WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE CALLED "JESUS?"

Good day dear friends.

Please be in prayer for Samuel Martinez undergoing surgery this morning in McAllen. I was with Sam and Pam earlier and he's a bit nervous as we all would be! What made it a bit more stressful is that his mom was admitted to the ER in the same hospital this morning as well. So, please pray for Mrs. Gloria Martinez. I tried to see her but she had been taken for some tests and was not expected back for an hour and a half. Both Martinez' are at Renaissance Hospital, McAllen.

Our text this morning is from Matthew 25:34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' 40 And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, "You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' 45 Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'

Soren Kierkegaard, a noted theologian told of an embarrassing story in his life. He saw a sign in the window that said, "Pants Pressed While You Wait." He went inside, saw no one, but proceeded to remove his pants. A man stepped into the room and asked, "What are you doing? I don't press pants, I paint signs!" This has been used as an illustration of those who "talk the talk" but don't "walk the walk." In other words, our witness should be based more on what we do than what we say. It's easier to give witness with our lip service than with our hand service.
What do you do when you see or hear of a need? What you do will result in the greatest witness of all. Another story tells of a man traveling with friends who are placed on standby for a flight that will take them home earlier than expected and as their names are called to present themselves at the gate, they run towards their gate and the three knock down the items of a kiosk run by a blind girl. The two friends run on without regard to the mess they've made of the girl's livelihood, but the last man stops and helps, knowing he will miss the flight, but knowing in his heart it was the only thing he could do. The girl is sobbing at what she knows is a mess but is surprised someone has stopped to help her. All she can think to ask, "Are you Jesus?"

When was the last time you were called "Jesus"?

PRAYER. Loving God, let me be "Jesus" to those in need today. Let my hands and feet do that which my lips have professed. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

Good morning Lord, I thank You for this day. Let my life be a sacrifice to You in every way. Let me not worry about what people may say. I thank You for Jesus, the truth, the life, and the Way. May my thoughts, my words and my actions show that I belong to You. May my life be a sweet-smelling fragrance of faith, hope, and love. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

SWEET SWEET SMELL

Good day dear friends.

Our text is from 2 Cor. 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

There are fragrances that we all love: coffee brewing in the morning, the smell of bacon frying as people prepare for breakfast, fresh flowers, my favorite: the smell of a box of apples when the lid is removed for the first time (yes, I worked in the produce department of a grocery store), the smell of mesquite wood as a barbecue is being prepared, and the list goes on and on. But Paul says this about our witness: Number one, we march in a "triumphal procession," meaning our posture and walk is one of victors. Using his earlier words in Romans, we should walk as those who are "more than conquerors." What an attitude to have especially in the face of life's challenges and trials. Paul further says that our knowing Christ Jesus results in our having a "fragrance." To those who come to know Christ it is a wonderful smell, a smell of life. For those who choose not to have Christ, it is the smell of death.

You and I witness best by showing who we are and Whose we are. You and I are children of the King, bought with a price, ransomed from our sins through Christ Jesus; our life should that!

PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for the victory and life that is ours through Jesus Christ. Let us walk and live in this life with that blessed assurance that we are, through Jesus, more than conquerors in all things. May our lives spread that sweet-smelling fragrance that the world needs so desperately. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

OUR HOUSEHOLD WITNESS

Good day dear friends.

Here is our text for today: Deut. 6: 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem {Or [as a frontlet]} on your forehead, 9 and write them on the doorposts of your house.

The last part of our faith journey series was on our witness. Using the Old Testament, we find the Shema, the core of belief for the Jews. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone." It is a constant reminder that we are believers in the one true, living God. When first issued, God wanted His people to know they were among other people who believed in a multitude of gods and their faith was one unlike others, their faith was in one God. The declaration of faith was followed by a way in which to live: Contantly in love with God!

The conclusion of the text is that of instruction. Teach your children or in other words, teach your household of your faith. And the easiest and best way, is to live it. Live your faith in a faithful witness that tells other who you are and Whose you are.

PRAYER: Living God, increase my faith and let me live it in a way that glorifies You. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

THE KINDNESS OF OTHERS/STRANGERS

I shared how Nellie and I passed several convoys of food and supplies and convoys of electrical company trucks heading towards Harlingen as we made our way to Mission. This afternoon we came to check to see if we had electricity in our home and still nothing. We did see a convoy of trucks parked on the street that leads us to our subdivision. Nellie asked, "Are they working or just parked?" I said, "Being parked is part of their planning their strategy for fixing our neighborhood!" Or so I prayed. These particular gentlemen were from Mississippi or so their trucks identified them as such. I thanked God that these men were so far from home, having driven here such a long distance to come and help us recover our electricity. This morning our church had no electricity and the kindness of our sister church, Wesley UMC and their pastor, Rev. Dr. Tim Brewer, allowed us a place to worship. Some of our 8:30 crowd worshipped at that hour with Tim preaching and Tim invited me to finish my series on our faith journey at 10:45. Between services our associate invited us to breakfast and we met up with FUMC members at the same restaurant and the place was packed with people. The time between 9:30 and 10:30 seemed not long enough to be seated and order. Thanks to our friends from FUMC they paid for our breakfast and allowed us to leave in time to make our way to the front for the 10:45 service. Tim invited us to lunch and though it was his birthday today, he insisted on paying for lunch. I should rewind a bit to yesterday afternoon as we sat in Nellie and Jorge's house and I thought about how appealing the drive from Mission to Harlingen would be at 4 a.m., so I started looking online for a hotel room in Harlingen or within reasonable driving distance. No luck. I called our district secretary and asked if she could with her amazing pull get us a room at the hotel she uses for district guests. While doing that I get a call from Lisa, who sold us this home and she first offered us room at her house and not wanting to impose we politely declined. But this call was to tell us some church members had an apartment near the church that we could use for as long as we needed. The apartment was nicely furnished, air conditioned, and close to the church!

At about 6:30 after watching a video (the apartment had only the ability to catch the NBC channel and the VCR under it had no power cord, so on one of our trips home I took our VCR with us) Nellie calls our home. She had been doing this for about five days now only to get a recording that said there was no service. Today she yelled, "I hear your voice! That must mean the power's on!" Well, let's drive over and see. And thank God, it was. So, we're finally safely home, having journeyed long and hard, assisted by God and God's angels, some family, some friends, others strangers only in the sense we don't know them. But God, please bless the men and women that left family and homes to come to help us out here in an area that still needs so much.

We thank you all for your prayers, emails, calls, etc. supporting us and wishing us well. The church finally has electricity as well, and we pray soon, all of Harlingen will return to normal again.

PRAYER: Thank you God, for those whom You have sent to minister to us. Bless and protect them, bless and protect their families at home. May their time here be a blessing to them, for they have already blessed us. Bring comfort to those who were affected in Knoxville during that senseless shooting in Your house. Be with those who still need shelter and healing. We praise You and honor You in Christ Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

WELL, GOODBYE DOLLY

Good day dear friends.

Dolly finally left us sometime in the early morning hours of today,
Thursday, July 24th. And I join the chorus of neighbors who
say, "Good riddance!" The damage to Harlingen was severe. Early
this morning I went to check on our church building and thank God the
only sign of damage I could see was that a yard sign pointing to our
Journey Day Care was knocked over. Our steeple is still standing,
there was some water that seeped into our entry ways on the eastside,
but it appears everything held well. There is no power at the church
and in most of Harlingen for that matter.

There is no power in our home yet, and as I reported we lost our
eastern side of our wooden fence. There were a couple of shingles
knocked down, and we had a mysterious floor leak in the master
bedroom leading into the bathroom. But the overall is that we're
fine and though there were some injuries, as far as I know we have
not lost any lives. A 17-yr.old in South Padre Island was knocked
off a balcony by the wind, but did not die. We thank God for His
presence with us.

I thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts, text messages,
emails, and calls.

Nellie and I are now with our daughter and son-in-law in Mission,
Texas; they have power and we enjoyed our first hot meal in two
days! We will be showering soon!

Please continue to pray for those in the affected area and the
restoration of electricity and needed supplies. On the way here to
Mission, we saw an HEB convoy of 19 wheelers, some of which said
Disaster Relief, another stainless steel water truck, all escorted by
Texas' Department of Public Safety troopers, and military Hummers. A
bit behind came another convoy of Game Wardens and their boats to
assist as needed. We thank God for those willing and ready for
partnering, as is our theme for this week.

PRAYER: Thank You, dear God, for the preciousness of life and how
you minister to us during our times of need. We cry out on behalf of
those in dire need of water, shelter, food, clothing and we praise
You for those who respond and are responding to these needs. Your
hand is in all of that, and for that we stand in awe. May Your Name
be praise now and always! In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

MIDWEEK PRAYER

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide as prepared for us by Pastor Katy, who preached in my absence this past Sunday:

Make this a midweek day of prayer. Pray about different ways that God may be calling you to partner in service efforts, and pray for the strength to take action.

Good day dear Father. We heard about "hurricanes of the soul" by our children's director yesterday, and today our attention is on Hurricane Dolly that is set to make landfall in a couple of hours. We are one mile away from Dolly becoming a category two and the folks on tv are predicting that will happen. Lord, You control the seas and our prayer is for protection for all who are in the path of this storm. We pray that no one be found homeless during this storm. Please lead all who are without shelter to a shelter. We are almost certain that after the storm opportunities will present themselves for us to partner with others in repair and recovery efforts. Lord, be glorified in our lives today. We pray in Jesus' Name, amen.

Please keep this area in your prayers throughout the day.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

iPartner: The Worship of God

Good day dear friends.

Our prayers for the families of Ruth Avey and Jodie Polk. On our way back to Harlingen, we stopped to worship at FUMC-San Marcos and we learned of the deaths of these two friends in the faith. Ruth died on Friday, I believe, and Jodie died on Saturday. Jodie had been battling cancer for a long time, and Ruth died after surgery.

Also, our prayer for our new bishop, James Dorff. He begins work as our bishop in September. Our continued prayers for Bishop Joel Martinez as he finishes his tenure with us and retires from fulltime ministry. Bishop Martinez has accepted a parttime position with Methodist Healthcare Ministries in San Antonio.

Our theme this week in on service. As we make our vows to join the UM Church we promise to support the church with our service.

Our text for today is Psalm 150: Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

To talk about service we begin with the worship of God. Most churches use music. Either a church has a pianist or organist or both, or even if they use a cassette player or CD player, someone is needed for either playing or operating the device to provide music in worship. The Psalmist knew of the importance of music in worship and lists all the instruments that he has seen or played in worship: trumpets, lutes, harps, tambourines, strings, pipes, cymbals, make that "loud clashing cymbals"!

The Psalmist could not play all those instruments at once. David, credited as the author of most, if not all, the psalms, was a musician. He played the lute and the lyre, and certainly was a "dancer" as is mentioned in the Psalm. He knew that others could give of themselves and serve the Lord in this manner.

What is your talent and desire for serving God in worship? Does you church allow you to volunteer to do something in worship or prior to worship? Have you ever thought about being a Communion steward or assistant steward, those who prepare the elements for Communion? Do you sing in the choir (and yes, summer is a bad time to get inspired to sing in one because most are on "vacation," but talk to any choir director NOW and s/he will say, "Come on down!"), or play in a praise band? Would you like to stay after worship and clean up the pews of discarded bulletins and other papers from your worship service? This is especially helpful if you worship early and you know there is a second service coming.

Whatever your talent or gift, serve the Lord!

PRAYER: Giver of all gifts, make me aware of what I can do to serve You in worship. Speak to me after I say "amen." Let me be a part of those who are glad to be involved in Your worship. I ask this in Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

GOD PROVIDES

Good day dear friends.

Today at Jurisdictional Conference is when we elect three new bishops. Your prayers for God's guidance and direction would beappreciated. This is the most important and chief business of ourconferencing together. Our conference, the Southwest Texas and theRio Grande annual conference, are set to receive one of the three elected.

Here is our study guide for today: In Matthew 17:24-27 there is an incredible story about Jesus and His giving. Please read this and ask God to help you better understand this story.

Here is that text: Matthew 17: 24 When they reached Capernaum, thecollectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does yourteacher not pay the temple tax?" 25 He said, "Yes, he does." And whenhe came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, "What do you think,Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? Fromtheir children or from others?" 26 When Peter said, "From others,"Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free. 27 However, so thatwe do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; takethe first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you willfind a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."

What an interesting scene and scheme! During Jesus' day, not onlywas one required to pay the temple tax, there were collectors of same tax. Could you begin to imagine having that job of being a templetax collector? It would not be the easiest job in the world for most, but here in this story "collectors," plural, come to ask Peterif Jesus was up-to-date in His payment of said tax. Peter knew that Jesus faithfully complied with what was expected and replied so.When Peter returns to the place where they were staying, Jesusalready was aware of what Peter wanted to discuss. The question wasa simple one, do the children of the king support the king or doesthe king's support come from others? Others was the easy answer.Jesus replies that the children of the king are free from paying suchtribute to their father, implying that they were children of God, butHe directs Peter to do something incredible, to go fishing andbecause of fishing, the first fish he catches, inside will be the exact temple tax.

This is a great fishing story. I serve with a staff that at the drop of a hat will go fishing. And living so close to the ocean, I don't blame them and will one day join them. They don't always catchanything, and I've yet to hear they've caught a fish with money in its mouth. Nor would I presume to send them to go fishing in hopes of finding their tithe in the mouth of a fish. The point of the story is that God provides. Sometimes in hard to explain, difficult to understand ways, nonetheless, God provides. A faithful, trusting relationship with God will yield exactly that which we need, especially in returning to God that which is His.

PRAYER: Awesome God, open my mind, ears, and eyes to ways in whichYou may direct me today. Let me be one who gives You all honor andglory. Let me be one who trusts You enough to return to You thatwhich is Yours, my time, my talent, my money, and my devotion. Ipray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

MIDWEEK PRAYER

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Make this a midweek day of prayer. Pray about your financial part of your life. Is it where you need to be? It is not a sin to be rich, but it is a sin to let your possessions possess you. Ask God to help you get deeper into a worship relationship with God.

Good morning dear God. It is a beautiful morning born in refreshment because of the rain You provided yesterday evening here in Dallas. It washed and renewed the earth and we pray Your Spirit do the same for our souls. The beauty of early morning gives me hope found only in You and Your presence with us. I pray for the safe travel of those who are still arriving today for this jurisdictional conference. I pray the strong presence of Your Holy Spirit that He guide our deliberations and decisions. May all we do glorify You.

Lord, many have their thoughts on money. Given this week's theme it seems only appropriate that we have You on our mind and in our hearts as we face the uncertainty of the economy. The evening news shocked us with the local story of a young woman robbed at her place of business by an armed and masked robber, only to have the wind blow away his cover, and she discovers it is her own father. Later this poor woman finds out that her mother and her own husband might have been involved in trying to hold up the place where she worked. Lord, grant your peace and mercy on those worried about money. Help us to see beyond those fears to that which really matters.

We are blessed, help us to count our blessings. We are loved, help us count the ways. We are protected, help us to protect others, especially our loved ones. Let us, let me, be a blessing to You and to Yours.

Holy God, how awesome is Your love and presence on the earth.

I pray this prayer of faith in Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

TRUSTING GOD

Good day dear friends.

Please be in prayer for the family of John Morrissett of San Marcos, Texas. John went to be with the Lord yesterday. John was one of my biggest fans in SM, claiming I never preached a bad sermon during my tenure there at FUMC. John was a tireless worker, heading up the Salvation Army, and being very active in his Lions Club. John was the chief bellringer for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season, endlessly recruiting so many to pick up the bell and ring the joys of the season, all the while raising needed funds for the ministry of SA in San Marcos. I know John will be deeply missed by his church family.

Here is our study guide for today: The Old Testament closes with the prophet Malachi. There are incredible things shared there about the coming of the Lord, the return of Moses and Elijah, but in chapter 3:8 an important question is asked about our giving and tithing. Read this passage and YOU decide how serious God is about our giving.

Here is that passage: Malachi 3:7 Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, "How shall we return?" 8 Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, "How are we robbing you?" In your tithes and offerings! 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me—the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.

As was stressed in our sermon on Sunday and as stressed by Jesus, giving is a serious, spiritual matter. The prophet Malachi's book does not diminish that in his sharing of God's word as the Old Testament closes. The OT ends with an invitation to return to God and to trust God like never before. The seriousness of our giving God says is to do less than God requires. To "rob" God is a serious charge. Ours is to trust God and to release to God that which is God's to begin with. It's a spiritual promise: Give unto God and you will be blessed in ways that God says compares to "the windows of heaven" are opened for you and the gift is poured "down for you (as) an overflowing blessing."

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to trust and give to You as I should. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

The story of Cain and Abel comes to an end when Cain kills Abel because of their offerings to the Lord. This story is found in Genesis 4:3. What is the difference between the two offerings?

Here is that text: 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

Someone taught both boys how to worship and give to the Lord. Yet, both being their own individual persons, one felt that to offer to the Lord "an offering" would be the same as offering "the firstlings" and "fat portions." Do you see a difference between the two?

There is the difference of attitude and gratitude. Abel approached the Lord with the first and the best of what God had given to him. Cain came with almost an afterthought of what may have been leftover from all that God had given him. As I shared from my tithing story, the first of my $1.50, the fifteen cents, went into the envelope even before I spent any of the $1.35 left over. I thank God for parents who taught me about tithing and has allowed it to be one of my holy habits. There were some nights that I would get off work and my mom would drive me to the movie theatre but I had already put the fifteen cents in the church envelope.

What's your attitude towards God? Do you remember God first? Is your tithe check the first you write, or is it after you've paid Visa, Sears, the mortgage, etc.? What is that saying about your gratitude towards the Lord?

PRAYER: All things come from You, loving Father, and for that we praise You and love You. May my attitude always be one of gratitude towards You for lovingly sharing with me exactly what I need. I ask Your continued presence with me in all things, in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

TRUE WORSHIP

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Read Matthew 4:1-10 and see how Jesus approached the true worship of God. What would you say to the Tempter on Sundays when you just don’t feel like coming to worship? “You win?’ or “No way?”

Here is that text: 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, "He will command his angels concerning you,' and "On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9 and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.' "
Our worship of God should be only about God and not anything about ourselves. Sadly, this is not always the case; Satan will always point out something during worship that we don't like or don't particularly care for; sister so-and-so didn't say hi to you or gave you a look you took to mean she doesn't like the way you're dressed. Or brother so-and-so shook your hand too hard and you can't sing because your hand hurts. The list goes on and on. So does worship and we'd best be on-board. In the text above Jesus was tempted by Satan in three areas: Physical need, emotional need, and spiritual need. The three were geared to lead Jesus away from God. If you're hungry, didn't God give you the power to feed yourself? Aren't you loved enough to trust God to care for you in your time of need? Turn your attention from God to me, and I will give you everything you see. To all Jesus held on to God and said that He and we, must "worship the Lord your (our) God, and serve only Him."

As you continue your worship of the Lord this morning in your home or workplace, don't be led away! As you go into your church this coming Sunday, remember it's not about you, it's about God! Eat a good breakfast before church so you won't be thinking about hunger as you get fed spiritually. Greet people with a smile and let them know you love them and care for them, and yes, shake hands with a feeling of joy at having that privilege of greeting one another. And let God know you're there for Him.

PRAYER: Loving God, you are worthy of my worship and so in these moments I worship You. Let me think only of You when I seek to find calm and peace for my spirit. Bless me throughout this day in ways that bring blessings to others. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

GOD OF THE SPINNING WHEEL

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Psalm 150 speaks of how we should worship. Think back about Sunday’s sermon and see how your attitude about worship affects you. Now find and read Psalm 150 and ask yourself the same questions.

Here is that Psalm: Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Sunday we studied our iPraise section of our vows. When we joined the church we promised to support the church with our prayers, our presence... I joked that some folks take "presence" too lightly and consider walking on the church grounds while on a morning walk as having been "present" in church. Wrong! Nor does it count if you drive by and wave! Presence means being a part of a worshiping community. It means to come in with a joyful and thankful attitude and being ready for the Potter to remake us as we saw in Jeremiah.

Our attitude coming into worship should not dictate what God can do while you are there. If you come in with a willing spirit and a listening heart, God will remake you and mold you.

PRAYER: God of the potter's wheel, let me today willingly step on this spinning wheel. With you loving, tender hands mold me into what You would have me be. Yes, there are some tears, breaks, and cracks in me, but it's nothing that You cannot fix. Once I am complete, fill me with Your grace and love that I may carry that to a thirsty world. I pray this prayer of faith in Christ Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

IDOL WORSHIP

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Exodus 34:14 speaks very clearly about God’s stance towards worship. Worship during Moses’ time was all about sacrifice and offerings and God worship was very much against idol worship. Are there any “idols” in your life that you worship?

Here is that text: Exodus 34:14(for you shall worship no other god, because the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God).

This is not the first time God says this. In the Ten Commandments of Exodus chapter 20, God states that to the people of Israel. And here the point is made again: God alone is worthy of our praise. No one and nothing can or should take the place of God's worship. As people in Moses' day approached the worship of God it was something very special and worthy of the time dedicated to that worship. And God knew the temptations His people faced as they made their way across the desert, other religions with multiple gods and the idols that represented those gods.

In our day there are still other religions and there are still idols. What we may take for a material possession, others can make it their object of worship and time that should be God's. Some make their cars that object, taking time on Sunday mornings when they should be in Sunday school or worship, they're in their front driveway washing and waxing their car. Their car has become their idols. For others it can be a boat, their iPods, their computers, and the list goes on. God is a jealous God and wants and merits our time and devotion. Has anything or anyone become an idol in your life?

PRAYER: Loving God, let me see the errors of my ways and let me center my entire attention on You. Make my thoughts be Your thoughts and the desires of my heart to be Yours as well. I pray this in Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

AMEN, I THINK

When I became a Christian I said, Lord, now fill me in, Tell me what I'll suffer in this world of shame and sin. He said, your body may be killed, and left to rot and stink, Do you still want to follow me? I said Amen - I think. I think Amen, Amen I think, I think I say Amen, I'm not completely sure, can you just run through that again? You say my body may be killed and left to rot and stink, Well, yes, that sounds terrific, Lord, I say Amen - I think.

But, Lord, there must be other ways to follow you, I said, I really would prefer to end up dying in my bed. Well, yes, he said, you could put up with the sneers and scorn and spit, Do you still want to follow me? I said Amen - a bit. A bit Amen, Amen a bit, a bit I say Amen, I'm not entirely sure, can we just run through that again? You say I could put up with sneers and also scorn and spit, Well, yes, I've made my mind up, and I say, Amen - a bit.

Well I sat back and thought a while, then tried a different ploy, Now, Lord, I said, the Good book says that Christians live in joy. That's true he said, you need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow, So do you want to follow me, I said, Amen - tomorrow. Tomorrow, Lord, I'll say it then, that's when I'll say Amen, I need to get it clear, can I just run through that again? You say that I will need the joy, to bear the pain and sorrow, Well, yes, I think I've got it straight, I'll say Amen - tomorrow.

He said, Look, I'm not asking you to spend an hour with me A quick salvation sandwich and a cup of sanctity, The cost is you, not half of you, but every single bit, Now tell me, will you follow me? I said Amen - I quit. I'm very sorry Lord I said, I'd like to follow you, But I don't think religion is a manly thing to do. He said forget religion then, and think about my Son, And tell me if you're man enough to do what he has done.

Are you man enough to see the need, and man enough to go, Man enough to care for those whom no one wants to know, Man enough to say the thing that people hate to hear, To battle through Gethsemane in loneliness and fear. And listen! Are you man enough to stand it at the end, The moment of betrayal by the kisses of a friend, Are you man enough to hold your tongue, and man enough to cry? When nails break your body-are you man enough to die? Man enough to take the pain, and wear it like a crown, Man enough to love the world and turn it upside down, Are you man enough to follow me, I ask you once again? I said, Oh Lord, I'm frightened, but I also said Amen. Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen; Amen, Amen, Amen, I said, Oh Lord, I'm frightened, but I also said, Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA!

Good, Happy, and safe Fourth of July day to everyone! May this day remind us of the greatness of our country, as well as to pray for those areas in which we as a nation may be falling short. Someone one said, "We may not be perfect, but we're the best there is." May the Lord make it so!

Here is our study guide for today:

A day of service. Write out the names of those who have asked you to pray for them. What were the names you heard in church that needed your prayers? Pray for people that you don’t even know!

There is no better way in which to pray than by having a prayer list to guide us in the supplication part of our prayer. Most of us get asked by folks to pray for them, and the least we can do is pray for them. Make out a list of those who come to mind. If no one has asked you to pray, then try to remember those who are in the hospital, those having had treatments or surgeries or have received medical news that they did not want to hear. There are many prayer needs all around us!

PRAYER: All knowing God of us all, I raise my voice or thoughts in prayer to You. I praise You and thank You for being my God. I cannot begin to comprehend all that You do and have done for me. I also confess that I have not done what I should and have done some things that I should not have, so in my confession I ask forgiveness. I thank you for all that I have and I ask Your continued blessings on things that I need. And as I pray I ask your blessing on those who have asked me to be in prayer for them. Some I have to confess I have forgotten their name or need, but Lord you were there and I ask Your blessing on them right now. Bless me and my family and let me be a blessing to You. I pray this in faith and in the Name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great Happy Fourth of July!

e.v.

MODELS OF PRAYER

Good day dear friends.

Special Reminder to Readers: If you do not want to receive anything other than the devotional thought (ConCafe) please email me and let me know and I will arrange for you to only get the devotional thought and not the Prayer Requests and other news along those lines. I thank you for your faithful readership! Next year marks the 10th anniversary of ConCafe!

Here is our study guide for today:

Compare Matthew 6 with Luke 11. Both chapters are about prayer, but what are the differences in the two? How do these speak to you and your prayer life?

Here are selected verses from Matthew 6: 5 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 "When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Here are selected verses from Luke: He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial." 5 And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' 7 And he answers from within, "Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. 9 "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

I found it interesting to read on http://www.cnn.com/ that a man had sold his soul to hell, Hell Pizza that is, in New Zealand. The man, 24, said his soul was useless and he might as well get something for it. He got $3,800 from this New Zealand pizza franchise. I don't think he's lived long enough to know about life and it doesn't sound like he's been exposed to Jesus and all that Jesus offers. To make a determination that your soul is useless at any age, but especially so young, reflects on the need we as the Church have to reach more people, especially the young. The boy needs prayer!

Today's texts deal with prayer and how important and necessary it is. The two gospel writers remember their encounters with Jesus as He taught about prayer. Matthew, being the good Jew that he was, remembers Jesus teaching about how hypocrites pray; they pray for the glory they can get while praying. Jesus, according to Matthew, said prayer is a private and personal thing, in which one can open up to God with heartfelt worship and praise. The most used model of prayer is found in Matthew 6 and it is the Lord's Prayer.

Luke shows Jesus as the model of one who prayed a lot. Jesus in all the gospels prays, but He always sought a place to be away from the crowds where He could spend time in prayer. In Luke's account, Jesus' disciples want to know how to pray, and Luke shares his version of The Lord's Prayer. Luke however shares more about prayer in that Jesus is remembered as having shared examples of how we humans think and act and compares it to the greatness of God and God's love when we pray. Aren't we generous with friends in need? Imagine how generous God can be! The actions of prayer should involve our desire to "ask, searching, and knocking," and we'll receive that which God has for us. Aren't we generous with our children especially if they're hungry? Imagine God's generosity with us, especially in the spiritual things.

PRAYER: Generous Father, thank You again for the gift of prayer. Let me today rely on You for all that I need. Fill my soul with You; fill my thoughts with You; and let my life reflect that. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

MIDWEEK PRAYER

Loving Father, I adore You. I humble myself before You as I live this day. I do not have the words to begin to worship You, but I'll try as I say these words and with my actions the rest of the day. I am not worthy to come before You but I will ask that through Your grace I might be made worthy, whole, and holy. I confess that I've not done all that You've wanted me to do. I have congratulated myself for wonderful excuses and rationalizations that have kept me from doing Your will. I confess that I have thought, said and done things that I know were not of Your leading and for those I ask forgiveness.

I thank You, Father, for all You have shared. I am a blessed person. I thank You for prayer and for allowing me to lift up those who are in need and have asked of me or my church to be in prayer for them. Come and visit them with Your healing and wholeness.
I lift this prayer up in the Name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

GOD CAN CHANGE YOU!

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

In Exodus 3 we find the Call of Moses. Read that chapter and see how this is also a model of prayer. God calls Moses in a strange, unexplainable way. Moses answers, God rejects his answer and convinces Moses that God can help/change you if God wants you to serve Him.

Here is part of that chapter: Exodus 3:7 Then the Lord said, "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10 So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

Prayer is sometimes God coming to us and speaking a need or request. We sometimes think, "What was I thinking?" or "How dare me think such thoughts?" But it may be God asking us to do something for Him. In today's passage Moses was a fugitive from the law. He was a murderer hiding in another land in hopes that once enough time passed the crime would be forgotten and he could return to Eqypt or since he was now married and in a family that provided for him, he thought he could stay there for the rest of his life. But God had other plans and visits him with the request of his life. God had chosen him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and out of slavery. Moses' response was mine and it has been yours: Who am I? or better yet, Why me?

God changed Moses and God changed me. God can change you. That's another benefit of prayer, as we pray for difficulties and challenges in our lives, many times the main change that has to occur is the change in us; our thinking, our attitude, our perception of the problem, etc. We may not even ask for it. We may not even think it is us that needs to change, but through prayer change will come and we will be the better for it.

PRAYER: Loving God, speak to my heart right now about where I am and where I need to be. As I pray speak to me and bring to me that which You would have me receive. Let my prayers be worship prayers, let me hear myself being honest to You and bring change to my life for Your good. I pray in the Name of Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

FACE TO FACE WITH GOD

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today: In Genesis 3:8-10 and deeper in, we see the image of true prayer: Face-to-face conversation with God. Read this and imagine how your day would be if you could spend the night part of the afternoon with God. What would you say about your day? About your behavior? Your driving? Your relationships? Well, the good news is that you can do that through prayer!

Here is that text: Gen. 3:8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" 10 He said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."

Just talk to God! Those were profound words of instruction to this pastor during his childhood from both his mother and grandmother. Talk to God. That is a great image of one speaking and God listening. As I was hearing those words my paternal grandfather was not a praying man; he stayed away from the church mostly. It was in later years he became a Christian and the most active church member of the church in Alice. Even in his old age, he would load up his lawn mower and go over and do the mowing on the church property. But what stayed with me is that in those years, I with Nellie and our girls would spend the night with him and as we were dozing off for sleep, Popo, as we called him, would be almost hollering his prayers. Even with his door closed we could hear his prayer. He was talking to God.

The image of God walking among the Garden during the cool of the day is another image that should stay with us. To me it says we have a God amongst us, who loves and cares for us, and wants to walk with us. I can only imagine those conversations between God and His creatures before their fall. It was after their fall that this text shows God walking and looking for Adam and Eve. God knew where they were; and the humans also knew where they were: Fallen from the grace of God. They had lost those "walking privileges" with God. Prayer would take on another form.

The model remains for us though of a loving God, who through His Son Jesus Christ, modeled prayer as a way of staying connected. We cannot have a relationship with anyone is we are not connected and this is God's desire for us. God amongst us in all things, washing the dishes or the car, changing diapers, among the clattering of pots and pans, there is no area in which God is not present.

So, what do you have to say to God today? Remember the ACTS we studied yesterday: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for being with me today and all days. I pray that I might develop my prayer life into a stronger, more intimate talk and walk with Thee. I ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

VBS: VERY BLESSED SOUNDS!

Good day dear friends.

As we pray this morning I lift up Harlingen Police Officer Carlos
Diaz, who was shot Wednesday night. During a routine traffic stop
before Officer Diaz could get out of his patrol car, a suspect opened
fire on him hitting him multiple times. Thank God Mr. Diaz is now
listed in fair condition as being in serious and critical condition.
Also, the suspect in the shooting has been captured in Matamoros,
Mexico, and turned over to US authorities. The suspect is only 18
years old and is facing attempted capital murder charges. Pray for
police officers everywhere. My son-in-law Eric is one, so this is
very personal to me and to our family. Pray for their safety and
protection in the line of duty.

Our text this morning comes from Matthew 18:14: "Let the little
children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these
that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

This week has been a great week at our church and maybe more
churches. Our Vacation Bible School is going on and man is it
noisy! But noise is good! Very good! It speaks of the life of a
church to attract enough children to make noise! From 1:30 until
5:30 our kids have been "Surfing the Scriptures." Our building has
been transformed into a beach setting and it's neat seeing surfboards
in the sanctuary, sand in our fellowship hall, and kids dancing to
surf music and "hanging ten" when the key word of the day is shared.
Kids belong to the Lord and belong in the church. It is the prayer
and hope of all that being at a VBS or in a Sunday school class a
seed might be planted that will result in something great coming of
it. Jesus knew the value of children and so in today's passage
speaks to His disciples about allowing children to come to Him and
then He says "for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven
belongs."

PRAYER: Loving God and Father of us all, we pray for the children
today. We pray that seeds of love and hope be planted in each one.
May what they hear about You bring fruit of a life lived in obedience
to You. Among the kids running through Your house are tomorrow's
pastors, evangelists, active lay members, doctors, lawyers, and such;
grant that your kingdom on earth be blessed by these. Remove from us
all any negative thoughts about noise or sand or papers left here or
there; may these be the footprints of faith! In Jesus' Name, the
friend and savior of all children we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

JESUS COULD SLEEP ANYWHERE - I CAN'T!

Good day dear friends.

Here is today's text: Mark 4:37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion"

I have never taken a cruise, but perhaps I will. Let's just say I don't go out looking for a cruise. My daughter and our son-in-law and his family swear by them, as I'm sure many of you do. "Oh, the food, there's nonstop food! And things to do!" Yeah, all on a boat, in the middle of the ocean with no way to say, "Stop this thing I want to get off." I've had friends who have served in the Navy and their stories of storms at sea were enough to convince me that dry land is a better place to weather a hurricane.

Not so Jesus. I thought of this story as I awoke this morning and I found it in Mark 4. The day for Jesus started with His sharing of the parable of the sower, all from the boat to the crowd on dry land (Guess where I would have been!). Jesus then shares more stories and then they set off from shore to cross the sea. Verse 37 says that "a great windstorm arose ("squall" in the NIV) and the waves beat into the boat" (see why I don't want to do a cruise!), and "the boat was already being swamped." The disciples, who were mostly fishermen by trade, are freaking out; they fear this might be their death. But the carpenter, Jesus, is asleep on a cushion, as peaceful as He could be. The disciples awaken Jesus and ask Him if He doesn't care they are perishing and Jesus "rebukes the wind" and all is calm.

We face many storms in life. Some make us think we are perishing. Yet if we know we have Jesus with us, we should be the ones who can weather and even defeat the storms. Jesus is a calm influence in our lives. Jesus knows the outcomes of all our decisions and Jesus will not get involved unless we invite Him to. I don't believe Jesus sleeps anymore. The Psalmist in Psalm 121 said he "neither slumbers nor sleeps." He keeps a vigil over us, but we have to invite Him to be a part of our lives, every day and at every moment. He will respond.

PRAYER: Lord of all things, and Lord of ours, help me today as I weather the storms of life. You know what I am facing and I turn it over to you. Help me to see the calm that comes by inviting You. It is in Your Name that I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

SITTING ON THE PREMISES

Good day dear friends.

Our thanks to so many who sent us emails of comfort and condolences. The loss of a pet really hurts; but your words and prayers have blessed us.

Here is our text for today: John 21:6 He (Jesus) said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus used a boat. He preached from one, traveled by one, helped feed people from one, and even helped His disciples feed themselves in one. We see Jesus getting into a boat or getting out of one. He takes the disciples to deeper water or as in today's verse, tells them to fish on the other side of the boat. In all stories, it was Jesus in control, with folks doing what He said. And so it is with us, as Christians and as members of a church. Let Jesus be in control, let Jesus guide us, and do what Jesus says we should do.

We heard a wonderful sermon yesterday by our new associate, Pastor Katy Fitzhugh. She used Luke 5:1-11 as her text and she made three great points about discipleship. Her sermon was called "From Pew Sitting to Faith Living." I expected her to use the illustration of how instead of "Standing on the Promises," we're content to be "Sitting on the Premises."

Ours is a call to action and excitement about what Jesus can do. A life lived in Jesus is never a dull one. A life guided by Jesus is never a lost one. A life obedient to Jesus is always a full one.
How do we know what Jesus wants? By being in constant communication with Him, through prayer, Bible study, worship, discussion groups, sharing times, etc. If you seek to know Jesus, you'll what what He needs from you. And your life will be blessed.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Jesus. Let me and my church be guided by You. I turn over my life, my family, my church, my everything, to You. Use me and guide me. Let me see what together You and I can do. I pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

PS Those living in the Harlingen area: Today Vacation Bible School gets underway at our church. Surfin' through the Scriptures! is our theme. It starts at 1:30 and goes through 5:30. Everyone is welcome!

GWENYTH "GWEENIE" VALVERDE

Good day dear friends.

This morning I found the body of our beloved dauchsand on Business 83 and Stuart Place, run over by some driver. Gweenie had been our dog for almost five years, having been rescued from the streets of West side San Antonio by some friends. Gweenie loved to run away and we thought the fence in our new home would keep her in, but her small size allowed her to squeeze under our fence. We had noticed she didn't like to run off after dark, so yesterday evening we fed her and we left to go visit our daughter. When we came back she wasn't home and I drove around the neighborhood and beyond calling for her but no answer. We went to bed sad, hoping and praying she would be scratching at our door this morning.

The first thing I did this morning was to look in the back yard and the front. I opened our garage door because many times that would "call" her and she would come running, but this morning nothing. I went to gas the car and as I turned onto Business 83 I saw her body.
We thank God for the years we had with Gweenie. She found her way into our hearts immediately and her death affects us much. I've gone from weeping to anger at her silliness in wanting to get out, yet realizing that was her nature.

Responding to a dying old woman's inquiry James Herriot, the late British author/veterinarian noted:

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyaltyand gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot ofhumans. You've nothing to worry about there."He goes to note regarding animalsjoining their masters in the afterlife:"I do believe it. With all my heart I believe it."

James Herriot "Dog Stories" chapter The Card Over the Bed .

I believe it too.

e.v.

TAKING TIME

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Friday Write a card or note to a man who’s made a difference in your life. If he is now with the Lord, still write it and place in your Bible. If he’s living, mail it to him. Express your gratitude for all he did and showed to you that has blessed you.

Yesterday a Sunday school from San Marcos made Nellie's day. While we were at FUMC-SM, a new Sunday school class was formed just to pray for the church. They studied materials about prayer and spent time praying for the pastors, the leaders, the staff, the membership, and the community. They gave themselves the name, Storming Heaven's Gates. And each week they would send me and several staff members, a handwritten card saying they were praying for me and my needs.

Yesterday they remembered Nellie's birthday and shared with her how they had prayer for her during their class and this card made Nellie's day.

So, today make time to thank a man for having made a difference in your life. The reason I chose "man" instead of "woman" was due to the connection to Father's Day this past Sunday. In May we'll do the same for a woman.

PRAYER: Loving God, I thank you for those who remember me in their prayers. What a joy to have people that care enough for me to include my name in their thoughts and words lifted up to You. Let me be like them today as I pray for _________________________ and ________________. Thank you for this precious gift of prayer, in Jesus' Name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

THY WILL BE DONE, NOT MINE

Good day dear friends.

Our thanks to God for the successful surgery of Michael McCallum. Michael was able to go home soon after his operation and recover at home.

Please be in prayer for the Hull family as we say goodbye to Martha Hull. Her service is at 11 a.m. at First UMC in Harlingen.

Here is our study guide for today:

Read Luke 22:40-44. Here Jesus prays. To whom is He praying? What is the intent of His prayer? If you said He’s praying to His Father, you are correct. Reflect on His request to God. What does that say to you about Jesus?

Luke 22:40 When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not come into the time of trial." 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done." 43 [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]

This is the moving story of Jesus praying in the Garden prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It was not an easy time for Him and this is reflected both in His prayer and that which happened in His body. The prayer shows the relationship that Jesus had with God. God was His Father. Jesus felt the comfort of that relationship to share with God that which was on His heart and mind, as should we if we are in relationship with God. Jesus' prayer asks for deliverance from that which was coming. Knowledge of forecoming events are never easy for one's soul and Jesus said, "If you are willing, remove this cup from me." Cup is a nice way of saying, "Father you know what is coming and it is too bitter to even imagine what it will be like, so please take it away."

Yet the knowledge that had come to Jesus in this relationship with His Heavenly Father also allows Jesus to say, "Yet, not my will but yours be done." Respect, love, submission is seen in knowing that God as Father, knows best. We sometimes face challenges and trials that we don't understand but we can and should say, "Lord, your will be done, not mine." We think we know a better way and that way is usually the path of least resistance, of comfort, little suffering and no pain; but God knows the path which leads us deeper into that relationship we have with Him.

PRAYER: Loving God as I face the challenges and trials of today, be with me. Let me say like my Savior, 'Not my will, but thine be done.' Help me to have Your eyes, eyes of faith, which can reveal that which is from You for me this day. I lift this prayer of faith up in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

MIDWEEK PRAYER

Good day dear friends.

As we do our daily devotional this morning please remember Michael McCallum in your prayers as he prepares for a hernia operation this morning here at Valley Baptist (Harlingen).

Here is our study guide for the week:

wednesday Make this a midweek day of prayer. Pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be a loving, responsible person. If you’re a parent, pray for the wisdom and love you need to be a better mom/dad. Pray especially for those whose relationships may be strained with their children.

PRAYER: Loving God, Father of us all, I thank you for this day. I don't know what today holds, but I know that You hold me. So, hold me tight, Lord. I ask your blessing upon those facing surgery this morning and I pray for Michael as he prepares to undergo this hernia operation. We pray for a successful surgery. Grant him the healing and relief that he needs. Bless his family, grant them peace during this time. We pray for the Hull family as they prepare to celebrate Martha's life tomorrow.

I pray for wisdom for all who are parents and those who are raising children, whether their own, or their children's children. Bring them to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a parent. May we all accept a loving, caring attitude towards children. I pray for those who may have a strained relationship with their kids; bring restoration today.

Bless the world with peace, justice, mercy and understanding. Let me be a blessing to You and Yours. I pray all these things in Christ Jesus' precious Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.

e.v.

EVERYTHING I LEARNED ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED IN SUNDAY SCHOOL

Everything I Know About Life I Learned in Sunday School
By Rev. Eradio Valverde, Jr.

1. The stresses and problems of life, even or especially, in elementary school can best be faced with friends who also know and love God.

2. Nothing makes life seem sunnier than sharing a glass of Kool Aid and cookies with a Christian brother or sister.

3. Nothing says you are cared for than seeing your Sunday school teacher in a room waiting and asking how you are.

4. Nothing opens up the world of faith better than learning awesome stories of super heroes from The Bible.

5. Though those days are long gone, though the great stories of The Bible were shared on felt boards*, it was the same as today’s IMAX big screen theatres.

6. Nothing would refresh one’s spirit more than to learn and sing a song about Jesus.

7. There seemed to be something about this thing called prayer that our adult teachers seem to believe as they led us in prayers. It was neat when something was troubling us, to share it with the teacher and she or he would pray for us!

8. You learned about how good it could be to drop a quarter, nickel or dime, into a bamboo bowl. The teacher said it was to help the work of Jesus and you believed her.

9. You knew that you belonged to this place on Sunday morning. The week did not seem the same if you missed one Sunday because you were sick or out-of-town.

10. Where else would you get some neat thing you had helped make, to take home and show off?

It’s early morning Tuesday, and I’m remembering with great fondness, my days in Kingsville in what seemed to be the happiest place on earth, my Sunday school room. Walt Disney may have said that about his Disneyland, but that’s only a one day vacation experience, Sunday school was a life-long experience.

I shared above in ten short statements the things I remembered most about my Sunday school days as a child. My most remembered teacher was Mrs. Belen Flores. She was, in every sense of the word, an imposing, but kind figure. A believer and one who wanted us to believe as well. I wondered if she knew the kind of impact she was having on my life or on the lives of those in my class. Of those in her class, most of us would move to Houston as life changed for our dads. Of those in her class, my best friend from there would die in his high school years in a drowning accident. I know he was ready, thanks to Mrs. Flores and her desire to share Jesus in her way with him, me, and all the others in my class. Of those in her class, one would go on to mother three children, one now a lawyer, the other in college, and her oldest son died in a tragic traffic accident. I know he was ready because his mom knew Jesus, and again, because of Mrs. Flores.

I am now a pastor, and in some ways, thanks to Mrs. Flores. She laid the foundation of a faith that at an early age became very real to me, and it still is, because of her faith. She cared enough to study and prepare for our class, to get up earlier than us, and to arrive at church early enough to be the first in the class. That made it easier for us to hear her voice as she said welcome and as she asked how our week had been.

Now that I am a pastor I am saddened by the number of children who don’t know the same experiences that I had because their moms and dads don’t take them to Sunday school. I have to confess I had to be taken to Sunday school and at first, I wanted more to stay in bed and at home, where I could play with my friends who didn’t go to Sunday school. Now I think my life is richly blessed because of that one hour I spent, once a week, in the class of Mrs. Flores.

Sunday school in my honest opinion is the best deal in town. In many churches every Sunday school class is, for the kids in there laughing and enjoying being together, the happiest place on earth. And that one hour per week spent in the happiest place on earth, will come back to make those lives among the happiest ones on earth, working together to make earth a more livable place, as we look forward to the “new earth.”

Make time to take your children and yourself, to Sunday school. I know there is a class just for you. If you don’t find one, ask about starting one. The blessings and benefits you will receive are out of this world!

__________________
*felt boards were folding board with felt cloth on the front. The teacher would tell a story and add felt cloth characters to the board. Both being of felt material, the character would stick to the board. Quite a tool, some would say better than PowerPoint lessons any day!

PARENTING

Good day dear friends.

Here is our study guide for today:

Read Genesis 3. (The passage will appear at the bottom of this message if you do not have a Bible handy) In this chapter Adam and Eve become parents. The Bible says nothing about their childrearing skills other than what results the children had as you read into the chapter. Do you suppose the two tried to raise the two identically, with showing no favoritism? Why do you suppose some children “get it” and others don’t?

Okay friends, here's my mistake for the day, the passage I meant for you to read is from Genesis 4, not 3, but it never hurts to read more than you want in God's Holy Word. In this story of the first children, Adam and Eve are good parents. I believe they tried their hardest to raise both of the boys in the same way. As I said in yesterday's sermon, you try to raise all your children alike but sometimes you realize not two children are alike, nor can you force them to be. Every child is born with his/her own drives, wants, curiosities, etc., and most will act on those.

What Eve and Adam knew about God, they taught to their sons. We don't know if it was mom or dad that shared with them about giving to the Lord. In my case it was my mother who taught me when I got my first job at 9 years of age, to tithe. I made a whopping $1.50 for working from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Chapa's Grocery Store in Kingsville. I got paid in cash and I was intructed by Mom to ask for one of the quarters in change. So from that quarter I would set aside fifteen cents as my tithe. Mom would bring a church offering envelope with her to pick me up at six and I would place the fifteen cents, seal it, sign my name to it and the next day I gladly gave it to God. I never thought, "That's not fair! I worked for ALL this money, God didn't do a thing!" I was thankful to have the majority of the money at my disposal. I was sharing with my daughters on Saturday, that a reel-to-reel recorder on display at one of our hamburger joints, was the first purchase I made after saving up fifteen dollars. I would also treat my brother, who owes me a lot of money to this day!, to the movies and all that went with that, all with what was left over from the tithe.

Eve may have been the one to say to her sons, "Take the first and the best to God when you offer up your sacrifices." Abel did just that and Cain took what didn't inconvenience him, namely leftovers. The Bible says that God had "regard for Abel and his offering," for Abel tried to please God in his giving. He thought nothing about what he would have left if he gave God the first and the best.

This stirred up anger and causes the first murder in the Bible. What a tragic note to see that fratricide is the first murder; a brother killing a brother. Not a good note on which to start the symphony of life, but it shows the need for all of us to be guided by God in all things.
As we raise children and grandchildren, we should be guided by God in prayer. It is not an easy task to raise children. It not only takes a village, it take the universe of God's involvement to help us do our part. The great thing about our baptism is the promise that we as a church make to parents and to those being baptized, to be their community, their family, their love and support as they grow old with us.

May we seek to be God's people as we make our way through life each day.

PRAYER: Loving Father, fill us with your love today. Guide us to faithfulness and let us show others the better way to live. May we who are parents be the best we can in saying, doing, and modeling that which glorifies You. We pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

Genesis 4:1 Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have produced a man with the help of the Lord." 2 Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." 8 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.

REMEMBER WHEN YOU USED TO...

Good day dear friends,

First a Happy Father's Day to all the dads who are reading this. I pray God's wisdom, love, compassion, and grace be with you during this day. May you look beyond the new ties, hankerchiefs, plasma tvs, etc., into the loving eyes of those who presented them to you.

Here is our text for today:

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? 10 Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

How quickly times flies. It seems only yesterday Nellie and I would travel everywhere in a car filled with girls. Having two daughters with us this weekend allowed us to enjoy old stories and to share those with our new son-in-law, Jorge, Nellie's husband. Jorge has done a lot for us during his weekend with us, and even as we were moving in he took one of our five-gallon water jugs and filled it. Yesterday we drank the last of it, and I said, "Remember Jorge, when you used to buy us water, and we liked it a lot?" The girls started laughing because that was their ploy, usually after school, to get Mom and Dad to buy them something like Skittles or Starbursts. It was Nellie, our daughter, who came up with it as she would say, "Remember Dad (or Mom) when you used to buy us Skittles, and we liked them a lot?" We would reply, yes. "I do like them a lot!" And Nellie would wink at me and we would stop at the store.
Father's Day is a great day to honor and love your dad. Even if your dad is now with the Lord, it's a great day to sit and remember all the good that your dad shared with you, and honor him in that way. If your dad wasn't all that good, this day can serve as a day of forgiveness when you say to God, "I forgive my dad for all that he did against me. Help me to overcome those memories and be thankful for what I learned from it to help me be a better person (parent)."
Father's Day is also a great day to remember our true Father, who is in Heaven. Re-read the text above and be thankful for what God does and is doing in your life.

PRAYER: Father, I thank You for Your love. I thank you for this day and I ask you help me be a blessing to all, especially those who call me father. Let me honor my dad today. I pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Be in prayer for those first-time-in-the-pulpit-preachers in their new churches!

e.v.

MOVING DAY!

Good day dear friends.

As we start our morning devotional time, please be in prayer for Mrs. Donna Steman, from our new church here in FUMC-Harlingen, who underwent open heart surgery. Donna had a double bypass performed on her, and she is recovering well, thanks to God. We also continue to ask prayer for our brother, Mr. Jodie Polk, who is home now but in need of our continued prayers as he battles cancer.

Our text this day comes from Mark 10:29 Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, {Or [gospel]} 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age--houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields with persecutions--and in the age to come eternal life."

Yesterday was the "official" moving day of the Southwest Texas Conference. Though some, like yours truly, moved early, others find themselves at the mercy of movers and circumstances. The Rev. Steve Purdy, outgoing pastor of Harlingen First, won't be moved until next week, but he has to preach in his new setting this Sunday. Thus I saw he rented a large size trailer to haul needed stuff to his new home in Seguin. So I ask prayers for brothers and sisters who are moving during this time. I know the movers are all singing, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus!"
Moving is a big deal. Jesus knew that when He said the words we read above, for He knew that for His sake we would be asked to move for the sake of sharing the good news. My first move came when I was 13. It was a welcomed move only in the sense that it united our family. My dad could no longer find work in the Kingsville area and our across-the-street neighbor had been working in Houston for some time and he invited Dad to go with him one Sunday afternoon to Houston. I picture Dad like Abram having to leave behind wife, five children, his mother, sister, brother-in-laws, etc. to find work. I don't remember him actually driving off, but I remember crying and finding that in prayer I had a needed comfort. Dad worked there for six months, coming home every weekend to be with us. Sometimes he had a ride; other times he hitchhiked. Finally the day come in mid-Fall to move. I was glad because I had told my band director that I was not carrying my very heavy baritone home for the weekend because we were moving. I had overheard Mom's conversation with Dad and I was praying (hard!) for that move to transpire. Mr. Babbit pulled me into his office and promised me death if that move did not happen. Imagine my grin on Monday morning by Mom's side as she signed me out of school!
My second move was for the sake of the gospel. I left Houston for Jacksonville, Texas, to begin my education into ordained ministry. I felt and answered the call in eleventh grade and by the time college rolled around I knew where I needed to be. The move was not easy and I still remember that first night in my dorm crying into my pillow knowing that I had indeed, left father and mother, brothers and sisters, for the sake of Jesus and His gospel. Jesus' words are true. I made many brothers and sisters during that first year away from home, and yes, even had mothers and fathers watching over me, yes, even in college.

Yet today I know there are those in the Lord's work who feel some deep sadness because they are so far from loved ones. I feel it only sometimes, Nellie more often. But I look forward with faith, to the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, granddaughters and grandsons that I will receive here. I still love mine very much and I'm thankful our oldest is near, in fact, she spent the night to help Mom and Dad make some sense of the many boxes whose contents are being questioned.

PRAYER: Loving God of all moves, I pray for safety and blessing for those who move today. I pray especially for pastors who are leaving family either for the first time or the hundreth time. Bring to life Your Son's words as they find new family and friends in the work to which you have called them and me. I pray for those family members who are staying behind, bring them peace and joy even in the midst of a move. I pray a blessing on the churches receiving us as well as those who have bid us farewell. I pray healing for those mentioned in this devotional as well as others reading this who have a need either in themselves or in loved ones. All in Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

RELATIONSHIP BEGINS WITH PRAYER!

Good day dear friends.

Prayer Update: Madeline West, given a grim prognosis yesterday, today sat in a regular room, in a chair, after having morning therapy. Great things happened between our announcing her need and after church. Moral of the story: Prayer Works!

The Scriptures say that it was Jesus' "custom" to spend time alone with prayer. It was a custom that He learned from his mother and father, so at the age of 12 when he was "lost" after a trip to Jerusalem, he was actually in the Temple spending time in His Father's house, in prayer, learning more about God and God's plan for his life, in prayer. A story says that a group of tourists after touring a picturesque village asked an old man sitting on a fence near a lovely picture site, in a patronizing way, "Were there any great men born in this village?" And the man replied, "No, only babies." Jesus was a baby in his prayer life and matured in it, and so should we.

Prayer has blessed many lives for the time we spend alone with God is a time of blessing that will be unleashed later when we need it the most. As was shared in our study of the passage from Matthew 7, our "foundation" or "rock" as Jesus mentioned comes from our relationship with Jesus, not the religious things that we do. Our prayers are intended to develop the relationship we need with God. It will pay off later in great and unexpected ways!

PRAYER: Help me, dear God to make and spend time with You. Let me listen to what You would share with me, and let my relationship with You grow like never before. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.

THIS IS THE DAY!

Good day dear friends.

Last weekend Nellie and I walked around the small community of Port Aransas. It was very humid and got hot rather early in the day, but that did not deter our wandering among the tourist shops of that beach town. We didn't have a way to make hot tea in our room so we asked at the souvenir shop if there was a coffee shop in town. The cashier told us how to get there and we were only about two blocks away.

As we sat to await our drinks we noticed a sign above the door leading out of the shop. It said, "Psalm 118:24." I asked Nellie do you know what verse that is? She said, "I think I do." And I said, I think I know too, it must be, "I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the House of the Lord." But that didn't quite make sense to have it over the doorway unless the owner is deeply religious to seeing the world as God's house. I used the internet access of my phone and typed in the verse and it came back, duh, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." What a nice way to start the day! Enter into a coffee shop, get your morning pickmeup and then head into the world knowing that each day is a gift, handmade by God, offered to us with the only stipulation to be glad and rejoice in what God offers.

And so it is with today. This is Sunday, the first day of June. It is the Lord's day and we should rejoice in what God offers to us: A nice church family, a church home, a place to worship and be glad.

PRAYER: Thank you for this day, dear God, I accept this day as Your gift to me. Let me do all You would have me do. Let me go into Your house with gladness to worship You and praise You. I pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

e.v.