36 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: SO MUCH STILL TO DO

God of peace and joy, bless the needs of this dear reader in whatever s/he faces today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for this day comes from Romans 15:14-33:

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done-- 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." 22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

A recent issue of "The Week" magazine had a disturbing article about the growing size of the Nones. Quoting from that magazine as they answer your question, Who Are The Nones? "Your neighbors. A new study by researchers at Trinity College found that 34 million adult Americans—about 15 percent of the population—have no religious affiliation. In 1990, just 8 percent of the population claimed no affiliation with a religious denomination. In terms of education, income, and marital status, Nones are similar to the general population, though they are more likely to live in the Northeast or Pacific Northwest. In Vermont, they actually make up the largest single “denomination.” Nones are, on average, younger than the general population—a factor helping to make them the fastest-growing segment of the religious landscape. “Nones are not a fringe group anymore, and are now part of Middle America,” says study co-author Barry Kosmin. “They’re present in every socio-demographic group.” ("The Week:"Losing Our Religion;" Oct. 29, 2009).

The Nones are those who check that box that asks about religious affliation; in other words they enjoy none. Sad. The article goes on to say as this groups grows the churches grow empty and the character of the nation changes for the worse. It's as if we need a visit from Paul himself. Wait, he's dead and has been for a long time. Who could God possibly use to take the good news to those who have reaced that point in their lives to check "none?" Wait. Paul is recounting what God has allowed him to do while he's been on the road traveling and we have to ask if we've even been on "the road." By that I mean, have we been occupied in sharing Jesus with others? Paul had traveled most of the known world with the sole purpose of sharing Jesus. His goal was to finally go and visit with the believers in Rome on his way to Spain. Can you imagine such faith? What are we doing? I lament that we sometimes, for whatever lame reason we come up with, don't cross the room to share Jesus.

If we want the Nones to win America and the world, continue to do exactly what you're doing. If you want Jesus to win, then do something. I would suggest we be the ones whose lives have been "checked" Alive, instead of None, and we show that by living a life and sharing the life of Jesus with those who have already been checked None.

PRAYER: God of the Nones and the Alives, forgive me for not doing more. Help me this day come alive and be the person You need me to be. May my witness show a life that has received a second, third, fortieth chance, so that others might seek the same. Save me from my comfort. In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

35 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: THE GOD OF HOPE

Lord of the day, may this day be a day of wonderful discoveries for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Here's our text: Romans 15:1-13:

1 We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 10 and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; 11 and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; 12 and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

One of the things that I love about being a minister is dealing with hope. I love to discover amazing things that happen when others said they could not. I love standing with folks as dreams come true and prayers get answered. I stand amazed when the impossible becomes real. This was part of Paul's message today. Those with hope should never abandon it, but need to share it with those who suffer from a lack of it. We belong to God! The God of life and love, the God who made all things. The God who not only owns the cattle on the hills, He owns the hills! Look at verse 4: "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." My oldest granddaughter surprised us with a visit (oh yes, her mom and dad are here too - I forget!) and so in the short time she's been here I've tried to be with you, talk with her and show her movies whose characters she loves. I discovered she has "railroad blood" just like her great-great-great grandfather, great-grandfather and grandfather (it skips a generation it seems). Those mentioned have all worked or volunteered in railroading, so when I saw her fascination with trains I had to show her a movie I just recently saw, "Polar Express." I had resisted watching it because of its format and thought it looked sort of creepy, but at Wednesday night fellowship several said it was a "have-to" movie and so I borrowed it. It is a great movie (okay, it's a great Christmas movie) about a train that helps children have hope. It arrives on the eve of discovering the truth about Santa and that's all I'm going to say about it. It takes children to a place where they receive hope.

Paul says the Bible is such a vehicle. We can climb aboard and ride for the adventure of a lifetime and receive on that journey amazing hope. Or we can gripe that it seems to be blocking traffic just when we need to be getting somewhere else. I've climbed aboard. All aboard?

PRAYER: God of hope, share with me again and again the gift of hope. May Your presence, Your actions in my life, and Your Word share with me anew those promises of hope when I most need it. Let today begin a great adventure of hope. I pray this in He who brings hope anew, Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

34 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: CAN DIETS KILL RELATIONSHIPS?

God of unending love and wisdom, may those be special gifts to this dear reader today in all that she or he faces; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text for today comes from Romans 14:13-23 and we'll us The Message version again:

13 Forget about deciding what's right for each other. Here's what you need to be concerned about: that you don't get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. 14 I'm convinced - Jesus convinced me! - that everything as it is in itself is holy. We, of course, by the way we treat it or talk about it, can contaminate it. 15 If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don't eat, you're no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? 16 Don't you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning! 17 God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. 18 Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you. 19 So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; 20 don't drag them down by finding fault. You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you? I said it before and I'll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. 21 When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love. 22 Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. 23 But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe - some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them - then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong (a sin).

For the ancient believer of Paul's time, dietary concerns were important as we discussed in an earlier devotional. To eat something used first for the worship of an idol or false god didn't sit well with some believers. Others thought, if you're hungry, you're hungry and you eat; food is food. The disagreement between the two brought about conflicts that shouldn't have happened in the first place. Here Paul addresses those again. Verse 19 is key: "So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each others. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault." Hey, isn't that the "fun" in church, finding fault with others? For some, it may seem to be. Paul said, we have a bigger enemy to fight and that's evil. In order to better fight evil, we should have no space or room between us, join hands and hearts in the worship and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Exchange love with one another, for was that not the new great commandment given by Jesus, to love one another?

Let's make today a day to commit to love the Lord our God with all that we have. Secondly, let's love each other in the strong, positive, uplifting way we should be loving ourselves. Imagine a world filled with love, working together against evil.

PRAYER: Loving God, I confess that I am guilt of sometimes looking at the faults of others and trying to address those. Your Son, Jesus said I was to look first at myself and the plank in my eye before removing the speck in my neighbor's eye. May that be true for me today. Let me join my hands and hearts with my brothers and sisters to fight evil and share in love with each other. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

33 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: ON YOUR FAULTS AND MINE

Loving God, bless the needs of this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Today's text comes from Romans 14:1-12:

1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." 12 So then, each of us will be accountable to God.

How big is our welcome mat? By that I don't mean the one that says either welcome, or "Don't Make Me Come Out There! - The Dog." How do you welcome those who believe a little different from you on certain issues. In Paul's day the issues were a bit different. There was the issue of dietary practices. Most of the meat available for purchase came from places that had first offered it as idol sacrifice. That is to say your steak might have been first on the altar to a Roman god before it hit your plate and you might not be kosher (sorry) with that idea. So you became a vegetarian. Then you get invited over to a fellowship meal with fellow members of your church and you discover they're having steak. Oopsy, what to do, what to do? Or the issue was that of following the Lord's Day. No established church on the Christian side for that yet. Jews had Saturday and still do; some Christians believed that they should too. Others said, No, we're Christ's people; He rose on Sunday and so we should worship Him on the day of His resurrection, after all we're Resurrection People! And you could see where the fellowship, meal or otherwise, might get a bit tense and the welcome mat slowly shrinks.

Paul says, in all matters, even death, we belong to God! Why spend valuable time judging one another? We don't have that much time. Our time is better spent in worship and serve to the living God, reaching the lost, the least, and the last. In the End it will be He who judges, not us. Meanwhile, let us sing praises to the living God in hopes of reaching as many as we can. Let us also be mindful that we are to be held accountable for what we did with our time.

PRAYER: God of love, may my day be spent in doing that which is pleasing to You. Not all people are pleasing to us and I should be mindful of that, but not in condemning thoughts or tones, but in terms of knowing that what I do today matter in Your kingdom. Let me serve and praise You while trying to reach as many as I can. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

32 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: THE DEBT OF LOVE

Gracious God of wholeness and peace, share Your blessings on the needs of this dear reader in all they may need or face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our text today comes from Romans 13:8-14: This morning we use The Message version, which is fresh and challenging at times:

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!

We're all in debt. To God, that is, for His great love for us. Dont' you love the summary given in that short passage about the debt of love? You owe me love! I owe you love! How many times have we said or heard that? Probably slim to none, right? Yet, what a wonderful message for Christians to hear, have, and live: Living as if we were in debt to each other out of love. With the debt of love message we can better understand the Ten Commandments; Paul says (in Message form): "Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can't go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love."

The rest of the message in this passage is a call to action. I was joking with my Sunday school class (Sundays at 9:40 a.m. in the RCC Meeting Room. Hint) about the number of retreats the church has had and still has. Many have said, Why don't we ever have charges or advances? Have we lulled ourselves to sleep awaiting something to happen? The truth is that God awaits our faithfulness to come to life and our willingness to go out and love folks! If we were to live our lives based on love and treat others as we treat ourselves in positive, loving ways, the results would be great for Christ's church.

So, as Paul said above, "Get out of 'bed' and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger...dress yourself in Christ" and get busy!

PRAYER: Loving God of love. I am in debt to You and others in love for the great love you always have for me and all of us. Help me to arise, dress, and go be the person of love You've called me to be. In Christ Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

PRAYER REQUEST: For baby Allegra McCallum, in the hospital with roto-virus. For Mom and Dad and grandparents. For Nicho Salazar, who has a blockage in his brain. He's in the Floresville hospital.

31 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: PRAY FOR THE PRESIDENT?

Gracious God, bless the needs of this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Today's text comes from Romans 13:1-7:

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; 4 for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, busy with this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Imagine living in Roman occupied land if you were a Jew. I can guarantee that it is much better for us who live here in the USA. We are free to gripe and groan about who leads this office at this level and from the dog catcher to the president, we have the freedom to complain. Yet, as believers in the God who rules all things, Paul says, "Did you stop to think that perhaps we have who we have may have come with God allowing it or permitting it?" Paul is helping those Christians facing hardships and persecutions in knowing that God was still with them in spite of how dismal things may have looked. And for the good of life and for the good of the faith, live a life that exults God but doesn't put you and your fellow believers in danger. It may also seem redundant, if not silly, to say, if you know God, you know God's love and you know God's commandments. If you follow the commandments you know to stay out of trouble: Don't steal, don't cheat, don't kill, etc. Live your life that is pleasing to God and you will remain free from trouble with the law. I know there have been times and continue to be places where just to worship was, and sadly for some, still is, a crime; but one knows to be led by God in all things.

May our lives be an example of one who prays for all people, including and especially for those we don't necessarily like or approve. Ask God to bless and watch over them and to help them serve out the purposes of God and for God to help us understand just what those purposes may be.

PRAYER: God of all people, we pray for all elected officials. Lord, You know we don't necessarily approve of them all, and the conduct of all, but we pray that Your blessing would still be upon them in ways that You will be glorified. We do thank You for our nation and for what we can and should be doing; may Your Spirit bless all who share their lives with us. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

30 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: DEAR LIFE

God of the earth and sky, bring forth love, peace, and joy to the life of this dear reader in ways that bless this reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Today's text is from Romans 12:9-21: (I thought you'd like to read this in The Message version of The Bible) 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.

God made humans to run. We don't all like to run, and running, as we get older, gets harder and less pleasant to do. Nellie and I are reading a great book together on running called "Born to Run." This is a book about the Tarumara Indians of Northern Mexico, across from Cuidad Juarez, near El Paso. These folks, according to the book, always run. They have to. It's what feeds them and now, thanks to the dangerous presence of narco-trafficers, keeps them safe and alive. Sections of the book also have gotten scientific and tries to explain how our feet and bodies developed the ability to run for the same reasons as the Tarumara, food and life. Paul, in this interesting version of the Bible, in verse 9 says we must "run for dear life from evil;" and "hold on for dear life to good." While that's an old expression meaning to cling hard to something, in Paul's way it means the same. For us to be the people God wants us to be we must learn to run away from evil and to hold on to what we know is good for our lives. Paul begins by saying our love must be real and the kind of love that places others and their needs before ours. Christians are (or should be) caring people that place others first. In many of the discussions and debates raging in our nation, I wonder why we ever called ourselves a "Christian nation." For others we are a greedy, self-centered one, concerned more about ourselves than we are for the poor and neglected.

Look at Paul's list: Don't burn out. Keep fueld and aflame. Be alert servants. Cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times. Pray all the harder. Help needy Christians. Be inventive in showing hospitality. (Doesn't sound like we have much room to "look out for number one" does it?) Bless your enemies. No underbreath cursing. Laugh. Share tears. Get along with others. Don't be stuck up. Be a friend to all, especially those who struggle in making or having friends. Don't blow yourself up with pride. Don't hit back. Seek the beauty in others. Seek no revenge. Don't get even. Leave it to God. Do things that blow away your enemies minds and hearts by doing good.

Wow. Talk about dear life. Our life is precious and dear and becomes more so when we follow what Paul has shared. Put God first, then put God's people, especially needy people next. This fulfills the Great Commandment and pleases the Lord. It's not easy, but it sure is dear.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for life and thank You for the things that make this life indeed dear. May my actions show that I belong to You and that You are guiding and blessing me for the good, so that others may have dear life. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

29 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: LIVING FOR JESUS

Gracious God, fill the cup of this dear reader's life in the way You know best; in Christ Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Our text comes from Romans 12:1-8: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

I can look back now and say that the move from my birth place of Kingsville, Texas, at the age of 13, to Houston, Texas, was perhaps the greatest move of my life. It opened my eyes to a new world and to new possibilities about life and purpose. I couldn't say that at the time because I was too bewildered in so many ways: The sirens on emergency vehicles was so different from the old, almost hand-cranked sirens from home to the piercing electronic ones of Houston. We lived on a downtown street that was a favorite of ambulances, at all hours of the night, on their way to the Texas Medical Center. I saw girls, or at least one of them, one day show up with green hair. Yes, bright green hair. She was the talk of the school and she was dispatched home once the administration found out about her dye selection for the day. I heard things about which I did not yet know a thing, and as I asked, the Bible verses from Sunday school began to take shape in terms of what God offered and what the world offered. Paul says in the first verses of today's passage, with God's help we should all offer ourselves, every bit and part of our lives to God as a living and holy sacrifice (offering). As the unblemished animals were presented to God in the Old Testament teachings on offerings and sacrifices, so Paul teaches, we too, should present ourselves as gifts to God. The good news is that as Paul is writing he is aware that death is no longer a part of the equation; Christ died once and for all, in our place. What should die is the way we give in to temptation and sin.

Christ's death also meant we should allow Him to help us not be like everyone else. As the people of God were called to be a nation of priests, that meant their lives should be an example to the other nations. So should we. People don't notice the ones who do and carry on like everybody else, they notice the ones who are different and in the case of Christians, the ones who know how to better live in a peaceful, pleasing way before God. And Paul says our starting point should be in our minds. What we think we often are or do. If we think Godly things,we will be and do Godly things. If we open our mind to the leading of God, God will help us in the making of difficult decisions for His honor and glory.

Lastly, we are on the same team, each looking out for the other, each seeking victory each day in this our daily life. The challenges and temptations will come, but as we encourage and look out for each other, we will be blessed in making the right decisions and living the right way. Whatever our gifts and callings, those are the things that will bless us and help us be the persons God wants us to be.

PRAYER: Loving God, may this day be a day in which I think more about You and less about me. May my thoughts be Yours and may those bless me into action that is pleasing to You and a blessing to Your people. May I pray more today for those with whom I live, work, and play, so that they are blessed in ways that bring honor and glory to You. I ask this in the Name of He who lived and died for My sake because of Your love and His love for me, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

28 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: AN INCOMPLETE FAMILY

Gracious God of life, share with this dear reader exactly what is needed in her or his life today. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Our reading comes from Romans 11:25-36: 25 So that you may not claim to be wiser than you are, brothers and sisters, I want you to understand this mystery: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved; as it is written, "Out of Zion will come the Deliverer; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob." 27 "And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins." 28 As regards the gospel they are enemies of God for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved, for the sake of their ancestors; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all. 33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" 35 "Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?" 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen

There's nothing like an incomplete family during special days. Most of us know when our children grow and marry they enter into a second family. Unless you live blocks from the other new family, the loyalties of your children split and they have to honor time with new family members during special days along with time with their parents. Most parents understand this. Not all like it. Paul is sharing his longing for having all of his "family," the Jews, under the umbrella of those who know and love Jesus as Lord and Savior. He's also encouraging those who know Jesus to share Him with others, so that they can be a blessing that brings the blessing of salvation to the unsaved.

Yesterday in our sermon that concluded a series called "Deliver," and it featured a pizza motif, the sermon was "Delivered to Deliver" and it was the story of Paul and how he was converted to being a Christian so that he might deliver others. I made that into a call into ministry for all believers whether it's a call from God to go all across the globe or just across the room, to bring a blessing to someone in need. I shared the sad story of two men who retired from working together for almost 50 years who discovered during their retirement party that they were both United Methodists. While they may have felt joy about that discovery, the unsaid thing was, how can you work alongside someone for that long and never bring up faith? Yes, some feel faith is a personal thing and we don't want to make others uncomfortable, but how can it not come up as a topic of importance? I suggested all we have to say is, "I had a great time in church yesterday" or "My pastor shared an interesting story about two coworkers who didn't know they were from the same denomination; sure hope that's not our case too!" And that may open a door of ministry to that person when they may just say, "You go to church? I need you to pray for my spouse and me" or something along those lines. God will use you to bring His blessings to their lives.

May we be a part of those who bring glory to the Name of God today and all days.

PRAYER: Loving God of all people, may I this day serve You like never before. Give me the wisdom, courage and opportunity to share my faith with someone in need. I pray this in Christ Jesus' name,amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Personal reflection: Last night after Nellie and I attended a funeral prayer service we stopped at an HEB grocery store in McAllen. The cashier was super friendly and I suppose because we were still in our "Sunday go to meetin'" clothes she said, "You two are so adorable!" I replied, "That's because we just came from church!" We just chit chatted a bit about that, but we did share our need to be in worship at every opportunity we get.

Please continue to pray for the family of Carlos Martinez. His funeral is today at 10 a.m. Carlos had four daughters, sons-in-law, and several grandkids. His wife is Beatrice. We praise God because Facundo is home recovering from his stay in the hospital. He suffered what doctors at first thought was a stroke, but determined it was an irregular heartbeat and treatment for that through meds has been successful.

THE REVEREND JOSE A. GALINDO

The Rev. Jose A. Galindo died yesterday morning at about 4:30 from an apparent heart attack. It seemed to be incredible news for I always held him as a man bigger than life. The Rev. Jose A. Galindo held and will always hold a very special place in my heart for all that he gave of himself to me and my life and ministry. I came to know him when I was assigned to do an internship at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission. I had requested to study there because of the dynamic preacher EL Mesias had in The Rev. Francisco Gaytan. Rev. Gaytan was and is, as some say, "a prince of the pulpit." I met with Pancho and we made the arrangments for my coming to serve there so that my preaching could improve. Just months before my arrival I get a phone call from Pancho saying the now cliche, "I've got good news and bad news; which do you want to hear first?" The good news, for him, was that he was made district superintendent of the Southern District, based in McAllen, Texas, right next door to Mission. The bad news was that I would not get to study under him. He and the Rev. Galindo were swapping places. I did not know Jose, I had only seen him and maybe said a hello to him. He had been a DS while I entered the process and finished my first ordination, and had not had direct contact with him. I prayed for the best. And the best it was as God always provides. I believe I saw both Jose and Pancho almost as much time had I served only under Pancho. But it was those quiet times with Jose that I came to know myself and my calling and my ministry better. I have to admit that I came to the internship with major doubts about my ability to serve as a pastor and a preacher. At one point where I was quite honestly ready to quit everything and head home, it was that God led "Brother Galindo" as I and many affectionately knew him, to tell me, "You got it. You have what it takes to be a minister." How did he know I needed to hear that? Then, as if coached by him, his sons, Joe and Jody with whom I have been close since those years also said the same to me. Brother Galindo and I weathered a hurricane together, opening El Mesias as a Red Cross shelter and weathered other storms not of nature's hand, but in all I saw God at work in this incredible man.

What has blessed my life since then was that he introduced me to Nellie almost as soon as I arrived in Mission. I saw Nellie at a prayer meeting my first night there and the next day Jose began to tout her character and attributes. He said, "She'd be the perfect minister's wife- she's a woman of prayer and she's a tither." Nuff said! He even said I should call her when he saw I was reluctant, and looked up and dialed, yes, rotary dial phones in our offices, her number for me. Nellie and I talked for one hour that first conversation, and it was the first of now almost thirty-two years of conversation. Thank God most of them are not by phone. He performed our marriage some months later, and he even bought our wedding cake in our budget wedding. Two years later he baptized Nellie Maria, our firstborn there at El Mesias. He stayed a major influence and supporter of my calling and ministry for all these years.

Brother Galindo had been ill and a shutin for some years, after a long and faithful service to God as a minister in the Rio Grande Conference. He served as the Executive Director of Border Ministries, senior pastor of El Mesias UMC in Mission, District Superintendent of the Southern District, and several other appointments.

Rev. Galindo served Port Arthur, TX where he secured a second Master's degree in History while serving the RGC church there. He is survived by his wife of many years, Berta, and three sons, Joe, Jody, and Jay, and their wives and children.

He shared too many wonderful things with me and so many that we could not cover them in this prayer request. Simply join me in giving thanks for this wonderful man and his precious and powerful life. May God comfort his family and those who knew and loved him.

A prayer service will be held tonight at El Mesias UMC in Mission, 209 E. 6th Street; and his funeral will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. I mourn the loss as well as my inability to be with them during my time here in California.

Blessings,

e.v.

27 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN

God of the universe, become the God needed in the life of this dear reader as she or he goes about their day today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

For today's text, Romans 11:11-24, I thought The Message version would be good:

11 The next question is, "Are they down for the count? Are they out of this for good?" And the answer is a clear-cut no. Ironically when they walked out, they left the door open and the outsiders walked in. But the next thing you know, the Jews were starting to wonder if perhaps they had walked out on a good thing. 12 Now, if their leaving triggered this worldwide coming of non-Jewish outsiders to God's kingdom, just imagine the effect of their coming back! What a homecoming! 13 But I don't want to go on about them. It's you, the outsiders, that I'm concerned with now. Because my personal assignment is focused on the so-called outsiders, I make as much of this as I can 14 when I'm among my Israelite kin, the so-called insiders, hoping they'll realize what they're missing and want to get in on what God is doing. 15 If their falling out initiated this worldwide coming together, their recovery is going to set off something even better: mass homecoming! If the first thing the Jews did, even though it was wrong for them, turned out for your good, just think what's going to happen when they get it right! 16 Behind and underneath all this there is a holy, God-planted, God-tended root. If the primary root of the tree is holy, there's bound to be some holy fruit. 17 Some of the tree's branches were pruned and you wild olive shoots were grafted in. Yet the fact that you are now fed by that rich and holy root 18 gives you no cause to crow over the pruned branches. Remember, you aren't feeding the root; the root is feeding you. 19 It's certainly possible to say, "Other branches were pruned so that I could be grafted in!" 20 Well and good. But they were pruned because they were deadwood, no longer connected by belief and commitment to the root. The only reason you're on the tree is because your graft "took" when you believed, and because you're connected to that belief-nurturing root. So don't get cocky and strut your branch. Be humbly mindful of the root that keeps you lithe and green. 21 If God didn't think twice about taking pruning shears to the natural branches, why would he hesitate over you? He wouldn't give it a second thought. 22 Make sure you stay alert to these qualities of gentle kindness and ruthless severity that exist side by side in God - ruthless with the deadwood, gentle with the grafted shoot. But don't presume on this gentleness. The moment you become deadwood, you're out of there. 23 And don't get to feeling superior to those pruned branches down on the ground. If they don't persist in remaining deadwood, they could very well get grafted back in. God can do that. He can perform miracle grafts. 24 Why, if he could graft you - branches cut from a tree out in the wild - into an orchard tree, he certainly isn't going to have any trouble grafting branches back into the tree they grew from in the first place. Just be glad you're in the tree, and hope for the best for the others.

They say air conditioning ruined our society. It was before AC that people sat outside on front porches and chatted with neighbors and kept an eye on each other's children. AC made it possible for people to sit inside with doors closed and shades drawn, so that the AC wouldn't have to work so hard. Did you stop to think that AC also make it necessary for churches to close their doors and windows? I pastored a church where the stories were great about "the old days" when the pastors didn't need microphones and screens and their voice carried all through the neighborhood! I thought about the positive impact that had in reaching the unchurched who might just happen to be sitting on their front porch (in the days before Bonanza & Ed Sullivan!) who might just happen to hear the message they were lacking for their lives.

An interesting article in our denominational newspaper yesterday was about church greeters and how in one church, one Sunday, the greeters forgot to close the door and a woman heard the music and goings on, walked in and now sings in the choir and teaches Sunday school. All for leaving the door open!

Paul says in the above passage that his kinfolk, the Jews, when they walked out on God, left the door open and the Gentiles walked in. What an illustration! But thanks be to God for that open door. And the even better news is that the door is still open to all, including and especially for Jews. The open door remains as the door that leads to life. As we read the rest of the verses Paul talks about grafting and how deadwood becomes live again, thanks to "miracle grafts." If you or one of your loved ones is not "in the tree" (v. 24) pray for yourself and them and make the decision to come to life through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, don't leave me or my loved ones on the ground about to die; lift us up to the branches where we can be grafted into life. I pray especially for those for whom I have been praying that they might come to life and the fullness of life in Jesus Christ. I ask these things in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

26 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: WHEN DOES GOD FINALLY GIVE UP ON US?

Loving God of mercy, be with the needs of this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Here is today's text from Romans 11:1-10:

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Eli'jah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 "Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." 4 But what is the divine reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Ba'al." 5 So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace. 7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8 as it is written, "God gave them a sluggish spirit, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day." 9 And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and keep their backs forever bent."

Paul's question can easily apply to us or those we love: When does God finally give up on us? There are times we have committed such horrible actions against God or against God's creatures that we think we're no longer worthy of God's grace and mercy, but we're wrong. God never gives up on us! I know it's early in the morning, but that's the best news I've heard yet! For that reason I go straight from praying by my bed to my home study to The Upper Room devotional page online, to this devotional: I want the first news I hear to be from God. And in a book that contains the Gospel, I know I will find Good News!

Paul worried a lot for his people, the Jews. He knew they were not coming to faith in Christ as they should, and wondered (The Message version) "Does this mean, then, that God is so fed up with Israel that he'll have nothing more to do with them?" His response? "Hardly!" And then he lists that he himself is a Jew and God was using him. In the same way we could do that with our loved ones, asking that question and then saying, God is using me and I'm one of them!

God is using you, if you let Him. Your words, actions, and attitudes towards your loved ones will go further than any sermon. Your loved ones will begin to see that it is possible for God to be at work even in us, and will begin to seek out that joy and peace that only God can give.

PRAYER: Loving God as I pray I am thinking of those whom I love who have not yet come to full faith in You. May today be a starting day for me to live as I should and act as I should so that my actions would bless these dear to me and precious to You. May they come to faith is my prayer and I lift it up in Christ Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

25 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: NO DISAPPOINTMENT

Loving God, share a message of hope and comfort to this dear reader in all that she or he faces today; in Jesus' Name, amen!

Here is today's text from Romans 10:10-21:

10 For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11 The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13 For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 16 But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isai'ah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." 19 Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, "I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." 20 Then Isai'ah is so bold as to say, "I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me." 21 But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."

Paul is quoting from the prophet Isaiah in verse 11, which is our key verse today: "The scripture says, 'No one who believe in Him will be put to shame.'" As Paul continues to fret over the lost nation of Israel, he is seeking answers in God's word. Paul knew the scriptures for he was a Pharisee, and as a Pharisee, he knew that in God's word we can find that which comforts and gives hope. Paul knew that the Word also said, v. 13, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved," but also knows others were wondering, "How will they know to call upon the Lord?" Paul is confident that God's word has been and will be preached to all corners of the world so that they may come to believe in God.

In the same way, could today be the day when one of our lost loved ones comes to the saving knowledge of God? Could their days of long separation from God come to an end today in that they come to say, "God, I've been wandering off long enough, come into my life today and make me yours."? It might possibly be, but it will require our prayers and asking of God, for His will to be done. No one wants to be separated from those that they love and in the same way, God does not want to be separated from any of us. As our key verse for today said, we will not be disappointed because of our faith in God.

PRAYER: Loving God, into Your loving care and hands I place those whom I've named in my heart as needing You. If it be Your will help them know again and again of Your love for them and the desire You have to have them in relationship with You. May they come to know You like never before. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

PS Prayer Request for the family of Ralph Salinas. Ralph's sister died not too long ago of a stroke while caring for their mom; this past weekend, their mom died. This morning is her funeral and we ask you lift Ralph up in prayer during this sad time for him and all of his loved ones.

24 THE GOSPEL OF PAUL: OURS FOR THE ASKING

Gracious God of all days, be with the needs of this dear reader in all they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Last night's watching of 60 Minutes intrigued me about a movie called "Nursery University," all about what parents have to do to get their infants into the "right" nursery. The show's story was precisely that as well, and they showed little "preppie" (is that still a word?) dressed infants awaiting the start of school. These were the fortunate ones, whose parents had fought phone-ins, interviews, selection processes, etc. and could afford (gulp!) the tuition at that one school of $18,000 to $30,000 a year. The reporter on that segment said, "That's more than I paid for college!" The one school mentioned by name was started by the director's grandfather and he would wait by the phone for it to ring with the interest of parents. Now they get 150 applicants for the 20 slots open each year. One hundred thirty kids get turned away. It's definitely not theirs for the asking.

Paul contends with his heart and his people in the verses for today, Romans 9:30-10:9:

30 What then are we to say? Gentiles, who did not strive for righteousness, have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith; 31 but Israel, who did strive for the righteousness that is based on the law, did not succeed in fulfilling that law. 32 Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written, "See, I am laying in Zion a stone that will make people stumble, a rock that will make them fall, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." 10:1 Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. 5 Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that "the person who does these things will live by them." 6 But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 "or "Who will descend into the abyss?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Paul's understanding was that the Gentiles received the greatest gift the world has ever known, and they weren't even looking for it during their history. On the other hand, the Jews, who had and are still seeking, rejected that same gift. The Jews, like some others, were not looking only based on faith, but on what works, signs or wonders, this Messiah might perform to convince them. This Paul says, is the stumbling block, as his scripture called it. Yet his heart's desire is for his people to find Jesus so that they might be saved. He admits the Jews fervor for God is not enlightened; it's misguided and basically self-centered. If they (and us) were to ask the right questions, such as the ones he shares, they would come to that enlightenment and discover Christ and be saved. Read especially verse 9 which still holds true for every person in the world regardless of birth, "if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Our sermon yesterday was on Jehovah Yasha, Jehovah Savior and we preached on being saved. I related the story of an ill-fated canoe trip with my best friend, and how I almost drowned. Had my friend not pulled me from that raging river I would have died. In the same way, whatever "river" of sin, destruction, addiction, bad habits, fear, doubt, etc. we find ourselves in, through our confession (our asking) of Jesus as OUR Lord and belief in our hear that God indeed raised him from the dead, we will be saved. Saved from certain death and a certain eternal separation from God. The Psalmist had echoed this many centuried before in Psalm 103:3ff (The Message):

3 He forgives your sins - every one. He heals your diseases - every one. 4 He redeems you from hell - saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy - a paradise crown. 5 He wraps you in goodness - beauty eternal. He renews your youth - you're always young in his presence. 6 God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.

PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me of my sins and pull me out of the river in which I find myself drowning. I confess I have made wrong choices and decisions for my life and I need Your help in getting pulled out. Put me on the banks of life, restore me to wholeness and healing. Place on me a "paradise crown" and wrap me in goodness. May each day in Your presence renew me to youthful feeling and attitudes towards You and Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus' powerful and precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

23 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL!

God of light, shine brightly in the corners of darkness and need in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Here is today's text from Romans 9: 10-29

10 Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. 11 Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's purpose of election might continue, 12 not by works but by his call) she was told, "The elder shall serve the younger." 13 As it is written, "I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau." 14 What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses. 19 You will say to me then, "Why then does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath that are made for destruction; 23 and what if he has done so in order to make known the riches of his glory for the objects of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--24 including us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hose'a, "Those who were not my people I will call "my people,' and her who was not beloved I will call "beloved.'" 26 "And in the very place where it was said to them, "You are not my people,' there they shall be called children of the living God." 27 And Isai'ah cries out concerning Israel, "Though the number of the children of Israel were like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved; 28 for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth quickly and decisively." 29 And as Isai'ah predicted, "If the Lord of hosts had not left survivors to us, we would have fared like Sod'om and been made like Gomor'rah."

When it comes to someone in our family not believing, it really hurts. You can understand Paul's enthusiastic defense of God in these passages because of his family's rejection of God's work in Jesus Christ. His Bible was filled with bibical references to incredible and wonderful things God had done on behalf of his family, and yet, they turned away from God and from Jesus Christ. He lists births where there shouldn't have been life at all. He lists compassion where there shouldn't have been. He even lists those who suffered as a result of their own actions. Through it all Paul declares, God is in control.

We can't sit down after reading this morning's devotional and script out what is going to happen today and expect it to happen just because we want it to. If you want a good laugh go back and see some of my "to-do" lists. I love the sign, and it's probably buried somewhere on my desk-of-no-return that says, "God put me on this earth to accomplish some things and I'm so far behind I'll never die" or something to that effect. Paul says, we need to trust God and accept what God has, is, and will do on our behalf because of God's great love for us. I love how Paul says you never hear the clay talking back to the potter; the potter is in complete control of each project, and in the same way, God is in control of us and how we will be shaped according to His purpose in our lives.

Take time right now to enjoy the touch of God's fingers at work on your body. God is smoothing out the rough edges and is make right the blemishes and marks that should not be on us. God is at work in our spirits making us exactly who we wants us to be, but we have to be still; we have to be obedient and trusting. You and I are works in progress. Make that wonderous works in progress!

PRAYER: Loving Potter, help me to sit obediently still while You finish me. I tend to fidget when I'm uneasy. I tend to want to run because I am impatient. I have a tendecy to be easily distracted. You work on me and help me realize that I attempt or have attempted relies only on Your strength and power, not mine. I pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

22 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: LOVED ONES WHO DON'T YET BELIEVE

God of peace and power, share exactly what this dear reader needs in their life today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Here is today's text: Romana 9:1-9:

1 I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit-- 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 6 It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."

To the Christians in Rome, Paul begins to share his heart. His heart was broken that not more Jews were believing in Christ. He lists their blessings and what should be joys in their history and heritage, yet they were missing the greatest gift, and that was Jesus Christ Himself. Paul cannot believe how for their sake, God acted and sent His Son and yet they still rejected Him. Paul confesses his sorrow to the point that he would take being "cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people." Sometimes we find ourselves thinking that about people in our own families. They know all that God has done for them and yet they do not receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. They know the blessings that have been theirs and should be theirs and yet they do not claim Jesus as He who can enter in and live in their hearts. Could we say that "God's word had failed?" No. They have failed God's word.

Paul knows that those who do believe become the children of God and thus our brothers and sisters. This however, does not mean we give up praying and inviting those loved ones for whom we care and want in the fellowship of Christ. It should make us work all the harder.

PRAYER: Loving God, today in my mind I have named ____________________ of my family. Lord, if it be Thy will, let today be a day in which she or he gets closer to You and realizing all that You have done on his/her behalf. I ask that I may draw closer too, and be the person You would have me be. I pray this in complete faith, in Christ Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

21 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: THAT LIST!

Loving God bless and protect the needs of this dear reader. I ask this in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

Dear friends, this comes a bit late and it comes from the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix as I await the plane that takes me home after a meeting of all the conferences' board of ordained ministry chairpersons. Great meeting if only for an overnight, 24 hour meeting. But here is today's reading.

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.

There is perhaps no greater passage on the strength and presence and workings of God's Holy Spirit as this one. We have to admit that we are weak. And sometimes that weakness comes through when we feel so weak that we can no longer pray. It comes to many of us when we are hurting or beat down so badly that we have no other option but to look upward towards God. And Paul says it is at exactly then even if we can only sigh, that God's Spirit "intercedes" for us. God knows what is behind those sighs that come out of our soul. A dear woman in a previous church lost her daughter to cancer. It was the most agonizing thing she or any of us could ever dread to experience. After weeping and hurting and praying and mourning, she reached that point and it alarmed her. She said to me, "Pastor, I can no longer pray..." I rememberd this verse and told her she had never stopped praying for her child; it was just that she stopped using words and began using the Holy Spirit to interpret the sighs to God as her prayer.

Paul further says that "all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." That is to say that both good and bad, everything, all things, work for good if we love God and who know of our relationship with God. Not all things are pleasant or good, but because of our relationship with God, we're going to understand more deeply and be able to bless others more deeply because of that. Paul reminds us of what God suffered in letting His Son experience what He did on our behalf. Then the awesome declaration, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Throughout our lives, if we love God and enjoy that relationship with God, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. Then the list! Who or what could possibly separate us from God? Death? No! Life? Even Angels? How about Presidents (okay, Paul says rulers) No again! What about things we're experiencing or fear that may come? No! What about powers? No! What about height or depth? No! "Nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

PRAYER: Awesome, Loving Father, what a promise and what a blessing is ours. My prayer is that You would be with me as I face what I face. Let me be the person You would have me be even in the midst of this which I am experiencing. Let me be faithful, let me be more than a conqueror, let me be one who gives witness and praise to You in all things. I ask all this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

20 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: FAST FORWARD TO GLORY?

Loving God, pour out a generous portion of love, peace, joy, and compassion to this dear reader in whatever it is they face today. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Here is today's text from Romans 8:

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

We are a society of instant gratification. We expect and want instant results in all things. Who's to blame? I blame whoever invented instant coffee. Was it Sanka? Or Maxwell's? Some scientist working in one of the coffee manufacturer's labs decided that if they tinkered long enough and hard enough, they could come up with instant coffee. Of course I can't say anything because just this morning I made instant oatmeal. Within one minute my breakfast was fully "cooked." I added my fruit, sweetner, milk, and I was happily eating my big, most important meal of the day. I know I would rather as would most of you, have steel cut (whatever that means) oatmeals, slow cooked for, get this, five minutes. And there are those coffee purists who would rather slow brew their coffee and then enjoy the fullness of that taste. And don't get me started on microwaves!

The things of this world cannot be fast forwarded (there's another invention that helped us become who we are!). Sadly, that includes the not-s0-pleasant things of this world. There are things we wish we could fast forward. My wife would have loved to have been able to fast forward the nine months we awaited the arrival of our first baby. Our daughter is counting the days to November/December whenever our third grandbaby comes along. Sorry. We cannot fast forward that. We wait and hopefully in a patient mode, for that which is to come. Paul knew that the sufferings of those who were suffering because of their faith were more they could or wanted to endure. Yet, Paul knew of the coming glory, he had experienced it and knew what lay ahead for the faithful; yet he himself was guilty of not being able to wait as patiently as he knew he should.

What are you going through? Do you wish it were over that you could at least see the end of it coming faster than it seems it is? God is with you. God has revealed, through His Holy Word, all that awaits us for being faithful and patient. Make use of the time to share with others who are also awaiting what is coming. This Saturday, our church is going to help re-roof and install a four-ton air conditioning unit in a home that presently only has a window unit. The owner of the home is a paraplegic and needs to be in a cool room. I imagined from the day we dropped off the unit how he must feel and the excitement he must have towards the day the unit is finally in and working throughout his home. (What a neat way to invite those of you who can to help us with our Home reBuild this Saturday. Meet in our east parking lot at 8 a.m. Bring tools, hats, etc. Be in prayer for the success of this time doing for others!).

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the joys and the not-so-joyful things of today. Guide us in the way we should face each day and each challenge and blessing of each day. Help us share with others the joy we feel towards that which is coming to us soon. We pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

19 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: FRIDGE RIGHTS FOR GOD?

God of new life, breathe into the life of this dear reader exactly what is needed for their life today. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Here is today's text from Romans 8:10-17, using The Message version of the Bible:

10 But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells - even though you still experience all the limitations of sin - you yourself experience life on God's terms. 11 It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's! 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!

Do you have friends with "refridgerator rights?" A "fridge friend?" One who, once he or she is inside, does not need your permission to go and open your fridge, help him/herself to leftovers or sandwich makings and then a cold beverage? I would suspect our list on those is very short, if any. We tend to limit those type of rights to immediate family. Does God have fridge rights to your life? Have you come to a new life on God's terms and not yours? Paul is stressing quite clearly that God does have fridge, oven, closet, drawer, nightstand, garage, et al, rights to your life. Once you've looked through your peephole and seen that it is God knocking on the door to your heart, if you let Him in, He has the run of your life's house. And you have the benefits and blessings of having the world's most important and powerful guest. Can you imagine life like that? I hope you would and move beyond just imagining and have it become real for you.

Our having repented of our sin is equal to our having died to a sinful way of life and coming to new life in Christ Jesus. That means we have not only invited God into our lives, but have made God the head of our life. Back when my dad still traveled, I can't explain it, but whenever he was in the house with us, I believe we all slept more soundly. The same was true for my Mom's visit and my mother-in-law's stays. Just having a person we loved and trusted, with more life experience than us made us know that hey, someone is "watching" over us and no harm will befall us! Talk about persons who had more than fridge rights to our homes.

Those times Nellie and I had moved to a new setting, with our parents visiting us, we loved showing them around what little we knew of our new town and attractions and enjoyed seeing life through their eyes and new experiences. As this version says, "It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next Papa/Mama?" So it is with God. As we have moved into a new dwelling of life in the Spirit, each day should be that adventure of newness, joy, peace, love and comfort, going and doing exactly what God wants and expects from us.

PRAYER: Dear God, I thank You for Your presence here in my life. I thank You for those precious memories of days past when dear loved ones could visit and stay with us. Stay with me and help me to enjoy this day as a precious gift. Help it truly be as I have just read, an adventurously expectant day. I ask and pray this in Christ Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde

18 GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL: PUTTING ON CHRIST

Spirit of the Most High, bless and protect this dear reader in all of today's challenges. In Christ Jesus, amen.

Here is today's text (and by the way, you may be getting this on Tuesday night and that's because I have no internet connection at the retreat center where I am attending a Stewardship event sponsored by the Texas Methodist Foundation, and I have borrowed their office computer! My thanks to the nice folks at Vintage Villas outside Austin!).

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.

Not guilty! Oh, the relief of hearing those words in a court of law. Now multiply that times an infinite number and you'll begin, I repeat, begin to understand how awesome it is to hear that said about you and me when it comes to our sinfulness. Not Guilty! You see, Paul says, we're living under a different law, not a law of sin and death, but a law of life, a law of the spirit of Christ Jesus. We talked about it being like leaving the old country of death and destruction and moving to a new country of life and freedom. This new life requires our being in Christ Jesus; that is to say Paul saw it as a way of life. Every morning along with the proper clothing we can put on Christ as He who guides our living and guides our day. If we dress with and like Christ, shouldn't we act as Him? The world needs to see Jesus alive and walking down the avenues of their lives. A large part of our discussion this afternoon centered and how the church has shifted from one time being the center of daily life to a corner off to the side where we no longer provide or are sought after for the answers of daily life challenges. I remembered the days when my pastor would get into the movie theatre for the same discount rate as a military person and my first trip to DisneyWorld as a college student I was surprised to see on their price list: Clergy/Military Discount. What a world it was then! Now most folks would rather charge the minister double to come in! What has not changed is that we as a church still offer the eternal answers that a temporal world does not want to hear. We offer He who died to defeat sin and death once and for all, for our sake.

So, if we belong to Christ Jesus, live like Him and show the world just what could be theirs as well.

PRAYER: Living God, help me to live a life that gives you honor and glory in all things. May I seek to abide in Christ and He in me. May this be for the blessing those around me need to see and receive. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

Eradio Valverde