Amazing God of love, bless and protect this dear reader in all that they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 25: 1 "God's kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. 2 Five were silly and five were smart. 3 The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. 4 The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. 5 The bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. 6 "In the middle of the night someone yelled out, 'He's here! The bridegroom's here! Go out and greet him!' 7 "The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. 8 The silly virgins said to the smart ones, 'Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.' 9 "They answered, 'There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.' 10 "They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. 11 "Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, 'Master, we're here. Let us in.' 12 "He answered, 'Do I know you? I don't think I know you.' 13 "So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive. (The Message)
"Christ will come again." It is part of our Holy Communion ritual and it is a tenet of our faith as Christians. The questions most seminary professors ask, "What have we done with His first coming? And what are we doing to prepare for His second coming?" Both are great questions and as much a part of our faith as our declaration of Christ's return. This teaching from Jesus has to do with our being ready. We should be ready daily to receive Jesus and His leading in our lives; and we should be ready to live a life that shows others that they too, should be ready for Jesus and all that He offers. The illustration mentioned above as late as the 20th Century was still a part of Palestinian life. I do not know if it still is, but the wedding celebration was a festive week or so. The bride and her bridesmaids would gather early and have their celebrations and await the arrival of the groom and his party. The tradition was to try and catch the bridal party asleep, so the bridegroom could come at any hour. The understanding was that no one was allowed on the street after dark without a lampt and so readiness involved having enough oil for the lamp while they awaited the arrival of the groom.
The Kingdom of God requires our commitment to being ready. Ready to enter in and ready to serve. We do not know the time nor date of Jesus' return, but we labor on, ready at each instant for that return. Jesus was stressing to His disciples and to us, that there is so much still to be done that we cannot just sit and look skyward. We must continue to care for one another as the second part of this chapter in Matthew will show. In the meantime, we do not lose heart nor hope. The journey should be as fulfilling as the destination.
PRAYER: Loving God, as I journey on today, remind me of the joy that is mine as I seek to serve You and Yours. May I not lose heart nor hope about all that is mine now and can be others if I but show them the way. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
A Wonderful Journey Back?
God of all days, may the present of today be Your presence with this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 107: 1 Oh, thank God - he's so good! His love never runs out. 2 All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, 3 Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 4 Some of you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live, 5 Half-starved and parched with thirst, staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. 6 Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God. He got you out in the nick of time; 7 He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. 33 God turned rivers into wasteland, springs of water into sunbaked mud; 34 Luscious orchards became alkali flats because of the evil of the people who lived there. 35 Then he changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water, 36 Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in - what a great place to live! 37 They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest. (The Message)
People are prone to wander, usually by necessity. Some show up in our communities. Some leave our communities. We'll never fully understand why. Do you understand why you may have wandered in your younger age or why you can't wait to retire so that you can wander back, wherever back may be? I know of at least two songs that tell of the hope of one day coming back or coming home. One was sung while at a Walk to Emmaus in Puerto Rico. The song is "My Viejo San Juan," and as this all-male "choir" sang it, tears formed on their eyes and on the eyes of those of us hearing it for the first time. We understood the words. It would be later that we learned the song was written for soliders from the island leaving to fight in a World War. Later the song came to mean something to all Puerto Ricans who left or were born off the island. The other song is from, I believe, Mexico, called "Adios Mariquita Linda" and also represents the departure of a beloved homeland to a foreign place. The hope is the promise of one day returning. And yet a third comes to mind, "Mi Tierra." And yes, even Dorothy knew, "There's no place like home." Or was it Toto who understood that better?
The Psalmist knew of God's love that would one day allow for a return to that place where we really are at home. The home promised in this psalm is a promise of restoration to wholeness. It is a journey back to where love, health, prosperity and abundance are all present for us, wonderfully provided by God for us all. This resonated well with those who left home either through economic hardships or the results of war or forced relocation; what a promise to return home!
Where have you wandered? What do you long for from where you left? Maybe where you're from is not as good as that place to which God is leading you and me. We can be sure of one thing, as God leads us, we are truly blessed now and will be wowed by the blessings that await us!
PRAYER: Lead on, Awesome God! Help me in my faltering steps and hold me when I faint. May I truly seek that which You are providing now and are preparing for my eventual arrival. May I not lose sight of all that I can and should do while on this journey, for there are many in need. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Psalm 107: 1 Oh, thank God - he's so good! His love never runs out. 2 All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, 3 Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas. 4 Some of you wandered for years in the desert, looking but not finding a good place to live, 5 Half-starved and parched with thirst, staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. 6 Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God. He got you out in the nick of time; 7 He put your feet on a wonderful road that took you straight to a good place to live. 33 God turned rivers into wasteland, springs of water into sunbaked mud; 34 Luscious orchards became alkali flats because of the evil of the people who lived there. 35 Then he changed wasteland into fresh pools of water, arid earth into springs of water, 36 Brought in the hungry and settled them there; they moved in - what a great place to live! 37 They sowed the fields, they planted vineyards, they reaped a bountiful harvest. (The Message)
People are prone to wander, usually by necessity. Some show up in our communities. Some leave our communities. We'll never fully understand why. Do you understand why you may have wandered in your younger age or why you can't wait to retire so that you can wander back, wherever back may be? I know of at least two songs that tell of the hope of one day coming back or coming home. One was sung while at a Walk to Emmaus in Puerto Rico. The song is "My Viejo San Juan," and as this all-male "choir" sang it, tears formed on their eyes and on the eyes of those of us hearing it for the first time. We understood the words. It would be later that we learned the song was written for soliders from the island leaving to fight in a World War. Later the song came to mean something to all Puerto Ricans who left or were born off the island. The other song is from, I believe, Mexico, called "Adios Mariquita Linda" and also represents the departure of a beloved homeland to a foreign place. The hope is the promise of one day returning. And yet a third comes to mind, "Mi Tierra." And yes, even Dorothy knew, "There's no place like home." Or was it Toto who understood that better?
The Psalmist knew of God's love that would one day allow for a return to that place where we really are at home. The home promised in this psalm is a promise of restoration to wholeness. It is a journey back to where love, health, prosperity and abundance are all present for us, wonderfully provided by God for us all. This resonated well with those who left home either through economic hardships or the results of war or forced relocation; what a promise to return home!
Where have you wandered? What do you long for from where you left? Maybe where you're from is not as good as that place to which God is leading you and me. We can be sure of one thing, as God leads us, we are truly blessed now and will be wowed by the blessings that await us!
PRAYER: Lead on, Awesome God! Help me in my faltering steps and hold me when I faint. May I truly seek that which You are providing now and are preparing for my eventual arrival. May I not lose sight of all that I can and should do while on this journey, for there are many in need. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Crossing the Jordan River
Loving God of unexpected joys and surprises, may this day prove to such a joy to this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Joshua 3: 7 God said to Joshua, "This very day I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel. They'll see for themselves that I'm with you in the same way that I was with Moses. 8 You will command the priests who are carrying the Chest of the Covenant: 'When you come to the edge of the Jordan's waters, stand there on the river bank.'" 9 Then Joshua addressed the People of Israel: "Attention! Listen to what God, your God, has to say. 10 This is how you'll know that God is alive among you - he will completely dispossess before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. 11 Look at what's before you: the Chest (Ark) of the Covenant. Think of it - the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch. 12 Now take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe. 13 When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the Chest of God, Master of all the earth, touch the Jordan's water, the flow of water will be stopped - the water coming from upstream will pile up in a heap." 14 And that's what happened. The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant. 15 When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), 16 the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap - a long way off - at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea (the Salt Sea). And the people crossed, facing Jericho. 17 And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot. (The Message)
To follow someone as leader of a group or organization or even a church is never easy. The grief of having lost the former leader is not easily nor quickly forgotten, especially if the former leader was effective and well-loved. I have read and heard some less than pleasant stories of those who have come into an organization to try and lead once a beloved leader is gone. Think Apple Computers with Steve Jobs now gone. Think of a mega church with a new pastor. That's what God was addressing in the life of Joshua and the people of Israel. Moses was dead and now Joshua is in command. This selection was not an easy one for the usually grumbling people of God. And Josh knew that Mo was a hard act to follow! Yet, God steps in and says, "Don't worry about it, I am with you and beginning right now, you're going to look better and better in the eyes of these people." Keep in mind that it was Moses through whom God did some pretty amazing things, and most felt it was just Moses himself who had the power to open up the Red Sea and cross. Yet, now at the border of the Jordan River, God says, "Watch this." And another similar miracle happens, and the entire people of God, a new generation who had not experienced not seen the first miracle, only heard of it, now cross over dry land where there should be a river.
Josh's job was difficult. He had to convince the priests to trust God as they started walking towards the flood banks of the Jordan. There were twelve of them! He had to say to them, "Trust me, God is with us! Just walk!" Would you have had that faith to be one of the 12? How about the faith to be Joshua? Yet, the story says that the priests trusted enough to begin walking into the flood waters and to follow Joshua's command. The water opened up and across dry land they went into the Promised Land. The River Jordan has come to symbolize many things for many people since that day. Some even use it as the symbol of crossing from this life into the next. One song we sang a lot in Spanish was "I will not cross alone the Jordan River." And it's based on the faith we find in this story.
What "Jordan River" are you facing? What first steps do you have to take to make the journey across that challenge or opportunity? Trust God and start walking!
PRAYER: God of all faith, give me the faith of Joshua to face what I may face today. May I know You are with me as I walk towards the flooded banks of fear/opportunity. I know that with You by my side I will walk on dry land safely across. 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 Joshua 3: 7 God said to Joshua, "This very day I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel. They'll see for themselves that I'm with you in the same way that I was with Moses. 8 You will command the priests who are carrying the Chest of the Covenant: 'When you come to the edge of the Jordan's waters, stand there on the river bank.'" 9 Then Joshua addressed the People of Israel: "Attention! Listen to what God, your God, has to say. 10 This is how you'll know that God is alive among you - he will completely dispossess before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. 11 Look at what's before you: the Chest (Ark) of the Covenant. Think of it - the Master of the entire earth is crossing the Jordan as you watch. 12 Now take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from each tribe. 13 When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the Chest of God, Master of all the earth, touch the Jordan's water, the flow of water will be stopped - the water coming from upstream will pile up in a heap." 14 And that's what happened. The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant. 15 When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), 16 the flow of water stopped. It piled up in a heap - a long way off - at Adam, which is near Zarethan. The river went dry all the way down to the Arabah Sea (the Salt Sea). And the people crossed, facing Jericho. 17 And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot. (The Message)
To follow someone as leader of a group or organization or even a church is never easy. The grief of having lost the former leader is not easily nor quickly forgotten, especially if the former leader was effective and well-loved. I have read and heard some less than pleasant stories of those who have come into an organization to try and lead once a beloved leader is gone. Think Apple Computers with Steve Jobs now gone. Think of a mega church with a new pastor. That's what God was addressing in the life of Joshua and the people of Israel. Moses was dead and now Joshua is in command. This selection was not an easy one for the usually grumbling people of God. And Josh knew that Mo was a hard act to follow! Yet, God steps in and says, "Don't worry about it, I am with you and beginning right now, you're going to look better and better in the eyes of these people." Keep in mind that it was Moses through whom God did some pretty amazing things, and most felt it was just Moses himself who had the power to open up the Red Sea and cross. Yet, now at the border of the Jordan River, God says, "Watch this." And another similar miracle happens, and the entire people of God, a new generation who had not experienced not seen the first miracle, only heard of it, now cross over dry land where there should be a river.
Josh's job was difficult. He had to convince the priests to trust God as they started walking towards the flood banks of the Jordan. There were twelve of them! He had to say to them, "Trust me, God is with us! Just walk!" Would you have had that faith to be one of the 12? How about the faith to be Joshua? Yet, the story says that the priests trusted enough to begin walking into the flood waters and to follow Joshua's command. The water opened up and across dry land they went into the Promised Land. The River Jordan has come to symbolize many things for many people since that day. Some even use it as the symbol of crossing from this life into the next. One song we sang a lot in Spanish was "I will not cross alone the Jordan River." And it's based on the faith we find in this story.
What "Jordan River" are you facing? What first steps do you have to take to make the journey across that challenge or opportunity? Trust God and start walking!
PRAYER: God of all faith, give me the faith of Joshua to face what I may face today. May I know You are with me as I walk towards the flooded banks of fear/opportunity. I know that with You by my side I will walk on dry land safely across. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Human Opinion or God's True Word?
Loving God, granter of life, thank You for this precious day; may it be a precious day in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 2: 9 You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. 10 You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! 11 You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, 12 holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life. 13 And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! (The Message)
The Apostle Paul encountered many good people in his journeys of sharing the Good News with everyone. As he established churches he found that in them were found many good people, and some not so good. The same is true today. My only encouragemenet with the ones who are not yet where God would have them be, is that they're in the right place for perhaps one day God touching them and bringing them to faith. In this passage he is reminding these readers of how he and those with him worked hard at supporting themselves so that they would not be a burden to them while they labored among them in preaching and teaching the Gospel. They were to them like fathers who encouraged and held hands so they would not slip nor fall from their faith. And now as they looked back on those days, they rejoice because God's word became a living word,a true word; God Himself at work in the life of believers.
How about you? Is God alive and working in you or have you not yet made room for God in your life? And how do you view the Good News of God? A good human opinion of possibilities or options or have you received it as God's true word for your life? The right choice might make all the difference in the world (and Heaven!).
PRAYER: Loving God, bring rich and wonderful blessings upon Your church. For those who believe make their faith stronger. For those who have not yet come to faith, bless and protect them and help them come to true, living faith. Bless and protect those pastoral leaders among them, giving them encouragement and support during each day. 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 1 Thessalonians 2: 9 You remember us in those days, friends, working our fingers to the bone, up half the night, moonlighting so you wouldn't have the burden of supporting us while we proclaimed God's Message to you. 10 You saw with your own eyes how discreet and courteous we were among you, with keen sensitivity to you as fellow believers. And God knows we weren't freeloaders! 11 You experienced it all firsthand. With each of you we were like a father with his child, 12 holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God, who called us into his own kingdom, into this delightful life. 13 And now we look back on all this and thank God, an artesian well of thanks! When you got the Message of God we preached, you didn't pass it off as just one more human opinion, but you took it to heart as God's true word to you, which it is, God himself at work in you believers! (The Message)
The Apostle Paul encountered many good people in his journeys of sharing the Good News with everyone. As he established churches he found that in them were found many good people, and some not so good. The same is true today. My only encouragemenet with the ones who are not yet where God would have them be, is that they're in the right place for perhaps one day God touching them and bringing them to faith. In this passage he is reminding these readers of how he and those with him worked hard at supporting themselves so that they would not be a burden to them while they labored among them in preaching and teaching the Gospel. They were to them like fathers who encouraged and held hands so they would not slip nor fall from their faith. And now as they looked back on those days, they rejoice because God's word became a living word,a true word; God Himself at work in the life of believers.
How about you? Is God alive and working in you or have you not yet made room for God in your life? And how do you view the Good News of God? A good human opinion of possibilities or options or have you received it as God's true word for your life? The right choice might make all the difference in the world (and Heaven!).
PRAYER: Loving God, bring rich and wonderful blessings upon Your church. For those who believe make their faith stronger. For those who have not yet come to faith, bless and protect them and help them come to true, living faith. Bless and protect those pastoral leaders among them, giving them encouragement and support during each day. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 24, 2011
Christ is Our Life-Leader!
Loving God of new challenges and opportunities, bless and guide this dear reader into an awesome adventure of faith this day; I pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 23: 1 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. 2 "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. 3 You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer. 4 "Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. 5 Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. 6 They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, 7 preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.' 8 "Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. 9 Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. 10 And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them - Christ. 11 "Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. 12 If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. (The Message)
Jesus is saying, Be careful what you preach and teach because you must live it. Jesus knew from hearing and seeing the religious authority figures of His day, that they taught what they knew well. What they didn't do well was to live their teachings. And worse because it was all head teachings, they did not know how to teach it from the heart. They had no personal relationship with God. Their teaching was all theory. And theory when not proven and lived, remains something unobtainable. They began to see their job as to teach the Don'ts instead of sharing God's love for humanity. Jesus came so that we could see God's love incarnate.
Our Life-Leader is Christ. In Jesus we have the perfect model of an obedient life surrended to God, a life that knew and lived the teachings and power behind the Law. We can do no wrong in following and surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, let me surrender myself completely to You. May I see and seek in you my life's leading; be my Life-Leader. 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 23: 1 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. 2 "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. 3 You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer. 4 "Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. 5 Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. 6 They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, 7 preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.' 8 "Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. 9 Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. 10 And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them - Christ. 11 "Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. 12 If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. (The Message)
Jesus is saying, Be careful what you preach and teach because you must live it. Jesus knew from hearing and seeing the religious authority figures of His day, that they taught what they knew well. What they didn't do well was to live their teachings. And worse because it was all head teachings, they did not know how to teach it from the heart. They had no personal relationship with God. Their teaching was all theory. And theory when not proven and lived, remains something unobtainable. They began to see their job as to teach the Don'ts instead of sharing God's love for humanity. Jesus came so that we could see God's love incarnate.
Our Life-Leader is Christ. In Jesus we have the perfect model of an obedient life surrended to God, a life that knew and lived the teachings and power behind the Law. We can do no wrong in following and surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Loving God, let me surrender myself completely to You. May I see and seek in you my life's leading; be my Life-Leader. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sin Saloon?
Amazing God of new life, bring rich blessings to this life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 1: 1 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. (The Message)
You have to love the attempt to modernize Scripture! I wonder what David would have thought of this modern version. Is it close to or far from, the ancient text? Do you understand what it says? Does God really like us? Yes! And those who know that don't hang around "Sin Saloon" or "slink along Dead-End Road" and you didn't register to attend "Smart-Mouth College." Do you know anyone who does or did?
The opposite are those who "thrill to God's Word," who "chew on Scripture day and night." We're compared to a tree being "replanted in Eden," which would "bear fresh fruit every month, "always in blossom." What guides us is that "God charts the road" we "take." The others are on "Skid Row."
Here's the NRSV of that same Psalm: 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
You decide. But do decide the right path to walk on!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to walk on Your path. May my actions reflect those who are in love with You and seek to live with You. Watch over my way and help me to bless You and others. 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 Psalm 1: 1 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. (The Message)
You have to love the attempt to modernize Scripture! I wonder what David would have thought of this modern version. Is it close to or far from, the ancient text? Do you understand what it says? Does God really like us? Yes! And those who know that don't hang around "Sin Saloon" or "slink along Dead-End Road" and you didn't register to attend "Smart-Mouth College." Do you know anyone who does or did?
The opposite are those who "thrill to God's Word," who "chew on Scripture day and night." We're compared to a tree being "replanted in Eden," which would "bear fresh fruit every month, "always in blossom." What guides us is that "God charts the road" we "take." The others are on "Skid Row."
Here's the NRSV of that same Psalm: 1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
You decide. But do decide the right path to walk on!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to walk on Your path. May my actions reflect those who are in love with You and seek to live with You. Watch over my way and help me to bless You and others. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Who Do You Look Like? Do You Act Like That Person?
God of life, enrich and bless this dear reader in all they may face today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Leviticus 19: 1 God spoke to Moses: 2 "Speak to the congregation of Israel. Tell them: Be holy because I, God, your God, am holy.15 "Don't pervert justice. Don't show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right. 16 "Don't spread gossip and rumors. "Don't just stand by when your neighbor's life is in danger. I am God. 17 "Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. 18 "Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. (The Message)
The late Rev. Juan Canales, a mentor of mine in ministry, used to love to do baptisms. He would proudly hold the infant in his hands and declare, "The baby looks a little like mother, and looks a little bit like the dad; but this child looks more like God in Whose image s/he was made!" I loved that and could never remember to use it during the times I baptized children. But the truth is, usually if he look like someone, you're more than likely going to act like that someone. In this case, God said to Moses to say to God's people: Be holy because I, God, am holy. Live a life of justice towards others. Treat everyone the same and don't show partiality to the poor or the rich. Judge on what is right. Don't be a gossip and don't spread rumors. Help people out when they're in need. Don't hate those around you. Get things out in the open to settle disagreements. And don't seek to get even or to hold a grudge against others. And the commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do you look anything like those things that God does and expects us to do? If not, now's a great time to start.
PRAYER: Loving God, I am blessed to be made in Your image. Let my image reflect Yours. Let my word, thoughts and actions reflect Your great love. 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 Leviticus 19: 1 God spoke to Moses: 2 "Speak to the congregation of Israel. Tell them: Be holy because I, God, your God, am holy.15 "Don't pervert justice. Don't show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right. 16 "Don't spread gossip and rumors. "Don't just stand by when your neighbor's life is in danger. I am God. 17 "Don't secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. 18 "Don't seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. "Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. (The Message)
The late Rev. Juan Canales, a mentor of mine in ministry, used to love to do baptisms. He would proudly hold the infant in his hands and declare, "The baby looks a little like mother, and looks a little bit like the dad; but this child looks more like God in Whose image s/he was made!" I loved that and could never remember to use it during the times I baptized children. But the truth is, usually if he look like someone, you're more than likely going to act like that someone. In this case, God said to Moses to say to God's people: Be holy because I, God, am holy. Live a life of justice towards others. Treat everyone the same and don't show partiality to the poor or the rich. Judge on what is right. Don't be a gossip and don't spread rumors. Help people out when they're in need. Don't hate those around you. Get things out in the open to settle disagreements. And don't seek to get even or to hold a grudge against others. And the commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do you look anything like those things that God does and expects us to do? If not, now's a great time to start.
PRAYER: Loving God, I am blessed to be made in Your image. Let my image reflect Yours. Let my word, thoughts and actions reflect Your great love. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Matinee Edition: It's Never Easy
Loving God of all days, may the rest of this day be a blessing in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. 2 We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition. 3 God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. 4 Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval - only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. 5 We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. 6 Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. 7 We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. 8 We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. (The Message)
This comes at a later point of the day than usual. I'm sorry for those of you who start your day with my devotional that I was not able to share one early. This morning found me on the road to Goliad for a meeting with some pastors. It was a delight to travel there and more of a delight to meet and chat with them about the Why Not's of ministry. This passage would have fit in very appropriately into our discussion. Ministry has never been easy. Ministry of God's message will always be met with opposition of some sort. Paul shares how even his visit to Philippi was not an easy visit. He calls his time there and that of his companions a "test" to make sure we "were qualified to be trusted with this Message." Paul knew that our call into ministry did not mean that every day was a sure day of our knowing everything and doing everything as God wanted. There are those days when we think we know what we're doing and fail to ask God's presence and guidance. There are even times when we seek the approval of people rather than God and we fail both.
God's message of God's unending love never changes. God loves us. God seeks for us to love God back. God desires our turning away from sin and towards life, and that message is never readily and happily met. Yet, we press on asking that God be with us as we seek to grow God's Kingdom in our midst. It's not about about our being pleased, it's about our pleasing God.
PRAYER: Loving God, may I never lose sight of the Message. May I seek to share it as You would direct and guide. May I truly be a vessel of Your grace for all, even those who may at first resist and find fault in what I seek to do. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS. Dear friends, please be in prayer for the family of The Rev. Dr. Roy D. Barton, who passed away this afternoon in Dallas. Dr. Barton was a faithful servant of God in the Rio Grande Conference and for many years a mentor to many, this servant included, at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. May Roy rest in peace and may God's comfort be with Roy's wife, Rosa Marina and their children.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 So, friends, it's obvious that our visit to you was no waste of time. 2 We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn't slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God's Message to you, defiant of the opposition. 3 God tested us thoroughly to make sure we were qualified to be trusted with this Message. 4 Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval - only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. 5 We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. 6 Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. 7 We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. 8 We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did. (The Message)
This comes at a later point of the day than usual. I'm sorry for those of you who start your day with my devotional that I was not able to share one early. This morning found me on the road to Goliad for a meeting with some pastors. It was a delight to travel there and more of a delight to meet and chat with them about the Why Not's of ministry. This passage would have fit in very appropriately into our discussion. Ministry has never been easy. Ministry of God's message will always be met with opposition of some sort. Paul shares how even his visit to Philippi was not an easy visit. He calls his time there and that of his companions a "test" to make sure we "were qualified to be trusted with this Message." Paul knew that our call into ministry did not mean that every day was a sure day of our knowing everything and doing everything as God wanted. There are those days when we think we know what we're doing and fail to ask God's presence and guidance. There are even times when we seek the approval of people rather than God and we fail both.
God's message of God's unending love never changes. God loves us. God seeks for us to love God back. God desires our turning away from sin and towards life, and that message is never readily and happily met. Yet, we press on asking that God be with us as we seek to grow God's Kingdom in our midst. It's not about about our being pleased, it's about our pleasing God.
PRAYER: Loving God, may I never lose sight of the Message. May I seek to share it as You would direct and guide. May I truly be a vessel of Your grace for all, even those who may at first resist and find fault in what I seek to do. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
PS. Dear friends, please be in prayer for the family of The Rev. Dr. Roy D. Barton, who passed away this afternoon in Dallas. Dr. Barton was a faithful servant of God in the Rio Grande Conference and for many years a mentor to many, this servant included, at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. May Roy rest in peace and may God's comfort be with Roy's wife, Rosa Marina and their children.
Monday, October 17, 2011
How Do You Apply These Questions To Your Life?
Loving God of the journey, journey closely with this dear reader and their needs; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 34 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. 35 One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: 36 "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" 37 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' 38 This is the most important, the first on any list. 39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' 40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." 41 As the Pharisees were regrouping, Jesus caught them off balance with his own test question: 42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said, "David's son." 43 Jesus replied, "Well, if the Christ is David's son, how do you explain that David, under inspiration, named Christ his 'Master'? 44 God said to my Master, "Sit here at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool." 45 "Now if David calls him 'Master,' how can he at the same time be his son?" 46 That stumped them, literalists that they were. Unwilling to risk losing face again in one of these public verbal exchanges, they quit asking questions for good. (The Message)
If you deliberately set a verbal trap for somebody, you might just be the one who gets caught. Such was the case with those who tried to trick Jesus into answering wrong so they might pounce on Him. Today's question for Jesus: Which is the most important command in God's Law? That one, for any regular Sabbath attender and worshiper, was easy: Love God with all you got. In this version it reads, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." I read that to mean love God with every ounce of emotion in your heart, every spiritual breath that counts as prayer, and every particle of thought in your brain. Let all of those work together as love towards God and that's the command! Then Jesus adds, "Don't forget the one that goes with this: Love others as well as you love yourself." To this crowd, the Pharisees, that meant as much love as you put into primping before a mirror and making sure your beard is just right and your curls fall right where you want them, spend that much attention to God's other children, and that's the second command.
Now it was Jesus' turn to ask the question to this paternal linage freaks: About this Messiah we hear is coming, Whose Son is He? That was for them, they believed, an easy one; David's son, of course! Then Jesus asked, then why did David call his own son, Master and Lord? Not one of those in that crowd would dare think of his own son as better than he, and Jesus knew that and used it to stump their attempt to trick Him. And Matthew writes that that was the end of the questions "for good." We know the plotting never ended, and we know how the Story ends. The questions that Jesus asked of them stay for us to answer daily: How do we treat God? How do we treat others? How do we treat ourselves?
PRAYER: Loving God, let me apply what the Bible teaches about loving You to my life. Let me love myself in the proper way and may I seek to love others in that same way. 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 22: 34 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. 35 One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: 36 "Teacher, which command in God's Law is the most important?" 37 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' 38 This is the most important, the first on any list. 39 But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' 40 These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." 41 As the Pharisees were regrouping, Jesus caught them off balance with his own test question: 42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" They said, "David's son." 43 Jesus replied, "Well, if the Christ is David's son, how do you explain that David, under inspiration, named Christ his 'Master'? 44 God said to my Master, "Sit here at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool." 45 "Now if David calls him 'Master,' how can he at the same time be his son?" 46 That stumped them, literalists that they were. Unwilling to risk losing face again in one of these public verbal exchanges, they quit asking questions for good. (The Message)
If you deliberately set a verbal trap for somebody, you might just be the one who gets caught. Such was the case with those who tried to trick Jesus into answering wrong so they might pounce on Him. Today's question for Jesus: Which is the most important command in God's Law? That one, for any regular Sabbath attender and worshiper, was easy: Love God with all you got. In this version it reads, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." I read that to mean love God with every ounce of emotion in your heart, every spiritual breath that counts as prayer, and every particle of thought in your brain. Let all of those work together as love towards God and that's the command! Then Jesus adds, "Don't forget the one that goes with this: Love others as well as you love yourself." To this crowd, the Pharisees, that meant as much love as you put into primping before a mirror and making sure your beard is just right and your curls fall right where you want them, spend that much attention to God's other children, and that's the second command.
Now it was Jesus' turn to ask the question to this paternal linage freaks: About this Messiah we hear is coming, Whose Son is He? That was for them, they believed, an easy one; David's son, of course! Then Jesus asked, then why did David call his own son, Master and Lord? Not one of those in that crowd would dare think of his own son as better than he, and Jesus knew that and used it to stump their attempt to trick Him. And Matthew writes that that was the end of the questions "for good." We know the plotting never ended, and we know how the Story ends. The questions that Jesus asked of them stay for us to answer daily: How do we treat God? How do we treat others? How do we treat ourselves?
PRAYER: Loving God, let me apply what the Bible teaches about loving You to my life. Let me love myself in the proper way and may I seek to love others in that same way. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How Can I Be Sure?
Loving God, Thy healing mercies fail not; bless and protect this dear reader from sickness and illness today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Dear friends, my apologies for no ConCafe yesterday, but I was under the weather and away from my computer, office, and even a couple of my charge conferences. I am up and around and will be working today and going to my charge conference tonight. I ask for your prayers for continued health. Blessings!
Our text for today comes from Exodus 33: 12 Moses said to God, "Look, you tell me, 'Lead this people,' but you don't let me know whom you're going to send with me. You tell me, 'I know you well and you are special to me.' 13 If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don't forget, this is your people, your responsibility." 14 God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." 15 Moses said, "If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now. 16 How else will it be known that you're with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we're special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?" 17 God said to Moses: "All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name." 18 Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory." 19 God said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, God, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind." 20 God continued, "But you may not see my face. No one can see me and live." 21 God said, "Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. 22 When my Glory passes by, I'll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I've passed by. 23 Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back. But you won't see my face." (The Message)
"Take thou authority!" Words or something similar to that was taught and then used at my ordination and the ordination of others. Earlier, at my baptism and yours, as water was sprinkled, poured or immersed, we were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were all at some point given the promise that God is with us. Yet, you and I sometimes feel alone or abandoned and we shouldn't. Moses felt that way. And there was that special moment in the Garden when Jesus asked for the "cup" to pass from Him. So, it happens even to the best of people. God's response? I am with you! Even God's Son's name was "Emmanuel," which means, "God with us." The promise is too precious for God to break and for us to doubt.
What "garden" or "desert" are you walking through today? What reassurance can God possibly give you that you are not alone? Look again at the words in verse 18: "I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name."
PRAYER: Loving God of Glory and Presence, be with me today in all things. I look towards You for Your comfort and help in all that I may or am facing. Let me reassure others of that same presence; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Dear friends, my apologies for no ConCafe yesterday, but I was under the weather and away from my computer, office, and even a couple of my charge conferences. I am up and around and will be working today and going to my charge conference tonight. I ask for your prayers for continued health. Blessings!
Our text for today comes from Exodus 33: 12 Moses said to God, "Look, you tell me, 'Lead this people,' but you don't let me know whom you're going to send with me. You tell me, 'I know you well and you are special to me.' 13 If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don't forget, this is your people, your responsibility." 14 God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." 15 Moses said, "If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now. 16 How else will it be known that you're with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we're special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?" 17 God said to Moses: "All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name." 18 Moses said, "Please. Let me see your Glory." 19 God said, "I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you; I'll call out the name, God, right before you. I'll treat well whomever I want to treat well and I'll be kind to whomever I want to be kind." 20 God continued, "But you may not see my face. No one can see me and live." 21 God said, "Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. 22 When my Glory passes by, I'll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I've passed by. 23 Then I'll take my hand away and you'll see my back. But you won't see my face." (The Message)
"Take thou authority!" Words or something similar to that was taught and then used at my ordination and the ordination of others. Earlier, at my baptism and yours, as water was sprinkled, poured or immersed, we were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We were all at some point given the promise that God is with us. Yet, you and I sometimes feel alone or abandoned and we shouldn't. Moses felt that way. And there was that special moment in the Garden when Jesus asked for the "cup" to pass from Him. So, it happens even to the best of people. God's response? I am with you! Even God's Son's name was "Emmanuel," which means, "God with us." The promise is too precious for God to break and for us to doubt.
What "garden" or "desert" are you walking through today? What reassurance can God possibly give you that you are not alone? Look again at the words in verse 18: "I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name."
PRAYER: Loving God of Glory and Presence, be with me today in all things. I look towards You for Your comfort and help in all that I may or am facing. Let me reassure others of that same presence; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Do You Get It?
God of mercy and peace, pour out Your joy on this dear reader today in whatever they face; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from 1 Thessalonians 1: 1 I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace! 2 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers 3 as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. 4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. 5 When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. 6 and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! - taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble. 7 Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? 8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore - you're the message! 9 People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. 10 They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. (The Message)
This passage reminds me of Jesus' lesson on new wine in old wineskins from Mark 2:22. It's a reality of what we in the USA are encountering with our dying churches. We have been lulled to sleep by our own comfortableness, our routines, our traditions and customs - business as usual. And the result is that business as usual will result in a going out of business shutdown. The supernatural aspect of our existence and all the excitement that should accompany it, is lost on those who no longer see beyond the financial report or the weekly bulletin. Paul is thanking God for the excitement and strength he found in the lives and work of the people at Thessalonia. They caught it! They received it! They understood it and went right to work! They encountered much resistance and "trouble," but used it as part of their training and work. I love the line, "The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions." Compare that to the stop signs we sometimes put in our convictions. Paul knows the power of prayer and he is still amazed that God worked a mighty way in the life of this church. Don't get me wrong, I'm hearing of the same kind of awakening happening in some of our churches in this area. Folks are praying like never before and new and different kinds of ministries are being tried. I have been sharing with the churches during our annual meeting (Charge Conference) that God is about to do a wonderful, unexplainable work if we're willing to be made uncomfortable, outrageous, and courageous about the work that is set before us. And some folks are getting it!
What about you? What does God have to do to allow the Holy Spirit to move you outside of your comfort zone? What does God expect from you that you won't do because you think it's too outrageous? What can God do to give you the courage to be courageous? It might just be what you've been waiting for!
PRAYER: Loving God, awaken in my spirit that boldness of first century believers to do the uncomfortable, the outrageous and courageous that You need from me. Help me to reach those who need You before it's too late. 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 1 Thessalonians 1: 1 I, Paul, together here with Silas and Timothy, send greetings to the church at Thessalonica, Christians assembled by God the Father and by the Master, Jesus Christ. God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace! 2 Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers 3 as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. 4 It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. 5 When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn't just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. 6 and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! - taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble. 7 Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? 8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore - you're the message! 9 People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. 10 They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom. (The Message)
This passage reminds me of Jesus' lesson on new wine in old wineskins from Mark 2:22. It's a reality of what we in the USA are encountering with our dying churches. We have been lulled to sleep by our own comfortableness, our routines, our traditions and customs - business as usual. And the result is that business as usual will result in a going out of business shutdown. The supernatural aspect of our existence and all the excitement that should accompany it, is lost on those who no longer see beyond the financial report or the weekly bulletin. Paul is thanking God for the excitement and strength he found in the lives and work of the people at Thessalonia. They caught it! They received it! They understood it and went right to work! They encountered much resistance and "trouble," but used it as part of their training and work. I love the line, "The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions." Compare that to the stop signs we sometimes put in our convictions. Paul knows the power of prayer and he is still amazed that God worked a mighty way in the life of this church. Don't get me wrong, I'm hearing of the same kind of awakening happening in some of our churches in this area. Folks are praying like never before and new and different kinds of ministries are being tried. I have been sharing with the churches during our annual meeting (Charge Conference) that God is about to do a wonderful, unexplainable work if we're willing to be made uncomfortable, outrageous, and courageous about the work that is set before us. And some folks are getting it!
What about you? What does God have to do to allow the Holy Spirit to move you outside of your comfort zone? What does God expect from you that you won't do because you think it's too outrageous? What can God do to give you the courage to be courageous? It might just be what you've been waiting for!
PRAYER: Loving God, awaken in my spirit that boldness of first century believers to do the uncomfortable, the outrageous and courageous that You need from me. Help me to reach those who need You before it's too late. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 10, 2011
Games with God?
Blessed God of all days, may this day be one full of Your blessings to this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 15 That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 16 They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. 17 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece. 20 "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" 21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." 22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads. (The Message)
Don't you love it when people pose a question that either way you try to answer it, you get into trouble? "Does this outfit make me look fat?" "Have you stopped beating your kids?" Such was the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees about paying taxes. The Jews did not like that their country was occupied by Roman soldiers. They were now a part of the Roman Empire and as Roman subjects, had to pay taxes. Not a popular theme for discussion. To answer this question about whether it was "right" or "lawful" to pay taxes you would lose on any side. If you answered, no, it is not right, you would be in trouble with the Roman government. If you answered yes, you'd be in trouble with the Jews. So, Jesus asked to see a coin. He then asks, "Whose image is this? And whose name appears on the coin?" They answered, "Caesar." Then Jesus said, "Then give to Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."
Gotcha! This is what happens when we try to play games with God. We lose. We can try and get out of serving God and every time whatever reason we give, we find out we're better off serving God than trying to rationalize our way out of serving. Give God what is God's and do what is right.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to render myself unto You this day. Forgive me the times I have sought to serve myself or my interests rather than You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 15 That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 16 They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. 17 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece. 20 "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" 21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." 22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads. (The Message)
Don't you love it when people pose a question that either way you try to answer it, you get into trouble? "Does this outfit make me look fat?" "Have you stopped beating your kids?" Such was the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees about paying taxes. The Jews did not like that their country was occupied by Roman soldiers. They were now a part of the Roman Empire and as Roman subjects, had to pay taxes. Not a popular theme for discussion. To answer this question about whether it was "right" or "lawful" to pay taxes you would lose on any side. If you answered, no, it is not right, you would be in trouble with the Roman government. If you answered yes, you'd be in trouble with the Jews. So, Jesus asked to see a coin. He then asks, "Whose image is this? And whose name appears on the coin?" They answered, "Caesar." Then Jesus said, "Then give to Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."
Gotcha! This is what happens when we try to play games with God. We lose. We can try and get out of serving God and every time whatever reason we give, we find out we're better off serving God than trying to rationalize our way out of serving. Give God what is God's and do what is right.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to render myself unto You this day. Forgive me the times I have sought to serve myself or my interests rather than You. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Thursday, October 06, 2011
The Great Shepherd!
Loving God, let this dear reader center on You and only You today; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today is from a well-known Psalm, the 23rd: 1 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (The Message).
Okay, you decide. This is from a very recent translation of The Bible. How does it read for you? Does it still have the same power and effect as some of the older, more well-known translations? I thought it might refresh our appreciation for the traditional if we read it in a new way. The message is still the same: God cares for us. God provides for us. God knows our needs and is right there for us as we face these needs. God walks with us, even when the walking is tough. Though the surroundings may not be familiar, God is with us. God celebrates with us. God refreshes us, and God loves us not only now but forever. God will provide an eternal home for us.
This goes right with yesterday's lesson on impatience. This psalm teaches us patience in God. It is a gentle reminder of God's presence in our lives. Though it may seem that God is busy elsewhere, God is with us. It serves a great purpose in our lives, and calms us for the day's journey. Journey with God!
PRAYER: Loving God, may I center myself in You today. May I seek after You as You seek after me. May I know the power of Your presence even when it seems that I feel so alone and weak. I ask this in the Name of He who was and is The Good Shepherd, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today is from a well-known Psalm, the 23rd: 1 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. 2 You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. 3 True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (The Message).
Okay, you decide. This is from a very recent translation of The Bible. How does it read for you? Does it still have the same power and effect as some of the older, more well-known translations? I thought it might refresh our appreciation for the traditional if we read it in a new way. The message is still the same: God cares for us. God provides for us. God knows our needs and is right there for us as we face these needs. God walks with us, even when the walking is tough. Though the surroundings may not be familiar, God is with us. God celebrates with us. God refreshes us, and God loves us not only now but forever. God will provide an eternal home for us.
This goes right with yesterday's lesson on impatience. This psalm teaches us patience in God. It is a gentle reminder of God's presence in our lives. Though it may seem that God is busy elsewhere, God is with us. It serves a great purpose in our lives, and calms us for the day's journey. Journey with God!
PRAYER: Loving God, may I center myself in You today. May I seek after You as You seek after me. May I know the power of Your presence even when it seems that I feel so alone and weak. I ask this in the Name of He who was and is The Good Shepherd, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Impatience Can Lead Many (Wrong) Places!
God of all people, bless and protect this dear reader with the knowledge that all people are Yours, especially him/her; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Exodus 32: 1 When the people realized that Moses was taking forever in coming down off the mountain, they rallied around Aaron and said, "Do something. Make gods for us who will lead us. That Moses, the man who got us out of Egypt - who knows what's happened to him?" 2 So Aaron told them, "Take off the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters and bring them to me." 3 They all did it; they removed the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took the gold from their hands and cast it in the form of a calf, shaping it with an engraving tool. The people responded with enthusiasm: "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egypt!" 5 Aaron, taking in the situation, built an altar before the calf. Aaron then announced, "Tomorrow is a feast day to God!" 6 Early the next morning, the people got up and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings and brought Peace-Offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and then began to party. It turned into a wild party! 7 God spoke to Moses, "Go! Get down there! Your people whom you brought up from the land of Egypt have fallen to pieces. 8 In no time at all they've turned away from the way I commanded them: They made a molten calf and worshiped it. They've sacrificed to it and said, 'These are the gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt!'" 9 God said to Moses, "I look at this people - oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! 10 Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I'll make a great nation out of you." 11 Moses tried to calm his God down. He said, "Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. 12 Why let the Egyptians say, 'He had it in for them - he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.' Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! 13 Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them 'I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I'll give this land to your children as their land forever.'" 14 And God did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people. (The Message)
It is amazing what we will do when we are impatient; especially with God. Think about the things you and I have said or done thinking God was not involved or active in our lives. Remember the decisions you've made simply because you thought God was taking too long in answering your prayers? It was impatience that drove the people of Israel to tell Aaron to do something since they thought Moses was probably dead. Their impatience drove them to madness. They could not reason well. If they had thought about it, it would have not made sense. After 400 years of crying for freedom, God granted it to them. After facing certain death at several points in this journey, especially at the beginning at the shore of the Red Sea, God had acted and saved them. And here simply because the old man had taken too long up in the mountain, the people believed God had forsaken them. How easy it was for them to say, "Make us new gods." How easy it is for us to assume new gods just because we think God is taking too long.
What can serve as a "god" in our lives? Anything that takes the place of God. Washing the car instead of worship. A television program instead of a devotional time with God. The list can get quite long. As should our patience with God. God never gives up on us and though answers to prayers may not come immediately, we still have no reason to abandon God.
PRAYER: Loving God, may my patience be a blessing. May I never forget that You are at work in my life. May I never turn away from You in search of another god. 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 Exodus 32: 1 When the people realized that Moses was taking forever in coming down off the mountain, they rallied around Aaron and said, "Do something. Make gods for us who will lead us. That Moses, the man who got us out of Egypt - who knows what's happened to him?" 2 So Aaron told them, "Take off the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters and bring them to me." 3 They all did it; they removed the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took the gold from their hands and cast it in the form of a calf, shaping it with an engraving tool. The people responded with enthusiasm: "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up from Egypt!" 5 Aaron, taking in the situation, built an altar before the calf. Aaron then announced, "Tomorrow is a feast day to God!" 6 Early the next morning, the people got up and offered Whole-Burnt-Offerings and brought Peace-Offerings. The people sat down to eat and drink and then began to party. It turned into a wild party! 7 God spoke to Moses, "Go! Get down there! Your people whom you brought up from the land of Egypt have fallen to pieces. 8 In no time at all they've turned away from the way I commanded them: They made a molten calf and worshiped it. They've sacrificed to it and said, 'These are the gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt!'" 9 God said to Moses, "I look at this people - oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! 10 Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I'll make a great nation out of you." 11 Moses tried to calm his God down. He said, "Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. 12 Why let the Egyptians say, 'He had it in for them - he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.' Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! 13 Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them 'I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I'll give this land to your children as their land forever.'" 14 And God did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people. (The Message)
It is amazing what we will do when we are impatient; especially with God. Think about the things you and I have said or done thinking God was not involved or active in our lives. Remember the decisions you've made simply because you thought God was taking too long in answering your prayers? It was impatience that drove the people of Israel to tell Aaron to do something since they thought Moses was probably dead. Their impatience drove them to madness. They could not reason well. If they had thought about it, it would have not made sense. After 400 years of crying for freedom, God granted it to them. After facing certain death at several points in this journey, especially at the beginning at the shore of the Red Sea, God had acted and saved them. And here simply because the old man had taken too long up in the mountain, the people believed God had forsaken them. How easy it was for them to say, "Make us new gods." How easy it is for us to assume new gods just because we think God is taking too long.
What can serve as a "god" in our lives? Anything that takes the place of God. Washing the car instead of worship. A television program instead of a devotional time with God. The list can get quite long. As should our patience with God. God never gives up on us and though answers to prayers may not come immediately, we still have no reason to abandon God.
PRAYER: Loving God, may my patience be a blessing. May I never forget that You are at work in my life. May I never turn away from You in search of another god. I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Monday, October 03, 2011
A Better Invitation We Cannot Find!
Blessed Redeemer, touch and guide the life of this dear reader into the fullness of Your life; in Your name I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 1 Jesus responded by telling still more stories. 2 "God's kingdom," he said, "is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn't come! 4 "He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, 'Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!' 5 "They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. 6 The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. 7 The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city. 8 "Then he told his servants, 'We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren't up to it. 9 Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.' 10 The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on - every place filled. 11 "When the king entered and looked over the scene, he spotted a man who wasn't properly dressed. 12 He said to him, 'Friend, how dare you come in here looking like that!' The man was speechless. 13 Then the king told his servants, 'Get him out of here - fast. Tie him up and ship him to hell. And make sure he doesn't get back in.' 14 "That's what I mean when I say, 'Many get invited; only a few make it.'" (The Message)
When was the last time you were invited to church? Did your church send you an invitation to come and join them? If you're like me, you don't need an invitation; it's assumed that since you took the membership vows promising to uphold your church by your prayers, presence (hint!), gifts, service, and witness, that you'd be doing that on a regular basis. The last invitation you received was probably a direct mail by either a new church starting up in your neighborhood or by one who's got the money to spend on such a campaign. Pastors pray that folks will come to regular and special worship. Jesus prayed that we would come into the kingdom. Coming into the Kingdom of God involves Church, but it's more about our way of life. It's all about how we treat God and how we treat God's children. It requires our complete devotion to God and our willingness to serve. The parable that Jesus told in this passage is an eye-opening one, for it shows the reality of how people treat invitations to God's kingdom; we're too busy, we don't care, don't bother me. Yes, some even treat Sunday worship in this way.
The second part of this lesson troubles people. What can it mean? God will throw out people from the Kingdom? It's more a lesson on our lives and how we live and the readiness expected of us by God. William Barclay said, "Grace is not only a gift, it is a grave responsiblity." If we think in terms of our being invited to a friend's house for dinner, we bathe and dress accordingly. To receive an invitation to God's Kingdom involves our lives being made ready to receive and share the love God has given us. Let us not be among those not ready and shown the door for our foolishness.
PRAYER: Loving God, make me ready! May my life be washed in the Blood of Jesus in order to receive all that You might share with me. Shape my heart to give as You have given to me. May I witness to Your grace in all places. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Our text for today comes from Matthew 22: 1 Jesus responded by telling still more stories. 2 "God's kingdom," he said, "is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn't come! 4 "He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, 'Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!' 5 "They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. 6 The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. 7 The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city. 8 "Then he told his servants, 'We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren't up to it. 9 Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.' 10 The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on - every place filled. 11 "When the king entered and looked over the scene, he spotted a man who wasn't properly dressed. 12 He said to him, 'Friend, how dare you come in here looking like that!' The man was speechless. 13 Then the king told his servants, 'Get him out of here - fast. Tie him up and ship him to hell. And make sure he doesn't get back in.' 14 "That's what I mean when I say, 'Many get invited; only a few make it.'" (The Message)
When was the last time you were invited to church? Did your church send you an invitation to come and join them? If you're like me, you don't need an invitation; it's assumed that since you took the membership vows promising to uphold your church by your prayers, presence (hint!), gifts, service, and witness, that you'd be doing that on a regular basis. The last invitation you received was probably a direct mail by either a new church starting up in your neighborhood or by one who's got the money to spend on such a campaign. Pastors pray that folks will come to regular and special worship. Jesus prayed that we would come into the kingdom. Coming into the Kingdom of God involves Church, but it's more about our way of life. It's all about how we treat God and how we treat God's children. It requires our complete devotion to God and our willingness to serve. The parable that Jesus told in this passage is an eye-opening one, for it shows the reality of how people treat invitations to God's kingdom; we're too busy, we don't care, don't bother me. Yes, some even treat Sunday worship in this way.
The second part of this lesson troubles people. What can it mean? God will throw out people from the Kingdom? It's more a lesson on our lives and how we live and the readiness expected of us by God. William Barclay said, "Grace is not only a gift, it is a grave responsiblity." If we think in terms of our being invited to a friend's house for dinner, we bathe and dress accordingly. To receive an invitation to God's Kingdom involves our lives being made ready to receive and share the love God has given us. Let us not be among those not ready and shown the door for our foolishness.
PRAYER: Loving God, make me ready! May my life be washed in the Blood of Jesus in order to receive all that You might share with me. Shape my heart to give as You have given to me. May I witness to Your grace in all places. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
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