The Lord is My Shepherd!

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Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

During my internship as a pastor-in-training, I majored in funerals. I did my first solo funeral and was a part of nine (9) funerals. That number pales by what is being experienced in our churches today, but every funeral is important and has an impact on the person officiating. A dear friend often said funerals were the toughest for him and he would eat almost a gallon of ice cream before the funeral to coat his stomach. In all nine of those intern funerals, this Psalms was used. My mentor and dear friend in ministry, the late Rev. José M. Galindo would give a powerful introduction to this psalm. This introduction would catch the attention of all there, and then the words of the psalm would take over and bring the beginning of peace to those gathered in grief. Yet, this psalm is not just about the end of our life, it is about all of it. Every child should know it by heart and use it as part of their prayer life, for indeed, it speaks of God's presence, power, and peace.

God provides for our every need. We may not be aware of it, and even some may claim they don't need it. Yet, God is there, walking with us, providing us the opportunities for receiving and enjoying what our bodies and spirits need: rest, restoration, and renewal. God provides strength in the face of fear, just by our knowing that God is right there with us; we face nothing alone. Whatever enemy we have, sees our God preparing a wondrous meal of victory and celebration, yes, even before the battle - that sends a strong message to our enemies: You are defeated even before you begin!

In moments when we think we don't matter or count, God's anointing oil of belonging and love comes upon us. And if you glance and see a shadow or two or three, it might just be God, God's goodness, and God's mercy walking with you. And if ever you felt homeless in any sense of that word, think again; God even provides His house for us in which to dwell. Not just for now, but our "whole life long."

PRAYER: I pray, Lord, that You are my shepherd; there is nothing I need more than You. You walk with me, You provide the times and places for my rest; You lift me up when I feel down. You lead me, and if I follow, I will find myself on the right way. And when I face things that cause me great fear, You are there and You protect me. Lord, I love when an enemy, such as illness or loneliness or sadness comes to attack, and there You are preparing a victory celebration. Thank You, Lord. And when I feel invisible to others, pour over my head that oil of joy and meaning. May the shadows of You and Your goodness and mercy be cast over me as I walk this day. In Christ Jesus, my Good Shepherd, I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Build Me a House?

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2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you." But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.

God has blessed me with many places to live all my life. I started life in a small concrete house behind a larger house that my dad and mom rented from someone. The day came that my dad purchased a lot and had a wooden home on blocks build there. Later, he bought an old railroad building that he turned into my grandmother's house behind ours. Then, to Houston, and living in a rented, wooden apartment in a fourplex building. Then our own new home, college dorms, my apartment with my bride, several parsonages, our own new home, and back in parsonage. I am thankful that God has always provided a roof over my head, sheltered me from the elements, and given me all things that I have needed. Such was David's feeling in the story told above. He had risen from the pasture to the palace, and as king, was living in the nicest home in the country, made of cedar, so you can imagine the wonderful smell (for those of you not allergic to cedar!). But he said, "Wait a minute. Here I am in this nice house and yonder lives God in a tent!" He shares this with the prophet Nathan, with his desire to build God a similar home to his, but the word comes to the prophet from God that it would not be David to build God a home, God instead would build David's house. The ancients struggled with housing God. We do, too. God early on said He did not want a house, but would take a throne, thus the ark of the covenant, symbol of where God may sit if He so desires. The tabernacle was the symbol of God's presence as God traveled with them in the Exodus; but the point was this: God wants to be, and is, everywhere. God did not expect us to journey to certain places to say that we went there to worship God. We have churches that we do call the "house of God," but indeed, God lives within us, if we so invite Him.

And the desire of God was for David to realize that all that he had and would have, came from God. His earthly possessions, his offspring, all gifts from above. The best house David could build was a dwelling place in his heart and in the hearts of his family. God knew the best house for peace was in David's heart; and for us as well. All that we strive to do for God, and all attempts to build, pale when it comes to the truth of what God truly wants from, and for, us; a home in which to share His love and peace - in the ole ticker (heart, for you young'uns).

So, dear friend, seek to build God the best house God can have, in your heart, your own home, your family, your work, your play; in all that you do, and then step back and see if it hasn't been God to build something for YOU!

PRAYER: Loving God, build me in that which will glorify You. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

One in Christ

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Ephesians 2:11-22 So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision"—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Say this with me, "I am Citizen Saint!" Say it again, this time with enthusiasm! Yes, let the caffeine do its work in you, o weak of flesh! Now, let's see what that means according to God's Word in this passage. First, in Christ Jesus, we, who were once far from God in more ways than one, are now living with God. We were "aliens" and "strangers" to the covenants of promise, and we were living as "hopeless" people. You may not even have been able to see that you would land where you are because of Jesus Christ; it may not have been on the horizon for you, or so you thought. Now, as Citizen Saint, you have peace; that deep-seated and firmly grounded peace that no one but Jesus Christ can give. You have it, use it! You are now a part of the Body of Christ and you should see no differences in other believers - you are one people! You are part of the new humanity that lives above divisions, barriers, obstacles, and differences. You are a nonviolent person. You are now a citizen with other "saints" (Believers in Christ Jesus), and a member of God's household. What an address to have! You're in the rich zip code now! Your life is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." You are a true spiritual being, growing in love all the time, because God lives in you!

PRAYER: Awesome and Loving God, live in me, and grant to my heart, mind, spirit and soul the promises shared above because I do want to be Citizen Saint. I want to live and share all that is mine in faith with those who do not yet have faith. And I ask this in the Name of He who saved me, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

We Have a Shepherd!

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Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

The family gathered around the hospital bed of their dying father. Grandchildren and their families were there as well. The dad had been a faithful pastor for most of his life. After their visit, knowing that this may be the last time they may see their dad and grandpa alive, they decided to have a prayer and they formed a circle around him. After the prayer, one of the daughters said, "Why don't we say the 23rd Psalm together as part of our prayer?" Everyone agreed and they started. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." They looked around and they started to giggle and laugh because that was all they knew of that psalm. What saved them is that they knew the Shepherd if not His psalm. They were people of faith, perhaps lacking in memorization skills; but they knew God.

Every part of this coming Sunday's Gospel lesson speaks of that Shepherd at work, bringing to life the words and teachings of the 23rd Psalm. Jesus provided a place for rest and renewal. And as people saw Him and recognized Him they gathered and Jesus shared as He usually would. A wise pastor once told me, "Jesus usually will attract a crowd," and He does if we present Him as alive and powerful as ever. Our God is a God of love and compassion, and as the psalmist knew Him, a God of wholeness and healing. Do you know Him in that way? The key to these people was their search for Jesus as we should daily seek Him and His face for our lives and the day ahead. I arise early each day to connect with God in hopes that I may know Him more deeper and learn from Him what I need for my day. John Wesley used to believe that 5 a.m. was the time to connect with God, and I chuckled this morning because I knew that to mean that by 5 o'clock you had to be dressed and in his chapel to begin worship. I do good to drag myself out of bed at that hour and begin my time of worship as close to 5:25 as I can. It matters not the time, we must connect with God and in a way that will show Him off to others during our day so that others will seek the same for themselves.

PRAYER: Loving Shepherd, come into my heart today; come in to stay. Come in to say through me that the world needs to hear; give me boldness and courageous words to bless You and Yours. Bring healing to this dear reader and me, in whatever we may be needing. This I pray in Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Savior, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Leaping, Dancing, and Praising God!

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2 Samuel 6:1-5; 12b-19 David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart with the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the Lord with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. They brought in the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the Lord. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.

There are different denominations for a reason. There are different churches within each denomination for a reason. Whether those are good or bad reasons, we'll leave that to God and you to decide. There are different styles of worship in each of those churches, and even within some churches there are different styles of worship. One common thread should run between all styles of worship: We gather to worship God. And if this passage serves any purpose at all it is to say that sometimes when we worship, we have to, as was the expression back in the day, "To let it all hang out." Worship should be a victory celebration of sorts. God's victory over sin and death, God's victory in us when we surround to God, and turn over to Him our sins and seek to enter into the fullness of life. And worship should be a joyous celebration with music that lifts our spirits high before the Lord. And sometimes that worship music may move our souls to just move back and forth, and in some cases, like David's, we just can't help ourselves as we truly and honestly dance before the Lord. And with good reason: The ark, long a symbol of God's presence, was making its way back among the people of God. An army of 30,000 was marching with it, a new cart had been prepared for it; the holy men of God were riding with it - it was like a Fourth of July in small town America with the loudest band and as many soldiers and veterans as that town can muster up, and folks gathered to see it and to be moved by it. But it was more than that; it was the symbol of a people of God returning to the symbol of God as a sign of hope and peace. And leading the parade was the king of Israel himself and as the scripture says, "David danced before the Lord with all his might." He held nothing back in his worship celebration; and while some would question his modesty, among them his wife, daughter of the old king; David danced as he believed and felt was right and joyous for him. The people were so caught up in the moment, they too, were about God and what God had done in their lives and I doubt many, except those not fully into worship, that paid any attention to David's attire (or lack thereof). Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife "despised (David) in her heart." Worship continued and all, except Michal, were blessed by the day's events.

Our worship time should be between God and our individual self. Whatever moved us to worship should motivate us to live and celebrate in the way that is expressive of our love and praise to God. God has done so much for us that we should not keep quiet as we worship. Some churches even allow vocal "amens" to escape worshipers' mouths! And some churches actually allow expressions such as dancing; all that of does not matter if we are truly trying in our own way to worship God and give God thanks and glory for all that God does in our lives every single day. And our attention should be drawn, not to how others are dressed or not dressed, but to God. I'm old enough to remember that in some churches, the expected dress of the day for men was a coat and tie; those who dared enter without those were looked down upon and not welcomed. These days we welcome, in most churches, anyone regardless of how they are dressed, as it should have always been. This passage ends with a covered dish supper for all who gathered, and all went home blessed and satisfied that they had indeed been in the presence of God.

Dear friend, God loves you and has done so much for you, how can you not give God thanks and praise? I'm not saying you're not, but I am urging you to give God your all in every way that you possibly can. Our world needs to see us blessed and thankful to God and to be for those who do not yet know God the way that we can live in a genuine relationship with God.

PRAYER: Loving God, equip me to be. Equip me to love. Equip me to praise. And let me do it in ways that please You so that others may come to know You. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Sealed with a Kiss

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Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

I date myself when I say I remember fondly the days of handwritten letters as the primary way of staying in touch. When I went away to college, I looked forward to any letter from home with news, updates, words of love, and money! I would usually get a letter from my mother and my grandmother. Mom would send one at least once a week with a couple of dollars and a note, "For buying gum!" My grandmother would send a dollar or two, usually the same note. They both said they loved me and those letters made my day. Years later, a dear friend said that when he wrote to his daughters, he would say, "I have enclosed some money to help you this week," and not put any money in it. "That way," he said, "I know they will call home, "Dad, I got your letter, but there was no money in it!"

The writer of this letter that we read begins by giving thanks for He who sends His very best to us. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as He chose in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love." He then lists all the gifts that have come our way because of our faith: adoption, when we thought we were unloveable; grace, that awesome love that comes with no conditions or strings attached; redemption, being rescued from sin because He took our place; forgiveness, that sound of joy that says, everything had been paid for and you are free to live in joy and love!; inheritance, not only do we now belong to a heavenly Father, we are to inherit all that is His for us; the word of truth, the "love letter" of life that sustains us and keeps us going; salvation, that rescue from certain death to the fullness of life - and all sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, a "kiss" as it were, by God to us. I can think of no better letter, nor email, nor text that can come our way with better news.

There we have the news and update for this and all days. God loves us, provides for us, and has shared with us that which we need to be examples and blessings to all who do not yet know God. It is our joy and job to share those Good News with all people.

PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for Your love and gifts. Thank You for the seal of the Holy Spirit upon us. Bless and protect us for the joy and work ahead; this we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

John the Baptist Gave All!

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Mark 6: 14-29 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

The ministry of Jesus showed the great power that God had given Him. In the passage immediately before this one, Jesus has sent the Twelve out to do His work and they were very successful, driving out demons, and healing the sick; and in the midst of this comes one of the most disappointing and heartbreaking moments in Jesus' early ministry, the death of his kinsman, John the Baptizer. The author takes this opportunity as Herod is questioning who Jesus is, to relay the details of John's death. Herod, upon hearing of Jesus' ministry, asks if Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead. And this caused him fear, for he had personally put to death one of his chief critics. John, you see, could not keep quiet about immorality, namely that Herod had taken his brother's wife as his own, but no one wanted him dead more than Herodias herself, but she feared that Herod would protect John as he was afraid of his power and influence. You know the rest of the story; a great party takes place, the daughter of Herodias dances and as a reward for her great dance gets to ask for whatever she wanted, even half of the kingdom. But Mommie dearest wants only one thing: The head of John the Baptist on a platter. And that was what she got.

John was faithful to his God and to the calling that God had placed on his life. John feared nothing for he knew the extent of God's power and love, and knew that even facing death he would be with God upon his death and lived and shared the truth about God's justice and demands for our righteous living. Unlike many of us who encounter a setback or challenge and we feel like giving up. John surrended all for the sake of being faithful to God. He knew the great cost that God had already paid for his life and he assumed that a greater price would be paid in the life of his cousin, Jesus.

What about you? What are you facing that you believe you cannot go on because it would cost a lot of you or from you? You may not be asked to surrender your head, but whatever challenge or cost you face, God faces it with you. What you may show others may just be the blessing that others have been waiting to see from you.

PRAYER: Loving God, to You I surrender myself and my life. Whatever you may be asking of me, I accept and I want to go forward and serve You. Grant me boldness and courage. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Take Time to Worship

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Psalm 48 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense. Then the kings assembled, they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic, they took to flight; trembling took hold of them there, pains as of a woman in labor, as when an east wind shatters the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes forever. (Selah) We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory. Let Mount Zion be glad, let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers, consider well its ramparts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.

If you stop to think about it, worship is a little bit about you. It's not about you, but you come to realize the need you have in your life for God. It is a time to refresh, reconnect, recharge, and ready yourself for service for God and those who are not yet of God. It is a time of realization that God is always present and always ready to bless and help us. The first words of this psalm sum that up: "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God." He then shares how even in the midst of what seems to provide protection from enemies, God is needed. What good is a fort or a castle without the presence and power of God? Enemies that may dare show their face against us will see God and flee. Where can we go that we can say that God is not there? When can we say that God has not been victorious?

Take time to worship. Find a quiet place today and just ponder the power of God in your life. Then come the day when you (should) worship, find a fellowship of believers and join them in singing praises to God, praying together, and listening to God's Word read and proclaimed and see again what purpose there is in your life to serve God.

PRAYER: Awesome God, come into the place where I am and bless me. Let me be a blessing to You today and all days, so that others may see Your awesomeness and strength. And dear loving God, you know the enemies I am facing; defeat them. For those facing the enemy of illness, win! For those facing the enemy of helplessness, give power and strength. For whatever enemy may be trying to encamp near me, make them flee! In Christ Jesus' powerful and precious name I pray, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

You Can Do Great Things

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2 Samuel 5:1-5; 9-10 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel." So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

What distinguishes great people from good or average people? Great people always seek to do better today than they did yesterday. They are never content with their performance or service, and seek ways to improve. Great people also know that they accomplish nothing alone, but do so with the power of God helping them, and leading them. This comes from the Bible and in persons like David in this story. David, faithful to God since boyhood, always sought the Lord and to serve the Lord. Evidence is shown here as the people of Israel and Judah come together to ask that David become king over both of them. They had seen the caring shepherd quality that he had learned as a boy over sheep applied to the way he ruled as king. Now, he was asked to be king over them as well as Judah.

You may not be king, but whatever you have control over, you can do greater things, if you invite the Lord to be with you. You have to have a humble heart, like David, to seek the Lord more and more. You have to have a loving heart, to care for people and to work together with them if you are to lead them. And you have to be a person of deep and constant prayer. The key verse in this passage to me is the last one; "And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him." If God is with you, strive to do even more in whatever you are doing for Him. If you feel God is not with you, seek God and invite God into your life and heart; great things await. But, do your part, seek to do more and more, and realize you may just have to get out of your comfort zone, out of your pew, out of your house, and into the world that awaits God's blessings through you.

PRAYER: Loving God of hosts, bless this dear reader to become a blessing for You and to You. Be with us in all things and in all ways, and lead us to greatness in service and humility for You. This we pray in the name of He who is King of Kings, Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Be, Where You Are What You Are; Don't Worry About the Rest!

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Mark 6:1-13 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Jesus was Jesus everywhere He went. People were people everywhere. But, there's the matter of one's hometown. No matter what you do, if you stayed in one place long enough for people to know you and watch you grow up; people there will always remember "something" about you. And this was even in the days before social media. Mary nor Joseph could not Facebook pictures of Jesus in the Labor and Delivery room. Joseph was not photographed holding little Jesus for the first time. Jesus took His first steps and said His first words without Joseph following Him around and recording everything on the smartphone. Yet, the people of His town saw and remembered and guarded memories of Jesus and whom they thought Him to be. They knew His parents and their status, where He lived, and what He did. So, on this holy day, Jesus began to teach in his home church and many were astounded; not all for the positive side of astounded - "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not HIs sisters here with us?" And they were offended. Offended and angered to the point where they infused the air with this indignation that nothing positive could come out of any attempt by Jesus to do a positive thing. You and I have been in those settings before; a church council meeting where change is being proposed, or a trustees meeting where the new color of paint/carpet is being "discussed," with the pro-red folks trying to beat out the pro-blue folks and the reality is there, that God is taken out of the equation and the self has taken control. It may not be said out loud, but voices and thoughts and expression are saying, "This is all about me, not God!"

I thank God you have not been one of those; well, I know you have, but I thank God for the power of forgiveness. Because if you're still one of these people who put your interests and desires before God, Jesus will be "amazed at (your) unbelief." Jesus will go to those places where He is welcomed and believed. And yes, it does happen. People's lives are transformed and good begins to take root and people go into the communities and begin to help the poor and needy; children begin to show up for church and even VBS!

Jesus sends out those believers like He did the Twelve in this story. He sent them out two by two to cast out the unclean spirits, to share thoughts and words on peace, and even how to leave those places where you are not welcomed. And the results will be like those mentioned here: "They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them."

You were called to be a believer and a worker of Jesus right where you are right now. You may be asked by God to move on one day, but for now, shine brightly and do what you know Jesus expects of you! And bless others by bringing peace, hope, and healing.

PRAYER: Lord, lead me to where Thy wilt; let me be Your instrument. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Morning by Morning

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Lamentations 3:23-33 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, to put one's mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope), to give one's cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.

Good day dear friend,

Throughout my life there have been certain things that I have counted on every morning. As a high school student, it was the smell of fresh coffee that my mother had made. As a college student, it was the smell of freshly made eggs. As a newlywed, it was breakfast made and ready for me as I awoke. Morning by morning; that means day by day, a daily hope the psalmist had as he wrote this in this book with the sad title, Lamentations. His is a great faith, as should be ours, in a God who loves us enough to provide each morning, His mercy. Have you ever heard that wonderful hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness? Written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1923 and based on this passage, the refrain says, "Great is Thy faithfulness! "Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning, new mercies I see, all I have needed Thy hand has provided; great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!" Later in the third stanza this wonderful line: "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!" It's an awesome hymn and one of my favorites. The hymn, like this passage, is about our needing to trust God to be there. Every. Single. Day.

Is the Lord "your portion?" If He is, then you have the hope you need for this day. Our faith says to wait upon the Lord, for He always provides.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the daily dose of hope You share with us; let me receive it with joy enough to share, for many are those who do not yet know. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Enough? Not Enough!

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2 Corinthians 8:7-15 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you —so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."

Good Morning

My first formal Bible class for university credit came through the loving care of The Rev. Virgil Matthews, Dean of Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas. His job, beside being Dean of Students, was also to head the ministerial department in a small United Methodist junior college that drew heavily from Houston and the Texas Conference. He shared the wonders of the Old Testament and the challenges of the New Testament, or do I have that backwards? But we quickly learned that after he presented a passage or lecture he would pause and look at all of us and ask, "Enough? Not enough?" The last part was usually a question but sometimes the blank stare of our faces made him declare, "Not enough!" And he would proceed to try to make even clearer that explanation to us.

Have you asked yourself lately, if what you do for the Lord Jesus Christ is enough? Lord have mercy on those who have and who have declared, "Yes, I've done enough." Paul is writing to early believers and issuing a challenge to do more. And not only more, but to excel in all they did for Jesus. Paul knows that to follow Christ is to commit to doing our best in faith, in how and what we share in our speech with others, to learn as much as we can about our faith, to be extremely eager to know Him and to share Him in love, and to love. Are you excellent in love toward Jesus and to others?

Paul compares what we offer to what Christ Himself offered. Notice the key verse from this passage that you probably already know (or should know!), "Our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for (our) He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich." We're not talking pocketbook rich; we're talking spiritual pocketbook rich. What we do, all we do, should be done with eagerness; much the same way we tackle ice cream or doughnuts! The verse explains that: "For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has -- not according to what one does not have." I remember the eagerness I had to get my driver's license! I made my poor mother, recovering from surgery who should have been in bed resting and recovering, to drive me to the DPS office to take my test so that I could get my license. I repented of that terrible act, but such was my eagerness. And then once I had my license, our home could not have enough bread or milk! "Mom, do you need me to go to the store? I'll go to the store!" And she'd find an excuse for me to drive the family car to the nearby grocery store. Soon, that eagerness went away. "Son, can you go to the store?" I would reply, with no eagerness, "Do I have to?" Sadly, in some of our cases, when we first learned of God's great love for us through Jesus Christ, we were eager to learn and do more. And the day came when the eagerness faded and we were content to stay right where we were. As the old joke goes, we went from singing Standing on the Promises to Sitting on the Premises.

Have you done enough for Jesus Christ? Is your eagerness to serve still there? Are you growing in faith in what God can and does do for you? Are you sharing witness to the things God has done for you through the years? Are you still in love with God? God's still in love with you!

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for all You have done. I ask forgiveness for those days when my eagerness is not what it should be; rekindle my eagerness for You and for the things I have promised to do. Help me to grow in love and to truly say each day, "I've not yet done enough." This I pray in the powerful and precious name of Jesus Christ my Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Ready for a Miracle? Part II

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Mark 5:35-43 While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

The miracles continue in this the second part of the passage from Mark 5. After the woman was healed, Jesus continues on to the home of this leader of the synagogue to see his daughter who was very ill. The word comes that the daughter had died, and the question, "Why trouble the teacher any further?" This was, of course, not meant for Jesus to hear, but He did and He replies to the father of the child, "Do not fear, only believe." Jesus continues on toward the home with only Peter, James and John. They encounter people mourning and crying loudly as you would expect at the home where a loved one had died. Jesus asks, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." This causes laughter from those near Him. Jesus sends them all outside, and taking only the parents with Him comes to the place where the child was. He speaks, "Little girl, get up!" And the 12 year old girl gets up and walks around. A miracle. People were amazed, Jesus tells them to keep it quiet and to feed the newly awakened dead girl.

Miracles happen when you invite Jesus home with you. You may encounter Jesus in a worship setting, you may touch Jesus and have an encounter with Him, but invite Him home with you. And never let your faith limit the expectations for whatever you are facing. With Jesus by your side, and faith in your heart, you will be able to face whatever challenge or obstacle may come your way. Of course, our prayers may not be answered in the way we want, but the presence and power of Jesus help us with our understanding and acceptance of things we need to understand and expect, and we receive what we need to continue moving forward and upward. Jesus is the source of miracles. And I again, I stress, a miracle is something we don't need to explain or understand, just to give thanks and enjoy.

You may be facing something quite difficult in your life. It may seem like the end, but again, we let Jesus have the last word. Our relatives and friends may laugh and scoff at our faith, but we bring Jesus with us and we trust Him to be at work in whatever we face. A Jesus perspective gives us new vision and insight towards life; it's part of what He promised when He said He came to bring us life and that in abundance. (John 10:10).

PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into my heart and into my home. You know what I need, and I trust You to be at work in my life and in the lives of those who are near and dear to me. Help me to see as You see; bring me truly into the fullness of life, for I pray in Thy name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Ready for Your Miracle? Part I

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Mark 5:21-34 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, "Who touched me?' " He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."

This coming Sunday's passage is a long one from the gospel of Mark. It contains two miracles. To better understand, a miracle is something that goes beyond logic, beyond human understanding, and defies the conventional expectation of human minds. It is a wonderful, unexplainable gift from God that does not need to explained, but enjoyed. That's my definition. You and I have seen and experienced many miracles that others, the nonbelievers might scoff at, but to us that have brought us deeper faith and great joy in the God who provides for us. One thing to note in this passage is that people knew the power of Jesus and knew Him well enough to come and seek a miracle either for themselves or for a loved one. The leader of the synagogue comes asking for life for his little girl. And as Jesus heads to provide that healing, another person seeking wholeness comes into the picture, and it is she that we will concentrate on for today.

The miracle this woman needs has been a long time coming. She had exhausted her financial resources in trying to find this healing from doctors and other treatments. You and I have been here before; we've been on the phone with insurance companies and doctors' offices and struggled to find parking in the doctor's small parking lot, we've had to produce a picture ID and proof of insurance, and then sat in a crowded, cough-filled waiting room, scanning People magazines from the turn of the century only to hear our name called just as we were about to see Justin Beaver's (joke, ok?) new haircut only to discover that someone needed the recipe for pie on the other side. Then we have to put on those wonderful, back-side air conditioned gowns as we await the doctor. Yes, this woman went through that. For twelve years. 12. Each visit only made her worse. Then she heard about Jesus and heard his tour was coming to her zip code and she immediately had a plan, not to call TicketMaster, but to find out where He was going to be and she thought, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." This was faith. After her faith in doctors had subsided, she realized my only hope is Jesus. And that one touch, simple touch upon the hem of Jesus' garment and wow, she was healed! The woman suffered an embarrassing female disorder; this probably distanced her from family and friends, but no more - Jesus made her whole.

Jesus felt that touch and knew that power had gone from Him and turned to the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" The disciples said, "Everyone is touching you; how can you asked that ?" Jesus knew the difference of those just touching Him and this one who knew to reach out and touch Him with expectant faith. The pressing of the crowd on Jesus is like our Sunday at church "touching" of Jesus. We're looking around to see how big the crowd is, and if our friends are there, and especially if that one person we don't care for is there "touch" of Jesus. This touch was that person who truly, honestly, genuinely, I'm hurting and there's nowhere else to turn but this house where I've heard Jesus is touch. It still happens. Someone comes into the house of God wanting and waiting to touch Jesus with that personal need, and wow, it happens. And it rarely gets celebrated. The pastors wait up front after giving a marvelous call to discipleship and/or faith, and no one comes up on that Sunday, but that one person, she or he knows - I touched Jesus and Jesus touched me back! I'm good now! Thank you, Lord!

The hemorrhaging came to an end in that person. No more spewing forth racist words or thoughts. No more thoughts of hemorrhaging liquor into that mouth as a way to escape or ease the hurt. No more love poured out on a relationship that died the day after the first child came home from the hospital. The touch of Jesus has brought the fullness of life to that individual in a miraculous way; no way to explain it. No need to explain it. Just to receive it and enjoy it. God is good.

PRAYER: Loving God, my prayer today is for this dear reader and his/her life. You know the miracles needed in their life and that's my prayer today; bring an unexplainable change in their life that will bless them and You. Whatever has been hemorrhaging in their life, Lord, heal it. Stop it. Bring instead life into them. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

A Good Hiding Place

Psalm 9:9-20 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples. For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted. Be gracious to me, O Lord. See what I suffer from those who hate me; you are the one who lifts me up from the gates of death, so that I may recount all your praises, and, in the gates of daughter Zion, rejoice in your deliverance. The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught. The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.+p[Higgaion. Selah] The wicked shall depart to Sheol, all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever. Rise up, O Lord! Do not let mortals prevail; let the nations be judged before you. Put them in fear, O Lord; let the nations know that they are only human. (Selah)

Where did you hide as a child? I used to hide under my house as a small child. I found the perfect spot under our raised home (it was on blocks) and I could spend hours under there and believed it to be one of the safest places on earth. Now looking back I wondered why spiders or snakes did not bother me while hiding. As a child I did not have any enemies from which to hide, thank God. And the enemies I now face are those that come into my life as temptations. My chief enemy is Satan. I have a great place to hide when these come and the place is as the psalmist said in the first verse: The Lord. I can go into a thought prayer or spend times writing knee-mails in my heart as I bow before the Lord and pray about what has been troubling or tempting me.

Where do you hide? Some seek to hide in escapes; and sadly, the list is long of things or persons we can use in which we think we are hiding when in reality we are making it easier for our downfall. God calls us to hide in Him, but not to the point of total escape or isolation from others; for while hidden we are equipped with that which we need to emerge from our time with God as an equipper for others. We can share with those facing similar things what we have faced and how it was that God helped us overcome and see us through that difficulty. Our enemies don't stand a chance. They are already defeated, and they know it! They fight like they still have a chance, but they don't.

Choose today to live in the stronghold that is the Lord. Live like a victorious conqueror!

PRAYER: Loving God, for the trials and temptations that may come my way; let me hide in You. Equip me, strengthen me to emerge to share with those weak and in need; for Yours is the victory! In Jesus Christ's strong name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

And the Giants Came Tumbling Down!

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1 Samuel 17:32-49 David said to Saul, "Let no one's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God." David said, "The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine." So Saul said to David, "Go, and may the Lord be with you!" Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul's sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them." So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd's bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field." But David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hand." When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

This is perhaps one of the top Sunday school class stories. Sadly, Sunday school is going away as the Church finds itself competing against ballet, soccer, outings, etc. And many are the kids and some adults, who do not know this powerful story. It is the classic underdog story; a boy against a giant. The power behind the story is the faith of that little boy to face a giant who did not know nor fear God. It is also the story of you and the giants in your life. Mounting debt, pressures in your marriage or relationship, an unhappy boss, listless employees, a feeling of helplessness, fear of an illness that has just been diagnosed in your life; and these giants seem undefeatable. You appear to be a child against them, and you wonder if this may be it for you. But wait! Your life until this point has been marked by the power and presence of a God who loves you. You have been through other challenges and circumstances that have crumbled before your very eyes by the power of Almighty God - why then do you fear these? David spoke of those who came against his flocks; lions and bears, all of whom met their end at his hand thanks to the power and presence of God. Those experiences should remind you to say as David said, "The Lord, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this giant now facing me!" You may have tried wearing someone else's armor and only found yourself weighed down unable to fight as you know you can or should; use faith to face these giants and cry out to the Lord to deliver you from what you are facing now. Out of the five stones you may have, it only took one to take the giant out.

You and I are blessed with the gift of faith. You and I are blessed with many victories over many things. Our faith has increased and now whatever giant you or I may be facing, that giant is ours!

PRAYER: Lord, give me the peace to hear Your voice to guide me to victory over the giants in my life. As You have delivered me before, help deliver me now; Yours be the honor and the glory now and forever. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Open Wide Your Heart

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2 Corinthians 6:1-13 As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you." See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.

Our starting point for any endeavor, especially Christian service, is to ask the Lord to be right here with us, right now. Our prayer should be, "Lord, let me see Your face right beside me and in me!" This was Paul's starting point, for he had seen the Risen Christ confront him and challenge him to change his life; so should our daily encounter with Christ. We can never approach Him and say, "Lord, I am right where I need to stay and be: Comfortable and Happy." Nope. That would be to accept God's grace in vain. God's grace has come to challenge us to move beyond where we think we are to the place where God would have us be. Salvation came to us when we realized we could and should not stay in our sin. Salvation was God's way to removing our sin and moving us to that place where we enjoy the fullness of life and that was our starting point of a long journey towards perfection in love in this lifetime. And, as the long list in today's passage says, it is not an easy journey, but it is a blessed one. The list also says a forgiving and trusting heart is what has allowed Paul and the other followers to do and say the things to which they were called; so should we.

The "bad list" of sufferings and challenges ends with the list that gets us through: "purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God." Read that list again, slowly and carefully and ask yourself if you are truly in possession of those things for your life. If you are not, then it may be why you've been so comfortable lately. The list continues with the weapons with which we live life; "the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left," meaning two-handed battle against evil, injustice, and oppression. No matter what insult or injury may come our way, we remain true and loyal to Jesus. Paul believed in a wide open heart, a love so poured out that it can be compared to a fire hydrant of love - holding nothing back, putting no conditions on our love, just loving others the way God loves us. And for those who are not yet there, Paul said, "Open wide your hearts also."

PRAYER: Awesome and Loving God, open wide my heart to love as You love me. Help me to love with forgiveness to others, especially those who seek to harm or injure me as I seek to serve You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Just Calm Down!

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Mark 4:35-41 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

There are nights when many of us struggle to sleep. We worry about the next day; a sermon, a presentation, a sales call, a confrontation needed at work, an assignment for school - all have put pressure on our minds, hearts, and spirits and restless spirits cannot sleep. And it seems every week there is a study that tells us that we need at least these many hours to sleep and any less than those and we will be sick.

We do not know the physical pressure put on Jesus, but we have a strong idea of how much. We also know that Jesus sought and found time for worship, prayer, and rest. As His ministry increased and crowds increased, He sought places of quiet to pray and rest. Jesus knew the need to stay connected with God and He remembered the commandment on rest. In this story, Jesus is seeking refuge from the crowds and decides to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat and while crossing with a boatload of fishermen, a storm comes up. The storm was so fierce even the men who had made a living on the sea are terrified. Jesus was asleep. I would have been one of the ones awake and screaming! But I'm not so sure I would have gone to wake Jesus up! Maybe I would. The disciples, fearing for their lives, awaken Jesus and asked if He did not fear that they were perishing. Jesus wakes up and tells the storm, "Just calm down!" (Actually, the word He uttered to the sea was "peace!" The sea calmed down.

Jesus asks us, as He did the disciples, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" After all this time of knowing me and all that I can do and have done for you; you are still afraid of life? Where is your faith? Jesus knows things will make us afraid and that's alright, but we cannot allow fear to paralyze our lives to the point we give up or just go around screaming that all is lost. Or, that we don't sleep as we should. "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" Will not the fears in our lives obey Jesus' command to just calm down?

PRAYER: Loving God, help me to have more faith. All that I have received and seen You do in the lives of loved ones and others should make me be calmer. I ask that You command the fears in my life to be calm to the point where I can sleep, I can work, I can serve. I love You. Amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Looking Good on the Inside?

1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, "I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." 1 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

Billy Crystal played a character some years ago on SNL called Fernando, and he had a segment called Fernando's Hideaway. His ket line always was to say, "It is better to look good than to feel good!" How sad that some people actually believe that and make judgments about people based on appearances. This classic story of the selection of the second king of Israel has at its key, the verse captioned in the heart above. The first king, Saul, was selected and a telling part of that story was that Saul was handsome and shoulders taller than the rest of the men in Israel. (1 Samuel 9:2). The same is expected in this second selection of Israel's successor to Saul. The household was identified as that of Jesse, and the prophet Samuel arrives thinking that the logical choice would be the oldest and/or handsomest, but God speaks,"Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Praise God for that! Our outward appearance, our height, our weight, our wrinkles, pimples, age spots, etc., matter not to God; God looks on our heart. Our hair length or hair style or lack of hair does not change God's love and opinion about us - it is strictly what is in our heart. The heart of the boy David was pure, for David knew and loved God and sought to know more about God in every opportunity that he had. So, when it came time for choosing the second king, this time God wanted a person with a heart for Him.

How is it with your heart? Do you love God and seek to know God more and more every day? Who knows? You might just be selected to do something special for God. You looking good on the inside?

PRAYER: Loving God, re-make my heart to be like Yours. Fill my heart with Your love, compassion and joy. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Walking Confidently, by Faith

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2 Corinthians 5:6-17 So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others; but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

When I had first moved from the small town of Kingsville to the metropolis of Houston way back in the day, I was also plagued by the surge of adolescence. I questioned everything I knew, but especially this move - why was it necessary to move? Why couldn't we stay in that little paradise of our neighborhood? And this began to affect the way I thought about myself and the way I looked. And it affected the way I walked. I walked with my head down. My mom had shown me the place where the city bus would pick me up to take me to my junior high school, and she would watch me until I reached the three blocks destination of my bus stop and she began to say, "Muchacho, walk with your head up!" And she would tell me how special and wonderful I was, and I would listen but not believe. Did you ever wonder if your walk said anything about you and your beliefs?

Years later, I was told by my wife that several people that knew me enjoyed the spring in my step; that I walked with a confidence about me. I listened but did not believe but it did make sense; like this passage, our walk through life if it is indeed one with Christ Jesus Himself, is a walk of faith and boldness. It is a walk of acceptance, because Christ has accepted us as we are and loves us and has helped us overcome those things that were holding us back. Our faith was made stronger, our sins were taken away, our doubts were removed, and questions answered about life, life in the fullest, and life beyond this life - How much more confident could we walk?

Dear friend, walk as this passage says, not with a human point of view, for we humans are so hard on ourselves; we are spiritual creatures now and if in Christ, we are NEW spiritual creations; all our yesterdays ended at midnight, God has given us a present - the present moment; walk as though everything in your is new! Because it is!

PRAYER: Awesome God, grant me this faith to reflect in my walk with You - that I am completely new in all respects and in all needs. May my walk invite others to faith. This I pray in Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! WALK CONFIDENTLY, FOR YOU WALK NOT ALONE!

Eradio Valverde