The Majesty of God (God is In Control!)

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1 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: 2 "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. 4 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy? 34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, so that a flood of waters may cover you? 35 Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go and say to you, "Here we are'? 36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts, or given understanding to the mind? 37 Who has the wisdom to number the clouds? Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens, 38 when the dust runs into a mass and the clods cling together? 39 "Can you hunt the prey for the lion, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions, 40 when they crouch in their dens, or lie in wait in their covert? 41 Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food? (Job 38:1-7, 34-41 NRSV)

I was blessed growing up. I had the luxury of having what we called woods near our homes both in Kingsville and Houston. Both were nothing more than city blocks or partial blocks, but were overrun with trees, shrubs and weeds and provided space for growing and questioning boys to use as part of our growing up. The one block in Kingsville was my first woods, and it had a well-worn path that led to the railroad tracks, which were the continuation of a path towards downtown. In Houston, our first and second apartments were next door to each other, and behind both structures were about 1/4 of a city block that also had the same foliage that allowed us to call it our woods. It was in the woods that I had a chance to listen, think, and reflect on life. The woods allowed us how to see birds building nests, ants building their homes, and other creatures around us. And it's in the woods, that I picture Job standing, sitting, kneeling, laying and listening to hear God's answers to his questions. The same questions that I had not yet formulated, but asked, and the answers to which I saw in God's handiwork around us. Job got the straight answers; I enjoyed them before I could even read or try to read this book of Job.

The book of Job presents one of the most profound explorations of suffering, faith, and the human condition. In this passage, God responds to Job not with explanations or justifications but with a series of questions that highlight His sovereignty and the mystery of creation. The whirlwind serves as a powerful backdrop to God’s words, emphasizing the overwhelming majesty of the Creator in contrast to human frailty.

God’s questions are not mere inquiries; they challenge Job—and us—to consider the limits of our understanding. They remind us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence, where we often see only a few threads. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” is a call to humility. It prompts us to acknowledge that we are not the architects of our circumstances; rather, we are participants in a design far greater than we can fathom. I could have said, "I was not yet here, but I sure enjoyed what You did around me!"

When faced with adversity, we may find ourselves demanding answers from God, questioning His goodness and purpose. Yet, in these moments, we are invited to remember our position as created beings. God’s questions remind us that we do not possess all knowledge and that our understanding is limited. Instead of striving for answers, we are called to trust in the One who knows every detail of our lives and the universe.

Moreover, the imagery of God’s provision for the raven and the care for the lions illustrates His intimate involvement in the world. Just as He provides for these creatures, He is present with us in our trials, sustaining us even when we cannot see the way forward. In this recognition, we find comfort and strength, knowing that we are known and cared for.

PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, as we contemplate the grandeur of Your creation, we are reminded of our place in it. Forgive us for the times we have questioned Your goodness or sought answers in our limited understanding. Help us to embrace the mystery of Your ways, trusting that You are at work even when we cannot see it. May we find peace in knowing that You provide for all Your creatures and that we are held in Your loving care. Strengthen our faith as we walk through life's challenges, and may we always seek to listen more than we speak. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the areas of your life where you seek answers or clarity. Rather than demanding explanations from God, take time to listen for His voice in the silence. Reflect on His majesty and trust in His providence, recognizing that He knows what is best for you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Recapture the Power of Prayer

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1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. (1 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV)

The people called Methodists, when a sect within the Church of England, were known as people of prayer. One example was a day when future first bishop in America, Francis Asbury and a friend spotted two girls and amazed at their beauty followed them on the street and it turned out the two girls were headed to a prayer meeting. They entered the meeting and when the preacher said it was time for prayer and everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes, Francis peeked to see what prayer book he would use to the prayer. The custom was for most clergy to use the Book of Common Prayer, but his man did not reach for a prayer book, he prayed from his heart! This amazed the young Francis and wanted to know more about the faith of this preacher. Long story short, Francis Asbury became a believer and was soon ordained into the Methodist movement and then sent to the American Colonies where his leadership helped shaped The Methodist Church. Imagine praying from the heart?

The success of the Methodist movement, ultimately The Methodist Church was very much the result of a fervent prayer life of the people called Methodists. Prayer was Jesus' main focus for His own spiritual life and health. Jesus prayed, as the Bible says, "As was His custom," and it was prayer that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them. And it is prayer that the young Timothy writes about in this letter. Timothy urges believers to pray, in all forms of prayer, and he lists them: petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving, and this "for all people." Timothy includes kings and those who rule in authority, with the aim being to have "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Paul knows this pleases God, and stresses this to his young disciple, Timothy. This instruction highlights the communal aspect of our faith; we are called to bear one another’s burdens and lift each other up before God.

The call to pray for kings and those in high positions may feel challenging, especially when we disagree with their decisions or policies. Yet, Paul reminds us that prayer is a means of seeking peace and promoting godliness in our lives and communities. Through our prayers, we participate in God’s desire for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (v. 4).

Moreover, the reminder of Jesus as our mediator underscores the significance of our prayers. He is the one who bridges the gap between humanity and God, having given Himself as a ransom for all. In Christ, we find hope and purpose in our prayers, knowing that they are heard and have the power to effect change.

As we reflect on this passage, let us consider the impact of our prayers. Are we praying only for our needs and desires, or are we intentionally lifting others before God? Are we praying for those in authority, even when it is difficult?

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of prayer and for the opportunity to intercede for others. Help us to be diligent in lifting our friends, family, and leaders before You, seeking their well-being and salvation. Remind us of the power of our prayers and the hope we have through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May our hearts be aligned with Your will, and may we seek peace and godliness in our lives and communities. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Recapture the power of prayer! This week, set aside specific time each day to pray for others. Choose individuals from your life, including friends, family, and those in leadership. Make a conscious effort to include prayers for your local and national leaders, asking for wisdom, guidance, and for their hearts to be turned toward God. Consider writing down your prayers as a way to stay focused and intentional.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

This Way to Greatness

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35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:35-45 NIV)

I have sat at more places of honor than I deserve; and I've also sat in places no one deserves to sit, but thanks be to God for having been there with me in both! Most of us do love being first in line for receiving good things, and last in line for others. Injections? Last, please! Dinner plates? First, please! James and Joh, brothers and sons of Zebedee, are like me. And like you. They had discussed among themselves, as brothers do, about what was certainly coming because of Jesus - a new kingdom for Israel, and so they knew that being brothers they were probably special and could ask Jesus for the real places of honor in this new kingdom. "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory," Interesting they probably discussed that the older one would be at the right side, and the younger at the left. Jesus answers with a question: "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" Baptism? No sweat, sure! Jesus was not talking about a dip in water, He was talking nails and hammers, and the splinters from a wooden cross. "But to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."

This passage shows how James and John, in seeking positions of honor and glory in Jesus' coming kingdom, illustrates our common human desire for power and recognition, but it also reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of true greatness. Jesus responds with a profound teaching: greatness in His kingdom is not defined by authority and position but by servanthood. Whoever wants to be great, must be the slave of all, and the one who wants to be great will be servant to all.

Jesus challenges us to rethink our aspirations. In a world that often measures success by status, wealth, or authority, He calls us to a radically different standard. To be great, we must serve. To be first, we must be willing to be last. Jesus exemplified this truth in His life, showing us that true leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to lay down our lives for others.

Reflecting on this scripture, we are reminded that serving others is not just a calling; it is a way of embodying Christ’s love and compassion in the world. Our acts of service, no matter how small, can have profound effects on those around us. Can you start today? Serve others.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Help us to embrace the heart of a servant in our daily lives. Open our eyes to the needs around us, and give us the courage and willingness to step out of our comfort zones to serve others. May our actions reflect Your love and grace. Teach us to seek greatness through humility and service, just as Jesus did. In His powerful name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not identify one person or group in your life who could benefit from your service. It could be a neighbor, a coworker, or someone in your community. Commit to doing something that puts their needs before your own—whether it’s offering help, providing a listening ear, or simply sharing kindness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Hope in Despair

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1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the LORD,” they say, “let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” 9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. 18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the LORDand he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it! (Psalm 22 NIV)

Dear Friend, please be in prayer for our little Adabelle Garcia, who at this writing is in the ER of a McAllen, Texas, hospital. She has been sedated to allow an IV be inserted so doctors can deteremine what ails her. She's running a 102.3 fever, and they suspect appendicitis. Pray all is well with our baby. May we continue to pray for Florida and those in the path of Hurricane Milton. Thankfully, it will not be a Category 5, but a Cat 2 is still scary. May God bless and protect all in its path.

If the opening verses of this psalm sound familiar, it's because it was the Psalm on Jesus' lips from the Cross. Though written, scholars believe, by King David, some 2,000 years before Jesus uttered it from the Cross. The psalm has in it prophetic words about the event in which it was fulfilled; the Crucifixion of Our Lord, Jesus. In keeping with the theme of this week, finding hope even in despair, the psalm resonates with many who have been suffering from painful experiences and their hearts ask where God is when they need Him the most.

The psalm captures the raw emotion of feeling distant from God during our darkest times. Yet, as we read on, we see a profound shift: the psalmist recalls the faithfulness of God throughout history, affirming that trust in Him has always led to salvation. Our history may well be exactly the same; in times of certain defeat, God has come through with our victory and triumph.

In moments of suffering, it’s easy to feel isolated, but this Psalm reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Many have walked this path before us and have found hope in the very One who seems distant. Just as the psalmist anchors his despair in remembrance of God’s faithfulness, we too can turn our eyes to the promises and past deliverances of God in our lives.

PRAYER: Loving God, In times of distress, help us to remember Your faithfulness. When we feel forsaken, remind us of the countless ways You have saved and delivered us. Give us the strength to trust in You even when we don’t see Your hand at work. Help us to anchor our hope in Your promises and to lean on the community of believers who can uplift us in prayer. We lay our worries and fears at Your feet, trusting that You hear our cries. This we pray in faith and in the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment to reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. Write down how He has shown His faithfulness in your life. Share this testimony with someone who might be struggling, reminding them that God is always present and that their cries are heard. Let’s support one another as we journey together in faith!

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The God in Silence

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1 Then Job replied: 2 “Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. 3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! 4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say to me. 6 Would he vigorously oppose me? No, he would not press charges against me. 7 There the upright can establish their innocence before him, and there I would be delivered forever from my judge. 8 “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 16 God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. 17 Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face. (Job 23:1-9, 16-17 The Message Bible)

Dear friends, a quick thank you for your prayers for my brother Ernest, who arrived safely into Jacksonville, Fl, this afternoon (Tuesday). We continue to pray for those in the hurricane's path.

Well, once again we visit our brother Job, whose life and experiences make us grateful for God's presence in our lives. For those not yet with us last week, we visited Job just as he lost everything in his life; children, livestock, properties. He did not lose his wife and she made a brief appearance when she suggested he could "curse God and die." Thank you, sweetie!

In today's passage, Job expresses his deep longing to encounter God, despite feeling abandoned and confused. He searches for God but cannot find Him, lamenting his suffering while asserting his integrity. Job’s heartfelt cry resonates with those of us who feel distanced from God during difficult times. How painful to exclaim, "Where does God live? I want to go knock on his door and sit down to ask what this is all about!" I've shared how a friend of mine whenever a painful event happened would say, "I'm adding it to my list!" and reflected how she was compiling a list that she was going to share with God about getting answers about all these events. I'm sure you and I have have similar "list

Job's experience reminds us that faith is often tested in silence. He seeks a meeting with God, desiring clarity and understanding. This yearning reflects our own struggles when we face life's hardships—times when God seems distant or unresponsive.

Job insists on his integrity, emphasizing that he has not turned away from God's commands. He stands firm in his faith, even when he feels enveloped by darkness. This illustrates a profound truth: our struggles do not define our relationship with God.

When we find ourselves in moments of despair, we might echo Job's plea. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that even in silence, God is present. Our unanswered questions do not diminish His sovereignty or His love for us.

As the passage closes, we see Job acknowledging that God’s strength sustains him, despite his circumstances. This brings us to an important reminder: God may not always respond in the way we expect, but He is actively working in our lives, even in the shadows.

PRAYER: Loving God, we come to You with our heavy hearts, just as Job did. In our moments of silence, help us to trust in Your presence and sovereignty. Grant us the strength to hold onto our integrity and faith, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. May we find comfort in knowing that You are with us, guiding us through every trial. Help us to seek You earnestly, and remind us that You hear our cries. Thank You for Your unwavering love and for the promise that we are never alone. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not take a moment today to reflect on your own struggles and the times you have felt God was silent. Write down your feelings, just as Job did. Then, consider how you can strengthen your relationship with God during these times. Perhaps you can commit to daily prayer or scripture reading, focusing on His promises of presence and support.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Living Word

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12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV Bible)

It's a memory that I have never forgotten. A young man from India, sitting in our church's parlor at a ministerial alliance meeting that we were hosting, shared, now as a missionary to America, the day he, as a small boy, was eavesdropping on a conversation his father was having with missionaries from America, who had brought to this home, a Holy Bible in their particular language. The men retreated to the kitchen for tea, and this young man helped himself to the pages of the Bible. It was not what he expected; it was better. This boy heard the Bible talking to him. "I never in my life had heard a book talk, and this one was talking to me!" As soon as he was able, he secured a copy for himself and his life was never the same again.

A representative from a Bible society made his way to a ferocious tribe in Africa where the chief of that tribe was a smoker. They grew their own tobacco but finding smoking paper was difficult. The rep handed the chief a Bible and the chief immediately felt the pages and was delighted, "These are the papers I had been wanting! Perfect for smoking!" Not what the rep wanted to hear but he did hold the Bible before releasing it; "You must promised me, Chief, that before you smoke a page from this Bible you will read all that is written on it." The chief was reluctant, but agreed. It would be years later where at a Bible conference, this same rep, now aged a bit, was being recognized for his service to the people of Africa. When introduced one audience member was ecstatic and immediately after the conference ran to the rep and hugged him tightly. It was the chief from that tribe that was the smoker. As they talked, the rep heard the man explain that he smoked all through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, all the prophets, Matthew, Mark, Luke and the man said, "When I got to John, I read John 3:16 and I stopped smoking!" The verse spoke to him and changes his life.

These two stories remind us of the power of God’s Word. It is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is a living force that has the ability to penetrate our very being. Like a surgeon’s scalpel, it can cut through the distractions of life and reveal the true condition of our hearts. Some have said, "We don't so much read the Bible, as it reads us."

In a world filled with noise and chaos, the Word of God serves as a guide, illuminating our paths and providing wisdom when we need it most. (Cue in our minds, Amy Grant;s "Thy Word.") Its sharpness isn’t meant to harm but to heal, to refine our character, and to draw us closer to God. When we allow it to judge our thoughts and attitudes, we open ourselves to transformation and renewal.

Moreover, verse 13 reminds us that nothing is hidden from God. This truth can be daunting yet comforting. God sees us as we truly are, and despite our flaws, His love for us is unwavering. Knowing this, we can approach Him with confidence, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His grace.

PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for Your living Word, which reveals our hearts and guides our steps. Help us to embrace its truths, allowing it to shape us into the people You’ve called us to be. Grant us the courage to come before You with honesty and humility, trusting in Your grace and mercy. May we find strength and comfort in Your presence, knowing that we are fully known and deeply loved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Why not set aside time each day to read and meditate on a passage from the Bible. Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart, and reflect on how it calls you to live differently.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Hope in Job

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1 There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 1 One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the Lord, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." 3 The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason." 4 Then Satan answered the Lord, "Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. 5 But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face." 6 The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life." 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God, and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 1:1, 2:1-10 NRSV Bible)

Dear Friend, please receive this devotional as a word of hope. Just today on a nationally famou podcast I heard that there are more deaths this year from despair and suicide than any other things; so if you ever feel helpless or hopeless, please reach out to someone and share that with them. Please feel free to call your pastor or Sunday school teacher or even me. Please share your concerns with the Lord Jesus, Who loves you very much too. May we continue in prayers for Mr. Charlie Pankey who is facing heart surgery; may God bring him healing through it and the strenggth that he needs; prayers for Maydell and her peace while her husband goes through this. May God bless you where you are, and help you to where you need to be.

This passage reminds me of the time my nephew was a little boy. He could read but he was going through a phase where he was frightened about something in his room. He knew I had several Bibles and so he asked me if I could give him five Bibles. "Five? Why five?" I asked. "Because I want to place one in each corner of my room!" I told him I would give him one if he promised to read it. He promised he would. A few weeks later I checked on him and asked how the reading was going. "I read the first books; I had trouble with Numbers because it had more names in it than numbers, and when I got to Job I didn't know if he was looking for a job or if he lost his job, and so that's where I am." My nephew came to one of the most powerful books in the Bible. Many are the people who choose to move on without spending my time on it, and this passage is probably the most read of this book. It will bless us and I pray invite us and/or challenge us to go beyond this passage and into the hope that God offers to each of us.

The story of Job opens with a powerful depiction of a man who is upright, blameless, and deeply devoted to God. Job enjoys a life of prosperity and family happiness, embodying the ideals of faithfulness and integrity. However, everything changes when he faces unimaginable suffering and loss. Despite his devastating circumstances—loss of wealth, health, and loved ones—Job's initial response is one of worship and reverence. Imagine his life; one day he's super blessed and comfortable, and in the unseen realms, Satan comes before God to pick on Job. Many question why this decision was made to allow Job to suffer in the way that he did; but props to Job for he stayed faithful. How would you have reacted in this situation?

When the adversary challenges Job’s faithfulness, claiming it is rooted in his blessings, God allows trials to come upon Job. Even when faced with his wife’s despairing counsel to “curse God and die,” Job remains steadfast, questioning yet faithful. His story invites us to wrestle with the complexity of faith in the midst of suffering while reminding us of the profound hope that underlies it all. Our question is answered in the why as we read that God knew better, as He does all along and in all things. Remember this as you face whatever it is you may be facing.

As you meditate on Job's journey and ours, consider these hopeful themes: Integrity Amid Trials: Job's unwavering faith, even when stripped of all he holds dear, serves as a testament to the strength that comes from a deep relationship with God. In your own life, how can you cultivate a faith that remains steadfast in adversity? Reflect on the sources of strength that God provides during challenging times. The Nature of Suffering: Job's story invites us to confront the reality of suffering. While we may not always understand why trials come our way, we can trust that God is with us in our pain. How can embracing this truth shift your perspective on your struggles? Hope in the Midst of Despair: Despite his anguish, Job continues to seek God. His story assures us that it’s okay to question and express our pain to God. In moments of despair, remember that God is a refuge and a source of hope. How can you lean into this truth when facing your own challenges?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of Job, whose faithfulness shines brightly in the darkness of suffering. Help us to hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming. Remind us that You are always with us, even in our trials, and that our questions and struggles do not diminish our faith. Fill our hearts with Your peace and strength as we navigate our own journeys. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take a moment to reach out to someone who may be experiencing their own trials or struggles. Offer a listening ear or words of encouragement, reminding them that they are not alone. Share a message of hope and let them know that God is with them in their pain. Your support could be a powerful reminder of God's love in action.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.