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17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 3:17-4:1 New Revised Standard Version)
Happy and Wonderful Wednesday to you, Friend! I thank you for your prayers and emails sending your prayers and well wishes to us during this bug. I'm doing way better but my stomach still feels a little uneasy. I'm sticking to soup and crackers and Gatorade. I was able to be with Nellie at her second post-surgery appointment, where Dr. Box confirmed that Nellie is coming along very well! Thanks be to God! The best news for her was she no longer has to wear compression socks! If you know, you know exactly what she is celebrating! I was able to visit with Mr. Bill Blundell, who was in the hospital this morning and went home today to get his therapy there at home. May we continue to pray for his wellbeing and recovery! Also, please be in prayer for our Lenten Luncheon of Soup and a Psalm today at 12 noon at our Fellowship Hall in Gonzales. We will be looking at Psalm 42! Please join us if you can!
Are you a friend or enemy of the cross of Christ? Paul honestly shares his point of view to fellow believers about how there are truly those who do not live like Jesus, but live like enemies of the cross. We give credit to Paul for his commitment to live like Jesus knowing that by example he could reach many more than just by preaching to them. Paul was also blessed by those whom he reached and won for Jesus, who gladly lived as Jesus. Paul was driven to tears by those who did not try to live like Jesus, but lived as those who could not be bothered to live like Jesus, to the point that Paul considered them as enemies of the cross. Paul knows their intentions and motives. Although they do not admit it, they are, as Paul says, "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things." If we know a better way to live, why then do we reject the better way to just follow others, who may not even know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I've had many heros in my life in many walks of life, but when it came to finding out their commitment, or lack of commitment, to God and the things of God, I quit looking up to them and seeking to live like them.
You and me, when we gave our hearts to Jesus, became citizens of heaven. We know that when we die, we will go to heaven, thanks to Jesus. No one has ever died and gone to America. I know some have tried, but The United States of America does not exist as a realm on the same level as heaven. It is from heaven that our Savior will come, and His name is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will come with the authority and power to transform us from a lowly body to a glorious body like His; and if we stand firm in and for Him, that will happen to us. Please don't get me wrong, I love being a citizen of the US, but I do know we are far from being perfect in so many ways. I do what I can to better our situation in sharing Jesus and the best option for all people. You and I know the better way to live, and it's a way based on love.
PRAYER: Loving God, bless us as we seek to share what You have offered to us; the way of Jesus Christ. Help us live and love like Him in ways that excite others to the point of wanting to live like Jesus, too. Bless the saints and sinners of our church; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show off Jesus in a positive way today to all people!
Receive my blessings of love and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
