God of the journey of life, guide, bless, and protect this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today is from James 5: 7 Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. 8 Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. 9 Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. 10 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. (The Message)
Advent is a time of waiting and preparation. James writes it is the same as awaiting the crops as do the farmers, who know to let the rain do its job as well as the sun. James also knows that in the waiting our patience may wear thin and we may find ourselves not getting along with others, and can you believe, not getting along with other Christians! What gain is there to be found in anger or disagreement? And while we're trying to win this or argue that, James reminds us, "The Judge is standing just around the corner." Hmm. Does that mean we will be held liable for all that we said, thought, and did? The answer is, of course, yes. A better example for our lives is the lives of the prophets of old whose faith allowed them to face all that life (and other believers) sent their way.
Is your life like the prophets of old, or is it just like everyone else? Are you the one setting the example or are you being just like everyone else?
PRAYER: Loving God, I seek to be like those whose faith allowed them to face life without flinching and without giving in. Let me be the example of a loving, positive, life grounded and rooted in You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
SIN FROM WITHIN
Loving God of all places and things, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 12: 1 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. 2 His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." 3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! 4 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. 5 People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. 6 There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life. 7 When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? 8 It's your life that must change, not your skin! 9 And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. 10 What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire. 11 "I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama - compared to him I'm a mere stagehand - will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. 12 He's going to clean house - make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned." (The Message)
Whew! It matters not the version, John's anger is clearly visible in all of them, and well it should be. The coming of the Lord for John was not something he took lightly. It was an urgent matter and one that required a completely new being inside of each person, and the place to start was to ask God to remove sin from within. So, John offered baptism, an unheard of ritual for Jews! The Jews thought that by birth they were born clean and chosen; John knew better and tells them so. And as they heard this message many truly presented themselves for a washing away of sins, fresh and old. Yet, some saw it simply as the thing to do and in line they stood to receive this, among them Pharisees and Sadducees. Had they been there to truly repent I don't believe John would have turned them away, but he knew their hearts and challenges them and us; baptism is a sacred thing that does remove our sin from within, not just the putting of water on our skins. To prepare for the coming of Christ we must be completely new in all aspects of our lives; anything less is as John says, "deadwood, (which will go) on the fire." (v. 10).
The arrival of Jesus means we can ask and receive for a "kingdom life" to come within us, setting us on fire for service and work in God's Kingdom. His coming meant a complete transformation of the person and just a ritualistic presentation of "the thing to do."
Our day today should reflect that new kingdom life that is ours in all things we say, think, or do.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I begin this Advent journey, make me completely new. Make my mind, my heart, my spirit, and yes, even my body new in all things. Help me to share that which You alone can do inside us. And begin by removing my sin from within. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 12: 1 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. 2 His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." 3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight! 4 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. 5 People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. 6 There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life. 7 When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? 8 It's your life that must change, not your skin! 9 And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. 10 What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire. 11 "I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama - compared to him I'm a mere stagehand - will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. 12 He's going to clean house - make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned." (The Message)
Whew! It matters not the version, John's anger is clearly visible in all of them, and well it should be. The coming of the Lord for John was not something he took lightly. It was an urgent matter and one that required a completely new being inside of each person, and the place to start was to ask God to remove sin from within. So, John offered baptism, an unheard of ritual for Jews! The Jews thought that by birth they were born clean and chosen; John knew better and tells them so. And as they heard this message many truly presented themselves for a washing away of sins, fresh and old. Yet, some saw it simply as the thing to do and in line they stood to receive this, among them Pharisees and Sadducees. Had they been there to truly repent I don't believe John would have turned them away, but he knew their hearts and challenges them and us; baptism is a sacred thing that does remove our sin from within, not just the putting of water on our skins. To prepare for the coming of Christ we must be completely new in all aspects of our lives; anything less is as John says, "deadwood, (which will go) on the fire." (v. 10).
The arrival of Jesus means we can ask and receive for a "kingdom life" to come within us, setting us on fire for service and work in God's Kingdom. His coming meant a complete transformation of the person and just a ritualistic presentation of "the thing to do."
Our day today should reflect that new kingdom life that is ours in all things we say, think, or do.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I begin this Advent journey, make me completely new. Make my mind, my heart, my spirit, and yes, even my body new in all things. Help me to share that which You alone can do inside us. And begin by removing my sin from within. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Here is a prayer I was asked to write for the United Methodist website (www.umc.org):
Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen. —The Rev. Eradio Valverde Jr., superintendent of the Corpus Christi District, Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference
Nellie, the family and I, wish you all a very blessed, safe, and great and Happy Thanksgiving!
Eradio Valverde
Loving God, in the midst of plenty or in the presence of scarcity, I am blessed. Whether it is a plate filled with food or facing what we now call a full plate of cares and worries, I am still blessed. At a table with family and friends, even with the absence of dear loved ones whose love and life once nurtured and supported me, I am blessed. On this day of counting blessings to give you thanks, let me give you thanks because in your love, I count and I matter to you. For the food that nourishes me and for the nourishment of faith, I give you thanks. For life, and for the fullness of life, I give you thanks. For the warm embrace of your love, for the warm glow of hope and light, even in the pit of despair, I give you thanks. As an action of giving thanks, let my life be a never-ending prayer and sermon of gratitude. And for the love of a dear Savior, in whom all things guides and inspires, in Christ Jesus, I pray with Thanksgiving. Amen. —The Rev. Eradio Valverde Jr., superintendent of the Corpus Christi District, Southwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference
Nellie, the family and I, wish you all a very blessed, safe, and great and Happy Thanksgiving!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
GOODBYE WORRY DOLLS!
Amazing God of love and rich blessings, pour out Your greatness and glory on this dear reader's life; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
As we prepare to give Thanks to God, which we should do everyday, by the way, we will look to Philippians 4:4 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! 5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! 6 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (The Message)
Some wise person one day sat down and invented worry dolls. I don't know who it was and I'm not going to worry about it! But something in his or her life or in the life of his or her spouse or family or work place or school, made this person reach the point of saying, "I'm going to make a little doll and transfer my worries to it!" And so off this person went and began making this solution to a common problem. I remember the first time I saw these dolls, our family was strolling the marketplace near one of our used-to-be favorite restaurants, and one of my daughters said, "Daddy, I want these little dolls!" I saw them and asked the clerk what they were and she replied, "These are worry dolls. You hold them and transfer your worries to them!" Hmm.
Paul says a better starting point for our day is in Celebrating God. And then in a positive, passionate way, share with others who you are (a blessed person) and Whose you are (a child of God). Make it clear that as humans we are all "in this together," and that by working together we can better our lives. Paul reminds us that the Lord is coming soon and that instead of worrying, we should pray. And I love the way this version says, "Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers." Goodbye worry dolls, hello God! And guess what? Then your sense of being becomes a sense of God's wholeness and you can face all things with that peace that is ours when we let "Christ displace worry at the center of (our) life."
PRAYER: Come, loving God, and help me shape my worries into prayers. Let my praises and petitions to You be that which helps shape my outlook on life towards a positive, contagious one. I invite Christ again to be the center of my life. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Please be in prayer for those traveling today and tomorrow to be with loved ones. If you are traveling, please be safe. Enjoy the journey, glorify God at your destination!
As we prepare to give Thanks to God, which we should do everyday, by the way, we will look to Philippians 4:4 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! 5 Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! 6 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 7 Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (The Message)
Some wise person one day sat down and invented worry dolls. I don't know who it was and I'm not going to worry about it! But something in his or her life or in the life of his or her spouse or family or work place or school, made this person reach the point of saying, "I'm going to make a little doll and transfer my worries to it!" And so off this person went and began making this solution to a common problem. I remember the first time I saw these dolls, our family was strolling the marketplace near one of our used-to-be favorite restaurants, and one of my daughters said, "Daddy, I want these little dolls!" I saw them and asked the clerk what they were and she replied, "These are worry dolls. You hold them and transfer your worries to them!" Hmm.
Paul says a better starting point for our day is in Celebrating God. And then in a positive, passionate way, share with others who you are (a blessed person) and Whose you are (a child of God). Make it clear that as humans we are all "in this together," and that by working together we can better our lives. Paul reminds us that the Lord is coming soon and that instead of worrying, we should pray. And I love the way this version says, "Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers." Goodbye worry dolls, hello God! And guess what? Then your sense of being becomes a sense of God's wholeness and you can face all things with that peace that is ours when we let "Christ displace worry at the center of (our) life."
PRAYER: Come, loving God, and help me shape my worries into prayers. Let my praises and petitions to You be that which helps shape my outlook on life towards a positive, contagious one. I invite Christ again to be the center of my life. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Please be in prayer for those traveling today and tomorrow to be with loved ones. If you are traveling, please be safe. Enjoy the journey, glorify God at your destination!
Monday, November 22, 2010
MONDAY OF THANKSGIVING WEEK
Blessed God of all journeys, grant Your blessings on those of our dear readers who will travel this week; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our texts for this week will lead us to Thanksgiving Day. Today's comes from John 6:25 When they found him back across the sea, they said, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs - and for free. 27 "Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last." 28 To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" 29 Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works." 30 They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. 31 Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. 33 The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world." 34 They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!" 35 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. (The Message Version)
My wife should have taken the turkey down yesterday! But I know what she'll do. She's taken it down and put it in the fridge to thaw in there and if it's not quite ready, it'll go into water and there the thaw will go faster. We're blessed in that this year the turkey came to us from our son-in-law. He works at a grocery store who provides free turkeys for employees. He chose the biggest one he could find! I thank God we didn't have to battle the crowds by the turkey freezer section! You've probably already noticed if you've been to your grocery store, that the crowds are huge. If you haven't, get ready, you know what you're in for! This is the week for food. One comedian said, "What the difference, we as Americans always eat a lot! It's like we didn't even try to come up with something different for a day in which we give thanks?" Yes, Thanksgiving for many, has become a day for food. And what Jesus shares in this text gets to the heart of the matter even back then. Some of the crowds following Jesus were in it for the food. Jesus tells them and us that we should seek the food that nourishes our soul.
This day was set apart as a day in which a grateful nation can give thanks to God. It is a day to pause and count all the blessings we have received and then to spend time actually giving thanks. The second emphasis is being with people we love. Many will travel to be with parents and grandparents as a time to enjoy each other and to thank God for each other. Remember that in our midst this week and especially on Thursday, we have present He who is the Bread of Life. May He see that we are about gratitude for all that God has shared with us.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to pace myself even with the self-imposed stress and worry about this week. Help me remember it is not about my house being presentable or "ready;" it is about my heart being ready to love all who come to be with me or with me as I visit others for this special day. Let me get ahead and thank You now for all that You have bestowed upon me. You're a loving God and You provide all good things for us. Keep me mindful of those who do not have as much as me, and help me to share. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our texts for this week will lead us to Thanksgiving Day. Today's comes from John 6:25 When they found him back across the sea, they said, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" 26 Jesus answered, "You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs - and for free. 27 "Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last." 28 To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" 29 Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works." 30 They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. 31 Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32 Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. 33 The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world." 34 They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!" 35 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. (The Message Version)
My wife should have taken the turkey down yesterday! But I know what she'll do. She's taken it down and put it in the fridge to thaw in there and if it's not quite ready, it'll go into water and there the thaw will go faster. We're blessed in that this year the turkey came to us from our son-in-law. He works at a grocery store who provides free turkeys for employees. He chose the biggest one he could find! I thank God we didn't have to battle the crowds by the turkey freezer section! You've probably already noticed if you've been to your grocery store, that the crowds are huge. If you haven't, get ready, you know what you're in for! This is the week for food. One comedian said, "What the difference, we as Americans always eat a lot! It's like we didn't even try to come up with something different for a day in which we give thanks?" Yes, Thanksgiving for many, has become a day for food. And what Jesus shares in this text gets to the heart of the matter even back then. Some of the crowds following Jesus were in it for the food. Jesus tells them and us that we should seek the food that nourishes our soul.
This day was set apart as a day in which a grateful nation can give thanks to God. It is a day to pause and count all the blessings we have received and then to spend time actually giving thanks. The second emphasis is being with people we love. Many will travel to be with parents and grandparents as a time to enjoy each other and to thank God for each other. Remember that in our midst this week and especially on Thursday, we have present He who is the Bread of Life. May He see that we are about gratitude for all that God has shared with us.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to pace myself even with the self-imposed stress and worry about this week. Help me remember it is not about my house being presentable or "ready;" it is about my heart being ready to love all who come to be with me or with me as I visit others for this special day. Let me get ahead and thank You now for all that You have bestowed upon me. You're a loving God and You provide all good things for us. Keep me mindful of those who do not have as much as me, and help me to share. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, November 18, 2010
STOP AND LISTEN!
God of life, help the life of this dear reader in all that they may be facing; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah)
A lesson I learned a long time ago about prayer is that when we pray, we worship. We lift high the Name of God and we praise God. And when we finish we were taught to say amen, which we usually say to mean, "well said." or "let it be so." I learned that "amen" should mean, "It's Your turn now, God, speak to me." And this Psalm, like so many, contains the word "Selah." Many believe that this is a point where a musical interlude would be inserted and some believe it means, "Stop and listen." The Psalm becomes even more beautiful and powerful if we can read the first part, a declaration of Who God is and does; then, we stop and listen. God is mighty and powerful, and though things around us seem like they're crumbling, stop and listen for God. Is it not God saying, "I am with you," when we need God most? The Psalmist compares our life to that place where we need to go, a city, where God is and though all the world may be in an uproar, GOd is with us. The calamities and wars of the time are no match for the peace that God offers us.
Christ is the King, and He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. And we belong to Him. Stop and listen
PRAYER: Loving God, we know that sometimes the things around us get so noisy and we can't even hear ourselves think. But even in the noise and distraction of things going badly or worries about life, we can stop and listen for You. Let it be so today, that I can stop and listen for You. Speak to me when I say amen, and even when I don't. I pray these things in the Name of my King, Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. Stop and listen.
Eradio Valverde
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah)
A lesson I learned a long time ago about prayer is that when we pray, we worship. We lift high the Name of God and we praise God. And when we finish we were taught to say amen, which we usually say to mean, "well said." or "let it be so." I learned that "amen" should mean, "It's Your turn now, God, speak to me." And this Psalm, like so many, contains the word "Selah." Many believe that this is a point where a musical interlude would be inserted and some believe it means, "Stop and listen." The Psalm becomes even more beautiful and powerful if we can read the first part, a declaration of Who God is and does; then, we stop and listen. God is mighty and powerful, and though things around us seem like they're crumbling, stop and listen for God. Is it not God saying, "I am with you," when we need God most? The Psalmist compares our life to that place where we need to go, a city, where God is and though all the world may be in an uproar, GOd is with us. The calamities and wars of the time are no match for the peace that God offers us.
Christ is the King, and He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. And we belong to Him. Stop and listen
PRAYER: Loving God, we know that sometimes the things around us get so noisy and we can't even hear ourselves think. But even in the noise and distraction of things going badly or worries about life, we can stop and listen for You. Let it be so today, that I can stop and listen for You. Speak to me when I say amen, and even when I don't. I pray these things in the Name of my King, Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. Stop and listen.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
WHOSE HAND DO YOU HOLD?
Loving God, bless and direct the steps of need in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 23: 1 "Doom to the shepherd-leaders who butcher and scatter my sheep!" God's Decree. 2 "So here is what I, God, Israel's God, say to the shepherd-leaders who misled my people: 'You've scattered my sheep. You've driven them off. You haven't kept your eye on them. Well, let me tell you, I'm keeping my eye on you, keeping track of your criminal behavior. 3 I'll take over and gather what's left of my sheep, gather them in from all the lands where I've driven them. I'll bring them back where they belong, and they'll recover and flourish. 4 I'll set shepherd-leaders over them who will take good care of them. They won't live in fear or panic anymore. All the lost sheep rounded up!' God's Decree." 5 "Time's coming" - God's Decree - "when I'll establish a truly righteous David-Branch, A ruler who knows how to rule justly. He'll make sure of justice and keep people united. 6 In his time Judah will be secure again and Israel will live in safety. This is the name they'll give him: 'God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right.' (The Message)
As a parent I loved the days when my daughters wanted to hold my hand. It said a lot about their trust in me, especially when we were about to cross a busy street. Now as a grandparent, this is being repeated with our grandchildren. Yes, they also get to the phase where they don't want to hold anybody's hand! But it says again that their trust is in us to guide and protect them. The question for today is, whose hand do you hold? Who do you look to, to guide and protect you? In today's reading, the people of God looked to the "shepherds," appointed, but not neccesarily anointed people to guide them. Some were in it only for themselves. I heard someone say the other day that the oldest radio station in the world is WII-FM, and folks for many years have been faithfully listening to it. The station it turns out to be "What's In It For Me?" Anytime we listen only to WII-FM, we lose sight of God and what God has asked of us.
When we let God be our Shepherd, we find exactly what we need for living and facing life. This version gives God a great name, "God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right." We've had days like that when we think everything that could go wrong, did. Later, we look back and either laugh or smile, because through it all, God was with us and we learned and were ultimately blessed by what we experienced. Wouldn't a better radio station be KHCB-AM? Keep Him Close By-AMen!
PRAYER: Blessed Lord, let me keep you close by, for You are my Shepherd. I need Your strength, guidance and protection today and all days. Forgive me when I have looked out only for myself and trusted myself. I want You to be my source of life in all things. I ask that You please hold my hand today. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Jeremiah 23: 1 "Doom to the shepherd-leaders who butcher and scatter my sheep!" God's Decree. 2 "So here is what I, God, Israel's God, say to the shepherd-leaders who misled my people: 'You've scattered my sheep. You've driven them off. You haven't kept your eye on them. Well, let me tell you, I'm keeping my eye on you, keeping track of your criminal behavior. 3 I'll take over and gather what's left of my sheep, gather them in from all the lands where I've driven them. I'll bring them back where they belong, and they'll recover and flourish. 4 I'll set shepherd-leaders over them who will take good care of them. They won't live in fear or panic anymore. All the lost sheep rounded up!' God's Decree." 5 "Time's coming" - God's Decree - "when I'll establish a truly righteous David-Branch, A ruler who knows how to rule justly. He'll make sure of justice and keep people united. 6 In his time Judah will be secure again and Israel will live in safety. This is the name they'll give him: 'God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right.' (The Message)
As a parent I loved the days when my daughters wanted to hold my hand. It said a lot about their trust in me, especially when we were about to cross a busy street. Now as a grandparent, this is being repeated with our grandchildren. Yes, they also get to the phase where they don't want to hold anybody's hand! But it says again that their trust is in us to guide and protect them. The question for today is, whose hand do you hold? Who do you look to, to guide and protect you? In today's reading, the people of God looked to the "shepherds," appointed, but not neccesarily anointed people to guide them. Some were in it only for themselves. I heard someone say the other day that the oldest radio station in the world is WII-FM, and folks for many years have been faithfully listening to it. The station it turns out to be "What's In It For Me?" Anytime we listen only to WII-FM, we lose sight of God and what God has asked of us.
When we let God be our Shepherd, we find exactly what we need for living and facing life. This version gives God a great name, "God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right." We've had days like that when we think everything that could go wrong, did. Later, we look back and either laugh or smile, because through it all, God was with us and we learned and were ultimately blessed by what we experienced. Wouldn't a better radio station be KHCB-AM? Keep Him Close By-AMen!
PRAYER: Blessed Lord, let me keep you close by, for You are my Shepherd. I need Your strength, guidance and protection today and all days. Forgive me when I have looked out only for myself and trusted myself. I want You to be my source of life in all things. I ask that You please hold my hand today. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
YOU ARE A KING'S KID!
Amazing God of grace; pour out Thy Spirit on this dear reader and their needs today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text comes from Colossians 1:11 We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, 12 thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. 13 God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, 14 the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. 15 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. 16 For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels - everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. 17 He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. 18 And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. 19 So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. 20 Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe - people and things, animals and atoms - get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross. (The Message Translation)
My Old Testament professor would lament that we as Americans did not fully understand what it means to live under a king or queen. Another professor said that because we were not Jews, we did not fully understand what keeping Kosher meant. And while they may have been right in some regards, the matter was about identity and relationship. For those who have monarchs and love them, they identify themselves as subjects of the crown. For the little Jewish boy who opens his refrigerator looking for a snack sees the word Kosher on the jar of pickles and it is a reminder of who he is. Again, identity and relationship. You and I have a King. And unlike the earthly monarchs who sometimes disappoint their subjects with their antics and misdeeds, ours never lets us down. We find in our King strength. As Paul says in this modern translation, it is "glory strength." Thinking back about Great Britain and World War II, it was not in the queen that they found their strength is was in their prime minister. But it was that secondary strength that Paul mentions about gritting our teeth and just seeing it through. Ours is a strength that leads to glory, both God's and ours. Our King provides the strength that leads us from the very hard to endure to the place where we will feel joy. God has established a kingdom in Jesus and it is a place of love and light, very different and very far from the dark and dismal places of suffering. We should see Jesus in our worship, our prayers, our devotional time and see the Father who sent Him. And it is in this that we find our purpose and identity.
Smile, for you are a King's Kid! In Jesus your brokenness can find wholeness. In Jesus your sorrows can find comfort. In Jesus your being lost can result in finding where you are and getting you where you need to be. All in Jesus our King!
PRAYER: I thank You, God, for the Kingdom in which I can find my strength and purpose. In Jesus I have the King who gives to me all that I need to live and overcome in this life. In Jesus I have my all in all. Make me worthy, in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS My dad underwent an angioplasty in his left leg yesterday and thank God it was a success! He is spending the night recovering in the hospital and should be going home today. Please keep Eradio, Sr., in your prayers. Those of you who knew of my dental pain can thank God that I was sent to a very good dentist and now I can endure! I am losing the tooth but for now it did not keep me up all night like it did yesterday! Your prayers are appreciated!
Our text comes from Colossians 1:11 We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul - not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, 12 thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. 13 God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, 14 the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating. 15 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. 16 For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels - everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. 17 He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. 18 And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. 19 So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. 20 Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe - people and things, animals and atoms - get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the Cross. (The Message Translation)
My Old Testament professor would lament that we as Americans did not fully understand what it means to live under a king or queen. Another professor said that because we were not Jews, we did not fully understand what keeping Kosher meant. And while they may have been right in some regards, the matter was about identity and relationship. For those who have monarchs and love them, they identify themselves as subjects of the crown. For the little Jewish boy who opens his refrigerator looking for a snack sees the word Kosher on the jar of pickles and it is a reminder of who he is. Again, identity and relationship. You and I have a King. And unlike the earthly monarchs who sometimes disappoint their subjects with their antics and misdeeds, ours never lets us down. We find in our King strength. As Paul says in this modern translation, it is "glory strength." Thinking back about Great Britain and World War II, it was not in the queen that they found their strength is was in their prime minister. But it was that secondary strength that Paul mentions about gritting our teeth and just seeing it through. Ours is a strength that leads to glory, both God's and ours. Our King provides the strength that leads us from the very hard to endure to the place where we will feel joy. God has established a kingdom in Jesus and it is a place of love and light, very different and very far from the dark and dismal places of suffering. We should see Jesus in our worship, our prayers, our devotional time and see the Father who sent Him. And it is in this that we find our purpose and identity.
Smile, for you are a King's Kid! In Jesus your brokenness can find wholeness. In Jesus your sorrows can find comfort. In Jesus your being lost can result in finding where you are and getting you where you need to be. All in Jesus our King!
PRAYER: I thank You, God, for the Kingdom in which I can find my strength and purpose. In Jesus I have the King who gives to me all that I need to live and overcome in this life. In Jesus I have my all in all. Make me worthy, in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS My dad underwent an angioplasty in his left leg yesterday and thank God it was a success! He is spending the night recovering in the hospital and should be going home today. Please keep Eradio, Sr., in your prayers. Those of you who knew of my dental pain can thank God that I was sent to a very good dentist and now I can endure! I am losing the tooth but for now it did not keep me up all night like it did yesterday! Your prayers are appreciated!
Monday, November 15, 2010
JESUS IS KING!
Amazing God of grace and glory, grant to this dear reader strength for their journey today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Luke 23:33-43 is our text for today: (The Message Version):33 When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." 35 The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God - ha! The Chosen - ha!" 36 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: 37 "So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!" 38 Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" 40 But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. 41 We deserve this, but not him - he did nothing to deserve this." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." 43 He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."
Jesus Christ is the King of kings! This coming Sunday most Christian churches will be celebrating that fact. And the basis for that comes from His own declaration as well as the one above made by the Roman government. The passage I know will make you say, "But that's from Good Friday! And we're not even had Thanksgiving yet! " It is never a bad thing to be reminded of all the good that Jesus did for you and me, including to die in the way described above. The above passage has several elements that benefit and bless us each day. One is forgiveness. What has someone done to you that would compare to what was done to Jesus? Yet, Jesus says, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Another is handling criticism and mockery. Sure, people have made fun of us, for no good reasons. Does it compare with what was done in hatred and murderous intention towards our Lord? What about being called names? Yes, that too, you and I have been there. Yet, the name given to Jesus was the name that we honor and worship: Jesus is King. Jesus is our king and Lord. The thieves at Jesus' dying side were an interesting pair. One wanted salvation from the pain and suffering of death. The other wanted salvation of his soul. He recognized that he was dying of a deserved crime, yet he also knew that something good could come of that death. And what better than Jesus' promise, "Don't worry...Today you will join me in paradise."
Dear friend, what possible thing in your life could keep you down when what Jesus did for you and me was to bring us up? Yes, life has more than its share of challenges and hardships, but through it all we stand with Jesus and with Jesus by our side, what more could we want?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for Jesus and His willingness to stand by and with us. Whatever I may face today I do it with the knowledge that You are alway with me. Help me when I have trouble forgiving or even asking for forgiveness. Help me when people mock me or make fun of me. Help me when I am called names or labeled things that should and do not matter in my life. Let this be a day in which I glorify Your name. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Luke 23:33-43 is our text for today: (The Message Version):33 When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." 35 The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, "He saved others. Let's see him save himself! The Messiah of God - ha! The Chosen - ha!" 36 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: 37 "So you're King of the Jews! Save yourself!" 38 Printed over him was a sign: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: "Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!" 40 But the other one made him shut up: "Have you no fear of God? You're getting the same as him. 41 We deserve this, but not him - he did nothing to deserve this." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom." 43 He said, "Don't worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise."
Jesus Christ is the King of kings! This coming Sunday most Christian churches will be celebrating that fact. And the basis for that comes from His own declaration as well as the one above made by the Roman government. The passage I know will make you say, "But that's from Good Friday! And we're not even had Thanksgiving yet! " It is never a bad thing to be reminded of all the good that Jesus did for you and me, including to die in the way described above. The above passage has several elements that benefit and bless us each day. One is forgiveness. What has someone done to you that would compare to what was done to Jesus? Yet, Jesus says, "Father, forgive them; they don't know what they're doing." Another is handling criticism and mockery. Sure, people have made fun of us, for no good reasons. Does it compare with what was done in hatred and murderous intention towards our Lord? What about being called names? Yes, that too, you and I have been there. Yet, the name given to Jesus was the name that we honor and worship: Jesus is King. Jesus is our king and Lord. The thieves at Jesus' dying side were an interesting pair. One wanted salvation from the pain and suffering of death. The other wanted salvation of his soul. He recognized that he was dying of a deserved crime, yet he also knew that something good could come of that death. And what better than Jesus' promise, "Don't worry...Today you will join me in paradise."
Dear friend, what possible thing in your life could keep you down when what Jesus did for you and me was to bring us up? Yes, life has more than its share of challenges and hardships, but through it all we stand with Jesus and with Jesus by our side, what more could we want?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for Jesus and His willingness to stand by and with us. Whatever I may face today I do it with the knowledge that You are alway with me. Help me when I have trouble forgiving or even asking for forgiveness. Help me when people mock me or make fun of me. Help me when I am called names or labeled things that should and do not matter in my life. Let this be a day in which I glorify Your name. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, November 11, 2010
THE MESSAGE OF HOPE AND TRUST WE NEED TO SHARE!
Blessed Lord of Life, bless and watch over the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 65: 17 "Pay close attention now: I'm creating new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten. 18 Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I'm creating: I'll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight. 19 I'll take joy in Jerusalem, take delight in my people: No more sounds of weeping in the city, no cries of anguish; 20 No more babies dying in the cradle, or old people who don't enjoy a full lifetime; One-hundredth birthdays will be considered normal - anything less will seem like a cheat. 21 They'll build houses and move in. They'll plant fields and eat what they grow. 22 No more building a house that some outsider takes over, No more planting fields that some enemy confiscates, For my people will be as long-lived as trees, my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work. 23 They won't work and have nothing come of it, they won't have children snatched out from under them. For they themselves are plantings blessed by God, with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed. 24 Before they call out, I'll answer. Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard. 25 Wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow, lion and ox eat straw from the same trough, but snakes - they'll get a diet of dirt! Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill anywhere on my Holy Mountain," says God. (The Message)
The readings from this week have been a call towards the spiritual things to come. As God has addressed some of our earthly worries and concerns, God has pointed beyond to that which is coming. For us as humans, sometimes that seems a bit too "out there," and we don't see it as we should. This passage, written so long ago by the prophet Isaiah, speaks of God's heart and what God is making perfect in the future. Again, the concerns of the present age are addressed, but in perfect ways. "All earlier troubles, choas, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten." (v. 17) Then God addresses weeping and anguish; these too will be a thing of the past. Read again that list of things God will address and perfect. The day coming is summed up in that picture that seems so incredible to us now of the wolf and lamb eating side by side, and the lion and ox eating straw; death will be wiped away. This is a picture of that shared in Revelation many years later.
Does that mean that for now God is not involved or that God does not care? In no way! God is aware of our sobs and cries, our hurts and our pains. God is aware of how cruel life can be sometimes, but this passage is a call to hope and trust. Not only as a message to be received, but to be shared. If the world outside the church ever needed a strong message it is now; God wants the world to hear through us.
PRAYER: Loving God, allow me to live my life in a way that shows the hope and trust that cannot be found elsewhere. Let me seek to be Yours in all that I do today. Let my life be a message and let it be heard by all who need it. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 65: 17 "Pay close attention now: I'm creating new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten. 18 Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I'm creating: I'll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight. 19 I'll take joy in Jerusalem, take delight in my people: No more sounds of weeping in the city, no cries of anguish; 20 No more babies dying in the cradle, or old people who don't enjoy a full lifetime; One-hundredth birthdays will be considered normal - anything less will seem like a cheat. 21 They'll build houses and move in. They'll plant fields and eat what they grow. 22 No more building a house that some outsider takes over, No more planting fields that some enemy confiscates, For my people will be as long-lived as trees, my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work. 23 They won't work and have nothing come of it, they won't have children snatched out from under them. For they themselves are plantings blessed by God, with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed. 24 Before they call out, I'll answer. Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard. 25 Wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow, lion and ox eat straw from the same trough, but snakes - they'll get a diet of dirt! Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill anywhere on my Holy Mountain," says God. (The Message)
The readings from this week have been a call towards the spiritual things to come. As God has addressed some of our earthly worries and concerns, God has pointed beyond to that which is coming. For us as humans, sometimes that seems a bit too "out there," and we don't see it as we should. This passage, written so long ago by the prophet Isaiah, speaks of God's heart and what God is making perfect in the future. Again, the concerns of the present age are addressed, but in perfect ways. "All earlier troubles, choas, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten." (v. 17) Then God addresses weeping and anguish; these too will be a thing of the past. Read again that list of things God will address and perfect. The day coming is summed up in that picture that seems so incredible to us now of the wolf and lamb eating side by side, and the lion and ox eating straw; death will be wiped away. This is a picture of that shared in Revelation many years later.
Does that mean that for now God is not involved or that God does not care? In no way! God is aware of our sobs and cries, our hurts and our pains. God is aware of how cruel life can be sometimes, but this passage is a call to hope and trust. Not only as a message to be received, but to be shared. If the world outside the church ever needed a strong message it is now; God wants the world to hear through us.
PRAYER: Loving God, allow me to live my life in a way that shows the hope and trust that cannot be found elsewhere. Let me seek to be Yours in all that I do today. Let my life be a message and let it be heard by all who need it. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
FREELOADERS WELCOME?
Loving God bless and protect this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text from 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Our orders - backed up by the Master, Jesus - are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. 7 We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. 8 We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us. 9 And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious. 10 Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." 11 And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. 12 This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately - no excuses, no arguments - and earn their own keep. 13 Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.
If we ever find a perfect church, it will be comprised of 80% of the people doing 80% of the work needed. Wait, that's not perfect is it? One hundred per cent of the people would be doing one hundred per cent of the work in a perfect church, right? Well, in reality, the average church will have 20% of the people doing 80% of the work. Things haven't changed much since Paul wrote this letter. Somehow, the Christian church attracts some lazy folk, who know what to do, but for great reasons, they think, don't do the work. Should your marquee outside your church read, "Freeloaders Welcome"? Is it human nature for some to be lazy? Well, let's get personal. How is it with your soul? Are you a blessed, working for the Lord Christian? Or, are you one of these mentioned by Paul?
The message is a loving one, dear friend. We as the Church of Jesus Christ, have so much to do and we need all the help we can get in doing that work. We need folks to pray, to evangelize, to welcome, to prepare, to serve as officers, teachers, choir members, etc. The list is long as is the work hours needed. We all have a duty to God and we should do it.
PRAYER: Loving Father, I confess that I am among those who sometimes likes to slack off. I claim I am too busy or don't know how to do the work expected of me, but help me change. Let me be one who loves You and loves doing Your work. Remind me again and again of the importance of reaching those who have not yet been reached. 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 from 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Our orders - backed up by the Master, Jesus - are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. 7 We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. 8 We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us. 9 And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious. 10 Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." 11 And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. 12 This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately - no excuses, no arguments - and earn their own keep. 13 Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.
If we ever find a perfect church, it will be comprised of 80% of the people doing 80% of the work needed. Wait, that's not perfect is it? One hundred per cent of the people would be doing one hundred per cent of the work in a perfect church, right? Well, in reality, the average church will have 20% of the people doing 80% of the work. Things haven't changed much since Paul wrote this letter. Somehow, the Christian church attracts some lazy folk, who know what to do, but for great reasons, they think, don't do the work. Should your marquee outside your church read, "Freeloaders Welcome"? Is it human nature for some to be lazy? Well, let's get personal. How is it with your soul? Are you a blessed, working for the Lord Christian? Or, are you one of these mentioned by Paul?
The message is a loving one, dear friend. We as the Church of Jesus Christ, have so much to do and we need all the help we can get in doing that work. We need folks to pray, to evangelize, to welcome, to prepare, to serve as officers, teachers, choir members, etc. The list is long as is the work hours needed. We all have a duty to God and we should do it.
PRAYER: Loving Father, I confess that I am among those who sometimes likes to slack off. I claim I am too busy or don't know how to do the work expected of me, but help me change. Let me be one who loves You and loves doing Your work. Remind me again and again of the importance of reaching those who have not yet been reached. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
WHAT REALLY MATTERS LAST FOREVER!
Loving God of all life, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 21: 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.."
What do you think would alarm people more? To see a man with a sign that says, "The End is Near"? Or with a sign that says, "Change is Coming"? Hmm. People would tend to laugh at both and maybe think, "We've seen the first sign before and I don't know how seriously to take that!" And, they might prefer the End to Change. Jesus hits the disciples with the news that both are coming. Life will not be the same, and even those symbols of who we are and Whose we are, are going to change. The Temple was the ultimate emblem of a strong and powerful nation. The remnant of The Temple was not what it had been when first built, but it still spoke to the hearts of the Jewish people. Naturally, the disciples want to know when this will be. Jesus answers with an answer that speaks of ultimate change that is coming, but with the simple message that those who remain faithful to God will not be harmed in any way and by staying in the faith will "gain (their) souls."
The things that happen in the world make us sometimes think that all is not what it could be, but never should it make us lose heart or faith. The fear of how the economy is going, the loss of retirement funds, etc., all serve no real purpose of fear. What they should serve is a reminder that all of these earthly things and possessions will one day pass away, and what really matters, our soul, will continue to live on, if we stay in relationship with Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, at times we do fear for what will be next. Calm my heart to be steady and faithful in You. Let me know that what truly and eternally matters, is staying in love with You. So be it; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Luke 21: 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them. 9 "When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." 10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your souls.."
What do you think would alarm people more? To see a man with a sign that says, "The End is Near"? Or with a sign that says, "Change is Coming"? Hmm. People would tend to laugh at both and maybe think, "We've seen the first sign before and I don't know how seriously to take that!" And, they might prefer the End to Change. Jesus hits the disciples with the news that both are coming. Life will not be the same, and even those symbols of who we are and Whose we are, are going to change. The Temple was the ultimate emblem of a strong and powerful nation. The remnant of The Temple was not what it had been when first built, but it still spoke to the hearts of the Jewish people. Naturally, the disciples want to know when this will be. Jesus answers with an answer that speaks of ultimate change that is coming, but with the simple message that those who remain faithful to God will not be harmed in any way and by staying in the faith will "gain (their) souls."
The things that happen in the world make us sometimes think that all is not what it could be, but never should it make us lose heart or faith. The fear of how the economy is going, the loss of retirement funds, etc., all serve no real purpose of fear. What they should serve is a reminder that all of these earthly things and possessions will one day pass away, and what really matters, our soul, will continue to live on, if we stay in relationship with Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, at times we do fear for what will be next. Calm my heart to be steady and faithful in You. Let me know that what truly and eternally matters, is staying in love with You. So be it; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, November 04, 2010
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! ME, NOT SO MUCH...
Lord of life and love, bless the life of this dear reader; May Your love reign in their heart as they minister to You and others in this day and all days. I pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Our text for today comes from the Psalmist, Psalm 145: 1 I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. 2 I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. 3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. 4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. 6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. 7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. 8 God is all mercy and grace - not quick to anger, is rich in love. 9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. 10 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 11 your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, 12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. 14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. 17 Everything God does is right - the trademark on all his works is love. 18 God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. 19 He does what's best for those who fear him - hears them call out, and saves them. 20 God sticks by all who love him, but it's all over for those who don't. 21 My mouth is filled with God's praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!
I remember the first time I heard a preacher say, God is good. The congregation answered, "All the time." I liked that interaction. It was a bit later that another preacher, in a different setting said, "God is good!" And the congregation answered, "All the time!" This time this preacher asked, "And all the time?" And the people shouted, "God is good." I know this was God-inspired and it has caught on in a lot of worship settings. It is exactly what the psalmist is saying in this psalm. God is good, and we know it. God is good, and what are we doing about it? God is good, and who are we telling? God is good and what difference is it making in our life and in the lives of those around us who are hurting and in need of hearing that God is good?
This version of the psalm has a list of those in need and perhaps you know someone on that list. It may even be your name and need on that list. Did you hear that God is good? Have you shared with this person in need that same message?
PRAYER: Lord, if I am honest, my name and need is on that list that the Psalmist prepared. I need to know and I need to share that You are good all the time. Let my lips, my words, my deeds, my everything declare to all, that You are great! 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 the Psalmist, Psalm 145: 1 I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. 2 I'll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. 3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. 4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 5 Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. 6 Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. 7 The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone's lips. 8 God is all mercy and grace - not quick to anger, is rich in love. 9 God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. 10 Creation and creatures applaud you, God; 11 your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, 12 Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. 14 God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. 15 All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. 16 Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. 17 Everything God does is right - the trademark on all his works is love. 18 God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. 19 He does what's best for those who fear him - hears them call out, and saves them. 20 God sticks by all who love him, but it's all over for those who don't. 21 My mouth is filled with God's praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!
I remember the first time I heard a preacher say, God is good. The congregation answered, "All the time." I liked that interaction. It was a bit later that another preacher, in a different setting said, "God is good!" And the congregation answered, "All the time!" This time this preacher asked, "And all the time?" And the people shouted, "God is good." I know this was God-inspired and it has caught on in a lot of worship settings. It is exactly what the psalmist is saying in this psalm. God is good, and we know it. God is good, and what are we doing about it? God is good, and who are we telling? God is good and what difference is it making in our life and in the lives of those around us who are hurting and in need of hearing that God is good?
This version of the psalm has a list of those in need and perhaps you know someone on that list. It may even be your name and need on that list. Did you hear that God is good? Have you shared with this person in need that same message?
PRAYER: Lord, if I am honest, my name and need is on that list that the Psalmist prepared. I need to know and I need to share that You are good all the time. Let my lips, my words, my deeds, my everything declare to all, that You are great! I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
HOW WOULD YOU WRITE IT?
Loving God of all people, provide for the needs of this dear reader in whatever they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Job 19: 23 "O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! 24 O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; 26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see on my side.
What in your life is worth writing about? Honestly, all of it! Would you want to write down the bad that happened in your life? Would you write how you lost everything and everyone in your life? Would it be a best-seller that inspires people to faith or despair? Such is the case with Job. We know his story. A very blessed man, favored by God, sought after by Satan. The story goes that Satan makes the case for Job's faith to be rooted in his prosperity. God knows better, but in the story, allows Satan to afflict Job. Job loses his children. That would be enough for people to despair and give up. Job also loses all of his possessions. Even his wife has a small part in this drama where she encourages her husband to "curse God and die." In other words, realize Who caused this and get it over with! How can you live like this?
Job never loses faith and stresses the need for our continued faithfulness to God, thus the words of today's passage. In all that he suffered and endured, he states,"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last He will stand upon the earth." What faith to have in the face of suffering. It is our faith as well, brothers and sisters, to declare at the last, God will have the last word and we will see God.
PRAYER: Loving God of all life I thank You for being always with me. As I have lived life, I have experienced the very good and the not-so-good, but let me declare in all times and places, "I know that my Redeemer lives!" I pray this in faith in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Prayers of recovery for Fred Lyle of San Antonio, who underwent knee replacement surgery and for Huck Nelson of Taft, TX. Also for Rev. Alicia Campos, pastor in San Antonio. Blessings for those who pray!
Our text for today comes from Job 19: 23 "O that my words were written down! O that they were inscribed in a book! 24 O that with an iron pen and with lead they were engraved on a rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last he will stand upon the earth; 26 and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see on my side.
What in your life is worth writing about? Honestly, all of it! Would you want to write down the bad that happened in your life? Would you write how you lost everything and everyone in your life? Would it be a best-seller that inspires people to faith or despair? Such is the case with Job. We know his story. A very blessed man, favored by God, sought after by Satan. The story goes that Satan makes the case for Job's faith to be rooted in his prosperity. God knows better, but in the story, allows Satan to afflict Job. Job loses his children. That would be enough for people to despair and give up. Job also loses all of his possessions. Even his wife has a small part in this drama where she encourages her husband to "curse God and die." In other words, realize Who caused this and get it over with! How can you live like this?
Job never loses faith and stresses the need for our continued faithfulness to God, thus the words of today's passage. In all that he suffered and endured, he states,"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the last He will stand upon the earth." What faith to have in the face of suffering. It is our faith as well, brothers and sisters, to declare at the last, God will have the last word and we will see God.
PRAYER: Loving God of all life I thank You for being always with me. As I have lived life, I have experienced the very good and the not-so-good, but let me declare in all times and places, "I know that my Redeemer lives!" I pray this in faith in the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Prayers of recovery for Fred Lyle of San Antonio, who underwent knee replacement surgery and for Huck Nelson of Taft, TX. Also for Rev. Alicia Campos, pastor in San Antonio. Blessings for those who pray!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
WE'VE ENOUGH TO DO IN THE NOW!
Loving God bless the life and needs of this dear reader in all they face today; in Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 2: 1 Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. 2 Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. 3 Don't fall for any line like that. 4 He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." 5 Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short? 13 Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends - so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God's original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. 14 This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. 15 So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. 16 May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, 17 put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
The point came in Paul's ministry when folks questioned what he had previously said about Jesus' return. Times were rough and getting rougher and a free trip to Heaven was getting to look pretty good. Some even began to say, "The day came, Jesus was here, and we got left behind!" Paul reminds them, and us, that we have enough to do while alive instead of just waiting around for Jesus to return. Look at verse 13: "Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you." Our invitation to enter into relationship with Jesus was an invitation to a journey not a destination! What's the old saying, "half the fun is getting there?" Can't you and I work now for bringing about God's kingdom, rather than just doing nothing looking skyward for that great and glorious day?
May the Lord indeed put a fresh heart in us all, may our work for Him be invigorated and our speech be life-giving!
PRAYER: Loving God, like the people of Paul's day, it seems like life gets tougher, so toughen me up for today. Let me give You thanks for those who serve alongside me in bringing about Your kingdom here on the earth as it is in Heaven. Do put a fresh heart in me, invigorate my work for You, and let my words to all today be words of life and affirmation. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS If you haven't yet voted, please remember today is Election Day.
Our text for today comes from 2 Thessalonians 2: 1 Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. 2 Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. 3 Don't fall for any line like that. 4 He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God Almighty." 5 Don't you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short? 13 Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you, our good friends - so loved by God! God picked you out as his from the very start. Think of it: included in God's original plan of salvation by the bond of faith in the living truth. 14 This is the life of the Spirit he invited you to through the Message we delivered, in which you get in on the glory of our Master, Jesus Christ. 15 So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. 16 May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, 17 put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
The point came in Paul's ministry when folks questioned what he had previously said about Jesus' return. Times were rough and getting rougher and a free trip to Heaven was getting to look pretty good. Some even began to say, "The day came, Jesus was here, and we got left behind!" Paul reminds them, and us, that we have enough to do while alive instead of just waiting around for Jesus to return. Look at verse 13: "Meanwhile, we've got our hands full continually thanking God for you." Our invitation to enter into relationship with Jesus was an invitation to a journey not a destination! What's the old saying, "half the fun is getting there?" Can't you and I work now for bringing about God's kingdom, rather than just doing nothing looking skyward for that great and glorious day?
May the Lord indeed put a fresh heart in us all, may our work for Him be invigorated and our speech be life-giving!
PRAYER: Loving God, like the people of Paul's day, it seems like life gets tougher, so toughen me up for today. Let me give You thanks for those who serve alongside me in bringing about Your kingdom here on the earth as it is in Heaven. Do put a fresh heart in me, invigorate my work for You, and let my words to all today be words of life and affirmation. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS If you haven't yet voted, please remember today is Election Day.
Monday, November 01, 2010
OURS IS A GOD OF LIFE
Lord of all days, be with the needs and life of this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Luke 20: 27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
Don't you love people who ask questions, not wanting answers but a chance to share their agenda? This is precisely what happened to Jesus when folks who don't believe in the resurrection asked Jesus resurrection questions, or so they believed them to be. For the Sadducees, death was the end, a final act of expiring once and for all. No resurrection, no life after death. No heaven nor hell. Just death. That was why they were sad, you see? Okay, that's an old one. But they have modern followers. Perhaps not by title, but by belief. I remember doing a university internship with a non-practicing Jew, who did not believe in anything after death. She said her only hope to live forever was in the mind and memories of her children and family. Try as I could, I could not convince her of any hope beyond this life. So, these questions about marriage were not really about marriage, they were about heaven. If, heaven exists, the question is really asking, what happens to those faithful who follow the Law; in this case that part about a man having to leave an heir? Suppose, a woman marries seven brothers ( a good Biblical number), what happens when she dies? Whose wife will she be?
Jesus responds by saying that those who are included in the resurrection (hint here Sadducees, that isn't you, He's talking about) won't be thinking about marriage in the same way it was thought of here. The presence of the Lord and the celebration about being alive forever will be enough to satisfy their being. The Message version of the Bible in verse 36 has Jesus saying, " They will have better things to think about, if you can believe it. All ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God." Jesus then says that resurrection was and is an ancient theme of God going back to when Moses saw the burning bush, for God declares that God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and these are men who had long been dead by the time the burning bush came along. And then Jesus says plainly that our God is a God of life not of death.
This is the time of year the Christian church remembers her dead. In our tradition we call them "saints." As we remember those who have died, we do so in the certainty and fullness of faith with with Christ shares these words that we studies today. Ours is a faith of life, not death. Ours is a hope in a life beyond this life. Our is a life that does not end with death here.
PRAYER: Comfort, O God, our mourning souls as we remember those near and dear to us who have died. As we remember them in these days and in the holidays ahead, comfort us with the words of Your Son, Jesus, that You are a God of life, not of death. Those of us who die in relationship with You will never die. Help me to say, I believe this. I pray 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 20: 27 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28 and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30 then the second 31 and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32 Finally the woman also died. 33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her." 34 Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35 but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37 And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."
Don't you love people who ask questions, not wanting answers but a chance to share their agenda? This is precisely what happened to Jesus when folks who don't believe in the resurrection asked Jesus resurrection questions, or so they believed them to be. For the Sadducees, death was the end, a final act of expiring once and for all. No resurrection, no life after death. No heaven nor hell. Just death. That was why they were sad, you see? Okay, that's an old one. But they have modern followers. Perhaps not by title, but by belief. I remember doing a university internship with a non-practicing Jew, who did not believe in anything after death. She said her only hope to live forever was in the mind and memories of her children and family. Try as I could, I could not convince her of any hope beyond this life. So, these questions about marriage were not really about marriage, they were about heaven. If, heaven exists, the question is really asking, what happens to those faithful who follow the Law; in this case that part about a man having to leave an heir? Suppose, a woman marries seven brothers ( a good Biblical number), what happens when she dies? Whose wife will she be?
Jesus responds by saying that those who are included in the resurrection (hint here Sadducees, that isn't you, He's talking about) won't be thinking about marriage in the same way it was thought of here. The presence of the Lord and the celebration about being alive forever will be enough to satisfy their being. The Message version of the Bible in verse 36 has Jesus saying, " They will have better things to think about, if you can believe it. All ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God." Jesus then says that resurrection was and is an ancient theme of God going back to when Moses saw the burning bush, for God declares that God is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and these are men who had long been dead by the time the burning bush came along. And then Jesus says plainly that our God is a God of life not of death.
This is the time of year the Christian church remembers her dead. In our tradition we call them "saints." As we remember those who have died, we do so in the certainty and fullness of faith with with Christ shares these words that we studies today. Ours is a faith of life, not death. Ours is a hope in a life beyond this life. Our is a life that does not end with death here.
PRAYER: Comfort, O God, our mourning souls as we remember those near and dear to us who have died. As we remember them in these days and in the holidays ahead, comfort us with the words of Your Son, Jesus, that You are a God of life, not of death. Those of us who die in relationship with You will never die. Help me to say, I believe this. I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
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