Moving Towards Holiness

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1 God rules. On your toes, everybody! He rules from his angel throne - take notice! 2 God looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names. 3 Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you! Holy. Yes, holy. 4 Strong King, lover of justice, You laid things out fair and square; You set down the foundations in Jacob, Foundation stones of just and right ways. 5 Honor God, our God; worship his rule! Holy. Yes, holy. 6 Moses and Aaron were his priests, Samuel among those who prayed to him. They prayed to God and he answered them; 7 He spoke from the pillar of cloud. And they did what he said; they kept the law he gave them. 8 And then God, our God, answered them (But you were never soft on their sins). 9 Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain. Holy. Yes, holy is God our God. (Psalm 99 The Message Bible)

A couple of dear friends were ordained this past weekend as elders in the Global Methodist Church, one of which was an MYFer in one of my churches. The Rev. José (Joey) Flores is now an Elder, and he serves the Methodist Church in Stockdale. The Rev. Rob Clopton is also an Elder with Senior status; Rob was my associate pastor at FUMC in San Marcos. Our congratulations and prayers to these gentlemen as well as to all who were recently ordained.

This brought back memories of my own ordination in June 1980. I was a member of the Río Grande Conference which covered all of Texas and a large portion of New Mexico. My ordination took place in Albuquerque, NM. I had studied ordination in seminary and the point was driven home that being ordained an Elder is to allow God to "set apart" those who are ordained. I understood that meant my allowing and asking God to make me holy, not in a "holier than thou" posture, but seeking to be one who seeks to be closer to God and to seek to be not distracted by things that might make me fall away from God's grace; a list too long for me to list here. If I was to become an Elder, which is the final ordination in the Church at that time. If I look and act just as others; what can I show as a positive change that Jesus can offer them? (This is just my opinion and I know not everyone will agree; but to each their own). Even my travel from the Rio Grande Valley to Albuquerque was filled with interesting, and touching, events. One took place on a mountain highway as we neared Albuquerque; a coiled rattlesnake facing our car. Of course it reminded me of a certain serpent and read into it all the negative I could, and I wondered if I should run it over... We traveled into Albuquerque as a three person family; Nellie, our baby Nellie, and myself. Yes, our daughter and her Mom share a name. My wife is named Maria Nellie, because at the time of her baptism the priest said Nellie is not a Christian name and so gave her Maria as a proper name. He did, did he? I asked. Well, says I, if we ever have a daughter she will be named Nellie Maria! And so it was; as was the reality that both of my Nellies do not like Maria as their proper name. Mom was Nellie in those years, and our daughter Nellie became Nelita. On the day of my ordination, Nelita was four months old and already quite the lovable character. I awoke and knelt by the bed to begin my important day in prayer. I felt the bed move gently, and I opened my eyes to see a smiling baby girl near my face. She was laughing at her Daddy. and made the cute noises she was making as her way of saying, "Look at me!" I hugged her and finished my prayer hugging my baby. My final period of questioning took place in the church where I would be ordained, and the registrar was also the conference director of enlistment, and he presented the ordinands with a gushing, "Brothers and sisters, we should be so thankful to God to this large class of elders that we have not seen in many years; and as we consider their final examination I dare say that if anyone asks them a question that person is going to hell." Gulp. Okay. Should I chuckle or outright laugh at that question? Of course, one man asked a question.

I felt the weight of the world upon my shoulders when Bishop J. Chess Lovern placed his hands upon my head, and several others; including my wife, who the bishop invited to also participate in the ordination. I prayed hard trying not to lose it in tears, asking that God would use me.

This passage offers a vivid picture of God's greatness, His holiness, and the awe that He inspires in His people. This psalm speaks of God's transcendent power, His justice, and His invitation to dwell in His presence. It paints a beautiful picture of how God is both above all things, yet intimately involved with His people. It beckons us to experience a transformation through encountering His holiness. This invitation the psalmist knows, if for all believers, whom have the authority to share the Lord's love and grace.

In the opening verses, we are reminded that the Lord reigns, that the earth trembles before Him. His throne is established in righteousness, and He is exalted above all. This imagery is powerful because it transcends the ordinary understanding of kingship. God is not just a ruler; He is the King of all creation, holding dominion over both heaven and earth. His holiness is not just a moral characteristic, but the defining essence of His being. It is His holiness that transforms everything it touches.

As the psalm progresses, we are reminded of God’s justice. "You have been a sure defender of the weak, a tower of strength for the needy in distress," the psalmist writes. God’s holiness is not an abstract concept; it is active, moving in the world. God’s justice reaches into the brokenness of our lives, lifting the needy and rescuing the oppressed. His holiness and justice are inseparable—His moral perfection calls us to a higher way of living, a way of compassion, of righteousness, and of love. When we are touched by God’s holiness, we are called to reflect that holiness in our own lives, transforming not just our hearts but the world around us.

This psalm also recounts the stories of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, who called upon the name of the Lord in their times of need. They were men of faith, interceding on behalf of God’s people, and through their faithful prayers, God responded. God’s holiness is not something that leaves us in fear and trembling alone; it is a holiness that invites us to draw near, to call upon His name in our times of need, and to find grace. His holiness does not distance us; it draws us closer, inviting us to become participants in His redemptive plan.

The call to worship in this psalm is powerful. It speaks of the awe that we should feel when we come into the presence of such a holy God. But it also invites us into transformation. The more we encounter God in His holiness, the more we are called to reflect His holiness. The transfiguration of our hearts begins in that awe-filled space—where we see ourselves in light of God’s greatness and begin to understand His desire to shape us into His image.

God's holiness invites us to take off our old selves, to leave behind the things that keep us bound in sin and brokenness. In His presence, we are made new, transformed from the inside out. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in us—changing us, renewing us, making us more like Christ.

As we consider Psalm 99, let us reflect on the holiness of God and the transformative power it has in our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects His holiness? Are we allowing Him to shape our hearts, minds, and actions? God is calling us to be holy as He is holy. His holiness is not distant or out of reach; it is here, among us, and within us, shaping us into His image.

PRAYER: Loving God, we come before You in awe of Your holiness. Your greatness is beyond our understanding, and yet You have drawn near to us. We thank You for the invitation to experience Your transforming presence. Help us to reflect Your holiness in our lives, to live with justice, compassion, and love. May Your Spirit work in us, changing us from the inside out, that we may be more like You. We surrender ourselves to Your holy work in us, trusting that You will continue to shape and transform us for Your glory. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to reflect on the holiness of God. In what areas of your life is He calling you to a deeper transformation? How can you reflect His justice and compassion to those around you? Allow His holiness to touch your heart, and let that encounter be a catalyst for change.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Reflect God's Glory

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12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 NRSV)

Dear Friend, a blessed Tuesday be yours today! This is a most special day today for me, so if you would grant me a personal privilege, I wish my bride, a Happy Anniversary! It was on this very day, a Saturday, at 2 in the afternoon, that Nellie and I wed! Just a short 47 years ago. God is good and God has blessed us with countless blessings! Thank you all for your prayers for us. And as we pray, please pray for Edith Lucas whose brother Bobby Neuse has passed away. Pray for Bobby's family and for those who loved him; prayers for Edith as well. May God's comfort be with her.

Our romance required a little boldness. You see, I arrived in August of 1977, as an intern minister at Nellie's church, El Mesias UMC in Mission, Texas. Nellie was an active member, and from what her pastor told me, she was, and continues to be, a woman of prayer; a tither, and a school teacher. She was also a member of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee on which she served as secretary of that committee. Nellie was a great committee member and a person of high ethical standards so much so that when this single, minister-to-be, asked her on a date for which, he who was making the whopping sum of $120 a month, had spent money for this date since he was so sure she would say yes, and she didn't! No good explanation nor excuse, just "I can't." Why not? I demanded. "I just can't." I have since forgotten the non-biblical words I may or may not have thought; but I was sad. I will shorten the story. This was August when I was asking, later begging, for her to go out with me, and comes October and towards the end of the month, my birthday, and again she said no. I guess in retrospect, that I was not being bold, I was being stubborn, convinced she was the woman meant for me. And we talked on the phone and her feelings were being shared, and she finally said that her membership and obligation to my not failing my internship that she would not go out with me. "But my birthday? Alone!? I'm from Houston and I will not have anyone to spend it with! Just a meal at a nice place. No. All I have planned is a Men's meeting tonight..."You'd better go..." So I go and the UMM had planned for my Dad to fly in and spend that night of my birthday and the entire next day with him! What a nice surprise and I was truly blessed, but it wasn't a night nor a day with the woman I loved. And I told her so. I wish I could remember the day, but I do remember the moment. I had been re-reading Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky, which had been assigned to me in one of my major classes, and I came to the sentence where Mr. Alinsky says something to the effect that people don't expect to be pushed farther than what is expected; so on our phone call early one Saturday, I calmly told my intended, in a bold way, that if she would not meet me at the mall in McAllen in one hour, it, whatever "it" was, would be over. I further added that the singles class I had started, which was now filled with mostly single women whose moms I am certain had urged them to meet and marry a minister; that I would begin to date those women. Her words, which my daughters hate to this day, but who realize now that had I not said what I said to Mom, they would not be blessed with life! "I will be there," which I took to mean, 'Yes, I'll marry you and spend the rest of my life with you!"

In the quiet moments of our daily lives, there are transformations happening—often unnoticed, yet powerfully shaping us. Witness my sharing above! Thank You, Jesus! But here in 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Paul speaks of a transformation that occurs through Christ, a glory that is unveiled through the Spirit, one that changes us from the inside out. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face shone with the glory of God, a radiance so overwhelming that the people couldn’t bear to look at him. He had been in the presence of God, and it left an indelible mark upon him. Paul, however, contrasts this fading glory with the permanent, lasting glory of the gospel in Christ. The veil that once kept the glory hidden is now removed, and we are invited into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It begs the question, what happens to you when you have been in the presence of God on say a Sunday morning worship service, or a retreat setting?

Paul declares that the Spirit of God brings freedom—a freedom not just from the weight of the law, but from the limitations of our human understanding and struggles. It is the freedom to be transformed, to have our hearts unveiled, to see Christ more clearly. As we behold the Lord with unveiled faces, we are changed, gradually becoming more like Him. This transformation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process—slow, often imperceptible, yet undeniable. With each day, we are conformed more to the image of Christ, a process that only occurs as we seek His presence and remain open to the work of the Spirit.

The apostle emphasizes that this transformation is not something we do on our own. It is the work of the Spirit, moving in us, shaping us. It is by the grace of God that we are able to reflect the glory of Christ in the world. And this transformation doesn’t just happen for us; it is meant to be shared. The world around us needs to see this transformation in action. As Paul reminds us, we carry this treasure in jars of clay—fragile, imperfect, yet capable of reflecting God’s glory. The brokenness in our lives and in the world does not disqualify us from carrying this light; rather, it makes the light of Christ shine all the brighter.

As we walk through life, the message of the gospel shines through our imperfections. The world may see our weaknesses, but through the work of the Spirit, they are drawn to the strength of the gospel, the hope of resurrection, the promise of restoration. The truth we carry is not merely about our own salvation but about the hope for all creation, a hope that does not disappoint, a hope that does not fade.

In this journey of transformation, we are also called to be faithful stewards of the gospel. Paul reminds us that this message is entrusted to us. It is not something to be hidden or kept for ourselves. As we reflect the glory of Christ, we do so with honesty, integrity, and transparency. We do not manipulate the truth to suit our own needs or desires, but we speak plainly and with courage, trusting that God will use our words and lives to point others to His transforming love.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of transformation through Your Spirit. Help us to behold Your glory with unveiled faces, that we might reflect Your light and truth in a world that desperately needs it. Empower us to live faithfully, to speak truthfully, and to be instruments of Your grace and love. May we be ever more conformed to the image of Christ, that the world might see Your glory and be drawn to You. We pray for Your strength, Your wisdom, and Your guidance as we walk this journey of faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: As we continue to grow in Christ, let us remain open to His transformative power, allowing the Spirit to shape our hearts and minds. Let us seek His presence daily, trusting that through our own transformation, others will come to know the hope and glory of Christ. May our lives be a testimony to the lasting, ever-present glory of the gospel, a beacon of light for all to see.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Here and There, and Back Again

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28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. 37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” 41 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. (Luke 9:28-43 NIV)

Happy Monday, dear Friend! I pray the weekend blessed you and that you blessed the world by your witness to the living God. My prayer is that you are staying the course as laid out for you by Jesus.

In November 1660, in Bedford, England, on a small farm outside the town, a man was arrested for preaching without a license. The Church of England was very strict about who could preach the gospel; and a license was required. The man would spend the next twelve years in prison. That was a strict sentence for trying to spread the knowledge of God. When King Charles II signed into law the Declaration of Indulgence, the prisoner was granted a license and allowed to preach again. We should note that while in prison those 12 years, John Bunyon wrote a significant book called The Pilgrim's Progress, which since its publication has sold more than 200 million copies. The book is a reflection on our faith as Christians and the journey the Church has taken since its inception. The main protagonist is named Christian who is from The City of Destruction (the world), trying to find his way to The Celestial City (Heaven). And all along the journey he encounters trials and temptations.

Today's passage is powerful for it reminds us of Jesus being here on earth with us, though we know He is from "there," the heavenly realm, and in all that is shared, God makes the declaration that Jesus is His Beloved Son, and we should listen to Him.

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a powerful moment in the Gospels that unveils His divine nature to His closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—while also offering a glimpse into the future glory that awaits Him. In Luke 9:28-43, we read about Jesus taking these three disciples up to a mountain to pray. As He prayed, His appearance was radically changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus about His upcoming departure in Jerusalem. In that awe-inspiring moment, Peter, overwhelmed by the glory, suggested building three shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But a cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud declared, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

The Transfiguration reveals the divinity of Jesus, affirming that He is the Son of God, and calls the disciples—and us—to listen to Him above all else. Here are things we should note about this event: Jesus' Glory: The Transfiguration is a moment when the divine glory of Jesus shines through His humanity. The disciples, who had followed Jesus through many events and teachings, were given a brief but overwhelming glimpse into the truth of who He was—God’s Son, the promised Messiah. It was a moment of confirmation and assurance for them, preparing them for the trials and difficulties they would soon face, including His impending crucifixion. It shows us that there is more to Jesus than meets the eye; He is both fully human and fully divine. The Law and the Prophets are affirmed: Moses and Elijah’s appearance is not accidental. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the prophets. Their presence points to the continuity of God’s redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets, the one they had pointed toward all along. In this moment, God affirms that Jesus is the culmination of everything that came before Him. And this is the fulfillment from the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi 4:4-5. The Voice of God: The voice that comes from the cloud is unmistakable: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” God’s command to listen to Jesus is not just for the disciples on the mountain, but for all of us. In a world full of competing voices, we are called to hear the words of Jesus and obey them. He is not just a teacher among many; He is the Savior, the Son of God, and His words carry ultimate authority. The Transfiguration serves as a reminder that we must listen to Him above all else.

The Transfiguration doesn’t just offer a powerful vision of Jesus' glory; it also challenges us to respond. In our daily lives, we are often distracted by other voices—society, our own desires, and the expectations of others. But the voice from the cloud reminds us that there is one voice we must pay attention to: the voice of Jesus. Are we listening to Him? Are we allowing His words to shape our lives?

The disciples’ response to the Transfiguration is one of awe and fear. They were unsure how to respond in such a powerful moment. But after this event, their understanding of who Jesus was would be deepened. The Transfiguration prepared them for what was to come: His suffering, death, and ultimately, His resurrection. We, too, are called to follow Jesus through both the mountaintop experiences and the valleys of life.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the powerful revelation of Jesus' glory in the Transfiguration. Thank You for reminding us that He is Your Son, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and the Savior of the world. Help us to listen to Him in every area of our lives. Open our hearts to His words and help us to follow Him with courage and faith. May we be transformed by His love and truth, and may we reflect His light in the world around us. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to reflect on the voice of Jesus in your life. Are there areas where you are not listening or following His guidance? Seek time to listen to His voice through prayer, Scripture, and silence. Consider what it means for you to follow Him more closely, even when it’s difficult. Let the glory of the Transfiguration remind you that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and He is worthy of our trust, obedience, and worship.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Trust God's Light

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1 Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, 2 for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. 7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. (Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 NIV)

Happy Thursday, Friend! Welcome the day as a blessing, gift wrapped just for you! We may not yet know what it contains, but we should, like children, eagerly unwrap it with confidence that if given by Mom or Dad, it might just be the greatest thing yet! Be a person of prayer and open the gift with prayer.

I once had a district superintendent that did not understand CAPS LOCK on the typewriter (Yes, I'm that old! Kids, ask grandma or grandpa what a typewriter is! You may be surprised to learn that it instantly printed to paper! No time for spooling or uploading!), and that it could work both ways. It seemed every newsletter, every letter he sent came to us as a SHOUTING MATCH! We knew him to be a calm enough guy, but something about sending all CAPS might have appealed to him. It served to usually scare us; then frustrate us. Yes, it caused us fret.

In this psalm, David encourages us not to fret or become envious of those who seem to prosper by evil means. In a world that often rewards the wrongdoers and the powerful, it can be difficult to understand why God allows such injustice. However, the psalmist assures us that these things are temporary—just as the grass fades and withers, so too will the prosperity of the wicked.

The key to navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties is to trust in the Lord. Trusting in God doesn’t mean ignoring the struggles or pretending that life is perfect. It means believing that God sees what we cannot and will act in His perfect timing. Our response, as believers, is not to fight in our own strength or fret over the wrongdoers, but to commit our way to the Lord, to be still before Him, and to trust that He will make our cause shine like the noonday sun.

This psalm teaches us about the peace that comes from trusting in God’s justice, especially when we may feel overwhelmed by the seeming triumph of evil. We are reminded that God is our refuge, our help, and our salvation in times of trouble. Just as Christ's light was revealed to the nations, His justice and righteousness will also be revealed. Those who are patient and trust in Him will inherit the land, experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises.

As we reflect on this passage during Epiphany, we are called to align our hearts with God’s kingdom of peace and justice. Rather than seeking to avenge ourselves or grow angry at the wicked, we are to trust in God's perfect plan and wait for His righteous judgment. We are reminded to keep our hearts focused on God’s light and not the transient shadows of the world.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the light of Christ, which reveals Your justice, mercy, and truth to the world. Help us to trust in You, even when the world around us seems unfair or full of suffering. Teach us to be still before You, to wait patiently, and to commit our ways to Your care. Strengthen our hearts so that we may experience Your peace, knowing that You are our refuge and salvation. May Your justice shine brightly in our lives, and may we reflect Your light to others in all that we do. In the strong name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time to reflect on areas where you may feel troubled by injustice or the success of the wicked. Practice surrendering these worries to God, trusting that He sees and will act in His time. Find ways to share the light of Christ by being a source of peace, justice, and encouragement to others who may be struggling with the same concerns. Let God’s justice shine through your actions.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Epiphany of Grace

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1 Joseph couldn't hold himself in any longer, keeping up a front before all his attendants. He cried out, "Leave! Clear out - everyone leave!" So there was no one with Joseph when he identified himself to his brothers. 2 But his sobbing was so violent that the Egyptians couldn't help but hear him. The news was soon reported to Pharaoh's palace. 3 Joseph spoke to his brothers: "I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?" But his brothers couldn't say a word. They were speechless - they couldn't believe what they were hearing and seeing. 4 "Come closer to me," Joseph said to his brothers. They came closer. "I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But don't feel badly, don't blame yourselves for selling me. God was behind it. God sent me here ahead of you to save lives. 6 There has been a famine in the land now for two years; the famine will continue for five more years - neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. 8 So you see, it wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh, put me in charge of his personal affairs, and made me ruler of all Egypt. 9 "Hurry back to my father. Tell him, 'Your son Joseph says: I'm master of all of Egypt. Come as fast as you can and join me here. 10 I'll give you a place to live in Goshen where you'll be close to me - you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and anything else you can think of. 11 I'll take care of you there completely. There are still five more years of famine ahead; I'll make sure all your needs are taken care of, you and everyone connected with you - you won't want for a thing.' 12 "Look at me. You can see for yourselves, and my brother Benjamin can see for himself, that it's me, my own mouth, telling you all this. 13 Tell my father all about the high position I hold in Egypt, tell him everything you've seen here, but don't take all day - hurry up and get my father down here." 14 Then Joseph threw himself on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He then kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Only then were his brothers able to talk with him. (Genesis 45:1-15 The Message Bible)

Dear Friend, how are you? I trust you're doing well and enjoying and celebrating life with God's favor upon you! Never give up on God's grace to bless you in awesome ways! If you need prayer, please reach out to me and I will gladly pray for you! Become a person of prayer; pray for those whom are in need.

Jesus said that wherever are two or more gathered, there could be trouble, and if those two are related, you can count on there being trouble! Okay, Jesus didn't say it, but honestly, He didn't have to! We may all have, or are, living it! Friends, we are at the end of one of the most painful, but powerful stories among brothers in the Bible. It's an evil plot and has made for several movies to have been made about this story; it's ending is a God-only ending. It is an ending that only with God's hand on it could turn out the way that it did. In the setting where it takes place anything could have happened that would please the world's desire to revenge and comeuppance. Joseph could have revealed himself and wreaked violence upon his brothers. But what we have is Joseph's revelation to be as it is shared here.

Joseph’s moment of revelation to his brothers is an epiphany of grace, love, and divine purpose. The brothers, who had once betrayed him, now stand in the presence of the very one they had wronged—yet instead of vengeance, Joseph offers forgiveness and restoration.

This passage reminds us that God’s plan is often bigger than our pain. What seemed like a tragic betrayal was actually the setup for salvation. Joseph doesn’t ignore his suffering, but he recognizes God’s hand in it, transforming his pain into a purpose greater than himself.

Like Joseph’s brothers, we sometimes stand before our past mistakes, fearful of what will come next. But Joseph’s response mirrors God’s grace toward us—offering reconciliation instead of retribution, love instead of punishment. His story is a foreshadowing of Christ, who embraces us even in our failures and invites us into new life.

Today, let Joseph’s epiphany be ours: that forgiveness is possible, reconciliation is powerful, and God’s hand is always at work, even in the hardest seasons.

PRAYER: Loving merciful God, Your grace is beyond what we deserve, and Your plans are greater than we can imagine. Help us to see Your hand in our lives, even in difficult times. Teach us to forgive as Joseph forgave, to trust as Joseph trusted, and to love as You love us. May we be instruments of reconciliation and vessels of Your grace in the lives of others. In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to reflect on a past hurt or conflict. Ask God to help you see His hand at work in it. If possible, reach out to someone with whom reconciliation is needed, extending grace as freely as it has been given to you.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Transformed by Resurrection Power

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35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being” ; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. 50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. (1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 NRSV Bible)

I remember getting the keys to the church! I was the summer youth director for a nice-sized church in Houston. I had been entrusted with the spiritual lives of the church's youth for the summer, and with that huge responsibility came keys. I now had my own office, with a huge green executive chair, my own phone on the desk (Did I mention I had my own desk?), and in the mornings I was one of many staff there at the church offices. My having keys was not as important as planning a summer where I could plant seeds of faith into the fertile soil of young minds and spirits who were already at war with conflicting thoughts and messages of society and culture. I had the authority of the church to do what I had been hired to do, but it would be up to the Holy Spirit to give me the power to impact these lives for Jesus. My having said yes to Jesus just a few years earlier led me to this my first paying job within Christ's church. In my own life I had come to understand that all the seeds sowed in my direction by my parents, grandmother, pastors, and youth workers, could either sprout with a harvest, or keep sprouting weeds that could choke my faith.

The Apostle Paul, when confronted with the question about the return of Jesus in the face of so many believers being murdered by the state, has to respond, calmly even when frustrated, to the questions about the why of death and now the who of resurrection, if there is such a thing the people were asking. In this passage from 1 Corinthians, Paul uses the analogy of sowing seeds to explain the transformation that we will experience through resurrection. He emphasizes that our earthly bodies—flesh, perishable and weak—will be transformed into spiritual bodies, imperishable and glorious. The mystery of the resurrection is not just about life after death, but about the radical transformation that will occur in us, reflecting the glory of God’s ultimate plan.

In the midst of our busy and often chaotic lives, it can be hard to grasp the full scope of what Christ's resurrection means, not only for Him but for us. On these closing days of Epiphany, as we reflect on the "manifestation" of Christ to the Gentiles, we are reminded that Jesus came to reveal God's glory, and that revelation continues through His power over death, which gives us new life.

Paul's words invite us to remember that this transformation is not merely a future promise but a present reality. Through Jesus' resurrection, we have already begun the process of being transformed by His Spirit. The perishable has already begun to be clothed with the imperishable, the weak with power, and the mortal with immortality. Our lives, now in Christ, are a preview of the future glory that awaits.

As we celebrate the closing of this Epiphany season, we acknowledge that Christ’s revelation to the world is not just about physical appearance or geographical location. It is about the internal transformation He offers to each of us—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Just as Jesus was raised to new life, so we too are called to embrace the new life that He offers, being changed in the twinkling of an eye into the likeness of His heavenly glory.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to reveal Your glory and to show us the way to eternal life. We praise You for the mystery of the resurrection and the promise that we will be transformed, just as Jesus was. May we live in the hope of this transformation daily, trusting that You are at work in us, changing us from the inside out. Help us to reflect Your glory in all that we do and to eagerly await the day when we will see You face to face. This we pray in Jesus’ strong name, we pray,

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to reflect on the transformation that Christ offers you. How is He inviting you to experience His glory in your life right now? Reach out to someone who may be struggling, offering them the hope of resurrection. Share the light of Christ, knowing that just as He was revealed to the world, His light shines through you as well.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Love for Everyone!

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27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:27-31 NIV) Dear Friend, a most wonderful of days to you this day! Receive from God that which you need; share with God that which you need most; and share with all love that has been freely given to you. Remove from your life that which has set boundaries as to whom you could/should/will love, and with a red marker, in big letters, write on your heart: Love everyone!

Jesus, if we let Him, can really mess up our lives. We sometimes want to ask, "Lord, can't you leave well enough alone?" And His loving answer would be no. "If I leave you to your own and your own set ways, you will continue along the path of certain destruction; and I have come that you might have life, and that to the fullest." As Jesus was teaching in this passage, He speaks about loving those whom we find easy to hate; our enemies. As individuals we do have enemies, perhaps not on the scale of country versus country, but nonetheless, we face those who would like nothing more than to see us humiliated, or to fail, or worse. For some those enemies may live rent-free in our minds; others do have real life people who do not like us and want us to be failures. Yet, Jesus says, we are to love them, and harder still, to "do good to those who hate you." Wait. What? Lord, are you serious? We would like nothing more than to see them be harmed, and you want us to help them? And then Jesus makes the list longer! "Bless those who curse you." And, "Pray for those who mistreat you." Again, we think, wait! What? "If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them." Sigh. Lord, you're making my life so difficult now. And still, Jesus continues, "Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

In this passage, Jesus calls us to love in a way that challenges our natural instincts. We’re told to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and do good to those who hate us. In an often divisive world, this teaching stands as an epiphany—an awakening to a higher way of living. The world teaches us to respond in kind: to love those who love us, to seek revenge on those who wrong us. But Jesus flips this upside down and invites us to live a love that transcends what’s natural and human.

When we love our enemies and bless those who curse us, we align ourselves with the heart of God. This love is not about feelings or reciprocity but a choice to reflect God’s divine nature in a broken world. Jesus modeled this perfectly—on the cross, He prayed for the very people who nailed Him there. He embodied this radical love, showing us that it is possible to love unconditionally, even when it feels impossible.

The epiphany comes when we realize that our ability to love in this way isn’t about our own strength or willpower, but about allowing God’s love to flow through us. It’s a revelation of who God is and a revelation of what we’re called to be as His followers.

What happens when we live out this kind of love? It changes everything. It disrupts cycles of hatred and bitterness. It opens the door for reconciliation and healing. It brings the presence of God into every situation, transforming not just the ones we love but also our own hearts. This love leads us to a place of deeper intimacy with God, as we reflect His character in our actions.

As we walk in the love of God, we also find that we become less concerned with receiving in return. Jesus says, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." When we live this way, we invite others into the grace and kindness that God has freely given us, and in doing so, we become part of the beautiful cycle of God's kingdom breaking forth in the world.

PRAYER: Awesome God, we thank You for revealing to us a love that goes beyond what we can comprehend. Help us to see others as You see them, even those who may hurt or oppose us. Fill our hearts with the courage to love unconditionally, to bless, and to do good even in the face of adversity. May Your love shine through us, bringing peace, healing, and reconciliation wherever we go. Empower us to live as reflections of Your heart, showing the world the beauty of loving like You. In Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, look for opportunities to love someone who may not seem easy to love. It might be a person who has hurt you, someone you disagree with, or even a stranger. Choose to bless them with kindness, pray for them, and do good even when it feels difficult. Allow God's love to transform not just your actions, but your heart as well.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Remember Your Roots

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View devotional: https://bit.ly/3EytZMt 1 How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. (Psalm 1 The Message Bible)

I do not believe anyone is born evil. Yes, I believe we are born with original sin which is our tendency to disobey God, which we usually do; but the overall outcome of each childhood has on it the prints of many factors; home environment, parental influence, or lack thereof, school influences, including friendships, and a host of other influences and choices the child has made, and while every day bring us multiple choices, we would pray that most would choose to be good. For some it may have taken a change in environment, i.e. going away to school (college or university) where exposure to others who brought with them other world-views, that helped us see what is possible and even desirable in our way of life to bless others, especially our society and culture. The psalmist in writing this first of all 150 psalms, expresses his desire for readers to realize the positive blessing it is to live as a good person who is in a personal relationship with God. The language of this Biblical version drives home the point in very modern language.

God loves us all, but the psalmist says favor is upon those who seek to please God with the right life-affirming choices. He speaks of one who doesn't hang around Sin Saloon. Now, your views on saloons might vary from his, but his belief is that the "choices" available in a saloon should be different than those one should encounter in worship; the language choice for this version does imply that one has gone to a place where sin is the major option on the menu. The slinking of the unrighteous might also be to do it on Dead-End Road, again outlining the outcome favors negative ends; and the choice for educational opportunities at a Smart-Mouth College, well, you know. Honestly, the psalmist is correct; those who seek such outcomes usually find them and usually at times that seem to be too late to change.

The opposite is true for those who seek to "thrill in God's Word," where one can savor the deliciousness of Scripture day and night. That choice leads one to set ones roots in "Eden," God's original paradise, where "bearing fresh fruit" is a delicious and life-giving option. Eden was all about life, where not one "leaf" dropped and all fruits were "always in blossom." Your life will be way different from the wicked; whose lives mirror tumbleweeds and dust storms; and an appearance by one of the wicked in God's court will find them "without defense in court." Ouch! The innocent people will have great legal options. In closing the psalmist says that "God charts the road you take." The others seem to choose the road that leads to Skid Road.

Epiphany is a season of discovery, a time when we are invited to step into deeper intimacy with the Lord. In this season, we can reflect on our own spiritual lives and ask, “Where am I planted?” Are we drawing nourishment from the fleeting things of this world, or are we rooting ourselves in the life-giving presence of God? Are our roots from our past strong enough if they were positive, to bless us now in the present; if not, it's not too late to make changes and choices that better our situation.

This psalm calls us to choose a life that delights in the law of the Lord, to choose daily to sit with His Word and allow it to transform us. When we do, we become like that tree—steadfast, fruitful, and enduring through the seasons of life.

PRAYER: Loving God of life and love, thank You for the light of Your Word and the truth it brings to our lives. Help us to choose the path of righteousness, to delight in Your law, and to meditate on it day and night. We want to be like that tree planted by the water—strong, steadfast, and fruitful. Guide us in this Epiphany season to deepen our roots in You, trusting that Your wisdom will nourish us in every circumstance. May our lives reflect the blessing of living in Your presence. In Jesus' strong name,amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: As we journey through this Epiphany season, make a commitment to delight in God’s Word. Set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture, letting it transform your heart and mind. Like a tree planted by the water, allow your roots to grow deeper in His truth. And as you do, watch how God brings fresh fruit into your life, no matter what season you are walking through.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Eternal Hope

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12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. 17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (1 Corinthians 15:12-20 NRSV)

Not a day goes by that my mind goes to the face and memory of a dear departed friend or colleague. The list is too long to list here, but suffice it to say that I am forever thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for me, gave you and me victory over sin and death, and all we have to do is believe and accept. One friend and colleague always had a ready smile and positive comment on all things. He himself had suffered much in his life and ministry, yet he had a ready ear, an awesome smile and a positive outlook on life. Two of my friends shared realistic perspectives on all things political and religious. Both died way too young; one of a long illness, the other of a heart attack while in the hospital. And of course I think daily of my mother, father, my grandmother, the only one I knew; my dear mother-in-law who loved me so much who from the moment we met until her death I was, for all practical purposes, her son. Their memories while making me a bit sad, still give me hope because of their faith and lives in Jesus. I believe in my heart that I will see them again one day.

In today's passage, the Apostle Paul is sharing his faith with a community deeply affected by death. Paul's message from the start was that Jesus was coming again soon. As the days, weeks. and months, passed, the people, who were losing loved ones to persecution and arrests, began to ask, "Define soon." Paul understood the questions of the people and so he is moved to write this letter to the believers in Corinth; he was hearing of those believers who are now doubting all that Paul had shared about life and death in Jesus, so his first statement is powerful and to the point: If our faith message is that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, how can anyone, in the faith, say that there is no resurrection of the dead? His logic: "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain." He goes on to say, we might even be guilty of lying about God; for we have testified then changed our testimony about Christ. This truth is that the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our hope and our reason for rejoicing, not only during Epiphany but throughout the entirety of our lives.

This Epiphany, we are invited to reflect on the profound reality of the resurrection. Christ’s victory over death is not merely an abstract theological concept but a transformative reality that changes the way we live. It is the ultimate revelation of God’s love and power, and it is the reason we can live with hope, even in the face of suffering and loss.

This truth brings light to our own lives. In the midst of the darkness and suffering of this world, we know that the resurrection is a guarantee of a future hope. The Epiphany of the resurrection reveals to us that death is not the final word. Christ’s triumph over the grave means that death has been defeated, and we are invited to live in the power of that victory, both now and forever.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of Your resurrection. Through Your victory over death, You have given us new life and hope. Help us to live in the light of this truth, knowing that our faith is not in vain, and our future is secure in You. As we celebrate this Epiphany season, reveal to us the full power of Your resurrection, and let it transform our hearts and lives. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: As you meditate on the resurrection today, consider how the reality of Christ’s victory over death changes the way you live. How can you live with hope, even in difficult circumstances, knowing that Christ has conquered death? Take a moment today to reflect on the resurrection, and let it fuel your faith and joy as you walk in the light of Christ.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Woe, Woe, Woe?

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17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon,18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. 20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. (Luke 6:17-26 NIV Bible)

Dear Friend, a most wonderful and marvelous Monday to you! May the blessings of God lead you into service to bless all! Prayers for our pastor Matt Pennington as he returns home from his mission in Africa. Continued prayers for Ms. Laverne Davis whose granddaughter died in a traffic accident. I met with her after church yesterday and prayed with her. As one can imagine this has been a most difficult blow to her and her family. May God's comfort be with all who loved her. A sincere thank you to the kind folks at First Methodist of Gonzales for welcoming me as their preacher for the day yesterday.

There are memes and videos poking fun at the reality that the first gospel written is believed to be the Gospel of Mark. It is further believed that the gospel books of Matthew and Luke were based on Mark's work. In the meme, three students are seated at the same table, the first one is identified as Mark, and the other two are Luke and Matthew; and the two are trying hard to comically cheat as they write as they keep looking at Mark's work. These three gospels are known as the Synoptic Gospels, with John being known as the spiritual gospel. This passage contains Luke's account of The Beatitudes, albeit a shorter version than that found in Matthew 5. The Beautifudes are all about being blessed. They follow Matthew's account very closely. Here is a quick comparison: Matthew's Beautitudes contain: Blesseed are those who are poor in spirit. Luke's: Blessed are the poor. Matthew: Blessed are those who mourn; Luke: Blessed are you who weep now. Matthew: Blessed are the meek. Luke: (Not mentioned). Matthew: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Luke: Blessed are you who hunger now. The next three from Matthew are not mentioned in Luke.

In Luke we see Jesus proclaiming blessings, not to the rich, the powerful, or the esteemed, but to those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted. These blessings turn the world’s value system upside down. In a society that often elevates wealth and status, Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)

Jesus is reminding us that God's favor does not depend on our outward circumstances but on the condition of our hearts. In the midst of hardship, when we feel the sting of hunger, grief, or rejection, God sees and values us. The poor in spirit, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness—these are the ones whom God blesses, offering them a glimpse of His kingdom.

Jesus also promises joy and reward for those who endure persecution for His sake. This echoes the attitude we are called to have—one of hope that transcends present struggles, knowing that God sees us and will reward our faithfulness.

Luke also contain "woes" shared by Jesus, not found in Matthew. He warns the rich, the well-fed, the laughing, and those who are admired by others, saying that their comfort is temporary and fleeting. In God’s economy, earthly wealth and ease are not signs of His favor. Jesus is challenging us to recognize that placing our hope and security in the things of this world is futile.

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” (Luke 6:24) Jesus is not condemning wealth itself but urging us to live with an eternal perspective, not to cling too tightly to earthly possessions, status, or comfort. True contentment comes from being rich in spirit and relying on God’s provision, not on our own resources.

The words of Jesus are sobering. They compel us to reflect on our priorities. Where are we investing our hearts? Are we more focused on temporary, worldly rewards, or are we seeking the eternal treasures found in God's kingdom?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the words of Jesus that challenge us to live with a different perspective. Help us to value what You value—justice, mercy, humility, and love. May we not seek the fleeting comforts of this world, but find our true joy in You. Strengthen us in our trials and remind us of the eternal reward that awaits us. Teach us to be faithful in all circumstances, knowing that our true treasure is found in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, reflect on where you are placing your hope. If you’re facing difficult circumstances, take comfort in knowing that God sees you and values you. If life feels easy, consider how you can use your blessings to serve others and invest in God's eternal kingdom. Ask yourself, "How can I live in a way that reflects God's values of humility, justice, and mercy?"

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

God is Faithful Always!

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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)

Happy Thursday Friend, I ask that God bless you in a wonderful and unexpected way; may it cause you to deepen your faith in Him and to walk closer with Jesus. Much more to go and much more to do! I ask again for prayers for this old man as I prepare to preach in Gonzales at the 8:30 and 10:45 am worship services. Pray for our pastor, Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington as he continues his missionary work in Rwanda; may God bless multitudes through him and bring him safely home soon.

A dear friend and classmate was from Japan during my days at Perkins School of Theology SMU. He was a gracious man with limited English. Another friend and I noticed and believed that someone may have told him that if he didn't understand something in English he should respond with a simple, thank you. There's nothing wrong with that! He did not want to offend anyone, nor ignore anyone and though it may not fit, it still comes in inoffensively and with a strong sentiment; thank you. The psalmist always found time to say thanks to the Lord. It was interesting to read Wednesday's Upper Room where the writer confesses she allowed someone to make a U-turn in front of her even though she was holding up traffic by allowing that, and then when the woman zoomed away without acknowledging thanks of any kind she felt angry, then bad, for realizing she was doing good and that should be done without expecting any thanks of any kind. I confess that sometimes in our car we may say a word about ungrateful people but then we too realize we're meant to be and do good without worrying about any earthly thanks. How many times has God done something for us and we don't even thank Him? Not so with King David, "Everyhing in me says, 'Thank You!'" And he imagines angles listening to his singing his thanks to God. And his thankfulness is not limited to word and song; it's a part of his prayer life and his worship life; both inside and outside the temple (his church!). His list includes thankfulness for God's love, God's faithfulness, and grateful for God's grace. David, in the midst of his struggles, pauses to give thanks for God's enduring faithfulness. He recognizes that even when life feels overwhelming, God’s love and truth remain unshakable.

This psalm begins with a heart overflowing with gratitude. David doesn’t just thank God for what He’s done but also for who God is. God’s name is holy—set apart, sacred, a refuge in times of trouble. When David calls out in distress, God answers immediately, and with that, his life expands. Not in the way we might imagine—wealth, fame, or ease—but in strength, in peace, in presence.

When we experience our own moments of struggle—whether relational, financial, or emotional—it's easy to feel that God has forgotten us, or that He is distant. But David's testimony tells us something different. God doesn’t wait for us to figure everything out or to get our lives perfectly in order before stepping in. He hears us the moment we call, and He steps in with power. It is not always a dramatic shift in circumstances, but a quiet strengthening of the heart.

In fact, it’s often in the hardest seasons that God reveals Himself most clearly. When we feel most fragile, most vulnerable, He is most near. It’s in our weakness that His strength is perfected.

David’s response—thanksgiving—isn’t just for past blessings but a declaration of trust in God’s ongoing faithfulness. God is with him now, not just in past moments of deliverance, but in present struggles.

Psalm 138 invites us to ask: How often do we pause to recognize God’s presence and power in the midst of our challenges? How often do we offer our own spontaneous thanksgiving, not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful?

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. In the midst of our struggles, we sometimes forget that You are with us, right there in the thick of it. Forgive us for when we’ve doubted Your presence and Your strength. Open our eyes to see You with us even in our weakest moments. Thank You for always answering when we call, for lifting us up with Your love, and for making our lives large with Your strength. Help us to live in constant gratitude, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because You are always present and always good. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Don’t wait for everything to feel “right” before you speak to Him. Acknowledge His presence and trust that He is stepping in to strengthen you in this very moment. Then, take a moment to thank Him—not just for what He’s done in the past, but for His love and faithfulness that never change.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

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1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:1-8 NRSV)

Dear Friend, welcome to Wednesday! Make it wonderful and wild by being your best self as washing the Blood of Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit! Be the sermon someone has been waiting to hear! Be the hymn that makes a person burst out in song and praise! Be the Doxology for which thanks are lifted to God! Continued prayers for Mr. Ronnie Menking, as he is still in the hosptial in San Marcos. Prayers for his wife, Christina as well.

I remember sitting in youth choir in my home church of El Buen Pastor UMC in Houston. God was speaking softly to my heart with a loving and kind invitation to be one of His pastors. I remember looking at the guys sitting near me and thinking/saying to God, "Why not him? He's better looking? Or her? She's kind to all people." But that's all I remember because it was as if God was not having any excuse from me as to me entering the professional ministry. I felt bad and knew I had nowhere to hide. What God was asking of me was a lot. I had just gotten used to Houston! God, if I could blame Him, had uprooted our family from what I perceived to be my paradise; and this call I knew would mean leaving the "shallow" from Monday's gospel lesson into some very deep waters. And it was from that point on that I paid closer attention to sermons, to prayers from my pastor, to listening more to my friends, to eavesdropping on my parents and their discussions about church. "God, You are asking a lot of me, and look at me! I ... and I listed a lot of superficial reasons for my not standing in front of any groups; shyness was a big one. And being boring, according to some female MYFers* didn't help either!

In the time of great national grief and need, a young man finds himself caught up in a vision where he finds himself in the presence of God. He writes, "I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple." This is what he saw: Holiness, pure and in full display; the majesty and power of God - God's Throne! Who gets to see that? The seat of all power! And God's presence was "high and exalted!" His words of the indescribable being shared in the best way he can; and seeing God's robe and train filling the temple! And with God? Angels and their superiors in this mortal's presence and they were praising God with songs of "Holy, holy, holy." And their singing was so powerful they were shaking the foundations of the temple and those structures that held up the temple. All served to move this man to repentance; he knew, realized and confessed that he was imperfect and lived among those who were imperfect; all while seeing the Lord!

His response led the seraphim to come at him with a live coal which he had taken from tongs and touches Isaiah's mouth and proclaim, "Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Bam! With that burning coal, sin and doubt and everything negative, is gone! And then Isaiah hears God ask, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" You probably would have said what I said to God, "Uh, not me! I can't!" And your list would be shared with God as I shared with Him when in the eleventh grade. But our hero, Isaiah said, with trembling faith, "Here am I. Send me!" (Note the exclamation mark!)

Isaiah heard in God's question a call to action. No more pondering or wondering; it was clear what needed to be done and the who needed to do it! The same holds true for all who see the holiness of God when in worship, prayer, or on retreat; and the mission is to trust God and to let Him guide you to the fields of opportunity; where hurting and hungry people await the good news of God from our lips. This is epiphany; God's light in our lives bursting forth into the darkness around us and showing us what could be in their lives. After such a moment like this, if you look at your list of excuses again, you will notice that it has been shortened or made to disappear altogether; God will equip us and lead us to be a part of His glory at work in the fields around us.

PRAYER: Loving God, You are holy, high and lifted up, and yet You draw near to us in our weakness. Like Isaiah, we stand before You in awe, recognizing our shortcomings and the brokenness of the world around us. We confess our sin and our need for Your grace, knowing that You are faithful to forgive and restore. Purify our hearts, Lord, and send us out as vessels of Your mercy. May we hear Your call clearly and answer, "Here am I, send me!" Empower us to go where You lead, to serve with love, and to share Your light with those in darkness. In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Will we, like Isaiah, be overwhelmed by the awareness of our sin, yet trust in God’s grace to cleanse us? Will we then, with a heart transformed, answer God's call to go and serve in His name?

I love you and thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

*Methodist Youth Fellowship-ers

Away From The Shallow Water; Go Deeper

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1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:1-11 NIV)

Dear Friend, Happy Monday! Easy for me to say, right? Regardless of what may seem insurmountable, Jesus is with you and we will overcome anything and everything that may come our way. Mr. Ronnie Menking had a good surgery on Friday and we pray that by this reading he be in a rehabilitation center. Please pray for his recovery and wellbeing.

When Jesus shows up, things can change. When we invite Jesus, He shows up. If Jesus speaks, we need to listen. And if Jesus says to act, we need to act on whatever it was that Jesus wants us to do. I invited Jesus into my heart when I was an eight years old. Jesus became my Lord and Savior. I wish I could say that I became the perfect boy; straight-A's, perfect attendance, perfect citizenship (remember that report card word? It was used to say how well you got along with others), and the perfect son. It really meant the joyous attitude of worship and praise was with me and started to enjoy being in church and Sunday school and all activities of the church; which came in handy, because my father was a "If-the-church-doors-are-open-we-are-there" man. My church friends became like brothers and sisters and I even talked to my parents about making me able to be in church Monday through Friday, and I could attend regular 3-Rs school the rest of the days. But the day came when Jesus wanted more. I was now in the eleventh grade struggling to figure out what my true calling might be. I knew that I would make my family greatly proud if I became a doctor, but the minor obstacle called high school Chemistry made that a difficult decision. I also had heard that one could decide such major decisions while in college. College and getting into one would be the first choice. I was still walking in shallow water. I could see the deep water from where I stood, but I wasn't quite there yet.

Shallow water is a comfortable spot for most people. For me, going to church was fun, going to school was a little fun, but I was doing well and going to college would be a viable option.In the midst of a mundane, exhausting task, Simon Peter encountered an epiphany—an unexpected revelation that would forever change the course of his life. He had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Yet when Jesus spoke, Simon obeyed. The result? A miraculous catch of fish that seemed impossible. In that moment, Simon saw not just the abundance of fish, but the authority of the one who had spoken.

It’s in this miraculous moment that Simon's eyes were opened—not just to Jesus' power, but to his own sinfulness. "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Simon’s epiphany wasn’t just about the miracle in front of him, but about the holiness of Jesus and the brokenness of his own heart.

Jesus, with grace and compassion, didn't dismiss Simon's fear. Instead, He offered a new calling: "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." Jesus was inviting Simon, not just to experience the miracle of the catch, but to enter into the greater mission—bringing others to Him, sharing the good news of God’s kingdom.

Like Simon, we often find ourselves in the midst of life’s routine, thinking we’re doing all we can but feeling like we’re coming up empty. It is in these moments of frustration that Jesus calls us to trust Him—to go into deeper waters, to let down our nets in faith. And sometimes, in these moments of surrender, we experience an epiphany: God is not just present in our lives but is inviting us into His mission.

What is God calling you to let go of? What deep waters is He inviting you to trust Him in? This epiphany, like Peter’s, is not just for a moment, but for a lifetime of following Jesus wherever He leads.

PRAYER: Loving God, Thank You for revealing Yourself to us in ways that change our lives. Like Simon, we often find ourselves exhausted, frustrated, and unaware of Your presence in the midst of our daily struggles. Open our eyes, Lord, to the deeper truths You have for us. Show us where You are calling us to trust You, to step into deeper waters, and to follow Your lead, even when it feels uncertain. Forgive us when we doubt, when we rely on our own strength, and when we miss the opportunity to be part of Your mission. May we, like Simon Peter, leave behind our own agenda to follow You faithfully, wherever You lead. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on the areas in your life where God may be calling you to trust Him more deeply. What “deep waters” is He inviting you into? Whether it’s in relationships, your work, or your spiritual walk, choose to let go of fear and step into God’s calling for you. Ask Him to help you see with new eyes, like Simon, and be ready to follow where He leads.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.