?

2011-07-27T07:19:00.001-05:00

God of mercy and peace, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Genesis 32: 22 But during the night he got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He got them safely across the brook along with all his possessions. 24 But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he couldn't get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob's hip out of joint. 26 The man said, "Let me go; it's daybreak." Jacob said, "I'm not letting you go 'til you bless me." 27 The man said, "What's your name?" He answered, "Jacob." 28 The man said, "But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it's Israel (God-Wrestler); you've wrestled with God and you've come through." 29 Jacob asked, "And what's your name?" The man said, "Why do you want to know my name?" And then, right then and there, he blessed him. 30 Jacob named the place Peniel (God's Face) because, he said, "I saw God face-to-face and lived to tell the story!" 31 The sun came up as he left Peniel, limping because of his hip. (The Message)

The Bible is a book with interesting characters. There is not a perfect one in the bunch, except Jesus. But the Old Testament is interesting and sometimes funny in a sad way, of the way we people live. Jacob was the prime example of dishonesty and greed. Born as the second twin, he grabbed his brother's heel as he was born so that he would be right behind his brother. And given the custom of the first-born getting everything, his brother was the heir of all things. But that didn't stop Jacob, he bought his brother's birthright for a bowl of beans. Later, with the help of his mother, tricked his aging dad from giving his blessing to the right son and got it for himself. And later when he met the girl of his dreams, his father-in-law tricked him into working for free for 14 years so that he could have the girl of his dreams and her older sister (yes, it was allowed in those days). Then the same man was tricking him into more years of service with the arrangement they made regarding livestock. And all this while Jacob's older brother he thought, fumed about his having been cheated out of everything rightfully his. Did you get that? Should I diagram it? No wonder he fled a lot and had trouble sleeping!

In today's passage he had an interesting dream where he wrestled with "a man" who threw Jacob's hip out of joint to get the match to end. Jacob did not want to let the man go because he knew something was going on. The man changed Jacob's name to Israel, which means "One who wrestles with God." The name would become the name of a nation made up of people who wrestled and still wrestle with God. This story is about you and me. It is the basis of why we need God and God's love. We are a people given in to following things that benefit us rather than bless God. It is in our nature to watch out always for ourselves and our families, seldom do we truly care about others. We "limp" through life until we surrender completely to God's love and mercy. Until we do we too, will have sleepless nights where it will seem we are wrestling with God.

PRAYER: Loving God, let me completely surrender to You today. Let me seek to be all about blessing You and Yours rather than just me and mine. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Some People Get It, Some Don't

2011-07-26T07:01:00.001-05:00

Amazing God of peace and order, order the life of this dear reader so that they may know your peace; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 9: 1 At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. 2 It's an enormous pain deep within me, and I'm never free of it. I'm not exaggerating - Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It's the Israelites . . . 3 If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I'd do it in a minute. They're my family. 4 I grew up with them. They had everything going for them - family, glory, covenants, revelation, worship, promises, 5 to say nothing of being the race that produced the Messiah, the Christ, who is God over everything, always. Oh, yes! (The Message)

Many have been the households where one person in it loves the Lord and cannot do enough for Him, and the others could care less. One has to quietly get up Sunday morning without waking others so that they may attend church and worship God. The other will sleep in and not worry about missing anything. They sing praises to God yet they carry that burden in their hearts, that perhaps one day it will take hold and God will be real to them. Imagine carrying the weight of an entire nation. Such was Paul's dilemma. He would rather take a curse so that they might live in the fullness of life than know that many were not interested in hearing about God's love through Jesus Christ. "They have everything going for them," Paul says, "Think about what they have - the family name and family connection, the glory of God's acts in their history, the covenants that God made with them, the revealed truths that no one else has enjoyed; the worship and praise of God in their past, and the promises God has made and has fulfilled in them - not to mention that from this race has come the Son of God, the Messiah of us all!

Our job is to continue to pray and to demonstrate God's love to those who still don't get it. We may be okay with an hour or two separation each Sunday but the day will come where an eternity will separate us from loved ones because they chose comfort and convenience over the Christ of love.

PRAYER: Loving God, I lift up those, and sometimes I include myself, who don't get it. I'm as guilty as others for sometimes choosing the easier way. Forgive me, but help me live a life and share the words that may just make a difference in someone else's life. I pray this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Our God of Provision

2011-07-25T07:26:00.000-05:00

Loving God of peace and strength, fill the life of this dear reader with hope and joy; may Your peace guide them today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 14: 13 When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully - someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. 14 When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick. 15 Toward evening the disciples approached him. "We're out in the country and it's getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper." 16 But Jesus said, "There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper." 17 "All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish," they said. 18 Jesus said, "Bring them here." 19 Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. 20 They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. 21 About five thousand were fed. (The Message)

You and I sometimes need those "leave me alone for a while" moments. Time to think moments. Time to cry moments. It's never easy to lose a loved one. I was a freshman in college when my Mom called me to let me know a cousin of mine had died. He lived in Kingsville and I was in Jacksonville. My Dad told me I did not have to worry about attending the funeral as I had no car nor a way to get down there; but I knew about buses. I took one of the longest bus rides in my life from Jacksonville to Kingsville to attend that funeral. The long bus ride was that time alone for me. Jesus lost his cousin. For speaking the truth openly and honestly, John the Baptist was murdered. And when Jesus heard this news He needed time alone. But due to His popularity it didn't happen.

Jesus used this time with people to heal the sick and before they realized the time it was late. The disciples always ready with answers said that Jesus needed to send the people away. Jesus responds that they should feed them instead. All that was available were five loaves of bread and two fish. And then the unexplainable happens: In the blessing and sharing of this simple meal, there was enough food to feed five thousand people. Everyone ate their fill and 12 baskets of leftovers were collected. I loved hearing different "explanations" while growing up from different pastors about "what really happened." Most were theories these pastors had heard and shared. One said that the 5,000 were watched by Roman soldiers who always carried food with them and when they saw Jesus' gesture of sharing they decided to share. Another said that the people themselves worried about having to share their food kept it hidden until they also saw this gesture of sharing and then they decide to share. The rest I cannot remember. But the one I love best is the possibility (or reality) that the story tells what really happened; a miracle, which is an event that defies common logic or scientific explanation. The God who created all things knows no limit to power or explanation. The God who provides, can and does provide all the time. The God invoked in prayer to provide for needs, does.

What do you need? More importantly, what do you hold that could bless someone else's need? Are you willing to share it? Are you willing and ready to trust God in all things?

PRAYER: Loving God, You provide all things to all who ask, in prayer and faith. Share with me that which I need to help bless someone else today. May I seek to be a vessel of blessing and provision for someone in need. Thank You for Jesus and His willingness to give. May I seek to be like Him. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Joy of God's Word!

2011-07-21T07:19:00.001-05:00

Loving God of all seasons, may the season of this dear reader's life be filled with health, joy, and rich blessings; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 119: 129 Every word you give me is a miracle word - how could I help but obey? 130 Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. 131 Mouth open and panting, I wanted your commands more than anything. 132 Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. 133 Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. 134 Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women so I can live life your way. 135 Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live. 136 I cry rivers of tears because nobody's living by your book! (The Message)

Summertime is a time for reading for most people. As the summer was beginning various sources gave us lists of "must-read" books, and several friends have posted on their social network outlets what they're reading at present. With the download app of my tablet I can download samples of those books that have been recommended and have already rejected a couple. You and I know when something is really a "must read."

The Psalmist felt that way about God's Word. Having compared himself to a thirsting, panting deer for the quenching of God's word in his life, you know that he's serious about not only reading it but living it. The joy and enthusiasm of someone like that is contagious! You begin to understand his excitement about these stories, teaching, messages, and commandments from God for better living. Is the Bible one of your summer must-reads? The belief of the psalmist is one of a one who seeks others to know what he knows. He knows that in God and through God's Word we find what we need when we need it. Is the Bible one of your summer must-reads?

PRAYER: Loving God, give me the joy and enthusiasm of this your servant the Psalmist; may his joy be my joy and may my joy be found in You and Your Word. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Wisdom to Be Wise

2011-07-20T08:56:00.001-05:00

Precious Lord, take the hand and heart of this dear reader on the path of peace and justice; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from 1 Kings 3: 5 That night, there in Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, "What can I give you? Ask." 6 Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him - and this very day! - a son to sit on his throne. 7 "And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. 8 And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people - far too many to ever count. 9 "Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" 10 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. 11 And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, 12 I'll give you what you've asked for - I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. (The Message)

I was sharing with my daughter that many years ago while still a young pastor, an elderly member of my church came by with one of those mass-produced publishing sweepstakes company letter. In it it said that he, like me, you and all 7 trillion people on earth, COULD be the winner of the grand prize of $10 million. He had read it wrong but wanted me to call these people and ask when that money could be delivered. He would not listen to reason, for he had in his hand the letter that said he was the winner! I told him I had received the same letter, unfortunately I had already thrown it away to prove to him that we weren't really the winners of $10 million. I knew the man could use the money, and I had several ideas of my own, but I kept those in the deep recesses of my thoughts.

Riches. It was one of the things Solomon could have asked for in that vision with God. God gave him the chance to ask for whatever it was he wanted, and while many of us might have asked for silver and gold. He didn't. Others might have asked for a very long, healthy life. And a smaller group I would hope, might have asked for the end of their enemies. Solomon asked for none of these things. He asked for a "God-listening heart" so that he might be a better leader. Wow. Other versions have Solomon asking for "an understanding mind," and the ancient version, which celebrates its 400th Birthday this year says, "an understanding heart." (King James Version). Still others say it was wisdom that Solomon requested. What we do know was that God granted that request and allowed Solomon to be known as one of the wisest rulers in history.

Have you ever asked for a God-listening heart? What difference do you think it might make in the way you live your life? I believe that a God-listening heart turns us outward towards the needs of others and beyond our needs. If we think about it too long the list for what we believe we "need" becomes ridiculous and reveals our selfish and self-centered side.

PRAYER: Gracious God grant to me a heart like the one Solomon wanted to make better decisions; may my heart truly listen to You at all times. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What's On Your List Today?

2011-07-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

Amazing God as this dear reader begins their day, let it be in You and Your love; as the day winds down may Your embrace strengthen and refresh them; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (New Revised Standard Version)

I take a certain medication that prompted my pharmacy to send me in the mail a detailed list of content, side-effects, and disclaimers. It came neatly in a regular sized envelope but it was folded. When I unfolded it it was bigger than a map of Texas! And the print was so small it could have contained all the words in the New Testament. But knowing me and others like me, on the side, it had in bigger, bolder print, a recap of the possible side effects, beginning with number one: This could cause another ailment that could kill you. Okay. Thank you. And then the list, in their opinion I believe, descending order: tired or listless, etc. Thank God I don't have any of those! What's the old saying, the cure is worse than the disease? Such has been the theme this week thus far: God is there when we need God the most. No matter the situation or problem if we allow each spiritual influence take root and sprout when we need God's blessing and help, it is there. For Paul he knew that sometimes we can no longer pray either because of weakness or weeping, but Paul understood the Holy Spirit's power to intercede for us. Paul also knew that sorts of things in life that can weaken us and it's in the midst of those things that God's love through Jesus Christ is the strongest.

What's your list today? It is a hardship? Something causing you distress? You're not getting along with someone at work? It seems your paycheck doesn't stretch far enough? God is with you! Then Paul adds the other list: Even if we face death or in the midst of life, Christ's love is there. Name anything you can and that thing will not separate you from Christ's precious and powerful love!

PRAYER: Loving God, You know the list of things that I face today in my own personal life. I turn them over to You and thank You for the presence and power of Your love. Never let me forget it. Let it be a blessing of strength for me. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Blessings When We Need Them!

2011-07-18T10:16:00.001-05:00

God of rich and wonderful blessings, thank you for the work of this dear reader; may she or he be blessed today! In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 13: 31 Another story. "God's kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. 32 It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it." 33 Another story. "God's kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread - and waits while the dough rises."44 "God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic - what a find! - and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field. 45 "Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. 46 Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it. 47 "Or, God's kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. 48 When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. 49 That's how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish 50 and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won't do any good." 51 Jesus asked, "Are you starting to get a handle on all this?" They answered, "Yes." 52 He said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in God's kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it." (The Message)

You and I have been handed business cards or scraps of paper with a phone number on it along with the person saying, "If you ever need anything, just give me a call." Those who truly mean it truly bless us. And we walk away with a good feeling knowing that this person will be there if we need with the help we might possibly need sometime in the future. It is especially meaningful if that person shares a numbere that is not on the printed front of the card, a hand-scribbled phone number no one else has. This may not mean much to you but I have a friend who is one of three people in the USA who has the Pope's private phone number. Of course it goes with his position within our denomination, but I was impressed.

God's kingdom is there when you need it. That's the message Jesus is sharing with His listeners. The fullness and richness of life that is full of hope and joy and peace is ours for the taking when we need it. Jesus compares it to the planting of a seed. The seed goes deep within and slowly grows and becomes that which we need when we need it most. It may be like yeast mixed in with dough and then rises and helps make a great loaf of bread. It could be like a field that on the surface shows nothing but deep within it contains treasure, so much so that the finder of it goes and sells all he or she has to purchase that field. It is to teach us that every Bible verse that we've read and prayed on and reflected on, will serve its purpose one day. Every sermon's main message will stay with us and our well will be deep when there is that need for a quenching that nothing else can do. Dare I believe that every ConCafe that you read and ponder on, may one day bless you more than the first reading. I pray that is true. Such is our God that God is never far from us. May we never be far from God.

PRAYER: Loving God may the seeds and yeast planted as blessings yesterday come to full fruit on the days in which we need them most. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

Take My Hand!

2011-07-14T06:19:00.001-05:00

Amazing God of all people, bless and protect the goings and comings of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Psalm 139: 1 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too - your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in! 7 Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? 8 If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! 9 If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, 10 You'd find me in a minute - you're already there waiting! 11 Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" 12 It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you. 23 Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; 24 See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong - then guide me on the road to eternal life. (The Message)

Where can you go to hide from God? The Bible says that even in the belly of a great fish at the bottom of the ocean God still knows where you are. Have you ever tried to hide from God? Where did you go and how long did it take for God to find you? Or, for you to realize that God was already there waiting for you and you were the only one who thought that you were hiding? I tried hiding from God in the belly of corporate America. I had dropped out of seminary and thought God had made a mistake in calling me into ministry. In the great fish known as AT&T which then owned all of the "Baby Bells" including Southwestern Bell where I worked, 40,000 employees just in the Houston area at that time, my first office assignment was to sit directly across another seminary dropout.

Brothers and sisters, there is nowhere we can run or hide that God will not already be there or as we like to think, "find us." The Psalmist knew this and thus the passage from today. In fact, all of the passages for this week speak of OUR responsibility to know that God is in control and this great adventure that we call life is lived best when we just join hands with God and walk. Yesterday our youngest grandson, my namesake, Caleb Eradio, was in our care and he loves the staircase in his aunt's house and in a matter of seconds he would be on the first two steps. It took Grandma to say, "Take my hand Caleb," and he did and the rest of the time, he'd raise his little hand to us and up the stair we would go. What an adventure for the two of us climbing stairs and me trying to teach him to count each step. God awaits our hand. And heart.

PRAYER: Loving God, take my hand, lead me on. Life is so precious when we're holding hands with You. Don't let go especially during the times I'm weak or tired or discouraged. Never let me think I can hide from You or You from me. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

INCREDIBLE. WONDERFUL. HOLY.

2011-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

God of unlimited power, pour our Your richest blessings as needed in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Genesis 28: 10 Jacob left Beersheba and went to Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and camped for the night since the sun had set. He took one of the stones there, set it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground and it reached all the way to the sky; angels of God were going up and going down on it. 13 Then God was right before him, saying, "I am God, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I'm giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as the dust of the Earth; they'll stretch from west to east and from north to south. All the families of the Earth will bless themselves in you and your descendants. 15 Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you." 16 Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "God is in this place - truly. And I didn't even know it!" 17 He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven." 18 Jacob was up first thing in the morning. He took the stone he had used for his pillow and stood it up as a memorial pillar and poured oil over it. 19 He christened the place Bethel (God's House). The name of the town had been Luz until then. (The Message)

Ladder? Stairway? Escalator? Okay, no biblical versions that I'm aware of mention an escalator, but the movies do. I'm talking about Jacob's dream and how God revealed so much to this young man during that night. Verse 12 tells us he dreamed of a stairway from the ground to the sky and he could see angels going up and coming down on it. The comedian says, "An escalator? Do we go through a mall on the way to Heaven? Can I stop off at Orange Julius on the way?" The song wouldn't be the same if we had to force in "escalator" for "ladder." And then you'd have to change the words from "We are climbing Jacob's ladder" to "We are riding Jacob's escalator." Nah. Doesn't work. The dream got Jacob's attention and it allowed God to tell him that he was the God of his father and mother and the God of his brother and those yet to come. God's promise to Jacob was to be with him, to protect him and to guide his going out and coming back. And it was a promise of fulfillment of everything that had been promised to him. What I love are Jacob's word in this version: Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. And then he says, "this is God's house. This is the gate of Heaven." When was the last time you used any of those words to describe your church? Incredible? Probably in the sense of "It's incredible how long the sermon took!" Wonderul? "(Sarcastic tone) "It's so wonderful that so and so finally said hi to me!" Holy? "Holy cow is it 12 noon already??" I'm teasing. But think about it: These are awesome words, collectable words. I have a friend who collects words during each day, meaningful words. There's three. And, they're used to describe the awesomeness of God.

May these days leading up to your day of worship be such that you will say on that day, Incredible! Wonderful! Holy! This is God's house!

PRAYER: Loving God may the presence of Your Spirit move me to awe at Your love and compassion for me. May I prepare myself from today forward until worship time so that I might say all that Jacob said and more importantly, know like Jacob knew, that I am in Your house. I ask and pray this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

What's Next, Papa?

2011-07-12T06:26:00.001-05:00

Loving God, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 8: 12 So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. 13 There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. 14 God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! 15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" 16 God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. 17 And we know we are going to get what's coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! 18 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. 19 The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. 20 Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in 21 until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens. 22 All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. 23 These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. 24 That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. 25 But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. (The Message)

Several things led up to our having to move from our small town of Kingsville to Houston, Texas. Not all of them were pleasant nor what I would call good. In fact, it seemed like a harsh sentence received from a judge that forced us to move. I was 13 and didn't know any better. Dad has lost his good job and now if he wanted to provide for his family the only work he could find was in Houston. We moved to Houston in a '55 Chevrolet with all that would fit into the car being all we would take with us. There were five kids and Mom and Dad. That first couple of weeks saw us kids all crying for our beloved hometown. We quite didn't have the attitude that Paul says we should have about life. We were used to what we knew not to anything new. The sounds of a big city's emergency response vehicles were nothing like the old. The electronic wails of new sirens were intentional stimuli of fright; did I mention we lived on the emergency route to the Texas Medical Center for all downtown accidents? Yet, God was with us and our new church, our new schools, our new adventures prepared us for the wonderful lives we live now. Mom would say, "Things are going to get better" and they did.

What are you going through that seems difficult and impossible? Paul would say Christ is with us and if we're with Christ in the bad things just imagine what it going to be like in the great times yet ahead. And yes, even as we may face the end of life here, Paul would say, the best is yet to come. The great "Billy Graham of India, " the Reverend E. Stanley Jones stood in the pulpit during his 80s and declared to a congregation, "The next 25 years of my life are going to be the greatest ever!" Those governed by math may have not understood; those governed by faith did. Wha say you?

PRAYER: Lord, give me the expectant, joyous hope that nothing nor no one can match in all circumstances. I trust You and I know You are in complete and total control. Make me a blessing to You and Yours; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

How Good Are Your Ears?

2011-07-11T06:34:00.001-05:00

Blessed God, bless and protect this dear reader today in all that they may face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Matthew 13: 24 He told another story. "God's kingdom is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. 25 That night, while his hired men were asleep, his enemy sowed thistles all through the wheat and slipped away before dawn. 26 When the first green shoots appeared and the grain began to form, the thistles showed up, too. 27 "The farmhands came to the farmer and said, 'Master, that was clean seed you planted, wasn't it? Where did these thistles come from?' 28 "He answered, 'Some enemy did this.' "The farmhands asked, 'Should we weed out the thistles?' 29 "He said, 'No, if you weed the thistles, you'll pull up the wheat, too. 30 Let them grow together until harvest time. Then I'll instruct the harvesters to pull up the thistles and tie them in bundles for the fire, then gather the wheat and put it in the barn.'" 36 Jesus dismissed the congregation and went into the house. His disciples came in and said, "Explain to us that story of the thistles in the field." 37 So he explained. "The farmer who sows the pure seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels. 40 "The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom, 42 pitch them in the trash, and be done with them. They are going to complain to high heaven, but nobody is going to listen. 43 At the same time, ripe, holy lives will mature and adorn the kingdom of their Father. "Are you listening to this? Really listening? (The Message)

There are stories of churches, and I pray these are from where you are sitting, where if the conduct of a church member or visitor is not in accordance to that church's stances and doctrines, that church votes to dismiss the member and send him/her on their way. One such church, and this was some years ago, had a teenage girl in their midst who was known as "wild." Her behavior embarrassed even her parents not to mention what "the church" felt. She was disobedient, talked back, kept her own hours, yet still came to church, much to the dismay of "proper folk." The dilemma that pastor had was to listen to the proper folk and boot her out or allow her to stay with them praying and hoping that one day the "message" would take. The proper folk mentioned this parable and how it was now "harvest time" and the thistles needed to be taken out and burned! It was scriptural and thus it was mandated! How would you have voted?

It seems there was another thistle that was on its way to be "burned," for she had been caught "in the act" with a man and the law demanded her death. Someone by the name of Jesus intervened and stopped the execution with something He wrote on the ground. What he wrote no one really knows but people suspect that they were thistle things about each of the ones carrying the stones ready to kill the young woman. Funny thing how we can sometimes put ourselves in the "pure seed" category and then hear someone preach or teach and we realize we aren't so "pure" and find our name on the thistle list. Hmm. How I see it is that the separation duties belong to Christ. Our duty is to strive to be among the pure seed and to encourage others to come along and join us. If we see ourselves or someone we love moving slowly toward the thistle side, we pray harder and work harder in our example and witness so that we don't lose these potential harvest people to the gathering and burning that Jesus spoke of. What Jesus stressed was for us to listen really hard. I repeat the question, How good are your ears?

PRAYER: Loving God, open my ears, and not just my ears, my eyes, my heart, my soul, to listen closely and intently to what You speak to me. Let me hear truth. Let me see truth and let me be truth in all that I think, say, and do. Give me and all of us patience to love even those we have already put on a thistle list and want them scratched off the membership rolls. Forgive us and free us as we say so often, "for joyful obedience." I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

From Thorns to Flowers

2011-07-07T08:04:00.001-05:00

God of all situations and blessings; bless the needs in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Isaiah 55: 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. 12 For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (NRSV)

This is a prophetic passage of hope. And more so because rain has been scarce here recently. But the writer knew that rain and snow come from heaven and to heaven they return; while here they accomplish the work of "bring(ing) forth." There is a planned interaction between sunlight and rain, sowing, planting, and harvesting. All the work gets accomplished and God in everything has and is, a success. Those who work for God in the same way play a part of that interaction, not all doing the same thing, but all headed in the same direction of bringing forth the harvest for God. Some are Sunday school teachers. Some attend Sunday school. Some sing in the choir. Some like to listen to the choir. Some lead praise bands. Some sing in praise bands. Some play in praise bands. Some like to listen and sing with praise bands. Just as rain and snow, all of us have a great part to play.

The promise? Imagine being sent out with joy and led back in peace! Imagine a praise band led by mountains and hills, assisted by the clapping of the trees! All so that instead of thorns and briers we might have cypress and myrtle, all signs of God's everlasting love and presence.

PRAYER: Loving God may I be a part of that which needs to be done today in the harvest of your flowers. I've done enough to be a thorn and brier, but thanks to You I have been led away from that, to where I need to be. Let me help be a blessing to many. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Choices Made in Christ

2011-07-06T08:36:00.001-05:00

God of riches and might, pour out Your grace and power on the needs in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 8: 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law—indeed it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. (NRSV)

How you choose to start each day will more than likely determine the rest of the day. If you choose to start with prayer and dedicate yourself completely to God's service, your attitude will be different than if you decide to just do everything on your own. Your choice of starting with prayer and reminding yourself that Christ lives in you and has come so that you might have life in fullness makes all the difference in the world. It might even make a world of difference in your relationships, your work life, if you let Christ bless you and guide you in your living. Consider sitting at breakfast and your son spills your coffee on your shirt. Will you angrily rebuke your son for his clumsiness? Will you run upstairs angry at your wife for putting the coffee too close to the edge where this could happen? What would you do if you discover that while you've been changing your shirt, you son has been crying about being scolded in that way and so he didn't eat and he missed his bus to school; your wife can't take him because she's late, and your having to take your son will make you late for work so you speed? And after teh $200 fine for speeding, a son who jumps out of the car without telling you goodbye, you arrive late to work and instead of spending time making sure your co-workers are okay, you have to start to work immediately and what a day that is? You come home to discover there is now a chasm in your relationship with your son and wife... Or, you say, "Son, that's okay. Be a little more careful next time. Let me just go and change this shirt..." Would everything be the same as if you had jumped on folks?

The Spirit of Christ dwells in those who ask. The Spirit of Christ helps us make the better (and not always easier) decisions that help bless us in the long run. The fullness of life is so much better than simply existing and getting by.

PRAYER: Loving God, the day has already started and I may have not prayed as I should and I may have already upset my loved ones; please forgive me and help me make everything right with them. I seek to live as Your child today and I want the fullness of life. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde