A King Speaks About THE King

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1 These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: 2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ 5 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. 6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. 7 Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.” (2 Samuel 23:1-7 NIV Bible)

There are kings and there are kings; of this and of that. As an example, some many years ago, Waylon Jennings wrote a song about who was the king of Texas. Here's a clue: "I grew up on music, That we call western swing; It don't matter whose in Austin"...anyone? "Bob Wills is still the king." And some years ago, I Austin in Zilker Park, a British rock group from the 1960s set up and played a concert and they played this song. Quite an image, Mick Jagger, lead singer of The Rolling Stones, considered by many as a king in his own right of his genre of music, sang the song that "Bob Wills is Still the King." But this is about the one true king being spoken of by the greatest king of Israel, King David.

Many of us will gather on this coming Christ the King Sunday, and we reflect on the profound truths encapsulated in the final words of King David. His declaration, filled with the weight of experience, reveals the essence of true leadership under God's authority. David’s life was marked by triumphs and failures, but ultimately, he recognized that his kingship was not merely a position of power, but a calling to govern with righteousness and reverence for God.

David speaks of a ruler who governs in righteousness and the fear of God, likening him to a bright morning sun that brings life and growth. This imagery invites us to consider Christ, our ultimate King, who perfectly embodies these qualities. As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus reigns not with oppression, but with justice and love, illuminating our lives and guiding us in our walk of faith.

We find in Verses 5-7 words that emphasize the importance of aligning our lives with God’s covenant. David's confidence in God's promises challenges us to examine our own relationship with Him. Are we living in accordance with the covenant we have through Christ? Are we cultivating our hearts to reflect His light, or are we allowing the thorns of sin to take root? When Jesus brings us to His kingdom we will find ourselves surrounded in the purity of His holiness and anything in us that was unclean will be washed away by His blood. We can start now to prepare for that day by making the right decisions that glorify God and allows us to honor Him.

PRAYER: LOVING God, We thank You for the gift of Your Son, our King, who leads us with love and righteousness. As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, help us to reflect Your light in all we do. Strengthen us to remove the thorns in our lives and empower us to live out our faith boldly. May we walk in Your ways, shining Your light in the darkness, and bringing hope to those around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our King. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us commit to living in a way that reflects the light of Christ in our communities. Identify areas in your life where thorns may be choking the growth of righteousness. Perhaps it is through forgiveness, service, or a commitment to justice. Make a conscious effort to remove those thorns and replace them with actions that glorify God. Share the hope and light of Christ with someone who needs it, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a prayer.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

King of Heaven

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Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”So shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:4b-8 NIV)

The pressures of life here on earth sometimes cloud our vision of the realm we call Heaven. Our prayer time and our worship is meant to take us there every time we do either. Sometimes we worry so much about what is to come in the here and now that we forget that we are not of this place; we are truly pilgrims in a foreign place. We are of God and from God we came, and to God we shall return. And when we are there we shall see Him as King there.

The writer of thsi book, John greets us with a message of grace and peace from God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ Himself. Each of these divine persons is a source of strength and assurance, setting the stage for the grand revelation of Christ’s sovereignty.

Jesus is described as the "faithful witness" and "the firstborn of the dead," emphasizing His role in God's redemptive plan. He is not only a witness to the truth but also the ultimate testimony of God’s power over death. As the "ruler of kings on earth," Christ stands above all earthly powers and authorities. No matter the chaos or uncertainty we may face, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ reigns supreme.

Moreover, we are reminded that through His sacrificial love, Jesus has freed us from our sins and made us a kingdom of priests to God. This remarkable transformation means that we are called to serve Him and others, participating in His mission of reconciliation and love. Our identity as His kingdom reflects His glory and dominion, compelling us to live out our faith actively and authentically.

The passage culminates with a powerful promise of Christ's return: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds." This reminder stirs our hearts with hope and anticipation. Every eye will see Him, and every tribe will acknowledge His authority. This is not just a future event; it is a present reality that should inspire us to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our King is coming back.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the incredible truth that Jesus is our King. Thank You for His sacrifice that has freed us from sin and made us a part of Your kingdom. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your love and authority in our lives. May we actively share the hope of Christ with others and be reminded of His glorious return. Empower us to be faithful witnesses and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can reflect the love and authority of Christ in your daily interactions. This week, find one way to serve others, share the hope of Christ, or exemplify His grace in your community.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Jesus Christ, Our King!

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33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." 37 Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:33-37 English Standard Version Bible)

Imagine being in the presene of the king and with him is one whom others have called king, too. Pilate was not as bad a person as Herod, for Herod was known to have killed his own sons for fear they would take the kingship from him; but here in this classic encounter Jesus shares a profound declaration of His own kingship. Pilate, representing worldly authority, questions Jesus about His identity. In response, Jesus clarifies that His kingdom does not belong to this world; it transcends earthly power and political structures. He came to bear witness to the truth, revealing the nature of His reign.

Jesus’ kingship is unlike any earthly authority. While kings and rulers may seek power for personal gain, Christ’s purpose was to serve, to redeem, and to reveal the truth. His kingdom is characterized by love, grace, and truth rather than coercion or violence. In this moment of interrogation, we see the contrast between worldly authority and divine sovereignty. Jesus stands before Pilate, not as a defeated prisoner, but as the sovereign King who has come to establish a different kind of reign.

As believers, we are called to acknowledge Christ as our King, not only in our worship but in our daily lives. His kingdom invites us to participate in His mission, to spread the truth of His love and grace, and to reflect His character in our interactions with others. In a world often filled with confusion and competing truths, we are challenged to listen to the voice of Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth.

Let us consider how we can submit to His authority and allow His kingdom values to shape our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects the truth of Christ’s kingship? Are we ambassadors of His kingdom, demonstrating His love in our communities and beyond?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, who reigns as King. Help us to recognize His authority in our lives and to embrace the truth He embodies. Empower us to live as faithful witnesses of Your kingdom, sharing Your love and grace with those around us. May our lives reflect the values of Your kingdom and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on your life and identify one area where you can better align with the values of Christ’s kingdom. Consider how you can be a witness to the truth in that area this week.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A Song of Praise

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1 Hannah prayed: I'm bursting with God-news! I'm walking on air. I'm laughing at my rivals. I'm dancing my salvation. 2 Nothing and no one is holy like God, no rock mountain like our God. 3 Don't dare talk pretentiously - not a word of boasting, ever! For God knows what's going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. 4 The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces, while the weak are infused with fresh strength. 5 The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts, while the hungry are getting second helpings. The barren woman has a houseful of children, while the mother of many is bereft. 6 God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. 7 God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. 8 He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, Restoring dignity and respect to their lives - a place in the sun! For the very structures of earth are God's; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation. 9 He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle! 10 God's enemies will be blasted out of the sky, crashed in a heap and burned. God will set things right all over the earth, he'll give strength to his king, he'll set his anointed on top of the world! (1 Samuel 2:1-10 The Message Bible)

Welcome to Part Two of yesterday's story of Hannah. This passage can serve as the Psalm reading for this week, for it contains all the wonderful components of a psalm. It is first and foremost, a psalm of celebration for all answered prayers merit celebration, and to use the language of this version, Walking on air, and dancing my salvation.

Hannah’s song of praise is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of worship. After years of deep anguish and longing for a child, Hannah's prayer was answered with the birth of her son, Samuel. In her song, she not only expresses her personal joy but also acknowledges God's sovereignty and justice. It is evident that Hannah's heart is overflowing with praise for her God.

Hannah begins her song by exulting in the Lord, declaring that her heart is full of joy because of Him. In our lives, how often do we pause to recognize the blessings we have received? Gratitude opens our hearts to experience joy, even in difficult times.

In verses 4-5, Hannah proclaims that the bows of the mighty are broken while the weak are clothed with strength. This is a powerful truth about God’s ability to turn situations around. When we feel weak or defeated, we can trust that God is at work. His plans often transcend our understanding.

Hannah speaks of God’s judgment and power over the world. Verse 10 emphasizes that God’s enemies will be shattered, while those who serve Him will be strengthened. This reminds us that God is not only intimately involved in our personal lives but also in the larger picture of justice and righteousness in the world.

Hannah's journey was long and filled with pain, but she remained faithful. Her eventual joy did not come without struggle. We are called to trust God's timing and purpose, knowing that He sees the bigger picture.

PRAYER: Awesome God, Thank You for being a God who hears our cries and answers our prayers. We praise You for Your sovereignty and justice, and we ask for the strength to trust in Your timing. Help us to be like Hannah, filled with gratitude and joy, even in the midst of trials. May our hearts sing praises to You and may we recognize the blessings You have bestowed upon us. Guide us to reflect Your light and love in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: What areas do you need to surrender to God? Where can you proclaim His goodness? This week, make a deliberate effort to thank God for His blessings, especially in challenging situations.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

In God's Time!

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4 When Elkanah sacrificed, he passed helpings from the sacrificial meal around to his wife Peninnah and all her children, 5 but he always gave an especially generous helping to Hannah because he loved her so much, and because God had not given her children. 6 But her rival wife taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children. 7 This went on year after year. Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite. 8 Her husband Elkanah said, "Oh, Hannah, why are you crying? Why aren't you eating? And why are you so upset? Am I not of more worth to you than ten sons?" 9 So Hannah ate. Then she pulled herself together, slipped away quietly, and entered the sanctuary. The priest Eli was on duty at the entrance to God's Temple in the customary seat. 10 Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried - inconsolably. 11 Then she made a vow: Oh, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, If you'll take a good, hard look at my pain, If you'll quit neglecting me and go into action for me By giving me a son, I'll give him completely, unreservedly to you. I'll set him apart for a life of holy discipline. 12 It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli was watching her closely. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. 14 He approached her and said, "You're drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!"15 Hannah said, "Oh no, sir - please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. 16 Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long." 17 Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him." 18 "Think well of me - and pray for me!" she said, and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant. 19 Up before dawn, they worshiped God and returned home to Ramah. Elkanah slept with Hannah his wife, and God began making the necessary arrangements in response to what she had asked. Dedicating the Child to God 20 Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, "I asked God for him." (1 Samuel 1:4-20 The Message Bible)

Dear Friend, praise be to God for the surgery that was finally performed on my brother-in-law, José Armando Rosales, on Tuesday afternoon. The surgery went well and Armando is a bit groggy as he is in recovery. Please continue to pray for him and his recovery. The doctor said it was a clean break and only screws were needed to repair the injury. Armando expects to be in the hospital for a couple of days. We just spoke with him on the phone. Thanks be to God!

Dr. Hunter Thompson was the inventor of what he calloed, Gonzo Journalism. An online source defines it in this way: "Gonzo journalism is a style of journalism that is characterized by the reporter's involvement in the story to the point where they become a central figure in the narrative. Unlike traditional journalism, which aims to remain objective and detached, gonzo journalism often blurs the lines between fact and fiction, with the reporter's personal experiences, emotions, and opinions becoming integral to the story." Dr. Thompson, and for the record, he was not a doctor in any sense of the word; he bought a Doctor of Divinity diploma from the back pages of Rolling Stones magazine and proudly used the title for the rest of his life. And I say all this because he said that when he was stuck for a story or a way to start one, he would rely on the Holy Bible for inspiration. And no wonder, with a story such as the one we just read. It's got intrigue, mystery, awe and wonder, and an underlying theme that only God can understand at points; and the ending just blows us away!

There is a family, yes set in those times and with the accepted cultural things of that time, like multiple wives. The husband is a man named Elkanah, and he has two wives, Penninnah and Hannah. In the race for the number of kids named for either, Hannah is winning. The names, by the way, have different meaning; Peninnah means "prolific" and "fertile," as we read in the intro to the story; Hannah means "favored," and "grace." Keep that in mind as we continue our journey. Though modern televsions shows might call them "sister wives" but they were not; "rival wife" is more like it. Penni loved to torment Han by reminding her that "God had not given her children." "Thank you, Penni!" NOT!

Hannah's story is one of profound struggle and unwavering faith. She experiences deep heartache and humiliation, yet in her distress, she turns to God in prayer. Her desperation does not push her away from God; instead, it drives her closer to Him.

Hannah's prayer is a powerful example of vulnerability before God. She doesn't come with polished words or grand gestures; she simply expresses her heart's cry. This honesty invites us to reflect on our own prayer lives. Do we approach God with our true feelings, or do we hide behind a facade of strength?

In our modern world, we often seek instant gratification. We want answers now and solutions at our fingertips. Yet, Hannah teaches us about the beauty of waiting and trusting in God's timing. After years of barrenness, she not only receives a child but also experiences a transformation within herself. God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect, but they are always for our good.

Hannah's commitment to dedicate Samuel to the Lord illustrates the importance of surrendering our gifts and blessings back to God. What are the gifts in your life that you need to offer back to God?

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the example of Hannah, whose faith and dedication inspire us. Help us to come to You with our burdens, knowing that You hear our cries. Teach us to wait patiently for Your perfect timing, trusting that You have a plan for our lives that is far greater than our own. As we receive blessings, may we remember to dedicate them back to You and use them for Your glory. Strengthen our faith as we navigate our challenges, and let us find peace in Your presence. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Thank You for the example of Hannah, whose faith and dedication inspire us. Help us to come to You with our burdens, knowing that You hear our cries. Teach us to wait patiently for Your perfect timing, trusting that You have a plan for our lives that is far greater than our own. As we receive blessings, may we remember to dedicate them back to You and use them for Your glory. Strengthen our faith as we navigate our challenges, and let us find peace in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr

Stay Faithful

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11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:11-25 NRSV)

There are countless things that I do that are more the result of muscle memory than deliberate planning. When I shower, it's a routine that I have had since the beginning of time; I shampoo, rub the shampoo into my hair, I guess that's called lathering, then I rinse. I seldom repeat. Then I add conditioner, and lather, leave in for the duration of the shower, use body wash, rinse, rinse the conditioner out and then wonder if I shampooed or if I used conditioner. Some of you will prepare your morning coffee, add to it what you will, drink it, and then wonder if you had your morning coffee. Or, whatever you do that is mindless. But I'll tell you what is not mindless; doing that which had profound meaning in your life. The priest to whom the writer of this passage refers, doing a day after day routine of "performing his religious duties; again and again." The sad thing, the author comments, is that these sacrifices can never truly take away sins. But when THE priest, the HIGh priest, Christ Jesus offered Himself for our sake, that was it - the full and final payment of our sin; then He entered into the presence of God and sat at God's right hand.

This profound truth is at the heart of our faith: we no longer need to live in the shadows of guilt and sin, for Christ’s sacrifice has secured our forgiveness and salvation. We can live free for we are forgiven. And best news? God has not only forgiven our sin, but has forgotten them as well. A friend told me of a story he heard about a little girl who, while in a dream statek could see and speak to God, and many times proved it to her pastor; finally, the pastor said, "Please ask God about my sin," which he named to the little girl. The next day, he asked the girl, "What did God say about my sin?" The little girl smiled and said, "God asked, 'What sin?'"

As believers, we are invited into a relationship with God marked by confidence and assurance. The curtain that once separated us from the Holy of Holies has been torn, granting us direct access to the Father. This new covenant offers us hope and the promise that our sins are remembered no more. How liberating it is to know that we can approach God with a true heart and full assurance!

However, this passage also emphasizes the importance of community in our faith journey. We are called not only to embrace our relationship with God but also to actively engage with one another. The writer encourages us to “provoke one another to love and good deeds” and to not neglect meeting together. In a world where isolation can easily creep in, we must intentionally connect with fellow believers, encouraging each other in our walk of faith.

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has made a way for us to enter into Your presence. Help us to grasp the depth of this grace and to live in light of Your forgiveness. Strengthen our hearts and our faith as we strive to hold fast to the hope we profess. Lord, guide us in our relationships with others. May we be instruments of encouragement, spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. Help us to foster a sense of community, never taking for granted the fellowship we have in Christ. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: How can you deepen your relationship with God, embracing the confidence that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven? Let us be a community that builds each other up, reminding one another of the faithfulness of God and the hope we have in Christ.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Beginning of Birth Pains

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1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. (Mark 13:1-8 NIV Bible)

Every birth story is different, but they are all special. The first one is always the most memorable because one does not know what to expect. We were living in Rio Grande City, at my first fulltime appointment as a pastor at First United Methodist Church, a church that was in the Rio Grande Annual Conference. It was a dual lingual church, having a Spanish and an English service. Our doctor for our first blessed event was in McAllen, a trip of about 32 miles. The doctor had given us a mas o menos time when our baby would arrive. A seminary classmate had promised us a hundred dollars if the baby was born on his birthday of January 31st; so there was that. And it was on that evening that the first of the symptoms arrived. And it would be at 2 a.m. that they would intesntify and merit our drive to Nellie's sister's home in Peñitas, TX. We were now within stirking distance to the old McAllen Hospital in downtown McAllen, where our baby would arrive. I should mention it was not an easy night for my bride. Me? I wish I could say I was a calm, cool, and collected father-to-be; but I'd be lying. I just thank God that I do not bite my fingernails.

This passage is about the coming destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Needless, to say, not what the tourist-acting disciples wanted, or needed, to hear. The temple was a living symbol of who they were and Whose they were. When they marvel and gush at what it made them feel, Jesus says, 'Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." Gulp. Wait. What? This was the national monument, Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Monument, all rolled into one. This was the focal point of Jewish life and identify.

Yet, Jesus doesn’t just speak about the Temple’s destruction, but about what will come afterward — the chaos, the false prophets, the wars, and the natural disasters that will mark the approach of the end. He cautions them to be vigilant: "Watch out that no one deceives you" (Mark 13:5). The message is clear: in the midst of tumult, believers must stay rooted in truth and prepared for what’s to come.

Jesus describes the signs of the end times in vivid language — wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and famines. These things are not the end itself but “the beginning of birth pains” (Mark 13:8). The imagery of birth pains is particularly striking: like a woman in labor, the world will experience increasing intensity and frequency of trials leading up to the final day. These events are not to be feared but seen as part of God's sovereign plan.

We are reminded here that life in this fallen world will be marked by struggle. Whether it's global unrest, personal suffering, or even spiritual doubts, Jesus doesn’t promise an easy path. Instead, He prepares His followers with the reality of hardship and the certainty of God's ultimate triumph. The “birth pains” are a reminder that the pains of this world will give way to something far greater — the arrival of God's Kingdom.

What does this mean for us today? We are not only looking back at these prophetic words, but we are also looking forward, awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. Just as the disciples were to prepare for the days ahead, so are we. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the world’s crises — political unrest, natural disasters, economic instability. But Jesus tells us not to be alarmed. He encourages us to see these signs as reminders that He is coming again, and that history is moving toward a glorious conclusion, not spiraling into chaos without hope.

As we live in these times, it’s crucial to remain anchored in faith. Jesus calls us to stand firm in the face of uncertainty and to trust that our suffering has a purpose. He also calls us to avoid the traps of deception that would distract us from our hope in Him. The world may try to pull us away, but we are to keep our eyes fixed on the One who is our ultimate source of hope, strength, and peace.

PRAYER: Loving God, hank You for the words of warning and encouragement that You gave to Your disciples, and that You continue to speak to us today. Help us to remain steadfast in the midst of trials and uncertainties. Give us eyes to see the signs of the times and hearts that are anchored in Your promises. Protect us from deception and help us to be faithful witnesses of Your truth in a world that so desperately needs hope. We trust that You are coming again, and until that day, we will stand firm in Your love. In Christ Jesus' strong hame we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us not be deceived by the noise around us, but stay rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Live each day with eternity in view, knowing that the struggles we face now are not the end but the beginning of something even more glorious. Be a witness of hope to those around you, and encourage one another to stand firm in the faith.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.