WE THANK GOD FOR STRONG WOMEN!

Loving Father, be merciful to the needs of this dear reader. In Christ's Name, amen.

ALL: Thank you for your prayers for Saraí Evangelina, our granddaughter. Her surgery went well and she's already home. She was a bit cranky afterwards as one would expect.

In the fourth chapter of Judges, we're introduced to a prophetess by the name of Deborah. She was a woman of strong faith and because of that faith had been set up as a judge over God's people. As a prophet, she was in charge of almost every aspect of the people's lives; the spiritual, political, criminal and civil, and the military. In verse 6, she sends for a man named Barak, whom God has requested, by name, to go and fight an important battle for the Israelites. Now, the great thing about being called by name by God, is that God has already figured out and done all the advance work necessary for the task at hand. In this case, God said fight the battle, and the battle is yours. It's a no-brainer. God had already planned the strategy and the way in which to win the battle. All Barak had to do was show up!

The truth was that Barak, like most of us, was afraid. His response to Deborah and to God was, "I'll only go, if you go with me!" Now, fellas, this is a bit embarrassing I know, but it's recorded in the Bible. Women, enjoy it and claim it! This general, if you please, trained in battle and supposedly ready for battle, will go only if Deborah would go with him. He needed a presence and an assurance that God was with him and for him it was in the form of this strong woman of faith.

I live with a strong woman of faith and I feel great in her presence and in her prayers. I've waged many a battle alongside my woman, and I thank God for her. But what Barak needed, that I have, is my own personal faith in God. Until you do have it, learn from and be blessed by those who do have it. If you have a strong woman of faith learn from her but seek that which God can give you, and that is your own personal faith in the Lord.

PRAYER: Loving God, I thank you for the story of Deborah and her strong faith. I thank you for the women in my life who have blessed and strengthened me. I thank you for my wife who walks with me and has helped and blessed me. Bless this dear reader in his/her quest for the faith to do that which You has asked of them. I pray this prayer of faith in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

WE THANK GOD FOR WOMEN OF STRONG FAITH!

Gracious and loving God, please bless this dear reader and all s/he may face today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Dear friends, greetings from Wilmore, KY where I am attending the semi-annual board meeting of Asbury Theological Seminary. I apologize for not having sent out the ConCafes for Tuesday and today, but our schedule is hectic and I have not had immediate access to the internet and on one occasion, my own laptop! I hope to send one out later today for today and this one will count for yesterday.

Please be in serious prayer for my granddaughter, Saraí Evangelina Cortez, 2 yrs old, who undergoes dental surgery tomorrow in San Marcos. As you can imagine her mom and dad are very nervous about this as are her grandparents on both sides, but we know with all of us praying, God will bless her and allow her to come out of this with His blessings.

Her name is Jocabeth and she was a woman of deep faith. Her faith allowed her to have courage to stand up to the most powerful leader in the world, and to defy the order of the day which was to reduce the population of her type of babies. Don't you hate when someone refers to someone else, as "your type of people?" She lived through this. Her type of people were Hebrews and the leader in question was Pharoah, who had ordered that all male children born to the Hebrew women were to be put to death. She gave birth to a son and for three months nursed him and loved him. She thanked God the Hebrew midwives did not follow the order of Pharoah for he knew they would not kill the children and ordered them to throw the male children into the Nile River, but they did not follow this either.

When the baby was three months old, trusting God, she placed her son into a floating basket and allowed him to float down the river to the place where Pharoah's daughter bathed daily. Jocabeth sent her daughter to watch the basket and to watch over her son's journey. When the baby was found, the royal daughter claimed the child as her own. The baby's sister alert to this, asked if the woman wanted a Hebrew woman to nurse the child. The response was positive and of course, this girl knew the perfect Hebrew woman to do the job.

The child was, of course, Moses, future great leader of God's people in the Exodus from Egypt and a shaper of the faith during the forty years of formation in the wilderness.

We thank God for women of faith who trust God above all and everyone else. We know that by asking, all of us could have that same faith that allows for seemingly impossible things to be possible.

PRAYER: Lord God, let my faith increase today so that I can trust You more as Jocabeth did even in the face of terrible circumstances. Help me to be a person of faith and receive our thanks for women like Jocabeth who have great faith. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

WE THANK GOD FOR WOMEN!

Loving God, for all You share, I thank you for the life of this your son/daughter. Grant to them Your blessing, in Christ's Name, amen.

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to you! In honor of this special day, my sermon today as we started the new series, Yoked: A Quick Study in The Book of Acts, we started with Lydia, the "seller of purple" from Acts 16. We'll look at Lydia a bit later in the week, but for today, being Mother's Day Monday, we look at the mother of all mothers, Eve.

Eve is the name Adam gave to her. The story tells of Eve being the crowning present of all living creatures brought to the man, when God said it was not good for him to be alone. Not a suitable companion or helper or companion or partner was found among all the living animals. God knew it and the man was smart enough to know it. And to make this crowning gift even more special for the man, the story is that she came out of the man himself. The story is that God caused a deep sleep to come upon the man and while he slept, God performed a cosmic surgery and removed one of the ribs from the man and from that rib God formed a woman. From that special cage that guards the heart, came the achievement God intended for the man. She turned out to be as playful and mischievous as the man, going with him on daily exploration walks, walking alongside the man in the evening as the two of them walked with God. She even went so far as to accompany the man to the very spot God had warned them about, and it may have been her who said that they could not even touch the forbidden tree, for God never said such a thing. She as well as the man, were tempted by the serpent, and both succumbed to that temptation to become as God.

This first woman, as well as this first man, give us a clue that there is no one perfect in the pages of the Bible, except He who was God's Son. She was made as the one who enjoyed and explored life and when the time came, bore the children, also not at all perfect, of the man. Through her life with Adam, Eve quickly and sadly, learned all about life: the joys, the sorrows, the laughter, and the tears. Through her life and teaching, she also taught the children about God and how to worship and give to God, all too quickly coming to know the deep pain of death. She lived a full life, but sadly we don't know anything more about her except when she bore Adam's their third child, Seth.

Eve is like that distant figure in the old photos hanging in our grandparents' home, where only her name is mentioned and not much else is known. She, like the figure, smiles a demure smile, lips closed almost to the point of not saying much beyond her having had to have posed for the photo. Yet, she is ours, just like that figure in the photograph; whether she was good or bad, she bore someone, who bore someone, who ultimately bore us. And because of that we are alive and we should be thankful.

PRAYER: On this special day, dear God, we praise You and thank You for life and for those of our moms who bore us and gave us life. We celebrate the moms who are still with us and we pray comfort for those who today sensed the loss of moms more than normal. We thank You for those in our photographs, whose lives we know little or nothing about, but we claim them and honor them. Let me today be a person who makes a meaningful memory in the life of those around me, not for my sake, but for Yours. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

THE BACKPACK OF FEAR

Gracious and loving God, bestow on this dear reader all that she or he needs as they face the challenges and joys of life. In Jesus' Name, amen!

The last backpack is perhaps the heaviest one, if that's possible. It is the burden of fear. Don't you love those verses in the Bible where God says, "I have created man and woman to live as scared creatures - they will be unable to do anything..." If you said yes, you're not at all familiar with the Bible and I encourage you to get to a church and ask there for a free Bible. Yes, free. Most churches will give you a Bible free of charge. What you must give God and God's church is the time to read it! No where in the Bible does it say that God created us to live in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.” God can replace our fears with courage. Think about the fears in your life: fear of failure, fear of losing your marriage, not having enough money, fears over your children's wellbeing, fear of growing old and fear of death; think about God's presence with you and God's plan for your life. It does not include our being afraid. We were just not made that way. Look back at the Creation Story, we were given power to rule over all things, not to be afraid!

Life would be more meaningful and more filled with blessing if we would confess to God that yes, we do get afraid and nervous sometimes, but those are the precise moments God wants to help us and be with you. Take that backpack off and give it to Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to live a forgiven life. I turn over to You all of my fears. Replace each one with a healthy heaping of courage! In Jesus' Name, He who had no fear and Who gave His all, AMEN!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

MORE ON REGRETS OR IF ONLY I HAD WRITTEN THIS LAST NIGHT!

Good day dear friends. I wrote last night's (actually today's) ConCafe early enough that a dear friend asked for an "elaboration." Here goes: We have at least two basic types of regrets in our lives, those things we think we should have done, and those things we wish we hadn't done. Both are heavy weights and can easily fill up your "backpack" in such a way that you're lumbering around life not free to get on with God's things in life.

The Bible verses from last night clearly show that in both cases, God does not want us to carry those things around. I asked the question yesterday, "If you could go back and re-do a part of your life, what would it be and Why?" I received many different answers. The most common was just to slow things down in those parts of our life where special days were involved or where our children were involved. But most said that things that did happen in the past happened for a good reason and we were the better for it today. I agree.

We cannot go back in time. I love the scene in a silly movie, "Napolean Dynamite," where Napolean's uncle is wishing he could go back in time to play out his football career. "If only the coach had put me in, we would have won state and I'd have gone to college and I would have gone pro!" (Of course, I'm remembering the line and those of you who might have the movie memorized will say, 'not even close.' Oh, well.) He goes to far as to ask if either of his nephews had looked into time travel. Next thing you know he's hooked up to a "time machine" he bought on the Internet and it serves only to burn him in two places; his body and his pocketbook.

Enjoy today, someone once said, it's a gift from God and that's why it's called "the present."

PRAYER: Giver of good gifts, thank you for today, for life, for health, for all that I have received both good and bad. From the good I have been richly blessed and from the bad I have learned and thus been blessed as well. Help me to share my life with others in such a way that they become blessed as well. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

LIVING WITH REGRETS? NOT A GOOD WAY TO LIVE!

Dear Lord, grant unto this dear child of yours that which she or he needs for living life to the fullest. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Jesus said, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62). Do you find yourself at times living in that special place called, "If only!"? It's an interesting place to visit, but it doesn't offer much of a life there. You get there by the only road that leads there, Regret Road. You travel there by Imagination and you think you arrive to a place that really never existed. You believe you know the folks there but there is really no one there, just you and the places you visit are the places of WhatCouldHaveBeenIfOnlyI.

Some folks invite you along, like one woman did in a class that said, "If only I had married this other guy, look where I would be! Instead of right here with this guy." Not a great place to visit and not a great trip for your spouse if you invite them along that dreary street of Regret. No one really knows what could have been, except God, and if you trusted God to get you where you are right now, you don't travel that street. That trip of looking back is exactly what Jesus was talking about when he used the illustration about a person trying to plow a row yet kept looking back. A row to grow crops is best served by the one who sets his hand and head toward the work at hand and not looking to what could have been. Regret is a heavy load to carry and one we shouldn't. You rob yourself of the joy at hand by thinking of what could have been. And by the same token one does not live well harboring regret about past sins. Paul said, "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight." (Romans 4:7).

PRAYER: Loving God, remove my regret over past sins and give me the joy of the present, with the sure knowledge that my sins have been forgiven and forgotten. Help me to be thankful for what is, not for what could have been. Lead me to where I should and need to be. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

THE BURDEN OF GRUDGES

Gracious God, giver of life, give unto this reader that which he or she needs today. In Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

The first two weights of doubt and guilt have a lot to do with what we do to others. To be relieved of those weights we must offer ourselves as those who have to be forgiven. Today's weight has to do with those who have done something against us and how we handle that. We've all been there. Someone says or does something to us and we have two options, to forgive and move on or to hold on to a grudge. Sunday, I explained a grudge as a barrier or wall we hold up against the person who has harmed us. We even go out of our way to avoid having interaction with them. And many times that other person may have moved on with her or his life and we're the ones holding the weight. And as long as we do, we are denying no one but ourselves the freedom to live full, complete lives.

Paul addresses this in Colossians 3:13, "You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Jesus also said, "Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone" in the situation where a mob was ready to kill someone. What this really means is, is it really worth it to hold a grudge? Is it worth the pain and weight we place on ourselves because of our stubbornness and our unwillingness to forgive? The answer of course is, no. It is not worth it. We are hurting no one but ourselves. The sign on the billboard says, "Get Over It." I love that ad campaign and I thank whoever is responsbile for it. It's great advice for all of us.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant me the wisdom to learn to forgive and show compassion to those who have offended me. May the fullness of life be restored to me as I quit holding the barrier and allow love to flow both ways. I know it's not easy, so I ask Your help. In Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

TO THOSE IN THE HARLINGEN AREA: Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m., in our Raimond Christian Center (gym), our Men's Breakfast welcomes Mr. Jerry Grote, the catcher for the 1969 Miracle Mets, winners of that year's World Series. Jerry is a man of God and you will be blessed by his message. It's open to everyone and the food is by donation. We're located at the corner of 4th and Van Burean, right behind our Sanctuary. I hope to see you all there.

THE BACKPACK OF GUILT

Loving God, let this dear reader be blessed with freedom to serve and be blessed by You today. In Christ's Name, amen.

What would have driven a writer to compose these words: "My guilt overwhelms me; it is a burden to heavy to bear?" The writer is King David himself in Psalm 38:4. This is the basis for the second, heavy backpack we carry around, the backpack of guilt. We have all done, said, or even thought, things we shouldn't and the burden of having done so weighs us down heavily. It may be evident in our walk, we seem to be looking for money on the sidewalk instead of enjoying what God so freely offers in His creation. We ask forgiveness from God, God offers it, and we don't quite receive it, choosing instead to wallow in our guilt.

Paul lived a life where murder had been involved. As far as he was concerned it was justified; to arrest and bring Christians to trial was a good and just thing. After his Damascus encounter with Jesus, that all changed. Paul had a "near-life" experience and lived his life in that way, writing later, "Everyone who believes in Him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God." (Acts 13:39). It is a declaration that still holds today. If you believe in all that Jesus did, especially taking our place on the cross and dying for us, our sins are forgiven, if we ask, and our guilt is removed!

Friend, that weight you carry around by a sin that has already been forgiven, has to come off right now. Your life cannot enjoy the riches that God offers if we stumble or fall under the weight of guilt. Confess your sins to the Lord, ask Him for forgiveness, and ask Him to remove the backpack of guilt from your life.

PRAYER: Loving God, you know my sins and I lay them before you as that which needs to be cleansed from my life. I confess that I am a sinner, and I ask, that with Your help, I may repent of my sins. Please remove the weight of guilt from my life and let me live life as Your Son taught us, that we might not only have life, but that in the fullest. I ask this in His precious Name, Jesus Christ, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

THE BACKPACK OF DOUBT

Gracious Lord, strengthen and bless this dear reader in all that may before her or him today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

From Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message version of the Bible we find these words, ""Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." You might remember the original (for us)King James: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. "

I shared yesterday about the weight of my daughters' backpacks. They knew school was fast approaching when we would go in mid-August to buy them all new backpacks. We knew to get strong, sturdy packs that could carry the weight of the books, notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, etc. The first few days of school for most were light days, but after about a week or two, the weight of each backpack was almost impossible for such tiny girls to carry, but they would. I would often pick them up at school and offer to carry their backpack and almost regreted doing so at the heavy burden they were.

Our just concluded sermon series on forgiveness centers on these very things. We carry needless burdens. Yesterday I preached on how there are in most of us, at least five unneeded backpacks that we carry. The first one is the backpack that carries Doubt. Can you find the verse that says God created us to be constantly in doubt? Is there a hymn or praise song that praises doubt? It's not in this hymnal, perhaps the new hymnal in 2012 might have one, but I pray not. But I can think of one that speaks right to the heart of our doubt; it's called "Blessed Assurance." The words reflect the belief we have that God desires to replace your doubt with security. Being safe and secure in the arms of God keep us from wandering down the path of doubt and insecurity. Reread the above passages and see if that's not exactly what Jesus desire to do. Write down the doubts in your heart and then turn it over to Him. See if He won't replace your doubt with security immediately.

PRAYER: Lord, your Spirit moved one to long ago write exactly where I find myself at times, "weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care" and I realize it is too much for one person to carry, especially when I realize I don't have to carry it at all. So, again with the word of the hymn writer I say, "Precious Savior, still our refuge," as I take it to the Lord in prayer, remove my burden of doubt and help me believe and be secure in my beliefs. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

BEING HONEST AND COMPASSIONATE

Lord of life, shine Your light upon this dear reader on this day. Bless and strengthen his/her path. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Jesus said, "and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32).

The last of the HEART principles for leadership is "Tell me the truth with compassion." In our dealings with folks, we should seek to be truthful and compassionate. Our prayers should be that God would give us the right words at the right time. How often you and I have been told bluntly things that we know are true, but done so in such a way we found no compassion. The principle for today says that in our dealings we should deal honestly with one another and not hide that which is true and relevant. And all should be done with that component of love that is so important, compassion. To have compassion means we share with the other person a passion for life and seek to share in all things especially that which means that we sometimes suffer together. To have compassion means we have thought about how the truth will affect the other person and we seek to share that with them in a way that blesses the both of us.

The other day someone posed a difficult question: "Have you ever worked with someone with B.O.?" For those who do not know what those initials stand for, they represent "body odor." The answer is, sadly, yes. "How did you deal with it?" Distance, I replied. They laughed. I knew it was not the answer they were looking for, but to be honest I still do not have an answer. I have to admit I am not one to tell someone that truth, compassion or not. In our family relationships we rarely hesitate to share honesty, but again, are we praying about how to face that day with truth and compassion? In our work relationships the same question applies. I never thought that my being honest with my coworker about using deodorant or some sort of body spray would be the compassionate thing to share. The thing we did say to one another in that conversation was, "Well, if ever I do come to work smelly, please tell me!"

In matters of life and church business, being truthful is the standard. And to be truthful and compassionate requires our trusting God's Holy Spirit to be present and to be guiding us to share that which builds up the Body of Christ.

PRAYER: Loving God of all answers, speak to my heart today with truth about me. And if I find myself in a situation where I have to speak the truth with someone, first let me feel and know how the truth will affect that person and give me the words I need so that in all dealings we may be honest and compassionate. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

WHAT'S BEHIND MY INTENTIONS?

Dear God, whatever this dear reader may face today, be there with her or him with strength and peace. In Jesus' Name, amen.

The Psalmist said about his intentions, "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. (Psalm 42:1). Leading with HEART says that we should "Remember to look for my loving intentions." In all, as we seek for the greatness within, we should also look for the other person's loving intentions. What's behind what s/he is saying to us? Can you find the love that may be motivating this person to say or ask for what they're bringing to us? Again, not all people will be motivated by love of God, but still we patiently have to seek what it is they do love. And this would be a great time to seek our own motives and love behind what we say. Is it love of God that motivates us? Is it the love for others? Or is it the love of comfort, tradition, territory, or habit that is behind what we are saying or asking?

In Acts, chapter 15 we encounter a meeting between Christians of differing opinion. Some believed one could not be a Christian in those days, unless one was circumcised (v. 1) and this caused "no small dissension" between Paul and Barnabas against those making that claim. What was the loving intention behind each side? The side calling for circumcision was calling for a holding on to Jewish ways. They believed one must be a Jew first, then a Christian. Paul and Barnabas believed differently. It was Peter who speaks up and makes the point of the moving of the Holy Spirit among them, "and in cleansing their hearts by faith he has made no distinction between them and us." (v. 9). Can we ask for the Holy Spirit to move among us?

So far, we've covered, "Hearing and understanding others." We learned, "Even if you disagree, please don't make me wrong." As we interact, "Acknowledge the greatness within me." And today's "Remember to look for my loving intentions. A checklist for cooperation and partnership in all endeavors, but especially ministry.

PRAYER: Loving God of all, let the Holy Spirit move within me today and each day, that I may truly be a person who loves and seeks You. May I also be open to seeking the loving intentions of others, especially those who may disagree with me. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

WONDERFULLY MADE BY GOD!

God of the fullness of life, may it be a day in which this dear reader enjoys Your presence and calm. In Jesus' Name, amen.

How's this for a great way to start the day? "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13-14).

"Acknowledge the greatness within me," is the third HEART Principle. We must recognize first that each one of us is made just as the Psalmist described. God formed us, knit us together, "fearfully and wonderfully made." We must claim that for ourselves. Have you ever stopped to try and see that "label" on someone else? She or he has the same label as you, "Wonderfully made by God." That's only the starting point! If we look closer, we'll see the greatness within that person. We will see God didn't stop just with the design and production of the structure, God worked deep within with the spirit and the heart of each. There is a greatness within person. Yes, some easily bring it out; others you got to look long and hard to see if you can see it, but it's there.

PRAYER: Loving God, I thank you for having fearfully and wonderfully made me. Help me to see it in others. Let me be my best today and all days that the goodness and love that You've placed within me, is visible to all. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

DISAGREEING IN LOVE? IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Loving God of comfort and peace, share those rich gifts with this dear reader for You alone know what they need. In Christ Jesus' Name, amen.

We find this in the book of Acts, "The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. Paul took Silas." (Acts 15:39) The entire 15th chapter of Acts deals with "so small disenssion" among believers; and hard as it may seem to the outside world, churches, better said, members sometimes have disagreements among themselves. So, is it strange to imagine that a program would emerge to help in those times? "Even if you disagree, please don't make me wrong." This is the second of the HEART principles. If we truly love one another, as Jesus commanded us to, even if we disagree, we cannot dismiss the other person or label them "wrong." It takes a lot of love as many of us have discovered in close relationships, but it can be done. If we truly "hear and understand," then we will be more likely to hear the points behind the other person's opposing view.

To be a disciple is to be called to live a life different from the world's view. Ours should be the way of love, the way of fullness of life, the way that leads to eternal life. Jesus said this way would be a "narrow way" and not all would walk it. Even in our churches there may be those who are not yet on that path, but we cannot shove them off. We must love them back on to the way we know to be Christ's.

PRAYER: Loving God, show me today how to better follow You. Help me to listen and understand others and how to disagree in a loving way. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

LISTENING AND UNDERSTANDING, THE START OF HEART

God of mercy and peace, send Your rich blessings of both upon this dear reader. In Jesus' Name, amen.

I was richly blessed during this entire weekend. On Friday night and all day Saturday, Nellie and I participated at the Pastors Beach Retreat for the McAllen District. The Rev. Bob Allen, district superintendent of the Kerrville District shared with us the principles of Partners in Ministry, on which we will spend this week. On Sunday we woke up very early to travel to Rio Grande City to participate in that church's 150th birthday. Nellie and I spent a year there in 1979-80 where I was named pastor for my first fulltime appointment. We attended the 8:30 "Spanish" service (not one thing was spoken nor preached in Spanish :( ) and the 11 o'clock worship service, where our bishop, Jim Dorff preached. It was a wonderful event and we were glad we attended.

Partners in Ministry is a training for local churches on how best to partner together in doing the work of the Lord. Too often we leave the ministry to the pastor saying, "That's what s/he gets paid for!" Not so. As baptized Christians we all have a charge and responsibility to grow the Kingdom of God. The PM program has a H.E.A.R.T. method on which we will pray and study this week. The H stands for "Hear and Understand Me."

The Jews have as their Shema, Deut. 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD". To understand know the Lord is our God and that God is one LORD, we must hear. The Psalmist said in Psalm 102:2, "incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily," meaning God hears us when we call on Him. More cannot be said about the importance of truly hearing one another. The old saying is God gave you two ears so that you would listen twice as hard before speaking. Yet, you and I know folks that are so ready to speak they don't hear what we are saying, they're just waiting for a break to get their opinion out. To partner in ministry means to partner in listening and understanding. Not everyone will have the same opinion, but we must listen and try to understand where they are coming from.

Just as God lovingly listens to us, let us today more lovingly listen to one another. Hear for what God may be saying to you in the words of someone. Of course, not everyone will be bringing a message from God, but that's a topic for tomorrow!

PRAYER: O God, as David said, so do I, 'incline your ear to me and answer me speedily.' Let me have a heart and spirit that is willing to listen and understand others. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

BEYOND HUMAN EXPECTATION

God of love, help us to know Your love and to love beyond our normal realm. In Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Peter knew math and he thought he knew Jesus. When he was a boy, Peter had been taught to forgive three times. This was the way the Rabbis taught it and that seemed a most generous and difficult thing, to forgive someone who trespasses against us not once, not twice, but three times! If you think about it, forgiving someone is very difficult. Be honest about it. If you can remember the most hurt you've had in your life and you think about the person who harmed or offended you, to have (and I hope you have) forgiven them it was tough and to forgive three times seems impossible. The Rabbis taught this as a way to be above normal. So, Peter, having been in the company of Jesus and His ministry, believes that if he doubled that number and adds one to it, he would impress Jesus. To forgive someone seven times seems like a request that goes beyond normal expectation. Isn't that what faith in God is about? Going beyond the human expectations? Well, he presents his math work to Jesus and Jesus says, "Not seven times, but seventy times seven"

We may think, "Lord, you're really making it impossible to be normal!" But that's our call, to go beyond the human and to reach the spiritual height that Jesus has taught. Paul says this is living in the spirit not the flesh. The solution is that we cannot live the spiritual if we do not know Jesus and trust His strength. An invitation to have Jesus' Holy Spirit live in us makes all the difference.

PRAYER: Loving God, come live within me and help me be a person of forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

ALL ABOUT JESUS!

Dear God, in the good and in the bad, You are always with us. Make that clear to this dear reader in all s/he may face. Amen.

Jesus' last words to His disciples according to Matthew were a charge, also called The Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matt 28:19-20).

This is the primary job of us, the church; to make disciples. Yet, we seem to operate under the illusion of "If you build it, they will come." We place a church on a site, hand out flyers, maybe a newspaper ad, a sign of a truck, and cross our arms and say, "Well, I've done my part! Y'all come!" The reality is that in the way Jesus made disciples, we should to. Jesus invited. Jesus interacted in a positive way with His message from God. So should we. We should be so "about Jesus" that folks won't be able to help asking, "What's different about you?" Our answer should be a simple, but powerful one: I'm all about Jesus!

Today, as you interact and visit with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, be all about Jesus. Let your thoughts and actions glorify Him. And use your words also to share a strong witness of Whose you are!

PRAYER: Dear God, let me today be all about You. Guide my words, my hands, my feet, to the place You would have me be, where I can make a difference, and with Your help, make a disciple. I pray this in the Name of He who I should be all about, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

-------------PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for Rev. Wade Hood and his heart cath today. Please pray for our niece, Ximena Lopez and her need.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Lord, already for some dear readers this day is shaping up to be one full of challenges and trials. Please bless them as only You can. In Jesus' name, amen.

Happy Earth Day! Today is a day in which we should take measures to protect our environment and enjoy the beauty and blessings of creation. I couldn't help but wake up with the wonderful words of "For The Beauty of the Earth."

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night;
Hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind's delight;
For the mystic harmony,
Linking sense to sound and sight;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on Earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.


We are called to be responsible and caring stewards of all God has shared with us. One local grocery store today is giving away their "green bags" for every five (5) plastic bags we take in. Ben and Jerry's is giving away free ice cream, for those who live close enough to one of those (or that may have been yesterday!). Regardless, look around today. Breathe deep the beauty of life, and give thanks! This is God's creation to preview that wonderful and glorious creation we will some day see! So, take care of the earth we have, live your life in gratitude for it, and live your life in a way that says you enjoy today but look forward to that glorious tomorrow.

PRAYER: God of earth and sky, water, and fire, I praise You for all creation. How wonderful are the works of Thy hand. For trees, birds, snails, snakes, rabbits, cats, and dogs, I thank You. And for humanity also, dear God, how often we take each other for granted, but we are the works of Your hands as well. Help others see in me, Your presence, and help me to look for You in all I meet today. Loving God, bring healing to the sick and to those who can't leave their homes to enjoy the beauty of today. Help us to be a part of that beauty. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

GO AND GROW

Loving God, bless and protect this dear reader today and all days. In Christ's precious name, amen.

"You are Peter and upon this rock I shall build my church. The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). This declaration comes from Jesus during an intense private conversation between He and the disciples. The question had been, "Who do people say that I am?" Jesus knew, but wanted to know what the disciples thought. The disciples, after all, had been among the people and they were the "eyes and ears" of Jesus. They shared what they had heard and while the entire conversation was not shared, it does share with us the highlights. Then Jesus changed the question into a more personal one; "Who do you say that I am?" It was Peter who said without doubt, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." It was then that Jesus blesses Peter and makes the declaration we read above.

It was not much long after that that Peter, in the courtyard, cold and frightened about Jesus' future and his own, that he denied Jesus. Three times! Have we been able to limit our denials of Jesus to just three? Times where someone might have said someething negative about God or the Lord and we just grinned or grimaced, but said nothing? Times where we knew we were not to be some place, yet there we were and by being there we were denying Jesus? The list is long, dear friends, but as was shared here yesterday, God forgives repeatedly. It was Peter who questioned Jesus about how many times we should forgive and in His answer Jesus revealed the nature of God's forgiveness: "Not seven times, but seventy times seven." And in fairness to Peter, though he denied Jesus, Jesus kept him as the rock, upon which Christ built His church.

What has Christ called you to do and be? Have you moved forward after asking to be forgiven for those times you've denied Him? Or are you still there, holding the baggage of unforgiven and unremoved sin of your own doing? The message is this: If we go to God first and ask forgiveness, we are forgiven! Immediately! And with that same resurrection power, we can ask God to help us forgive ourselves. Satan loves it when we give up or when we do nothing. Ruin Satan's day by moving on.

PRAYER: Loving God, You more than anyone know how many times I have denied You, but I ask You forgive me and help me to forgive myself, so that I may go and grow. I ask this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

FORGIVING MYSELF...

Love of mercy and peace, pour out a rich blessing on this dear reader, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Yesterday's sermon was on forgiving ourselves. If you're like me, we're usually hardest on ourselves. We looked at the story of St. Peter from Luke 22:54ff, where Peter denies knowing the Lord three times before the rooster crowed once. Most of us would have said, "That's it! I'm useless for the Lord! He'll never forgive me and even if He does, I can't and won't forgive myself." Thankfully, the Lord knows better then we. In the passage from Mark when the angel makes the declaration that Jesus is risen, he makes sure the message gets to the disciples "including Peter." That spoke to my heart as I read it and I pray it speaks to you as well. The Lord did not hold the denial against him; He moved on, and thankfully so did Peter. For just 7 weeks later, Peter preaches a sermon that reaches 3,000 converts. Peter moved on, and so can we.

Have you thought about God forgiving you specifically for what you've done? This means moving away from a generic, "Forgive me my sins" prayer to a "Dear Lord, you know I have that sin of ___________ and I'm asking that you forgive me." That gets to the core of our need to confess and once we do, we are forgiven. God also forgives us instantly. God forgives us completely. God also forgives us repeatedly. And God forgives us freely. With the same power behind the resurrection, God forgives us. And we should, if we want to move on and be useful for God's Kingdom, forgive ourselves.

PRAYER: Loving God, I pause to confess my sins. I am guilty of _______________ and I ask that You forgive me. And help me also forgive myself so that I may move on with my life so that I may serve You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

OURS IS THE NEWNESS OF LIFE

God of the Resurrection, bring new life to this dear reader in whatever area s/he may need. In Christ's name, amen.

Those in worship yesterday received a homework assignment: Memorize this verse from Romans 6:4: Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Our theme for Easter is Forgiveness: The Real "F" Word. Using the story of the Prodigal Son we saw parallels between the power to resurrect Jesus from the dead,and God's power to grant you and me ultimate forgiveness. We find a reference to that in John 3:16,and we find it in the above verse for memorization. Ours is newness of life through Jesus' resurrection. The newness is to walk free from the burden of carrying around our sins. The walls that separate us from God can and do come down through asking God for forgiveness.

Think about it: No matter what you have done, you won't have a newness of life as long as you drag or try to drag around your sin for the rest of your life. You must decide to turn that over to God. Realize that if God has the power to bring Jesus back from the dead (He does!) then God has the power to give your release from your sin (He does!).

PRAYER: Loving God, with the power of the Resurrection bring me freedom from my sin. I confess I need to turn everything over to You and receive the newness of life. I ask this in the name of He who is risen indeed, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

GOOD FRIDAY 2009

Thursday had been a nightmare. The morning light brought nothing better. After a celebration and remembrance of Passover where Jesus spoke of his body and blood, it was discovered that Judas Iscariot, who had been pretty much a weasel throughout the three years, sold our Lord for thirty pieces of silver. After singing a hymn, and who could sing? Jesus was now talking about things that seemed not of God, or were they? We were led to the Mount of Olives where Jesus asked us to pray and we couldn't even keep our eyes open! Jesus chastised us for that, but what could we do? The week had been the hardest one in our three years and with our emotions on a rollercoaster ride, we were drained physically and emotionally. Then it happened, our rabbi was arrested and led us to stand trial in a night court. Guilty at every turn, all because of lies told about him. The last chance would be Pilate's, where he could possibly release him. That would prove to be a waste of time. The same crowd from Sunday is now crying, "Barrabas! Barrabas!" Pilate let Barrabas go, and Jesus would die. Pilate did a little no mea culpa by washing his hands. He had no power to wash anything away. The water might as well have been blood.

Peter tried to see Jesus, but ended up running away in shame for some little maiden said she recognized him and rather than risk arrest, he ran! Had he been arrested that would have been the last straw; what would we have done? The events of today would drag on yet rush by.

By three o'clock on the mount of trash known as Golgotha, Jesus would be executed along with three other criminals. Jesus was made to carry his own cross or at least for a way; as tired as we were, he was more tired and more drained. He couldn't make it the entire way. A man was drafted into service to carry the cross for him. Then the painful way of death began with spikes, huge nails, being driven into the tired body of our Lord. As the hammer rang throughout the countryside, we ached with pain of his suffering and our having caused it. Each blow on each nail was a conviction on how we had lived and all we had done to turn our backs on God. The pain would have caused others to cry out, but Jesus kept quiet. We remembered the prophet, "like a lamb led to the slaughter...he said nothing." The soldiers raised Jesus and the other two. Oh, if only death would come quickly, but it didn't. The pain of every minute alive was more than we could stand; we don't know how the women could stand there and watch. Each ring of the hammer was a piercing to Mary's heart and soul. Yet, like a loving mother she stood there and prayed for her son.

We knew that we should have been on that cross. We deserved it. The Roman government should have set up eleven more crosses. But we were hiding. We should have paid our own way, but He paid it for us. His death would mean our life; a fullness of life that He spoke about often. "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." It seemed like the thief would win this round by killing our Lord. We heard no news of the Temple's holy curtain being torn. We did not see the sky turn black, for we were hiding in a room with windows closed. We didn't even know how to pray!

By three o'clock, Jesus was dead. We couldn't even claim the body. Joseph of Arimathea claimed the body and even provided a new tomb in which to lay it. We should have died. Instead, we hid.

PRAYER: God of mercy, have mercy on me, a sinner. In the Name of He who died today for me, while I still try and hide, amen.

THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK 2009

Lord of life, may today bring fullness of life to this dear reader. In Jesus' Name, amen!

This Thursday morning may have seemed like any other, though Peter felt excited and scared. The crowds on Sunday really excited him, but Jesus' immediate actions later that day in the Temple scared him. That may have been the reason he carried the sword a little closer than usual. Little did Peter know that later that day, he would deny Jesus. Denying Jesus would have been the last thing on the mind of he whom we consider the chief disciple. Peter was in on every decision. Peter spoke first in almost all recorded conversations with Jesus. Peter wasn't always right and yes, perhaps he should have thought out his words, but he shared his opinion. Peter was first a disciple of John the Baptist. Peter saw and heard in John a message of life and the freedom that can be ours by accepting God's mercy for our sins. He walked on water! Peter may have been the first in line at the Jordan River to be baptized. As he stood in that line he didn't worry about tradition and heritage or custom, that his washing was for those just a bit above swine, the Gentiles; John was calling everyone forward who wanted to repent of their sins, and Peter was there.

The message changed his life that he followed John as a disciple. His heart wanted to know more about God and the message of love from God that somehow he missed or was not shared with him through participation in worship. Peter continued his job as fisherman and those quiet hours of being on the surface of the water allowed him to pray and reflect more on his life and on God. It was the logical next step to follow Him who was called "the Lamb of God who comes to take away sin!" Peter and his brother left the side of John to become disciples of Jesus.

What lay ahead for this incredible man, must have thought Peter? I called Him, Messiah, the Son of God, and I meant it, but what does it mean for today and for our being here in Jerusalem? Could an uprising against Rome be far off? Could I become one of the generals in that revolt? Would Jesus be crowned king, yes, he could and yes, he would be King! Not once I would guess, did Peter dream he would see Jesus arrested, hauled off as a criminal, and that later that same day, he would stand by a fire wondering, frightened, nervous, scared about what could possibly come next. Three times Peter would deny that he even knew Jesus; and this after three years of learning and serving alongside Him.

Tonight you have the same choice. Proclaim him as King of kings and Lord of lords. Or, you could deny that you even know Him. You can sit at his table and enjoy the fellowship of His presence. Or, you can go on your merry way, worried about yourself or your family, and not have one thought for Who Jesus really is in your life.

PRAYER: Loving God, as I reflect on my life and the needs in my life, help me to realize that I need You. Let me make the choice of life in seeking and receiving all that You have offered me. Let me proclaim Jesus as King of kings, and Lord of lords. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Tonight in most churches here in the United States, there will be a service to remember Jesus and the disciples as they celebrated Passover but made it the Passover of Jesus. Here in Harlingen, the United Methodists will be united at First UMC at 7 to remember and celebrate Holy Communion on this Maundy Thursday. Surprise your pastor and be in church!

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

Lord of life, Your heart loves this dear reader and I ask that You bless him or her in all that they face today. In Christ Jesus' Name I pray, amen.

Today is our day of prayer and I shared with you the text from John 13:21-32 which reads: 21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, "Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "Do quickly what you are going to do." 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the festival"; or, that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.

Television shows and movies make light of situations at restaurants when the check will come and one of the parties present will excuse themselves to leave for the bathroom or act like they didn't see the check come -- all to avoid having to pay. You know several of those folks, as do I. The most famous is from Two and Half Men, the Jon Cryer character never pays for a meal, lives rent-free with his brother and mooches off his food supply as well. The real truth of the matter is to do that sort of thing is to betray the friendship or relationship between family. We all have an obligation to share with each other. Can you imagine Jesus' heart knowing that someone was to betray Him that very night? Not that Judas Iscariot was going to leave without helping pay the check, it was a more serious betrayal; selling Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

Sunday I mentioned that Judas was the Zealot of the group. He held very strong beliefs that the Jews needed to revolt against Rome and reclaim their nation and power once again. Many scholars believe that he was calling Jesus' hand by selling him out. Whether that was true or not, the damage was done. It set into motion a fast pace of events that led to Jesus' arrest, trial, sentencing, and execution. It completely broke Judas' heart, for the Bible says he repented, though he did hang himself.

Read again those verses above and remember that we all go through agony. Jesus was "troubled in spirit," meaning to the depths of his soul he ached over what He knew had been done to Him by one whom He loved and trusted. We have been in the same situation as well. John writes that "Satan entered into him" and yes, some of us have been betrayed or let down in ways that seemed satanic at the time. But it did not paralyze Jesus and His mission. He accepted it and moved on, as should we.

The awesome hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" has that one line, "Do your friends despise, forsake thee?" It answers, "Take it to the Lord in prayer." In Jesus we have the only friend who has never and will never let us down. With His help we can continue to have earthly friends whom we can love and forgive as we move on.

PRAYER: Lord, on this Wednesday of Holy Week, the message is clear, we have no better friend than You. You have never despised me, nor forsaken me, and for that I am thankful. Make my life be more like You, so that I can be a better friend and servant to You and a better friend and servant to others. I ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Eradio Valverde

P.S. Dear friends, please don't forget that Holy Week is made more holy by our being in worship on these very special, holy days. Here in Harlingen at 7 tomorrow we have a Maundy Thursday service with Holy Communion in cooperation with our brothers and sisters from Wesley UMC. And on Friday with our Wesley friends and St. Alban's Episcopal church sisters and brothers we will be at Wesley UMC to celebrate and remember the Seven Last Words at 7 p.m. Let God bless you! Come to worship!

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

God of the universe, the earth, and all there is, this dear reader is yours. Bless and protect him or her. In Christ Jesus' Name, amen.

John 12:20-36 reads as follows:

20 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. 27 "Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—"Father, save me from this hour'? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 30 Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34 The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light."

The hour was drawing near. Jesus was aware of this, but still He presses on with God's work and message. Jesus realized too many people were living in darkness. They did not know love. They had not received it nor did they know how to share it. Jesus knew that you cannot share what you do not have. The sad thing was that God's love was readily available but no one was talking about it. The religious people of the day were more concerned about holding on to their power and traditions. To change now would mean a loss of both. What they were really saying was that people could go to the place of utter darkness just as long as they themselves stayed happy and content with how things were. So, Jesus' message was about light. Light pierces through the darkness. Today's online Upper Room devotional is cute, about a dad and three daughters, one of which was afraid of the dark. To fall asleep, the youngest, Carly, needed her dad's hand to hold. Once Carly's hand relaxed the dad knew she was asleep. God's presence even in the dark makes the night go faster and better. But God's presence shines a light of love and understanding, of comfort and security that nothing else can match.

One Friday night in Denver, a family that lived above a funeral home invited me to come over for a supper treat - fresh flour tortillas and a pot of beans. What a feast we had! After supper, they said they had bought a new ping pong table and would I stay to help set it up and play? Of course. We entered into a dark room where the light switch was on the other side of the room. The young son led me, but I kept bumping into things too dark to see what they were. Once the boy reached the light switch and turned it on, I discovered that what I was bumping into were coffins in the showroom! Where we were going was the back room where the new coffins were stored. The light made all the difference in the world. And though this happened way back in 1975, I will never forget that experience.

God offers light even today. And like today, there are so many who are still in darkness. It is up to you and me to take them the light of the world. Let someone know today how much God loves them and how readily available is this light for them.

PRAYER: Loving God of light, shine brightly in my life today. Let me smile, my words, my actions reflect that light. Let me be a vessel of light to those still in darkness. Empower me to serve you I ask in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 2009

Loving God, make this a blessed day for this dear reader. Help them in all they face. In Jesus' Name, amen.

We find this passage from John 12:1-11: 1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.

Lazarus had a tremendous story to tell. He had had a near-life experience unlike any before him. As you find his story in the chapter previous to the passage above, you see that he was one who died and was buried for four days before Jesus even showed up. It was said of his body that it probably stunk, he had been buried for so long. It was at his tomb that Jesus ordered the stone to be rolled away and with a vocal command brought new life into Lazarus and he came out of the tomb. It was this story that brought many to faith in Jesus Christ. And it was this story that put him on the chief priests' "hit list." Verse 10 above says the chief priests "planned to put Lazarus to death as well." I don't think Lazarus minded dying again. He had been through it once, he knew what it was all about. In fact, it was his testimony about Jesus' power to bringing folks back to life that touched many, and led them to confess Jesus as their own life-giver and savior.

You and I should have a story similar to that of Lazarus. While we may not have physically died and been buried, all of us should be able to say that Jesus pulled us out of the tombs that had us dead spiritually. We were pulled out of a sin life into a life of abundance. Our story should be one that gives others the hope and encouragement they need to come to full life. Our witness should say, "I once was dead. I did all the wrong things, thought the wrong things, and Jesus had mercy on me." That should be the witness we give others about Jesus and what this Holy Week truly means.

Use the opportunities that God can give you to bring someone to life today. Share a word or a thought about God's great love for them through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: On this Monday of Holy Week, let me be Your instrument to share Your love in a way that will bring a soul to life. Give me the words and the wisdom to give witness. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

ALMOST TEN YEARS OLD!

It will be, that on April 6, 1999, as old as I am in this picture, that I began sending out this email devotional called then "Consecrated Coffee," a reference to my belief that it could and should be read over a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. My district superintendent at the time was Rev. Harold Sassman, and during that year said, "I really like that devotional you send out, that 'ConCafe.'" Being a devoted follower of John Wesley, who seemed to like incorrect names either called him or given him, I liked it and changed its name to ConCafe, meaning "with coffee." Another pastor, dear to my heart, Rev. Francisco Gaytan likes to call it "Sanka Sagrado," or "sacred Sanka" a reference to a particular brand of decaffinated coffee. I never dreamed I would be sending this out for ten years, but then again most of my suits are at least that old as are some of my shoes, but I pray these have had more meaning. I thank God for the words and I praise Him everytime I get an email note about how a message I thought was terrible, touched somebody and helped them in a decision or through a problem. My most faithful reader is my dear wife, Nellie, who always, after the fact sadly as she is sleeping while most of these have been written, catches grammatical errors. In truth, we're probably a bit older than ten years old; Dr. Gene Sprague of Trinity UMC in San Antonio was one of the first subscribers and he compiled a labor of love, printed out the very first 100 or so of these and put them in a huge notebook so that I would have for future reference. Thanks to all of you for reading. If you're blessed by any of these, please forward them on to loved ones. My intent was to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through what was for me then, a new medium. I finally figured out Twitter or at least how to post from my phone. Thanks to my daughters, I also figured out Facebook. Nothing though, will ever replace the written Word that we have and should read each and every day. That was my other intent, to help all of us, get deeper into the Word of God. PRAYER: Loving God, as You shared with me last night before our Bible study on the Letters of Peter, the last half of Your Word was written by those who understood the power of sharing Your love through the written word and through letters; we may be the generation that sees the day that what we know today as a letter ends. But one thing we're so sure of is that You will never cease to speak and love each and every one of us. Bless this dear reader and his or her needs. Bless and protect our loved ones. For those parts of the world where there is too much rain or the result of too much rain, bring comfort and protection. For those parts, such as this, bring rain. Where there is the threat of conflict and bloodshed, bring your peace. Where there is the absence of peace, bring it, first to our hearts, then to our minds so that we and those who make decisions would choose peace. For our troops we pray; that they stay out of harm's way and that soon the day would come when war is over and families can once again be reunited. For now, though, bring that which is missing in those parts of the world. May one day all humanity know of Your love. Lord we also pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Bring your healing and peace as only you can. I pray all these things in Jesus Christ's precious and powerful name, amen. Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Eradio Valverde

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

God of the ages, and God of today; bless and watch over this dear reader in all that they may face or encounter today. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Our 40-day Lenten journey is coming to an end. And as we come closer to the day of Good Friday we are reminded it's all about what Christ did for us, not what we have done for Him. In today's recommended scripture, the writer in Hebrews 5:5-10 reminds of that:

5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; 6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus' earthly days were spent in ministry with and prayers for us. Jesus came to glorify the Father, as was shared in yesterday's gospel reading in John. His ministry was about obedience to God though it involved suffering. Whatever sacrifices we may have made during this Lenten period have been only to ready us spiritually to receive the deep and rich blessings of Christ's passion for us.

PRAYER: Loving God of mercy, as we journey towards that day when Jesus gave Himself up for us, help me to be ready to receive the deep and precious message of what You are sharing with us. This time has been only about you and how much you love us. Help me to realize that and accept that. May I be willing to share that with others. I pray this, not in my name, but in the Name of He who died for me, Jesus the Christ, my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Prayer Guide: As we continue our prayers for Rev. Roberto Gomez, please also pray for missionaries, such as Sherry DeMarcay, serving in Mozambique. She and others are being affected by the economy and their support is waning and seriously down from where it should be. If, besides prayer, you would like to send a love offering to Sherry, please do so by sending it to First United Methodist Church, 129 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666. Please mark your check's memo: Sherry DeMarcay support and they will get the money to her. Thank you.

STUDY GUIDE: monday Hebrews is not a biblical rationalization for men making coffee! It’s a wonderful letter on faith. Read 5:5-10 to hear God speak about Jesus as God’s beloved Son.

OUR PRAYER OF THANKS

Dear God, let there be within this reader's heart a melody that "whispers sweet and low, fear not, I am with thee."* So be it. In Jesus' Name, amen. *UMH380

Loving God, let me continue in prayer as I give you thanks for all you have shared. You are indeed good and Your love endures forever. I join with all the redeemed in saying so. Lord, many have been the times You have rescued me from trouble, and many have been the times I have seen many, from all places, praising and glorifying You. You are the Divine Physician and You have healed those who were sick because of sin and whose iniquities had brought affliction. When they were almost to the point of death, You delivered them. You hear us when we cry out to You and You have saved us from distress. For those who are still hurting and discomfort, send Your healing, deliver them from destruction. Let us join with those in thanking You again for your love, for your wonderful works to humankind. Let my heart always sing praises to Your Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Psalm 107
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 17 Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; 20 he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. 21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. 22 And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

STUDY GUIDE: thursday Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 can be verses for prayer. Let God speak to you as you read this.

FLEEIN G THE WRATH OF GOD?

Gracious Lord, hold my hand, help me stand. May those famous words from the hymn bless this reader. In Jesus' Name, amen.

John Wesley's question of admittance to his society (small group) meetings was: "Are you willing to flee the wrath of God?" A positive answer gained you admission. A "no" would have kept you out. Would you today be willing to be asked such a question? Are you aware of what such a question asks? We find in Ephesians what Paul knew: If you stay "dead through the trespasses and sins in which (we) (live)..." we would be "children of wrath." That means, if we never seek to repent of our sins and never seek the redemption that Christ Jesus offers us, we are going to die and be eternally separated from God. Wesley's question reminded those who wished to join about that, and a YES got them into a fellowship that stregthened them in their struggles for the week ahead.

As you plan for today and the week ahead, are you living a life that is life? Or are you living a life that is, sadly, a living wrath? We don't have to live in that way. Ours is the freedom life offered to us by Jesus. We have been saved by grace. We have been raised up with Jesus and we have a seat right next to him "in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus," all this as a gift from God.

PRAYER: What a wonderful gift You have given to me, dear Father, through Jesus. I claim that freedom and those "immeasurables riches" of Your grace as I seek to live a life that pleases You. I thank You for my salvation and I pray that I might live as a person who blesses You and others. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

"You were dead through the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. 3 All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ —by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

tuesday We find in Ephesians 2:1-10 some words from Paul about the power of grace to save. Find and read that passage and let it bless you.

LIFE GIFTS!

Loving God bless and strengthen this dear reader in all that they may face today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

It was several years ago and our children were all small. Caitlin was still pretty much in Mom's arms most of the time and we finally made a stop at one of the wildlife refuges along the Gulf Coast. We had driven by it many times and we decided we would stop and see what God had shared in that particular area. We decided to walk the nature trail and we took it in very gingerly. Towards the end, Nellie wanted to get Caitlin back to the care either for feeding or changing. And when Nellie decides to step it up, she does leaving Dad with the other three in tow, trying our best to keep us. I had warned the little ones about snakes, for the signs said to beware and we walked cautiously. The girls had learned and repeated many times, "Just freeze, Daddy?" Yes, just freeze. We were scared to death as we saw Nellie not caring about where she stepped as she walked on rapidly stepping over a snake that that come out to the trail. She kept walking, the snake froze as did we. The girls were very good about staying frozen and then the snake decided to continue its trip into the wilderness. We thank God that Nellie was not bitten.

I pray that will the only snake tale I tell from experience. I suspect most of us have a morbid fear of snakes and yesterday's OT passage put the fear of God in us! It's the story of Moses' encounter with God's people as they have, once again, grumbled and complained about the food and the journey. Sound familiar? I am presently a very grumpy person as I am on the last full day of the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet. I told the congregation it is called that because it is the same as eating sand or at least that's my perception of the food, though in all fairness, Nellie has done a great job of preparing wonderful diet for us and I just joked about the sand part. But God's people said they were fed up with the food on the journey, calling it in some versions, namely the NRSV, "miserable food"! But their desire to die was met by the presence of snakes that obliged many with that request. They repented and asked Moses to pray for the life they really did love. God's response was for Moses to rise up a poisonous snake on a pole upon which they were to gaze so they could receive life. It was a foretelling of Jesus being lifted up for us to receive life.

May we always look up to the Cross of Jesus and remember that because Jesus was willing to die for us, He gave us life. That's what this whole Lenten Journey is, a reminder of the fullness of life that is yours and mine, not because of what we've done but because of what God did through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Lord of life, grant to me the fullnes of life as I journey today in all that is before me. May my words in every setting, here at home, at work, at play, reflect my firm faith in You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

AN AFFIRMATION FOR TODAY

God of all glory, reveal Your glory to this dear reader today in all that he or she undertakes. In Jesus' Name, amen.

My Affirmation for Today

I believe that as I see the heavens, I see the glory of God. As I walk on the earth I see the signs of God at work in a creative way in all things. Though these creations of God cannot speak, there is a declaration each day and their is an awareness at night, throughout the world, that God has made them and that God is present. How can I not see it? The sky is so beautiful, like a blue tent under which the sun is placed. And the sun each day, like a bridegroom at a wedding, emerges at just the right time for the celebration of the day. It is a joyful thing to behold, for God has made it.

I believe that God has shared His holy Word with us to revive and make us wise. As I read his Word as found in The Holy Bible I have joy in my heart; may I truly understand what God is saying. I believe that my respect of God is something honest and real, and it is something that will last forever. I believe that I desire to know more about God through His Word than any earthly possession or anything on earth. As I read more, may I heed Your instruction and know that in keeping Your Word I can live my life better. I believe that I can hide nothing from God, so let nothing be hidden from me. Let me be honest with me about things I've tried to hide. I believe I can have a positive influence on others for the good of God instead of letting others, especially those who are negative about God to have influence on me. I believe I can be blameless and let me be innocent of any great sins. I affirm this with the belief that I all that I speak today and all that I think on today can be an affirmation of my faith in God. For You, O God, are my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (An Affirmation of Faither based on Psalm 19-NRSV)

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. Amen.

Eradio Valverde

THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

God of mercy and love, bless this reader in all that he or she faces today. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Paul writes: 18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

When you strongly believe in something, you will discover that not all believe like you. When you hold something to be true, not, not everyone will believe like you. When you believe something is truth, some will say it is false. Paul discovered, and this urged him on even more, that not all people believe in the message of the cross. That was why the Church celebrates Lent. Lent is a time to strengthen our faith in Someone in Whom not all believe; but our job remains sharing the Good News with the hope that one day all will believe. Did you stop to notice that nowhere in the Bible does it say, "Well, we'll try and do the best we can, yet one day just us will bow down at the Name of Jesus"? It doesn't. The Bible affirms that one day "at the name of Jesus all will bow." Ours is to plant the seed, God will do the rest, but the key is in the "seed."

The seed is how we share our faith. Do we live and act like we believe in the "message of the cross?" Or are we one of those who, claiming to be wise, have set aside the truth for a lie?
Live your life today as one who believes and who wants others to come and believe!

PRAYER: God of the cross, help me to live my life in a way that plants the seed of Your love and truth. As You and I journey together during our Lenten Journey, make my faith stronger. Help me to help others come to faith in You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Study Guide: tuesday Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1, verses 18-25 tells us that we may have some friends who consider the Cross foolishness. Read this passage and see what Paul has to say about them.

PRAYER UPDATE: Dylan Joseph Leal has been moved to Valley Baptist Hospital where he is in ICU, Mother, Natalie S. Leal remains in Harlingen Medical wanting to be released today so she can be with Dylan. Please be in prayer for Dylan, Natalie, and Ricky. May God heal Dylan to fullness and may God's peace be with Natalie and Ricky and all of their family.