Harvest Joy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Our Desire is Christ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Love Enough to Go Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A New Beginning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A New Creation in Christ Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Loving Embrace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Lord is My Light

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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