Harvest Joy!

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1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 127 NRSV)

Dear Friend, what makes you happy? I mean, really happy? Leave a comment or email me with your response as I'm curious. I ask because joy is important, for it causes as the psalmist says laughter and shouts, and even bragging rights of sorts (among nations) when others realize that God has done great things for us. Earlier today of this recording (Wednesday) I saw a YouTube video of Miami, Florida. (Inside Wealthy Miami - Why Are So Many People Moving Here) The mere thought of Miami makes one think of opulence, and having visited the city many times I know that's true. This video was by a gentleman we follow who does deep dives into communities and areas and asks really interesting questions and tries to interview a wide spectrum of people who reside in those cities or areas. As he toured Miami, he was hosted by an interior designer for the uber wealthy, who drove a very nice luxury car, the "uniform" of success, a watch to match and knew the prices of the oceanside mansions, especially the ones of islands where big name stars make their homes. His part in the video ended in an old long-standing fruit stand that is known for serving nice fruits. It was there the designer said his best years were those he spent in Southeast Asia in Cambodia and Laos, where those who had nothing in terms of material possessions were the happiest, not even having words like "yours" and "mine." The man explained they were happiest when they could help others and share what they had with those who had nothing.

Lent is a season of sowing—of planting seeds of faith, repentance, and trust in God, even in times of sorrow. Psalm 126 speaks to the journey from exile to restoration, from weeping to joy. It reminds us that the path of faith is often marked by both struggle and hope.

The psalmist recalls a time when God restored His people, filling them with laughter and joy. Yet, there is also an acknowledgment that the present may still hold tears. Sowing in tears means choosing to trust God even when life feels uncertain, painful, or barren. But the promise of God is this: Joy will come. Just as seeds planted in the earth eventually grow into a harvest, our faithfulness in difficult seasons will lead to renewal and restoration.

During Lent, we walk the road to the cross, knowing that sorrow is not the end of the story. Jesus’ suffering led to resurrection. Our own seasons of struggle are not wasted—God is at work, preparing a harvest of joy in due time.

Whatever burdens you carry, know this: God is faithful. He will turn tears into joy, sorrow into laughter, and fasting into a feast. Keep sowing, keep trusting—the harvest will come.

PRAYER: Faithful God, In times of sorrow, help us trust in Your promise of joy. Give us the strength to sow in faith, even when the path is difficult. As we journey through Lent, prepare our hearts to receive the joy of resurrection. Remind us that You are always at work, bringing restoration and renewal. In Jesus’ strong name we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider what you are sowing in this season of Lent. Are there prayers, sacrifices, or acts of faith that feel small or unnoticed? Trust that God sees them. Take a moment today to reflect on a time when God has turned sorrow into joy in your life, and thank Him for His faithfulness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Our Desire is Christ

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4 If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 3:4b-14 NIV)

Today is Tuesday, the 1st of April, 2025; it's also that funny day called April Fools Day; so don't fall for any pranks today. There are no April Fools' content in this email. I'll leave that fof your family and friends to have fun with you.

When a first responder retires from his/her career, they place what is called their last call. The officer/firefighter will radio in to their headquarters and shares whatever is allowed or required and the dispatcher will acknowledge that call. The officer then replies with the appropriate code that says s/he is now off-duty. On social media this morning I saw one of a police chief in the patrol car with his youngest granddaughter in the passenger's side of the cruiser. It was an emotional call for the chief and his emotions were having an impact on his granddaughter. His wife was the dispatcher and that made it doubly emotional. But the chief said that being a police officer is a calling and he said he was glad her responded to that call. Today's devotional is about one who responded to a call above all calls; the Apostle Paul shares his lineage as a Jew, a Pharisee, and then as a disciple of Jesus. We can't help but note all the very Hebrew and Jewish things he achieved, including the sad chapter of persecuting the Church of Jesus; but all that paled to what he truly desired after he encountered Jesus; his heart wanted to "gain Christ, and to be found in Him," with a strong and true faith in Christ Jesus. Though he had seen and met Jesus face-to-face, he still desired to know Christ; for that encounter only ignited a hunger to know Christ more fully. His conversion was simply hearing the fire of the starter's pistol to run a race for Christ all his life. Have you heard, "On your marks? Get Set! Go!"?

Lent is a season of stripping away, a time to reflect on what truly matters. In this passage, Paul speaks of letting go of everything he once valued—his status, accomplishments, and self-righteousness—because nothing compares to knowing Christ.

Paul’s words challenge us to examine what we hold onto. Are there things we cling to that keep us from fully pursuing Christ? Our achievements, possessions, or even religious practices can sometimes become sources of pride or security rather than expressions of faith. But Paul reminds us that all these things are nothing compared to the joy of knowing Jesus.

Lent calls us to let go—not just of material things but of anything that keeps us from drawing closer to God. It is a time to press on toward the goal, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to run the race with endurance. We are not perfect, but by God’s grace, we are being made new.

As we continue this Lenten journey, may we, like Paul, release what is temporary in order to grasp what is eternal. Let us press on, not looking back, but moving forward into the life Christ has called us to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to let go of anything that keeps us from fully knowing You. Show us where we place our confidence in things other than Your grace. During this Lenten season, renew our heart and give us the strength to press on toward You. May our lives reflect the surpassing worth of knowing You above all else. In Christ Jesus' strong name we pray, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time today to reflect on what you may need to release—whether it’s pride, past mistakes, or distractions that keep you from pursuing Christ fully. Make a commitment to press on toward Him, whether through prayer, fasting, or a renewed focus on His Word.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.