Image from agnusday.org
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practise cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 3: 12- 4:2)
On what seems like the second week here in St. Louis, I know it is but Tuesday, and I pray it is a Tremendous and Terrific Tuesday for you, dear Friend! I thank you for your prayers, we have all needed them. This has been a very stressful conference for all who are here; delegates, bishops, staff, observers, etc. I can report that the process has been followed. We prioritized the plans and petitions brought forward, then the entire conference because a legislative committee, whose work ended last night. The committee is proposing the Traditional Plan to the General Conference today, awaiting a ruling on each part of it from Judicial Council. It is the hope of the majority to have it perfected and legal and be the plan that the General Conference approves. The committee also brought forth several exit plans, which would allow for those churches who do not agree or accept the Traditional Plan to leave the denomination in a fair, responsible way. These recommend a move away from the trust clause which currently allows a church to leave but without its property since the owner is the denomination. These plans allow for each church to pay off its financial obligations to the denomination and conference before they exit. Please continue to pray for all who are here. Pray for each other, pray for yourselves.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the people in Corinth a letter of encouragement; live a bold life since you are connected to the Living God. Like Moses in the Old Testament, he was truly connected with God every time he climbed up the mountain and the glory of God stayed on his face on his way down. The brightness of that encounter with God was so bright,, he wore a veil on his face. These encounters with God by Moses did little to most of the people below. Their hearts were "hardened" and away from God, and Paul tells the Corinthian people (one of the cities we hope to visit on our upcoming tour in September!) that even to this day, when people hear the old covenant, the law as found in the Old Testament, the veil is still there. Only Jesus can remove that veil and allow for full understanding of God's grace. And, each day that we seek to connect to God, we begin to mirror that same image as Moses, as one who has been in the presence, glory, and power of God; and that serves to equip us for better living life, and doing the work of God even among those who reject Him. Time with God's word, prayer time, and devotional time should make your face brighter, because you have been in the presence of the Most High.
Friend, we face the daily challenges of life; the valley experiences after having been on the mountaintop of worship and prayer, but like Paul writes, we cannot let anything or anyone veil our face. We should shine the love of God that has come over us in our relationship with Him. We should smile smiles of joy for the hope and joy of the Lord is our strength. We should walk with gratitude and serve with faithfulness; for we all have been blessed by God. Seek today to shine more, smile more, do more!
PRAYER: Awesome God, come to us in Your own way, but shine brightly Your love so that our faces may radiate that to all. Speak to our hearts in ways that bring us to fullness of life and love and these we can share to all. This is our prayer, lifted in faith in the Name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be the blessings that someone needs to day; God will show you how!
Eradio Valverde
Thank you all also for the prayers for our anniversary. We had a lovely evening and we enjoy being together even to this day. We commented that we have lived with each other longer than we had with our own parents; what a joy and blessing that is! God is good!
