Our Hiding Place

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The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples. For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. Be gracious to me, O Lord. See what I suffer from those who hate me; you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death, so that I may recount all your praises, and, in the gates of daughter Zion, rejoice in your deliverance. The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught. The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever. Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. Put them in fear, O Lord; let the nations know that they are only human. (Psalm 9:9-20)

Where did you hide as a child? I used to hide under my house as a small child. I found the perfect spot under our raised home (it was on blocks) and I could spend hours under there and believed it to be one of the safest places on earth. Now looking back I wondered why spiders or snakes did not bother me while hiding. As a child I did not have any enemies from which to hide, thank God. And the enemies I now face are those that come into my life as temptations. My chief enemy is Satan. I have a great place to hide when these come and the place is as the psalmist said in the first verse: The Lord. I can go into a thought prayer or spend times writing knee-mails in my heart as I bow before the Lord and pray about what has been troubling or tempting me. God is our safe haven. He is not distant or indifferent to our struggles but actively provides a place of protection for those who seek Him. The imagery of God as a refuge and stronghold evokes a sense of security and strength amid life's storms.

Where do you hide? Some seek to hide in escapes; and sadly, the list is long of things or persons we can use in which we think we are hiding when in reality we are making it easier for our downfall. God calls us to hide in Him, but not to the point of total escape or isolation from others; for while hidden we are equipped with that which we need to emerge from our time with God as an equipper for others. Our response to experiencing God's refuge should be one of praise and proclamation. Just as the psalmist calls us to sing and proclaim among the nations, we are invited to share the goodness and faithfulness of God with others. When we declare His works and testify to His deliverance in our lives, we not only honor Him but also inspire faith in those around us.

We can share with those facing similar things what we have faced and how it was that God helped us overcome and see us through that difficulty. Our enemies don't stand a chance. They are already defeated, and they know it! They fight like they still have a chance, but they don't. Even in our most challenging moments, God's deliverance gives us a reason to rejoice and declare His praises. The psalmist's prayer for deliverance is not just for personal relief but for the opportunity to glorify God publicly. Our trials can become testimonies that magnify His faithfulness and grace. Choose today to live in the stronghold that is the Lord. Live like a victorious conqueror!

PRAYER: Loving God, for the trials and temptations that may come my way; let me hide in You. Equip me, strengthen me to emerge to share with those weak and in need; for Yours is the victory! In Jesus Christ's strong name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider sharing this testimony with someone who may need encouragement or assurance of God's faithfulness today. Let your life be a testimony to His love and power, pointing others towards the hope found in Him.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Giant Versus Child of Faith

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1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh, 4 And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 And he had greaves of bronze upon his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 And the shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us." 10 And the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together." 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took the provisions, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the encampment as the host was going forth to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 32 And David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." 33 And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and smote him and delivered it out of his mouth; and if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him and killed him. 36 Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!" 38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a helmet of bronze on his head, and clothed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword over his armor, and he tried in vain to go, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot go with these; for I am not used to them." And David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in his shepherd's bag or wallet; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, ruddy and comely in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." 45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down, and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and he will give you into our hand." 48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone, and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.(1 Samuel 17:1-49)

Welcome Wednesday to your life, ConCafe Family, and may you, dear Friend, be filled with joy and love to share freely with all people to bring God honor and glory is my prayer for you. May our petitions to the Lord bring healing and peace for those whom we lift up. May we pray for one another, and for each other.And walk with God and share with Him your cares and needs.

This is the story everybody, regardless of age, should know. It is an epic battle unmatched to anything out there. It is, like most battles in the Bible, a battle between what God can do, versus what the enemies of God want to do against Him. It is a tale of an underdog versus a sure-fire winner in a winner-take-all showdown. It has all the elements of intrigue, and quite a prize offered to the winner of the challenge. At the very core is the battle of good versus evil. The people of Philistines versus the people of Israel. With that, the gods of the Philistines, versus the one, true living God. It was, like almost all battles, a battle for territory and power. As I said, winner take all. The Philistines represented everything God has warned His people against; to lose to them would be a terrible loss and a national embarrassment. These battles seemed to happen every spring. If it wasn't the Philistines, it was another group; all wanting to challenge the winnings of the Israelite people. Most of the groups in the area had lost ancestral lands to the Jews, and it was an annual battle to try to regain them at any cost. This year finds the challengers bringing an unexpected oddity,a giant. The actual height of this tall man ranges from 6'9" to 10 feet. He just might have been the tallest man to ever live. And not only was he tall, he was big. He had been trained since a child to be a warrior. The entire program of the Philistine Army focused on his being the most imposing figure in any battle. Goliath was trained in how to defend himself and how to kill others with a sword. His sword was specially made for him. His helmet and body armor was also made to order for a giant of his stature. The thought of the king and the generals was that just the sight and sound of this giant would frighten any enemy army to the point of surrender. The sight of his large man sure had the Jewish Army scared. No one dared accept the challenge of the giant to go one on one with him. As predicted, the challenge was simple; find a man to defeat me, and we will become your slaves; but if I prevail, and kill him, then you will be our slaves, and serve us. And then he added other insults and mockeries, all of which served to make the man and the threat more scary.

We do not know exactly how long this daily shouting match took place, but on this particular day, the child king-to-be is sent by his father to check on his brothers, and to share with them a care package from home with them. The boy is just aware of the brothers being in battle and knew that he might just be able to watch some of the fighting, but more imporatntly share with them some good food from home and time to ask about the battle. It was as he arrives that he hears the booming voice of the giant.

Now, let us look at the underdog. If this battle were happening in a ring, the booming voice of the announcer would have said, after "Let's get ready to rumble!" something along the lines of, "In this corner, the green corner, we have the challenger, fresh from the pastures and fields of Judah, a shepherd by training, with an undefeated record against all previous foes; lions, bears, and wolves; anointed as future king of Israel; trained as a servant of faith, obedient until the end, with an unwavering faith in Yahweh, the One True God of the Universe, the Pride of Bethlehem: David bar Jesse!

Did I mention King Saul offered a major prize for anyone who won against the Giant? This is the part my grandsons love to hear! Saul said that anyone who could defeat the giant would get 1) His daughter, Michal, as his wife. Not bad! Son-in-law to the king becomes his rank! 2) A huge cash prize (The actual amount is not known, but it was a king's ransom!) 3) No income tax for life! I don't know which prize sounds better to you, but number three would have meant some extra cash for our household for many years!

The battle was not much of a battle. David is asked, by King Saul, to wear his armor. David tries to put it on, but given his age and size, chooses not to wear it. And when he does come out onto the battlefield, Goliath is offended. "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the giant adds some choice curse words, cursing David by his gods. And Goliath adds this promise, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field." David responds, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down, and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hand." Those were the last words the giant heard on this earth. Within seconds, David, who armed himself with a sling and five stones; put his hand in his bag and with one stone placed in ihs sling,slung it, struck the giant on his forehead and the stone sank into his forehead and he fell dead on his face to the ground. BAM!

The battle belonged to God. David belonged to God, and that little boy's faith in God allowed him to defeat the biggest champ Israel had ever faced. True to his word, the boy rushed and using Goliath's own sword, cut off his head while the entire army of the Philistines fled for their lives.

This was a fight fought with faith. The one, the unexpected, the little one, won. His faith was bigger than the giant and his strength came from God. His size never mattered in his own mind, nor did his ability. His confidence came from the Lord and an obstacle as big as the giant he defeated did not faze him one bit. God had seen all of this in this boy since he made his appearance in his mother's womb. As he lived his early life as an apprentice shepherd, then master shepherd, then as the anointed future king of Israel; God knew his strenghts and abilities, and knew he could trust him in any situation and any battle.

What is the biggest storm that has come into your life? Is your faith strong enough to find a cushion on which to sleep even as the wind blows and the waves crash? Have you found yourself taking it day to day in life finding that not everyone is on your side, and that some even oppose you? Can you still find righteousness in you to control your actions for the good? And does facing giants make you uneasy even today? Do you have a helmet big enough in which to hide? Or a sword sharp enough with which to challenge back the giant's taunts? Well, the truth is, the fight is not yours. The fight belongs to God. As God sends us forth to do His will, He comes with us and fights the battles for us. It is never easy, but with faith it becomes easier for us to trust and obey. We need to ever be the example of righteousness and good in the world. Paul's life was and is, a very good example of how to walk ever forward in obedience for the greater good, that of sharing the gospel with the whole world, knowing that at least half the world may oppose our efforts, yet onward we march. Our involvement with the world mirrors our God, who is a God of involvement and care even in the midst of a world that each day seems to share and care less and less. Because we know that God owns the world and one day, in His time, all will be made right.

PRAYER: Loving God, until that day, make us faithful and true. Strengthen us during our tmes of weakness. Grant us faith when we are down. And during those times we find that peace is hard to find, shine the light of hope brightly on us, and may we not fear sharing it with others. May we fear nothing and may we await the final victory over evil; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Live a life that blesses others with your faith.

Receive my blessings of hope and peace,

Pastor Eradio Valverde

Partners with God

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1As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[a] I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. (2 Corinthians 6:1-13 NIV Bible)

A common thought among many people is that pastors work only one day a week. I vividly remember having a conversation with a fellow seminarian on our first day at Perkins School of Theology who very sincerely told me he was going into ministry because of the life his pastor lived. The young man said his church paid for his pastor's country club membership, and paid him well enough for him to drive a luxury car. He listed other thingw but capped it all off with saying that "After all, how hard could working one day a week be?" Needless to say that young man dropped out of seminary soon. I don't know where he ended up; I so wanted to apply to be his pastor!

In today's passage, Paul shares what it was like for him, as a first generation Christian pastor. It's quite a scary list of things the boy had to endure, and this in the context of his writing to other first century ministers and co-laborers in Christ's vineyard as servants. He urges first, that they/we should not receive God's grace in vain, because God said in Isaiah 49:8 that God has heard us in His time of favor, and in the day of salvation, God helped us. And Paul believes that their present day was the day of favor and the day of salvation. As pastors and servants of God, Paul says their mission to present the freest, most open way/road to God, with no stumbling blocks. Theirs is a ministry of integrity so that no shame or discredit can come to their name or to the name of Jesus. Sadly, in the news and social media, countless pastors and church leaders are being accused of misdeeds and transgressions, and are stepping down from their roles and positions. Paul sums up some of his pastoral challenges as "great endurance; troubles, hardships and distresses; beatings, imprisionments and riots." He then adds, "In hard work, sleepless nights and hunger," then moves to the positive side, "in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love, truthful speech and in the power of God;" all with "the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left," in those things that bring glory and dishonor, bad report and good report," even enduring being seen as imposters when he knows they are genuine; being seen as unknowns even when they are indeed known, dying, and yet living on; beaten, but not killed; filled with sorrow, but always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing and yet possessing everything. Sigh.

Despite the challenges and persecutions they faced, Paul and his fellow workers maintained integrity and continued to rejoice in the Lord. Their lives were filled with the peace of Jesus which easily defeats the sorrows that Satan tries to throw on those who belong to Jesus. This demonstrates the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where strength is found in weakness and joy transcends circumstances. Many has asked many of us, and we have even asked ourselves if we would do it all over again; absolutely, no doubts or questions about it. Some of us would have loved to have started earlier or worked maybe even harder to reach the world for Jesus Christ. What about you and your walk with God?

PRAYER: Awesome God, We thank You for Your Word that encourages and challenges us to live as faithful servants and partners in Your kingdom. Like Paul and his companions, help us to embrace the call to ministry with courage and endurance. Grant us the strength to navigate challenges and hardships, knowing that Your grace is sufficient for us. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in purity, patience, and genuine love towards others. Help us to live with integrity and to speak truthfully, relying on Your power to transform lives. Lord, open our hearts to receive Your love more deeply and to extend that love generously to those around us. May our lives be a testimony to Your faithfulness and grace. This we lift up in faith and with gratitude in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Review the list above of what it takes to faithfully serve God and seek opportunities this week to serve and encourage someone in need, demonstrating the power of God's love in practical ways. Let us strive to live as ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming His kingdom and reflecting His character in every aspect of our lives.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

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35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:35-41 NIV Bible)

A note of special privilege as I wish my bride a very Happy Birthday on this day! She has been the best gift from God for all occasions! I love you, Nellie! May God bless you with many more!

People of a certain generation will remember the famous storm that had a song to it, "The weather started getting rough; the tiny ship was tossed. If not for the courage of the fearless crew, the Minnow would be lost!" Kids, ask your grandparents what this song and the storm is all about. And earlier today, my wife told me that this coming week there will be a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Most people do not like storms. Most Texans have lived through several hurricanes and have tales to tell about them. I remember being an intern minister in Mission when a big hurricane was due to hit the area and my being asked by the Red Cross to go into the fellowship hall to get the names and contact information for those there, including Next of Kin information for the just in case. My prayer life at that moment grew!

The disciples of Jesus were familiar with the sudden, unexpected storms in the Sea of Galilee, but they were not fans of such storms. Some years ago, Nellie and I crossed this same sea in a wooden boat. Our guide and professor spoke of the geographical components of the area that made such squalls as the one in this story so powerful and unpredictable. The storm allowed Jesus to show His power and authority over the elements of nature. It also allows for us to see the human side of Jesus too. All of Jesus' days were filled with the expected and the unexpected; all tired Him out and as the storm rages, Jesus, tired from the days leading to this moment, falls asleep. While He's sleeping the squall's power makes the water break over the boat to the point of almost sinking. The disciples awaken Jesus and yell their question at Him; "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" Jesus does not need to say another; He just calms the storm with the words, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind obeys and dies down; and the sea was calm.

This passage reminds us that even in the midst of life's storms—whether they be literal storms of nature or metaphorical storms of challenges and uncertainties—Jesus is present and in control. His authority extends over every aspect of creation, including the storms that threaten to overwhelm us.

Yet, Jesus' question to His disciples echoes through the ages: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" It prompts us to examine our own hearts in times of trial. Do we trust in Jesus' sovereignty and goodness, or do we allow fear to cloud our faith?

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the assurance that You are with us in every storm of life. We confess our tendency to be overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Help us, Lord, to trust in Your unfailing presence and power, knowing that You are in control. Just as You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, calm the storms in our hearts and lives today. Grant us peace that surpasses understanding, and strengthen our faith in Your promises. May we always turn to You in times of trouble, finding refuge and strength in Your loving care. In Your mighty name, we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on a recent challenge or storm you've faced. How did you respond? Did fear dominate your thoughts, or did you trust in God's sovereignty? Consider how you can deepen your faith and reliance on God in the face of future trials. Spend time in prayer, asking God to increase your trust in Him and to help you remember His faithfulness in past storms. Seek opportunities to share your testimony of God's peace and provision with others who may be facing their own storms, offering encouragement and hope through your experiences of God's grace.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

God Is Strong; Us? Not So Much

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1-4 God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans.

5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true!

6 That clinches it—help’s coming, an answer’s on the way, everything’s going to work out.

7-8 See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we’re making garlands for God our God. The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame— and we’ll be on our feet, standing tall.

9 Make the king a winner, God; the day we call, give us your answer. (Psalm 20 The Message Bible)

This coming Sunday being Father's Day, I have to say that most men and women usually believe their father is the strongest man who has ever lived. I was no exception. For as long as my Dad was alive, I thought there was no one stronger. Yes, years later illness and old age took their toll on his body, and I still held on to the ideal that there was no one stronger, but knew in my heart that yes, the day would come when I would also not be the strong man that I thought I was, or that my children have held me to be. This psalm tells us the truth; God is the strongest.

Psalm 20 is a powerful expression of trust in God's provision and protection. It begins with a community's prayer for someone (anyone) in need, invoking God's name and seeking His intervention. There's a beautiful imagery of God sending reinforcements and fresh supplies from His holy abode, ensuring that His people are equipped to face their challenges.

In verses 5-7, the tone shifts from petition to celebration. The psalmist declares confidence in God's response, expressing anticipation for victory and fulfillment of desires. It's a declaration of faith in God's faithfulness and His willingness to answer prayers.

However, amidst this assurance, there's a poignant reminder in verses 8-9. While some trust in chariots and horses—symbols of human strength and military might—the psalmist affirms their trust in God alone. They choose to adorn themselves not with symbols of earthly power but with offerings for God, acknowledging His supremacy and sovereignty over all.

PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the assurance found in Your Word, that You are our refuge and strength in times of trouble. We come before You with our needs and concerns, trusting in Your provision and protection. Help us to rely not on our own strength or the strength of the world, but on You alone. As we face the challenges of life, may we remember Your faithfulness and Your promises. Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in faith and obedience, knowing that You are always with us. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the areas in your life where you may be tempted to rely on your own strength or earthly resources. Take time to surrender those areas to God, placing your trust fully in Him.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Chosen and Anointed

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34 Then Samuel left for Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 35 Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” 5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 New International Version Bible)

The boy Samuel is now the prophet of God who anointed Saul as Israel's first king. Saul, if you will remember, had the attributes that humans, or a majority of them, desire in a leader; he was tall and handsome. Beyond that, hmm, there were some problems. He was insecure and had a tendency to fly into some angry rages and only music could calm him down. Saul was a dad and his desire was to have his first son, Jonathan, become the heir apparent. However, the Bible says that God discovered that Saul was no longer "after God's own heart," meaning he was disobedient to God and lacked the faith to be a good king. So, Samuel has been told by God to find a new king and takes this task kinda hard. Samuel is told to get his anointing horn ready to go and anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse.

When Samuel sees Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, he assumes he must be the one chosen by God because of his outward appearance. However, God reminds Samuel that He looks beyond outward appearances and into the heart.

This narrative teaches us valuable lessons about God's ways. Firstly, it shows that God's choices often defy human expectations. While Eliab may have seemed like the logical choice, God had a different plan. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of character over appearance. God sees into the depths of our hearts, choosing those whose hearts are aligned with His will.

David, the youngest son of Jesse, is revealed to be the one chosen by God. Despite his youth and seemingly insignificant role as a shepherd, David's heart is pure and devoted to God. When Samuel anoints him, the Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's future king.

Just as God chose and anointed David, He has chosen and anointed each of us for a specific purpose. Our task is to seek His will, cultivate a heart after God's own heart, and trust in His timing and guidance.

PRAYER: Loving Father, we thank You for the assurance that You see beyond our outward appearance and into the depths of our hearts. Help us to cultivate hearts that are pleasing to You, seeking Your will above all else. May Your Spirit empower us to fulfill the purpose for which You have chosen and anointed us. Guide us in the paths of righteousness, that we may bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can cultivate a heart after God's own heart. Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking His guidance and direction for your life. Seek opportunities to serve God and others with humility and sincerity, trusting that He will use you according to His perfect plan.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Life in Faith, Not Sight

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6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For all of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. 15 And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view;[a] even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view,[b] we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:6-17 NRSV Bible)

Nellie and I have several cherished memories of our babies. When our firstborn was able to crawl she came to the edge of the blanket we had placed on the floor of our old parsonage. She had proudly crawled to the edge, she stopped, and then turned to see if we were still watching. She had this little smile/hiss of a chuckle she used, and did that - she knew that made us laugh, and then she turned to the business at hand. Her little hand went off the blanket and onto the hard wood floor. Much like Neal Armstrong on his first steps onto the unknown surface of the moon, she probed. She must have thought, "No, I won't fall into the oblivion of nothingness; I will be able to support myself as I continue to explore on my own, the unknown nooks and crannies of this home. Then she made the trek off the blanket and onto the floor. Again, stop, look at Mom and Dad, chuckle, and then off she went. Years later, we dropped her off at college; later helped her move into her own home to start a job that would support her for the rest of her life.

We thank God that our daughter, and all of our daughters, are persons of fatih. All they have been able to do and accomplish have been because of that faith. Every step, every decision, guided and blessed by God, have led them far. In these verses, the Apostle Paul offers profound insights into the Christian life—a life lived in faith, with an eternal perspective. He reminds us that as believers, we walk not by sight but by faith. Our earthly existence, with all its trials and uncertainties, is temporary. Our true home is with the Lord, and it is by faith that we navigate our journey toward Him.

Paul emphasizes that our aim, whether present in the body or absent from it, is to please God. This earthly life is not about self-gratification or worldly pursuits but about living in alignment with God's will. The knowledge of the impending judgment seat of Christ compels us to live with accountability, knowing that our actions will be weighed against His standards of righteousness.

Furthermore, Paul speaks of the transformative power of Christ's love. It is this love that motivates us to live not for ourselves but for the One who died and rose again for us. Our identity is no longer defined by worldly standards but by our union with Christ. In Him, we are made new—old ways of thinking and living are replaced with a renewed perspective and purpose.

As we reflect on these truths, let us be reminded of the urgency of the Gospel message. Just as Paul was driven by the love of Christ to persuade others, may we also be compelled to share the good news with those around us. Let our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of God's love, drawing others into a relationship with Him.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of faith that enables us to walk confidently in Your will, even amidst life's uncertainties. Help us to live with an eternal perspective, keeping our focus on pleasing You above all else. May Your love continually compel us to live for Christ, sharing His transformative power with those around us. Empower us by Your Spirit to be ambassadors of reconciliation, leading others into newness of life in Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on your life and consider whether you are living more by sight or by faith. Ask God to strengthen your faith and help you trust Him more fully, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the message of God's love and redemption. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with them, and seek ways to demonstrate Christ's love in tangible ways.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Understanding the Kingdom of God

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26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” 30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. (Mark 4:26-34 NIV Bible)

What kingdom did you live in before you became a member of God's kingdom? It's a fair question because Jesus, as He is starting His ministry, is trying to get all people to understand there is a spiritual realm of which we can be a part if we so seek, but until then, we are limited to live our lives in the natural realm. The key in this passage is that to be a member of God's kingdom requires faith, for without faith, we miss the whole point. I'm going to pause to share some other "kingdoms" out there that require of us a different faith and if we fall for those, we may fall into a realm from which we may not easily get out. I had a church member say that this particular group came by her home and gave her a new Bible. In return they asked her to give her every single bible she had. They also asked her not to have contact with any of her family or friends until she had a chance to attend some needed training in this new realm. Thankfully, I had studied this and I said, "When you get home, please go immediately into the gospel of John, chapter one, verse one and compare it to what our Bible says. Our Bible says, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' Their Bible will say, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.' That'a s big, big difference. Your new "friends" do not hold Jesus as Lord and Savior, nor as a member of the Godhead; He is reduced to being a god, with a little 'g' instead of being God with a capital g. You're being courted by a cult. I would suggest you return them their Bible and stick to the ones we have." Case closed.

In these verses, Jesus uses simple yet profound parables to illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God. He compares it to a seed that grows mysteriously, and to a mustard seed that starts small but becomes significant. These parables reveal essential truths about the kingdom and invite us into deeper reflection and understanding.

Just as the farmer scatters seed and trusts in its growth, we are called to sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in our lives and the lives of others. We may not always see immediate results or understand how God is working, but we trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty.

The mustard seed, though tiny, becomes a tree large enough for birds to find shelter. Similarly, our seemingly small acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion can have significant impacts, providing refuge and comfort to those in need.

Jesus spoke in parables to make complex spiritual truths accessible to all. He invites us to seek understanding and wisdom, both through His teachings and through personal reflection and study. Our task is spelled out here; we must reach out to grow the Kingdom and win the world for Jesus.

PRAYER: Awesome and loving God, thank You for revealing the mysteries of Your kingdom to us through simple yet profound parables. Help us to trust in Your timing and sovereignty as we sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in our lives and communities. May our actions, though small, bear fruit that glorifies You and brings healing and transformation to the world. Grant us wisdom and understanding as we seek to grow in our knowledge of You. In Jesus' strong name, we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can sow seeds of faith, hope, and love in your daily life, trusting in God's power to bring about growth and transformation. Take practical steps to cultivate these virtues in your interactions with others and in your own spiritual journey.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Give Thanks to Our God!

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1 Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. 2 I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. 3 The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. 4 When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say "Thank you." 5 They'll sing of what you've done: "How great the glory of God!" 6 And here's why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us. 7 When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, With your other hand save me. 8 Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal - don't quit on me now. (Psalm 138 The Message Bible)

There are, thank God, some people who are always thankful. No matter how small or big the gesture towards them, they quickly and sincerely respond with a heartfelt thank you. Then there are those who never heard of the word, well, never heard it on their lips. And there's a small group who would die if they ever heard it coming from their lips. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it is true to a certain degree. Which are you?

In my life, God has opened so many doors, and even windows for me, that I can't begin to thank Him enough for all of His lovingkindess. Neither could the psalmist. He does a better job of describing it; "Everything in me says, "Thank you!" And he's even aware of all who listen in on his thanksgiving, i.e., "Angels listen as I sing my thanks." He describes his posture: Kneeling in worship as he faces the temple and says it again. I suspect the posture in his heart was equally similar. Again, what about you?

What stands out in this psalm is the intimate relationship between the psalmist and God. He testifies to the moment when he called out to God, and God answered, enlarging his life with strength. This personal experience of God's intervention fuels the psalmist's faith and confidence in God's ability to deliver.

Even in the face of trouble and opposition, the psalmist remains steadfast in his trust in God. He knows that God sees and understands everything, and he confidently appeals to God for protection and deliverance. The psalmist acknowledges his own vulnerability but finds assurance in God's unwavering love and commitment.

As we meditate on Psalm 138, let us be inspired to cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness. Let us echo the psalmist's praise, thanking God for His love and steadfastness in our lives. May we also find comfort in knowing that God is intimately acquainted with our circumstances and is always ready to come to our aid.

PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, We thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 138. Help us to cultivate hearts of gratitude and trust in you, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. Strengthen us with your presence and deliver us from every trouble we face. May your eternal love sustain us and empower us to live for your glory each day. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment to reflect on God's faithfulness in your life. Consider the times when He has answered your prayers and provided for your needs. Spend time in prayer, offering thanks to God for His love and faithfulness. Let your heart be filled with gratitude and trust as you meditate on His Word and experience His presence today.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

So You Wanna King?

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4 Fed up, all the elders of Israel got together and confronted Samuel at Ramah. 5 They presented their case: "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps. Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else." 6 When Samuel heard their demand - "Give us a king to rule us!" - he was crushed. How awful! Samuel prayed to God. 7 God answered Samuel, "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you. They've rejected me as their King. 8 From the day I brought them out of Egypt until this very day they've been behaving like this, leaving me for other gods. And now they're doing it to you. 9 So let them have their own way. But warn them of what they're in for. Tell them the way kings operate, just what they're likely to get from a king." 10 So Samuel told them, delivered God's warning to the people who were asking him to give them a king. 11 He said, "This is the way the kind of king you're talking about operates. He'll take your sons and make soldiers of them - chariotry, cavalry, infantry, 12 regimented in battalions and squadrons. He'll put some to forced labor on his farms, plowing and harvesting, and others to making either weapons of war or chariots in which he can ride in luxury. 13 He'll put your daughters to work as beauticians and waitresses and cooks. 14 He'll conscript your best fields, vineyards, and orchards and hand them over to his special friends. 15 He'll tax your harvests and vintage to support his extensive bureaucracy. 16 Your prize workers and best animals he'll take for his own use. 17 He'll lay a tax on your flocks and you'll end up no better than slaves. 18 The day will come when you will cry in desperation because of this king you so much want for yourselves. But don't expect God to answer." 19 But the people wouldn't listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We will have a king to rule us! 20 Then we'll be just like all the other nations. Our king will rule us and lead us and fight our battles." 14 Come, let's go to Gilgal and there reconsecrate the kingship." 15 They all trooped out to Gilgal. Before God, they crowned Saul king at Gilgal. And there they worshiped, sacrificing peace offerings. Saul and all Israel celebrated magnificently. (1 Samuel 8:4-20;11:14-15 The Message Bible)

Dear Friend, please join me in praying for the family of 15 yr old Ethan Hernandez, son of Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Hernandez. and grandson to a dear lifelong friend, Robert Hernandez, and wife Corey. Ethan suffered many setbacks during his young life and died after receiving a heart transplant. May God's mercy and comfort be with all of the Hernandez famliy during this difficult time. Pray for one another. Pray for those who asked prayers from you and your church, and pray for yourselves.

"Just like everybody else," cried the crowd, fulfilling what God had said would happen. God created Israel to be a priest for other nations, meaning they were to lead by example, showing the world that instead of having a monarchy, they could have a theocracy, meaning God would be their king and through God's prophets, the rule of law would come to the land. But, the Israelites, being humans like everybody else, saw that the other nations had, namely a king, and so they wanted one too. God in His Heaven shook His head at the foolishness of this request. God had been, unlike any earthly king, perfect, loving, understanding and holy. But no, we don't want that, we want a king. They used hurtful langauge against Samuel and against God. "Look, you're an old man, and your sons aren't following in your footsteps." And then the clincher, "Here's what we want you to do: Appoint a king to rule us, just like everybody else." Samuel, as you can well imagine, is crushed, and takes it personally. But God was aware of this and tells the old prophet; "Go ahead and do what they're asking. They are not rejecting you. They've rejected me as their King." And God lists all of the history in which God stepped in and saved them.

Despite Samuel's warnings about the consequences of kingship, the people remained steadfast in their desire. God warned through Samuel of the burdens that kingship would bring upon the people: conscription (aka 'the draft.') of their sons and daughters into service, confiscation of their resources, and heavy taxation. Yet, the allure of earthly power blinded them to the potential hardships ahead.

In 1 Samuel 11, we see Saul being made king at Gilgal. The people's desire for a king was fulfilled, but at what cost? Despite their celebrations, the path they had chosen would lead to struggles and hardships they could not foresee. In an earlier passage, the only thing that the people could see in Saul was that he was handsome and taller than most of the Israelites. What more could a nation want in a leader?

Friends, as we reflect on this passage, let us consider the dangers of seeking earthly power and authority. Let us remember that true sovereignty belongs to God alone, and any human authority is subject to His divine will. May we seek His guidance and trust in His provision, rather than placing our trust in earthly rulers or systems.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, We acknowledge that you alone are sovereign over all creation. Forgive us for the times when we have sought earthly power and authority, placing our trust in human leaders rather than in you. Help us to recognize your kingship in our lives and submit to your will. Grant us wisdom to discern your guidance and courage to follow wherever you lead. May our hearts be ever devoted to you, our true King, now and forevermore. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be tempted to seek earthly power or authority. Ask God to reveal any misplaced priorities or desires for control. Surrender these areas to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His provision. Let us commit to seeking His kingdom above all else, knowing that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Keep On Keepin' On!

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13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 New Revised Standard Version Bible)

Our eldest grandson and I took a walk the other day and I asked how his friends reacted to his upcoming move out of Houston to a site closer to us. I asked, "Did they say, 'Bummer man! Why is that?'" He laughed a kind laugh and he said, "They don't talk like that, grandpa." Of course they don't. They're babies and the language of the 60's is long forgotten. I wonder how many of you reading this ever even heard of the phrase used as today's devotional title. And truth be told I probably read that more than I actually said it to any living humans. But it fits what Paul was trying to convey in this passage; and we all know what a hippie the Apostle Paul was! Long hair, a beard, a multicolored toga, probably bathed in incense when water was not readily available, and burned incense at his home altar.

What Paul is sharing is hope for those in ministry, both lay and clargy alike. It was through God's mercy that we were called into ministry and because of that ministry, we should not lose heart. But our strength comes from knowing that through God's strength we walked away from "secret and shameful ways," including our not using deceptive tricks to convey God's truth or in our sharing our faith. Paul says that on the contrary, we are people of truth, plain and simple, as we commend ourselves to everybody's heart as we live in God's plain sight. Paul provides profound insights into the nature of faith and the hope that sustains us through life's trials. He speaks of the spirit of faith that moves believers to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, rooted in the assurance of Christ's resurrection and the promise of our own resurrection with him. Paul acknowledges the challenges and sufferings that believers face in this life but encourages them not to lose heart. He contrasts the temporary nature of our earthly existence, with its trials and tribulations, with the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. Our mortal bodies may decay, but our inner selves are being renewed day by day through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are but a small price to pay for the incomparable glory that awaits us in eternity. As we fix our eyes not on the visible, temporary things of this world but on the unseen, eternal realities of God's kingdom, our perspective shifts. We are reminded that our true home is not in this world but in the presence of God, where we will dwell forever in the heavenly dwelling prepared for us by our loving Father.

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for the gift of faith that sustains us through life's trials and tribulations. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, as we journey through this world. Renew our inner selves day by day through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may live with confidence and hope in the promise of eternal life with You; this we pray in Christ Jesus' holy and strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on the temporary nature of the trials you are facing in your life. How can you shift your perspective to focus on the eternal glory that awaits you in Christ? Take time to meditate on the promises of God's Word and find encouragement in the hope of your future inheritance as a child of God. Let this hope sustain you and empower you to persevere in faith, knowing that your present sufferings are preparing you for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Family of Jesus

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20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” 23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” 31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:20-35 NIV Bible)

Are you still searching the pages of the Bible for the perfect family? Find another book. The Bible is too honest! As we have read, even Jesus had an interesting family! When his mother, brothers and sisters hear that big brother Jesus had caused yet another house to be filled with onlookers and hangers-on, they said, and please note they don't focus the blame on any one member of the family; but someone said, "He is out of His mind." Not what any brother or sister wants to hear from any member of their family. Sigh. And to add insult to injury, "teachers of the law, all the way from Jerusalem, came down with their own verdict: "He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons, He is driving out demons."

Jesus calls the so-called teachers over to chat with him and Jesus begins by asking a very good question; "How can Satan drive out Satan?" And the famous quote whose closing part includes the one used by President Abraham Lincoln; "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come." Jesus goes on to talk about a strong man whose home most people cannot enter without meeting fierce opposition and the best scheme would be to tie the strong man up, then you would be free to plunder his possessions. And then Jesus says all sins can be forgiven except one, which is blasphemy agains the Holy Spirit, which Jesus says, is an eternal sin. This came about because people were saying that He had an impure spirit.

However, it's Jesus' response to his family's concern that truly captivates our attention. When informed that his mother and brothers are outside looking for him, Jesus declares that those who do the will of God are his true family. He expands the definition of family beyond blood ties, emphasizing the importance of spiritual unity and obedience to God's will.

As believers, we are part of this spiritual family of Christ. Our bond is not merely based on biological relations but on our shared commitment to follow Jesus and do the will of God. Just as Jesus prioritized spiritual kinship over earthly relationships, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God and our fellow believers above all else.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of spiritual family through Jesus Christ. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You and with our brothers and sisters in Christ above all else. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow it faithfully. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace to the world around us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! HERE'S YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on your relationships with fellow believers. Are there ways you can deepen your spiritual bonds with them? Consider reaching out to someone in your church community for encouragement or support. Let's strive to live out the love of Christ in our interactions with one another, building a stronger spiritual family united in faith and obedience to God's will.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.