It's a God-Thing!

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22 Then when the days stipulated by Moses for purification were complete, they took him up to Jerusalem to offer him to God 23 as commanded in God's Law: "Every male who opens the womb shall be a holy offering to God," 24 and also to sacrifice the "pair of doves or two young pigeons" prescribed in God's Law. 25 In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. 27 Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, 28 Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: 29 God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. 30 With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; 31 it's now out in the open for everyone to see: 32 A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel. 33 Jesus' father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. 34 Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother, This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, A figure misunderstood and contradicted - 35 the pain of a sword-thrust through you - But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are. 36 Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years 37 and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. 38 At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem. 39 When they finished everything required by God in the Law, they returned to Galilee and their own town, Nazareth. 40 There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on Him. (Luke 2:22-40 The Message)

Happy Belated Christmas Eve, ConCafe Family! I don't know how this message was left paused and not sent, but here's a later copy. Please read it as if you were actually reading it on that night! And may this day and night be truly special for you, dear Friend, as we make room in our hearts and lives for the arrival of God's precious gift to us! May He fill us with joy and hope; and may His presence in us fill all corners of our lives with light and glory! I share a Prayer Update through this that came from a dear reader: "This is the latest on my friend, Liz. She was transferred to a long term acture care facility in Cypress." She almost died in transport; but was stablized and underwent a bronchoscopy sometime today to see why her cough isn't improving. The procedure revealed Liz has a very severe infection around her throat and trach site. The doctor cleaned and scraped off what eh could and is changing her antibiotics. Pray that Liz being to show improvement within the next couple of days. "It just seems to be one thing after another, and we're tired; I can't even imagine how exhausted Mom must be." So, please join others in praying for Liz' health to improve soon. Thank you for your time and prayers!

Every church, no matter what brand it may be, has its special saints. You know who they are, though they may not. They're people whose very nature just blesses you, and many times they are not even remotely aware of their ability to bless. One dear lady in one of my churches was a nursing home resident. And everytime I went to see her I prayed as I struggle to think of what I would even talk about with her. God answered my prayers because I just had to listen to her and follow along; and before long I was saying a prayer with her thankful she had done all the blessing! This passage mentions two such saints in the big church; First Jerusalem, aka The Temple. The first is a gentleman named Simeon about whom we only know what this passage tells us; He was a righteous, Spirit-filled man, a person of prayer, who lived an expectant life awaiting the "consolation" or help of Israel. Was he a priest? We don't know. Was he an old man? We don't know. We get the idea that he was given ancient painters who painted him as we see in today's graphic above, but honestly, we have no idea of his age, though what he says in verse 29 and 30, we assume he's old and awaiting his departure/release from this earth. Simeon knew what the scriptures said about this coming baby and all He would do, and since he is led by the Holy Spirit, says the profound things that he says, "God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. WIth my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's not out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel." Simeon then goes on and says these words to Mary, "This child marks both the failure and the recovery of many in Israel, a figure misunderstood and contradicted - the pain of a sword-thrust through you - But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are." His statement has proven true. Jesus' presence proved the failing of many people as well as the recovery of many. The failures have been those who sought to have Jesus murdered, as well as many who have rejected Him. Jesus has since then been both "misunderstood and contradicted." And His suffering and death did indeed "thrust a sword" into Mary as she surely, as a mother normally does, suffered the same pain as her children.

The other saint was Anna, whose office was that of prophetess. Of her, we known her family and a bit of her own personal life; she was very old; she had been married for only seven years and lived as a widow for eighty-four years. She was a woman devoted to God and God's Temple, for she never left the Temple; her passion was worshiping God day and night, praying and fasting; and she was also led by the Holy Spirit for when the child Jesus was brought into the Temple, Anna begins to sing an anthem of praise to God, and begins to share what she already knew about the Messiah child to all who were there along with her, expectantly awaiting the liberation of Jerusalem. This was a very special, long-awaited day, that many had anticipated but never saw, and these two saints, who both may have been on in years, saw God's promise happen during their lifetimes, and we know it was a God-thing.

Joseph and Mary fulfilled everything required by Church law and returned home; blessed, not stressed, fulfilled and faithful, ready to serve God in the important job of rearing the child right. The closing verse says they did a good job, for "There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on Him."

Nellie and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Safe, Sacred, and Super New Year! I will be taking some time from writing this until after New Year's Day. I urge you to continue to read and study your Bibles, pray, and worship the Lord; seek mission opportunities to help others come to full knowledge of Jesus.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Pray for one another; pray for yourselves.

Receive my blessings of hope and wholeness,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Why Walk in Darkness?

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Hear the devotional here: http://bit.ly/3hgi6Ll

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows - light! sunbursts of light! 3 You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they're so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. 4 The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants - all their whips and cudgels and curses - Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian. 5 The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! 6 For a child has been born - for us! the gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. 7 His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. God Answered Fire with Fire. (Isaiah 9:2-7 The Message)

Happy Wednesday dear ConCafe Family! And, dear Friend, tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I pray you've done all the preparations for this Christmas to be a special and sacred event in your life! Please pray for all people, here and around the world. Christmas is a world event, much like all who saw the "star" last night, were from every corner of the globe; Christ came for them and I pray you will join in the harvest effort of reaching each soul for God.

We love, trust, and serve a God of light. Most of us are fans of light; most of us welcome the darkness as the prelude to sleep and rest. But, the darkness mentioned in this passage refers to the reality that walking without knowing God is like walking blindly in an obscurity; we bump into things, step on objects, and generally risk hurting ourselves. My many years on the road attending meetings, conferences, conventions, and the like usually meant sleeping in hotel and motel rooms that were not familiar to me. Someone once said, "All hotel rooms are alike once you turn off the light," and that's true, but to get from the bed in the middle of the night to answer biological needs many times means stubbing one's toes against the bed or dresser, or one's own shoes; no bueno! To live a life without the certainty of purpose and plan means to fumble around seeking the right choices and decisions, and failling and failing when we try to do everything on our own.

I love watching those videos of people who are colorblind, whose family members purchase for them those special glasses that allow them to see colors for the first time in their lives. What's their first reaction? They cry. Those of us who are not colorblind take for granted the beauty of nature in full living color. Think back to the scene in the Wizard of Oz where the movie goes from being black and white into full color. In my life it would be years before we finally experienced that in our home because we didn't have a color TV for a long time. Imagine those who get a special operation to see for the first time. What amazing stories were those where Jesus healed the blind; and the one man who at first could only see "trees" and then he could truly see! This is what Christmas is all about! Jesus came for those who were in darkness and brought to them the light of God's love! And not only light, the absence of joy was filled with joy; those without gladness have received it once again; and celebration has begun. They have shared rich gifts, and warm greetings to one another. They also saw the removal of abusers and oppressors; the tyrants are gone as well. Put away now are the whips and other instruments of abuse and pain; the Deliverer has brought life and peace. Gone will be the evidence of oppressive, murderous war; piles of soldier's uniforms drenched in innocent blood burned! That fire will last for days. And all because of the birth of a baby; the gift from God of He who is called Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Wholeness). The Kingdom of God will be established in a marvelous, never-ending way; blessings upon blessings will be with those who love and trust Him.

Dear friends, may this Christmas be a wonderful time of spiritual blessings to you and yours. May the reality of Jesus' love be with you in wonderful ways. May your joy bubble over as you get to know Jesus' love again and again.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, speak to our needs during this special time of year; make real in us the joy and power of Christmas. May our gifts be genuine expressions of love to all; may peace be with all people, and we pray this in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! May the joy of the Lord be yours.

Receive my blessings of joy and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Energetic for Goodness!

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Hear the devotional here: http://bit.ly/37CVcdS

11 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! 12 We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, 13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. 14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness. (Titus 2:11-14 The Message)

Happy Tuesday ConCafe Family! And a special day of peace and calm be yours, dear Friend! If you're needing to count the days until Christmas, well, you need that peace and calm! It's hard to believe it is almost Christmas! And the New Year is just around the corner, and many are saying to 2020, Good Riddance! Wow! What a year it has been; not at all what we expected, but what it has brought may that make us stronger for what's left of this year, and for the days, weeks, and maybe months that may look just like 2020 as we start 2021. The assaults of this year have been primarily on our bodies; but those can damage our souls and spirits, but we pray we know enough about God to ask Him to lift us as we struggle with the remnants of this pandemic.

So, let us hear the Good News! I can think of no better news than to share that God stands ready, all the time, to give and forgive. And, as the writer of this short letter tells us; that ain't no secret! God's great gift of Jesus is still alive and giving; and salvation is the result of that gift. Salvation is being saved from certain death and into the arms of He who provides life and that in abundance! I know I will now sound old and maybe even curmudgeonly, but I remember some things a bit different than today. I was taught, as were many of you "of a certain age," that the song went, "If you're saved and you know it, clap your hands." And the song went on and on about the different ways we could show others that we were indeed saved. Now, try finding that version on YouTube to play to your grandchildren. Good luck! You might find a song dedicated to happiness, as in, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!" I can understand that kids in public schools cannot acknowledge salvation. But I can't understand why salvation has become an off-topic for the church? Salvation is being in a right relationship with God; we need to affirm that life has come from God, as does that which prevents us from dying a death with no end. And this right relationship is exactly what Jesus spoke of when He talked of life in abundance, or life to the fullest. (John 10:10). It is realizing that there is more to life than just existing; it is truly coming alive with joy and awe with the awareness that there is a great design, plan, and purpose behind life. It is, as the next verse says, "We're shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life." Probably one of the saddest interviews I saw was an elderly actress who had received many awards and accolades for her acting, and as the interviewer quizzes her about it, she says all of that was meaningless; that there was much to life that she had sadly not found. And the same is true for so many; who have found "success" by worldly standards that the writer of this small book calls "a godless, indulgent life" which is full of things, but short on that which really matters. Take God out of any life, or worse, fail to add God to your life, and you will all too quickly know what that is about. And this during a point where many have almost given up on Church because of the many factors that are real and deadly; but when these pass, our job becomes more urgent to once again draw people to life and the God who lovingly gives it.

To receive a life such as the writer mentions is to whet our appetite for the glorious return of Jesus once again; after all, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice which was desperately needed "to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness." Hmm. To live an energetic life fueled and geared to doing good is an awesome, seldom seen thing. This morning driving along the underpass that is found under Interstate 35 in downtown San Antonio, I saw a tent city of homeless people. And in the center of this tent city was a Christmas tree, adorned with ornaments and tinsel; a symbol of hope and remembrance. The symbol that serves to remind believers of that night sky when the Christmas star appeared and guided the wise men to Bethlehem, which appeared last night in our skies, still serves as a beacon to others to come to faith and claim for themselves the "could be" even in the midst of "why this."

PRAYER: Loving God, speak to us as we seek that which will fuel us. Ignite in us a spark that will get the fire going of energetic goodness and draw us out of ourselves and our self-centered wants, to that which blesses those who also need to find You. Indeed, may be we led by You back to You in ways that honor You. Let us also honor You by giving of ourselves to helping those who have lost all honor. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a beacon of hope among the hopeless in ways that inspire goodness.

Receive my blessing of joy and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

From Beards to Beauty

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Hear the devotional here: http://bit.ly/34wPcS7

1 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. 4 So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. 5 He went with Mary, his fiance, who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. 8 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. 9 Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 10 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: 11 A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. 12 This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." 13 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: 14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. 15 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." 16 They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. 18 All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. 19 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. 20 The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! (Luke 2:1-20 The Message)

A blessed and joyous Monday to you all, ConCafe Familly, and especially for you, dear Friend. We can count the days to Christmas on one hand and the days left in this year are also fleeing fast; let us pray for a safe, sacred, sane, and super New Year! Please continue to pray for those who need blessingss of healing; God know who they are, as do you. Pray for one another and for yourselves.

The other day we covered the Annunciation of the coming birth to Mary, I struggled with a way to describe what was taking place, and this morning it dawned on me; a catchy title could be From Beards to Beauty, but that in and of itself does not do the entire thing justice. How do we describe what God was doing from the dust of the floor of Eden, which God used to form the first people; to the sands of the Exodus, the miles used in the forming of this spiritual nation; the battles, the defeats, the setbacks, the victories; the kings, the fertile soil of the land flowing with milk and honey, more drama, more defeats, all laced with the rejection of God, the leaving of God behind, and yet, the ever present need for God, truth be told, your story and mine. Finally, it comes down to a small out-of-the-way village, to a maiden many believe was only fourteen years old. To her came the news of the most significant event in human history; and the fulfillment comes to this night. And it was a political night, no less; the known world was uprooted for a time because of the desire of the Caesar, Caesar Augustus, to count them; all having to return back to their hometown to be counted there.

This meant that Joseph, the carpenter, noble and faithful man, espoused to Mary, traveled from Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, to be counted there with his pregnant wife; pregnant even with a child that was not even his. The traffic was terrible, the crowds were as one would imagine would go with a mandatory census, and the inns were full. There were not that many to begin with, but those who did rent rooms for the night, were full. The hour of their arrival also did not help them secure a space. Born in a manger, the Lord Jesus, surrounded by farm animals, a more common, identifiable scene could not be possible. Yet, in the common, comes the cosmic, the divinity in a merger of what was to come; God's angel stands before the couple and child and shares the Word, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master." And note that he does not say, "Look in the Roman Palace for this child, or not even the palace where Quinrinius lived; this baby has been born right here, right now, for you and the entire world in this manner. "A baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." The same news were shared not with legions of Roman soliders, the finest in the known world, nor with the legion of philosophers who held court in the leading cities of the world; but with sheepherders, who went and witnessed and believed what they had heard. They "let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned ouf exactly the way they'd been told!"

The birth has impacted a number of people too numerous to count, and the most significant religious event that can still happen is when a world-perceived insignifcant person comes to faith in Jesus; the way it did in you, and to me!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the message of the angels still bears the weight of that same night in the hearts and spirits of those who receive the for themselves as it did in us. May our hearts still burn with joy and hope and more so with the challenges of life that seek to destroy or dampen our spirits. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share the eternal Good News with someone today!

Receive my blessing of love and joy,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Everybody Loves a Good Love Story!

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Hear today's devotional read here: http://bit.ly/2J2mIbu

1 Your love, God, is my song, and I'll sing it! I'm forever telling everyone how faithful you are. 2 I'll never quit telling the story of your love - how you built the cosmos and guaranteed everything in it. Your love has always been our lives' foundation, your fidelity has been the roof over our world. 3 You once said, "I joined forces with my chosen leader, I pledged my word to my servant, David, saying, 4 'Everyone descending from you is guaranteed life; I'll make your rule as solid and lasting as rock.'" 19 A long time ago you spoke in a vision, you spoke to your faithful beloved: "I've crowned a hero, I chose the best I could find; 20 I found David, my servant, poured holy oil on his head, 21 And I'll keep my hand steadily on him, yes, I'll stick with him through thick and thin. 22 No enemy will get the best of him, no scoundrel will do him in. 23 I'll weed out all who oppose him, I'll clean out all who hate him. 24 I'm with him for good and I'll love him forever; I've set him on high - he's riding high! 25 I've put Ocean in his one hand, River in the other; 26 he'll call out, 'Oh, my Father - my God, my Rock of Salvation!' (Psalm 89:1-4, 19026 The Message)

Happy Thursday ConCafe Family! Blessings of God's grace and peace upon you, dear Friend! I pray this be just one of many blessings you shall receive today in order to witness to others, the great love that God has for you! As we pray, I asks prayers for the dear wife of a dear pastor, Mrs. Trish Rowe, was admitted to the hospital with Covid19; both she and Steve had the illness, but a few days ago both were deemed well enough to stay home by EMTs, yesterday she was admitted into the hospital. Also, the Dad of Mrs. Julie Wiley is having some heart issues and needs our prayers. Also, my wife's last living aunt on her Dad's side, died yesterday in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mrs. Obdulia Rosales de Elizondo is her name. And a friend of Mrs. Willa Keck, Liz, reported yesterday that she had received a "Christmas Miracle," in that her mother awoke from a coma after many days! "ALL I WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS WAS FOR MY MOM TO WAKE UP, AND GOD GRANTED US THAT CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!!!!!!" Praise the Lord for such wonderful news! They are now looking for a long-term care facility and so prayers for this transition, strength for the Mom and continued healing! Please pray for one another, and pray for your own needs because we pray because God answers prayer!

I loved hearing my Father's love story of when he met, wooed and married my Mom. She was the nurse caring for his grandmother; whom we later found out he was not overly close to, but when my Dad saw this nurse, well, grandma became worthy of daily visits; and while he seemed like an annoying family member, well, the rest is love history! And isn't your love story the same? As I get older, I share more and more with my daughters tidbits of Nellie and my epic love story; and my girls have gone from Ew, Dad, there are children present, to Hmm, I did not know that! And indeed, every love story in its own way is a great story and bears repeating, but this passage is about the true love believers come to have in God that moves them into more obedient and faithful roles as servants of the Most High God. In David's case, every story was a song, and this love song was worth writing and singing, and the excited lover of God moved him to tell anyone, and everyone who would listen about this great love he found in knowing and trusting God. This love story involved the creation, construction and continued edification of all creation; "the foundation" of all lives, and the fidelity of God serving as the protective roof over our world. And in this song we find the promises such as all who come to know God receive from God "guaranteed life," and God's soverignty is "as solid and lasting as rock." And the story switches to how God found, blessed, anointed and protected David even from enemies and scoundrels; and it's a love story that will never end; waters of life in each hand and the wonderful message that in God we have both Father and Rock of our Salvation.

Have you found this love yet? It's as close as a simple prayer. And once answered will provide you with more than enough with which to face life and the challenges of life. It will become the start of a friendship and relationship that will have no earthly end; and will bring blessings upon blessings for all things. It's a song that will have you singing and teaching others how to sing.

PRAYER: Father God, teach us this song. And may the blessing of knowing You and this song of love, lead us to teach others! In Christ Jesus we pray, amen!

Have a great and blesssed day in the Lord! Learn the love song of God; then teach it to someone else!

Receive my blessings of love, hope, and peace!

Pastor Eradio Valverde

No Longer a Mystery!

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Hear the devotional read here: http://bit.ly/3abgwsI

25 All of our praise rises to the One who is strong enough to make you strong, exactly as preached in Jesus Christ, precisely as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long 26 but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief, carrying out the orders of God, who got all this started, down to the very last letter. 27 All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes! (Romans 16:25-27 The Message)

Happy Tuesday, dear ConCafe Family! All praises to God Who makes all things possible, and showers us with His mercy, grace, and love! And may His special favor shine upon you, dear Friend in your daily walk with Him is my prayer.

We are praise people, or should be. Our lips should be wholely employed in praising God, i.e. giving God praise, thanks, and glory! What percentage do you think your lips are used for that? During the political season, hmm, I heard from both sides of the aisle some non-praisey things; and during Medicare's AEP, those commercials shown almost nonstop had many a person stopping at my table just to complain about the number of ads that were being run. Some even to complain about a certain former New York quarterback who seemed to be the spokesperson for wonderful checks of $144.80 that were due to all seniors. Let me say the word "misleading," seemed to be on my lips to many a person who asked. But that's neither here nor there! Amp up your lips to sing God's praises! Paul did! And he's encouraging the congregation in the Roman church to follow his example in thanking God for the strength that comes in our working our lips for positive good in glorifying God! What was once a mystery (God's love through Jesus) is no longer a mystery, but a open, declared fact! And the Scriptures, long held by ancients to hold unexplainable, wonderful mysteries, now are seen as prophetic books, openly and boldly declaring the works of God to all people!

And the news were too powerful to keep in a corner of the world; now these are to be shared to all people in all corners of the world; that God is love and God's love has been brought to us by Jesus, God's only begotten Son! And the response of all new believers (as well as older ones) is to be obedient to God, faithfully following and keeping the commands of God, "Down to the last letter." And all our praise will be focused on He who is the incarnation of God, Jesus! And Paul ends with "YES!"

I was so blessed most of yesterday spending most of the day with the cutest baby in the world. He's a content, happy, laughing, giggling baby, and more so because he gets to spend most of his day in the arms of a beautiful woman, his grandmother. But, he loves seeing me and talking to me in whatever language that is that he speaks. The squeals and coos are easy to understand, as are his cries when hungry or wet. Eli is a precious gift from God shared with his mom and dad, and with his entire family; and Nellie and I to be with him. I had to pull myself away this afternoon to drive back home and find myself now, close to the midnight hour praying and asking God about this passage and sharing the joys that I have experienced. Eli was a mystery for eight months or so; we knew he was in there and though the closer the day drew nearer for him to make his appearance, the scarier it got due to some things that were happening with his mommy; but when he made his appearance, the mystery was gone. We could see, hear and finally touch that precious baby. And the now common ways of sharing joy, social media, exploded with photos and descriptions of this baby boy. We want the world to know how awesome God was in sharing this baby with us. Imagine the joy that would be ours if we would devote that same attention and care to sharing Jesus and the love and wonders He has shared with us. That's what Paul is saying through this passage; people, come alive in sharing what you know about God and His Son, Jesus; tell the world and show the world through the responses you can share of how your life is better and blessed because you know and serve Him. Let the world come to know the focus that it should have on God through Jesus. And let the people of God say, "Yes!"

PRAYER: Loving Father, for that which is now revealed about You and Your Son, Jesus, we thank You. And we pray that we might indeed come alive in sharing the good news in whatever way we can so that more will know about the awesomeness of Your love and grace. Use us to cover every corner of the world with the joy and peace that is ours through the sharing of Jesus; this we pray in His Name, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Come alive in sharing Jesus with as many as you can!

Receive my blessings of love and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Nothing, You See, Is Impossible for God!

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Listen to the devotional here: https://bit.ly/37cECS4

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth 27 to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin's name, Mary. 28 Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: Good morning! You're beautiful with God's beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you. 29 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. 30 But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: 31 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, be called 'Son of the Highest.' The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; 33 He will rule Jacob's house forever - no end, ever, to his kingdom." 34 Mary said to the angel, "But how? I've never slept with a man." 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore, the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God. 36 "And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months' pregnant! 37 Nothing, you see, is impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her. Blessed Among Women (Luke 1:26-38 The Message)

Happy Monday, dear and wonderful ConCafe Family! And a special day of joy and blessings for you, dear Friend! I thank you all for your prayers and we rejoiced in the way prayers were answered. I ask that we add the name of The Rev. Mike Albert, a chaplain at Methodist Hospitals in San Antonio, as he underwent a heart procedure yesterday afternoon. May the Lord bless him with a complete recovery. Also, prayers for the father of The Rev. Michael Dobbs, our pastor in Mathis and Alice, TX; his dad is having some medical issues and we pray for his health and for his family. Our continued prayers for the Lopez and Gaytan families on the death of Mrs. Socorro Gaytan de Lopez in Mexico.

I believe many of us have been visited, blessed, protected, defended, or surprised by the visit of angels, and most of them unbeknown to us. Many are those who have "It had to have been an angel" story, but this one, dear one, is a visit in person by an angel to a person, in this case, Mary the soon-to-be mother of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. This is a supernatural event, and it happened to fulfill the prophecies surrounding the coming of the Messiah. The angel's name was Gabriel and he visits the small village of Nazareth and comes to the home of Mary, a virgin betrothed to be married to a descendent of David by the name of Joseph. The greeting from Gabriel was a tender, sent-by-God message; yet it scared her. After all, a visit in person by an angel would have all of us a bit shaken. But noting what God knew and what the angel could see; Mary was "beautfiul with God's beauty, Beautiful inside and out!" Awesome. And, as happens in most Biblical call stories, someone divine has to say, "Do not be afraid!" And he follows this with "God has a surprise for you," and what a surprise that was! She was to become pregnant and would give birth to a son who was to be named Jesus, Who would be given the throne of His ancestor, King David, and to His kingdom there would be no end.

Mary has doubts for she was engaged but not yet been with Joseph, so the idea of a pregnancy was terrifying; it could mean an end to the relationship, and under normal circumstances, would mean the end of her life. Gabriel assures her that this was all God's doing, for the child she was to birth was the Son of God. To better his case, Gabriel tells her that her ancient cousin, Elizabeth, was also pregnant, though she was known as being barren, but here she was already six months into this pregnancy. And the line that gave our devotional our title, "Nothing, you see, is impossible with God." Indeed. Mary replies, "Yes, I see it all now; I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. The angel leaves her, "Blessed Among Women."

A visit from God never leaves us the same. Either we have been called into service, or we have received word of a task we are to perform or a visit we are to have; ours is to trust, expect, and obey. The world around us may not even be aware of the visit we have had, and they may never know; but our lives inside, would never be the same; our world would never be the same. We have seen and experienced that which very few will ever know, and onward we go to doing and completing that which blesses God. It further reminds us of the key and title verse of today's devotional; Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Amen!

PRAYER: Loving Father, as our lives are blessed, let us continue to bless You and those in need of a blessings. Set us on the path to visit those who need words and actions that show the presence of God is near, and use us to be or bring that blessing. Help us to further Your kingdom by being a blessing to many; this we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a supernatural blessing to someone today!

Receive my blessings of joy and love,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Finally!

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46 And Mary said, I'm bursting with God-news; 47 I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. 48 God took one good look at me, and look what happened - I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, 49 the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. 50 His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. 51 He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. 52 He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. 53 The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. 54 He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. 55 It's exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now. (Luke 1:46b-55 The Message)

A blessed and joyous Thursday be yours ConCafe Family! And may the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you have been desiring come to you today, dear Friend! And may we both know just what to do with such; to change the world and maybe our world, too. We continue to pray for Kerry Morgan. Kerry and I are blessed to have the same doctor, who is a man of faith and strong Christian character. He replied to my asking of his condition, "God answers prayers." Amen, so, please dear people, continue to trust in the Lord and His power to make new, to restore, to repair whatever it is in need. Pray for more doctors like Dr. Commie Hisey, whose faith and commitment to God's compassion bless so many.

It hit me at this reading and as I write, just what this young woman was feeling at the news of her situation. After many years of reading and preaching on it, this version brought it all to life. It was like I was handed the special glasses at a 3D movie and the movie jumped out at me; the blurriness has disappeared and the full Technicolor beauty is before me. The first part of the message has been clear enough; God announced to this young woman what role she had been selected for her in the coming of the Messiah to the world. The presence and words of the archangel qualify as "God-news," a music of eternity that causes her spirit to dance the song of salvation coming in this birth. God searching the hearts of all women revealed to Him that this girl would be the one to birth God's Son, and she realizes that in saying, "I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!" Indeed. She would forever be a part of history, the story of God acting on behalf of the earth and using this maiden as His vessel. God's action set her apart from all other women, for the specialness and sacredness of this birth, as well as for the sorrow and sadness that would come to her later in her life. Yet, for now the emphasis is on the specialness and the sacred; God's mercy would be known and experienced much like the strength and power of the ocean to send wave after wave to the shore; and that same mercy would be the downfall of the tyrants and braggarts, and the salvation of those who are truly victims, buried deep in the mud of injustice and greed. The once starving poor would now be escorted and seated at a special table at a scrumptious banquet; peering from the outside looking in will be those who once slammed the door on the faces of those once hungry people; now destined to only imagine what goodness they were missing out on because of the selfish, self-serving decisions. God would embrace His only child, Israel. The mercies would not end there; they would be continually piled high upon another, God's mercies, fulfilling what was once promised by Him first to Abraham, and now in this action to this maiden, Mary. She experienced and rejoiced in what God showed to her.

That was a God-moment. It was filled with life and love, goodness and mercy, this scene where it was realized that yes, God is alive, and God is at work in our history. We are not a forgotten nor neglected people; we matter to God and because of that, God acted on our behalf through the sending of His only Son to come and do what He did, so that you and I could have life, and that to the fullest.

Christmas is so much more an act of eternity than a temporal season of tress, lights, and gifts. It is the realization of what God did to bring about our right relationship with Him. God offered life to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ. And to receive that life and love would involved our willingness to make our lives like those who love and desire to serve Jesus. A full life filled with Jesus leave no room for those things that bring sin and destruction to our lives. At this writing, I am also listening and helping my grandson with a writing assignment for school. It triggered a memory from my childhood of a television commercial by a cake company. I told him it was a simple commercial showing only a plate on which sat a delicious looking piece of cake. No actors, just the cake. Then a fork appeared held by a hand and that fork went right to the cake, cut a nice big piece and then went straight to the camera. Liam laughed when I told him that there was not a single kid in any room in any home in front of any tv screen that did not automatically open their mouth thinking that piece of cake was meant for them! It was very effectice and sold lots of boxes of cake mix and cans of frosting; much like the temptations that attack our vulnerable spots in life. It may be that our mouths get opened, or thoughts open our minds to wicked and evil desires; but for that very reason Jesus came to the world, so that we might fill our lives with Him instead of that which serves to steal, destroy and kill.

PRAYER: Loving God, as life may sometimes make us open our mouths or weak spots in anticipation of that which we believe may satisfy, fill us instead with Christ Jesus. Show us that our weaknesses become strengths when we allow Him to fill and guide us. Be glorified in us Lord Jesus we pray, in Thy name, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! May today be a "finally" day for you as you discover what is truly meaningful to you; then share it with someone in a way that makes them want what you have, and that being the Lord Jesus Himself.

Receive my blessings of love and joy,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Good News Comes!

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Hear the devotional here: https://bit.ly/36WsBQs

1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. 4 They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 8 For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 NRSV)

Happy Wednesday, dear ConCafe Family! A special blessing from the Lord for you, dear Friend! As I asked for prayer yesterday for Mr. Kerry Morgan, and I do not yet have any updates on him, but ask your continued prayers for him and his battle against Covid. His father-in-law, Mr. Pal Lester, was released yesterday from ICU and we pray that Kerry quickly recover soon. Also, our continued prayers for Rev. Rob Clopton, in his painful battle with cancer. Prayers for his family and wife Sandra, especially. Pray for one another, pray for yourselves.

Nellie and I were blessed to walk into and sit inside the ruins of a synagogue that scholars believe ws where Jesus read from this passage from the scroll on that Sabbath and then declared that that passage was fulfilled in Him. We could imagine the reactions from those worshipping in that sacred space on that day, and if they truly knew Who it was Who shared these words from His Father, they would have been blown away! It was a very spiritual moment; as are all moments and encounters with the Lord. God's Spirit spoke these words with the ancient prophet, and many years later, the Spirit leads God's Son to speak the words in a moment of truth to these unsuspecting people near Jesus' hometown. What the prophet wrote and Jesus spoke were what we call The Good News. God was to send an anointed one with "the good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners." Notice each sentence; the brokenhearted will be bound up; the captives are released, as would be the prisioners. Our God is a God of actions that seem opposite to each other, but do the work of healing and making whole. When this would take place would be the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; when those mourning would be comforted, and have their ashes exchanged for garlands, and their mourning and wounds covered in the oil of gladness, all dressed with the mantle (llke a stole worn by pastors and priests) instead of "a faint spirit." And from being weak people they would be transformed into "oaks of righteousness; all a way to have God display His glory. What was once ruined, will be rebuilt like new; repair would come to the ruined; what was thrown down is now raised up and repaired, no matter how long ago the damage was done.

What follows next are words of Who God truly is; He is a lover of justice, a hater of robbery and wrongdoings; God is a giver of recompense, and one who can make and follow through, on an eternal covenant. And God is a giver of promises that He also keeps; the descendants of those who hear and see this anointed one, will be famous, as will their offsprings, and these together will declare they belong to the Lord and who have been blessed by Him. Rejoicing is the byproduct of being in God's presence and favor; and with rejoicing comes the clothing of righteousness, elegance one sees usually at weddings. And all within a coming garden that will remind us of the first garden where life began. God is at work on this even now.

Friends, what a tremendous message to hear all the while we face and endure present circumstances. Some of us are very happy, some are very distressed and worried; but God is at work in all of us. We who love God have God's favor, and we cry out to Him to make this message real and powerful in our lives. Soon celebration will come even in the midst of difficult challenges.

PRAYER: Loving Father, thank You for being with us. You better than any of us what we are feeling deep down inside where we think no one knows or cares; You know and You care. Bring back to life in us and in those we love, what is most needed. May all the promises of this passage become our passage; hear our prayers and our cries;for we pray in the name of He who spoke the truth from You via the prophet. May we listen and rejoice even now, and this we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a true messenger of God in the good news that you share today with all.

Receive my blessings of comfort and joy,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

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Hear the devotional read here: https://bit.ly/3ovFdnE

Wonderful List of To-Do's and To-Be's! 16 Be cheerful no matter what; 17 pray all the time; 18 thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 19 Don't suppress the Spirit, 20 and don't stifle those who have a word from the Master. 21 On the other hand, don't be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what's good. 22 Throw out anything tainted with evil. 23 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. 24 The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 The Message)

Well, a wonderful Tuesday be yours, dear ConCafe Family! And may this day be a day of wonderful opportunities for you, dear Friend is my prayer. As we pray, we ask prayers for John Reaves, son of Bill and Ann, of FUMC-Gonzales. He has contracted Covid-19. Pray for all who have the illness and pray for healing and comfort. Pray for one another; pray for yourselves.

I love cheerful people. You meet them in the most unexpected places, and sometimes even in churches! The old story of the little boy who raised his hand when the preacher was asking for prayer requests; "Preacher, I'd like to ask God to send us some more cheerful people around here!" Mark Twain said something about having seen more smiles on undertakers than on church members. Okay, I will stop. But it does make you wonder, right? Which attracts more? The sullen or the cheerful? Yes, there are times when being cheerful is difficult, but the Apostle is addressing what should be deep within, and that should be a strong faith with a strong positive outlook that looks beyond and above what may easily drag others down, but the believer with a cheerful heart and spirit will know what to ask, and to do, to be lifted daily into the realm that others perhaps do not fully understand; because, dear friends, we are supernatural people, called out and set apart for something better. Paul's command, "Be cheerful no matter what." Evidence of cheerfulness? A smile. A contagious smile. It goes a long way touching others in a positive way.

The second is a no-brainer; "Pray all the time." There is something to prayer. As one writer called it, a "holy habit" used by Jesus, and one we should use as well. Imagine life as a constant conversation with someone who listens to you. We all have those friends who never let us have a word in their "conversation" with us; God does. God listens. God answers. And a necessary component of our side of the conversation? "Thank God no matter what happens." It won't be easy at times, but a grateful heart blesses God as it blesses you ultimately. And Paul adds, "This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

Another component is to be in a fellowship where you know the Holy Spirit is present and active; such as a church where the pastor delivers a word from God about how to better live and treat others. Listen, reflect, review, and cut out that which is not truly from God. Avoid all things that have no place in the Christian life. And ask the only One who is holy to make us holy as well; in all areas, spirit, soul and body. God can do it, for God is dependable. Don't you love the closing line of this passage, "If He said it, He'll do it!"

PRAYER: Loving Father, move among the sick and bring healing. Move among the unhappy and broken-hearted and bring joy and hope. Move among the unmovable and make change happen for the better; and to those who doubt, bring a dose of faith so strong it will be spread to all; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Smile, yes, even behind the mask because people can tell!

Receive my blessings of joy and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Be Like John!

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Hear the devotional read here: https://bit.ly/39K3EcU

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the Messiah." 21 And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord,' " as the prophet Isaiah said. 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal."28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28 NRSV)

Happy Monday, dear ConCafe Family! And God's blessings on you, dear Friend! I pray all that you need comes your way, and all that you want, well, that you talk it over with God! We continue our prayers for all who are sick with Covid-19 asking that God's healing mercies come to them quickly and strongly. We also pray for other people with unique needs before the Lord; God knows who they are, we just ask that His will be done.

I am so thankful I didn't have to hear, "Why can't you be like your big brother?" I was the big brother. And I guess I did alright in that I never heard my parents tell my younger brothers to be like me! LOL! I say that to us to prepare to examine the life of the one called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. God knew John's heart and spirit and so he was obedient and even thankful to be the one chosen by God to announce the coming of the One that Israel had been waiting for. John knew his fifteen minutes of fame would be difficult, painful, and fatal. John, like all prophets, preached the truth even if it cost him his life. Yet, like so many, like Paul, and countless other martyrs, knew that other lives depended on their being faithful to God. So does ours. We shine a reflective light received from God to shine on Jesus and away from us. We should have humble, servant hearts knowing that all we should be doing counts to save others from eternal punishment and eternal separation from God.

John, as he preached repentance, drew huge crowds. The necessary advance work was to draw people out of their sins and into the light of God's love. People, of course, questioned him. "Who are you?" the typical question of the curious and the suspicious. John's first response, "I am not the Messiah." They pressed further, "What then? Are you Elijah?" Notice even those that did not believe in resurrection are asking, "Are you the long-dead, famous, awesome, didn't die according to our scriptures, prophet?" We could argue if Elijah would indeed be "resurrected" since he was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire; but we'll leave that for another time. Asked if he was another prophet, John replied again, no. The Jews persisted, "Who are you?" John turns to scripture and says, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.'" The next question, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John replies, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of His sandal." And our passage ends there.

Advent requires foundational work. To build on Advent, we need a strong foundation of faith. Scripture shows that John the Baptist built upon his faith as found in the scriptures of his people. All scripture pointed to the coming of He who would free Israel from true bondage, the bondage of sin. And John knew it was Jesus, Who was coming to do just that. Another key foundation block is humility. He knew he was not the Messiah, nor could he pretend to be; he was all about Jesus, as we should be, and so he says what he can to prepare them for their encounter with Him. The other key foundational block is service. John emptied himself in his work baptizing people. He put up with the questions, the criticisms and the abusive nature of others, just so he could wash symbolically away, the sins of those ready to be forgiven. You know the waters of the Jordan were never clear to begin with, and to this day, the river is muddy still; one has to imagine many a sin were taken away from people and thrown to where sin goes, but symbolically the water reflects that sin is dirty, and has no room in our lives. And, apart from the dirty aspect of being sin, it is also fatal. Being in a setting where many pass by and some actually sit to talk, I am aware that some may be carrying the very virus that has killed hundreds of thousands in this country alone. The first thing I do after each presenation and discussion is to wash my hands. And as soon as I arrive home, I hit the shower and wash myself of that which could kill me or others. I change into clean clothes and separate my clothing from others in a garbage bag to be washed away from other clothes. John did the same, and Christ Jesus continues to work that in us. Dear one, turn over to Jesus what which can eternally kill you, to His loving hands and you will be washed and be made new in Him.

PRAYER: Awesome Father, may we be willing to build upon a solid foundation of faith, humility, acceptance and washing away of our sin. Guide us to share that message with others; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen,.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Seek to serve Him who saves us.

Receive my blessings of hope and joy, Pastor Eradio Valverde

Friday Faith Feeding!

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THE WATER (a nice story)

It was one of the hottest days of the dry season. We had not seen rain in almost a month. The crops were dying. Cows had stopped giving milk. The creeks and streams were long gone back into the earth. It was a dry season that would bankrupt several farmers before it was through. Every day, my husband and his brothers would go about the arduous process of trying to get water to the fields. Lately this process had involved taking a truck to the local water rendering plant and filling it up with water. But severe rationing had cut everyone off. If we didn't see some rain soon...we would lose everything. It was on this day that I learned the true lesson of sharing and witnessed the only miracle I have seen with my own eyes. I was in the kitchen making lunch for my husband and his brothers when I saw my six-year old son, Billy, walking toward the woods. He wasn't walking with the usual carefree abandon of a youth but with a serious purpose. I could only see his back. He was obviously walking with a great effort...trying to be as still as possible. Minutes after he disappeared into the woods, he came running out again, toward the house. I went back to making sandwiches; thinking that whatever task he had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for an hour: walk carefully to the woods, run back to the house. Finally I couldn't take it any longer and I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen...as he was obviously doing important work and didn't need his Mommy checking up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill any. Two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked close as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much higher purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing site. Several large deer loomed in front of him. Billy walked right up to them. I almost screamed for him to get away. A huge buck with elaborate antlers was dangerously close. But the buck did not threaten him...he didn't even move as Billy knelt down. And I saw a tiny fawn laying on the ground, obviously suffering from dehydration and heat exhaustion, lift its head with great effort to lap up the water cupped in my beautiful boy's hand. When the water was gone, Billy jumped up to run back to the house and I hid behind a tree. I followed him back to the house; to a spigot that we had shut off the water to. Billy opened it all the way up and a small trickle began to creep out. He knelt there, letting the drip slowly fill up his makeshift "cup," as the sun beat down on his little back. And it came clear to me. The trouble he had gotten into for playing with the hose the week before. The lecture he had received about the importance of not wasting water. The reason he didn't ask me to help him. It took almost twenty minutes for the drops to fill his hands. When he stood up and began the trek back, I was there in front of him. His little eyes just filled with tears. "I'm not wasting," was all he said. As he began his walk, I joined him...with a small pot of water from the kitchen. I let him tend to the fawn. I stayed away. It was his job. I stood on the edge of the woods watching the most beautiful heart I have ever known working so hard to save another life. As the tears that rolled down my face began to hit the ground, they were suddenly joined by other drops...and more drops...and more. I looked up at the sky. It was as if God, himself, was weeping with pride. Some will probably say that this was all just a huge coincidence. That miracles don't really exist. That it was bound to rain sometime. And I can't argue with that...I'm not going to try. All I can say is that the rain that came that day saved our farm...just like that actions of one little boy saved another. I don't know if anyone will read this...but I had to send it out. To honor the memory of my beautiful Billy, who was taken from me much too soon.... But not before showing me the true face of God, in a little sunburned body. Author Unknown

The Hardest Part

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"

"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:17–21

For students of the Bible, what follows this scene is well known. The rich man of the story then sulks away from Christ, unable to do what his “Good teacher” has commanded.

We can all identify with the difficulty of doing that which Christ suggests. Whether surrendering one’s possessions, forgiving the sins committed against us, or simply loving one another, we frequently fall short of how Jesus recommends we compose ourselves. In our failings, we find it difficult to “enter the Kingdom of God”. And yet, ‘hidden’ in both the very center of the story and the subsequent statements of Christ is the Truest message of Hope for all.

Before Christ gives His response, the Bible makes it perfectly clear how the rich man is regarded by Jesus, stating, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” While we may falter in so many regards, and cannot find it in ourselves, at times, to “follow”…

We are all still loved.

But He goes further, as Christ continues His message of Hope, addressing the disciples, after they have given voice to the question within us all, when measured by such standards.

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:26-27

Christ’s answer is the essence of simplicity, as He provides the means by which all can be made possible, by which a camel may pass through the eye of a needle, and by which we, in all of our failings…can be saved.

A Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to remember that, in my fallen and broken state, You greet me first with Love; and please help me to invoke Your aid and presence in all things, for by Your hand, all is possible. Amen.

Thanks to Richard Evans and his daily devotionals; second from Riverbend Church, Austin, TX

Restoration, Revival, and Romance - The Corrected Edition!!

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Yes, we all make mistakes for different reasons; I blame mine on being tired.  As many of you know I have a new venture; won't quite call it a career yet, but since October 15th until next Monday, December 7th, I have been driving from Seguin to San Antonio; a trip of some 33 miles mostly on Interstate 10 (what fun!) which takes a good 45-55 minutes.  The wear and tear of this fun-packed highway take a toll on this old man.  LOL.  And, though I mostly sit and wait for folks to walk up; thank God some do; some come with problems, and yesterday even with pandemic induced anger.  Yes, I got hollered at for this woman having been laid off from her "airport job" due to this Covid.  I should  mention she started with her anger at wearing masks, which I believe most of us have, but endure to protect others and ourselves, but she was yelling so loudly, an assistant manager came over to see what was going on.  Her presence made the woman walk off and she eventually left the store for not wearing her mask.  The assistant manager asked if I was okay, and smiled and replied I was a retired pastor and I had seen and heard it all. Did I mention I was counting the hours until next Monday?  Big smile.  That's when the Annual Enrolllment Period for Medicare Advantage policies ends.  I would also add that on December 15th, the Open Enrollment for The Marketplace, where one can purchase low-cost insurance policies known as the Affordable Care Act, ends on that day.  My presence for this part of my venture continues by phone even though my in-store presence ends on Monday. Hiding the big smile.   

Anyway, in today's devotional I did not complete a thought I had about the devotional regarding David and Walt Disney.  The original reads:  

"Walt Disney gets credit from some who say he ruined nature by animating it, giving it voice, naming wild animals, and adding purpose to lives of otherwise mundane creatures; but given this passage and others like it, that credit really belongs to David the King and Shepherd poet who saw beyond the everyday and saw the hand of God in all things and animates it in a way that embodies all aspects of God's character and attributes in that which seeks to complete the story of God's love for you and me. "

Not all people say that Mr. Disney "ruined nature," nor am I implying that King David has also ruined nature; quite the opposite for both; I believe they both added a needed attribute to God's marvelous creature.  

Thank you, dear Reader, for your patient understanding.  I thank you again for being a reader and subscriber to ConCafe.  Please continue to pray for me that I may indeed be a vessel for God's Holy Word.

Blessings!

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Restoration, Revival, & Romance

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Hear this devotional read here: https://bit.ly/2JCQMdy

1 Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you pardoned all their sin. (Selah) 8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. 9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. 12 The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps. (Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13 NRSV)

Happy Thursday to you ConCafe Family! And may this day be filled with blessings for you, dear Friend, is my prayer for you! I pray the warmth of Jesus' love shine through the dark clouds of this winter season, and may the loving glow of our Lord bring a smile to your spirit. We have been asked by The Rev. Isabel Gomez to pray for Mr. Carlos Ponce, who is under hospice care. Carlos has been battling cancer for some time now and needs our prayers. Carlos is the son of Susie Ponce and the late Rev. Eubaldo Ponce, who was one of my district superintendents and dear friend and colleague. Pray that God's will be done and that our brother feel God's peace even now. Pray for his mom and her comfort.

The psalmist is a prophet and a poet. Add to his label, historian, theologian, evangelist, and hopeless romantic. His excitement for all these things shine in this psalm. The historian reminds the people of God's restorative act. The theologian reminds them of God's forgiveness of their sinfulness. The prophet speaks of God's powerful word that is coming. The evangelist speaks of the coming peace to those who repent of their sins, and the coming salvation to those who fear the Lord. And the presence of God's glory, says the hopeless romantic speaks of a date between Miss steadfast love and Mister faithfulness. The love of Miss Steadfast was a never-ending love. And the reciprocal love from the Mister was faithfulness; and with this contagious love in the air, it would lead to a kiss between righteousness and peace. And this kiss would lead to a blooming of faithfulness from the ground, and a shower of righteousness from the sky. The harvest would an abundance of God's goodness and the crops of the land would increase. And the presence of righteousness would serve as a guide to God's walk on the earth, who would clear out the steps before God.

Walt Disney gets credit from some who say he ruined nature by animating it, giving it voice, naming wild animals, and adding purpose to lives of otherwise mundane creatures; but given this passage and others like it, that credit really belongs to David the King and Shepherd poet who saw beyond the everyday and saw the hand of God in all things and animates it in a way that embodies all aspects of God's character and attributes in that which seeks to complete the story of God's love for you and me. The inspiration of such writing comes from the joy of the Lord in David's heart, mind, and spirit. His openness to what God can do will open us to being an integral part of God's continuing creation story.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see beyond the common. By Your Spirit lift us above the normal and mundane to the awesomeness of what is happening within our realm. May glimpses of glory be seen in us and those created by us, thanks to Your power; this we pray in Christ Jesus' powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! See and share what can be if we but open our eyes to the Lord's work around us.

Receive my blessings of love and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

The Sermons of Advent

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Hear this devotional right here: https://bit.ly/33BNNcB

1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." 6 A voice says, "Cry out!" And I said, "What shall I cry?" All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. 9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. (Isaiah 40:1-11 NRSV)

Happy Wednesday, dear ConCafe family! And a special day of joys and opportunities to serve Him, whose birth we await to celebrate, and Whose glorious return will be tremendous! Reports from The Rev. Scott Bradford is that his surgery went well and as of yesterday morning, he was recovering well. Please add The Rev John Alsbrooks and his wife Sharon to your prayers as both of them have Covid-19 and are recovering well with what they are calling mild cases. John pastors a small church with about 16 faithful and it is believed one lady adamant about her not having to wear a mask that might have infected half of that church. Prayers for healing of all who have Covid. Prayers for one another. Prayers for ourselves.

Being called by God to be one of His prophets must have been the most difficult tasks of the ancient world. The prophet had to literally speak to God and listen to God, so that he could speak for God. The modern day preacher who does not spend time talking to and listening to God will not have a true word to share with God's people. The Bible tells of reluctant prophets who have said yes and who almost fainted when told of what they should be preaching. And some prophets, like Jonah, just ran! And you saw where it got them! But Isaiah here is hearing the words Israel needed to hear. Comfort and forgiveness are necessary and great words to hear especially after their wicked ways were exposed and God forgave them. Then the prophetic word that made some say, "Huh?" And words that sat dormant in understanding and meaning until centuries later. "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." I would imagine that the prophet being in the Spirit knew immediately the import of each message and prayed more to have the strength to preach and record this important word from God to God's people. The lack of a "highway for our God" was because of their actions. Spiritually, they were in the wilderness longer than they should have been. The paths and deviations off any main road had been caused by careless thoughts and reckless decisions of the people; in contrast a highway for God implies that many can fit on it if they so decided to follow God once again. The valleys were those of depression and hopelessness, again self-caused; the mountains and hills were self-built obstacles to reaching God's glory; these needed to be leveled only by He who could do so, God Himself. The uneven ground, shaky at best when level would be a firmer foundation, and the rough places could become a plain, easier to access; and then, the prophet smiles as he writes, "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together."

The passage ends with God telling the prophet to proclaim this truth; God is coming in a way we have never seen before, and He comes not empty-handed, but with a reward and recompense. Those who see this will become as sheep, totally and completely dependent on God; and God will gather all in His arms and carry all in His bosom, and lead them as the people knew only God could. This is a message of Advent; from despair and hopelessness will come hope; from misery and suffering will come glory!

PRAYER: Yes, come Holy Father, in Thy time to rescue us; nudge, push or prod us towards the direction we should go; and as we go remind us to pick up those who are still lost and hurting. Make it so in our hearts, our homes, our communites, our states, and our nation and let us be a light to all the world; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Do your part of making straight and even the paths that lead to God in your own life first, then lead on as one guided by God!

Receive my blessings of love and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

The Lord is Not Slow

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Hear the devotional read here: https://bit.ly/33wsY2i

8 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. 11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? 13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. 14 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. (2 Peter 3:8-15a NRSV)

Happy Tuesday dear ConCafe Family! And a super blessing of God's health upon you dear Friend! I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Pal Lester who is now eating and regaining his sense of taste after spending some time in isolation. His wife Bethel was able to rejoin him yesterday after some days with family. Some family members now also have Covid-19; please pray for the Lester and Morgan families that God's healing and deliverance from Covid-19 leave them. Prayers for The Rev. Pamela Dykehouse, pastor of FUMC- Corpus Christi, who is also slowly recovering from this dreaded virus. She's on the mend, but she has had it a bit harder than the others. Friends, we're seeing the numbers rise as this third wave of the virus continues to plague not only our nation, but our world. Please be kind in helping not spread the disease. Please wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep a safe, social distance from others. Use antibacterial hand soaps often, and pray for one another. I ask also prayers of healing during recovery for my colleague and brother, The Rev. Scott Bradford who underwent surgery yesterday in San Angelo.

Time is precious. I had a precious time on Sunday as what was a sad goodbye to Nellie as she is on grandma duty in Houston, and I dropped her off in Columbus and our daughter Caitlin picked her up. We also were carrying our grandson Liam who was dropped off in Seguin from his Thanksgiving holiday with his father and family; and from Columbus he was to ride with Mom to their home. I suspected Liam wanted more time with his aunt Carli and heard a whisper of something to that effect. At the appointed time we met Caitlin and baby Eli at the Whataburger in Columbus, and we said our goodbyes. Liam's request to return home with me was denied. So, I started west on I-10 and as soon as I was on the freeway, my phone rang and Nellie informed me that Liam wanted to go home with me. I said, "Perfect timing; I'm nearing Hwy 71, which is the first exit and I will exit there and make my way back." Time was not important as spending time with any of my grandchildren is precious. Soon, he and I were on our way home. Liam then asked a question I never expected, "Grandpa, what have been some of your greatest accomplishments?" So, I shared with Liam about my faith story, my call story, and how among the greatest accomplishments were meeting and marrying his grandmother; having four wonderful daughters, and now six precious grandchildren. Time flew as he and I made our way home. So engrossed was grandpa in this dialogue that I did not notice we did not have enough fuel to make it all the way to our home. I began to silently pray and to remember what I had read about how many miles come after the countdown clock gets to 0 miles before empty. I believed in 17. The 1 mile remaining came on as I exited on the Hwy 90 exit off the interstate. I told Liam to pray and we nervously made it all the way to the HEB gas station. I laughed as I told Liam that my plan was to call Carli and have her bring gas to us; but we did not have to, thank God.

As Peter wrote this letter, he knew of the heartache and mourning that believers had in their hearts for those believers who had been killed because of their faith. They had all been converted by the preaching of Paul and the Twelve who preached a Christ who said He would come soon. As the death count rose, the clamor rose as believers asked, "Where is He? What's the delay?" And Peter begins by addressing what the psalmist had said and what is known as fact, "with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day." There is not much comfort in trying to fully understand time when loved ones are dying in violent ways. Peter has to say, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance." There is a purpose, Peter declares, for the wait; we matter to God, and our right relationship with God matters most of all. As Jesus had foretold, "the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed." Uh oh. We don't know the day nor the hour, but God does, and God will also know what evil we have been doing and trying to hide, and this right after the dissolving of the elements. Peter says we should be living lives of holiness and godliness; this will quicken the Lord's coming. The result of this event will be the advent of the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness will live. Our task then? Strive to live a life where peace will be found in us, and absent will be sin and the marks of disobedience, which will also bring about our patience of the Lord which we will realize is salvation.

We say again, the Lord is not slow; we are the ones who seem to be in a rush for all things all the while complaining we have no time for anything. Precious is time for those who enjoy it with loved ones and loved tasks related to God. Precious are the memories we make, and the lives we touch while we are still alive. Have you ever stopped to count the smiles you left on people? Have you counted the number of times you were regarded as thoughtful and kind? How many children have you blessed with faith and hope?

PRAYER: Loving God, we know You know the day and the hour of when this all will be; but hasten our hearts to love and righteousness, yes even in the midst of this terrible pandemic. May our lives reflect the hope and faith we have in You, and may our words and actions reflect the impact You have had on us. Lord, we pray for the end of this virus along with other incurable diseases, and comfort for those facing them. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Bring about the revival we talk about so much in your life; then impact another, then another.

Receive my blessings of hope and love,

Pastor Eradio Valverde