God of the Journey, walk closely with this dear reader today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Ecclesiastes 3: 1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. 9 What gain have the workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13 moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.
In 1959, Pete Seeger, "wrote" a song called, "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There is a Season) and donated 45% of the profits from the song to a group in Israel because he said, "I only wrote six words!" The song most people have heard was the version recorded by The Byrds in 1965. The rest comes from this passage. This passage comes from, we believe, the wisdom of King Solomon. It is a psalm of reflection on life. It is an appropriate reflection at this point of our year. It puts life into perspective, for in life there is a time for everything; some good, some not so good, and some we consider bad. We find all of that in the first eight verses. From verse nine on, it is a reflection on our duty and obligation to be aware of what God has done, is doing, and will do, in our midst. The writer knew as should we, that life as it happens, happens with God being present to comfort and sustain us. And our celebrations should also include our reflection of God's blessing and presence in our lives.
As we count down the days of this year and begin looking forward to the New, remember God has been and is present with us. We can't go back and undo or bring back those old days. Time marches on. So should we.
PRAYER: Loving God, as life marches on, help us in our journey. Give us strength, comfort, joy, peace and hope for each day. Let us share those same things with others. In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
GOD HOLDS TOMORROW!
God of all days, as the days of 2010 wind down, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from the last book, Revelation 21: 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
The holidays are a difficult time for those who have recently lost loved ones. Christmas is not the same and the start of the New Year is not the same. This text speaks to that, for in it John the Apostle was taken to see the realm no one sees until their death and he was instructed to write all that he saw and heard. The vision was one that amazed him and should amaze us as we read it. All the old things have passed away and in their place new ones. Heaven and earth gone, as is the sea, and this is theologically significant, for those who remember the passage in Micah 7:19, "He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." No more sin. Gone.
Then there is a marriage between us, the Church, and Christ. Then the promise of God living among us, wiping every tear from our eyes, Death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be gone, and the promise of Jesus Himself, that He is "the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." Christ always with us.
As we end this year, we do so with the hope and promises of God in this passage and we turn our eyes towards God. The hymnwriter said, "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow."
PRAYER: Loving God, hold me tight! Hold me during the good and bad as You did during this past year, but give me the hope and peace I need to know You are with me and holding me as we start this New Year. Bless and protect my loved ones and me; I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from the last book, Revelation 21: 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 Then he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.
The holidays are a difficult time for those who have recently lost loved ones. Christmas is not the same and the start of the New Year is not the same. This text speaks to that, for in it John the Apostle was taken to see the realm no one sees until their death and he was instructed to write all that he saw and heard. The vision was one that amazed him and should amaze us as we read it. All the old things have passed away and in their place new ones. Heaven and earth gone, as is the sea, and this is theologically significant, for those who remember the passage in Micah 7:19, "He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." No more sin. Gone.
Then there is a marriage between us, the Church, and Christ. Then the promise of God living among us, wiping every tear from our eyes, Death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be gone, and the promise of Jesus Himself, that He is "the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." Christ always with us.
As we end this year, we do so with the hope and promises of God in this passage and we turn our eyes towards God. The hymnwriter said, "We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow."
PRAYER: Loving God, hold me tight! Hold me during the good and bad as You did during this past year, but give me the hope and peace I need to know You are with me and holding me as we start this New Year. Bless and protect my loved ones and me; I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 27, 2010
A HEAD START ON NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Amazing God, bless and direct the steps of this dear reader in the challenges and opportunities of their life; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 31-46, and this is the Gospel text for New Year's Day: 31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
It was some years ago that I made a resolution to quit making resolutions. I never kept them, well, most of them. And I won't bore you with a list of those either. Yes, and losing weight is the top one on most everyone's list because of the holiday feasts and goodies that we just enjoyed. But imagine, just imagine, what God would have us resolve based on the Lectionary text for the start of 2011? The text from the gospel reading is what of the most powerful ones in all of the New Testament. Jesus speaks about final judgment and it's all based on our willingness to help, listen: not ourselves, but others. The difference is eternal. If we care about the basic needs of others and demonstrate it with love and without thinking about it, we are classified as "sheep" and our entrance into eternal reward is assured. Those who struggle with being selfish and self-centered will be labeled "goats" and will also enter their eternal reward which is stated plainly as "eternal doom."
The list is basic: Hunger, thirst, homeless, cold, sick, prison. Jesus Himself says He is all these things in the faces and lives other others, and when we help "the least of these" (another version) or as this one says, the "overlooked and ignored," we have helped Him. What an important, earth-based mandate! It assumes that spiritually we're so in tune with God and God's love for all, that we live out a life of helping and caring for others. And it's about caring for all, not just the ones whom we love.
Imagine our resolution if we were to say to ourselves, "This year, I will love God so much that I will love others and myself, in the proper way; and my life will be one that cares for others and their needs. May I never not care for those hungry or thirsty, or cold, or sick or in prison. For when I do this, I may just be helping the Lord Himself."
PRAYER: Loving God as we count down the last days of this year, help me in my spirit be ready for the New Year and how I am to live. May my life be atuned to Yours so that my every action be one of care and love for You and Yours. I know it's not easy but I will trust You. 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 Matthew 25: 31-46, and this is the Gospel text for New Year's Day: 31 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. 32 Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, 33 putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. 35 And here's why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, 36 I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? 38 And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' 39 40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. 42 And why? Because - I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.' 44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?' 45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.' 46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
It was some years ago that I made a resolution to quit making resolutions. I never kept them, well, most of them. And I won't bore you with a list of those either. Yes, and losing weight is the top one on most everyone's list because of the holiday feasts and goodies that we just enjoyed. But imagine, just imagine, what God would have us resolve based on the Lectionary text for the start of 2011? The text from the gospel reading is what of the most powerful ones in all of the New Testament. Jesus speaks about final judgment and it's all based on our willingness to help, listen: not ourselves, but others. The difference is eternal. If we care about the basic needs of others and demonstrate it with love and without thinking about it, we are classified as "sheep" and our entrance into eternal reward is assured. Those who struggle with being selfish and self-centered will be labeled "goats" and will also enter their eternal reward which is stated plainly as "eternal doom."
The list is basic: Hunger, thirst, homeless, cold, sick, prison. Jesus Himself says He is all these things in the faces and lives other others, and when we help "the least of these" (another version) or as this one says, the "overlooked and ignored," we have helped Him. What an important, earth-based mandate! It assumes that spiritually we're so in tune with God and God's love for all, that we live out a life of helping and caring for others. And it's about caring for all, not just the ones whom we love.
Imagine our resolution if we were to say to ourselves, "This year, I will love God so much that I will love others and myself, in the proper way; and my life will be one that cares for others and their needs. May I never not care for those hungry or thirsty, or cold, or sick or in prison. For when I do this, I may just be helping the Lord Himself."
PRAYER: Loving God as we count down the last days of this year, help me in my spirit be ready for the New Year and how I am to live. May my life be atuned to Yours so that my every action be one of care and love for You and Yours. I know it's not easy but I will trust You. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 23, 2010
DON'T BE AFRAID!
God of great gifts, bless the life and needs of this dear reader with the greatest gift of Your love and grace; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Luke 2: 1 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. 4 So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. 5 He went with Mary, his fiance, who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. 8 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9 Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11 A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12 This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." 13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: 14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
This is the story that explains this season. Well, one of two; Matthew has his version. Luke, through interviews he conducted of the oral histories of Jesus' life, ran across those who shared with him this story of Jesus' birth. Luke's version is considered a universal account, for unlke Matthew who stresses the Jewish influences and prophecies fulfilled, Luke's story has the components that relate to all people, regardless of birth. The visitors to Jesus' birth site are shepherds, a common profession to whom most could relate, and the kicker of this story, Jesus is born in a place meant for animals not humans. It was as God wanted, and as makes the point of this whole celebration of Christmas. God is God to all people regardless of station and status. God is your God. God's love for you and me is demonstrated in this simple, yet awesome birth.
The message from this story is the one shared by the angel, "Don't be afraid...(your) Savior who is Messiah and Master" is given to us. Let us receive Him as our Lord and may we live our lives based on joy and not fear. God is still in control. Of all things.
PRAYER: Loving God, we would have written the story different, but we're not in charge, You are. Help me to celebrate this birth as the birth of my new life of faith and joy. May my life reflect a love towards You and all people. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Luke 2: 1 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. 4 So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. 5 He went with Mary, his fiance, who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. 8 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9 Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11 A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12 This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." 13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: 14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
This is the story that explains this season. Well, one of two; Matthew has his version. Luke, through interviews he conducted of the oral histories of Jesus' life, ran across those who shared with him this story of Jesus' birth. Luke's version is considered a universal account, for unlke Matthew who stresses the Jewish influences and prophecies fulfilled, Luke's story has the components that relate to all people, regardless of birth. The visitors to Jesus' birth site are shepherds, a common profession to whom most could relate, and the kicker of this story, Jesus is born in a place meant for animals not humans. It was as God wanted, and as makes the point of this whole celebration of Christmas. God is God to all people regardless of station and status. God is your God. God's love for you and me is demonstrated in this simple, yet awesome birth.
The message from this story is the one shared by the angel, "Don't be afraid...(your) Savior who is Messiah and Master" is given to us. Let us receive Him as our Lord and may we live our lives based on joy and not fear. God is still in control. Of all things.
PRAYER: Loving God, we would have written the story different, but we're not in charge, You are. Help me to celebrate this birth as the birth of my new life of faith and joy. May my life reflect a love towards You and all people. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
RELAX AND REJOICE!
God of the Gift, renew in the heart of this dear reader the joy of this season; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Titus 2: 11 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! 12 We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, 13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. 14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
The gift of forgiveness when given is precious. The gift of forgiven when received is powerful. The gift of forgiveness when it is part of our entrance into the fullness of life in Jesus Christ, is transformational. Such is the gift of God for us that we celebrate during this season. The writer of Titus knows and lives that and rejoices in it. How about us? The pressure's on, you say, just a couple more items and I'll be done! Take a deep breath and relax and rejoice in what God has already given to you: Your release from sin and bondage and an invitation into the greatest life there is, the life of a committed Christian.
May this passage remind us of what God has, is, and will always offer. A Merry Christmas indeed!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to relax and rejoice in what I need to truly enjoy the fullness of life that You offer to me. This is the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to share that with others; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today from Titus 2: 11 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! 12 We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, 13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. 14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
The gift of forgiveness when given is precious. The gift of forgiven when received is powerful. The gift of forgiveness when it is part of our entrance into the fullness of life in Jesus Christ, is transformational. Such is the gift of God for us that we celebrate during this season. The writer of Titus knows and lives that and rejoices in it. How about us? The pressure's on, you say, just a couple more items and I'll be done! Take a deep breath and relax and rejoice in what God has already given to you: Your release from sin and bondage and an invitation into the greatest life there is, the life of a committed Christian.
May this passage remind us of what God has, is, and will always offer. A Merry Christmas indeed!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to relax and rejoice in what I need to truly enjoy the fullness of life that You offer to me. This is the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to share that with others; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 20, 2010
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE?
God of rich and wonderful blessings, pour out Your grace and peace upon the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Here is our text for today from Psalm 96: 1 Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! 2 Sing to God - worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, 3 Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all! 4 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap; 5 Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. God made the heavens - 6 Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart. 7 Bravo, God, Bravo! Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. 8 Bring gifts and celebrate, 9 Bow before the beauty of God, Then to your knees - everyone worship! 10 Get out the message - God Rules! He put the world on a firm foundation; He treats everyone fair and square. 11 Let's hear it from Sky, With Earth joining in, And a huge round of applause from Sea. 12 Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, Animals, come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir - 13 An extravaganza before God as he comes, As he comes to set everything right on earth, Set everything right, treat everyone fair. (The Message)
The psalmist knew years and years before it all happened, that when it did finally happen, the whole earth would be involved. Notice, earth, not people; we're still working on those types right about now. But the psalmist knew that God would act on our behalf in an awesome way and nature would be involved. From verse 11, "Let's hear it from the sky," yes, a star led the way; forthe shepherds an angelic choir sang God's praises at the birth of God's Son. "With Earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from Sea, Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, animals come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir,: yes, it was this big an event.
How will you celebrate? Yes, we're eyeing the worship times for Christmas Eve and we're hoping that all our gift buying is complete. We're trying to time and target those places least crowded (and good luck with that!), and all in the name of someone else's birthday, Whom we sometimes tend to ignore. Christmas is about Christ's birth. Christmas is about our joining in with all who love and know the Lord, in singing and praising Him as we should.
How will you celebrate?
PRAYER: Loving God, may my song and praise join that of nature on that night; a joyous praise of You and Your love. Help me with the things that I want to do for family and friends, but don't allow them to take the place of Your worship and rightful place in my heart. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is our text for today from Psalm 96: 1 Sing God a brand-new song! Earth and everyone in it, sing! 2 Sing to God - worship God! Shout the news of his victory from sea to sea, 3 Take the news of his glory to the lost, News of his wonders to one and all! 4 For God is great, and worth a thousand Hallelujahs. His terrible beauty makes the gods look cheap; 5 Pagan gods are mere tatters and rags. God made the heavens - 6 Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart. 7 Bravo, God, Bravo! Everyone join in the great shout: Encore! In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might. 8 Bring gifts and celebrate, 9 Bow before the beauty of God, Then to your knees - everyone worship! 10 Get out the message - God Rules! He put the world on a firm foundation; He treats everyone fair and square. 11 Let's hear it from Sky, With Earth joining in, And a huge round of applause from Sea. 12 Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, Animals, come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir - 13 An extravaganza before God as he comes, As he comes to set everything right on earth, Set everything right, treat everyone fair. (The Message)
The psalmist knew years and years before it all happened, that when it did finally happen, the whole earth would be involved. Notice, earth, not people; we're still working on those types right about now. But the psalmist knew that God would act on our behalf in an awesome way and nature would be involved. From verse 11, "Let's hear it from the sky," yes, a star led the way; forthe shepherds an angelic choir sang God's praises at the birth of God's Son. "With Earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from Sea, Let Wilderness turn cartwheels, animals come dance, Put every tree of the forest in the choir,: yes, it was this big an event.
How will you celebrate? Yes, we're eyeing the worship times for Christmas Eve and we're hoping that all our gift buying is complete. We're trying to time and target those places least crowded (and good luck with that!), and all in the name of someone else's birthday, Whom we sometimes tend to ignore. Christmas is about Christ's birth. Christmas is about our joining in with all who love and know the Lord, in singing and praising Him as we should.
How will you celebrate?
PRAYER: Loving God, may my song and praise join that of nature on that night; a joyous praise of You and Your love. Help me with the things that I want to do for family and friends, but don't allow them to take the place of Your worship and rightful place in my heart. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Friday, December 17, 2010
ARE YOU STILL MY FRIEND?
Amazing God of power and might; shine brightly on the needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 80: 1 Listen, Shepherd, Israel's Shepherd - get all your Joseph sheep together. Throw beams of light from your dazzling throne 2 So Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh can see where they're going. Get out of bed - you've slept long enough! Come on the run before it's too late. 3 God, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation. 4 God, God of the angel armies, how long will you smolder like a sleeping volcano while your people call for fire and brimstone? 5 You put us on a diet of tears, bucket after bucket of salty tears to drink. 6 You make us look ridiculous to our friends; our enemies poke fun day after day. 7 God of the angel armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation. (The Message)
As parents, my wife and I went through periods where one of our children would say, "So and so is not my friend any more." When they were the ones who ended the "friendship" they said it matter of factly; when they were the recipients of the end of the friendship, it was said with a voice of desperation. Usually, that was followed by "What do I do to get them back?"
Imagine how God feels when we choose to not be "friends" with God any more. Imagine how we would feel if God chose not be to be "friends" with us any more, and you get a sense of how this psalm was written. The cycle of the Old Testament was very similar to ours. We get close to God, we feel blessed, we feel great, we leave the church, encounter the first challenge and we decide God's not our friend, we do our own thing, we find ourselves far from God and waaa! We're crying to be God's friend again. It was a slowly growing departure from God that brought about Christmas. God saying, "I so much want to be your 'friend' that I am sending my Son to you." But as the psalmist wrote he was writing about that need. We put ourselves in that situation and then we realize how badly we need God and so we say or write things like "You put us on a diet of tears, bucket after buck of salty tears to drink....Waaa, waaa!" WIth Jesus, God put an end to that. We no longer have to say or write things like that. What we do have to do is to stay "friends" with God.
PRAYER: Loving God, I know you're more than my friend, You're my Father. Help me never to forget that and help me not to stray off and get alienated from You. Let my life be a testament of deep faith. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 80: 1 Listen, Shepherd, Israel's Shepherd - get all your Joseph sheep together. Throw beams of light from your dazzling throne 2 So Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh can see where they're going. Get out of bed - you've slept long enough! Come on the run before it's too late. 3 God, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation. 4 God, God of the angel armies, how long will you smolder like a sleeping volcano while your people call for fire and brimstone? 5 You put us on a diet of tears, bucket after bucket of salty tears to drink. 6 You make us look ridiculous to our friends; our enemies poke fun day after day. 7 God of the angel armies, come back! Smile your blessing smile: That will be our salvation. (The Message)
As parents, my wife and I went through periods where one of our children would say, "So and so is not my friend any more." When they were the ones who ended the "friendship" they said it matter of factly; when they were the recipients of the end of the friendship, it was said with a voice of desperation. Usually, that was followed by "What do I do to get them back?"
Imagine how God feels when we choose to not be "friends" with God any more. Imagine how we would feel if God chose not be to be "friends" with us any more, and you get a sense of how this psalm was written. The cycle of the Old Testament was very similar to ours. We get close to God, we feel blessed, we feel great, we leave the church, encounter the first challenge and we decide God's not our friend, we do our own thing, we find ourselves far from God and waaa! We're crying to be God's friend again. It was a slowly growing departure from God that brought about Christmas. God saying, "I so much want to be your 'friend' that I am sending my Son to you." But as the psalmist wrote he was writing about that need. We put ourselves in that situation and then we realize how badly we need God and so we say or write things like "You put us on a diet of tears, bucket after buck of salty tears to drink....Waaa, waaa!" WIth Jesus, God put an end to that. We no longer have to say or write things like that. What we do have to do is to stay "friends" with God.
PRAYER: Loving God, I know you're more than my friend, You're my Father. Help me never to forget that and help me not to stray off and get alienated from You. Let my life be a testament of deep faith. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 16, 2010
DON'T DRIVE FAST! GOD IS WITH YOU!
Amazing God of all surprises that bless and encouarge, share one with this dear reader today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen!
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 7: 10 God spoke again to Ahaz. This time he said, 11 "Ask for a sign from your God. Ask anything. Be extravagant. Ask for the moon!" 12 But Ahaz said, "I'd never do that. I'd never make demands like that on God!" 13 So Isaiah told him, "Then listen to this, government of David! It's bad enough that you make people tired with your pious, timid hypocrisies, but now you're making God tired. 14 So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She'll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us). 15 By the time the child is twelve years old, able to make moral decisions, 16 the threat of war will be over. Relax, those two kings that have you so worried will be out of the picture.
Have you ever been so worried about something that you missed all the blessings coming your way while you sat there fretting? Such was the case with King Ahaz. The threat of war, probably the economy of that threat, the unrest among the people, etc., etc., that he couldn't hear what God said to him, "Ask of me anything you want or need, even the moon!" But meek, humble King Ahaz said, "I could never do that!" You snooze, you lose. He missed out on knowing fully that God was on the move and God was about to act in an unexplainable way. Isaiah shares that foundation of this season, that a young girl, who had known no man intimately, would conceive a child whose name would convey his purpose: God with us.
The stress of these days gets to us, too. We need to go here to buy this and we need to go there to buy that. And so it goes, the radio, the TV, the stores remind us, "Only so many shopping days until Christmas!" It's enough to make us drive faster! And when it's all said and done, we've missed the truly glorious gift of this season, the gift from God, Jesus; God-with-us.
Don't drive fast. Don't fret about purchases. Pace yourself and know that God is with you and all will be fine. Thanks to that first Christmas gift, the newborn Messiah born for you and me!
PRAYER: Loving God of all gifts, give to me peace and patience. Help me to measure my steps. Help me to enjoy this day in its fullness, knowing You are with me. I pray this in Jesus' precious Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 7: 10 God spoke again to Ahaz. This time he said, 11 "Ask for a sign from your God. Ask anything. Be extravagant. Ask for the moon!" 12 But Ahaz said, "I'd never do that. I'd never make demands like that on God!" 13 So Isaiah told him, "Then listen to this, government of David! It's bad enough that you make people tired with your pious, timid hypocrisies, but now you're making God tired. 14 So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She'll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us). 15 By the time the child is twelve years old, able to make moral decisions, 16 the threat of war will be over. Relax, those two kings that have you so worried will be out of the picture.
Have you ever been so worried about something that you missed all the blessings coming your way while you sat there fretting? Such was the case with King Ahaz. The threat of war, probably the economy of that threat, the unrest among the people, etc., etc., that he couldn't hear what God said to him, "Ask of me anything you want or need, even the moon!" But meek, humble King Ahaz said, "I could never do that!" You snooze, you lose. He missed out on knowing fully that God was on the move and God was about to act in an unexplainable way. Isaiah shares that foundation of this season, that a young girl, who had known no man intimately, would conceive a child whose name would convey his purpose: God with us.
The stress of these days gets to us, too. We need to go here to buy this and we need to go there to buy that. And so it goes, the radio, the TV, the stores remind us, "Only so many shopping days until Christmas!" It's enough to make us drive faster! And when it's all said and done, we've missed the truly glorious gift of this season, the gift from God, Jesus; God-with-us.
Don't drive fast. Don't fret about purchases. Pace yourself and know that God is with you and all will be fine. Thanks to that first Christmas gift, the newborn Messiah born for you and me!
PRAYER: Loving God of all gifts, give to me peace and patience. Help me to measure my steps. Help me to enjoy this day in its fullness, knowing You are with me. I pray this in Jesus' precious Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
JESUS IS THE REAL DEAL!
Dear God, please grant strength for the journey in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Romans 1: I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the Christians in Rome, God's friends. 2 The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets 3 on God's Son. His descent from David roots him in history; 4 his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. 5 Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. 6 You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! 7 And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.
Have you ever bought something that came with a Certificate of Authenticity? It's usually a piece of paper that says that the ridiculous amount of money you or someone spent for you on this item was worth it, because this is "the real deal!" There is no deal more real nor precious than the thought of that great gift given us some two thousand years ago that causes our yearly celebration that we call Christmas. Paul's excitement of his having been included in this deal caused his life to change and for us to have the text for today. Paul wants all the world to know and he wants to share as his proof, that this Jesus is the One! In Jesus, Paul writes, we have life in Jesus and the obligation/joy of passing it on to others.
I just wrote my newsletter article for our district and this usually comes out in our conference's newspaper as well, and it's about our "repeat(ing) the sounding joy." I share how every time a child comes to know the Christmas story, of God's great love for you and me, and that story becomes hers or his, we are repeating the great sound of joy that even nature sang on that precious night. Share that joy and that sound with someone today!
PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, I praise You and thank You for all You have done and given to me. Let this day be another day of my celebrating that You have included me in Jesus and that I have as my privilege the joy of sharing Him with someone else. Empower my thoughts, give me boldness and wisdom to share Him. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Romans 1: I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the Christians in Rome, God's friends. 2 The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets 3 on God's Son. His descent from David roots him in history; 4 his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. 5 Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. 6 You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! 7 And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.
Have you ever bought something that came with a Certificate of Authenticity? It's usually a piece of paper that says that the ridiculous amount of money you or someone spent for you on this item was worth it, because this is "the real deal!" There is no deal more real nor precious than the thought of that great gift given us some two thousand years ago that causes our yearly celebration that we call Christmas. Paul's excitement of his having been included in this deal caused his life to change and for us to have the text for today. Paul wants all the world to know and he wants to share as his proof, that this Jesus is the One! In Jesus, Paul writes, we have life in Jesus and the obligation/joy of passing it on to others.
I just wrote my newsletter article for our district and this usually comes out in our conference's newspaper as well, and it's about our "repeat(ing) the sounding joy." I share how every time a child comes to know the Christmas story, of God's great love for you and me, and that story becomes hers or his, we are repeating the great sound of joy that even nature sang on that precious night. Share that joy and that sound with someone today!
PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, I praise You and thank You for all You have done and given to me. Let this day be another day of my celebrating that You have included me in Jesus and that I have as my privilege the joy of sharing Him with someone else. Empower my thoughts, give me boldness and wisdom to share Him. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, December 13, 2010
WHO DO YOU SAY THAT JESUS IS?
Loving God of all days, may this day in the life of this dear reader be one filled with Your goodness, blessing, and protection; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for this morning is from Matthew 1: 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Commuters from New Jersey going into New York City through the Lincoln Tunnel, see a huge billboard on the NJ side that features a Nativity scene, the star, and three wise men. The message on this billboard? "You know it's a myth." On the NY side a similar-sized billboard, the same nativity scene, the star, the three wise men, and the message, "You know it's real." Hmm. The first billboard is sponsored by the American Atheists, the second by the Catholic League. The media attention given to the first group is exactly what they wanted, and the billboard they sponsored has only caused anger among many motorists, as has the retort. Yes, dear readers, it's the Christmas season. "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" we have seen, and now Family Christian bookstores have, "Jesus is the Gift." Matthew knew what this story was about and how important it was for his readers so he included it in his gospel account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection life of Jesus Christ. It would be later in his gospel that Matthew records Jesus asking His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Mt. 16:15).
This time of Advent asks the Church that same question: Who do we say that Jesus is? Why all this commotion about the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago? And what does it matter in 2010? Why is a group like the American Atheists so concerned about it as well?
What we say is that God was so concerned about the world that, as John records, He gave his only begotten Son. It was God's gift to us so that we might know of God's great love and God's great desire to be in relationship with God. Matthew shares his story from a Jewish point of view. This all happened, Matthew says, in a miraculous way. It is the fulfillment of prophecy that the One who created the world and all things, chose to work in this way; a woman betrothed but not yet married, carried the Gift to the World. Her earthly husband who became a believer through divine intervention declares Jesus as he was told, "His name is Jesus," the savior of the world. And as Jesus would later declare His birth did not bring peace to all people, evidence the American Atheists, but a stir still present today. And how you choose to answer Jesus' own question about Who He is, either helps or hurts the way others may come to see Him.
PRAYER: Loving God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus. May my life respond in ways that build up the faith of others as I join the chorus that proclaims that this, this is the savior of the world, my savior, my Lord. And it is in His Name that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for this morning is from Matthew 1: 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 "Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
Commuters from New Jersey going into New York City through the Lincoln Tunnel, see a huge billboard on the NJ side that features a Nativity scene, the star, and three wise men. The message on this billboard? "You know it's a myth." On the NY side a similar-sized billboard, the same nativity scene, the star, the three wise men, and the message, "You know it's real." Hmm. The first billboard is sponsored by the American Atheists, the second by the Catholic League. The media attention given to the first group is exactly what they wanted, and the billboard they sponsored has only caused anger among many motorists, as has the retort. Yes, dear readers, it's the Christmas season. "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" we have seen, and now Family Christian bookstores have, "Jesus is the Gift." Matthew knew what this story was about and how important it was for his readers so he included it in his gospel account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection life of Jesus Christ. It would be later in his gospel that Matthew records Jesus asking His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Mt. 16:15).
This time of Advent asks the Church that same question: Who do we say that Jesus is? Why all this commotion about the birth of a baby some two thousand years ago? And what does it matter in 2010? Why is a group like the American Atheists so concerned about it as well?
What we say is that God was so concerned about the world that, as John records, He gave his only begotten Son. It was God's gift to us so that we might know of God's great love and God's great desire to be in relationship with God. Matthew shares his story from a Jewish point of view. This all happened, Matthew says, in a miraculous way. It is the fulfillment of prophecy that the One who created the world and all things, chose to work in this way; a woman betrothed but not yet married, carried the Gift to the World. Her earthly husband who became a believer through divine intervention declares Jesus as he was told, "His name is Jesus," the savior of the world. And as Jesus would later declare His birth did not bring peace to all people, evidence the American Atheists, but a stir still present today. And how you choose to answer Jesus' own question about Who He is, either helps or hurts the way others may come to see Him.
PRAYER: Loving God, I thank You for Your Son, Jesus. May my life respond in ways that build up the faith of others as I join the chorus that proclaims that this, this is the savior of the world, my savior, my Lord. And it is in His Name that I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 09, 2010
ADVENT IS A TIME FOR SINGING; LET YOUR LIFE SING!
Loving God, bless and protect the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for praising God today comes from Psalm 146: 1 Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! 2 All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live. 3 Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. 4 Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. 5 Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! 6 God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says - 7 he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners - 8 he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. 9 protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. 10 God's in charge - always. Zion's God is God for good! Hallelujah! (The Message)
Advent is a time for singing. You do it in your shower, you do it in your car, and you should do it in worship; can you do it in public? Someone shared a video with me about a choir who sang Handel's Messiah in a food court in a busy mall. It was filled with Christmas shoppers and there was a woman playing a small organ, set first to piano mode, then she switched to organ and started the strains to the Hallelujah Chorus and a young woman pretending to talk on the cell, and she may have been talking to her Mom saying, "Mom, pray for me, I'm scared to death!", stands and sings the first part, then a young man leaps onto his seat and responds, then others, then others, and before you know it this food court, always noisy with eaters and shoppers, is now filled with the sounds of one of the greatest worship pieces ever written! (The link to this video will be below).
I believe the Psalmist knew how to sing publicly without words or music, when that was necessary. This psalm is a song of faith and hope in a God of help to those who seek Him. It declares that a careful look around us, to sky and sea, and ground and trees, to everything created, is a strong reminder of all God has, is, and will, do in our lives for those of us who seek God. Can you let your life sing God's praises and use words and music whenever necessary? I believe we can and more now than ever, for the world is deariliy marching to a sad tune and the tune is dragging, not only in tempo, but in the pull it has on folks who have no hope. Let your life sing that joyous praise to the God in control, to the God of hope, to the God who acted on our behalf in sending His Only Son, to help us sing a song of new birth and new life. Are you ready? The world is listening!
PRAYER: God of song and hope; make my life sing today the praises to You in such a melodius way that others can't but help to listen and join in. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&vq=large#t=296
Our text for praising God today comes from Psalm 146: 1 Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! 2 All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live. 3 Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. 4 Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. 5 Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! 6 God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says - 7 he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners - 8 he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. 9 protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. 10 God's in charge - always. Zion's God is God for good! Hallelujah! (The Message)
Advent is a time for singing. You do it in your shower, you do it in your car, and you should do it in worship; can you do it in public? Someone shared a video with me about a choir who sang Handel's Messiah in a food court in a busy mall. It was filled with Christmas shoppers and there was a woman playing a small organ, set first to piano mode, then she switched to organ and started the strains to the Hallelujah Chorus and a young woman pretending to talk on the cell, and she may have been talking to her Mom saying, "Mom, pray for me, I'm scared to death!", stands and sings the first part, then a young man leaps onto his seat and responds, then others, then others, and before you know it this food court, always noisy with eaters and shoppers, is now filled with the sounds of one of the greatest worship pieces ever written! (The link to this video will be below).
I believe the Psalmist knew how to sing publicly without words or music, when that was necessary. This psalm is a song of faith and hope in a God of help to those who seek Him. It declares that a careful look around us, to sky and sea, and ground and trees, to everything created, is a strong reminder of all God has, is, and will, do in our lives for those of us who seek God. Can you let your life sing God's praises and use words and music whenever necessary? I believe we can and more now than ever, for the world is deariliy marching to a sad tune and the tune is dragging, not only in tempo, but in the pull it has on folks who have no hope. Let your life sing that joyous praise to the God in control, to the God of hope, to the God who acted on our behalf in sending His Only Son, to help us sing a song of new birth and new life. Are you ready? The world is listening!
PRAYER: God of song and hope; make my life sing today the praises to You in such a melodius way that others can't but help to listen and join in. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&vq=large#t=296
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
EVEN THE DESERT AND WILDERNESS WILL LIGHT UP
God of all people, 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 Isaiah 35: 1 Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower - 2 bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic. 3 Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" 5 Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, 6 Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. 7 Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly. 8 There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It's for God's people exclusively - impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. 9 No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals - Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it. 10 The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.
One summer I worked at "the plant" with my dad. I was a painter's assistant, preparing things to be painted and I was assigned to a pretty interesting man. He, my dad, and the dad of some dear church friends, were master painters and were experts in what they did, and for the most part, enjoyed what they did. John, the painter to whom I was assigned, was only a few years older than myself and we shared pretty much the same interests, especially music. We also told stories of our past, and John was good at sharing those stories of experiences that stayed with me, especially the one of his hitchhiking across the desert. He told of not being able to find a ride and before he knew it, it was pitch black along the Interstate. He knew that at night, rattlesnakes knew to come lay on the warmth of the highway, so he walked cautiously. At one point he heard a distant sound. The dark did not allow him to see what it was, so he was a bit scared. He soon could tell it was a whooshing sound, and it gradually got louder and louder, and soon it sounded eerie as it came upon him. He walked off the highway and prepared for the worse, and laughed when he saw it was a huge tumbleweed that rolled past him. Not too many years later I ran out of gas between El Paso and Ft. Stockton. I believe I was eleven miles outside of Ft. Stockton on my way home to Houston. John's story was the one I was remembering as I thought I would need to walk to FS to get gasoline. The desert, at night, does not resemble anything that the prophet mentions in the first two verses of this passage. What he was seeing was a place prepared for the coming of the One who would make all things right. The power of the coming King was so powerful that even nature had joined in with blossoms and flowerings to make things appear right until this King could make things right.
I see the Christmas lights in that way. Today's Upper Room devotional spoke of hometowns and my little town suffered a lot with the economic downturns of the mid-60s and never returned to the glory I knew when a child. The downtown once filled with stores, including some terrific 5 and 10's (kiddos, ask your grandparents what those were or visit downtown Fredericksburg, TX; they still have one that looks like one, but the prices are way beyond 5 & 10 cents) stores; yet every Christmas season the lights transform the city and hide what I call the imperfections of reality. I see it as a preparation of our celebration of the birth of our King not as "commercialization" as others do. It is a display of joy and a readiness to celebrate, as our hearts should be, bright with light of the coming King, whose first visit shone brightly in our souls.
The rest of the story? We're told to help one another and be all about love. Thank God I ran out of gas during the height of that craze called the "C.B. Craze," when the majority of drivers in cars had copied the big truckers in having citizen band radios. I had been following another vehicle, though he did not respect the traffic speed limit laws and left me way back. As soon as I pulled over to ponder my fate, a clear voice came on the radio, "Do you need a ride?" I looked in the rearview mirror and there was a car parked behind me. This kind soul drove me to FS, where I bought gas and another vehicle came and the persons inside said they would drive me back to my car. The last verses of today's passage came true.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to prepare my soul to shine Your light into the lives of others. Help me to show who I am, and Whose I am, so that others will come to see the real meaning and purpose behind this Advent time and make ready the true celebration of Christmas. In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Isaiah 35: 1 Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower - 2 bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic. 3 Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" 5 Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, 6 Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. 7 Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly. 8 There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It's for God's people exclusively - impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. 9 No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals - Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it. 10 The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.
One summer I worked at "the plant" with my dad. I was a painter's assistant, preparing things to be painted and I was assigned to a pretty interesting man. He, my dad, and the dad of some dear church friends, were master painters and were experts in what they did, and for the most part, enjoyed what they did. John, the painter to whom I was assigned, was only a few years older than myself and we shared pretty much the same interests, especially music. We also told stories of our past, and John was good at sharing those stories of experiences that stayed with me, especially the one of his hitchhiking across the desert. He told of not being able to find a ride and before he knew it, it was pitch black along the Interstate. He knew that at night, rattlesnakes knew to come lay on the warmth of the highway, so he walked cautiously. At one point he heard a distant sound. The dark did not allow him to see what it was, so he was a bit scared. He soon could tell it was a whooshing sound, and it gradually got louder and louder, and soon it sounded eerie as it came upon him. He walked off the highway and prepared for the worse, and laughed when he saw it was a huge tumbleweed that rolled past him. Not too many years later I ran out of gas between El Paso and Ft. Stockton. I believe I was eleven miles outside of Ft. Stockton on my way home to Houston. John's story was the one I was remembering as I thought I would need to walk to FS to get gasoline. The desert, at night, does not resemble anything that the prophet mentions in the first two verses of this passage. What he was seeing was a place prepared for the coming of the One who would make all things right. The power of the coming King was so powerful that even nature had joined in with blossoms and flowerings to make things appear right until this King could make things right.
I see the Christmas lights in that way. Today's Upper Room devotional spoke of hometowns and my little town suffered a lot with the economic downturns of the mid-60s and never returned to the glory I knew when a child. The downtown once filled with stores, including some terrific 5 and 10's (kiddos, ask your grandparents what those were or visit downtown Fredericksburg, TX; they still have one that looks like one, but the prices are way beyond 5 & 10 cents) stores; yet every Christmas season the lights transform the city and hide what I call the imperfections of reality. I see it as a preparation of our celebration of the birth of our King not as "commercialization" as others do. It is a display of joy and a readiness to celebrate, as our hearts should be, bright with light of the coming King, whose first visit shone brightly in our souls.
The rest of the story? We're told to help one another and be all about love. Thank God I ran out of gas during the height of that craze called the "C.B. Craze," when the majority of drivers in cars had copied the big truckers in having citizen band radios. I had been following another vehicle, though he did not respect the traffic speed limit laws and left me way back. As soon as I pulled over to ponder my fate, a clear voice came on the radio, "Do you need a ride?" I looked in the rearview mirror and there was a car parked behind me. This kind soul drove me to FS, where I bought gas and another vehicle came and the persons inside said they would drive me back to my car. The last verses of today's passage came true.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to prepare my soul to shine Your light into the lives of others. Help me to show who I am, and Whose I am, so that others will come to see the real meaning and purpose behind this Advent time and make ready the true celebration of Christmas. In Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
SINGING AN ADVENT SONG!
God of all days, be with this dear reader in whatever she or he may face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today is from Romans 13: 4 Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. 5 May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. 6 Then we'll be a choir - not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! 7 So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! 8 Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. 9 As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name! 10 And this one: Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together! 11 And again: People of all nations, celebrate God! All colors and races, give hearty praise! 12 And Isaiah's word: There's the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope! 13 Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
Imagine finding in one of your closets, an old letter from a loved one who has long been gone to Glory. Would you dare say, "Ah, this old letter is no longer of any use, because Grandma/Mom/Dad/Grandpa, is dead and these word no longer have any relevance!" Yet, you read on and discover the voice that belonged to that loved one, still speaking, and speaking words of love and instruction to you. So it is with God's Word. We can never say that it is outdated and no longer relevant to us. No longer can we say that what we find if The Bible is of no use-- quite the opposite! If ever God had a telling word for our world it is now. In that letter of love we call scripture, God still speaks and still urges our faithfulness and our seeking to reach out to others in love. And like Paul, we should believe in the fulfillment of that Word to bring all to faith and love of God in such a way that this version shows a choir singing in one voice praising God for all that God has done.
The best singing is done with our actions not necessarily our voices. If we are singing a life of love, others will join in. If we are singing the praise of God with what we do, others will hear, not only our song, but the invitation coming from God to join in, with loud praise.
PRAYER: Loving God, this is Advent, a time to learn to sing with and beyond our voices. Let my life sing a song of praise to You in such a glorious way that others will want to join in. Let me still see and hear in Your precious Word that which speaks to my heart about who I am, and Whose I am; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Your prayers for yours truly as today at 11:30 CT, I say goodbye to a tooth that has bothered me for a few years and this dentist was finally able to find it, do a root canal attempt to save it only to discover that it had cracked to the bone. I'm not a big fan of dentists and thank God for them, but pray for the success and calm of this terrible patient. Blessings to you!
Our text for today is from Romans 13: 4 Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. 5 May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. 6 Then we'll be a choir - not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! 7 So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! 8 Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. 9 As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name! 10 And this one: Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together! 11 And again: People of all nations, celebrate God! All colors and races, give hearty praise! 12 And Isaiah's word: There's the root of our ancestor Jesse, breaking through the earth and growing tree tall, Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope! 13 Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
Imagine finding in one of your closets, an old letter from a loved one who has long been gone to Glory. Would you dare say, "Ah, this old letter is no longer of any use, because Grandma/Mom/Dad/Grandpa, is dead and these word no longer have any relevance!" Yet, you read on and discover the voice that belonged to that loved one, still speaking, and speaking words of love and instruction to you. So it is with God's Word. We can never say that it is outdated and no longer relevant to us. No longer can we say that what we find if The Bible is of no use-- quite the opposite! If ever God had a telling word for our world it is now. In that letter of love we call scripture, God still speaks and still urges our faithfulness and our seeking to reach out to others in love. And like Paul, we should believe in the fulfillment of that Word to bring all to faith and love of God in such a way that this version shows a choir singing in one voice praising God for all that God has done.
The best singing is done with our actions not necessarily our voices. If we are singing a life of love, others will join in. If we are singing the praise of God with what we do, others will hear, not only our song, but the invitation coming from God to join in, with loud praise.
PRAYER: Loving God, this is Advent, a time to learn to sing with and beyond our voices. Let my life sing a song of praise to You in such a glorious way that others will want to join in. Let me still see and hear in Your precious Word that which speaks to my heart about who I am, and Whose I am; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS Your prayers for yours truly as today at 11:30 CT, I say goodbye to a tooth that has bothered me for a few years and this dentist was finally able to find it, do a root canal attempt to save it only to discover that it had cracked to the bone. I'm not a big fan of dentists and thank God for them, but pray for the success and calm of this terrible patient. Blessings to you!
Monday, December 06, 2010
ADVENT IS LOOKING UP
Loving God of all people and nations, shower Your peace on the needs of this dear reader's life; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 11: 2 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples 3 to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4 Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: 5 The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. 6 "Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!" 7 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? 8 Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. 9 What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. 10 He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.' 11 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.
Fleeting doubt is what makes faith deeper. At no time can anyone say, "I've never had doubt about my faith." Truth be told, a moment or two may come when you stop and think hard, pray even harder and the doubt flees, and you walk forward with a deeper faith. In this passage, John had done all that God wanted him to do. And for doing what God asked, he found himself in prison and more than likely knew the fate that he was facing. It was natural to have doubt and this passage has John sending his disciples to Jesus to ask that nagging question."Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" (v. 3). John knew the answer at some level, but at a deeper level wanted confirmation. Jesus tells them to report back what John already knew of the unexplainable miracles of people being restored to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. What more could John possibly want? What more do you want when you have doubt?
Our lives more than likely have had those "mountaintop experiences" of great faith; a great spiritual retreat, a wonderful worship service, an encounter with faith, an incredible encounter with Jesus, and then the weekend ends and the week begins. Monday brings a challenge that the weekend experience did not cover and so we doubt. Does that mean we give up? No. It means we look up to where our help comes. This Advent season is a time for all of us to look up and remember all that God has done, all that God is doing, and all that God will continue to do.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my time of disbelief. May I always remember to look up when things look down. Help me to know that the same place where Abraham, Sarah, David, Deborah, John the Baptist, and Mary Magdelene looked to, is my place too. Help me to be stronger and more faithful in my walk with You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 11: 2 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples 3 to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4 Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: 5 The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. 6 "Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!" 7 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? 8 Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. 9 What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. 10 He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.' 11 "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him.
Fleeting doubt is what makes faith deeper. At no time can anyone say, "I've never had doubt about my faith." Truth be told, a moment or two may come when you stop and think hard, pray even harder and the doubt flees, and you walk forward with a deeper faith. In this passage, John had done all that God wanted him to do. And for doing what God asked, he found himself in prison and more than likely knew the fate that he was facing. It was natural to have doubt and this passage has John sending his disciples to Jesus to ask that nagging question."Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" (v. 3). John knew the answer at some level, but at a deeper level wanted confirmation. Jesus tells them to report back what John already knew of the unexplainable miracles of people being restored to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. What more could John possibly want? What more do you want when you have doubt?
Our lives more than likely have had those "mountaintop experiences" of great faith; a great spiritual retreat, a wonderful worship service, an encounter with faith, an incredible encounter with Jesus, and then the weekend ends and the week begins. Monday brings a challenge that the weekend experience did not cover and so we doubt. Does that mean we give up? No. It means we look up to where our help comes. This Advent season is a time for all of us to look up and remember all that God has done, all that God is doing, and all that God will continue to do.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me in my time of disbelief. May I always remember to look up when things look down. Help me to know that the same place where Abraham, Sarah, David, Deborah, John the Baptist, and Mary Magdelene looked to, is my place too. Help me to be stronger and more faithful in my walk with You. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, December 02, 2010
TURNING OUR HEARTS TOWARDS OTHERS
Amazing God of love and peace, pour out Your Spirit on the needs of this dear reader today and all days; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 72: 1 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of just rule to the crown prince. 2 May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly. 3 Let the mountains give exuberant witness; shape the hills with the contours of right living. 4 Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants. 5 Outlast the sun, outlive the moon - age after age after age. 6 Be rainfall on cut grass, earth-refreshing rain showers. 7 Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing. 10 Kings remote and legendary will pay homage, kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth. 11 All kings will fall down and worship, and godless nations sign up to serve him, 12 Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need, the destitute who have run out of luck. 13 He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out, he restores the wretched of the earth. 14 He frees them from tyranny and torture - when they bleed, he bleeds; when they die, he dies.
Growing up there was a show my Mom loved to watch and I, when I could sit still long enough, did too. The show was called, "Queen for A Day." The premise of the show was to fulfill every woman's dream of getting a new washer or dryer. Yes, big fun. The fun for me was seeing the women shriek in joy over having won this new appliance for their home. Host Jack Bailey would ask the tv audience as well as those in the studio, "Would you like to be queen for a day?" Yes, it was as one critic said, ""one of the most ghastly shows ever produced" and further stated it was "tasteless, demeaning to women, demeaning to anyone who watched it, cheap, insulting and utterly degrading to the human spirit." (Mark Evanier) It worked in its time. It sold commercials at $4,000 a minute which was a record for its day. Why do I even bring this up? To ask, what would you do, were you made king or queen for a day? And please don't say you'd want a new washer/dryer or range oven!
The Psalmist knew that to be a good king, one had to seek wisdom from God and to seek to do the will of God. In our little "kingdoms" or "reigns" we have, how are we doing? Re-read the list of things a good sovereign addresses: Justice, fair treatment to the ones who normally don't get that, a life so God-centered that even nature joins in their singing of praises to God, advocacy for the poor, assistance for the children in need, a life that is brighter than the sun and stronger than the moon. The imagery is great in this version, "be rainfall for the grass, earth-refreshing showers," and live a life that identifies with the needs and plight of all. It seems like a tall order but it's a forerunner to what Jesus would say in His Sermon on The Mount and later in Matthew 25 at the Last Judgment, a listing of things we should be doing to help those in need. The spirit of fear and ignorance that has gripped oh too many today has turned many hearts away from others and inward to caring and worrying only about ourselves and our money. The heart of the believer must turn to God and as a result turn to the needs of others.
PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me for those times I worry more about myself and my needs than I do about others. Help me to see that as I am influential in my little kingdom, let me use it for good and for Your glory. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 72: 1 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of just rule to the crown prince. 2 May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly. 3 Let the mountains give exuberant witness; shape the hills with the contours of right living. 4 Please stand up for the poor, help the children of the needy, come down hard on the cruel tyrants. 5 Outlast the sun, outlive the moon - age after age after age. 6 Be rainfall on cut grass, earth-refreshing rain showers. 7 Let righteousness burst into blossom and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing. 10 Kings remote and legendary will pay homage, kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth. 11 All kings will fall down and worship, and godless nations sign up to serve him, 12 Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need, the destitute who have run out of luck. 13 He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out, he restores the wretched of the earth. 14 He frees them from tyranny and torture - when they bleed, he bleeds; when they die, he dies.
Growing up there was a show my Mom loved to watch and I, when I could sit still long enough, did too. The show was called, "Queen for A Day." The premise of the show was to fulfill every woman's dream of getting a new washer or dryer. Yes, big fun. The fun for me was seeing the women shriek in joy over having won this new appliance for their home. Host Jack Bailey would ask the tv audience as well as those in the studio, "Would you like to be queen for a day?" Yes, it was as one critic said, ""one of the most ghastly shows ever produced" and further stated it was "tasteless, demeaning to women, demeaning to anyone who watched it, cheap, insulting and utterly degrading to the human spirit." (Mark Evanier) It worked in its time. It sold commercials at $4,000 a minute which was a record for its day. Why do I even bring this up? To ask, what would you do, were you made king or queen for a day? And please don't say you'd want a new washer/dryer or range oven!
The Psalmist knew that to be a good king, one had to seek wisdom from God and to seek to do the will of God. In our little "kingdoms" or "reigns" we have, how are we doing? Re-read the list of things a good sovereign addresses: Justice, fair treatment to the ones who normally don't get that, a life so God-centered that even nature joins in their singing of praises to God, advocacy for the poor, assistance for the children in need, a life that is brighter than the sun and stronger than the moon. The imagery is great in this version, "be rainfall for the grass, earth-refreshing showers," and live a life that identifies with the needs and plight of all. It seems like a tall order but it's a forerunner to what Jesus would say in His Sermon on The Mount and later in Matthew 25 at the Last Judgment, a listing of things we should be doing to help those in need. The spirit of fear and ignorance that has gripped oh too many today has turned many hearts away from others and inward to caring and worrying only about ourselves and our money. The heart of the believer must turn to God and as a result turn to the needs of others.
PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me for those times I worry more about myself and my needs than I do about others. Help me to see that as I am influential in my little kingdom, let me use it for good and for Your glory. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
ADVENT ENDS THE HURRICANE SEASON!
Amazing God, bless and watch over the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
The passage for today comes from the prophet Isaiah 35: 1 Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower - 2 bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic. 3 Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" 5 Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, 6 Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. 7 Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly. 8 There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It's for God's people exclusively - impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. 9 No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals - Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it. 10 The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night. (The Message)
One news article in the newspaper stuck out, though hidden from major news; yesterday was the last day of hurricane season. It gave the count of hurricanes we had and some other information about this season, but I rejoiced at the news. This passage this morning reminded me of one of the most difficult and still vivid days in my life; the exodus from Houston to all points west prior to the coming of Hurricane Rita. It was a nightmare that I thought would never end for my family and I. My wife had gone to Galveston to help our daughter, Sarai, pack and then drive from the island to our then home, San Marcos, TX. My college ministry coordinator, Matthew Kacal and I had driven Nellie to Galveston and Matt and I loaded up big items in a trailer hooked up to our vehicle and brought those easily on Monday night. Nellie and Sarai waited until the last possible minute to leave because Sarai was worried about Eric, then a Galveston police officer, who had been ordered to stay on the island. Sarai wanted to stay, but Mom knew better. Nellie was scheduled for surgery that coming Friday and so, they had to come to San Marcos.
A very long story short, Kit Tomlinson, then our youth minister at the church, and myself left San Marcos at about 9 a.m. to await Nellie and Sarai's arrival close to town. As soon as we got to Interstate 10, we knew it was going to be a long wait. Kit decided we needed to try and find them because the traffic was on both sides of the freeway moving as fast as a parking lot. The images of that scene are reflected in today's passage. This was made more biblical as night fell. We could see the hurt and need for what verses 4 on share: 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" It wasn't until late that night that we found them at a gas station just outside of Katy, Texas. Kit had found or made highways to get there and while others were not moving, in his enchildada red Pathfinder, we found roads and ways to move around the traffic. God even provided gasoline to us when we were just about out; when no one else had any.
Advent is just like that; the busyness of life seems so crowded and ready for anything except the coming of the Lord. The pressures and demands of life make life seem like a desert, barren and hot and with little to nothing alive let alone blooming. But when we least expect it and God brings it, things change and come to life! So, let it be with your soul today. Stop long enough to breathe deeply and say, "Yes, Lord!" to whatever is coming that is good for your life.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being with me during this day. May this Advent Journey remind me of what can be for my life and my needs. Help me to be like those who can sing in the midst of a nonending buzz of mindless activity. May my song be a song of Your love; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
The passage for today comes from the prophet Isaiah 35: 1 Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower - 2 bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic. 3 Energize the limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees. 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" 5 Blind eyes will be opened, deaf ears unstopped, 6 Lame men and women will leap like deer, the voiceless break into song. Springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert. 7 Hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain. Even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly. 8 There will be a highway called the Holy Road. No one rude or rebellious is permitted on this road. It's for God's people exclusively - impossible to get lost on this road. Not even fools can get lost on it. 9 No lions on this road, no dangerous wild animals - Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening. Only the redeemed will walk on it. 10 The people God has ransomed will come back on this road. They'll sing as they make their way home to Zion, unfading halos of joy encircling their heads, Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night. (The Message)
One news article in the newspaper stuck out, though hidden from major news; yesterday was the last day of hurricane season. It gave the count of hurricanes we had and some other information about this season, but I rejoiced at the news. This passage this morning reminded me of one of the most difficult and still vivid days in my life; the exodus from Houston to all points west prior to the coming of Hurricane Rita. It was a nightmare that I thought would never end for my family and I. My wife had gone to Galveston to help our daughter, Sarai, pack and then drive from the island to our then home, San Marcos, TX. My college ministry coordinator, Matthew Kacal and I had driven Nellie to Galveston and Matt and I loaded up big items in a trailer hooked up to our vehicle and brought those easily on Monday night. Nellie and Sarai waited until the last possible minute to leave because Sarai was worried about Eric, then a Galveston police officer, who had been ordered to stay on the island. Sarai wanted to stay, but Mom knew better. Nellie was scheduled for surgery that coming Friday and so, they had to come to San Marcos.
A very long story short, Kit Tomlinson, then our youth minister at the church, and myself left San Marcos at about 9 a.m. to await Nellie and Sarai's arrival close to town. As soon as we got to Interstate 10, we knew it was going to be a long wait. Kit decided we needed to try and find them because the traffic was on both sides of the freeway moving as fast as a parking lot. The images of that scene are reflected in today's passage. This was made more biblical as night fell. We could see the hurt and need for what verses 4 on share: 4 Tell fearful souls, "Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right And redress all wrongs. He's on his way! He'll save you!" It wasn't until late that night that we found them at a gas station just outside of Katy, Texas. Kit had found or made highways to get there and while others were not moving, in his enchildada red Pathfinder, we found roads and ways to move around the traffic. God even provided gasoline to us when we were just about out; when no one else had any.
Advent is just like that; the busyness of life seems so crowded and ready for anything except the coming of the Lord. The pressures and demands of life make life seem like a desert, barren and hot and with little to nothing alive let alone blooming. But when we least expect it and God brings it, things change and come to life! So, let it be with your soul today. Stop long enough to breathe deeply and say, "Yes, Lord!" to whatever is coming that is good for your life.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being with me during this day. May this Advent Journey remind me of what can be for my life and my needs. Help me to be like those who can sing in the midst of a nonending buzz of mindless activity. May my song be a song of Your love; in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
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