A Song of Steadfast Love

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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, 19-26 The Message Bible)

A blessed and tremendous Thursday be yours dear Friend, is my prayer. I pray you are ready or almost ready for the Christmas weekend. If you're traveling, please stay alert, awake and alive! Be patient and compassionate; set the example for other drivers. If your family is coming, pray that the time spent together be a time of holy time with the table being sacred as you welcome the Lord to feast with you. Pray for one another. Pray for those who need our prayers; pray for the world to find peace and the joy of the Lord,

https://bit.ly/3RA7cmt It was many years ago, even in the days before our phones could record anything and everything in several formats, including high quality videos with premium sound, my firstborn daughter, Nellie Maria invited me to join her and a friend to sing the above song (link above) as performed by Delirious?. Nellie had lived in London and worshipped in the church where Delirious? was the worship band and she thought the three of us could make a joyful noise. Her friend was the guitarist and somehow, I got the courage to stand with these two youngsters and we sang that song. In real life, without a good voice, I really could sing, as the psalmist said, of God's love, for God's faithful is eternal. God's love echoes through generations and remains unwavering even in the face of darkness. As we examine this psalm we will find that its message is still relevant for our lives even today.

May I, and you, if you so wish, have the confidence of the psalmist when he makes this resounding declaration: "I'll sing about your steadfast love, LORD, forever. With my mouth I'll make your faithfulness known, through all generations." This is a powerful statement of faith, a commitment to sing of God's love not just in the present but as a legacy that will resonate for centuries to come.

The psalmist then reminds us of God's covenant with David, a promise of an eternal dynasty and unwavering protection. "I made a covenant with my chosen one, I swore to David my servant: I will establish your line forever, and your throne as long as the heavens endure." This covenant reminds us that God's love isn't fleeting or fickle; it's a binding promise, a rock of stability in our ever-changing world.

The passage then shifts from the image of a powerful king to a gentle shepherd: "I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him." This shift reminds us that God's love manifests in diverse ways. He is both a mighty warrior protecting us and a loving shepherd guiding us through life's pastures.

Even in the face of challenges, the psalmist proclaims, "The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him. I will strike down his foes before him, and defeat those who hate him." This speaks of God's unwavering presence in our lives. He may not shield us from all hardship, but He promises to be with us, fight for us, and ultimately bring victory.

PRAYER: Awesome God, thank you for your steadfast love that echoes through generations. We praise you for your covenant of faithfulness and your promise of protection. Fill our hearts with the joy of your presence and strengthen us to be faithful witnesses of your love in this world. May we sing your praises, not just for a season, but for generations to come, so that all may know the unwavering love of the One who is our Shepherd, our Warrior, and our King. For it's in the name of Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today with the melody of God's love ringing in your heart, sharing its beauty and strength with all you encounter.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God. I love you and thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Relaxing at Home, Build a Home

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1 Before long, the king made himself at home and God gave him peace from all his enemies. 2 Then one day King David said to Nathan the prophet, "Look at this: Here I am, comfortable in a luxurious house of cedar, and the Chest of God sits in a plain tent." 3 Nathan told the king, "Whatever is on your heart, go and do it. God is with you." 4 But that night, the word of God came to Nathan saying, 5 "Go and tell my servant David: This is God's word on the matter: You're going to build a 'house' for me to live in? 6 Why, I haven't lived in a 'house' from the time I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt till now. All that time I've moved about with nothing but a tent. 7 And in all my travels with Israel, did I ever say to any of the leaders I commanded to shepherd Israel, 'Why haven't you built me a house of cedar?' 8 "So here is what you are to tell my servant David: The God-of-the-Angel-Armies has this word for you: I took you from the pasture, tagging along after sheep, and made you prince over my people Israel. 9 I was with you everywhere you went and mowed your enemies down before you. Now I'm making you famous, to be ranked with the great names on earth. 10 And I'm going to set aside a place for my people Israel and plant them there so they'll have their own home and not be knocked around any more. Nor will evil men afflict you as they always have, 11 even during the days I set judges over my people Israel. Finally, I'm going to give you peace from all your enemies. 16 Your family and your kingdom are permanently secured. I'm keeping my eye on them! And your royal throne will always be there, rock solid." (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 The Message Bible)

A most wonderful of Wednesdays to you, dear Reader. May the peace of Christ reign in your heart, and may the grace of God rein in your faith. Please pray for one another, remember those who have asked prayers from us. Pray for the world and its needs. Pray that those who do not yet know Jesus would come to know Him.

We come to a passage where King David has found a time for rest after God gave him peace from his enemies. It is during this downtime that David reflects on his blessings, such as this new wooden home that he has and thinks that he should build a new home for God. He was concerned that the Ark of the Lord was in a tent. And David's desire is to make it be a cedar home, just like his palace.

God responds through the prophet Nathan and it is a surprising response, :"Is it for me you're building this elaborate house? I've never lived in a fancy house, not even for a day, since I brought Israel out of Egypt!" We can't but help imagining the prophet's eyes twinkling with the divine wisdom God imparted to him to correct the king's misunderstanding.

Instead of focusing on a literal house, God reminds David of his true dwelling place: the hearts of his people. He declares, "I've been with you wherever you've gone, helping you with everything you've done. And now, here's what I promise you, David, my anointed servant: I'm going to establish your dynasty forever. Your offspring will sit on the throne, generation after generation. I'll be their father, and they'll be my sons and daughters." (Think of a family tree, its branches stretching far into the future, symbolizing the enduring legacy of David's dynasty.)

Here's out takeaway for today: The priority of God: God cares more about our hearts than the elaborate houses we build for Him. God desires a genuine connection; a relationship fueled by love and obedience, not grand gestures.

God's Divine Presence: God is always with us, regardless of our circumstances. God walked with David through the wilderness and into the palace, and He walks with us through our triumphs and struggles alike.

Enduring Legacy: Lasting legacies are not built on brick and mortar, but onm the impact we have on the lives of others. David's legacy wasn't the temple he never built, but the dynasty he established and the people he faithfully served.

Eternal Covenant: The promises of God are eternal. Like the covenant He made with David, His promises of love, guidance, and provision hold true for us as well.

If we should find ourselves too relaxed with grand schemes for God, remember it's the loving and caring for one another that matter most to God. We shouldn't stop dreaming big for God, but in the meantime, we have lots of meaningful work to do right now with the ones with whom we interact day after day.

PRAYER: Loving God, forgive us for our tendency to get caught up in outward appearances and forget the importance of a genuine relationship with You. Help us to remember that You dwell within our hearts, not in the houses we build. Fill our hearts with Your love, Your presence, and Your truth. Guide us to leave a legacy of love and service, not of worldly accomplishments. Thank you for Your promises that never fail, for Your love that never fades, and for Your constant presence in our lives. It is in Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Carry the lessons of this passage into our daily living, focusing on cultivating a heart dedicated to God, and leaving a legacy of love and service in His name.

Receive my love for you and my thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

No More Mystery

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25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 NIV Bible)

A great Tuesday to you, dear << Test First Name >>! I pray the joy of the Lord is your strength today and all days. I pray the pressures of the holiday season do not hinder your commitment to the true purpose of these special days; Jesus is the reason for the season. And while the bumpersticker say, "Keep Christ in Christmas" I say we need to keep Christ in our hearts, our words, thoughts, and actions.

This passage for todays is closing out Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. It is a prayer and a blessing to those who follow Christ in the capital city of the known world, where many gods and other religions are competing with our faith. Paul's words can also serve as an affirmation of faith in the one true God. Let's look at the key affirmations that Paul has shared in these few verses.

Paul urges his followers to stand firm in their faith. His phrase "able to establish you" serves to say, as we face internal and external forces that could destablize our faith , God is able to keep us "established," or firm in our faith. Doubts, challenges, and the pull of the world may pull us in different directions. Yet, Paul knows and affirms that God is our solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. God will hold us steady even in the face of adversity to our faith.

Paul also lifts up the Gospel as our anchor. The gospel is all about the good news about God's love through Jesus Christ. It is, as Paul asserts, "the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ," a source of our faith's strength. The gospel is the anchor that holds us secure in the midst of turbulent oppositions. If we anchor ourselves to the truths of the gospel - Jesus' death for our sins, His resurrection, and His lordship - we find stablility and purpose.

In this passage, verse 25 to be exact, we read of a "mystery hidden for long ages past" that has now been revealed. This refers to the plan of salvation, the hidden truth about God's love for humanity made manifest through Jesus. As we understand this mystery, we can embrace the gift of Jesus Christ, the key to truly experiencing true and lasting establishment.

We are also called to universal obedience which Paul knows to be the ultimate purpose of the why God established work as stated in verse 26: "so that all nations might come to the obedience that comes from faith." We know that God desires all people, regardless of race or background, to experience the transformative power of faith and obedience. We, as followers of Christ, are called to participate in this mission, sharing the gospel message and inviting others to find their own establishment in God.

That's our Advent task; to share an invitation to others to come to know the Lord Jesus for the why He came. Let's get busy!

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank you for your unwavering ability to establish us in your truth. We confess our weaknesses and anxieties, but we place our trust in your unfailing love and power. Fill our hearts with the message of the gospel, and grant us the strength to anchor our lives to your promises. Help us to share the light of your love with others, leading them to the obedience that comes from faith. May your glory be forever proclaimed through every nation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today, strengthened by the knowledge that God is able to establish you. Let the gospel be your anchor, and share its stabilizing power with those around you.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

He is Coming

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26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38 NIV Bible)

There are only seven shopping days until Christmas, Friend! Not that that really matters to all people, right? It's not the main event for the believer, amen? I just watched A Charlie Brown Christmas for the umpteenth time and noticed something that perhaps I had forgotten or maybe never noticed like I did today. If you're familiar with the show, it is from 1965, and it first aired on CBS and in it, Charlie Brown is depressed about the whole holiday until he hears Linus read from the Gospel of Luke, the birth story of Jesus. His entire attitude changed upon hearing the words of the gospel about the why behind Christmas. It really touched me and more so because several of us are reading through the entire gospel of Luke, a chapter a day, until Christmas Eve, which will be the 24th (of course) of December and the 24th chapter of Luke.

It's awesome how words we hear or read over and over again, one day, for whatever reason hit and we are not the same. We finally hear what we had been longing to hear and God reveals to us that which we needed to hear. For our little ones, our children and grandchildren, when they hear the gospel and it becomes theirs, the old, old story becomes new again. Today's reading is just one example of that. Our story is a story of a visit. It happened in the quiet town of Nazareth to a young woman whose life was probably one of quiet routine and into that quiet life came news of a LOUD event about to unfold. The woman, Mary, heard the news of the story which has echoed through millennia, a story of unexpected grace unfolding in the least-expected places.

What Mary heard is called the annunciation. The news were this; she, a virgin, will bear the Son of God. Fear overcomes her as does shock, yet, the angel's reassuring words pierce through: "Do not be afriad, Mary, you have found favor with God."

These words hold immense power, for they remind us that God's grace often finds us in unexpected places, amidst our fears and doubts. God doesn't wait for us to have our lives in perfect order before He chooses us for something incredible. He looks at our hearts, sees our potential, and whispers, "Do not be afraid."

From that moment on, Mary's life would never be the same. What the angel shared with her brought societal scrutiny and whispers. Her youth director might have had a talk with her about her conduct, and in some churches she might have been shown the door. Yet, Mary's response is breathtaking: "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." In that moment, she surrenders completely to God's plan. She embraces the coming enormity of the task, and even the uncertainty it would bring.

What can we learn from Mary at this point? She has shown us that our complete surrender is necessary. When God calls us, He doesn't always provide a road map. God asks for our trust, and our willingness to step into the unknown, even when it seems scary and goes against our plans for our lives. But, just like Mary, we can choose to respond with "Yes, Lord," letting go of our anxieties and stepping into the adventure of faith. And what a journey that has been for me, and maybe for you, too!

The annunciation also reminds us of God's extraordinary power. Nothing is impossible for God. He can take a seemingly ordinary circumstance – a young woman in a small town – and weave it into the fabric of history, turning the impossible into "blessed is the mother of the Lord."

As we reflect on this passage, let us carry these lessons in our hearts: We can and should embrace God's unexpected grace: God finds us when we least expect it, whispering hope and possibility even in the midst of our ordinary lives. We also should surrender to His plan: Let go of control and say "Yes" to His call, even when it seems daunting. And, we should believe in the impossible: Nothing is beyond God's reach. He can turn our lives into extraordinary testimonies of His power.

PRAYER: Lord, open our hearts to the whispers of Your grace. Help us to recognize Your calling, even when it takes us to unexpected places. Grant us the courage to surrender to Your plan, the faith to believe in the impossible, and the strength to say "Yes" to whatever You ask of us. May our lives, like Mary's, become vessels of Your extraordinary love and a testament to the power of Your unexpected grace. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today; carry the spirit of Mary's surrender and embrace the possibility of God's unexpecting grace unfolding in your own life!

Receive my love for you, and my gratitude to God for your life!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Coming Harvest of Justice

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1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for 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 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.” 10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 NIV Bible)

A blessed and wonderful Wednesday to you, Friend. May the joy of the season bring you peace and hope. May this time together allow us to pray for one another, for those who have asked prayers from us, and for the needs of the world.

The photo above was taken by yours truly in March, 2018 at the synagogue known as Jesus' synagogue where He on a Sabbath he took the scroll from the attendant, and read the above passages from verse 1 to 8. He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, sat at the Seat of Moses and declared the fulfillment of that had just taken place. Of course, that did not sit well with those in attendance, but in reality it had. The Messiah had read the passage talking about Him and His purpose. Boom!

We must take note of what Jesus read from Isaiah; number one that the Holy Spirit of God was upon Him. For many, that was enough to get the religious leaders upset; but the Spirit of the Lord upon the Anointed was for several reasons, all of which we must take note about. The Messias was to come and proclaim good news to the poor. The long overlooked, often ignored people of limited means, who today would be on street corners holding signs, God would share with them good news. And what were those good news? God loves them, and will even die for them. The prophet also said that the Messiah would bind up the brokenhearted. Those who were mourning, those were were grieving, those whose hearts truly ached with pain, would feel the bandages of God's love around that heart with the warmth and strength of God's presence and power. The Messiah would also proclaim freedom for the captives. Those who lived behind prison doors of their own-making; bad decisions, wrong actions, harmful words; all slammed shut with the force of never opening again; yet here is God's chosen one to say, "You're free to go! You're free to live your life once again!" Those living in darkness, blinded by the clouds of sin and mistakes, now see the Light of God breaking that darkness and see that on the other side of those once closed doors. The Anointed would also shout that this was the year of God's favor, and the day of God taking action against all who wronged us, and with Him would come comfort and peace for all who were mourning and grieving; on their heads would come the crowns of beauty not ashes; the anointing of oil of joy instead of more ashes of grief, and their sackcloths would be replaced by robes of worship and praise; off with the garments of despair. They would no longer would be seen as weeds of weakness, but now seen as mighty oaks of righteousness; God had planted them as a display for the world to see the splendor of God.

The places ruined by the wear and tear of years and by the ruthless actions of abuse and neglect, will be rebuilt by those who love God. The coming events are all part of a harvest of righteousness, a reward for faith and faithfulness towards the Lord. God loves those who love and live justice. God dislikes those who oppress others through robbery and wrongdoing; the reward from God will be for those who do right; and not only to them, but to their descendants as well. They will be known by many because of their faithfulness, and they will be known as the people of God. You and me can be the harvest of justice!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of restoration and renewal. Help us to embrace the calling to proclaim Your good news, to bind up the brokenhearted, and to be instruments of Your healing and comfort in this world. Grant us the strength and wisdom to bring hope to the hurting and to be agents of transformation in our communities. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Live a life of justice now; bless the unblessed!

Receive my love and gratitude for God for having given me, you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

If He Said It, He WILL Do It!

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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 Bible)

A wonderful Tuesday to you, dear Friend. I pray this brings an unexpected blessing to your life and walk with Jesus. I also pray this might bring words of encouragement and hope to whatever need or challenge you may be having in your life right now. I ask prayers for my pastor, The Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington who is under the weather with a stomach bug. May God make him well and strong; pray for all who also have had to struggle with that pesky bug!

Yesterday we talked about God's incredible plan that He has for us and a lot of times we don't understand His plans or purposes, and today I was the recipient of that. A dear friend and colleague in ministry emailed me letting me know that he had somehow come across an old podcast that I started back in 2020 and due to several reasons I could not continue it. He said he really liked it and wanted to find it again so he he could share it with his wife. I confessed I had lost track of it and that I might not be able to track it down, but I gave it a try and did find it. I have to confess the podcast was more for me than anyone else and I called it "Your Best Day Ever," and I had forgotten most of what I said. It was a spontaneous recording on my phone only and no editing; recorded it directly to then-Anchor.fm, now it is Spotify for Podcasters. I thought the change and demise of Anchor.fm, meant I had lost it forever, but I did find it and the few episodes that I recorded were still there. Oh, and in listening to one, I spoke of Covid and that was one of the major reasons I could not continue this endeavor. I will leave a link for you to hear one or more of the episodes in hopes that something I did say might bless you as it blessed me. And the podcast was influenced as was Paul as he wrote this encouraging passage to the believers in Thessalonia. Paul knew, as do I, and all of you, that Christians don't always have perfect or even good days. We, as humans, do have trying times and we encounter situations that don't bless us in ways that we'd like. Such was the life of the believer in Paul's time. If Paul had a podcast this would be a hit! Hear it as such!

Paul begins with a truth: No matter what, stay connected to God! A friend shared with me today that his life has become a nonstop prayer to God for his wife, for his family, for the work he does and the realization that without God, he is weak. I was blessed to hear that because you and me can identify with that, too; When we connect with God we get the extra strength we need to face life. Paul says, "Be cheerful no matter what." Yes, there are people who are just like that, hard as it might seem to us at times. I thank God for some incredible people I met during my ministry that lived that sort of life, including some in the last stages of life who lived in nursing homes. I confess that as an intern minister I feared going into nursing homes for not having been in any before having to; and believing that they were just awful places that I thought certainly had that effect on those forced to live in them. I was wrong. In spite of the atmosphere, God's grace was seen on their smiles and felt in their loving, kind words to me with just the words I needed at the right time!

Paul says we should pray all the time. Yes! And amen! And in our prayers we should be thanking God regardless of what might be happening to us or to loved ones. We belong to Jesus Christ and our lives should reflect that. Paul urges us to be led and fed by the Spirit, and to open to those who share words they've heard from "the Master (Think Sunday sermons and Sunday school lessons!). Yet, Paul, given the challenges of his time, and yes they do still compare to today, there were those who did not necessarily share God's word, so he says, "Don't be gullible, and check out everything, and keep only what's good." Yes, amen. Paul also says to rid our lives of all evil or things "tainted with evil." And our hope is that God will Himself, Who made everything holy and whole, will be able to make us holy and whole, and He will hold us together and make us whole in spirit, soul, and body, and He will keep us fit for the coming of the Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. And what makes us think we can bank on these words? Paul says because the One who called us is completely dependable. And the title of today's devotional comes from the last sentence of the last verse: If He said it, He'll do it! Amen!

PRAYER: LOVING GOD, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help us embrace a spirit of joy, continuous prayer, and gratitude in our lives. May we not quench the work of Your Spirit but be open to His guidance. Strengthen us to live in accordance with Your will, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Pray without ceasing!

Receive my love and thankfulness to you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

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6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” 24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28 NIV Bible)

A blessed Monday for you, esteemed Reader. May the blessings of this week bring you peace and strength. May this time spent with God bring you healing, calm, and peace; that is my prayer for you.

When God has a plan, it is a marvelous plan. It is all according to His will, not ours. God's plan also follows God's timing, not ours. The trouble with modern society understanding the things of God is that many of us have been conditioned by many things, including our attention spans, our ability to reason out things, or to wait patiently for God's things. The Bible, especially the New Testament speaks of things from above, and things from here or "of the flesh," or "carnal" things. And Hollywood's themes and plots from popular stories make us believe that anything based on our expectations are not only possible, but demandable. We want, no, we demand a wonderful, orderly plot from Point A to Point Z in a logical, easy-to-understand manner. And the ending should be a happy one, with little to no pain involved, and all things going as per our wishes.

So, come with me as we explore God's plan in the life of a certain man named John. John was not a family name, and though he came from a priestly, almost royal family, his garb was far from Jerusalem chic; it was more Wilderness Outfitters, who specialized in making statements. And his meals, far from being catered, were not for the squeamish. "Grasshoppers anyone? No, they're not covered in chocolate, but we do have a honey glaze that will go just yummy with them. Local honey? No, this is straight from no-man's land!" His education was not from any formal institute of recognition. No Ivy League school here, maybe poison ivy school. And manners and etiquette? How about a heaping helping of boldness and frankness? Yet, he was sent from God. Need I say more?

John came as light into a world of darkness. He came fully loaded with God's truth that would defeat darkness, and his purpose was to all would come to faith. Now, John was an honest man, who never claimed anything of specialness about himself but certainly all about God. He came as the messenger for the One Israel had awaited for many years. His message began with him saying, quite freely, "I am not the Messiah, but I do know who He is!" He was asked, "Are you the Prophet?" Hmm, no. "Who are you then? We must have an answer for those who sent us. What can you say about yourself?" And John simply quoted Isaiah with a passage from him, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" Now the religious people were a bit adamant in asking about what he had been up to, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" John answered honestly, "I baptize with water, but among you stand one you do know know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." And all of this took place at Bethany near the Jordan River, where John was baptizing people. This annoyed them because the ritual of baptism was reserved for the Gentiles, the nonJews, who desired to become Jews. This passage does not share what the other gospel said about the lines of people who presented themselves for baptism, nor does it mention the anger this caused among the same religious leaders who were quizzing John. But it does share how what John was doing was meeting a need. People felt the hurt of sin, and carried the guilt of sin, and eagerly gave that sin over to God for the relief and the blessing that comes with giving up sin and its burden to God. This was light breaking the darkness.

This is the season to turn the darkness over to God. Enough! cries our soul. And it should be enough that we turn it over to God and we let God do with it whatever He needs to, so that we can be free! What are the burdens you carry? What's still bringing darkness to your life? Many worry that what is under the Christmas tree is not enough; and we forget the greatest gifts are those who are still around the tree with us! We worry that that special someone will not appreciate the gift we presented to them, when in reality the gracious receiver knows the hands that shared the gift matter more, for those hands are attached to the heart that shares abundant love to them unlike the love others. Many worry that the monthly check may not cover the expenses of the gifts; troubling that we want the price tag to be high thinking that makes the impression better. I thank God I married a woman who one year received a candy cane as her gift and that was one of the most treasured and memorable gifts of her life. I looked more forward to the bags of candy, nuts, and fruit that my church in Kingsville gave to all who came to the Christmas service and program. Lord, lift our eyes and minds away from worry to worship! God is in charge and God is the Chief Gift Giver and His gift of Jesus matters more than anything that any department store or car dealership or mail order house can provide!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of John the Baptist, who humbly pointed others to Christ. Help us to embrace our roles in Your Kingdom with humility and dedication. May our lives reflect the light of Christ, and may we faithfully bear witness to His truth and love. Guide our steps as we seek to glorify You in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be light to others.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you! Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Good New's a Coming!

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1 God, you smiled on your good earth! You brought good times back to Jacob! 2 You lifted the cloud of guilt from your people, you put their sins far out of sight. 8 I can't wait to hear what he'll say. God's about to pronounce his people well, The holy people he loves so much, so they'll never again live like fools. 9 See how close his salvation is to those who fear him? Our country is home base for Glory! 10 Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! 11 Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies! 12 Oh yes! God gives Goodness and Beauty; our land responds with Bounty and Blessing. 13 Right Living strides out before him, and clears a path for his passage. (Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 The Message Bible)

Happy and blessed Thursday, dear Friend! I pray this blesses you as we spend time in prayer and devotion to God. Pray for the world to slow down enough to realize the beauty and power of Christmas; and may it begin with me! And you!

I saw an incredible social media post. A mother and father boarded a plane with their son. The son had just completed a medical visit to this city and the captain and flight crew were in on an awesome surprise for the boy. The captain took to the microphone to welcome everyone on board, and to recognize the presence of this family. He then gave a signal to those sitting behind the family. As he explained the suffering of this boy through many treatments he invited the boy to stand and greet the passengers of that flight. The designated passengers seated behind him held up signs that said You. Are. Now. Cancer. Free! The parents and the teen burst into happy tears. Good news had come to this young man!

The psalmist is holding a sign, too. His sign says, You. Are. Now. Sin. Free! God had shared with him this prophetic message. The frowns could now be erased from sin-guilt evidence of the soul. The smile of God was now upon His people of Israel. The bad times were over. The cloud of guilt lifted from among the people. And their sin? It was gone! The spiritual prognosis? They're well! The days of living like fools is over. Salvation was now coming near, as Israel was going to be the "home base for Glory!" And this, as summarized in modern, poetic terms, "Love and Truth meet in the street, Right Living and Whole Living embrace and kiss! Truth sprouts green from the ground, Right Living pours down from the skies!" And the end products include, "Goodness and Beauty;" and "Bounty and Blessing."

What an awesome word from such an awesome psalm. In our journey of faith, let us hold onto the promise of God's salvation. Let us seek His presence and embrace His love, living in righteousness and truth. May we, like the psalmist, look forward with hope, knowing that God's faithfulness will ultimately bring about restoration and renewal in our lives. This is Good News for Advent! Embrace it and live it!

PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank You for Your love and mercy that continually surround us. Help us to embrace Your truth and righteousness, to live justly, and to love wholeheartedly. May we find comfort and hope in Your promise of restoration and salvation. Guide us in our journey of faith, and may Your presence be our constant assurance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Live a life of assurance in God's plan for you!

Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Comfort and Consolation

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1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will 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 like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:1-11 NIV Bible)

Welcome to Wednesday, dear Friend! May this middle of the week devotional bless you as you prepare for the rest of the work week, and for your Sabbath rest and worship.

Do you like comfort food? Did you know that the term comfort food is from as recent as the 1960s when a newspaper article that made the connection between food and emotional well-being. However, its essence stretches further into history, tracing back to ancient times when certain foods were associated with healing and soothing properties. Throughout centuries, traditional dishes prepared by family members, often with simple, familiar ingredients, became synonymous with comfort. The definition of comfort food is personal and culturally diverse. Common comfort foods include dishes like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, chicken soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate, ice cream, and various baked goods. These foods often carry sentimental value, reminiscent of childhood memories or moments spent with loved ones. The warmth and familiarity of these dishes evoke a sense of security and emotional well-being. Rooted in nostalgia and emotion, it brings solace during moments of distress, homesickness, or weariness. Understanding the concept of comfort food involves delving into its historical origins, its psychological effects, and the array of dishes that evoke feelings of comfort.

We've learned from babies that their uneasiness with whatever triggered their cries are soothed by food. And, if we're not careful that carries over to being children, adolescents, and adults who seek comfort in food or other remedies, leading to harmful effects on our bodies. Life, on its own, bring stress enough, but imagine the stresses of historical events that led to your people being captured and placed under the dominion of foreigners, as was the case with the people of God? Imagine the stress of years-long sin because of your departure from God's grace, and God's presence? The need is great for comfort, and so here comes the prophet Isaiah with this powerful Advent passage. It is one of great comfort and consolation. And the prophet is only speaking from God's mouth. The message is clear: The time of your suffering is over; time served is all the time you need to serve, and another voice is to come, with a message of another who is to come, Who will make all things right; Who will make straight the path from humans to God, Who brings the Good News. And on top of all that, He will be the shepherd who lovingly and tenderly cares for His flock, now and forever. The Lord's compassion knows no end. His guidance is also eternal; He leads compassion and care. He also doesn't just lead, He carries and comforts those who are in need. And His coming will not be one of overwhelming power, but of gentle guidance and loving care.

PRAYER: Gracious Father, we find comfort in Your unchanging promises and enduring Word. As we navigate life’s transient nature, help us lean on Your unfailing love. Prepare our hearts to welcome Your presence and to receive Your comforting embrace. May we find solace in Your gentle guidance and strength in Your tender care. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Make ready your heart for Jesus.

Receive my love for you, and my thankfulness to Him for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Spotless, Blameless, and At Peace

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8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation. (2 Peter 3:8-15 RSV Bible)

A most wonderful of Tuesdays to you, dear Reader! May it be an awesome day filled with grace and joy! As we pray could we pray for the family of Mr. Trini Garza of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Garza was a good friend of my father's and an active layperson in the Rio Grande Conference of The United Methodist Church for many years. Mr. Garza was born in Stockdale, educated at Texas A&M, and was elected a school board member in Dallas, Texas, where at the age of 93, he died in his sleep. Mr. Garza recently celebrated 40 years as an owner of many food stands at The State Fair of Texas, being the first to introduce fajitas at his kiosk forty years ago.

My friend and one of my dear mentors in ministry, The Rev. Francisco Gaytan, was the first man I knew to own a digital watch. That may sound like it comes from the Middle Ages, and I guess 1977 qualifies for many, as a sort of antiquity; but Pancho's family surprised him on his birthday with a digital watch. The watch was metal and hat a tiny screen towards the bottom of the face and a button on the watch would light up and the time would be displayed in red digits. No longer was it necessary for one to see where the big hand and the little hand were to make it possible to know the correct time. It wasn't too long ago I took time (pun not intended, but it works!) to teach my grandson how to tell time wth a big hand and a little hand. Not only are our little ones not able to use analog clocks, they no longer know how to write cursive and worse, not knowing how to read cursive! But, regardless of hands or digits, time is the same for all people, but not so with God. Peter reminds us of that when he says that "WIth the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." And more over, he says that God is not slow in keeping His promises; this more so as loved ones of those murdered in the purge of Christians in those days wondered when the Lord was coming back? The sooner His return, the quicker the reunion between loved ones here with those in glory. Peter uses this opportunity to remind us of God's patience with us.

Peter’s words invite us into a deeper understanding of God’s sense of time. He explains that God's perception of time is beyond our human comprehension; a single day for God could span a thousand years for us, and vice versa. This perspective assures us that God's timing is not bound by our limitations. After all, God is infinite.

Peter reassures believers then, and us here and now, that God's apparent delay in fulfilling His promises is not due to negligence or forgetfulness. Rather, it's an extension of His mercy and patience, providing ample opportunity for repentance and salvation. God desires that all should come to know Him, and He patiently extends His invitation to every soul. Again, we have work to do. We have souls to reach for God's sake. We have many opportunities to further the work of Jesus.

I know that at times, we may feel rushed and it even seems that things that could wait are upon us almost immediately, and Peter's words call to us to be patient. God's timing is perfect and purposeful, aligning with His divine plan for salvation and renewal. As we wait for the fulfillment of His promises, let us live with urgency, diligently pursuing lives of holiness and godliness.

Our waiting is not passive; it's an active anticipation marked by zeal for righteousness. It's an invitation to examine our lives, striving to live without spot or blemish before God. It’s a call to live in peace and to recognize that God's patience is an avenue for our salvation.

PRAYER: Gracious Father, in moments of waiting and uncertainty, grant us patience and wisdom to understand Your timing. Help us live with holy anticipation, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of Your promises. May Your patience in waiting for us to turn to You inspire us to live lives devoted to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be patient with God, yourself, and others.

Receive my love for you. I love you and thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Prepare the Way

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1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — 3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8 NIV Bible)

Happy Monday, dear Friend! I trust this finds you well. May it be the start of a great week. We're in Advent, meaning a time of preparation for the coming of the Baby Jesus, and the preparation of the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus.

I want us to remember that in the Bible, only two Gospels have birth stories. As you can see, Mark is one that does not. Neither is John. The two with Nativity stories are Luke and Matthew. Two of the writers felt led to tell THEE story, and two did not. Of course, there are other reasons, but we'll focus on what we have before us. Mark is said to have been the first writer to sit down and write his gospel. It is believed his concern to bring as many Jews to the faith as he could. There is an urgency to his message and his having been a disciple, he wrote from what he saw and experienced. He was there when John the Baptist was explained to him by Jesus. And Jesus' words helped shape this passage before us.

Mark writes that the coming of the Chosen One will be according to their prophecies. I love how he includes geography into his description, this voice will be "one calling in the wilderness," and its message is one of preparation; "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him." And bam, there comes John the Baptist. He appears, where? In the wilderness, just as the prophets had said. Everyone in that area at that time knew the wilderness for what it was and what it represented: The barren, desolate landscape of need, much like the hearts and souls of humanity at that time, And here he comes, the cousin of the Lord, but more importantly, the messenger coming to herald the message: "Repent and be forgiven of your sins!" Many probably thought, "Who told?" "How did he know?" "What makes him speak right to me?" And I can relate because in one of my churches after a sermon a church member was waitng until the receiving line after church died down and she angrily asked how I knew her life and what she had been up (or down?) to? I laughed and calmed her down; the Holy Spirit was working. And so as John the Baptist makes his invitation many responded. "The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." Awesome. And it is something still needed. By me, and by you.

Here was the herald of God, with a great sense of urgency, such is God's desire for me and you to get right with Him, and we notice that this awesome messenger of God, royalty in every sense of the word, is dressed humbly, like an Old Testament prophet, inviting people to turn away from their olf ways and into the ways of God. He invites us into a new life and away from the path we were on leading us to certain death.

In our lives, there are moments of preparation, seasons where we, too, must make room for the coming of Christ. John's call for repentance should remind us of the importance of examining our hearts, confessing our shortcomings, and making straight paths for the Lord to enter our lives anew.

John's humility also speaks volumes. He recognizes his place in the grand narrative of God's plan and acknowledges the surpassing greatness of the One who is to come. His example prompts us to embrace humility, recognizing our need for a Savior who is greater than ourselves.

PRAYER: Gracious God, as we prepare our hearts for the advent of Your Son, help us to embrace repentance and humility. May we make room for Your presence in our lives, clearing the way for You to work mightily within us. Prepare us to welcome Jesus with open hearts and lives surrendered to Your will. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time to examine yourself and make room for Jesus.

Receive my love and my thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.