The Majesty of The King

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1 My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; 7 you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. (Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 NIV Bible)

What I suspect is that most of us who live in this country of the United States of America, may find oursleves at a disadvantage when we enter the Kingdom where Jesus is King. We have endured the every-four-year spectacle of "Elect me and I'll set you free" election of a president. And we may disagree about how it has all gone, but that day in King Jesus' home will help us forget all that happened down here. If we do remember it will be with love to God for allowing us to have been allowed to live where we did, and may the rewards handed out that day be for those generous and outrageous acts of loving people, all people. Those of us who didn't help a single soul, well, we'll be looking for the air conditioning persons who may live in you-know-where.

The entire idea of kings and queens comes from other lands, whose people had differeing ideas about monarchies and the like, and the one idea we do have is of a spoiled nation who rejected God as king, and instead asked for the very thing God had asked them not to do; they wanted to be just like everybody else. They made the prophet Samuel very hurt, but he was not as hurt as God. And King Saul, well, he also hurt God as did most of the kings who followed him. But the glmpses, or flashes of glory we do have, are summed up here in this passage.

The psalmist is reflecting on a king’s majesty and righteousness, who may have been Solomon, and whose life's majesty and righteousness, found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist’s heart is stirred as he writes of the king, and his words are inspired by divine grace, setting the stage for a deeper connection between King Solomon and King Jesus.

King Solomon, known for his wisdom and splendor, was a figure of prosperity and justice. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and his wisdom attracted leaders from far and wide. Solomon’s throne was characterized by justice, and his kingdom was adorned with opulence and peace, reflecting the divine favor and grace upon him.

However, Solomon’s reign, while impressive, was only a shadow of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Psalm 45’s portrayal of the king’s eternal throne and righteousness points beyond Solomon to Christ, whose kingdom surpasses all earthly splendor. Jesus’ reign is everlasting, marked by perfect justice, righteousness, and the oil of joy. Unlike Solomon, whose kingdom was temporary and marred by human flaws, Christ’s kingdom is eternal and unblemished, embodying the ultimate fulfillment of divine promises.

Just as Solomon’s reign was a foretaste of the divine ideal, Jesus embodies the ultimate realization of God’s promises—His throne is eternal, His justice is perfect, and His grace abounds forever.

PRAYER: Loving God, We thank You for the wisdom and splendor that You granted King Solomon, and we praise You even more for the ultimate fulfillment of Your promises in Jesus Christ. We are in awe of Your Son’s eternal reign, characterized by perfect justice, righteousness, and boundless joy. As we meditate on Psalm 45, help us to understand the connection between Solomon’s reign and the majesty of Christ. Inspire us to live in a way that reflects Your grace and righteousness, and to seek Your kingdom above all else. This we pray in King Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, seek to embody the values of Christ’s eternal kingdom by acting with integrity, extending grace, and promoting justice in your interactions. Share the hope of Christ’s eternal reign with others, and let His wisdom guide your actions and decisions.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Experiencing the Love of Jesus!

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8 Look! Listen! There's my lover! Do you see him coming? Vaulting the mountains, leaping the hills. 9 My lover is like a gazelle, graceful; like a young stag, virile. Look at him there, on tiptoe at the gate, all ears, all eyes - ready! 10 My lover has arrived and he's speaking to me! Get up, my dear friend, fair and beautiful lover - come to me! 11 Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! 12 Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world's a choir - and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios. 13 Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. Oh, get up, dear friend, my fair and beautiful lover - come to me! (Song of Solomon 2:8-13 The Message Bible)

What wonders! What joy! What unbelievable blessings come through that unexplainable, but very enjoyable thing called love. How many love songs have been written since recorded history began? Which is your favorite? And why? And to narrow it down just.a wee bit, how many love songs about Jesus have been written? And the why is because of the difference God makes in the life of those who surrender to Him. Today's passage is one which has both baffled and blessed many a believer since the day it was published. Some have called it the R-rated book of the Bible. Others the love-struck songs of King Solomon. And still others who see something beyond the written words to what truly is being shared behind each verse.

In this poetic passage from Song of Solomon, we see a vivid image of love that transcends time and season. The lover, leaping and bounding across mountains, symbolizes the eager, dynamic love of Christ coming into our lives. Do you remember that day and experience? Why didn't you write a song about it? This imagery reflects not only the excitement of love but also the transformative power of Jesus, who leaps over barriers and obstacles to reach us with His grace. The title Savior means a lot of things especially to those Whom He saves.

The invitation to “arise” and “come away” resonates deeply with the call of Christ to His followers. In the New Testament, Jesus extends a similar invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This call invites us to leave behind the old ways and embrace a new season in Christ, where winter’s cold and dreariness give way to the warmth and vibrancy of His love. Truly a life in Christ leads us beyond the mundane of the world into the marvelous ways of God.

Just as the passage describes the end of winter and the blossoming of nature, our lives are transformed when we accept Christ’s invitation. He brings spiritual renewal and joy, much like the blooming flowers and singing birds. Embracing Christ’s love leads us into a new season filled with His grace, peace, and abundant life. Dear one, if you desire that for yourself, invite Christ Jesus into your heart and make Him yours!

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, We are grateful for Your relentless and passionate love, which leaps over every barrier to reach us. Thank You for inviting us into a new season of life with You, leaving behind the coldness of winter and stepping into the warmth of Your presence. Help us to fully embrace Your invitation, finding renewal and joy in Your love. Guide us through each day, transforming us with Your grace and leading us closer to Your heart. And Lord, as we pray, hear the prayer of this dear reader as she/he invites You into their lives to make them new; for all this we pray in faith and in the powerful name of Jesus our Lord, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider areas where you might be holding onto past burdens or limitations. Open your heart to the renewal and transformation that Jesus offers. Engage with His Word, seek His presence in prayer, and allow His love to refresh and renew you. Embrace the new beginning He is offering, and share the hope and joy of His love with those around you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

You Are a Gift!

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17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. 19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness. 21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; 24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. 25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. 26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:17-27 NRSV)

Have you ever received a gift that you were thankful and happy to receive yet never used it? A book a well-meaning friend wanted you to read and now it sits caked with dust. A watch that never quite fit you well and you never really thought it was "you," so you never wore it and the battery died years ago and the trouble it would take to get to it replaced was not quite worth the effort? Here's one: God made you a gift, and you've not given yourself away? James believes, and rightfully so, that you and are were made as gifts. The gift part is what our purpose and meaning enables us to do for Him and for His people. We have either not yet discovered what that gift is, or we have been shy or lazy in trying to fully discover what we can truly do and truly be. James adds that God is unchanging, and in giving us birth, "By the word of truth," we can become among "the first fruite of His creatures." To be a creature of God truly is the starting point of being a gift. James says that by our first being eager to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, we have shared a lot to others. A person who does not anger easily, is rare. A person who is ready to listen, especially with someone who is having problems or worries, is a blessing. And one who holds his/her tongue when others would automatically share much, is also a blessing.

James says we must work on ridding ourselves of sordidness and wickedness, and replace it with the word of God which can, and does, save our lives, and we begin by living (doing) the word, and not be those who sit Sunday after Sunday in hearing all about what could be done and never stand and do any of it. James' description is perfect: It's like looking in a mirror and as soon as we turn away we forget what we were wearing and what we are like. But if we look into the word of God and begin to live it, we will be blessed as well as blessing others. We are called to move away from being just religious and become truly believers in a fruitful and faithful relationship with God; that is true religion. James' description is perfect: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This reminds me of an end of the year atricle some years back when a noted writer and speaker and preacher was asked what would be the greatest act in religion in the coming New Year? Would it be the unification of large denominations, or would major strides be made in theology with the publication of a stellar book that would help many better understand God? No, replied the writer, it just may be that one Sunday morning, in a small church, a little girl may realize right then and there, that God loved her enough to send Jesus, and that moment would mark the start of a lifelong relationship with God for that little girl."

Could it be you that invited that little girl to church and thus your gift back to God? Could it be that you handed that little girl the bulletin, made her smile and helped her find a seat or worship or showed her which Sunday school class could be hers?

True religion, according to James, involves caring for the vulnerable—orphans and widows—and remaining unstained by the world. It’s not about outward appearances or empty rituals but about genuine compassion and integrity.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible gifts You pour into our lives, including the gift of Your Word which guides and transforms us. We acknowledge that Your ways are higher than our ways, and we seek to reflect Your righteousness in all we do. Help us to be not just hearers of Your Word but doers as well. Teach us to listen with empathy, speak with grace, and act with integrity. Guide us to serve those in need and to keep ourselves pure from the distractions of this world. Help us become the gift You meant for us; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Start with practicing listening. To God, to the vulnerable. Then serve with commitment and compassion, and seek to maintain purity within from God. Make a difference in being a great gift to all!

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Inside Out, Inside!

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1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus 2 and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles. 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” 14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 NIV Bible)

The Disney Movie, Inside Out, is about emotions. It was highly successful, grossing $857 million worldwide, not to mention the merchandise it produced; so there had to be a sequel called Inside Out 2. Our little grandson was a fan and when Nellie or I would ask him if he wanted to see Inside Out, he would reply, "I want to see it inside!" We laughed because we knew that since moving to New Braunfels, his family has fallen in love with drive-in movies, so apparently, Eli prefers inside movies.

The Jews have always been a clean people in terms of their laws and practices. Ritual washings and cleaning are a part of their identity. Their dietary practices were also centered on eating meals from animals deemed clean by scriptural law. And to sit at a meal, one had to be clean and not unclean. Water was present at the entrance of each home with which to wash both hands and feet before eating. As this passage opens, the religious leaders notice that some of Jesus' disciples were enjoying meal with defiled hands and thus the opening crisis; One cannot go to HEB, or Safeway, or Brookshire Brothers withouf first washing ones hands before eating! So the question is asked, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?"

The stage is set for Jesus to address a crucial aspect of spiritual health and authenticity. The Pharisees and teachers of the law were focused on outward rituals and traditions, believing that these external practices determined a person’s purity. They criticized Jesus and His disciples for not adhering to their ceremonial washing traditions.

However, Jesus redirects our attention to a deeper truth: true defilement comes not from external practices but from within the heart. It’s easy to get caught up in external displays of faith or religious activities, thinking that they make us righteous. Yet, Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts, where the true condition of our spirituality resides. Some in these parts might say that Jesus went from preaching to meddling.

The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of our thoughts, emotions, and will. It’s from the heart that both our virtues and vices spring. Jesus lists several destructive behaviors that originate from within: sexual immorality, theft, murder, and more. These are not simply actions but reflections of a deeper, inner corruption that needs transformation.

This teaching invites us to focus on the transformation of our inner selves. Instead of just performing rituals or following traditions, Jesus calls us to cultivate purity of heart. It is through this inner change that our actions and outward behaviors will align with the heart of God’s commandments.

PRAYER: Loving God,

Thank You for Your Word that cuts through our superficial understanding and calls us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with You. Lord, we confess that at times we have been like the Pharisees, focusing more on outward appearances than on the condition of our hearts. Purify our hearts and renew our spirits. Teach us to live from the inside out, reflecting Your love and righteousness in every aspect of our lives. May our actions, words, and deeds align with the true transformation You bring. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take some time today to reflect on your own heart’s condition. Are there areas of your life where negative thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors are taking root? Ask God to reveal these areas to you and seek His guidance for transformation. Identify one negative behavior or attitude from the list Jesus mentioned (e.g., envy, deceit) that you struggle with. Make a plan for how you can address this issue. This could involve prayer, seeking accountability, or making practical changes in your daily life.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Divine Encounter

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1 Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from Zion, the City of David. 6 The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. 10 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said: “LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today. 25 “Now LORD, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me faithfully as you have done.’ 26 And now, God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true. 27 “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. 41 “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— 42 for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, 43 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name. (1 Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43 The Message Bible)

I was blessed to have been raised in a church where there was nothing off-limits about the church. I heard about churches where someone would immediately stop little ones from crossing some invisbile line that would have allowed a child, Lord forbid!, to enter the area immediately behind the altar rail. And Heaven forbid that the dirty hands of a little boy or girl should touch the sides of the pulpit or lectern. There were times children were welcome, like a song from a kid's choir, or a baptism. I believe part of my call into ministry was the idea that God was accessible through Jesus and through the Holy Spirit's guidance. I felt and knew of the sacredness of the altar rail;it was there I could kneel and connect with God. It was there that I asked Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Later it would be where I was confirmed and married; and all four of our children were baptized.

Let's travel to the ceremony we read about in this passage. King Solomon is the new king and as king his connection to the faith is central and key. He was not a priest nor prophet, but as king he is in a special relationship with God. God appeared to him in a dream and established him as king and a wise one at that, and his political influence allowed him to call the chiefs of tribes and chiefs of Israeli families, and to bring in the ark of the covenant.

In this passage from 1 Kings, we witness a profound moment of divine encounter. Solomon’s prayer and the subsequent glory filling the temple highlight the significance of God’s presence. As the priests are overwhelmed by the cloud of God's glory, we are reminded that God’s presence is not confined by human structures or ceremonies. God is not limited off-limits by altar rails or laity consumed with trying to keep people away. God is where God wants to be. More importantly, God is where He needs to be. His glory and power transcends and envelops our lives, touching every corner with divine significance.

Solomon’s prayer is not just a personal declaration; it’s a petition for all people, even those who are foreigners, to experience God’s greatness. His prayer reflects a deep understanding of God’s universal scope—God’s love and mercy are not limited to one nation but are available to all who seek Him. This inclusivity of God's grace is a testament to His boundless love.

The imagery of the temple filled with God’s glory serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives. Just as the physical temple was filled with the divine presence, our hearts are meant to be places where God's presence dwells. This presence should transform us, guiding our actions, thoughts, and interactions with others. God still desires us to connect with Him at every opportunity we have. What's holding you back?

PRAYER: Awesome God, we come before You with hearts open and eager to experience Your presence. Just as You filled the temple with Your glory, we invite You to fill our lives with Your Spirit. Teach us to be attentive to Your presence and responsive to Your guidance. Help us to live in a way that reflects Your boundless love and grace, reaching out to others with the same inclusivity You show to us. Lord, we pray for those who seek You from afar, that they might find in You a refuge and a source of strength. May our lives be a testimony to Your goodness, so that all who encounter us might see Your light and be drawn to Your name.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Pray for those who are searching for meaning and invite them to experience the love of God through your actions. Let your life be a temple where God’s glory shines brightly, drawing others to Him. Reflect on how you can be a vessel for God's presence in your daily life. Seek opportunities to extend kindness and grace to others, especially those who are different from you.

I love you and I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Dress To Kick the Devil's Backside!

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10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20 NRSV)

Great moments in oversized suits and undersized warriors: You will remember the shepherd king, David, as a boy offered to go up against Goliath, and the incumbent king, Saul, insisted the boy wear proper armor. David thanks God there were no phones equipped with cameras back then! Imagine the call the boy made to his best friend, "Dude! King Saul is bonkers; made me wear his body armor! No, not Under Armor, this was the real thing, the kind you see in museums now bro! Totally zero!" (Okay, totally 20th century jargon, but I'm trying!). The photo of the future king in the current king's armor would have made the front page of the Jerusalem Times! Flash foward to late sixties AD and Madison high school in Houston. A chubby five foot eight, lineman wearing the Columbia blue and white suit of the Marlins. Okay, that's enough of that!

I'll let Paul tell the story. Paul knows God is super, amazingly strong; and that well, we're not. Some of us think we are but we're really not; Paul says that it's a better idea to let God make us strong. And speaking of that, Paul, in admiring or resenting, the Roman guard in his cell, says, dress like this monster: He's equpped by Nike Rome, and we got God armor, which is far better! Just like this behemoth goes up against the enemies of Rome and lives to tell the tale, so can we go up against old what's-his-name from down under; you know way, way, down, down, under. Hot as Texas all the time! Remember, he says, we're not going up against people like us, we're up against the A-team of Hades, and we're talking the head honchos, the powers that be, in other words, pro-level challenges - not for the faint-hearted! Or as Kevin said, "Don't get scared now!" Paul knew that the best defense was to be ready, and he pretty much covers it from head to toe!

Here's the vital areas where we need to be strong! The belt of truth. Yes, the belt holds up the trousers, but the belt of truth holds up our integrity and character. We become, as Jesus stressed, men and women of our word, letting our yes be yes, and our no, no. In all areas of our lives we should use the truth; knowing that sometimes truth hurts. And to protect our hearts, live right! Righteousness as a word sometimes clouds the Christian's understanding of what that really means. If you live right, your heart will be protected and blessed. Do no harm. Shun evil. Embrace love. Then Paul talks about our footwear; we should wear the shoes of the gospel of peace. Let God guide you to wear you can share peace, love, and understanding; most areas around where you are right now need it badly! And further protect yourself from the flaming arrows from the enemy with a strong faith that will shield you from all harm. Doubt can come near, but cannot overtake you! All challenges are met with the strength of the Lord and they are quickly defeated.

And cover your cabeza with the helmet of faith. Do not doubt your salvation for a minute! Christ died for you and if you have proclaimed Him as your Savior, you're in (saved!). The devil loves to whisper sweet nothings, meaning he says to you and me, "You're nothing!" We know otherwise! We know better! We are God's children, loved by God, saved by Jesus, and guided by the Holy Spirit!

Lastly, the weapon for our offense is the sword of the Spirit, namely the Bible, as Paul calls it. If you're not reading your Bible on a daily basis, you're not living! Receive the breath of God as found in that sacred book! Read up on those from other faiths who come across a Bible and have their lives transformed because they had never picked up a book that could talk, or read them. And of course, the faithful disciple says, "Pray in the Spirit at all times." Re-read that. At all times. Pray and ask. Pray and attack evil with your prayers. Pray for the holy and unholy people you know. Pray harder for them! And as Paul says, I say, too, "Pray also for me, so that when I speak, or write, or recrod, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the good news of Jesus Christ!"

PRAYER: Grateful are our hearts, O God for Your strength and power present in us and around us. Use us, keep us busy in fighting evil and in sharing love. Help us to be vigilant and equipped with the whole armor of God as we face the challenges of life. May Your truth be the foundation upon which we stand, and may Your righteousness guard our hearts. Equip us with faith to defend against doubt and the salvation that brings us hope. Guide our steps with the readiness to proclaim Your gospel of peace, and sharpen our minds with the Word of God. Lord, we lift up all believers in prayer, asking for Your strength and perseverance in their lives. Help us to remain steadfast in prayer, boldly declaring the mystery of the gospel in every opportunity. We ask for Your guidance and courage to live out our faith with unwavering conviction. This we all pray in Christ Jesus' strong and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment to assess how well you are equipped with each piece of the armor of God. Are there areas where you need to strengthen your faith or embrace God’s truth more fully?

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Spiritual Sustenance

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56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:56-59 New International Version Bible)

I had an aunt whose home always a huge pan of flour tortillas. She would arise every morning at an early hour and hand make those delicious pillows of heaven known as the tortilla de harina, which es español for flour tortilla. She would cover them with a towel and for most of the day they stayed soft if not warm. She also kept some government issue butter in another container that did not keep the butter cold and usually was quite bitter from being spoiled. I came to think, as a child, that margarine, which my parents only bought, was superior to butter, not factoring in the need for refrigeration of butter and margarine. I was holding to that belief when on our first grocery trip as husband and wife, Nellie suggested our buying Falfurrias butter, named for her birthplace, and quite a delicious butter! I resisted but beng deeply in newlywed love, agreed and was shocked that butter does taste better than margarine! But the star of this passage is the flour tortilla, or the bread of life.

Jesus in making His teaching on what He offered, speaks of His believers eating and drinking his flesh and blood, which years later got the early Christians in trouble with the Roman government which labeled His believers as cannibals. Jesus, of course, was speaking spiritually, but He does not make that obvious in this passage. Imagine being in that crowd or in that congregation as was the case in the synagogue in Capernaum. "What in the world?" may have been in your mind. "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Asked those there. Jesus has to say, "Just wait until you see me ascending to where I came from! What will you think then? You will realize that I did come from another realm with which you are not yet acquainted!"

Jesus presents a profound teaching that challenges both the understanding and commitment of His followers. He speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which symbolizes an intimate relationship with Him, a dependence on Him for spiritual sustenance. This teaching is not merely about physical nourishment but about a deep, transformative connection with Jesus Himself. Yes, there are still many who do not quite understand this. Please do not be among those!

Many found this teaching hard to accept, as it contradicted their expectations and comfort zones. They struggled to grasp the spiritual meaning behind His words. Please note that John 6:66 has what is one of the saddest and hard-hitting verses of the Bible: "From that time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him." Sigh. Yes, some walked out on Jesus. Only the brave and the few, stayed loayl. Yet, for those who are willing to look beyond the surface, Jesus reveals the essence of true life and sustenance found in Him alone.

Peter’s response encapsulates the heart of the matter: despite the difficulty of Jesus’ teaching, he recognizes that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Peter’s faith is not shaken by the hard teachings but rather strengthened by the realization that there is no other source of spiritual truth and fulfillment.

PRAYER: Awesome Father, thank You for the profound truth of Jesus’ teaching and for revealing to us the depth of Your love through Him. We confess that sometimes Your words challenge us and push us beyond our comfort zones. Help us to embrace the hard teachings with faith, trusting that Your wisdom is greater than our understanding. Strengthen our relationship with Jesus, that we may continually feed on Him as the Bread of Life and find in Him the source of eternal nourishment. Guide us in our journey of faith, and may we always seek You above all else. Grant us peace and comfort, but above all, Thy will be done! In Jesus' strong name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, reflect on how you are engaging with Jesus as the Bread of Life. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to accept His teachings or where you feel challenged? Take a moment to pray and seek His guidance in these areas. As you go through your day, make an effort to embrace His words and teachings more deeply, allowing them to transform your understanding and relationship with Him. Reach out to someone you trust to share your reflections and to pray together for strength and insight.

I love you and thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

God Is Grrrrreat (Say It Like Tony!)

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1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. 8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111 NRSV Bible)

This psalm reminded me of the joy and excitement during the first days of youth camp back in the day. Friends from all over Texas and New Mexico would reconnect, hug, giggle, laugh and talk. Others would automatically head for the camp piano and start playing "Heart and Soul," in a joyful manner. The summer Chicago ruined it was their "Color My World," which was the song of the camp. Looking back being with fellow believers it was truly a celebration of God. Every act was an act of praise; the giggles, the laughter, the hugs, and yes, even the out-of-tune camp piano playing; all lifting up high the joy of knowing God and praising Him.

David was faithful in his daily praise of God, and this psalm is one of the many he wrote, a hymn of praise and instruction. David knew the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord,and through these verses invites all to praise God with a whole heart that recognizing God's works in the community of believers. David lists the deeds of God with greatness, honor, and enduring rigtheousness. Here are those: God's handiworks are truly great works of majesty calling us to study them and admire them. God's majesty and righteousness are written on all of them, and they are timeless and reliable.

God's actions are marked by His grace and mercy. God provides for those who fear Him and remain faithful to His covenant, showing that His care is both generous and constant. God provides! God's works are also dependable and just, and His commands are to be followed with faithfulness. This speaks to the stablility and reliability as God guides.

The psalm also speaks of God's redemption and covenant; God's provision of redemption and His etneral covenant are central to His relationship with us. God's name is holy and awesome and it embodies the depth of reverence and respect that God deserves.

The psalm concludes with a profound truth: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This awe of reverence leads to true understanding and the practice of wisdom in our lives.

As we reflect on this psalm, we are invited to recognize and celebrate God’s greatness and faithfulness in our own lives. Our response should be one of gratitude, reverence, and praise for the One who guides and sustains us. Let's start now! You go to the piano and play heart and soul. You over there hug the person closest to you. And you, tell that joke that will make everyone giggle!

PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe. Thank You for Your great works and for the majesty and righteousness that define Your nature. We praise You for Your grace, mercy, and the faithful provision You offer to those who revere You. Help us to see Your works with clarity and to recognize the depth of Your covenant and redemption. As we honor Your name, fill us with wisdom and understanding, guiding us to live with faithfulness and uprightness. May our lives reflect the reverence we have for You and the praise that endures forever. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have and great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Write down at least three examples of how you have experienced His provision, grace, or guidance. Share these reflections with a friend or family member, and encourage them to recognize and praise God’s works in their own lives. Let your conversation and actions today be a testament to the wisdom and understanding that come from revering the Lord, and find opportunities to express your gratitude and praise throughout the day.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Bread of Life

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35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” 43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:35, 41-51 NIV Bible)

Dear Friend, May I ask you for prayers for my cousin, Tony Woods? He's undergoing eye surgery tomorrow and let's ask God for a complete victory in what Tony needs! May he recover well and blessed! Thank you for your prayers! Prayers for Nellie and I as we will be on the road this week, and may not be able to provide ConCafe; but we will see! I love you all! Pastor Eradio.

This is the first of seven declarations that Jesus makes about Himself in this gospel of John. One year in San Marcos, on the Sunday before Christmas, our choir presented a beautiful cantata based on these statement. Our choir director arranged a time between each statement in which I could share a short sermon thought about the preceding statement, and I was prepared for them all. Or so I thought. When the choir finished, it dawned on me at an Oh-My-God-what-have-I-done? Or better, it was what have I not done. I rose, grabbed the awesome pulpit's sides and prayed fervently and silently, "Lord, give me the words!" And He did. I simply summed up each of what we had affirmed and asked, "Given all Jesus has said about Himself and His love and commitment to us; the only thing I can think we can respond to Him is to say, 'I am Yours!'" And I said it and asked the congregation to repeat it and they did, then I said, "one more time!" and "One more time with feeling!" And the service ended on what I believe was a beautiful note.

Here's a hint for you pastors who are preaching this next Sunday: Get a bread machine or bread scented candles and set the mood for your sermon on this passage. Please provide Kleenex for any drooling this may cause. Or, you can risk throwing flour tortillas into the congregation as I heard a young pastor did at FUMC-San Marcos! He hit a couple of the ahem decision, or is it spelled derision-makers? But it allowed a young couple who were church shopping to decide on our church. Oops, did I just give myself away? I'll never tell!

This is a powerful message ripe for a powerful sermon! It is a sermon about life, make that the fullness of life, as found in Jesus Christ! We should involve all the senses in this sermon to make the point about what God was trying to tell us. And believe me, Sunday mornings, especially eleven o'clock is one of the hungriest hours in America. Many a household leave the comfort of their kitchens for church, having left a perfectly seasoned slab of meat, call it a roast, to simmer in their own juices as the preacher preaches on and on, risking running past the cut-off hour and members are more than ready to leave church without standing in line to shake the pastor's hand. Don't take it personally! They hungry! And they're hungry in the spirit; feed them! The world offers so many different fast foods of faith and none can come close to filling people like Jesus! You may have tried any number of those things and you know you still stay empty and wanting the real thing.

We search for satisfaction in various places—success, relationships, possessions—but often find ourselves coming up empty. Jesus, in this passage, offers a profound truth: He is the Bread of Life. This isn't just a metaphor; it's an invitation to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him.

Jesus declares that He is the source of life itself. Just as bread sustains our physical bodies, Jesus sustains our spiritual lives. He assures us that those who come to Him will never be hungry or thirsty. This means that in Him, we find true and lasting satisfaction. His presence fulfills the deepest needs of our souls.

Yet, the crowd struggled with this claim. They knew Him as Jesus, the son of Joseph, and couldn’t reconcile His divine nature with His earthly background. Their doubt reflects a common struggle: we often find it difficult to understand or accept the fullness of who Jesus is.

Jesus responds with a promise: He is the Bread of Life that came down from heaven. Unlike the manna that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness but couldn’t prevent physical death, Jesus offers something far greater—eternal life. Through His sacrifice, we are invited to partake in a life that transcends death itself.

As you reflect on this passage, consider where you are seeking fulfillment. Are you turning to Jesus as your Bread of Life? Or are you still searching in other places? Jesus invites you to come to Him, to believe in Him, and to experience the eternal life He offers.

PRAYER: we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who is the Bread of Life. We confess that we often look for satisfaction in things that cannot truly fulfill us. Help us to turn our hearts and minds towards Jesus, recognizing Him as the source of our spiritual nourishment and eternal life. Teach us to trust in His promise that we will never be hungry or thirsty when we come to Him. Strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. May we live each day with the assurance of His eternal provision and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: If you're still hungry spiritually and have been looking in all the wrong places, look no farther than in Jesus! Invite Him with a simple prayer to be YOUR Bread of Life and live your life accordingly. Then share Him with others!

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.