Loving God, guide, bless and protect the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text today comes from Psalm 119: 137 You are right and you do right, God; your decisions are right on target. 138 You rightly instruct us in how to live ever faithful to you. 139 My rivals nearly did me in, they persistently ignored your commandments. 140 Your promise has been tested through and through, and I, your servant, love it dearly. 141 I'm too young to be important, but I don't forget what you tell me. 142 Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. 143 Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. 144 The way you tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.
This is a prayer of praise. I invite you to pray it and to live it. It is a young David acknowledging his place in the place of God. David knew as should we, that when we seek God we must realize first that God is right and God is s God who does right. God is a God who decides what is right and it is, as this version says, "right on target." As we study God's Word, we also learn valuable life instructions, geared to lead us to faithfulness. As we face temptations and invitations to ignore God's commandments, we find the strength to lead us back. And David knew that this was for all people, regardless of age. No one can claim they are too young or too old to follow what the Bible teaches. And whatever life may bring to us, God is with us and brings us victory.
PRAYER: Lord, as I pray what Your son David prayed, let it be my prayer of faith as well. Let me know You and Your ways. Guide me to faithfulness, today and always. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
WHOSE TIME IS IT?
Amazing God, how awesome it is that You know the name and need of this dear reader. Bless them today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text comes from Habakkuk 1: 1 The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: 2 God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!" before you come to the rescue? 3 Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. 4 Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head. God Says, "Look!" 1 What's God going to say to my questions? I'm braced for the worst. I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I'll wait to see what God says, how he'll answer my complaint. 2 And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. 3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming - it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. 4 "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance - full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.
I will never forget sitting on the porch of an old educational building or house in Seguin at a youth retreat and the teacher of our group was introducing the prophet Habakkuk (en espanol) saying, "The easiest way to remember the name of this book is to remember that it sounds like "Have a Coke!" And it worked. What he said after that introduction, I have forgotten. Sorry. Today the prophet is saying that many have been the times we have called to God asking for help or direction and it seems like it never comes or it never comes soon enough. We glance at our watches and want it all to be on our time. The urgency of our problem makes it seem like we need answers immediately. God's response? My answer is coming and it's coming on My time. The last verse is the clue. The person who is loyal and steady before the Lord knows exactly when the response will come and through that faith and obedience comes life, abundant life, as only God can provide.
What is troubling your soul? What's bothering you about your family or church? Are you truly waiting on God or have you made the problem seem so big that you want a rushed answer? Hear again what God is saying to us: I have heard you and in my love for you I will answer. Your answer will come right on time.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me patience especially those times when I rush You or rush myself into wanting an immediate answer to what I sense as world-ending. I know You love me too much to ignore me and that Your response will come right on time. Your time, not mine. Praise You! In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text comes from Habakkuk 1: 1 The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: 2 God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!" before you come to the rescue? 3 Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. 4 Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head. God Says, "Look!" 1 What's God going to say to my questions? I'm braced for the worst. I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I'll wait to see what God says, how he'll answer my complaint. 2 And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. 3 This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming - it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. 4 "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance - full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.
I will never forget sitting on the porch of an old educational building or house in Seguin at a youth retreat and the teacher of our group was introducing the prophet Habakkuk (en espanol) saying, "The easiest way to remember the name of this book is to remember that it sounds like "Have a Coke!" And it worked. What he said after that introduction, I have forgotten. Sorry. Today the prophet is saying that many have been the times we have called to God asking for help or direction and it seems like it never comes or it never comes soon enough. We glance at our watches and want it all to be on our time. The urgency of our problem makes it seem like we need answers immediately. God's response? My answer is coming and it's coming on My time. The last verse is the clue. The person who is loyal and steady before the Lord knows exactly when the response will come and through that faith and obedience comes life, abundant life, as only God can provide.
What is troubling your soul? What's bothering you about your family or church? Are you truly waiting on God or have you made the problem seem so big that you want a rushed answer? Hear again what God is saying to us: I have heard you and in my love for you I will answer. Your answer will come right on time.
PRAYER: Lord, grant me patience especially those times when I rush You or rush myself into wanting an immediate answer to what I sense as world-ending. I know You love me too much to ignore me and that Your response will come right on time. Your time, not mine. Praise You! In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
SELF-HELP EXPLAINED
Loving God Who leads the way, bless the direction this dear reader should take today in their life; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 4: 1 I, Paul, together with Silas and Timothy, greet the church of the Thessalonian Christians in the name of God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. 2 Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you're to be. 3 You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. 4 We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. 11 Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time - pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. 12 If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
Take a walk with me down the Self-Help aisle of this bookstore. Look at the titles available to us. Which one catches your need? How about the one that says, "Be Everything God Made You To Be?" Would you buy it? More importantly, would you read it? It would begin with an emphasis on prayer for yourself, for your family, for your church, for your pastors, and back again for yourself. It would state how important it is for you to stay connected, through prayer, with Your Creator. It might then ask you to review an included checklist on God's blessings thus far in your life, and then begin to ask you to discover what your purpose in life is all about. Isn't it amazing how easily one discovers one's purpose when we see that in a relationship with God you discover your purpose in life? Our God is a God of love, so with love you begin to understand more fully how vital it is to love God with every ounce of energy you have. You then discover that in that love, you matter to God, so you begin to love yourself in a positive way. Then you begin to love others the way that you love yourself. Hmm, you've heard this before? It's an ancient teaching and there's nothing secret about it. We learned it from the Hebrew Bible and then our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, taught it to His disciples. And it is through serving Him and one another that true meaning and fulfillment come our way.
The writer of this epistle discovered that and his life was full of the joy that comes in knowing and living out your purpose. Re-read that wonderful text for today and see if it wasn't meant especially for you today.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me again this precious day, discover who I am and what I was made to do. As I do, let me also live it and do it in such a manner that it brings honor and glory to Your Name. May it also be so awesome that it will also bring others to a new discovery of who they are as well. I pray this prayer of faith in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 4: 1 I, Paul, together with Silas and Timothy, greet the church of the Thessalonian Christians in the name of God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ. 2 Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you're to be. 3 You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. 4 We're so proud of you; you're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. 11 Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time - pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. 12 If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
Take a walk with me down the Self-Help aisle of this bookstore. Look at the titles available to us. Which one catches your need? How about the one that says, "Be Everything God Made You To Be?" Would you buy it? More importantly, would you read it? It would begin with an emphasis on prayer for yourself, for your family, for your church, for your pastors, and back again for yourself. It would state how important it is for you to stay connected, through prayer, with Your Creator. It might then ask you to review an included checklist on God's blessings thus far in your life, and then begin to ask you to discover what your purpose in life is all about. Isn't it amazing how easily one discovers one's purpose when we see that in a relationship with God you discover your purpose in life? Our God is a God of love, so with love you begin to understand more fully how vital it is to love God with every ounce of energy you have. You then discover that in that love, you matter to God, so you begin to love yourself in a positive way. Then you begin to love others the way that you love yourself. Hmm, you've heard this before? It's an ancient teaching and there's nothing secret about it. We learned it from the Hebrew Bible and then our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, taught it to His disciples. And it is through serving Him and one another that true meaning and fulfillment come our way.
The writer of this epistle discovered that and his life was full of the joy that comes in knowing and living out your purpose. Re-read that wonderful text for today and see if it wasn't meant especially for you today.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me again this precious day, discover who I am and what I was made to do. As I do, let me also live it and do it in such a manner that it brings honor and glory to Your Name. May it also be so awesome that it will also bring others to a new discovery of who they are as well. I pray this prayer of faith in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 25, 2010
WHAT VIEW DOES JESUS HAVE OF YOU?
Loving God of all days, on this day be glorified in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 19: 1 Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. 2 There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. 3 He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way - he was a short man and couldn't see over the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. 5 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home." 6 Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. 7 Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, "What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?" 8 Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, "Master, I give away half my income to the poor - and if I'm caught cheating, I pay four times the damages." 9 Jesus said, "Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! 10 For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost." (The Message Version of The Holy Bible)
He was made known to many of us through his song. "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He climbed upon the sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see..." And for years we sang it and didn't think much of it other than, "What's a wee little man?" The truth was that he was anything but cute in the eyes of his fellow brothers and sisters. He wasn't "wee" in his sins. What he did have in his favor was that he had more than likely heard about this man Jesus and what Jesus had been doing, and so Zach wanted to see for himself what this "rock star" looked like. He climbs a sycamore tree to get a better view of Jesus but in reality Jesus had the best view of him. Jesus tells him that He is to be Zach's guest for supper and Zach can hardly believe his luck and hurries to get things ready. As they do, the gripes start. I like this version's statement of things: "How could Jesus get cozy with this crook?" The truth was that Jesus was already at work in Zach's heart. To recompense all he had taken advantage of, he says he will repay four times what he had taken, and he would give half of his income to the poor.
Some would ask, myself included at some point, how much did he have left? And it's not what Zach lost, it's what he gained that day. He gained his soul back from the devil, and his viewpoint about life changed. No longer was it about money and things, it was now about the salvation, the new birth, the new faith in God that he had, that mattered most.
What view does Jesus have about your life? Are you becoming aware of your need, as Zach did, to become a better person, one who turns over everything to God?
PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me for having the wrong view on life. Help me see myself as You do and I ask You to change me. May I have a deeper love and appreciation for You and for the rich and wonderful blessings I have now. May I use them to help others and the work of Your kingdom. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS. A prayer of thanksgiving for today. It was on this date, though a Saturday, that after I believe, one miscarriage and a stillbirth that my Mom gave birth to me. She named me for my Dad, Eradio; Sr., and had me baptized 31 days later just in case I didn't hang around very long. I am thankful for her and her love and I miss her terribly. I am also thankful for my Dad and his love and I am thankful he is still with us.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A PSALM OF PRAISE TO GOD
God of all possibilities and promises, bless this dear reader in whatever challenges or decisions they want to make; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 65: 1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed, 2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come. 3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. 4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. 6 By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. 7 You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples. 8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. 9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.
There are lamentations, songs of despair and woe that go along with mourning; and then there are psalms of praise, songs of hope and joy and worship that sing loudly the praises that our God deserves, and this is a psalm of praise. There are sermons in almost each of the individuals verses that make up Psalm 65. The main message is God is awesome. God is a God who answers prayer. God is a God who forgives and heals our sins and transgressions. God provides a reason for our being glad to be alive. There is no place we can go where we will not see the work of God in full splendor; there is no time of day in which we can say, "God is not present right now." And if we listen closely, even nature joins our song of praise.
I read recently about "the good old days" when Sunday was a day set aside for "marveling." Families would return home from church, enjoy their big Sunday dinner (though it was "lunch" time for most; it's a regional thing), then out the door they would go to marvel at nature. We're blessed with three grandchildren that are in their marveling stage. All through their young stages of life have shared with us new and glorious insights as to the wonder of God in our midst. Every bird, leaf that falls, the swaying of trees in the breeze, the presence of a dog or cat, calls to them and to us a renewed and possibly new appreciation of what God has done. As you walk or yes, drive from here to there, open your eyes, ears, nose, everything sense of appreciation you have, to what God has done, is doing, and pray about what God will do.
PRAYER: God I praise You for all You constantly share with me. Help me today marvel at Your goodness. As others marvel and share, let me see what they see; better yet, let me share with I see with those who do not yet see or understand what You have done, are doing, and will do. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 65: 1 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed, 2 O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come. 3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. 4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. 5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. 6 By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might. 7 You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples. 8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. 9 You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.
There are lamentations, songs of despair and woe that go along with mourning; and then there are psalms of praise, songs of hope and joy and worship that sing loudly the praises that our God deserves, and this is a psalm of praise. There are sermons in almost each of the individuals verses that make up Psalm 65. The main message is God is awesome. God is a God who answers prayer. God is a God who forgives and heals our sins and transgressions. God provides a reason for our being glad to be alive. There is no place we can go where we will not see the work of God in full splendor; there is no time of day in which we can say, "God is not present right now." And if we listen closely, even nature joins our song of praise.
I read recently about "the good old days" when Sunday was a day set aside for "marveling." Families would return home from church, enjoy their big Sunday dinner (though it was "lunch" time for most; it's a regional thing), then out the door they would go to marvel at nature. We're blessed with three grandchildren that are in their marveling stage. All through their young stages of life have shared with us new and glorious insights as to the wonder of God in our midst. Every bird, leaf that falls, the swaying of trees in the breeze, the presence of a dog or cat, calls to them and to us a renewed and possibly new appreciation of what God has done. As you walk or yes, drive from here to there, open your eyes, ears, nose, everything sense of appreciation you have, to what God has done, is doing, and pray about what God will do.
PRAYER: God I praise You for all You constantly share with me. Help me today marvel at Your goodness. As others marvel and share, let me see what they see; better yet, let me share with I see with those who do not yet see or understand what You have done, are doing, and will do. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A GOD OF RESCUE
Loving God, help this dear reader find the path of purpose for his or her life; in Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Here is our text from the prophet Joel, chapter 2: 23 Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He's giving you a teacher to train you how to live right - Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. 24 And plenty of food for your body - silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil. 25 "I'll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation - Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion I sent your way. 26 You'll eat your fill of good food. You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder. Never again will my people be despised. 27 You'll know without question that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God, the one and only real God. Never again will my people be despised. The Sun Turning Black and the Moon Blood-Red 28 "And that's just the beginning: After that - "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters. Your old men will dream, your young men will see visions. 29 I'll even pour out my Spirit on the servants, men and women both. 30 I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below: Blood and fire and billowing smoke, 31 the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Judgment Day of God, the Day tremendous and awesome. 32 Whoever calls, 'Help, God!' gets help. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be a great rescue - just as God said. Included in the survivors are those that God calls.
If you read this passage closely, part of it should sound very familiar and you may have thought, "I've read part of this somewhere else!" Yes, you have. It's found in Acts 2:16ff. God keeping God's promise to God's people. One of the things we can learn from this Old Testament passage is that even if we have had a rough life and have had some rough patches, God has been with us and has kept record of those. God also promises that the times to follow will more than make up for the bad we have had to endure. If you had times of hunger, times of abundance have followed. If it was a matter of your reputation, a better name will come to you if you stay in a relationship with God. The greater promise is the one fulfilled on Pentecost Day, God poured out the Holy Spirit to come and dwell among us and in us. And it was not just a blessing of privilege, it was one of purpose. God uses the HolySpirit to guide, direct, and bless us. Our God is a God of hope, promise, purpose, and rescue.
PRAYER: Loving God, I ask that I might find from You the plan and purpose for my life. Send my way those whom I can bless as they seek to know You and about You. Give me Your words, Your courage, Your boldness and Your strength. I pray this in the name of Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text from the prophet Joel, chapter 2: 23 Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God. He's giving you a teacher to train you how to live right - Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. 24 And plenty of food for your body - silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil. 25 "I'll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation - Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion I sent your way. 26 You'll eat your fill of good food. You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder. Never again will my people be despised. 27 You'll know without question that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God, the one and only real God. Never again will my people be despised. The Sun Turning Black and the Moon Blood-Red 28 "And that's just the beginning: After that - "I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters. Your old men will dream, your young men will see visions. 29 I'll even pour out my Spirit on the servants, men and women both. 30 I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below: Blood and fire and billowing smoke, 31 the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Judgment Day of God, the Day tremendous and awesome. 32 Whoever calls, 'Help, God!' gets help. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be a great rescue - just as God said. Included in the survivors are those that God calls.
If you read this passage closely, part of it should sound very familiar and you may have thought, "I've read part of this somewhere else!" Yes, you have. It's found in Acts 2:16ff. God keeping God's promise to God's people. One of the things we can learn from this Old Testament passage is that even if we have had a rough life and have had some rough patches, God has been with us and has kept record of those. God also promises that the times to follow will more than make up for the bad we have had to endure. If you had times of hunger, times of abundance have followed. If it was a matter of your reputation, a better name will come to you if you stay in a relationship with God. The greater promise is the one fulfilled on Pentecost Day, God poured out the Holy Spirit to come and dwell among us and in us. And it was not just a blessing of privilege, it was one of purpose. God uses the HolySpirit to guide, direct, and bless us. Our God is a God of hope, promise, purpose, and rescue.
PRAYER: Loving God, I ask that I might find from You the plan and purpose for my life. Send my way those whom I can bless as they seek to know You and about You. Give me Your words, Your courage, Your boldness and Your strength. I pray this in the name of Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
GOD IS WITH ME!
Amazing God of all days, bless and protect this dear reader; in Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Our text for today is from 2 Timothy 4: 6 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. 7 This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. 8 All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. 16 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter - 17 the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! 18 God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
I have been there. You may have as well. Feeling abandoned and alone, knowing that only God was standing by us. Thankfully, we were not being condemned to die, but it sure may have felt like it, though God's peace just streamed steadily and strongly into our hearts. And, thank God, all the while showing the Gospel as it was meant to be shared, a message of love, joy, and peace. And isnt' that what we pray everytime we receive Holy Communion, something about our being a "living sacrifice?"
Whatever trial you may be facing, be it medical, emotional, financial, etc., hear this and hear it good, God is with you. Say it softly, "God is with me." Then as you live today and go about your chores and obligations, say it with your actions. God is with me! No trial coming our way is bigger than our God. No time coming our way will be a time when we stand alone.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the life and witness of Paul. His love for you came from Your love for him. Help me to have that love for You, for myself, and for others. Stay with me, stay close to me. Let me be an example to You in all things and in all ways. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today is from 2 Timothy 4: 6 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. 7 This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. 8 All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming. 16 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter - 17 the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! 18 God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
I have been there. You may have as well. Feeling abandoned and alone, knowing that only God was standing by us. Thankfully, we were not being condemned to die, but it sure may have felt like it, though God's peace just streamed steadily and strongly into our hearts. And, thank God, all the while showing the Gospel as it was meant to be shared, a message of love, joy, and peace. And isnt' that what we pray everytime we receive Holy Communion, something about our being a "living sacrifice?"
Whatever trial you may be facing, be it medical, emotional, financial, etc., hear this and hear it good, God is with you. Say it softly, "God is with me." Then as you live today and go about your chores and obligations, say it with your actions. God is with me! No trial coming our way is bigger than our God. No time coming our way will be a time when we stand alone.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the life and witness of Paul. His love for you came from Your love for him. Help me to have that love for You, for myself, and for others. Stay with me, stay close to me. Let me be an example to You in all things and in all ways. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 18, 2010
OUR MORNING MIRROR
God of healing and health, be with the health needs of this dear reader and their family; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 18: 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Most people claim they don't know how to pray. In this story told by Jesus, the problem was in the person, not the prayer. Two men are in the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, a respected member of Jewish society, and the other was among the most disrespected, a tax collector. Their ways of life made them respected and dishonored. When facing God in prayer, this is how they reacted: The Pharisee's prayer was telling; God, thank you for making me me! I'm so good! You know, Lord, just how good I am; I tithe, I fast, I'm in worship and thank You for not making me like other people, especially those bad ones, people who take things that are not theirs, or disrespectful, partying sorts, or men who step out on their wives or even like this bad man right over here near me, a tax collector! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
The tax collector, on the other hand, could not even lift up his head from the guilt and shame he had from his life and lifestyle and said simply, "Lord, have mercy on me, I am a sinner!" Jesus then answers the question those listening may have had about these two people and their prayers, "Who do you think was made right in God's sight? One was justified, and that was the tax collector. Be careful how you see yourself - those who think too much of themselves will realize out soon they are not what they think they are; and those who seek to be humble, will be lifted up."
Nothing like a mirror first thing in the morning is there? Jesus' parables and stories always serve as these for us. Today's lesson is honest and for some, brutal, in the stark realization that we are not always what we think we are, especially those who work hard at making themselves look that way.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for the mirror of truth. Help me to be Your servant in my attitude and life towards You and others. Remind me that I need to be honest with You always and honest with myself as well. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
PS A prayer request for two of my grandchildren and their run-ins with "bugs" of the season: Sarai Evangelina with a severe cough, and Liam had a stomach bug yesterday.
Our text for today comes from Luke 18: 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Most people claim they don't know how to pray. In this story told by Jesus, the problem was in the person, not the prayer. Two men are in the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, a respected member of Jewish society, and the other was among the most disrespected, a tax collector. Their ways of life made them respected and dishonored. When facing God in prayer, this is how they reacted: The Pharisee's prayer was telling; God, thank you for making me me! I'm so good! You know, Lord, just how good I am; I tithe, I fast, I'm in worship and thank You for not making me like other people, especially those bad ones, people who take things that are not theirs, or disrespectful, partying sorts, or men who step out on their wives or even like this bad man right over here near me, a tax collector! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
The tax collector, on the other hand, could not even lift up his head from the guilt and shame he had from his life and lifestyle and said simply, "Lord, have mercy on me, I am a sinner!" Jesus then answers the question those listening may have had about these two people and their prayers, "Who do you think was made right in God's sight? One was justified, and that was the tax collector. Be careful how you see yourself - those who think too much of themselves will realize out soon they are not what they think they are; and those who seek to be humble, will be lifted up."
Nothing like a mirror first thing in the morning is there? Jesus' parables and stories always serve as these for us. Today's lesson is honest and for some, brutal, in the stark realization that we are not always what we think we are, especially those who work hard at making themselves look that way.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for the mirror of truth. Help me to be Your servant in my attitude and life towards You and others. Remind me that I need to be honest with You always and honest with myself as well. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
PS A prayer request for two of my grandchildren and their run-ins with "bugs" of the season: Sarai Evangelina with a severe cough, and Liam had a stomach bug yesterday.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
THE BEST MEAL OF THE DAY?
God of all days, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face or do today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Psalm 119:97-104: 97 Oh, how I love all you've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. 98 Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete. 99 I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel. 100 I've become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what you tell me. 101 I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word. 102 I never make detours from the route you laid out; you gave me such good directions. 103 Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. 104 With your instruction, I understand life; that's why I hate false propaganda.
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I don't know who "they" are, perhaps the folks at Denny's or iHop? Seriously, I know who "they" are, and I agree. That special nutritional fuel we receive at that critical point of the day serves us well throughout the day. The start of a day is when one needs to be most alert and awake and ready for the challenges that may come our way. The psalmist says that for him, to start the day in the Word of God is what he needs most. As he reads the Word, he knows that this scripture has come from God and it comes with exactly what he needed for that day. Who doesn't want an edge on those who might trip us up? Who, after reading the Scriptures day after day, does not realize that the Word of God ever gets obsolete? And then he shares how he has become smarter and wiser by spending time in God's Word. You have heard that as we stray farther from the Bible, not only do we become biblically illiterate, we also have diminished in our ability to communicate well and effectively. We run the danger of our children or grandchildren not knowing important or powerful references to the giants of the Word when used even in secular terms.
God's Word helps map out our day. And if you take David's advice, look upon God's Word as the choicest, tastiest meal for your spirit you can have. You'll be blessed and you'll understand life even to the fullest.
PRAYER: Loving God, I ask that I might be blessed in reading this portion of Your Word. I ask that You help me understand today and life, and that as I do, I might see that what Your Son shared with me was true: He came to share life with me and that to the fullest. Let me be a blessing to You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Update: Rev. J. C. Williams underwent a successful procedure yesterday and he is thankful for our prayers. The last update from Rev. Virgilio Vasquez-Garza was that he was in Houston, awaiting a plane home to San Antonio. Thank you dear friends, for your prayers.
Here is our text for today from Psalm 119:97-104: 97 Oh, how I love all you've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. 98 Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete. 99 I've even become smarter than my teachers since I've pondered and absorbed your counsel. 100 I've become wiser than the wise old sages simply by doing what you tell me. 101 I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil so I can spend all my time keeping your Word. 102 I never make detours from the route you laid out; you gave me such good directions. 103 Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. 104 With your instruction, I understand life; that's why I hate false propaganda.
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I don't know who "they" are, perhaps the folks at Denny's or iHop? Seriously, I know who "they" are, and I agree. That special nutritional fuel we receive at that critical point of the day serves us well throughout the day. The start of a day is when one needs to be most alert and awake and ready for the challenges that may come our way. The psalmist says that for him, to start the day in the Word of God is what he needs most. As he reads the Word, he knows that this scripture has come from God and it comes with exactly what he needed for that day. Who doesn't want an edge on those who might trip us up? Who, after reading the Scriptures day after day, does not realize that the Word of God ever gets obsolete? And then he shares how he has become smarter and wiser by spending time in God's Word. You have heard that as we stray farther from the Bible, not only do we become biblically illiterate, we also have diminished in our ability to communicate well and effectively. We run the danger of our children or grandchildren not knowing important or powerful references to the giants of the Word when used even in secular terms.
God's Word helps map out our day. And if you take David's advice, look upon God's Word as the choicest, tastiest meal for your spirit you can have. You'll be blessed and you'll understand life even to the fullest.
PRAYER: Loving God, I ask that I might be blessed in reading this portion of Your Word. I ask that You help me understand today and life, and that as I do, I might see that what Your Son shared with me was true: He came to share life with me and that to the fullest. Let me be a blessing to You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Update: Rev. J. C. Williams underwent a successful procedure yesterday and he is thankful for our prayers. The last update from Rev. Virgilio Vasquez-Garza was that he was in Houston, awaiting a plane home to San Antonio. Thank you dear friends, for your prayers.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
LIGHT, LIFE, AND FREEDOM!
Amazing God the unexplained and wonderful, make the needs and fears of this dear reader Yours; I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 31: 27 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 28 And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. 29 In those days they shall no longer say: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." 30 But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. 31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the Lord," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
The images being beamed live from Chile are life-affirming and great news! Thirty-three miners trapped underground for almost three months, are slowly making their way to freedom and life above ground. The world has been united in concern for their safety and cooperative international efforts to find a way to save them have paid off. One by one, these miners are being lifted up through a narrow shaft in a missle-like device to their freedom. Family and friends who have been praying nonstop for their release are now rejoicing for those few who have come up at this writing, and the others are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their husbands, fathers, brothers, sons. This passage speaks to those of us who are still trapped under the weight and guilt of our sin. Each one of us suffering and paying for wrong decisions, actions or words. We cannot blame our parents for our sins, we made the choice to sin and we alone carry that burden of having chosen or acted wrong. Thankfully, our God is a God of many chances. As God forgave the sins of Israel, so God forgives our sins. As God acted to re-write the covenant between God and God's people, through Christ, God has acted to write on our hearts, special, eternal, neverending, love. Through the blood of Christ shed on the cross, God remembers our sin no more.
Want good news on top of the world's good news? Surrender to Christ and allow Him to lift you from the mire of sin to light, life, and freedom! And then, act on that redemption, by helping others.
PRAYER: Loving God of love and second and third chances, I celebrate along with my brothers and sisters around the world for those who have been rescued from the prison that has been this mine for too many days. And I pray that I might be released from the underground prison of sin and the guilt and burden that has come with it. May I be lifted up too, to light, life and freedom. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Requests: For Rev. J. C. Williams, our pastor at Harris Chapel in Nixon, who undergoes a kidney stone procedure this morning in Victoria, Texas. For Rev. Virgilio Vasquez-Garza, who has traveled to Rwanda to accompany the body and prepare the funeral of a fellow pastor from that country. May his return back to San Antonio be blessed.
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 31: 27 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 28 And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. 29 In those days they shall no longer say: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." 30 But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge. 31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the Lord," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
The images being beamed live from Chile are life-affirming and great news! Thirty-three miners trapped underground for almost three months, are slowly making their way to freedom and life above ground. The world has been united in concern for their safety and cooperative international efforts to find a way to save them have paid off. One by one, these miners are being lifted up through a narrow shaft in a missle-like device to their freedom. Family and friends who have been praying nonstop for their release are now rejoicing for those few who have come up at this writing, and the others are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their husbands, fathers, brothers, sons. This passage speaks to those of us who are still trapped under the weight and guilt of our sin. Each one of us suffering and paying for wrong decisions, actions or words. We cannot blame our parents for our sins, we made the choice to sin and we alone carry that burden of having chosen or acted wrong. Thankfully, our God is a God of many chances. As God forgave the sins of Israel, so God forgives our sins. As God acted to re-write the covenant between God and God's people, through Christ, God has acted to write on our hearts, special, eternal, neverending, love. Through the blood of Christ shed on the cross, God remembers our sin no more.
Want good news on top of the world's good news? Surrender to Christ and allow Him to lift you from the mire of sin to light, life, and freedom! And then, act on that redemption, by helping others.
PRAYER: Loving God of love and second and third chances, I celebrate along with my brothers and sisters around the world for those who have been rescued from the prison that has been this mine for too many days. And I pray that I might be released from the underground prison of sin and the guilt and burden that has come with it. May I be lifted up too, to light, life and freedom. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Requests: For Rev. J. C. Williams, our pastor at Harris Chapel in Nixon, who undergoes a kidney stone procedure this morning in Victoria, Texas. For Rev. Virgilio Vasquez-Garza, who has traveled to Rwanda to accompany the body and prepare the funeral of a fellow pastor from that country. May his return back to San Antonio be blessed.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE COURSE!
Blessed Lord, take the hand of this precious reader and guide them to faithfulness and blessings; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today: 2 Timothy 3;14-4:5: 14 But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers - 15 why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 1 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, 2 so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple. 3 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food - catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. 4 They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. 5 But you - keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
Jesus said, "In my Father's house, there are many rooms," (John 14:2) and folks have used this to describe the different opinions believers may have about doctrine or issues, but today's text is Paul's warning about being led away by the things that catch our fancy rather than strengthen our faith. We who know (or should know) the Scriptures should know "the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (v.15), knowing that God's Word is given to us to help guide us on that way. We need to know that our every step can be accompanied by God if we invite God along. Ours is to stay the course and not to be misled. Notice what Paul urges us: "Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quite. Just keep it simple." We should not be discouraged when those with whom we are helping or teaching or guiding in the faith hear something that misleads them. Paul calls this "spiritual junk food." Their end result will be that they will turn away from the truth and begin to chase mirages." We should keep our eye on living a Christian life, accepting that there will be hard times along with good.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to keep the Gospel alive in my life in such a way that it will encourage others to do the same. Give me opportunities to share You as God with someone today. Let me help bring about the transformation of the world through the disciples we are called to make. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today: 2 Timothy 3;14-4:5: 14 But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers - 15 why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 1 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, 2 so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple. 3 You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food - catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. 4 They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. 5 But you - keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
Jesus said, "In my Father's house, there are many rooms," (John 14:2) and folks have used this to describe the different opinions believers may have about doctrine or issues, but today's text is Paul's warning about being led away by the things that catch our fancy rather than strengthen our faith. We who know (or should know) the Scriptures should know "the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (v.15), knowing that God's Word is given to us to help guide us on that way. We need to know that our every step can be accompanied by God if we invite God along. Ours is to stay the course and not to be misled. Notice what Paul urges us: "Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quite. Just keep it simple." We should not be discouraged when those with whom we are helping or teaching or guiding in the faith hear something that misleads them. Paul calls this "spiritual junk food." Their end result will be that they will turn away from the truth and begin to chase mirages." We should keep our eye on living a Christian life, accepting that there will be hard times along with good.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to keep the Gospel alive in my life in such a way that it will encourage others to do the same. Give me opportunities to share You as God with someone today. Let me help bring about the transformation of the world through the disciples we are called to make. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 11, 2010
PERSISTENT, NEVER GIVING UP FAITH!
Lord of all days, teach us to enjoy each day to the fullest; bless this dear reader to enjoy their day; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Luke 18: 1 Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. 2 He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. 3 A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!' 4 "He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. 5 But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice - otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.'" 6 Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? 7 So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? 8 I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?" (The Message)
As I have traveled from church to church we have had a conversation about prayer. Most of the time it is me telling them how important it is to pray. In some churches I have learned about prayer trees, prayer chains and prayer "lawyers." (Unless my hearing is failing and they said "warriors.") Prayer is worship. Prayer is constant. Prayer is sharing and listening. Prayer is never giving up or losing hope or heart after praying to the Most High. Jesus uses this parable to share that lesson with His listeners. He uses images and illustrations to help people relate. Everyone knew a widow and everyone knew the sad state of widows in his day. And everyone knew at least the position of judge if not a judge personally. And Jesus plays on this to help the people understand our role in prayer. Jesus is not comparing God to being a judge, but says that if we contantly pray, that is to keep our need before God, God will answer our prayer. It may not be exactly to our request and sometimes it may even be a loud and clear no to our request, but it will be answered. It is interesting to note that this passage ends with a question: "How much of that king of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when He returns?"
I pray that He will find it in you and me!
PRAYER: Loving God, teach me again, how to pray and to pray in a way that is worshipful and worthy. Let me listen after I pray to what You may say to me. Help me to have the kind of faith that Jesus wants me to have. And let me show those who ask how to have that same faith. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today from Luke 18: 1 Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. 2 He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. 3 A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!' 4 "He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. 5 But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice - otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black and blue by her pounding.'" 6 Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? 7 So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? 8 I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?" (The Message)
As I have traveled from church to church we have had a conversation about prayer. Most of the time it is me telling them how important it is to pray. In some churches I have learned about prayer trees, prayer chains and prayer "lawyers." (Unless my hearing is failing and they said "warriors.") Prayer is worship. Prayer is constant. Prayer is sharing and listening. Prayer is never giving up or losing hope or heart after praying to the Most High. Jesus uses this parable to share that lesson with His listeners. He uses images and illustrations to help people relate. Everyone knew a widow and everyone knew the sad state of widows in his day. And everyone knew at least the position of judge if not a judge personally. And Jesus plays on this to help the people understand our role in prayer. Jesus is not comparing God to being a judge, but says that if we contantly pray, that is to keep our need before God, God will answer our prayer. It may not be exactly to our request and sometimes it may even be a loud and clear no to our request, but it will be answered. It is interesting to note that this passage ends with a question: "How much of that king of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when He returns?"
I pray that He will find it in you and me!
PRAYER: Loving God, teach me again, how to pray and to pray in a way that is worshipful and worthy. Let me listen after I pray to what You may say to me. Help me to have the kind of faith that Jesus wants me to have. And let me show those who ask how to have that same faith. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, October 07, 2010
HOW HIGH YOU FLYING TODAY?
Loving God of all decisions, bless the life of this dear reader in whatever decisions they make; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today: Psalm 66: 1 All together now - applause for God! 2 Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise. 3 Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!" When your enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs. 4 The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships you, sings to you, can't stop enjoying your name and fame. 5 Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away. 6 He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn't that cause for a song? 7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps his eye on the godless nations. Rebels don't dare raise a finger against him. 8 Bless our God, O peoples! Give him a thunderous welcome! 9 Didn't he set us on the road to life? Didn't he keep us out of the ditch? 10 He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires, 11 Brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit, 12 Road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well-watered place.
As I have shared about a vision about "purpose in the pew," this Psalm speaks to me about that. As we sit in our places on our worship day, it should be done so with some reflective time on where we have been and how God has guided, blessed, and protected us to that point. We should think back on those times we felt alone, afraid, hungry, thirsty, naked, unloved, unwelcomed, unvisited, and then realize God was there and God usually sent someone to take care of our need. This version says that God has brought us "to this well-watered place." Our worship of God should be a time of great and joyous celebration! Every word, every song or hymn, every prayer, every sermon, should reflect the awesome gratitude in our hearts to our God. It should start on our worship day, but continue through the night of that day, carry over into the next day with our saying with our mouths, hands, minds, "We've never seen anything like God!" (v. 3). And let that attitude of gratitude take you to the highest altitude where you will say, "God is awesome because I see what God has done all around!"
So, dear friend, as your prepare for your worship day, prepare your mind, heart, spirit, and body to just give thanks and praise and to do so in a way that never ends. Your purpose, besides worshiping God, is to bring others with you to the same place in their lives that has blessed you.
PRAYER: Loving God, you are an awesome God and let me begin right now in saying, "I have never seen anything like You and the things that You do for me and for so many." Keep me in that frame of mind as I go forth today in all that lies before me, and let me just climb higher and higher in my appreciation for You. Help me be contagious for You so that others will come to know You like I do. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today: Psalm 66: 1 All together now - applause for God! 2 Sing songs to the tune of his glory, set glory to the rhythms of his praise. 3 Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!" When your enemies see you in action, they slink off like scolded dogs. 4 The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships you, sings to you, can't stop enjoying your name and fame. 5 Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away. 6 He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot. Now isn't that cause for a song? 7 Ever sovereign in his high tower, he keeps his eye on the godless nations. Rebels don't dare raise a finger against him. 8 Bless our God, O peoples! Give him a thunderous welcome! 9 Didn't he set us on the road to life? Didn't he keep us out of the ditch? 10 He trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires, 11 Brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit, 12 Road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back; Finally he brought us to this well-watered place.
As I have shared about a vision about "purpose in the pew," this Psalm speaks to me about that. As we sit in our places on our worship day, it should be done so with some reflective time on where we have been and how God has guided, blessed, and protected us to that point. We should think back on those times we felt alone, afraid, hungry, thirsty, naked, unloved, unwelcomed, unvisited, and then realize God was there and God usually sent someone to take care of our need. This version says that God has brought us "to this well-watered place." Our worship of God should be a time of great and joyous celebration! Every word, every song or hymn, every prayer, every sermon, should reflect the awesome gratitude in our hearts to our God. It should start on our worship day, but continue through the night of that day, carry over into the next day with our saying with our mouths, hands, minds, "We've never seen anything like God!" (v. 3). And let that attitude of gratitude take you to the highest altitude where you will say, "God is awesome because I see what God has done all around!"
So, dear friend, as your prepare for your worship day, prepare your mind, heart, spirit, and body to just give thanks and praise and to do so in a way that never ends. Your purpose, besides worshiping God, is to bring others with you to the same place in their lives that has blessed you.
PRAYER: Loving God, you are an awesome God and let me begin right now in saying, "I have never seen anything like You and the things that You do for me and for so many." Keep me in that frame of mind as I go forth today in all that lies before me, and let me just climb higher and higher in my appreciation for You. Help me be contagious for You so that others will come to know You like I do. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
MAKING THE BEST OF ALL SITUATIONS
Loving God of all days, make this day be a special one for this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 29: 1 This is the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to what was left of the elders among the exiles, to the priests and prophets and all the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken to Babylon from Jerusalem. 4 This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God, to all the exiles I've taken from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and make yourselves at home. "Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. 6 "Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you'll thrive in that country and not waste away. 7 "Make yourselves at home there and work for the country's welfare. "Pray for Babylon's well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you."
It is never easy to find oneself in a new situation, setting, work place, or home. As a pastor I have gone through all of those. While moving, one moves not just to a new home, but a new work place, with new work helpers, partners, and sometimes, detractors. And while we find it easy to look back and wonder how our lives would be had we never moved, the reality is that the demands of the present call us to make the best of all situations. At age 13, I moved with my family from the safe, small, and family town of Kingsville, Texas, to the unknown evil empire of the North, Houston, Texas (I kid about the "evil empire of the North!). I went from the well-known to the complete unknown. For those first nights in a new home my younger brothers and sister cried and I would tell them stories of Kingsville and the folks back home, their quirks and sayings. Our lives would not have been what they are today had we not moved, and thank God we made the best of the situation.
The people of Israel were taken against their will from Jerusalme to Babylon. They were prisoners of war, exiles. Yet, the word of the Lord was for them to build home, plant gardens, eat what they grew, and to marry and have children; and encourage your children to have children. "Thrive in that country and not waste away (v.6). In other words, make the best of the situation. Their situations, like many of ours, could not be quickly reversed. The death of a spouse, the loss of a job, other unexpected and tramatic changes cause us to wonder if we should give up, but the Word of God is still true today: Make the best of all situations. Learn from what you have received, receive a blessing, thrive and do not waste away!
PRAYER: Loving God, You know what situation I find myself in and why. I may not like it completely or I may be struggling, but I trust You and I will take Your Word to heart. With Your help I will make the best of this situation, I will seek to thrive and not waste away. You have a purpose in my life and I will seek that to bless You and Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 29: 1 This is the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to what was left of the elders among the exiles, to the priests and prophets and all the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken to Babylon from Jerusalem. 4 This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel's God, to all the exiles I've taken from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and make yourselves at home. "Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. 6 "Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you'll thrive in that country and not waste away. 7 "Make yourselves at home there and work for the country's welfare. "Pray for Babylon's well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you."
It is never easy to find oneself in a new situation, setting, work place, or home. As a pastor I have gone through all of those. While moving, one moves not just to a new home, but a new work place, with new work helpers, partners, and sometimes, detractors. And while we find it easy to look back and wonder how our lives would be had we never moved, the reality is that the demands of the present call us to make the best of all situations. At age 13, I moved with my family from the safe, small, and family town of Kingsville, Texas, to the unknown evil empire of the North, Houston, Texas (I kid about the "evil empire of the North!). I went from the well-known to the complete unknown. For those first nights in a new home my younger brothers and sister cried and I would tell them stories of Kingsville and the folks back home, their quirks and sayings. Our lives would not have been what they are today had we not moved, and thank God we made the best of the situation.
The people of Israel were taken against their will from Jerusalme to Babylon. They were prisoners of war, exiles. Yet, the word of the Lord was for them to build home, plant gardens, eat what they grew, and to marry and have children; and encourage your children to have children. "Thrive in that country and not waste away (v.6). In other words, make the best of the situation. Their situations, like many of ours, could not be quickly reversed. The death of a spouse, the loss of a job, other unexpected and tramatic changes cause us to wonder if we should give up, but the Word of God is still true today: Make the best of all situations. Learn from what you have received, receive a blessing, thrive and do not waste away!
PRAYER: Loving God, You know what situation I find myself in and why. I may not like it completely or I may be struggling, but I trust You and I will take Your Word to heart. With Your help I will make the best of this situation, I will seek to thrive and not waste away. You have a purpose in my life and I will seek that to bless You and Yours. I pray this in Christ Jesus precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
ARE YOU A GLORIOUS NITPICKER?
God of light, shine brightly in the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today: 2 Timothy 2: 8 Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along. 9 It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now - but God's Word isn't in jail! 10 That's why I stick it out here - so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. 11 This is a sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him; 12 If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us; 13 If we give up on him, he does not give up - for there's no way he can be false to himself. 14 Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. 15 Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. (The Message)
Driving from San Antonio to my first charge conference, I spotted so many people doing so many things on that early Sunday morning. And none of those things involved church or worship. I passed slow moving trucks pulling boats, others with RVs attached, I saw people mowing their lawns, washing cars... and a list too long to share here. And here we read of one who sat in a jail cell for preaching Christ. This version of the Bible says, "But God's Word isn't in jail!" No, it's not! We're the ones in captivity to ourselves and our desires, and we miss out on sharing "the salvation of Christ in all its glory." Why have we lost our way when it comes to the things of Christ Jesus? And why since Paul's day do we find in our churches, those whom Paul says are "pious nitpickers" instead of glory-sharers?
Our task should be as Pauls says to share that wonderful message that he summed up in this way: We know the "sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him; if we stick it out with him, he does not give up - for there's no way he can be false to himself." Ours should be the joy of concentrating on doing our all and our best for God, and God and we, will be blessed for it.
PRAYER: Loving God, sometimes I do lose my way and I place my priorities in the wrong place. Help me to see what it is I need to be doing. I ask forgiveness for those times I have been a pious nitpicker instead of one who shares with others Your glory. Bless Your church and help us bless those not yet in your church. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today: 2 Timothy 2: 8 Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along. 9 It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now - but God's Word isn't in jail! 10 That's why I stick it out here - so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. 11 This is a sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him; 12 If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us; 13 If we give up on him, he does not give up - for there's no way he can be false to himself. 14 Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. 15 Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. (The Message)
Driving from San Antonio to my first charge conference, I spotted so many people doing so many things on that early Sunday morning. And none of those things involved church or worship. I passed slow moving trucks pulling boats, others with RVs attached, I saw people mowing their lawns, washing cars... and a list too long to share here. And here we read of one who sat in a jail cell for preaching Christ. This version of the Bible says, "But God's Word isn't in jail!" No, it's not! We're the ones in captivity to ourselves and our desires, and we miss out on sharing "the salvation of Christ in all its glory." Why have we lost our way when it comes to the things of Christ Jesus? And why since Paul's day do we find in our churches, those whom Paul says are "pious nitpickers" instead of glory-sharers?
Our task should be as Pauls says to share that wonderful message that he summed up in this way: We know the "sure thing: If we die with him, we'll live with him; if we stick it out with him, he does not give up - for there's no way he can be false to himself." Ours should be the joy of concentrating on doing our all and our best for God, and God and we, will be blessed for it.
PRAYER: Loving God, sometimes I do lose my way and I place my priorities in the wrong place. Help me to see what it is I need to be doing. I ask forgiveness for those times I have been a pious nitpicker instead of one who shares with others Your glory. Bless Your church and help us bless those not yet in your church. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 04, 2010
I DESERVED IT! IT WAS ABOUT TIME!
God of the Journey, stay close to the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Luke 17: 11 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance 13 but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." 15 One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. 16 He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough - and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? 18 Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." (The Message)
This is a passage of thanksgiving and a grateful heart. When Jesus touches you and heals you or surprises you with something you didn't expect, how do you react? Some act like they were owed this and it was about time they received the recognition or award or gift or promotion or (fill in the blank) ________________. And they go on their lives smug that they finally got what they truly deserved. Others, and this is a small minority, are truly thankful because they realize the awesomeness of the gift or award or recognition or promotion or (fill in the blank) ________________. And they thank God and seek other ways to keep thanking God for all that God has done for them.
What has God done for you? More importantly, what have you done for God lately? And are you living a life guided by a grateful heart?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for all You do. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and I realize that I don't thank You enough nor do enough for You. Forgive me for those times and let my heart be made right. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today from Luke 17: 11 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance 13 but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." 15 One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. 16 He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough - and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? 18 Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." (The Message)
This is a passage of thanksgiving and a grateful heart. When Jesus touches you and heals you or surprises you with something you didn't expect, how do you react? Some act like they were owed this and it was about time they received the recognition or award or gift or promotion or (fill in the blank) ________________. And they go on their lives smug that they finally got what they truly deserved. Others, and this is a small minority, are truly thankful because they realize the awesomeness of the gift or award or recognition or promotion or (fill in the blank) ________________. And they thank God and seek other ways to keep thanking God for all that God has done for them.
What has God done for you? More importantly, what have you done for God lately? And are you living a life guided by a grateful heart?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for all You do. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and I realize that I don't thank You enough nor do enough for You. Forgive me for those times and let my heart be made right. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
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