To Eat or Not To Eat Idol Meat?

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1 The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not? We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions - 2 but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. 3 We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all. 4 Some people say, quite rightly, that idols have no actual existence, that there's nothing to them, that there is no God other than our one God, 5 that no matter how many of these so-called gods are named and worshiped they still don't add up to anything but a tall story. 6 They say - again, quite rightly - that there is only one God the Father, that everything comes from him, and that he wants us to live for him. Also, they say that there is only one Master - Jesus the Messiah - and that everything is for his sake, including us. Yes. It's true. 7 In strict logic, then, nothing happened to the meat when it was offered up to an idol. It's just like any other meat. I know that, and you know that. But knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive. We need to be sensitive to the fact that we're not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating "idol meat," and are sure that there's something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn't going to change overnight. 8 But fortunately God doesn't grade us on our diet. We're neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can't stomach it. 9 But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a Christian still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track. 10 For instance, say you flaunt your freedom by going to a banquet thrown in honor of idols, where the main course is meat sacrificed to idols. Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused - maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong. 11 Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him - because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin! 12 When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." 13 So, never go to these idol-tainted meals if there's any chance it will trip up one of your brothers or sisters. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13 The Message Bible)

Dear Friend, blessings upon blessings for you as you spend time with God. May this be a time dedicated to listening to God and receiving from God that which can bless us for His service.

Two of my professors from seminary once confessed they went to a Hare Krishna event (I don't know quite what their worship or whatever they do is called). There was a big table with flowers and food on it. Among the food items, these professors saw that there was a bowl of popcorn and so they walked over and helped themselves to it. This was a no-no and they were told so in a curt manner. Today's passage is not about popcorn but one can't help but wonder the implications about consuming popcorn dedicated to the deity of Hare Krishna? And the matter brought before the Apostle Paul was a more serious matter.

Imagine being a Christian in the time of Paul and you go into a marketplace in Corinth. You're easily overwhelmed by the fabrics, spices,. fruits, vegetables, and meats; all dedicated to idols during pagan worship. As a believer in the one true God, you wonder about what this would mean to your spirit and life if you knowingly eat meat offered to an idol. But this isn't just about food - it's about a clash of values, about navigating freedom and responsibility, and ultimately, about love. Let's dive into this passage and discover the timeless lessons it holds for us today.

It is our freedom to eat what we want to eat; but as Paul said, "If someone with weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol's temple, won't that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?" (v. 10) The danger in our exercising our freedom, we must consider the impact on others, especially those whose faith might be fragile. Our actions, even if fueled by good intentions, can become stumbling blocks for others.

The ultimate question isn't about the meat itself, but about the price we're willing to pay for a meal. Is our personal freedom worth causing a brother or sister to stumble? Paul says no: "So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge" (v. 11). The weight of this statement hangs heavy - the cost of our choices can be measured in the spiritual well-being of others.

The answer, Paul proclaims, isn't restriction, but love: "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall" (v. 13). This isn't about legalism; it's about a radical commitment to putting the needs of others above our own desires. It's about setting a table where love, not self-interest, is the main course. Let us love others enough to care about them before insisting on our own way. We should balance knowledge with love. We should consider the impact of your actions. We should learn to choose love over personal freedom. And, we should let love set the table.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant us the wisdom to navigate life's choices with a discerning heart. Help us to balance knowledge with compassion, to prioritize love over personal desires, and to always consider the impact of our actions on those around us. Let our love be a testament to You; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be a mindful traveler in the marketplace of life, choosing acts of love and consideration over self-indulgence.

Receive my love and my tnanks to God for you!

Rev. Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Demons in Divine Places

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21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him. 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28 NIV Bible)

Dear Friend, may the blessings of God's power be with you as you lift up prayers for yourself, for persons in your life that matter, more so as you pray for people you don't even know, and may we as the Body of Christ pray for those whom no one sees, nor wants. Yes, they're out there and if you say, "I never see them..." Gotcha! Pray for The Rev. John Fletcher, pastor of Kelsey Memorial UMC in Corpus Christi. As a DS I asked him to leave Shiner (Shh, please don't tell the folks there!) and to bring him to a church where he has made quite an impact on many lives. John had a bout with cancer and John won, but this past week, John was told that the cancer was back, and to quote what John shared, "with a vengeance." May the vengeance be that of God's as He destroys the cancer in our brother's body. Pray because God answers prayer! Pray for all who asked your church to pray for them (Your church's bulletin should have those names!), and pray for those who put their lives in harm's way to serve and protect us.

Most of our churches have a worship space we call the sanctuary. That's such a beautiful and powerful word. Most of us of a certain age may remember the dear hearts who tried to keep us as kids out of certain areas and for us to maintain a certain silence and respect during worship. I'm thankful that my home church of El Buen Pastor Methodist (pre-1968) Church in Kingsville, did not have any strict restrictions about "DO NOT ENTER HERE" and I think that started to mold my heart towards what would come to me in the 11th grade of high school. The sanctuary should be a safe haven for all who entered there to worship God. But alas, we don't have to look any farther than recent news of shootings in sanctuaries, or abuses in same, or harsh words being exchanged, or angry criticisms towards pastors and lay leaders from others; all in the safe haven that should be the sanctuary. And this passage proves that even with the presence of Jesus in their midst, people in the synagogue at Capernaum, there was a demon-possessed man. And on that morning there was a disruption.

Jesus taught in that worship space on that Sabbath. Jesus taught, unlike the rabbis, with authority and a command of Jesus knowing and also being the Word! I tend to believe there was an excitement on Jesus' part in sharing truth and life. He shared with love of the people, which, by the way, is the secret to great preaching. My mentor, Rev. Jose Galindo would say, "If the people know you love them you can read pages from the phone book and they'll say it was a great sermon." Confession: I've yet to preach from the phone book. The hard part today would be in finding one! Kids, if you don't know what a phonebook is, ask grandma or grandpa.

Jesus' preaching that day drew out the demon's fear. "What do you want from us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?" There are several things we should note in the demon's words. The demon(s) knew Jesus. Not just by name, but also by fame and as the second question states, by power, too. "Have you come to destroy us?" Ouch. They knew Jesus' power and ability to destroy them. We don't read about any other diety having such encounters. Mohammed, Buddha, any other so-call divine characters, never were called by name or feared by demons. This man, in whom the demon lived, had had more than his share of darkness in this life. At some point he had an encounter with evil and evil came to reside in him. Evil is real, dear friend. Evil comes from Satan and as Scripture says, roams around like a lion, searching for someone to devour.(1 Peter 5:8). And he found this man. The evil controled the man, allowing for some liberties, like going to worship in the synagogue. And this could lead to an entire discussion about why the man sought the sacredness of the synagogue while possessed by a demon?

The demon hears what it didn't want to hear; Jesus commands it to be quiet and then to leave the man. That was it. The demon as it had feared had its existence inside the man threatened and then ended, for Jesus confronted the darkness and broke it. The pain of the outside world that had come to live inside the man had met He who delivers us from such pain and miserable existence.

The people were amazed at Jesus' authority and the "new teaching." They saw and believed that Jesus could control demons and the darkness they represented. And they were determined to share these news with others, and the entire region of Galilee heard of Jesus' power and ministry.

As we live our lives we need to have our hearts open to authentic teachers of love and hope; those who speak with deep conviction and whose words resonate with our spirits. We should also not fear the darkness because we know Jesus. There are struggles and pain in the world and we should face them with Jesus on our side. Jesus represents and is the Light of the world; we need Him, and nothing else. We also need to believe in the power of God's word. Jesus presents new beginnings and transformation that can happen in Him. If we are struggling with darkness, let Him take over and give you light. In Jesus come to embrace the potential of change need in your life. There is no need to continue trusting in things outside of God's realm.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant us ears to hear your voice, spoken through authentic teachers and whispered within our hearts. Help us to face the darkness in ourselves and in the world with courage and faith. And open our spirits to the transformative power of your Word, that we may experience the wonder of new beginnings and walk in the light of your love. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Seek authentic teachers that help you confrotn darkness with faith and love.

Receive my love for you. I thank God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Strength in God

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5 God, the one and only - I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? 6 He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life. 7 My help and glory are in God 8 So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be. 9 Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing. 10 And a windfall, if it comes - don't make too much of it. 11 God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes Straight from God." 12 Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work! (Psalm 62:5-12 The Message Bible)

Happy Thursday, dear Friend. I ask that you take time to lift up The Rev. Patricia Zaiontz-Newcomer, who has been in ICU for some days after suffering a fall. She underwent emergency surgery and we pray God restore her and make her well. Patricia was a pastor in our Coastal Bend District and I love and appreciate her and her ministry to the Lord, Thank you for praying for this dear sister. Also, please pray for The Rev. Scott Bradford, pastor of First Methodist Church of San Angelo. He had some discomfort last night (Tuesday) and today, Wednesday, he went to his doctor who has ordered a series of exams, including a referral to a cardiologist. Pray for this dear pastor's healing and strength. Pray for his wife, Laurel and their family, as well as his church family. Late word is that Scott has a Friday appointment with a cardiologist. And, please pray for Mr. Robert Saucedo, who early Wednesday was in the ER and has other health and family problems. May the Lord heal his body and family. Also, prayers for The Rev. Troy Bell, pastor at Jackson Chapel UMC in San Marcos, TX, who is hospitalized and needing our prayers.

I'm old enough to remember the ads on the back of comic books. Kids, if you're not familiar with comic books, talk to grandma or grandpa. My favorite ad was from a muscle man named Charles Atlas. Just his name inspired me! Atlas, as the Titan who held the world in motion according to Greek mythology. He was born Angelo Siciliano but changed it legally in 1922 after a friend told him he resembled the statue of the Greek titan. He had developed a system to build himself up by what is now known as isometrics. The popular legend is that he went to the zoo and watched a lion stretch and thought, "this old gent has no barbells nor exercise equipment and yet he is muscular," and thus developed his course. He went from a scrawny young man into a muscle man. The ad promised strength and the ability to be popular if you would buy the course. How I dreamed I could one day afford his course!

True strength is found in God. David the psalmist king wrote that in God we can find strength and all that we need in God alone. David begins his list with hope, and a solid footing and breathing room for his soul, and even compares God's presence to being an impregnable castle; considering himself set for life. God has provided help and glory and David has placed, as should we, his entire trust in God. And his command is for all, us included, to place our hope and absolute trust in God.

David knew that the pressures and stresses of life were not match for God's strength. In the things of this world we find things that batter us and harm us, but in God we find that which blesses us back to wholeness. As he writes, "Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage. Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing." This may sound dismal, but when compared to the reality and awesomeness of God, it's a true statement. And when we compare the present to the eternal, we know we should confide solely in God.

The passage ends with the declaration of David, "Strength comes Straight from God," which he had heard before and now it echos in his mind and heart as that which he needs always to hear. And he shares his love with God along with his praise for all God has done for him.

Friends, as we face the challenges of daily life, remember to seek stillness in God. As the chaos of today swirls around us, remember in Him we can find calm and peace if we carve out moments for quiet reflection and if we surrender to the peace that He alone can offer us.

We should also anchor our souls in God's strength. God is our mountain and fortress if we let His steadfast love be our hiding place. We should also learn to daily lay our burdens at His feet. God knows our struggles so we should offer them to Him and find in Him that peace in His understanding. We should also learn to release the trip of worry from our minds; Remember, compared to God's power, our anxieties are like smoke.

PRAYER: Loving God, lead us to the mountaintop that is Your presence. It is there that no storm can overcome us and Your peace is ours for the taking. Grant us the courage to quiet our souls and to lay at Your feet our burdens. As we walk in this adventure with You, grant us peace; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: May the peace of this psalm grant us peace and strength. Receive my love for you. Please know that I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A City Transformed

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1 Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. (Jonah 3:1-5, 10 The Message Bible)

Happy Wednesday, Reader! Praying this midweek recharge is just what you need for your life.

The theme for this week is adventure. Today's adventure takes us to the only man in the Bible to have been swallowed by a whale, spent three days in it, and then spit up on the shore. The adventure started because the man said no to God. God sent Jonah towards Nineveth and he said, "I'll go the other way!" Try as he could, he could not hide from God, nor could he run from Him. In fact, God gave him a second chance. "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." The message, though from an Old Testament perspective, is very needed and new, "Repent." It is said that Nineveh was like an OT Las Vegas of the worst kind, and if ever any city needed to hear that word, it was Nineveh. It was a large city for the scripture says it took Jonah three days to walk through it. Each day the prophet walked the length of the city proclaiming God's message, "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown. (aka, "Repent."). The people of Nineveh believed God and a fast was proclaimed and all the people of the city repented of their sin, and this action pleased God and God repented of His desire to get rid of the city.

God's truth does not come as a whisper but as a thunder; to hear God command Jonah to "Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message I give you," and Jonah finally heard it and it became a call to action, a chance to mend broken ways before it was too late.

One can only imagine the initial reaction in Nineveh to this prophet's message; disbelief, scoffs, perhaps even laughter, but as the message travel it started to penetrate homes and hearts and the unexpected shift occurred, "They believed God." That was the transformative power of God. We know that belief isn't passive; it's a turning point, a decision to embrace truth and to step into the path of change.

The entire community was transformed because the change was like a wave over the city. The proclamation of a fast showed the sincerity and commitment to this change. The fear of the coming judgment brought about needed societal changes, and we see kings and commoners stand side-by-side, united with the desire to be shown mercy by God. This reflected their inward transformation to turn away from sin and towards hope and grace.

The most powerful lesson lies in the final verse: "When God saw what they did and how they turned away from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened." This is grace amidst repentance, an unfurling of divine compassion in response to sincere change. God as righteous judge, offers a chance for a fresh start, proving that even the darkest path can be illuminated by the light of repentance and grace.

What can we apply to our lives from this passage? First, we should heed the urgent voice of God. God's call to repentance can come at any time and in different forms, but the clarity of the message is always for us to listen with an open heart and to be ready to respond. Second, we should believe and turn. Faith is not just a matter of intellectual assent; it is a turning point, a commitment to change. We must be willing to break free from our old lives and embrace a new one. We should also realize that change isn't always just a matter of individuals changing; sometimes change can come to communities and societies. We must become a force of change with hopes of inspiring others walk in the light of Jesus. Finally, we should know that no matter how far we might have strayed, God's grace is always available. We must embrace the path of repentance and we can be witnesses of the unfolding mystery of God's love and forgiveness.

PRAYER: Loving God, help us open our ears to hear Your urgent call, granting us with the courage to believe, the humility to turn, and the strength to inspire others to walk in Your light; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be a voice of hope and a witness to what God can do.

Receive my love for you and thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Temporary

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29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:20-31 NIV Bible)

Happy Tremendous Tuesday, dear Friend! Praying this finds you well and enjoying the fullness of life through Jesus Christ.

The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die.

The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die. The late Rev. Dr. E. V. Hill, pastor of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, and a native of Texas; born in Columbus and raised in Seguin, once was asked to preach in a very affluent community up North. As he and his wife drove through this town they were amazed at the homes, the cars, the lawns, the richness of the buildings and he commented to his wife, "Something is missing in all this.." She had to ask, "What?" He said, "Graffiti!" She laughed and knew he was up to something. As he began his sermon he again shared his impressions of the homes, lawns, cars, and buildings of this town and said that there was no graffiti and he felt led to paint just one word on all the cars, homes, and buildings. And that word he said, was the word temporary. One can imagine the shock and anger to discover on your brand-new car that word on your side doors of that car. And EV went on to preach a powerful sermon on how the things we place all of trust in, soon fade and die.

The Short Fuse of Time: Paul knows, as do most of us, that "time is short." This is not a call to start a countdown but a gentle reminder that life is fleeting. And the older one gets the faster it seems that time flies. The call from the Apostle is for us to be intentional, to recognize that our choices hold weight, and to embrace the present moment with an awareness and appreciation, of its preciousness.

Living "As If Not": The paradoxical statements that follow may trouble us at first reading, such as "From now on those who have wives should live as though they had none, those who mourn as though they were not mourning, those who buy as though they had no goods." This isn't advocating for emotional detachment; it's a call to find our true center in something beyond the fleeting joys and sorrows of this world. It's a reminder that our ultimate fulfillment, our greatest treasure, lies not in worldly things, but in our connection with God and the values of His kingdom. A marriage without Christ may be a shallow one. A life lived without the hope of Jesus when it ends, leaves behind more than just grief.

Present, Yet Ungripped: We are called to experience life deeply, to cherish relationships, to mourn losses, and to partake in the world around us. But we are also called to hold these things lightly, recognizing that they are not our ultimate source of purpose or security. We are like sailors catching the wind in their sails, propelled forward but not tethered to the mast. We embrace the journey, savoring the experiences, yet ultimately trusting in the steady compass of God's guidance.

The "present form of this world is passing away," Paul reminds us. This isn't a call to despair; it's a liberation. It frees us from the pressure to chase fleeting trends and find ultimate security in the shifting sands of circumstances. It encourages us to invest in what truly matters – our relationship with God, the building of His kingdom, and the legacy of love we leave behind.

What can we take from this? First, we can live with intentionality. We should recognize the preciousness of time and invest our energy in things that hold lasting value. Second, we should find our true center. We cannot let our worth be defined by worldly possession or fleeting circumstances. We should anchor our identity in God and His love for us. Third, embrace life fully, but hold it lightly. We should cherish relationships, enjoy life's gifts, and experience our emotions deeply, but we should not let them control us. Lastly, we should invest in what matters. How about we focus our energy on building a legacy of love, service, and faith that will outlast the passing world.

PRAYER: Loving God, grant to us the wisdom to live with intentionally, recognizing the fleeting nature of this world and clinging to the truths that endure. Allow us to experience life fully, yet holding to it lightly, always pointing our hearts towards the enteral values of your kingdom. Let us be witnesses to Your love, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today living intentionally, investing in what matters and let Your light shine through you.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Good News and Good People

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14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. (Mark 1:14-20 NIV Bible)

Happy Monday, dear Friend! I pray this finds you doing well and enjoying life. How is the New Year treating you? How are you treating the New Year? It is interesting to consider the New Year as a start in a new adventure. All other adventures may have come to an end with the interesting combination of numbers that was 12/31/23. (The end of the old year was 123 123!). And speaking of adventure, today's passage is all about that.

God is love and God loves you so much, that He gave His only begotten Son so that you might have life and the fullness thereof. That is a nutshell isi the Good News. Jesus came to embody the Good News. And as we see, once His cousin John the Baptist was in prison, Jesus took over preaching the same sermon as John: "The time has come, the Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the Good News!" Jesus' ministry was one of invitation. Jesus came to invite all people to believe. There were no qualifiers as to who He would invite; all were invited and all were welcome. Oh, how this should have been the mission of all churches, but it was said of the Church in the USA that Sunday morning, 11 o'clock was the most segregated hour in America. And it was. There were some churches that would not welcome me, including one that for Human Relations Sunday did not follow the common practice of other communities where they would reach out to other UM churches of a different color and swap preachers. We, the members of the Spanish language church would swap pastors with the Black pastor of St. Paul. I did not set foot in that FUMC until I was their district superintendent. And how I wish that had been the only such church in that district, but it wasn't. One chose death rather than welcome others who were different from them. Not much good news in that is there? But, the Good News stands as presented by Jesus and John. And for the work to be completed, there would have to be helpers and so Jesus begins to call those Whom He knew would be the best to serve God as disciples.

While walking alone the Sea of Galilee and seeing Simon and his brother Andrew at work, Jesus interrupts their work and call them out of that work and into a new work; "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people." And their response is immediate. What has long intrigued many, myself included, was that very thing. How could established business owners, or business people, stop, drop, and go after this man calling them? I do not have an exact answer, but I have several ideas. These two may have been among those who heard the good news sermon and because of their sins, repented and came to know the power of God to forgive. This may have happened one or two or many days before the call, and the two may have returned happy and discussing all that had happened in their lives. How did you act or what did you do when you came to faith? Did you talk about it with anyone? My wife, after hearing a Lutheran pastor preaching in a garage, heard the good news and ran home to tell her mother! This was a culmination of events and exposures she had had as a child to God and God's word since she was a baby. And it set in motion a desire to serve God. She mentioned to her mother she wanted to be a missionary. And, as my Mom had said, she said nuns could not marry. Nellie said she wanted to be a missionary not a nun. And the work of God continued in her spirit and mind as she grew up. So, when God revealed the marriage that was to come into her life, she was ready. How I wish she had said yes immediately to my dating her! Simon and Andrew said yes because they had come to a knowledge about God and God's Son. Have you?

Jesus continued His walk along the coast and see two more brothers at work. So, Jesus comes to James and John, sons of Zebedee and calls them and they, too, leave a family-owned business and followed Jesus. Again, how easy or practical is it for God to call people from an established business or profession and get a new disciple? Well, for God it is very easy. For us, it may be not easy at all; it may not come immediately. I did not say yes to God's initial call into my life. I had no set business, I was in eleventh grade of high school and I was hoping and dreaming about what college would reveal to me about a way to support myself and maybe others, when God called for me to enter His ministry. I had developed quite a list of what it took for one to be a minister. I had no real basis for this list; it was more of what I knew from the ministers I had known who had been my pastors, and to hear God call me, I was ready to say no, for I do not fit the idea or ideal of what it took to be a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. I did not have a halo around my head; I quite believed I was being fitted for horns. I had no wings to fly among the realms of heaven; the tennis shoes I had were were quite worn and they had only so much ability to lift me only so far. I was shy and I feared public speaking and the little speaking I had done did not make me stand out as an orator or a public speaker, and I had not memorized very many Bible verses, which I thought was a building block for ministry. Man, was I wrong.

Although it is 2024, the same urgency present when the words of "Repent for the Kingdom of God has come near" is present today and the call to those four original disciples was immediately answered because they sensed the urgency of the mission. Friends, the mission is still urgent. In Jesus' call there is also the sense of turn away and turn toward; meaning when we repent it's not a one and done deal; it's a continual turning away from self and all its negativity, and towards God, where we find love and compassion and all we need to reach the world for Him. We are also called to embrace the Good News and to believe in the transformation power of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope He offers. And lastly, we are to answer the call to action. Jesus' call was for a lifelong and even eternal adventure; we cannot be passive observer but an active participant in building God's kingdom as we use our gifts and talents to spread His love and grace.

PRAYER: Father God, open our hearts to hear your urgent call. Grant us the courage to repent, the faith to believe in your good news, and the strength to answer your invitation to follow you. Equip us to be fishers of men and women, instruments of your love and grace in the world. May our lives become a reflection of your kingdom, filled with your presence and overflowing with your hope. in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today, carrying the urgency of the moment, embrace the transforming power of repentance and faith, and answer Jesus' call to actively participate in building His kingdom.

Receive my love for you and know that I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Private or Shy?

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1 God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. 2 I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. 3 You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. 4 You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. 5 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too - your reassuring presence, coming and going. 6 This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in! 13 Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. 14 I thank you, High God - you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration - what a creation! 15 You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. 16 Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day. 17 Your thoughts - how rare, how beautiful! God, I'll never comprehend them! 18 I couldn't even begin to count them - any more than I could count the sand of the sea. Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you! (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 The Message Bible)

A most tremendous of Thursdays for you, dear Friend! Make this a day of prayer and service. Reach out in love to someone today! God will direct you if you ask, and you don't even have to say, "Pretty please!"

How private or shy are you? I don't want to give myself away, but let's say I love the bathroom stalls in the United Kingdom! If you know, you know! Okay, in the UK, the doors of each stall is like a regular door, not the half door where people can peek in to see if someone is truly using it or not! Okay, for some of you this may be TMI*. *Too Much Information*. But honestly, many of us will only allow so much to be "out in public." And that's okay, but today's passage hits hard! The psalmist has thrown open the curtain to his soul and has it out there for everyone to see! And he has invited us in to an intimate conversation between himself and God. Would you be willing to invite others there? The first line gives it away, "God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking." Whoa, what? Is this where, "He's making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice" comes from?

The Bible does speak of God's all-seeing eye. The psalmist wrote that when he sat and when he rose, God knew and knew also where he was going and when he would lay down, and "familiar with all my ways." This may seem a bit unnerving, kinda like living under a microscope, but the deeper truth is not one of surveillance, but of intimacy. God's knowing gaze is not one of judgment, but rather a declaration of His unwavering presence, and a reassurance that we are never truly alone.

This knowledge is beyond words: Even before we form the words on our tongues, God knows what we are thinking. This profound truth offers us comfort and challenge. It whispers comfort because God understands our struggles before we even share them, and it offers challenge because every thought matters, every intention held in the heart is not hidden from the divine eye.

We are embraced in the shadow of wings: The image of God being behind us when we look (v. 5), and "you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too - Your reassuring presence, coming and going." There is a sense of safety and belonging. Even in the darkness, even when uncertainty shrouds our path, God's presence surrounds us, holding us close in a protective embrace. This becomes then our anchor, which reminds us that despite life's twists and turns, we are held secure in the palm of His hand.

The psalmist affirms that we are, according to another version, "Fearfully and wonderfully made." This is a profound truth that carries immense weight. We are not accidental creations; we are divinely crafted, "fearfully and wonderfully made" with purpose and love woven into our very being, which grants us dignity and confidence, reminding us of our unique place in God's grand design.

Friends, what we need to remember from this passage is that we should not shy away from God's awareness. We should find comfort and hope in the knowledge that God loves us and understands us perfectly. We should also affirm that God hears our every thought, and so we should choose to cultivate a mind and heart that reflect His goodness and grace. We should also let the image of God's protective hold wash over us, as God offers us peace and stability amidst the uncertainties of life.

We should never forget that we were "fearfully and wonderfully made" to inspire our confidence in the purpose God has ordained for us. Discouragement should not be a part of us, for the vast knowledge of God is there to inspire us as we explore the depths of His love and grace.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for knowing me so intimately, for loving me even in my imperfections. Help me to embrace your unwavering presence in every corner of my life. Guide my thoughts and actions, hold me close in your protective embrace, and may I always remember the wonder of being your beloved creation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth and let God's knowledge be a source of comfort and inspiration to you.

Receive my love for you and my tnankfulness to God for you,

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Whispers in the Night

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1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. 2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6 Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8 A third time the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 11 And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’ ” 15 Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.” Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 17 “What was it he said to you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.” 19 The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. (1 Samuel 3:1-20 NIV Bible)

I pray the Lord blesses you, Friend, with a great day filled with joy and opportunities for great work for Jesus! I have GOOD NEWS on The Rev. Olga Paul!, She is home and doctors have determined that she did not suffer any strokes, but had allergic reactions to medication that she recently started taking! So, why do we pray? Because God answers prayers! Please continue to pray for her and all for whom we have been praying!

God works in mysterious ways. That quote is true, but it is not from the Bible. It speaks of the many uncountable ways that God can, does, and will do things to suit His needs and purposes. And among the mysterious ways God calls people, none more mysterious are the people that God calls. I'll stand in that line at the front; but that's a story for some other time. By then maybe I'll have a better answer than now. We need only go to the Bible to see some more awesome examples. King David may be near the top of the list as may be Saul of Tarsus; aka Paul the Apostle. And like David, God can sometimes call children. Today's child is Samuel, son of a mysterious way in which his mother begged God for a child. I will remind you she was mocked for being barren. Her chief mocker was her husband's other wife. Okay, that throws us off, but it was a cultural thing, not legal today. But she became so thankful to God for the gift of this son, that she upheld the vow that she would turn the boy over to God if she were so blessed. Sadly, we may believe most women would have walked away, boy in hand, and forget such a promise. But, Hannah, turned over Sammy to God as she had promised. Now, many would have questioned the setup; a toddler turned over to an almost retired rabbi, who lives in the temple! We're talking God's mysterious ways! And in case, we have forgotten, we're still talking about faith.

The boy adapts well to his new environment. He may still miss Mommy, but he knows a little about Daddy God, and His role in his (Sammy's) even being here. The boy is like an assistant to the rabbi/prophet named Eli. Now, the opening verses affirm what I just said, "The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli." What the boy did is open for debate or discussion, suffice it to say, the boy understood the awesomeness of God. I can relate as as a boy, son of a still-Roman Catholic mother, I had more than one occasion to visit and worship in many a Catholic Church for weddings, funerals, visits. And I still vividly remember the majesty and pomp of all the priest was doing, holding, waving; and I thought that was the coolest thing. I eventually told my mother I might want to be a priest. Mom replied, quite wisely, that priests could not marry. I heard enough. Back to Sammy. In this temple was the Ark of the Covenant, which made this worship center a super sacred place. And while laying down awaiting sleep, the boy hears his name whispered. "Samuel." Thinking it was the prophet, Sammy gets up and runs to Eli's side, "Here I am." The old man asks, "What?" "You called me, and I responded." The old man says, I did not call you; go back and lay down. This happens three times before Eli realizes that this voice may be the voice of God calling the little boy. So, Eli says, "If you hear the call again say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" So, Samuel goes and lays down. The Lord comes and stands over Samuel and this time says his name twice. And now Sammy knows what to say. And here the Lord shares with Samuel what He was about to do, namely, open the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. The rest of the statement was not what the little one wanted or needed to hear. It was a condemnation against the prophet and his sons.

You can imagine how the lad felt. He goes to lay down and possibly pray for his not having to tell the old man what God has shared with him. And when he faces Eli, Eli knows to say that Samuel should tell it just as he heard it. Samuel shares it as God spoke it and the old man understood saying, "He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in HIs eyes." The Lord stayed with Samuel and blessed him and as the passage closes, the writer says, "And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord."

Here is what we should hear from this: We should be open to whispers in the night: God's voice can, and does , come in unexpected ways, most likely at times we least expect it. We need to learn to be still, listen carefully, and do not dismiss those faint nudges or intuitive whispers. We should also embrace the courage to listen: For us to respond to God's call requires courage to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Be forewarned that God does not take no for an answer lightly. Our no today may mean other ways and people that God may use to touch us and reach us. We should also learn to faithfully deliver the message: Even if we perceive the message from God to be difficult or even impossible, it is still our responsibility to share it with honesty and humility; but with the assurance that God stands with us, and God will prevail. Lastly, we should trust in God's presence: In moments of growth and uncertainty, we know that God will guide our steps and our sharing His purpose. We should also affirm that we can and will do what God asks of us.

PRAYER: Loving God, open our ears to hear your whispers, even in the dimness and quiet moments. Grant us the courage to listen, the honesty to face difficult truths, and the faithfulness to deliver your message, even when it's challenging. Lord, guide our growth, equip us for your purposes, and fill our hearts with the assurance of your presence. May we, like Samuel, become voices of your truth and instruments of your love in the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be open to God's voice, embrace the courage to listen, and trust in His guidance as you step into your own unique calling.

Receive my love you and thankfulness to the Lord for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Body and Temple

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12 Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims. 13 You know the old saying, "First you eat to live, and then you live to eat"? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that's no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor him with your body! 14 God honored the Master's body by raising it from the grave. He'll treat yours with the same resurrection power. 15 Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master's body. You wouldn't take the Master's body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not. 16 There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, "The two become one." 17 Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever - the kind of sex that can never "become one." 18 There is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for "becoming one" with another. 19 Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. 20 God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20 The Message Bible)

Happy Tuesday, dear Reader! May the blessings of the Lord fill your cup to overflowing in all areas of your life! May we continue to pray for one another, especially those who have asked prayers of us; may God bless them all with healing.

The City of Corinth was a bustling place. It was a metropolitan area of the first order. It could easily compare with the big cities of today in all the good and the evil that these cities offer. If you could dream it, good or bad, you could probably buy it or order it. And the same was true for Corinth. Yesterday I was so tempted to list a couple of college towns for "Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?," but today, I will say Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and those two are at the top of the list of any number of US cities. Things in Corinth were legal that would make others blush. And here the Apostle Paul is trying to bring Jesus and the Good News to the people caught up in this mess that is Corinth. "God is love" pales, for some, when they believe, "Anything goes," or "What happens in Corinth stays in Corinth." Yes, some people really believe that about Vegas and worse, a lot of people actually live it. Hear me out before you tune me out. God does love you and enough to forgive you, so when Paul writes, in this modern version, "Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritual appropriate." Amen? Or, is he confused? Paul is aware that what he preaches is not popular, but it is powerful and needed as he continues, "If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by (or away) with, I'd be a slave to my whims." Paul was not buying the argument that "You Only Live Once, So Live to the Fullest." Our decisions and actions all come with consequences.

If we choose to overeat, Paul says, we pay the consequences; If we choose to indulge it with sex, there are no excuses for those actions. Paul says, and we should know, that God has honored us with a body, so in return, the least we can do, is honor God with our bodies. God honored Jesus' body with glory by raising it from the dead, and God will do the same for you. But until that Resurrection moment comes, we have to remember that our bodies were created with the same dignity as Jesus' body, and we would not dream of taking the Lord's body to a place of ill repute, Paul says, and "There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact." Paul knew the reason that the Bible says "The two becomes one" is precisely because of the spiritual dimension that is a part of sex, which Paul further shares, "Since we want to be spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever - the kind of sex that can never "become one." And further, Paul knows that there is a sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. "In sexual sin we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for 'becoming one' with another." The body is the temple of God, as another version says, and as such, God's Holy Spirit resides in us, and any flesh-sins we commit, violate the sacredness of this temple. For we cannot compartmentalize one part of our body for this use, and the other, for another. "God owns the whole works. So let the people see God in and through your body."

As we reflect on this passage, here are some solid take-aways: 1). We must go beyond self-indulgence. Our freedom in Christ Jesus does not mean we can go crazy with our desires. You and I have been called to serious ponder the "beneficial" aspects of our choices. We must honor our bodies as truly being the temples of the Holy Spirit. 2). We must connect to a higher purpose. Our being alive transcends earthly pleasures and desires. We are to be instruments for God's work, vessels of God's love and His presence in the world. 3). We are called to live our lives with intentionality. We must remember that we have been "bought at a price," which imbues our choices with weight and purpose. Each decision we make is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice made for us and live lives worthy of that redemption.

PRAYER: Loving God, help us to see our bodies not as objects of indulgence, but as sacred vessels entrusted to Your care. Grant us the wisdom to discern the "beneficial" paths and the strength to resist temptations that would dishonor your temple within us. Grant us the power to intentionally reflect Your love and grace in every choice we make. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Make conscious choices that honor your body as a temple, your life as a reflection of God's love, and your existence as a testament to the price paid for your redemption.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

What is Said About You?

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43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51 NIV Bible)

Dear Friend, welcome to Monday! May it be a marvelous Monday where you bless others with marvelous demonstrations of your love, compassion, understanding, and peace. May our time together in prayer, devotion, and openness to God bring us that which will bless us and help us bless others! PRAYER UPDATE: From The Rev. Bradley DeHaven of St. Luke's Methodist Church in Corpus Christi on The Rev. Olga Paull's condition: Just stopped in to see Olga Paull. She is doing ok. Thus far, all the tests have ruled out a stroke (incuding the second one today). They're still going to run more tests, but whatever it is, it wasn't a stroke, nor heart-related at this point. She is alert, speaking, and able to communicate clearly. I'll share more tomorrow when we gather, but prayer is still very much warranted.

In 1988 I made a difficult decision. I was asked to consider accepting a church in another annual conference of The United Methodist Church. This is a very long story, and I won't bore you with it, but suffice it to say I said yes I would consider it. This came after much prayer and discussion with my wife. We knew the change would not be easy, but we knew that God would go with us. At the annual conference session in Corpus Christi where I was introduced as a new member I will never forget the words used by Bishop Ray Owen about me. I was humbled by what he said and it made me pray all the harder for the words to be truly true! Which brings me to the question that I used as the title of this devotional: What is said about you?

As Jesus is in the process of calling His disciples, He was in Bethany about to leave for Galilee when Jesus sees a man named Philip, whom He called to follow Him. Philip was from Bethsaida, like Andrew and Peter, and after having said yes to the Lord, goes to find his brother Nathanael and tells him the good news, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Philip knew he had been called by the Messiah to be a part of His team, and so in excitement goes to his brother to share this wonderful news. What is Nate's first response, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Now, I could, and probably should, insert any number of towns that might make this statement seem a bit more understandable, but boy would feelings be hurt! Let's suffice it to say Podunk, Texas, or Backwater Tide, Arkansas as examples. The perception is that a town such as Nazareth had not been known for having produced outstanding or "good" people. Now, was that a truthful statement or a fair statement? More than likely not; but we get the idea. Even Philip wasn't swayed by that statement for he says to his brother, "Come and see." Boom! So, the reluctant brother walks slowly, how else would a reluctant person walk? And before he can even say a thing, Jesus speaks and here's what He says, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." Boom again! Please note that before he could get in a snide remark about Nazareth, he is told he is a man of no deceit. Tell me that Jesus didn't know him and still loved him! And darn it if that's not the way Jesus has treated me, and some of you? We were so ready to do this, and Jesus told us that! We were so ready to do this, and Jesus said do that! And that's what true discipleship is all about; giving in to God and letting God do with us what He needs. God knew Nate, God knows you and God knows me. And just as God used Nate and Phil, God can use you and me!

Jesus also told Nate that He had seen him before Phil came calling, standing under a fig tree; and this prompts Nate to make this incredible declaration; "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel." Nate came to faith with this brief encounter with Jesus, as should we always. Jesus countered Nate's statement with the truth, "You came to faith because of what I said about me seeing you under the fig tree, but you will see greater things than that." And Jesus adds, "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angles of God ascending and descending on' the Son of Man." Boom a third time.

When we said Yes to Jesus, Jesus made the same declaration to us, and true to His word, you and I have seen many unexpected, many unexplainable things, and some of us have even gone to places we never dreamed of going! And I mean that both geographically and relationally. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be asked to be a district superintendent, and more so in a conference that had not been my native one. And in the first months as one, I remember driving from San Antonio to Goliad with the bishop and his wife for a district laity event. The fine people of Goliad has rented the community center and it was packed with people as we drove up. On the way there the bishop and I had been talking about his experiences as a DS and now as a bishop and he had spoken of "then it hit me" moment, the realization that this indeed was real. I had that moment as I was being introduced by the bishop as the new DS of the district. I wept quietly, thankful that my wife was there to see and experience this with me, and I had the thought of my wishing my Mom were still alive so that she could at least hear me tell of it.

Our faith is an adventure with Jesus; it is a daily walk holding Jesus' hand as we go to places and people as only He could direct. May it be said of us that we loved and served Him faithfully.

PRAYER: Loving God, we are so thankful for Your love and presence. We are more thankful for Your being with us; help us be faithful and frutiful in this adventure. Help us win the world for You; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Enjoy the adventure so much that others will beg you to take them with you!

Receive my love for you as I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A Symphonic Praise

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1 Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" 2 In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor him! 3 God thunders across the waters, Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness - God, across the flood waters. 4 God's thunder tympanic, God's thunder symphonic. 5 God's thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars. 6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, The high ridges jump like wild kid goats. 7 God's thunder spits fire. 8 God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake. 9 God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches. We fall to our knees - we call out, "Glory!" 10 Above the floodwaters is God's throne from which his power flows, from which he rules the world. 11 God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace. (Psalm 29 The Message Bible)

Happy Friday! Dear Friend, may this find you well. Given that Monday was the New Year finds us a day behind with today usually featuring stories gathered together as our Friday Faith Feeding, but we must give the psalmist his due; a study into the 29th Psalm. I pray it bring a special blessing to your life and all that you do for the Lord Jesus!

I was blessed to have spent many of my formative years in a small Texas town, on a street that was just down from Texas A & I University. Our street ended right at what I beleive was Jones Auditorium. And it was in that same auditorium that I was exposed to symphonic music by the A&I Symphony. I heard music that seemed straight from Heaven itself with instuments that I deemed exotic. The tympani drums, the oboe, the cello, bells and woodwind and brass instruments. I'm also thankful that I grew up in a church where every Sunday we had an organ and piano providing the accompaniment for our singing hymns to the Lord. I learned that music can trigger a lot of emotions and reactions, and most of it worked to soothe my young mind and heart.

The psalmist loved music too. He loved writing it and experiencing it. He loved how music had the power to soothe the king's anger when Saul would have fits of rages that sent his mind to demonic regions; only music could draw him back and to that place where he needed to be. I belleve David loved music so much that he heard it everywhere. Many of his psalms attribute music to nature itself and how awesome are thunderstorms when the ground cries for refreshing and strength and the psalmist heard in those noises the praises that God deserves. If God is truly present everywhere, He is present in the renewing of the earth with rain and the music that sometimes accompanies its arrival and distribution. Remember this little boy's fascination with the timpani, so was Saul, and he heard it in the thunder and even above the flood waters; all working to make creation strong and new.

Imagine standing in the midst of a powerful thunderstorm, hearing the thunder roll and seeing the lightning strike. The psalmist draws from this awe-inspiring experience to describe the voice of the Lord. The thunderous sound is likened to the voice of God, reflecting His might and authority.

In our lives, we may face storms of various kinds—trials, uncertainties, or challenges that shake our foundation. Yet, just as the thunderstorm reveals the power and grandeur of God, these storms can remind us of the strength and authority of our Heavenly Father.

Despite the chaos and noise around us, God’s voice speaks above it all, offering comfort, guidance, and assurance. His voice is a voice of strength and peace, cutting through the chaos of life, reminding us of His presence and control over all things.

The psalmist concludes by acknowledging the Lord's enduring blessings and peace to His people. Even in the midst of life's storms, God's voice brings us hope and stability, assuring us of His faithful love that endures forever. This is the same voice that spoke from the heavens above the water when His beloved Son was baptized; "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased."

Let this Psalm be a reminder that when the storms of life rage, we can find solace and strength in the voice of our Almighty God. His voice speaks peace, His presence offers comfort, and His power gives us assurance. May we always listen for His voice above the noise and find our refuge in Him. Just as Jesus chose to present Himself for baptism, He chooses to stand beside us during our deepest times of need.

PRAYER: Gracious God, we thank You for Your mighty presence in the midst of life's storms. Help us to hear Your voice above the chaos, guiding us with Your wisdom and strength. Grant us peace and assurance as we trust in Your unwavering love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be open and willing to hear God's voice in all things especially when we need it most.

Receive my love and thankfullness for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

We're Broken and Need Fixing!

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Hear and View today's devotional here: https://bit.ly/3TNAhgJ

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. 6 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. 9 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day. 14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. 20 And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. 24 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” 29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. 1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. 4 This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. (Genesis 1:1-2:4a NIV Bible)

Happy Thursday, dear Friend! May the blessings of God bring you joy and peace on this day. Strive to become a blessing to all. The latest update on Baby Emma is that she may have Enterovirus-Rhinovirus. I don't know if the family has plans to move her to Corpus Christi or San Antonio, but let us continue to pray for that precious baby. I pray all is well with you. Our pastor, The Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington spent the night in the hospital after suffering a lingering virus-like illness plus fatigue from the entire "Super Bowl" of Christmas-New Year's services led to him getting much needed rest in Memorial Hospital of Gonzales. Please pray that he make a speedy and complete recovery soon! Please remember others that have asked for prayers from us that God quickly restore them all to health and wholeness!

The arrival of the Baby Jesus and later His presentation for baptism made me think that from the "once upon a time" beginning of all things until the "They all lived happily ever after" we have come up with quite a list of broken things that serve only to break us and separate us from God's desired plan of relationship in the garden of paradise with Him. The list is too long for me to list, but just the opening pages introduce us to our more than average ability to come up with some doozy things; disobedience, lack of trust, murder, and that among brothers, and then the list continues with things I best not name, for as the comedian says, "we don't need much leading into temptation because we do a pretty good job of finding it ourselves and stepping right into it!" And as one version of the Bible says, in the fullness of time, God sent His Son. And we cannot argue with God's timing! We may say both, "What took so long?" and "Why aren't more people responding?" The first verse of Genesis reminds us over and over again that "God saw it was good," and we take the reins and choose our own way and not God's way. Thus the need for Jesus to say, "Hey y'all, we're broken and that's why John is here to baptize us; in hopes of making us clean and whole.

The Creation Story as we studied it here, and the presentation of Jesus at the Jordan River serve to again remind us of God's interest and involvement in our story. It is a story of love and redemption, a story of grace and peace, and while others still seek to re-write it according to their plans and purposes, God does not waver, nor does God stop always loving us. If Creation was all about making order out of chaos, Jesus' presence and power serves to do the same in in our lives. We are quite good at taking order and making chaos out of it, are we not? Jesus says, "Let me come into your life and make all things new!"

As we prepare for worship on Sunday, may we again pause to examine our lives. It take a lot of work to judge others, and many of us do take too much time in doing just that; let us examine ourselves honestly and with determination to allow Jesus to make us whole and better. Into His loving hands we can turn over all things that have not served us in a positive manner. May people turn to us when they see just what God can do, and may they ask the same for themselves!

PRAYER: Awesome God, we stand in awe of Your power and creativity, as we contemplate the wonder of Your creation. Fill our hearts with gratitude for the gift of life and for the privilege of participating in Your ongoing story. May our lives reflect the love and care you have shown in bringing the universe into being. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Go forth today with the echo of creation in your heart, carrying a sense of awe and responsibility as you walk through the world, a co-creator in God's magnificent story. Stay open to God's leading for changes needed in your life.

Receive my love for you and thankfulness to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Do You Know the Holy Spirit?

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View here: https://youtu.be/kOmzKC7oCiw

1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:1-7 NIV Bible)

Happy Wednesday, dear Friend! I know this day brings great joy to those who work Mondays through Fridays! I know because I used to - long time ago! Or, if you go to school, Wednesday was a great day, too. Mid-week! And in my high school, Wednesday was hamburger day! The little snack shop outside our school cafeteria sold hamburgers for 25¢! Yum! And in college, Wednesdays was steak night in the Commons. But Wednesday is the day we look at the Epistle for this coming Sunday, which by the way is The Baptism of the Lord Sunday. All the passages we are examining are dealing with Jesus' baptism. Yesterday we studied the actually passage where Jesus presented Himself for baptism with his cousin John. And today's will show us a deeper aspect of baptism.

For many, baptism is known mostly as a ritual we follow in most churches. In our brand, the Methodist Church, it is one of two sacraments, meaning those rituals in which Jesus Himself participated, are considered incarnational moments, and very sacred, or holy in nature. There is a degree of supernatural mystery to It. The baptism as John the Baptist presented it, was one of forgiveness, a ritual cleansing of sin from ones spirit. The guilt and weight of sin was removed internally, or spiritually, but the actual washing by water of the person. The people from the Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem, as Mark wrote, were immersed in water, symbolizing the cleaning that was taking place in their spirits. Some also consider the entering into the water as a symbol of death, and emerging out of the water as a resurrection, or new birth that has taken place because we have been washed clean and born anew from the Spirit. Paul, on the other hand, knew that baptism in the Holy Spirit was also a part of what takes place in this ritual. Paul asks the disciples gathered in Ephesus, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered no.

Paul's question unveils an essential truth—that being baptized into Christ also means receiving the Holy Spirit. He explains the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and as they were baptized, Paul laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Their lives were transformed by this empowering encounter.

This passage emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It illustrates that the Christian journey involves more than merely acknowledging Christ—it encompasses experiencing the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive wisdom, guidance, empowerment for service, and a deepened relationship with God.

For us today, this passage prompts reflection on our experience with the Holy Spirit. Have we encountered the Spirit's transformative power in our lives? Are we seeking a deeper relationship with the Spirit, allowing His guidance and empowerment to shape our Christian walk?

Just as these disciples in Ephesus encountered the Holy Spirit through baptism, we're invited to open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in our lives. It's an ongoing journey of surrender, seeking a deeper understanding of the Spirit's role and influence, and being open to His transformative work within us.

Let's prayerfully seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, inviting His guidance, empowerment, and presence in every aspect of our lives. May we be open vessels, ready to be led and transformed by the Spirit as we walk in faith and obedience.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to seek a deeper relationship with the Spirit, to be open to His guidance, and to allow His transformative work in our lives. Empower us to walk in step with the Spirit, glorifying You in all we do. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us go forth today, seeking a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to fill every corner of our lives.

Receive my love for you and thankssgiving to God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

The Call of the Wilderness

Photo of the Jordan River by Rev. Eradio Valverde, Jr.

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View here: https://bit.ly/3H5it9e

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:4-11 NIV)

Happy New Year, dear Friend! I pray that this be a most awesome year for you and yours! May God bless us to the point of our becoming blessings to others! As we pray today, please pray for The Rev. Alicia Campos, wife of The Rev. Francisco Campos, who is entering hospice care due to her failing liver. The Campos are long time friends and colleagues of ours, and we value them a lot. May God bless them with comfort, peace, and hope. We pray for a miracle for Alicia. Also, may we pray for the healing of a baby in the Valley named Emma. She has had nonstop fevers and she is unable to move her body. Pray that doctors find out what is wrong with her to bring her healing. If she does not imporve soon, she will be airflighted to Corpus Christ's Driscoll's Childrens Hospital. Thank you for your prayers! May this be our best year ever in terms of our spiritual growth, our service and compassion to others; so that Christ will be proud of us!

Friday, March 9, 2018, Nellie and I, along with a group of young pastors and their spouses, stood on the banks of the Jordan River. On the far bank, a Palestinian soldier, armed with a machine gun stood watch over the entrance into his country. On the bank on which we stood, an Israeli soldier, also armed with a similar machine gun, stood watch on his entrance into Israel. These two guards were very young men, "kids" said my mind to me only. What they were guarding was a sacred place; once referred to, as we read, "the wilderness," where the call of the wilderness drew God's messenger, John the Baptizer to proclaim his message, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven has drawn near!" A contemporary prophet for his time, dressed as one, shouting out an invitation to all who would hear the need they had to turn their sins over to God. He was successful for Mark writes, "The whole Judaean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him." And John's message continued, "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Then, we read where Jesus presents Himself for baptism by his cousin; and as He emerges up from the water, Heaven opened and from the skies comes the Holy Spirit as a dove. And a voice from Heaven said, "You are my Son, Whom I love; with You I am well pleased." I must add that on that morning we stood with open mouths at this site, there flies by a white dove.

On that day that Mark writes about, a voice cried out; John the Baptist comes from years in the wilderness, dressed as a prophet in camel's hair and a diet of locust, shouting a message calling people to right their relationship with God. His image and message went directly against the religious leaders of his day. John's message was for all people, not limited to the "righteous" as defined by the leaders; he called for a complete and total change of heart and direction, which would prepare the way for the One who was to come.

Add to this, we find Jesus, the Son of God Himself, standing alongside the sinners who presented themselves for this baptism, and we see that this was an act of humility; Jesus, the sinless man, standing side to side with humanity, which signifies His identity to the brokenness of humans, and their (our) need for redemption. His baptism serves as a symbol of His oneness with us; His commitment to sharing in our journey of transformation.

Following Jesus' baptism, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him like a dove. This is a momentous occasion, a tangible manifestation of God's presence and power. It serves as a confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the chosen one, and prepares him for the challenges and trials that lie ahead.

Friends, here's what we need to know: We are called to examine our lives and turn away from anything and everything that stands in the way of our relationship with God. The baptism of Jesus serves to remind us to be aware of the true greatness that lies in humility and service, not in pride or self-importance. And lastly, the presence of the Holy Spirit is with us and reminds us we are not alone in our journey; The Holy Spirit is with us, to guide us and empower us as we seek to follow and serve Jesus, Our Lord.

PRAYER: Loving God, open our hearts to the message of the wilderness as we ask that you grant us the courage to repent and turn away from anything that hinders our relationship with You. Fill us with the humility of Christ and empower us with the Holy Spirit to follow You in all things; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Be inspired by the call of the wilderness to do that which we need.

Receive my love and thankfulness to God for You!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.