A Sweet, Sweet Word!

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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23 King James Version)

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23 The Message Version)

A most glorious day to you dear Friend! I pray this finds you well and enjoying the gracious life God has shared with us all. Can I make a small request? Find something sweet in your reach that you can eat before proceeding with this devotional. I'll explain why when you get back.

Okay, you have it? Enjoy it! Savor each precious morsel of whatever treat you are enjoying. Now. I don't mean to embarrass you, but using your index finger rub the top of your television set or window sill. Now, if you're brave eat the dust you have on your finger! STOP! I'm just kidding! Please don't eat dust and please don't believe for one minute that I know that your TV set or window sills are dusty! (Neither are mine!). Why did we do that? I'll explain.

I recently learned that Hebrew children before learning to read, get each letter from their Torah. The parents will drizzle sweet honey on each letter and the child will lick the honey off the letter. The child then, not only learns the letter, but the sweetness behind that letter, and thus, behind the word of God. Isn't that neat? Now compare it to how most of us sometimes feel about our Bibles! We think of it as a dust accumulating old book on our coffee table or in the back of our closets. That same feeling of dust in our mouth impacts how we sometimes neglect or ignore the word of God. Imagine how you would approach the Bible if you had learned to read it letter by letter, associating the sweetness of honey with what God is trying to say through it. A dust covered Bible invites neglect.

Now, with the sweet taste of whatever you ate right now, let's look at the text again. Isn't it now a sweet word? And using your grandpa's or grandma's King James version, don't the words seem even more sweeter? Oh for most of us to hold our grand mother or grandfather again; that would be sweet! To hear their voice and counsel would also be sweet. Yet, here we have perhaps a text that was loved by her or him, and which spoke faith into their lives. Compare the two different versions; one from 1611AD and the other more recent; still the same message, still the same sweetness!

Some have said this psalm sums up the faith a believer should have. If read from the perspective of a devoted, loving lamb towards its shepherd, we see the love and trust in that heart on both sides. We see the loving, good shepherd, and the loving, trusting, usually disobedient lamb. From cradle to coffin, a life lived in complete trust in God brings the blessings outlined in these six verses. The psalm tells the story of needed rest, restoration of our souls, the journey of adventure that is life, best walked in the presence and company of a shepherd we know and trust. The celebration of a meal even in the face of those who might want us to starve to death, yet they're seeing us feasting with the shepherd, and the special recognition the shepherd gives to us. Whatever else the journey may hold, the best part is that the Shepherd holds us. That means "goodness and mercy" being ours for the rest of our days. And when the gate of this life closes behind us, we smile towards that which we have discovered just outside the gate; entry into the house of the Lord, where life will never end.

Friend, I sure hope you know the sweetness and love of our Savior. It's right there for you. Please know that Satan will be the one most angry at your seating at the banquet table. He has prepared a bowlful of dust just for you and would love nothing better than to see you choke on dust, dust bunnies and Lord knows what else (for a complete description, move your bed to a new location!). Okay, I'm making some of you angry, but don't miss the point of the lesson for today: You matter to God and God loves it when His sweetness finds its way into our lives.

PRAYER: God of milk and honey, and all that is sweet, sweep away the dust from our mouths and minds. Help us to see the sweetness of life as found in the pages of your holy word. Lord, bless those for whom we have been praying, and we pray fullness of life for those who read this prayer as their own. We pray in faith, and in the name of Jesus our Lord, amen!

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share a sweet morsel with someone today and tell them about God's word!

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

Another Story of Life and Service

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In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. (Acts 9: 36-43)

May this be a Wonderful Wednesday for you, dear Friend! I pray it finds you well and blessed!

The scripture readings for this week are all about life, including life after death. It affirms our belief that our God is not a God of death, but of life. May this story bless your life and allow you to bless others.

Joppa is a port city. You may remember reading how Jonah, when told by God to go to Nineveh, decides instead to flee, and it was in Joppa that he boards a boat heading in the opposite direction. The modern city of Tel Aviv, where most pilgrims to the Holy Land now land in its wonderful airport, encompasses what used to be Joppa. So, in this key city we are introduced to a disciple named Tabitha (Remember the old tv show Bewitched? Someone in the show was named Tabitha.) and in Greek her name was Dorcas, which means Gazelle. This woman was a woman of service, known for "always doing good and helping the poor." She gets sick and dies. Her body was prepared according to local custom and placed in her upstairs room. The other believers in town hear that Peter was in Lydda and two men summon him to come quickly to Joppa. What Peter finds there is a mourning scene, with the widows crying and showing off the robes and dresses that Tabitha had made for them. Peter sends them out of the room and prays. Then he turns to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." She opens her eyes and sees Peter and gets up. He helps her up and calls for the believers to come in and witness this miracle of resurrection. This also helped many doubters come to fullness of faith in Jesus Christ.

We pray no one dies in order for someone to believe. Jesus did the dying necessary for our faith. It is up to us to live a resurrection life that give witness to the love and grace of our God. Our churches also should be places where we encourage life in Jesus Christ. The church should, like Peter and Jesus, reach out to the spiritually dying and find out what is killing them and offer them life. Sadly, too many believe the church should just pat the dying on the back and say, "That's too bad that you're dying, but it's okay to die because of what you're doing." No, we should help deliver the believer from whatever it is (dare I say sin?) that is killing them and offer them life and life in abundance in Jesus Christ. And because we are alive, we should be as Tabitha, people of service to others. She made clothing for the poor; what are you doing?

PRAYER: Loving God, free us for joyful obedience, but first deliver us from that which may be killing us. Remove sin from our lives and replace it with joy and hope. Rid us of despair and make us people of faith and service. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a person of life and service!

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

*Tabitha was the daughter of Samantha and Darren. Remember another biblical name used in the show for a person? And, I'm not advocating witchcraft or even this show; it's trivia that show the influence of the Bible even on television shows.

Hunger No More; Thirst No More!

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After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7: 9-17 NRSV)

Good day, dear Friend! I pray that this finds you and yours doing well. I also pray you would read this passage again slowly, paying attention to all its details. As we pray this morning, lift up a prayer of thanksgiving for Donna Hisey's recovery. Her surgery went well and she is recovering at the hospital. I do not yet have word on Ms. Mariscal's surgery. Pray for one another and for for yourselves.

On a Sunday morning when he would normally be in his home church, a faithful believer in Christ Jesus was overcome with the Spirit Who led him to the presence of God. Exiled as a punishment for his faith, John the disciple, had a Sunday morning experience that is unmatched by any other. The Roman emperor, Domitian, started a persecution against Christians and John was sent to Patmos for punishment. The sadness of not being in his home church was replaced by the euphoria of THE church worship in Heaven. What an experience and what an honor to be told by Jesus Himself to write an account of all he saw and experienced. In today's passage he notices a great crowd of people that he could not count. Compare that to the crowds in most churches today. John notices that in this church, again sadly unlike most churches, there were people from every nation (I"m guessing if they were seated they had sat in their own pew!). These are from every tribe and peoples and languages. Okay, they were standing! And in a perpetual Palm Sunday attitude, they were worshiping the Lamb, crying in a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" These were joined by all the angels around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures, who also worshiped Jesus by saying, "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!" Then John is asked by one of the elders as to who the people in the crowd were. John replied that the elder asking knew, and the elder replied, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship Him day and night within His temple, and the One who is seated on the throne will shelter them." And here comes the might of this message. The complaint of a blazing sun for those whose livelihood outside in fields or ranches has been eliminated. Hunger is gone as is thirst. While alive on this earth, clean water may have eluded many; in heaven they have had their thirst satisfied. A scorching heat is now a thing of the past. The Lamb seated on the throne is their Shepherd, and this is the shepherd who "will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

The Easter message continues. Easter is a time of new life and it is also the earthy reminder of the life yet to come. The blessing of God to have allowed John to write this scene from the future should serve as an encouragement and hope for every believer. Though the temporal challenges of the earth may seem severe, even brutal, they are just that, temporary. The eternal is shared here; and thus our reason to rejoice and be glad.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Your promises and glimpses into what is to come. We thank You for the faithfulness of John and this awesome picture he has shared with us. Lord, help us to help those who need us to help them face the challenges of today, and let us share a hope for the greater day yet to come. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be one who shares hope with all!

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

Heaven by Randy Alcorn is perhaps the best and authoritative book on the realm of Glory. At FUMC Gonzales we had a class on this book and we were blessed. Here's a link to buy your own copy if you'd like:

https://amzn.to/2DSLCnQ

Who Do You Keep us Guessing?

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At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." (John 10:22-30)

There are some things one knows for sure without having to ask. Perhaps you can relate to those, dear Friend. I think back to the first phone conversation I had with Nellie. In that conversation we covered so many topics and ideas that by the time I hung up, which I didn't want to do, I knew she was the one. Earlier in my life, even at a very young age, I knew Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

Now, to be fair to the Jews in today's passage, they did not know for sure as to Who Jesus really was because they discussed so much about Who the Messiah would be, what He would do, and in all of those conversations the skeptics had had a loud voice. In fact, public opinion had already weighed in on Jesus, and most said, this is not the Messiah. Yet, the signs, wonders, and the words that Jesus spoke, all pointed to the truth that He was indeed-God connected, and it made them wonder all the more.. At the time of the celebration of "Festival of the Dedication" (which is Hanukah for us in today's terms), Jesus is walking through the Temple, and is approached by some Jews who asked, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Interestingly enough, there are still plenty of those types of people still with us. We must know for sure, they declare to God. And yes, there are times we want to know something for sure. The challenge of what does tomorrow hold keeps many a person up at night wondering. We toss and turn, we even dream things that might be; but the saying is true and simple. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds tomorrow. That may work for many of us, but for others, they want more. Notice Jesus' answer: "I have told you, and you do not believe, The words that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

Ouch. Here's a Biblical truth. Not everyone belongs to the flock of Jesus. But hear this: It is not because God has excluded anyone out of that flock; these have chosen not to believe and by that decision, have chosen not to belong to the flock. Many automatically label this as a God-action, and it is not. It is a self-decision action. If we belong to Jesus, we know His voice. Jesus has shared His love and words with all people, and all were invited to accept and enter into that relationship He desires with all people. And even today, some will accept, some will not. But hear the wonderful promises: Those who belong receive eternal life. Remember those who wanted to know how to "inherit" it, and here is Jesus offering it for the grand price of belief. Jesus promises a "no-perish" life, and a guarantee that our enemy will never snatch us from His hand. I. Love. That.

Dear one, hear this: God loves you! God loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son for you. To give you life. A life that will never end. Yes, challenges will still come even if we are in relationship with God, but we face them differently because God is on our side, and God will see us through all things. As I write this, I ask for prayers for my neighbor. He is going to have open heart surgery on the 15th and he is very scared. He has a faith of sorts, but is relying on music and past thoughts for help; I have been trying to be at his side in sharing Jesus, and I plan to be at the hospital on that morning to lift him up in prayer. Please join me now in offering the comfort that only comes from the Lord.

PRAYER: Loving Father, as we pray, we ask for faith. We need that faith that speaks over fear and doubt, and the distractions that may come from well-meaning people. We praise You and thank You for the promise of eternal life and the surety of being Yours always. Whatever may come our way, we rest in Jesus' words that no one or nothing can snatch us from Your loving hand. Thank You, loving Father; we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be of the flock and seek to bring others into it!

Loving blessings,

Eradio Valverde

The Daniel of the Daniel Diet

In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah fall into his power, as well as some of the vessels of the house of God. These he brought to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his gods. Then the king commanded his palace master Ashpenaz to bring some of the Israelites of the royal family and of the nobility, young men without physical defect and handsome, versed in every branch of wisdom, endowed with knowledge and insight, and competent to serve in the king's palace; they were to be taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the royal rations of food and wine. They were to be educated for three years, so that at the end of that time they could be stationed in the king's court. Among them were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, from the tribe of Judah. The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. The palace master said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king." Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: "Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe." So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:1-17)

A happy and blessed Friday to you, dear Friend! My podcast, pimplesandwrinkles.org, is geared to help us find the life, love, and levity we find in the Bible. The pimples and wrinkles, dimples and scars refers to the honesty we can find in the pages of God's love letter of people like you and me. We may try to cover up our pimples and seek solutions to wrinkles, but as we know from the stories in the Bible, sometimes the best thing is just to expose the truth behind what we may be trying to hide. To that end, if you have been trying to hide a "pimple" or a "wrinkle" in your life, one that no one even knows about, why not get a postcard, and without identifying yourself, write down your secret or wrinkle on that card and mail it to P&W, P. O. Box 52, Seguin, TX 78156. Again, please do not sign the card nor use a card that might give you away. I pray it blesses you to unload that wrinkle from your life.

The other day on one of the late night talk shows, an actor came on who was introduced as having lost significant weight by following The Daniel Diet. It turns out this actor is a man of faith and felt that God would bless him if he followed the diet we have read above. It made me glad that a known celebrity made public his faith in God. He shared how his pastor led him in this diet and study.

The star of this story is Daniel. He and his friends were taken by force from Jerusalem to this foreign city, where they would be forced to serve the king who took them prisoners. The sense on the part of these men, as well as the author of this book, was that because of Judah's unfaithfulness, God allowed it to happen. And while it was not a pleasant situation, the resolve of these young men was to stay faithful to God. It was also the hand of God that made those in charge choose these three as those who would personally serve the king. They had passed a test of knowledge and insight, and were found to meet the physical requirements of being "without physical defect and handsome." Now being selected by the king, they were to be fed like kings, and would be educated in all the ways of this new country.

Daniel felt in his heart that he should not eat from the king's table. As you know, Jews have very strict dietary laws, and to simply sit and eat what was presented to them might bring them into violation of those laws. One can only imagine what a king would eat. It might be easy for him to request pork loin, pork chops, shrimp, lobster; all the no-no's from the Bible's pages. Daniel approached the palace master and requested that he and his friends be exempt from eating the things served to them. He proposed instead (here's the diet) that only vegetables and water be served to them. The palace master is hesitant as one might imagine, and says so, his fear being that they might be in worse shape than the others who would eat the king's rations. At the end of the trial period, Daniel and his friends were in better shape than the others. I should mention there is a book by that same name which you can order by clicking on the link below the devotional.

The faithfulness of these men even in the midst of severe challenge, was rewarded by rich blessings. The passage ends with these words, "To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams." Please note and remember the names of the friends, for they will come back in a significant role. Their new names for me are easier to remember; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Men of wisdom, courage, and faithfulness.

The lesson here is that trust in God exceeds and beats truth even in a king or any ruler of any kind. These young men could have been executed for their disobedience to their new ruler in their lives, but they knew that their Ruler, God, would never let them down. Such should be our obedience as well. No matter the promises or gains we think we can get from someone or something other than God, we will always lose. This story is the first of many of the tremendous blessings of faith in these young men as they trusted the Lord. Your story and mine is still being written. Write it with the ink and hand of God.

PRAYER: Loving God, come and bless us with an abundance of faith and life. I seek to bless You and Yours. And this we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show someone your trust in the Lord today.

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

Here is the link to the book, The Daniel Diet, 40 Days to A Healthy Life! https://amzn.to/2PI19M5

I'm God's Favorite!

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I give you all the credit, God - you got me out of that mess, you didn't let my foes gloat. God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter. When things were going great I crowed, "I've got it made. I'm God's favorite. He made me king of the mountain." Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces. I called out to you, God; I laid my case before you: "Can you sell me for a profit when I'm dead? auction me off at a cemetery yard sale? When I'm 'dust to dust' my songs and stories of you won't sell. So listen! and be kind! Help me out of this!" You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I'm about to burst with song; I can't keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can't thank you enough. (Psalm 30 The Message)

"It's not easy being your favorite, but it's worth it." This was an actual post on Facebook from a son to his mother; a mother of many children. Whose favorite are you, dear Friend? I offer to you what David shared In this awesome psalm, you are God's favorite. What a thing to know what a way to live! I was always my mother's favorite, as were my two brothers and two sisters. I believe the same of my father. And I strongly, without doubt believe that I am God's favorite, too. I am my dog's favorite, and the cat who owns my house sometimes purrs for me, but I never will believe she has favorites other than her mommy, our daughter Carli.

David lived a life as he wrote in this psalm. David knew where true credit is merited, and that is squarely in God. It is God who got David, and me, and all of you, out of messes. Our foes have not gloated. God has always been there for us when we called out for help. And when we needed putting-back-together, it was God who did it. Out of the grave and back on the dance floor; that's God. Our being able to take a breath right now; that's God. And as David did, he urges all who believe, to do the same thing: "Sing your hearts out to God! Thank Him to His face!" God deserves it! Even if you sing off-key, next Sunday or earlier, make a joyful noise of gratitude and praise to God.

As David does, perhaps you too remember some nights of solid crying because of life's challenges. Those nights cannot outnumber the nights I have laughed and been joyful. And when things were going great we could as easily as David, said, "I've got it made. I'm God's favorite. He made me king of the mountain." However long or short those moments or experiences lasted, it was exhilarating. Without God, as the next sentence says, we can fall to pieces. Life is pretty nicely summed up by this ancient poet/singer/composer/king of Israel. In the good and the bad, we are present with God. We will never be, as this version says, "(auctioned) off at a cemetery yard sale." (Which is a most interesting image, is it not?)

So, dear one, choose to sing praises of victory to God. The black mourning bands have no room on our arms as we choose instead bluebonnets and paint brushes for our decor. We are the Easter People, the people of life, a life with NO end.

PRAYER: Loving and Awesome God, thank You for this encouraging word. As we face the challenges of life, help us to have the mindset of David; we are your favorites. And as life brings those times when we are not in the best of circumstances, still we are not alone, You are with us. Accept our prayer and praise, for we pray in Your Son's holy name, Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great.and blessed day in the Lord. Sing a song of praise today. Bless someone with your joyful noise!

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

A Change of Heart Caused by Jesus!

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Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:1-20)

A most happy Wednesday to you, dear Friend! I pray this finds you well and enjoying the blessings of the day.

What does your name mean, if anything? Was it a family name? Was it after someone that your mother or father liked? Is it from the Bible? I heard a story once from the mountain tops of Puerto Rico. A couple lived far from most neighbors and the only constant visitor they had was their postman (remember Puerto Rico is a part of the United States of America, and their mail service is the same as ours). When the couple had their first baby, a boy, they proudly named him Usmail. (Okay, this joke sounds better than it reads; but think Ishmael but with a U in the front).

Our story today is about a very interesting and powerful man. He was young, well connected, very well educated and he was as passionate as he could possibly be to his perceived purpose in life. When we first meet this young man, his name is Saul, and he's mentioned in chapter 7 of Acts, where the first Christian murdered (martyred) for his faith occurs. He's given the job of holding the coats of the men chosen to stone Stephen to death. Saul looked on and loved what he saw. Perhaps not for the bloodshed, but for the justice he believed was taking place against those who chose to believe in Jesus rather than the company line of strict Judaism. In fact, chapter 8, verse one reads what happened in the life and mind of Saul. "And Saul approved of their killing him." The next verse says that that very day a persecution began against all Christians. It was such a fierce and powerful movement, that the disciples scattered throughout the region. This means they were scared of what Saul was capable of doing, and ran for their lives.

The captain of the opposing team was ruthless and feared by all who had faith in Jesus. His actions sent a strong message to Jesus' followers; "If you believe in the Way (What they were calling what Jesus preached as in "the way, the truth, and the life."), be prepared to suffer severely, including death. Saul's plan was to tie up every believer he could find and drag them to Jerusalem. For many, time was running out and the only option they faced was to run, hide, or give in to Saul. Then Jesus came. As Saul is on his way to Damascus, a bright light from Heaven flashed around him and he fell to the ground and he heard a voice call him by name and he was asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Saul asks who is talking to him, and he hears, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do." Witnesses saw nothing, but heard everything. Saul discovers he is blind and remained that way for three days. Those three days were like the days Jesus spent in the tomb, except Saul was exposed to life and truth. Jesus shared with him all the story of Himself and even revealed to Saul all that he would suffer for the sake of Jesus.

Jesus further proved His majesty in letting him know that a man, in prayer, would come for him and restore his sight. Ananias is the man's name and he knew of Saul and feared him and was reluctant to go and do it, but when God asks, well, you'd best say yes. Saul also had a change of heart and purpose. From being a hater and persecuter of the Christians, Saul comes to confess Jesus as the Son of God.

I am thankful that during my ministry I have seen the same power of God at work in so many people, who underwent tremendous changes in their lives. Haters of God becoming lovers of God. Haters of people becoming lovers and servants of all people. Those heading South suddenly turning North. And by the same token, many who changed direction away from the fullness of life to the path we're against. Such is the nature of the Christian life.

This is another Easter story that stresses the fullness of life that can be found in Christ Jesus. There is new life in Jesus to anyone who asks. Jesus Himself said, "Ask and it will given to you, Seek and you will find, and knock and the door shall be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

PRAYER: God of Resurrection Life, bring to us new life and fullness of life. Keep us away from that which distracts and destroys. Put us on the path that leads to life eternal. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a person of Easter life today!

Blessings of love,

Eradio Valverde

Worthy is the Lamb!

Image from freedombikerchurchfayetteville.com

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:11-14)

Happy Tuesday, dear Friend! I pray this find you well and enjoying the day! I saw on social media yesterday a hilarious post: "Eww, Monday, who invited you??" I pray Tuesday is better received in your life today.

Our passage for today takes us into the future as revealed to John the disciple on a Sunday morning on the Island of Patmos. Exiled for his faith, it was on the day he would normally be in church worshiping God, that God came to visit him and reveal to him the things that were to come. This coming September, Lord willing, yours truly will be on that island with the group going to Greece with me. This is the last week to sign up! May 3rd is when we need to know if you've been guided to join us! (Wow, what a bold move, Pastor!)

The place of the passage is in Heaven. As one would imagine, that sacred and pure place is inhabited by angels, living creatures and the elders. The angels were those beings created by God to be angels, the living creatures are those animals present in glory, and the elders are those who suffered here on earth and died for their faith. The number of those was beyond counting, and all were singing "with full voice" (just like we used to do in many of the churches where I have worshiped and pastored! You may remember when Col. Potter made his appearance on the TV Show MASH, he asked Father Mucahy for a 'good ole Methodist hymn sing.'). I remember fondly the times I have been present at worship in the Asbury School of Theology chapel services. The singing there is without equal, as is the enthusiasm of those who worship. Their song was one that said, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" That hymn is about Jesus, who is the Lamb of God. Jesus was slaughtered in order to receive these necessary things: Power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing. The Lamb is now the King and as king has the necessary assets with which to rule and reign. Those in Heaven know this and sing this. We on earth would do good to know those things and make them a part of our praise to God and His Son, Jesus. As the hymn continued, John hears the voices grow because every creation in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, all sang, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" Worship, praise, submission, and obedience are the repertoire of the faithful; those who know Jesus and love Him are in that choir. And this song was pleasing to the four living creatures around the throne who all said, "Amen!" At the sound of that word, the elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.

This is a victory scene being celebrated in the most holy of holy places; the realm of God. I thought back to the Old Testament when it was decided that for humanity's sin, an animal, usually a lamb, would die. "The wages of sin is death." Sin does not go unpunished. For the OT people, sacrifice, which included the slaughter of animals, was the atonement required by God for sin. The New Testament is all about the final sacrifice, that was the Lamb of God. All lambs who died were worthy. The Lamb of God was the most worthy. He died for our sins as an atonement of that broken bridge that existed between humanity and God; and Jesus as High Priest, became the bridge from which the word bridge comes from. That's good news worthy of Easter celebration!

Easter marks the day when Jesus defeated sin and death; marking our God as the God of life not death. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, this week's episode was a heart-stopping one, where a battle was waged between an army of the living and the army of the dead. The battle was long and as the living tried to kill the dead, many of the living died. The army of the dead was ruled by the Night King and at one point in the battle, the Night King raised back to "life" the dead killed as well as the living killed. The living who were killed were raised as new soldiers for the dead. At the point where I thought I had had enough of the show, the story turn an interesting turn. I hate to spoil the show for those of you wanting to see it, but let me just say it was a bit scary to see the power of the dead and the way they killed the living. I thought, of course, to this book and the struggle involved in the final pages of the Bible, and thus, eternal life for some, eternal death for others. But, we know the ending and Who wins. Yet, to experience that will be an experience for the nonbeliever. It is better to prepare for those coming days now, by entering into a trusting and eternal relationship with Jesus. We want to be on the winning side, don't we? And who sings better? Winners or losers?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I might be in relationship with You through Jesus. I want to be on the side who sings the loudest and longest; and a song of victory at that! I ask that I be forgiven of my sins and I be in right with You through Jesus Christ; in Whose name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Pray Mas!

Eradio Valverde

Here's our t-shirt for the month of May. It's called Pray Más.

https://teespring.com/pray-m-s-pray-more-a-bold#pid=2&cid=2397&sid=front

"I'm Goin' Fishin'!" or "Heeeeere's Jesus!"

Image from newlifenarrabi.wordpress.com

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.” (John 21:1-19)

After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to the disciples and one of those ways is recorded in today's passage. The list of those present is shared as is their desire. Grieving and perhaps a bit disoriented, they choose to go fishing. For most of those in that list, fishing had been the occupation, and they knew that time on the water was a special time to reflect, think, and pray. Well, this trip turned out like my fishing history; all that night on the water they caught nothing. So, add disappointment to the grief. As they headed towards the shore, they see Jesus. Jesus addresses them as "Children," when He states, "You have no fish, have you?" The answer was obvious, no. Jesus said, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They obeyed and the results were more than they could have possibly imagine. It is at this point they realized the man with the plan was Jesus. All He had suggested was a different approach to what they knew. Things as usual sometimes gets old and stale and dies a sad death. And yes, this applies to the work in the church as well. Sometimes, new "fish" are caught when we try a different approach rather than the stale, "We've always done it this way before." Ouch, that involves change, and some church folks don't like change. I lie. It should be MOST church folks don't like change. But, that's a sermon for another Sunday!

When Peter hears his coworker say, "It is the Lord!" he dresses and jumps into the water and swims to the Lord. He wanted to be the first to be with Jesus, but the disciples who stayed in the boat made it to shore as well. And they discover that Jesus had already started a barbecue and nothing goes better on.a day like that, than grilled fish (Maybe fish tacos, but scholars differ on that point!). Jesus orders some fresh fish and begins to feed the disciples. He gives them bread and then fish. The writer notes that this is the third time they had seen the Risen Christ.

The passage then gets personal and intimate. The swimming disciple is asked by Jesus some personal questions. These questions directed to the only man to have walked on water with Jesus, and the only one of the disciples to jump in the water to swim towards Jesus. "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" Interesting and important question. Do you love me more than the other disciples? In some families, perhaps yours, someone may say, "I love you, " and some may respond with interesting responses. Nellie has a nephew who when she says to him, "I love you, " he responds, "I love you more!" The first time he said that to her she was taken aback with joy. Love is not really a competition, but our responses sometimes add some zest to the conversation. But, this was an honest question by Jesus to Peter. He answers, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Peter meant that. I have no doubt to his honesty in responding yes. But notice what Jesus says, "Feed my lambs." Interesting command. Jesus loves all who need Him and He knows of the care and feeding that is involved in caring for a flock. So, a second time, Jesus asks, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter again says, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." This time Jesus says, "Tend my sheep." The command is not only to feed the sheep, but to tend to them. Talk to them, guide them, nurture them; show that you love them. And these are instructions for all who are baptized members of Christ's Church; we have a responsibility to the full care of one another.

One last time, the third time, Jesus asks again, "Simon son of John do you love me?" This one hurt Peter. And again, Peter answers, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus responds, "Feed my sheep." And adds to it a truth to come, "Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." The writer adds that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God; which was crucifixion as well, though Peter asked to be crucified upside down. The last command given to Peter by Jesus, "Follow me."

The Risen Christ, offers to Peter, who loves Him, the same invitation that took him away from his fishing life and family life, to a world in need of knowing the truth and love of God. Peter accepted and did his part to grow the kingdom and Church of Christ.

How many of us would have said to Jesus, "Yes, Lord, whatever may come, for Your sake, I will endure and face; I will follow You." Some of us may not see death by martyrdom, but we face something just as tough; to speak to someone who has hurt us or shunned us. It may be to cross the aisle in church to greet those who we do not know (yet) but who have still come to our church and even in clothes that we don't like. And the list could grow, but what is more important is that our love for Christ and all of God's people increase. We should glorify God in all that we do, and live a life that brings honor and hope to those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus.

PRAYER: Loving God, as I pray today, I pray that I might be faithful and fruitful. May I receive the courage that I need to do all that You have outlined for me. Grant me boldness and strength. I pray this in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be one who shines bright the light of the world, Jesus!

Eradio Valverde

Leader and Savior!

Image from Pinterest.com

When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:27-32)

Who's the greatest leader you've had in your life? For me, I had two; my dad and my mom. They pretty much taught me all that I know. How to walk, talk, (in two languages, Spanish first), how to behave, how to be polite, and on and on. The list is long, and I am grateful. As leaders, they had my full attention and trust. I would follow them anywhere and do just about anything they asked. And through their leadership and insistence, I attended church religiously until I had my own personal relationship with Jesus. Jesus is my Savior.

As we enjoy Thursday, dear Friend, let's study today's passage. It is interesting that a passage from Acts is the lesson usually reserved for one from the Old Testament. It is an account of what took place in Jerusalem. The disciples, who were arrested and imprisoned and miraculously released, now found themselves before the Sanhedrin questioned by the High Priest, because they had disobeyed the strict orders not to teach in the name of Jesus, and had, according to the high priest, "filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." They feared that preaching about Jesus, especially after His resurrection was only serving to pollute the minds of the people of Jerusalem and might convince them to believe that He had died at the hands of the religious leaders. Hmm.

The apostles answered that they had to obey God rather than human authority; and they also declared that God of their ancestors (Old Testament people) raised Jesus from the dead, and the leaders were the ones who killed Jesus by hanging Him on a tree. Yet, they declared to all, that God exalted Jesus as Leader and Savior, whose gift was repentance of Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

You and I are witnesses to all the great tings that God has done in our lives. In Christ Jesus we have our Leader and Savior. We can and do trust fully in Jesus' leadership. Jesus leads us into life (John 10:10), and He is our Savior, who has taken away our sins. Our calling is to be faithful to God, and to joyfully obey God. As we stressed last week, we do so again this week; we are Easter People. Let's live as such.

PRAYER: Loving God, we confess Jesus as our Leader and Savior. Guide us to faithfulness in our daily lives so that we might also be fruitful. This we pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a faithful witness today!

Eradio Valverde

Praise the Lord!

Image from praise1065.com

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150 New Revised Standard Version)

A good Wednesday to you, dear Friend! I pray this is a wonderful day filled with God's best for you and yours. May the time you spend with God and God's word today be a blessing that goes beyond our comprehension as we interact with God and God's creation! That's my prayer for you!

There is no better way to close the beautiful book of the Psalms than this last psalm. There are 150 psalms which we count as chapters, so this makes this book the one with the most chapters. Let's take a close look at this psalm.

I find myself writing "Praise God," or "Praise the Lord," as a response on Facebook and Instagram, to reports or updates on answered prayers, births, good news, etc. And though I write it often, I mean it. I really want the praise in me to go out to God as a response of my gratitude for what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and in the lives of friends and loved ones. Praise is a deliberate response of gratitude to God for which we were made. As David wrote this psalm he was thinking about giving God praise. He was a man of praise. It opens the psalm and then David says we should praise God in God's house, namely the sanctuary or temple in our houses of worship. And we should praise God outside, in all that God has created. God accepts our praise in church as well as in natural settings. We praise God for all He has done (answered prayers), and for the great "surpassing greatness (unexplained blessings). David also believed in using instruments of worship to praise God; trumpet, lyre, harp, tambourine and dance, strings and pipe (flutes, piccolos) - anything that expresses our praise is welcome and allowed. And as an added accent, he writes, "Praise Him with clanging cymbals," and adds, "loud clashing cymbals." (Seems the boy was serious about praising God!). And he concludes with the all-inclusive, "Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord!" And he adds as his finishing touch, "Praise the Lord!" Amen!

Praise should be serious business. It is joyous and happy, but deep down in our heart of hearts, and in our souls, every time we gather for worship, praise should be central in our focus. All of us were made to praise God, and as long as we have breath, we should take advantage of every opportunity to thank and praise God. Stop and think about all the instruments listed. Imagine the music coming from each! The beautiful, but powerful blast from a trumpet; the string instruments, the woodwinds, the tambourine and the impulses that cause us to sway and dance (think your little ones listening to their favorite music, and then think, "that should be me!" And you're on the right path towards praising the Lord!). Then as the melodies are sharing their melodic sounds of praise, the cymbals break through with the crowning touch of this act of worship. Then, you can look around and see all who have been blessed by having made time to praise God. Look inward and see the joy that is yours for knowing that God is being blessed by what you have just offered.

I don't know about you, but such a scene blesses and lifts me and my spirit. It puts all that was causing me worry and anxiousness to be moved to the I Trust God column and checking the box that says, "God is taking care of this for me!" A smile forms on my face and I begin to know that yes, indeed, all is well in the world, even if for a tiny moment.

PRAYER: Loving God, as we close this time of prayer, bring blessing upon blessing to this dear reader. May whatever has them worried or anxious be removed from their thoughts and hearts, and place firmly in Your hands. Lord, You are worthy of our praise, and may praise never end from my lips, thoughts, and actions. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a vessel of praise today!

Eradio Valverde

The new podcast on "How Do You Handle Doubt & Fear" comes out later today on pimplesandwrinkles.org/Media. Come listen and be blessed!

The Firstborn of the Dead; The Alpha & The Omega

Image from theflame.uniashanoi.org

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Jesus' work continues until the end of time. The last book of the Bible, written on the Island of Patmos, which we on our tour of Greece will see in September, contains today's passage. John wants the world to know of the continuing work of our Lord Jesus. Jesus will forever be the faithful witness of God's work in creation, even death and resurrection, thus the "firstborn of the dead" reference, He Himself says, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," the beginning and the end (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet); He who was present at Creation, will be present at the end of all things as we know them, present even for the New Heaven and the New Earth.

He who loves us, loves you, dear Friend, also freed us from our sins by HIs blood, and is working to make us a part of His new kingdom, in which you and I will be priests serving God the Father. And that work can begin now with our words and actions which we should gear to glorify God.

Christ will come again. If you celebrated Holy Communion yesterday, you may have read or heard that in the ritual. It is part of our faith; Jesus will come again. In that I have no doubt. And this passage says that Jesus is coming in the clouds, "every eye shall see Him, even those who pierced Him." We will join those who can see Him and our joy will join the wails of all the tribes of the Earth.

Easter says, Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come today, stay today. Come tomorrow and bless me to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Loving Father, may this prayer be a part of my affirmation of faith, that Jesus came so that I may have life. May my actions bless others to come to life in You. Help me to see You in others, and may others see You in me. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be a ray of hope and love today!

Eradio Valverde

It's Still Easter!

Image from agnusday.org

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.  But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:19-31)

"I do not feel happy sad Easter."  The message from our six year-old as she and her family drove back home to Mission, Texas.  Eliana, we learned, knows how to message us on Messenger, the FaceBook-related message service.  And she knows how to share her feelings.  She and her sister, Adabelle, 3, do not like to leave grandma and grandpa's house.  Ada doesn't hide that she wants to stay with us.  It makes us sad too.  This weekend was wonderful for us in that all our family was with us, and while we were absent from our church, we worshiped together at First Presbyterian Church where I celebrated Communion for our brothers and sisters there.  A couple of lines below that, she wrote, "Waaaaaaaaaaaa.  Not happy Easter sad Easter."

I wonder what Thomas might have texted or messaged had that been available during those days.  "Crew stayed in the UR.  Me?  Had to get out and clear my head.  Whoa!  Dudes are saying that Jesus showed up while I was out!  Bummer.  Have to admit, I don't believe it.  And I said so.  Won't believe it unless I see and touch the marks on Him."  Later, his texts or posts might have reflected what happened while he was back and Jesus showed up.  "SMH!  Still can't believe J is alive!  Man showed me the wounds!  Sick!  But I have to confess I believe now!  I even blurted out My Lord and my God.  Thought I'd get razzed for that, but no.  J is God!"

Easter is all about Resurrection.  It is life in the midst of death.  It was Jesus showing us the power of His words in John 10:10, "I have come that they might have life and that to the fullest."  A person who knows the power of new life knows life in abundance.  Nothing else will do.  Thomas came to that knowledge after admitting he was a bit skeptical about the entire event of that first Easter Sunday.  And it does serve to encourage us even during our times of doubt and despair.  Jesus comes to the place where we are and offers to lead us upward and onward.  Touch your places of doubt but leave away convinced of His truth.  The disciples who were there on Jesus' first visit were blessed to have experienced all of the amazing, unbelievable things Jesus did - enter a locked room in bodily form, seen the wounds of death on Him, and to have Jesus breathe on them with the words, "Receive the Holy Spirit," and with that the authority over sins, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."  Their mission was now clearer.  They weren't sure of even staying alive for fear of the Jews, now they are sure they will be alive and that they had work to do; lots of it.  To preach and spread the message of God's love and mercy to all who would hear it.

Easter is about everyday life.  You and I are Easter people; called to believe in the power of life in Jesus Christ when everyone else may be merely existing.  Come to life in Jesus Christ like never before.  Do not let doubt have any space in your life, but even when you do, face it and defeat it.  May Easter continue in you, dear Friend!

PRAYER:  Loving God, bring life to us as we pray this prayer.  And Lord, while we were celebrating Your resurrection brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka died for their faith.  Comfort those affected by this and bring victory to those taken by hatred and hostilities.  Help us to be strong about our faith as we seek to share love even to those who hate.  Be glorified in us, dear Father, in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!  Be a Resurrection person today!

Eradio Valverde

He died for you and me...

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Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write, "The King of the Jews,' but, "This man said, I am King of the Jews.' " Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it." This was to fulfill what the scripture says, "They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots." And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, "None of his bones shall be broken." And again another passage of scripture says, "They will look on the one whom they have pierced." After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:16-42)

This is the day. The most gruesome atrocity of a day and we call it Good. Good because all that Jesus suffered and experienced, He did it for us. And as we have studied Scripture, we know the meaning and purpose behind each act and the awesome blessing that is ours because of this day. Sins gone? Good! Victory over death? Good! Life that never ends? Good! Indeed, this is Good Friday!

Jesus died for you and me.

PRAYER: Loving God, even with the pain and suffering; the passion of our Lord, we see the why, and we call it Good. Thank You. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name we pray, amen.

This evening at 6 our church holds a Good Friday service. Please find a service near you in which to remember this special day.

O To Be Invited, To Be Chosen, To Participate, To Be Blessed, To Bless!

Image from clcmc.org

Palms at the parade; waved at the King; selected, plucked, used as part of that which glorified God's plan. The kernels of wheat chosen, ground, mixed, shaped, baked; the grapes, fresh once on a vine, selected, picked, stomped, juiced, and used - both of these set on the table later to be used by the hands of He who came to save the world, shared with twelve and more as they heard the words of body and blood, remembrance, sins, forgiveness and praise; vessels of grace and truth, blessed and used to bless.

Come we now this night to that which happened for us:

Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal. Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later." Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet - ever!" Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing." "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!" Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you." (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.") After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it - and live a blessed life.Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God's glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified - glory all around! "Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I'm telling you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.' "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:1-17; 31b-35 The Message)

Love one anther. A new commandment. From the Latin Maundatum giving us Maundy Thursday, for this night Jesus said, "This is how they will know you are my disciples in that you love one another.

Love one another, meaning everyone, no exceptions. Every one.

PRAYER: Lord, let me start with loving You in the ways I should, with all I have, then let me love me in healthy, appropriate ways; then let me love others, every person I see and meet. Let me known as one of Yours. In Thy name I pray, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

Tonight, most churches will have a Maundy Thursday service. I invite you to find one in which to remember this special night. Our church, First UMC of Gonzales, this evening at 6pm in our Fellowship Hall will have a full supper and a celebration of this special Lord's Supper. Everyone is welcome!

Prayers please, for Nellie and me as we fight off the last of this cold that has really wiped the two of us out. We hope to be ready for Easter! Pray for one another. Pray for yourselves.

Jesus Wins!

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At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn't find the body of the Master Jesus. They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words. They left the tomb and broke the news of all this to the Eleven and the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them kept telling these things to the apostles, but the apostles didn't believe a word of it, thought they were making it all up. But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that's all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head. (Luke 24:1-12 The Message)

Happy Monday, dear Friend! I trust this finds you and yours doing well. This leaves our home with Nellie and I hopefully on the tail end of a bad cold. We missed worship yesterday because of our cough, congestion and other yucky stuff. Please hold us in your prayers as we want to be well before Easter!

This is the first day of Holy Week. Yesterday Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly and by Friday, He was dead. But Sunday, Sunday was Jesus' day - He won over sin and death! Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, that we also call Easter. No better way to start Holy Week than to jump to the good part! The passage for Sunday is today's passage, and it gives us what happened after Jesus' death. We will get right to the passage knowing that this week is full of events that Jesus impacted and I pray impacted us. We will focus on each, but for today we will celebrate a bit early the victory of Jesus' rising from the dead.

Jesus' death occurred on the start of the Sabbath and so proper burial procedures could not be followed. Jewish burial customs were a bit different from ours today, but the necessary precautions were to respect the body while keeping careful attention to not defile oneself for it was considered unclean to touch a corpse. Embalming like we know it today or even how the Egyptians did it, was not an option for them. The customary practice was to place the body into a tomb, usually like a cave, leave the body prepared with spices and let it sit for about a year. After a year, only the bones would be collected and placed in an ossuary, a stone container. This would be buried in the ground. And depending on the resources of the family, some families would have to share ossuaries and tombs. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb and the disciples, especially the women, believed it would be used for a year until they could collect and place the bones in an ossuary. For now their main concern was to properly spice the body for Jesus' proper burial. This gospel has the entrance stone, which other gospels mention as being quite heavy, as already rolled away so the women were able to walk right in and prepare the body. They wonder what has become of the body, but instantly, "almost out of nowhere," two men surrounded by light make their appearance to the women. They ask the question, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery?" You have to love this version, for it shares Jesus' true nature in the name they say, "the Living One" and of all places, a cemetery, a place for the dead? They remind the women all that Jesus had said would happen, and now those things had come to reality. The women leave to share this news with the disciples, who did not know what to make of what the women were saying. The common consensus was that they did not believe a word of what the women had said, thinking they had made these things up. It makes you wonder how strong a faith the disciples had. Except for Peter, he leapt out of his chair and ran to the tomb. He enters, takes a look around, scratches his head and walks away puzzled. Not the terrific powerful ending one would imagine would accompany such a discovery. But it is an honest approach to our humanity. Though they had been in Jesus' company for three years, some things failed to capture their full attention and comprehension. That happens in life with our struggles and challenges; but we are called to let our faith lead us into victory; yet some times it does not happen as soon as we would like.

Jesus wins. Death could only hold Him for a few hours, the only remnant left were the burial clothes; Jesus' body was now fully alive again. The women were eyewitnesses to an empty tomb and the first to announce the truth - that the tomb could not hold Jesus and heard from angels that Jesus had fulfilled all He had said. Jesus wins.

This story is the fulfillment of all the Bible shares with us. It is the promise of God still with us and helping us overcome all that may come at us. The simple truth is that if Jesus wins, so do we!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as we start this Holy Week, we turn over to You our lives, our cares and our worries. We want the victory of Jesus to be ours as well. Receive us today and always; this we pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share your victory in Jesus with someone today!

Eradio Valverde

The Foundational Big Ten

Image from stevesbiblemeditations.com

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 20:1-17)

May this be a wonderful Friday for you and yours, dear Friend! My prayer is that this find you well and preparing for a day in which you will honor God.

Our Fridays have been dedicated to several Old Testament stories and we have been witness to Moses and his leadership in serving God, from his interesting birth to his faithful service to God. Last week we saw how God indeed provides. And today we study how God formed a people (or tried to!) from the 40 years. The passage from today you understand to be the Ten Commandments, or the foundational laws on which most of the world's laws are based. Called the Mosaic Law, these ten commandments follow a solid pattern of how we should relate to God and to each other. If you know these by heart, they helped shape you and your decisions and interactions, and helped make you a disciple.

Let's begin. No better way to start than with a reminder. God is giving these laws and He begins with a reminder of what great event He had just done for them. You are no longer in a strange land or under slavery because of me; thus for the first commandment we find: You shall have no other gods before me. God knew the neighborhood and he knew people all around this new land that Israel was coming into had devised gods to serve their purpose. God laughed at those attempts, and more laughter followed as He named the attempts people sometimes make to make gods. Idols they were called, and as much work as you may have put into your fine idol, it was still something your own hands had created. Put those up against the one true God. I should mention that anything or anyone that we put in the place of God becomes our god. The rightful place for our God is on the throne of our heart. God demands this, for these are commandments not suggestions or guidelines. This commandment is so important there's a punishment clause in it; God does not tolerate unfaithfulness when it comes to His worship.

The next commandment is the sacredness of God's name. We as Christians do not take this commandment as seriously as our Jewish brothers and sisters. You may have seen a Jewish writer write God as G-d. His or her respect towards God's name keeps him from even completing the name God. In Hebrew, God's name Yahweh is spelled out YHWH without vowels as well. Again, out of respect for God's sacred name. And even more sadly, is the lack of respect towards God's name when we utter profanely His name as a curse word. Even as old as I am, it still makes me winch to hear someone, without really thinking saying, the terrible cuss word. "The Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses His name.

The fourth commandment is related to a special day of the week. It is the Sabbath Day when God rested after six days of creating the world. It is a day dedicated to rest and worship. Worship was considered a restful practice of remembrance. The day with which we recognize as the sabbath is Saturday. The Spanish word for Saturday is Sabado, which means Sabbath. But, we as Resurrection People celebrate our worship on Sundays.

The above commandments are tied into the relationship and respect we are to have towards God. God has His special place in our hearts and lives. He is God and we are not. He is worthy of our worship and respect. His name is holy and we should treat it as such. And we should set aside a day in which should worship God.

The next commandments are such that we is we follow them we will have the right relationship with our fellow human beings. The first of these is related to our parents. The word used is "honor." During my teenage years I struggled with this commandment because of my thoughts about life versus what I was being told was life. The word that troubled me was "obey." Sometimes a Sunday school teacher would go on about how we should obey our parents. I was still on honor. And this commandment comes with a promise, "so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." I hope you did not have the same trouble as I had with this commandment. I'm glad to say I figured it out in time.

The following commandment is short but powerful: "You shall not murder." The respect of life is very important in all our relationships. We hold life to be sacred and we should treat one another with that respect and sacredness.

"You shall not commit adultery." refers to the proper respect and relationship we should have towards our spouse and respect we should have towards the spouse of other marriages. This commandment addresses the sacredness and seriousness God holds towards marriage and we should as well.

"You shall not steal." Again, a commandment that calls for our respecting those things that are not ours and wanting them so badly we take them as ourselves without proper authority. If all people followed all commandments we would see police departments changing their scope of business. But, we sadly know the reality.

The ninth commandment is on our being honest towards each other, not lying, and being honest with each other.

The tenth commandment is to not have the the desire for things, especially those of others, control our thoughts towards acquiring them. Coveting is that which can overtake our every thought, and God directs that towards spouses, homes, property, and livestock.

One can appreciate the strength of a foundation built on these commandments; proper respect towards God, proper and correct relationships with others. These were the foundational laws on which God would form His people. As they traveled through the desert, God would remind them again and again of Who He was, and Who they were in relation to God. We would do well to follow that as well.

PRAYER: Loving God, may the foundation of my life be built on You. May the commandment shared with Your people be those imprinted on my heart and mind. Grant me the gifts to receive these and live a life that blesses You. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Live a life that blesses others with a stronger foundation.

Eradio Valverde