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  • Conquering Fear Through The Power of God’s Word

    Conquering Fear Through The Power of God’s Word

    Fear and uncertainty can hold us back, making it hard to think clearly and rationally. When I feel afraid, my mind often spirals into imagining worst-case scenarios, fueling self-doubt and anxiety. You might wonder, why am I afraid? Am I not a Christian? Yes, but I am also human and experience natural fears like anyone else—fears rooted in past experiences, concerns for loved ones, or apprehensions about the future.

    Fear has tried to hold me hostage for much of my life, sometimes preventing me from seizing opportunities or expressing my true self. As a young girl, I vividly remember my father watching over me every night until I fell asleep, his reassuring presence providing a sense of safety. After his passing, my late husband carried on that legacy, offering a similar sense of protection and reassurance.

    Through these experiences, and the support of my pastors, family, and friends
    The importance of not giving in to fear.
    One thing I recall and put into practice is something our pastors always remind us of, “We don’t take our temperature when we get up in the morning; we set our thermostat.” (Pastor Diminick Catignola: Senior Pastor of Next City Church)
    This means that instead of reacting passively to circumstances, we need to intentionally set our mental and spiritual boundaries, choosing how we respond and what we allow to influence us. We are naturally equipped with Psalm 91, a divine promise of divine protection and refuge, which we can activate to overcome fear.

    Throughout the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly told His disciples not to be afraid. He even addressed the women who went to His tomb and found Him risen, saying, “Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 28:10). Jesus understood that we would face moments when fear crept in, especially amid uncertainty and the unknown.

    This Monday, I was scheduled for a lower back ablation—a procedure to destroy nerve pathways causing chronic pain. My family and friends called me faithfully, praying and asking the Lord to grant me peace and guide the doctors during the operation. Their love and support meant the world to me.

    I truly appreciated their prayers and encouragement. The amazing thing was, I wasn’t afraid. I felt an inner peace that surpassed all understanding, anchoring my soul amid a sea of nerves.

    In Philippians 4:7, Paul describes this peace as “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,” guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace can only be achieved when we place our complete trust in God. I must confess there have been very few moments when I have experienced this inner peace, but when I have, it has been only when I have completely surrendered to the Lord’s will.

    For the first time in a while, I was not afraid. The Lord’s promise to never leave us or forsake us remains true, and I stand on that assurance.

    The day of the surgery arrived. My husband drove me to the hospital. As soon as we arrived, a nurse called my name. I looked at my husband and said, “I’ll see you soon.”

    As usual, the nurse prepared me, placing electrodes and IVs as we waited for the anesthesiologist. When he entered, he introduced himself warmly and explained how he would take me to the operating room. I smiled and answered all his questions calmly.

    As he wheeled me toward the operating room, he paused and said, “You seem so calm and peaceful. This is very unusual. Did you take anything to help keep you calm?”

    I responded confidently, “No. My trust is in the Lord.” His eyes showed a mix of confusion and curiosity as he settled me onto the operating table. His final words before the anesthesia came into effect were, “See you soon.”

    Friends, this peaceful confidence was only possible through Jesus. I know I am incapable of being strong and fearless on my own—my history of fear proves it. But the Word of God assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). We are children of the living God; Chosen and Beloved, Forgiven and Redeemed, Accepted and Loved, Set Apart for His purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:1).

    Tonight, just 24 hours after my surgery, I can share this testimony because of who my Lord is. Even amidst pain and discomfort, I am not afraid. This pain too shall pass. I recall Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” We will face life’s storms, but He will walk with us through every trial.

    Friends, hold fast to His promises. Trust in the Lord’s unfailing presence and guidance, for He is our refuge and strength in every season.

    Prayer:

    Lord, I thank You for holding me close in Your arms and carrying me through this difficult valley. I am grateful for You, my good Shepherd, who constantly guides me down the right paths, keeps me safe from harm, and loves me unconditionally—even when I stumble and go astray. Lord, help me become a living testimony of Your love, mercy, and grace. In Your name, I give praise and thanks, Amen.

    Reference:
    Almodovar-Caporusso, C. (2025). A Stormy Day. [Photograph].[Personal Collection]
    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
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  • Jehovah Rohi, The Lord My Shepherd

    Jehovah Rohi, The Lord My Shepherd

    Since last month, I’ve been navigating a turbulent sea of physical and emotional challenges that have truly tested my resilience. These struggles have made it hard for me to guard my heart and shield myself from the world’s burdens. This week, I consciously decided to stop crying and complaining; instead, I chose to open my heart to the Lord and earnestly seek His healing. In that moment of vulnerability, the Holy Spirit gently led me to the comforting words of Psalm 23. I have to admit, I felt a bit bewildered. Throughout my life, my parents and grandmother recited this beloved Psalm daily, and its verses are ingrained in my memory. Yet, I realized that I hadn’t fully grasped its deeper meanings and profound truths.

     

    Psalm 23:1-3 opens with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” This statement is packed with promise and conviction. David boldly calls the Lord his Shepherd, using the present tense. He doesn’t say “was” or “will be,” but instead asserts a timeless truth—one that holds weight even when his situation seems bleak and uncertain.

     

    This reflection made me think deeply about what it truly means to trust God. I recalled when I first accepted Jesus as my “Lord and Savior.” Like many people, I initially entrusted my eternal salvation to Him, believing He would rescue me from hell. But did I also trust that He would guide me through life’s storms, protect my loved ones, and heal my wounds? We have faith in Him for our eternal future, yet why do we struggle to believe that He will tend to every intricate detail of our lives?

     

    As I continued to meditate on Psalm 23, I discovered insights in its verses that resonated within me. When David proclaims, “The Lord is my shepherd,” he introduces the idea of God as his personal guide. In Hebrew, the word for Shepherd is “Rohi,” revealing one of God’s names—”Jehovah Rohi, the Lord my Shepherd.”

     

    “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters; he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake,” reads Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV).

     

    To truly understand these verses, it’s essential to know a bit about sheep. Why is this important? Throughout the Scriptures, the Jewish people and followers of Jesus are often likened to sheep, with God as our Shepherd.

     

    There’s something fascinating about the relationship between shepherds and sheep. A shepherd’s primary role is to guide his flock, as sheep are known to wander and become easily distracted. Without guidance, they often stray—especially in unfamiliar territory. Shepherds lead their sheep to still waters because sheep have a natural fear of rushing streams, which can lead to drowning.

     

    This analogy reflects our human experience. Looking back, I can identify numerous times I’ve strayed from the right path, making choices that took me off course. Thankfully, we serve a God who never abandons us. Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd, lovingly guides us along the right path, offering direction, protection, and care.

     

    You might be wondering, isn’t Jesus known as our Good Shepherd? Absolutely! He is indeed our Good Shepherd; however, in the Old Testament, God was not yet revealed as Jesus. The incarnation of Jesus came later as part of God’s divine plan for salvation.

     

    “Even though I walk through (emphasis added) the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me,” states Psalm 23:4.

     

    Did you know that valleys are the low-lying areas nestled between towering mountains? These valleys often present various risks and challenges, especially for sheep. The shadows cast by the high mountains can create an atmosphere of darkness and uncertainty. At night, dangers multiply, with predators like wolves and lions lurking, waiting to strike.

     

    In verse four, David reassures us that even as we walk through those daunting valleys—dark places overshadowed by death—Jehovah Rohi, our faithful Shepherd, walks alongside us. His rod and staff provide comfort, protection, and security, no matter the struggles we face. Here is something that resonated with me: David said, “Even though I walk through the valley of shadow and death…” The keyword is “through.” God never said we would not go through hardship or experience sorrow, but that we would go through the valley. He promised to be with us.

    Let’s be honest—most of us prefer to stay on the mountaintops, in safe and peaceful places, rather than confront the troublesome valleys of hardship and fear. But as the powerful song “Graves Into Gardens” by Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake reminds us, the God of the mountain is also the God of the valley.

     

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent much of my life navigating those valleys, with only occasional mountaintop moments. Looking back, I can see my Shepherd guiding and shielding me every step of the way. There has never been a moment when Jehovah Rohi—who is also known as Jesus—was not at my side. It’s in those valleys that I’ve truly come to know His presence and love.

     

    Reflection:

    In the opening verses of Psalm 23, David beautifully conveys how Jehovah Rohi, the Lord who shepherds him, restores his soul, no matter the challenges he faces.

     

    First, when he says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures,” it’s not just a casual suggestion or something that David decides to do on his own. Rather, it reflects God gently guiding David to pause, let go of control, and place his full trust in Him. There are times when God doesn’t change our circumstances because He is patiently waiting for us to release our grip on trying to manage everything ourselves, encouraging us to surrender the burdens we carry. I know this to be true in my life.

    Is there something in your life or heart that you’re clinging to, and is the Lord your Shepherd urging you to let go, surrender, and allow Him to take the lead?

     

    Second, when David says, “He leads me beside quiet waters,” it underscores that sheep tend to shy away from rushing streams, which can easily spook them and leave them feeling overwhelmed by the swift currents.

    Are you currently facing anxiety or restlessness? Would you be willing to allow your Shepherd to lead you to a place of complete surrender and let Him navigate you through it?

     

    Prayer:

    Jehovah Rohi, my Lord and my Shepherd, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering patience and love. As I reflect on my life’s journey, I am reminded of the countless times You have been my refuge and fortress. Like David, I can see the times You have stood as my protector, guiding me through the storms and uncertainties that have challenged me. I am truly grateful for Your sheltering presence that has comforted me even in my darkest moments.

    Lord, I ask that You help me to keep my focus steadfastly on You. Remind me that I am one of Your precious sheep, completely reliant on Your guidance to navigate this journey. Without Your direction, I feel lost and overwhelmed. I yearn to fully experience the peace that comes from lying down in green pastures and sipping from the still waters that You provide. However, I understand that to truly know Your rest, I must surrender every aspect of my life to You—every fear, every piece of pain, and every heartache must be laid at Your feet.

    It is only through relinquishing control and allowing You to lead me that I can find true rest and restoration. Lord, when memories of past hurts or physical pains arise to disturb my peace, remind me of the truth that I am whole in You. There is nothing missing and nothing broken in my life, for through Your finished work on the cross, I have been made complete and righteous.

    In Your precious name, I offer my praise and thanks, knowing that You are always with me, guiding me towards a place of tranquility and wholeness. Amen.

     

     

    Reference:

    Schmidt, D. (2023). Herd of Sheep [Photograph].[Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainties

    Finding Hope in the Midst of Uncertainties

    Last week, I had a surgical procedure that left me managing quite a bit of pain and discomfort, which really took a toll on my usual good spirits. One evening, as I was slowly getting back on my feet, my friend Ann brightened my day by sending me a gorgeous photograph she had taken at sunset while driving home through a lovely rural area. The vibrant colors splashed across the evening sky looked like an artist’s palette, blending beautifully together. At first glance, the scene seemed a bit gloomy, with only a hint of light peeking over the horizon, but it was still stunning and gave me a moment of peace amidst my recovery.

    When I took a closer look at that photo, it was like stepping into a whole new world! Suddenly, I found myself in a mysterious, foggy forest, where the sunlight seemed to have taken a break. The scene was filled with dark, swirling mist and twisty trees that seemed to be trying to reach out through the fog. It felt a bit spooky, almost like the life had faded away.

    Just when I thought all hope was lost, a beautiful ray of sunlight broke through the fog! That golden light shone so brightly, cutting through the darkness and lighting up everything around it. It reminded me that even in the gloomiest moments, there’s always hope to be found!

    This experience mirrors the ups and downs we often face in life. At times, it can feel like we’re weighed down by darkness, but if we pause and reflect, we can recognize that there’s always a guiding light within us. In fact, in John 8:12, Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This message is a comforting reminder that we’re never truly alone; even during tough times, there’s a guiding presence that helps us find our way through the challenges we face. Although obstacles might pop up, they won’t last forever—they have an expiration date!

    Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely through turbulent waters, Jesus is our guiding light amid life’s storms. When the waves of uncertainty and fear crash around us, His steadfast presence helps us navigate through the darkness, ensuring we find our way to safety and hope.

    Whenever we encounter tough times, it’s important to remember that as long as we have the Lord with us, there is always hope. Hope in the One who came to save us from darkness and sin.

     

    Reflection

    Dear friends, I encourage you to take a moment of stillness to reflect on the wonderful work the Lord is doing in your life. It’s important to remember that His presence is often found not in grand gestures or spectacular signs, but in the subtle and gentle whispers of everyday experiences. As you take the time to observe these small yet meaningful moments, consider capturing them in a journal or jotting them down in the margins of your Bible. You may be amazed at how many blessings and transformations are unfolding right before your eyes, revealing the incredible ways the Lord is guiding and shaping your journey.

               

    Prayer:  

    Dear Lord, I am profoundly grateful for the small, everyday blessings You share with us, which serve as gentle reminders that we are never truly alone and are always enveloped in Your divine presence. Thank You for revealing Your steadfast support, especially during my darkest moments, when I feel most overwhelmed. In those times, I can sense Your comforting presence beside me, as if You are whispering to my heart that You will never abandon me or forsake any of us. Your unwavering love and assurance bring me peace and strength.

     

     Reference:

    Knopp, Ann (2026)   [Kentucky]  [Photograph] [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

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  • Nurturing Patience Through Faith

    Nurturing Patience Through Faith

    How can we actively evaluate our patience amid the fast-paced rhythm of daily life? Understanding this essential trait can enhance our interactions and boost our overall well-being. Let’s explore some practical strategies to effectively measure and cultivate our patience!

     

    After enduring a grueling two-hour surgery to remove what we initially believed were simple stones—only to uncover a more complex issue—I found myself lying in bed, reflecting on the tougher challenges I’ve faced in the past. Determined to push through and prepare for my Bible studies, I was struck by the powerful scripture: “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. We may roll the dice, but it’s God who decides how they land.” (NLT)

     

    In that moment, I truly grasped the importance of patience in our lives. Many of us struggle with it, especially in a world that constantly seeks instant gratification. We must hold on to the peace that comes from trusting in His perfect timing. His guidance lights our way; there’s no need to rush or force events beyond His divine plan. By embracing stillness and patience during our waiting periods, we not only gain discernment but also strengthen our faith. Being open to God’s purpose helps us recognize His lessons and the opportunities He places before us—opportunities that might slip away if we act too hastily.

     

    Consider patience as a garden; our ability to be patient requires nurturing through faith and trust. At times, we might feel the urge to dig up the seed to check on its progress, but doing so only disrupts growth. By allowing patience to develop naturally, we not only deepen our faith but also cultivate a bountiful harvest in our lives, just as a lovingly tended garden flourishes in its own time.

     

    Join me to remain steadfast and trust the Lord to teach and guide us as we navigate these challenging times. May He help us uncover the lessons we need to learn as we embrace stillness. “Be still and know that I Am God.” Psalm 46:10

     

    Reflection:

    Here are some practical ways that have helped me exercise patience:

    • Relying on the Holy Spirit: Jesus told His disciples that He would not leave them orphans. The Father will send them the Holy Spirit, a counselor, who will teach and remind them of everything He has taught them. This promise is for us as well. For everyone who believes in Jesus. (See John 15:26, John 14:16-17, 26)

     

    • Meditating on God’s Word: Instead of merely reading God’s Word, take a moment to meditate on it. Reflect on the question, “What have I learned about God’s attributes from this passage? How can I apply these insights in my own life and share them with others?”
    • Praying: Prayer is simply a conversation with your Heavenly Father. You don’t need to recite something you’ve heard; just come boldly to His throne. Through Jesus’ finished work on the cross, we have access to approach our Heavenly Father just as we are. God is always there, waiting for us, while we often hold back. He is eager to listen and to speak to us. All we have to do is be ready to listen.

     

    • Worship: When you engage in worship, you are expressing your praise to God, surrendering all that you are to Him. You’re giving Him the rightful place He deserves in your life. Worship also opens our hearts, preparing us to receive His Word more fully.

     

    • Fellowship with other believers: We are not meant to stand alone; we are called to embrace community and connect deeply with fellow believers within the Church. (Read the Book of Acts)

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, in these trying times, I ask You to guide me towards inner peace and stillness. Help me to quiet my restless spirit, so I can fully embrace the silence and truly hear Your gentle voice speaking to me. Grant me a heart filled with wisdom and discernment, enabling me to grasp the depth of Your perfect will for my life. I seek Your guidance, Lord, with the utmost sincerity, in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Gonzalez, S (2026). (Florida). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

     

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  • Unlocking the Power of Trust and Surrender in our Life

    Unlocking the Power of Trust and Surrender in our Life

    Life is like a river, and our plans are like the boats we build to navigate its currents. Regardless of how strong or well-designed our boat may be, the river has its own course, often steering us around unexpected curves or through uncharted rapids. Sometimes, surrendering the oars and letting ourselves drift with the current can lead us to the most beautiful destinations.

     

    Faith encourages us to embark on a transformative journey of release, urging us to loosen our grip on the steering wheel of our lives. We often find comfort in meticulously crafting our future, deriving peace from our careful preparations and relying on what we can see and control. Yet life has a way of catching us off guard, even when we’ve done everything to ensure every detail is in place. These surprises often bring us to crossroads filled with uncertainty, where trust becomes vital. In those challenging moments, God gently calls to our hearts, saying, “Trust me.” This divine invitation empowers us to let go of the false security that certainty brings, revealing that relinquishing control does not lead to chaos but instead opens us up to the possibility of a greater divine order.

     

    I’ve never thought of myself as a “controlling freak.” In fact, I often find it hard to connect with those with domineering personalities. Yet, when God persistently nudges me with the question, “Don’t you trust me?” I realize I cling to control in many areas of my life.

     

    As I face the prospect of two surgeries this month, waves of anxiety wash over me. I’m consumed with worries about the pain I might endure. Will I have the strength to cope? Will the doctors provide enough pain relief? My mind races to thoughts of my grandkids, who are enjoying their mid-winter break. Will they be able to cherish their time with their grandmother, or will they only encounter a grouchy version of me? And then there’s my dear husband, who is struggling with his own pain and is scheduled for knee replacement surgery in just two months. He will need a supportive wife who is physically, emotionally, and spiritually resilient. Let’s not forget my nearly 98-year-old mother, who continually asks to see me, filling my heart with a mix of love and worry.

     

    As I lie awake at night, wrestling with these swirling thoughts, I begin to understand how my desire for control shapes my perspective amid such overwhelming circumstances. The only way to truly place my faith in the Lord is to completely surrender the steering wheel of my life, letting Him guide me through these turbulent waters. I realize that I can’t just say, “Lord, I trust You,” then spiral back into anxiety, reclaiming control for myself. It has to be one way or the other: either Jesus takes complete control, or I do.

     

    This struggle brings to mind a powerful scene from the Bible: the disciples caught in a fierce storm, their hearts racing with fear as chaos engulfed them. Jesus, the embodiment of peace and power, was right there with them in the boat—calmly asleep despite the raging tempest. In their panic, the disciples forgot who was in their midst, the God of the impossible, and they awoke Him, pleading for His help, convinced they were about to drown. Instead of rebuking them, Jesus turned to them with compassion and asked, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (See Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25). His question lingers in my heart as a gentle reminder to trust His presence amid life’s storms.

     

    The truth is, we are not meant to carry the weight of our lives alone. The Creator, who meticulously designed the stars above and the gentle flow of rivers below, is our steadfast guide, walking alongside us each day. Jesus accompanies us on this spiritual journey, offering unwavering support and never leaving our side. Rather than holding tightly to specific outcomes or furiously planning every detail, we are invited to tune our ears to the Spirit’s gentle whispers. Letting go does not mean relinquishing control; instead, it is an act of resting confidently in the One who knows the path intimately and loves us unconditionally.

     

    I wonder if you, too, yearn for peace—the kind of tranquility that transcends understanding, not just occasionally, but consistently in our daily lives. In our act of surrender, we encounter Shalom, a profound assurance that, regardless of our present circumstances, God is in control. Our Pastor Dominick Cotignola from Next City Church often reminds us that we don’t simply take our emotional temperature; we set our spiritual thermostat. This means we can rest assured in the completed work of the cross—that we are redeemed, forgiven, and restored. We are no longer fragments of our former selves because Jesus has made us whole. Wholeness signifies that nothing is broken and nothing is missing. I don’t know about you, but I’ve made the decision to finally rest in that fulfilled promise.

     

    My daughter Michelle often reminds me that when we try to take control of our lives, we’re essentially asking Jesus to follow us instead of allowing Him to lead. This isn’t how it should be. Jesus is our shepherd, guiding His flock along the right path. He never promised to follow our lead; instead, He invites us, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, for I am humble and gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT). From the very beginning of His ministry, whenever He encountered those who would become His disciples, He consistently said, “Follow me.” This call resonates throughout the gospels (see Matthew 4:19). “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

    My daughter is absolutely right: we are called to follow Him with our whole hearts and place our trust in Him. Letting go of our desire to control or dictate specific outcomes doesn’t signify weakness; instead, it represents a profound surrender, a recognition that both our present and future are secure in His hands. He is truly the God of the impossible, and no one else knows what is genuinely best for us. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13 NLT).

    You might be thinking, “I get all this, but I still feel uncertain.” That feeling is entirely normal, and rest assured, you’re not alone. At some point, we’ve all faced pain and disappointment, often leading us to hide our wounds behind masks. However, as my brother and spiritual pastor have shared, God is aware of those hidden hurts. There’s no need to disguise ourselves from Him; instead, we should invite Jesus to help us uncover the roots of our struggles. We should ask Him to sit gently with us, wiping away our tears, as we begin the healing journey for our wounded souls (Pastor Joaquin Gonzalez, Pure Grace Ministries, Florida).

    These insights have truly struck a chord in my heart. I long for the Lord to dig deep beneath the surface and help me identify the root causes of my challenges. I want to embark on the path of healing so that I can genuinely find rest in Jesus and allow Him to steer me through life’s turbulent waters.

     

    As we wrap up, I invite you to ponder this: What barriers are standing in the way of your complete trust and surrender to God? Take a moment to reflect on it. Remember, God is reaching out, eager for us to take His hand and guide us through the turbulent waters of our past, present, and future. And let’s not forget the incredible truth that Jesus died for us even when we were lost in our sins. He truly knows us! While the world may judge us by our actions, God looks much deeper—He sees the very essence of who we are and who we were created to be. So, what will it take for you to embrace that and let Him in?

     

    Prayer:

    Lord, teach us to trust You in a way that allows us to release our fears and firmly hold onto Your guiding hand as You lead us on the journey of transformation into the people You created us to be. In Your name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Caporusso, C. (2026). (Long Island). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

     

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  • Prayer: Our Daily Source of Spiritual Growth!

    Prayer: Our Daily Source of Spiritual Growth!

    Today, I felt compelled to reflect on the profound insights the Lord revealed to me about prayer, especially after what happened last night during our night of worship and prayer at church. Unfortunately, during worship, my heart rate and blood pressure dropped. However, a group from the serving team, along with one of my daughters, noticed this. With the guidance of a skilled nurse, they stabilized my heart rate and blood pressure.

     

    Here is where the miracle happened. The nurse, a brother in Christ, took authority and began to pray for my body and spirit. That’s when I experienced the true miracle. It wasn’t that I immediately got up and started worshipping; instead, the prayer gave me the strength to return to the sanctuary and worship my Heavenly Father with the rest of the congregation.

     

    I realized I had a choice: I could have asked to be taken home, or I could stay and surrender it all to the Lord. That’s precisely what I chose to do.

     

    So here is what the Lord showed me today, about the importance of prayer. Like many people, I find myself taking medications for various ailments, and it struck me to think of prayer as a kind of “spiritual pill”—an essential practice for nourishing my spiritual journey and fostering my growth in faith.

     

    In exploring this concept, I turned to the rich guidance found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which outlines the components of this invaluable “Spiritual Pill.”

     

    1. 1. Be joyful always – No matter the trials and tribulations we encounter, exhibiting authentic joy serves as a reflection of God’s unwavering character and love. Our lives should be a mirror of His nature, radiating positivity and hope even in the face of adversity. This joy is not simply a fleeting emotion, but a deep-rooted state of being that showcases our trust in His goodness.

     

    1. Pray continually – We are encouraged to cultivate a consistent and heartfelt connection with God, engaging in regular communication through various forms of prayer—whether it’s spoken words, quiet contemplation, or sincere worship. Prayer is not merely about changing God’s divine plan; instead, it is a transformative experience for us. It helps us strengthen our relationship with Him, keeping us closely linked to Christ, the true vine who nourishes our souls.

     

    1. Give thanks in all circumstances – This command can be particularly challenging, especially during times when we grapple with overwhelming hardships, such as the loss of a loved one, losing a job, and other situations that shake our innermost being. Yet, it is in recognizing that God’s love transcends our suffering that we find hope. He sees us, understands our pain, and remains faithful to His promises. Practicing gratitude, as highlighted in Colossians 3:17, ” And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” helps us shift our focus from negativity to a more uplifting perspective. By acknowledging His blessings, we can alleviate stress, improve our sleep, boost our self-esteem, and even lower blood pressure. Moreover, gratitude serves as a bridge that draws us closer to God, cultivating humility and dependence on Him.

     

    Prayer is an invitation to experience God’s tangible presence in every aspect of our lives. It allows us to approach the Father with confidence, align our hearts with His divine will, and draw spiritual strength from His comforting presence. This “spiritual pill” is essential not just for getting by, but for truly thriving in our relationship with God.

     

    Think of prayer as a strong wireless connection to a power source. Just as we depend on Wi-Fi to link our devices to the internet and access a vast array of information, prayer connects us to God, enabling us to tap into His guidance, comfort, and strength. Without this connection, we may feel lost or powerless. Yet when we actively engage in prayer, we open ourselves to a stream of divine energy that enriches our spiritual journey.

     

    Prayer.

    Heavenly Father, I am grateful for Your unwavering love, boundless mercy, and deep compassion—not just for me, but for all of humanity. I ask that You guide us to recognize the vital role prayer plays in our lives. Prayer doesn’t need to be filled with elaborate phrases or repetitive rituals; instead, it is an intimate conversation with You. This aligns with Your will, Father, that we come into Your presence and communicate with You directly.

     

    You are always close by, ready to embrace us and patiently awaiting our arrival at the table You’ve set for us. There, we discover a space free from agendas and judgment, where only Your pure love resides. You long to hear from us and share in our thoughts and feelings. Help us to lean into Your presence so that we might be nourished, just as the vine supports its branches.

    You are El Roi, the God who sees us, keenly aware of our struggles and joys. Thank You for Your everlasting love, Father. I love You, and in Your name, I give You thanks. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Wolf, AJ. (2025). (Idlewild Park, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

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  • The Transformative Power of Prayer

    The Transformative Power of Prayer

    Prayer is much more than merely speaking words into the air; it is a deep and meaningful conversation—an intimate dialogue that allows you to connect profoundly with God.

    In the book of Matthew 6:9–13, when the disciples approached Jesus asking how to pray, He provided them with a beautiful template:

    This is how you should pray:

    “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come,

    Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

    Give us today our daily bread.

    And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

    And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.”

     

    Upon examining The Lord’s Prayer closely, we can uncover several important elements that characterize the essence of prayer. These components highlight how prayer serves as a means of communication, surrender, and connection with our Heavenly Father.

    1. Adoration:

    “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”

       We begin our prayer by acknowledging God’s greatness and holiness, recognizing Him as our Heavenly Father. Throughout the Bible, God is known by various names—Elohim, El Roi, El Shaddai, Yahweh, Yeshua, and many others—each reflecting different aspects of His character and nature. This moment invites us to worship, expressing our reverence and awe for who God truly is.

     

    1. Submission:

    “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

       Here, we surrender our desires and agendas, yielding ourselves completely to God’s authority. This act of humility acknowledges that His plans surpass our own, and we trust in His will for our lives. Such submission is essential for our spiritual growth and peace of mind.

     

    1. Provision:

    “Give us today our daily bread.”

       This phrase calls us to rely on God for our daily provisions. What does “daily bread” signify? It represents more than just physical nourishment; it encompasses everything we need to thrive each day. Just as God provided manna to the Israelites in the wilderness, reminding them not to hoard for the future, we are invited to trust in His daily provision. He knows our needs intimately and is always faithful to provide for us. Let’s cultivate a spirit of gratitude for His unwavering generosity.

     

    1. Confession–

    “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

       This part of prayer is often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. While I understand that I am forgiven through Christ, forgiving those who have wronged me can be a real struggle. It’s easy to hold onto resentments and put up walls to shield ourselves from further pain. Yet, through God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we find assurance of our own forgiveness. I strive to lift every hurt to Him, allowing those protective barriers to gradually come down. Remember, forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not merely for others. When we repent and relinquish our pain to the Lord, we free ourselves from the chains of bitterness.

    Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (NLT)

     

    1. Protection:

    “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

       In these words lies a plea for guidance and strength. 1 Peter 5:8 cautions us to stay alert regarding our adversary, the devil, who seeks to lead us astray. He prowls like a roaring lion, seeking those he can devour. But we are not alone in this battle; we have the support of fellow believers in our local church and worldwide who face similar struggles. God’s presence surrounds us, providing comfort and strength as we combat darkness.

     

    The apostle Paul reminds us of the power of prayer in Philippians 4:6–7:

    “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NLT)

     

    I don’t know about you, but I often find myself reacting in a panic before I remember to turn to God in prayer. You might recall my previous post where I shared my journey of trusting God as highlighted in Proverbs 3. Just two weeks ago, I received unexpected news that I would need a nerve block procedure. The doctor assured me that sedation wouldn’t be necessary—just numbness.

     

    In that moment, a wave of anxiety washed over me. I began to panic, voicing my fears to God, looking for anxiety medication, and confiding in those around me. While my family and friends listened, they continually pointed me back to the comfort found in God’s Word.

     

    My daughters gently reminded me that it’s not enough to just speak God’s promises; I needed to truly believe in them and put them into action. That realization marked a turning point for me. I asked myself, “How can I guide others in trusting God if I haven’t surrendered this fear to Him?”

     

    With that reflection, I made the decision to surrender—asking God for forgiveness and opening my heart to His peace, a peace that goes beyond understanding. On the morning of the procedure, my daughter Michelle read Psalm 91 aloud to me, encouraging me to “stand on the finished work—that’s your anchor.”

     

    As I stepped into the operating room, I found comfort in listening to worship music. Since it was a minor procedure, my doctor kindly allowed me to listen while I stayed calm and focused.

     

    After the procedure, my doctor said, “Wow, I’m so proud of you!” Those who had known me as a “screamer” were amazed by my transformation. What changed for me? I surrendered my fear to the Lord and chose to rest in His finished work on the cross. My anxiety was replaced with a deep trust in God.

     

    My pastor, Dominick Cotignola (Pastor Dom), often reminds us, “Prayer is not about what you’ll get, but who you’ll get.” (Next City Church) The essence of prayer is not about asking for something specific but about drawing closer to the heart of God. Prayer doesn’t guarantee that we’ll get the answers we’re looking for; instead, it establishes a connection with God Himself, immersing us in His presence.

     

    Think of prayer as a phone call to a close friend. Sometimes, you don’t call to ask for something specific, but rather just to connect and share moments together. While you might hang up without getting direct answers to your questions or concerns, what really matters is the relationship you’re nurturing. Just like in those phone calls, prayer draws us closer to God, allowing us to feel His presence and love, even when our requests feel unheard. That connection is what nourishes our spiritual lives and helps us navigate our day-to-day challenges.

     

    Here are some inspirational insights from my prayer journey that may encourage you:

     

    • Stay Encouraged: Prayer is simply a conversation with your Heavenly Father. I sit at my desk and begin talking to Him, imagining we’re sharing a cup of coffee together, just like I did with my earthly father. There’s no agenda or awkwardness—just a genuine connection.

     

    • Embrace Silence: After speaking, I take time to listen, giving God the opportunity to communicate back. God is always speaking; we just need quiet moments to hear Him. I often find clarity in the stillness of the night, though He speaks to me throughout the day.

     

    • Engage with His Word: I immerse myself in reading and studying the Bible, asking God to reveal His character and teach me. His Word continually inspires my prayers and cultivates a thankful heart.

     

    • Worship: Listening to worship music elevates my spirit and draws me closer to Him. It’s a profound experience that awakens a deep desire to worship and express gratitude for who He is.

     

    • Trust in His Provision: As my pastors often say, “We don’t need to present a grocery list.” God knows our needs intimately. When we bring our requests with prayer and thanksgiving, His peace beautifully guards our minds and hearts.

     

    • Keep a Prayer Journal: Maintaining a prayer journal can be transformative. While I started one, I prefer writing on sticky notes in my Bible. If journaling works for you, embrace it! Revisiting our prayers over time reveals how often God has exceeded our expectations—a testament of faith for ourselves and others.

     

    Reflection:

    Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we learned about prayer. Here are some prompts to help you think about today’s discussions. I’m eager to hear your insights! Please take a moment to meditate on the key points we covered regarding prayer, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

    • What does prayer mean to you?
    • How can you deepen your connection to the heart of God through the power of prayer?
    • What strategies can help you feel His presence, especially when the answers you seek seem out of reach?
    • What does it truly mean to immerse yourselves in God’s presence, and how might that transformative experience influence your everyday lives?

     

    Prayer: 

    Father, I am incredibly thankful for who You are and for all the times You have shown up in my life, often exceeding my expectations. Please continue to guide me in maintaining a grateful heart. Even when my prayers are not answered as I hope, I trust that You have good plans for my family, friends, and me. Thank You for Your love, Father. You sacrificed Your own Son to take my place on that cross, allowing me to have a relationship with You—and not just me, but the whole world. Help me, Father, to fulfill Your will and to surrender every aspect of my life to You. In Your name, I offer all praise and glory. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    Gonzalez, S. (2025). (Florida). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

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  • Cultivating a Profound Trust in God

    Cultivating a Profound Trust in God

    Last week in Proverbs chapter 2, we explored the profound ways to engage with God’s Word—approaching it with sincere hearts, deeply cherishing His commandments, and practicing meditation on His teachings. As we move into Chapter 3, we’re invited to delve into the essence of understanding and trusting God. Let’s begin with a thought-provoking question: What does it really mean to trust God?

    At first glance, it might seem simple to answer with, “I believe in God, so I trust Him.” It sounds straightforward, right? But I used to think that belief and trust were interchangeable until God gently opened my eyes to the truth. Time and again, whenever I faced challenges, my heart silently battled my mind. Doubts and fears crept in, overwhelming me. I came to realize that belief is an intellectual acknowledgment of God’s existence—something that resides in the mind—while trust springs forth from the heart.

    I’ve always had a timid nature, often feeling scared even in the most trivial situations. When it came to medical procedures, I would repeatedly request sedation, earning myself the affectionate nickname “the screamer” among doctors and nurses. Oddly enough, I had come to accept this label as part of my identity. However, just last week, I found myself facing a dilemma. My doctor informed me about a straightforward procedure that didn’t require sedation, and panic surged through me. I pleaded, “Please, can I have sedation?” His calm response was, “Celeste, this is just a six-to-ten-minute nerve block procedure. You don’t need sedation.” Despite his reassurances, I felt helpless against my mounting anxiety and kept telling myself I couldn’t face this challenge.

    Yet, in His infinite love, mercy, and grace, God was fully aware of my struggle. He orchestrated a moment to gently remind me that my weakness could become a source of strength through Him.

    On Thursday, while my husband was having a check-up with his orthopedic doctor, I took the chance to ask the nurse about the discomfort in my right heel. After reviewing the X-rays, the doctor suggested I get a cortisone injection. In that instant, dread washed over me, and I asked, “Will that hurt?” The nurse reassured me in a gentle tone, “I’ll use a freezing spray to numb the area. You’ll be okay.” Trying to inject some humor into the situation, I replied, “Well, I guess you don’t know me that well. I’m the screamer.” She smiled warmly and said, “You’ll be okay. Today is your chance to show that’s not who you are,” before walking away.

    In that moment, I turned my heart toward the Lord and whispered, “Jesus, You know I’m not strong. I’m fearful.” Just then, the Holy Spirit stirred my spirit with today’s verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5 NLT)

    With determination, I declared, “Okay, Lord, I’m going to trust You. I won’t focus on the circumstances, nor will I let my past experiences dictate my feelings. I will set aside my fears and entrust my heart to You, recognizing the many times You have shown up in my life and surpassed my expectations.”

    Philippians 4:6 offers a promise: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

    At that moment, I surrendered my anxiety to the Lord. As the doctor entered and prepared for the injection, I closed my eyes, immersing myself in those scriptures. Instead of spiraling into thoughts of fear and dread, I connected with the Lord from the depths of my heart. When I finished praying, the doctor had completed the procedure. She encouraged me to open my eyes and congratulated me on my bravery. I smiled softly and replied, “It wasn’t me. It was the One within me, for when I am weak, He makes me strong.” (See 2 Corinthians 12:10)

    Have you ever wondered why God emphasizes the importance of trusting Him? What does it really mean to trust the Lord?

    Reflecting on my initial reaction and the patterns I developed in facing pain and uncertainty, I realized that I seldom turned to the Lord first. Instead, I made excuses for my fears, relying solely on my own experiences and understanding. Essentially, I was saying, “I can handle this. I can only bear pain with sedation or medication.” I failed to lean on God’s faithfulness, even after witnessing how He has repeatedly exceeded my expectations, just as He did last Thursday. The danger in relying solely on my understanding is that I limit God’s full presence in my life.

    The Scriptures are rich with stories of ordinary people, just like you and me, who chose to put their trust in God and allow Him to fulfill His divine purpose in their lives.

    In Hebrews 11, we discover that “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) We learn about Noah, who “by faith, built a large boat to save his family from the flood, obeying God who warned him of things never seen before.” (Hebrews 11:7) We hear of Abraham, who “by faith, obeyed when God called him to leave his home and journey to a new land God promised as his inheritance, setting out without knowing where he was headed.” (Hebrews 11:8)

    Trust in God is like a sturdy bridge. Just as a bridge needs solid foundations to support the weight of those crossing it, our faith must be built on trust to navigate the challenges of life. Without a strong bridge, even the shortest journey can feel daunting, and without trust in our relationship with God, our spiritual path can become unstable and uncertain.

    Here are some constructive practices that, for me, foster a deeper trust in God rather than relying solely on my own understanding:

    • Becoming acquainted with God’s character is essential. During my ankle surgery two years ago, as I lay in bed unable to move, I took the opportunity to read the Scriptures and identify at least one attribute of God each day. To truly appreciate His attributes, I realized I needed to explore His names, each revealing a unique aspect of who God is. I found valuable insights in Tony Evans’ book and devotion, *The Names of God*.
    • Journaling about the moments when God has shown up in my life and exceeded my expectations. This reflection not only strengthens my faith but also serves as a reminder of His faithfulness. I also write down Scriptures that highlight God’s promises, placing them in my journal, in my Bible, or on sticky notes around my space where I have my quiet time.
    • Dedicating time to listening to worship music and praying allows me to surrender fully. It creates moments of silence where I can invite God to minister to my heart. These practices collectively help me cultivate a deeper trust and reliance on Him.

    ..

    Reflection:

    I invite you to take a moment to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes. Doing so will enhance your understanding of Proverbs 3 and help you learn to trust God more deeply. As you read Proverbs 3 carefully, you’ll discover powerful insights that illuminate your journey toward wisdom, understanding, and a stronger faith in God. You might find the following prompts helpful as you navigate this path.

    • Can you recall specific experiences that have strengthened your trust in God? Reflect on the challenges you’ve encountered—how can you actively nurture that trust during challenging times?
    • Can you think of one person from the Scriptures who placed their faith in God and whose actions have inspired you? Who comes to mind? How did God shape their life through their moments of faith?
    • In what ways can this individual’s faith and trust in God motivate you to embark on your own journey of trusting Him? I would love to hear your thoughts.

     

    Prayer:

    Father, words cannot fully capture Your incredible love, mercy, and compassion. Time and again, I have faltered, relying on my own understanding and strength rather than fully trusting in You. Yet, in Your infinite patience, love, and grace, You gently wait for moments of stillness in my heart and mind to remind me through Your Word and the Holy Spirit to trust You. You’ve surprised me with Your faithfulness, consistently exceeding my expectations throughout my journey. Each time my heart falters, draw me back to You. Remind me of who You are. I am so grateful that You focus not on my faults but on the heart that longs for You. Instead of my broken pieces, You see a beautifully woven tapestry that You are masterfully creating. Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love, grace, and the completed work of Jesus on the cross. In Jesus’ name, I thank You, amen.

     

    Reference

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Millbrook, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

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  • The Journey to Wisdom: A Rewarding Adventure

    The Journey to Wisdom: A Rewarding Adventure

    Last week, we began a meaningful journey through the timeless teachings of the book of Proverbs, exploring its profound wisdom that shapes our daily lives. We began our exploration with the first chapter, emphasizing the vital role of wisdom in shaping our lives. As we delve deeper into this exploration together, we aim to uncover insights that significantly impact our thoughts, guide our decisions, and ultimately chart the course of our lives. More importantly, this pursuit of wisdom brings us closer to the Lord, strengthening our spiritual connection and deepening our understanding of His divine purpose for us. Let’s fully immerse ourselves in this journey.

     

    In Chapter Two, we are called to engage with God’s Word—listening earnestly, cherishing His commandments in our hearts, and meditating on them. The text beautifully expresses this sentiment: “My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, so that your ear is attentive [skillful and godly] to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding, seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly” (Amplified Bible). These words serve as a reminder of the importance of sincerity and commitment in our quest for divine guidance.

     

    Verses three and four further emphasize this dedication: “Yes, if you call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding; if you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures” (Amplified Bible).

     

    This message resonates with me, reminding me of a lesson I taught my fifth graders about the Gold Rush. Starting on January 24, 1848, when James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, thousands were drawn into a frenzied pursuit of wealth. This sparked a massive migration of about 300,000 people, all chasing the promise of fortune. Many faced tremendous hardships, with countless individuals suffering along the way, and not all seekers were successful.

     

    Considering this, I can’t help but wonder: if so many people were willing to leave everything behind in search of gold, why shouldn’t we pursue wisdom with that same enthusiasm and determination? The search for wisdom is not just optional; it holds treasures far more rewarding than any worldly wealth. Unlike earthly riches, seeking wisdom leads us to knowledge and a deeper understanding of who God truly is—the fear of the Lord.

     

    “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, New International Version). This fear doesn’t mean being afraid; it means acknowledging His greatness. He is our God, our Creator, our Father, and so much more. It involves recognizing that our Father loves us deeply and has provided a way to bridge the gap that once separated us from Him. He sent His one and only Son to walk among us, dwell in our midst, and take our place on the cross—taking on the punishment we rightfully deserved. Yet, the story didn’t end at the cross. Yes, Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished,” but that was the completion of His mission. He died to pay our price, but He also rose again so that we too may live and enjoy a relationship with our Father.

     

    As we can see, gaining wisdom brings immense rewards. It draws us closer to God. When we abide in Him and in His Word, we not only come to know God better but also bear fruit. Jesus said in John 15:5-8, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up and thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (NIV).

     

    Jesus’ words further highlight the importance of acquiring wisdom; to know God and His Word. When we dwell in Him and allow His Word to dwell in us, we come to truly know God; we stand firm in the knowledge that He is with us; He guides our paths; He protects us; and we become capable of discerning right from wrong. This is what happens when we seek wisdom; when we find it and store it in our hearts, we no longer let our circumstances and feelings dictate our actions. Our Pastor, Dominik Cotignola, often reminds us that when we abide in Christ, we don’t take our temperature; we set our thermostat and rest in the finished work of the cross.

     

    Just as a gardener carefully tends the plants in a garden, ensuring that the healthy ones receive nourishment and space to thrive while weeding out unwanted growth, so too does a life of integrity and uprightness cultivate a flourishing existence in accordance with divine principles. Those who align themselves with righteousness stand firm like strong, deep-rooted trees, while the wicked are like weeds, eventually uprooted and unable to sustain their hold in the garden of life.

     

    Reflection:

    I encourage you to take a moment to read Proverbs 2 carefully. It offers profound insights into the journey of pursuing wisdom. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but remember that seeking understanding is a valuable and rewarding endeavor. As you reflect on these teachings, I invite you to spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord for guidance on your personal journey toward wisdom. You might find the following prompts helpful as you navigate this path.

    • What transformative practices can you incorporate into your daily life to actively pursue wisdom?
    • How can you sharpen your ability to distinguish between fleeting worldly wealth and the enduring treasures that wisdom offers?
    • In what ways does deepening your understanding of God’s purpose for you influence your choices and actions?

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with gratitude for Your unwavering love and mercy. Thank You for the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Your guiding love and grace, I would be lost, seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. Your wisdom shows me that I could never earn my salvation on my own. Because of Your profound love and the work on the cross, the barriers between us have been torn down. I approach Your throne with confidence, knowing I am made righteous in Your eyes.

    Thank You for reminding me daily of the importance of pursuing wisdom. When I abide in You and Your Word, seeking wisdom that is worth more than gold or silver, I discover who You are and who I am in You. May my words and actions continually please You. As I abide in You, may Your glory shine through me, reflecting Your love through my actions and words. In Your precious name, I give You all honor. Amen.

     

     

    Reference

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Millbrook, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, NLT. Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

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  • The Quest for Wisdom

    The Quest for Wisdom

    In our quest for wisdom, we will explore the Book of Proverbs. Before diving in, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question: what is wisdom? For many, wisdom is often seen as synonymous with knowledge or simply being wise.

     

    Wisdom resembles a well-tended garden. Just as a garden thrives with careful nurturing, wisdom flourishes through cultivating knowledge, experience, and thoughtful reflection. Without the proper attention, both can easily become cluttered with the weeds of confusion and ignorance.

     

    Esteemed leaders within our faith define wisdom as living and thinking in harmony with God’s truth, purpose, and design. It is about putting God’s truths into practice in our daily lives and facing life’s challenges through a divine perspective.

     

    The Book of Proverbs is a rich source of insight and guidance, traditionally attributed to multiple authors, with King Solomon credited for much of its content. Early in his reign, Solomon exemplified extraordinary humility by seeking wisdom from God. He earnestly asked for a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to discern right from wrong. This pivotal moment is recounted in 1 Kings 3:1-15, where God grants him the wisdom he sought, setting the stage for a reign characterized by understanding and justice.

     

    In Chapter 1:1-7, we discover the purpose and theme of Proverbs: “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” (Proverbs 2-6 NIV)

     

    Proverbs 1:8-15 provides crucial instructions and warnings. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, ‘Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us; we will all share the loot’—my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.”

     

    Let’s unpack these verses. I love how verse eight offers a personal instruction to children. It urges us to listen to our fathers and value our mothers’ teachings. We are not only encouraged to heed our parents’ advice but also to put it into practice. Sadly, not everyone has had the privilege of growing up with their parents or receiving similar guidance. Yet, regardless of our circumstances, we have a loving Heavenly Father who cares deeply for our well-being. He truly is a Father to the fatherless.

     

    Following this, the text cautions us to steer clear of bad company and be wary of peer pressure. The world tells us, “Don’t wait for what you want; just go after it.” This sentiment echoes lessons my father and late husband often shared with us: “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor your name.” (Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV)

     

    When temptation arises, it not only affects our decisions but also influences those around us, especially our loved ones. Verse 15 cautions us to steer clear of the wrong path; however, wisdom encourages us to look further down that road to discern where it truly leads. The world will continuously present us with easier, more alluring options that can lead us astray.

     

    Consider the moment when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. The devil attempted to offer Him an easy escape—a shortcut. Knowing that Jesus was hungry, he urged Him to turn stones into bread. Yet, Jesus, being God, understood better. He was filled with wisdom. It’s important to note that wisdom isn’t something acquired overnight; it comes from knowing God, immersing ourselves in His Word, and obeying it.

     

    In Proverbs 1:20-23, wisdom calls out to people, inviting them back to God. This call is a covenant one: “Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make known to you my teachings.” Essentially, this is an invitation to listen to God, who promises to care for us in return. That doesn’t imply that we won’t face trials and tribulations in this life. We will encounter challenges, but God has promised to be with us through them. When we intentionally make choices that go against God’s will, regrets can creep in like poison, replaying in our minds and taking root, making it difficult to break free.

     

    I speak from experience. I’ve faced my share of wrong choices that held me captive for years. But I am grateful for the cross, for Jesus and His finished work. If it weren’t for God’s unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace, where would I be? Are you familiar with the song “Were it not for Grace” by Larnelle Harris? If not, I encourage you to listen to its lyrics, as they beautifully capture God’s love and grace for all of us.

     

    Friends, being intelligent, holding multiple titles, or amassing wealth will never bring true satisfaction. These things are temporary, whereas God’s love, mercy, and grace are everlasting. Without God, everything else is ultimately meaningless. So, as we wrap up today’s discussion, let me leave you with this question: “Is wisdom knocking on the door of your heart? If so, how long will you choose to ignore it, or will you open your heart and welcome it in? The choice is yours.”

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering love, boundless mercy, unwavering faithfulness, and incredible grace. Thank You for relentlessly pursuing us, reaching out with open arms, and for the precious gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord, as I reflect on my life and realize how lost I would be without Your guiding love and grace. Without You, I would be aimlessly wandering, seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places, finding myself in endless cycles of disappointment. I would be voicing empty words without purpose, desperately trying to atone for the multitude of sins that weigh me down.

    Yet, in Your infinite wisdom, You, Lord Jesus, understood that there was nothing I could do to earn my salvation. Without your intervention, I would remain lost forever. Your profound love saved me; Your mercy and the completed work on the cross tore down the barrier that separated me from my Heavenly Father. Because of You, Jesus, I can approach my Father’s throne with confidence, knowing that through You, I have been made righteous in His eyes.

    Please, Lord, remind me each day of my true identity and of Whose I am. May Your words resonate deeply in my heart, guiding me to live in a way that honors You and keeps me from sin. Grant me a heart filled with wisdom and discernment, that I may reflect Your glory in every aspect of my life. I love You dearly, and with sincere humility and gratitude, I thank You in Your holy name. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Millbrook, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

     

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  • A Message of Hope

    A Message of Hope

    As the clock strikes midnight, a palpable wave of anticipation washes over the gathering of friends and families. The air is crisp with the winter chill, yet warmth radiates from cozy fires where loved ones sit wrapped in soft blankets, sharing heartfelt stories and infectious laughter. Each tale exchanged is a thread woven into the fabric of their shared experience, illuminating the night with joy and camaraderie. Meanwhile, others step into bustling restaurants alive with festive merriment, clinking glasses filled with sparkling drinks, and savoring decadent meals that celebrate the season. In these joyous moments, hope leaps in everyone’s hearts—a new year brimming with promise, fresh beginnings, and uncharted possibilities.

     

    Yet, beneath the glimmering surface of these celebrations lie the silent struggles of many. A profound sadness often cloaks those who have lost cherished loved ones, experienced shattered homes, or endured strained friendships—burdens they carry quietly but which weigh heavily upon their hearts. Questions of uncertainty darken the minds of some: Will I lose someone dear to me this year? What if my health declines? Will I face job insecurity? Will I have adequate resources to provide for my family and secure their future? How can one fully embrace the optimistic allure of a new beginning when the lingering shadows of doubt loom large?

     

    Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall often hiding away during the midnight countdown, seeking refuge from the jubilant crowds or drifting into sleep long before the new year arrived. The thought of welcoming another year felt overwhelming; my heart was gripped by a paralyzing fear—the fear of losing someone I loved deeply. As others rejoiced and celebrated, my mind was consumed with haunting questions: “Who might be taken from me this year?” This pervasive anxiety haunted me year after year, shaping my feelings around this once festive occasion into one of trepidation.

     

    As time marched on, I personally endured the deep pain of losing many loved ones, and it became increasingly clear to me that simply preoccupying myself with fears of the new year or lamenting what had been lost could not alter my reality or shield me from heartache.

     

    However, everything began to shift when I earnestly sought a deeper relationship with the Lord. Immersing myself in His Word and engaging in communion with Him, I gradually learned to relinquish my fears. I discovered a profound peace that blossoms from the understanding that God is my unshakeable refuge and secure shield. His Word stands unwaveringly true, offering comfort in moments of turmoil. Jesus never claimed that life would be free of hardships, yet He reassures us in His wisdom: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will face trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

     

    Indeed, we will inevitably confront challenges, trials, disagreements, and heartaches, as life itself does. However, Jesus took our place on the cross—a sacrificial act of enormous love—dying for us while we were still sinners. He proclaimed with finality, “It is finished.” Through His sacrifice, He bestowed upon us the gifts of salvation and grace, which we do not deserve, while mending our broken relationship with God. Our hope now rests securely in Him.

     

    Moreover, Jesus provides another assurance, reminding us in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (AMP) No matter the challenges that the new year may bring, our unwavering hope remains anchored in Christ and His timeless promises.

     

    Therefore, let us cast aside worry for tomorrow. In the spirit of faith, we should remember the compassionate words of Jesus: “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 AMP)

    We are called to be still, to trust in His sovereignty, and to find rest in the profound truth that He is God (see Psalm 46:10).

     

    Embracing the arrival of a new year is akin to stepping onto a ship as it prepares to set sail into uncharted waters. The storms of the past year may leave us apprehensive, burdened by lingering fears of what lies ahead—potentially turbulent seas, unexpected squalls, or the possibility of peaceful horizons. Yet, just as a skilled captain proficiently navigates his vessel with maps and a reliable compass, we possess the guiding light of faith. With Jesus as our steadfast anchor and the promise of His peace as our sail, we can face the future with courage, trusting that even in the midst of towering waves, we are never alone on this journey.

     

    May the Lord bless you abundantly as you navigate through this new chapter: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV)

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible gift of a new year that You’ve bestowed upon us. As we stand on the threshold of this fresh chapter, I am reminded of the countless blessings You have provided throughout the past year. Thank You for being our constant companion, walking alongside us through every challenge we faced, every sorrow that weighed heavily on our hearts, and every trial that tested our strength.

    Your presence is a powerful source of comfort and reassurance, reminding us we are never alone in our struggles. As we embrace the opportunities and uncertainties that this new year presents, I confidently ask for Your divine guidance. Help us approach each day with conviction, grounded in the knowledge that Your unwavering love and support are always by our side. May we live each moment to the fullest, embracing Jesus’ finished work on the cross and seizing the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    Almodovar, C. (2023). (Mount Fuji, Japan). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • Immanuel, God With Us

    Immanuel, God With Us

    As dawn breaks on Christmas morning, children will leap out of bed, their hearts racing with excitement and joy, eagerly anticipating that perfect gift they’ve wished for all year. The thrill of tearing open colorful presents and the laughter shared around the holiday tree create a truly magical atmosphere during this festive season.

     

    Adults will gather too, bringing warmth and togetherness as they enjoy delicious meals filled with flavors that stir up fond memories. The heartwarming exchange of gifts among family and friends showcases the love and gratitude that strengthen our connections.

     

    However, in the midst of this joyful celebration, some may find themselves alone or grappling with grief, feeling the empty space left by a loved one. Others face the harsh reality of loneliness, without a home or a warm meal. Yet, even in these shadowy moments, a glimmer of hope shines through.

     

    Long ago, the Israelites held onto the promise of a coming Messiah who would deliver them. This awaited Savior was foretold by prophets throughout the Old Testament, including Isaiah, who proclaimed, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” But what does this profound announcement truly mean? It conveys that this child, born of a virgin, is not just a child but also “the Son”—the Son of God, the Messiah who existed with the Father from the very beginning. He came into our world not simply to witness our struggles, but to rescue us from our sins. He is Immanuel, God with us.

     

    Jesus had a clear mission: to fulfill the Father’s will. The book of Hebrews offers a glimpse of a touching dialogue between the Father and His Son, Jesus.

    “Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.” Hebrews 10:5-7 (NIV)

     

    Jesus came not only to fulfill the Father’s will, but also to reveal the very nature of the Father to us.

    “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”  Colossians 1:15 (NIV)

     

    The Apostle John expresses this beautifully when he writes,

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”  John 1:1-2, 14, 18 (NIV)

     

    The most extraordinary gift that God has given us is, in fact, Himself. He sees us, knows us, and loves us profoundly. As Paul writes in Romans 5:6, God understood our desperate need for Jesus; only He could bridge the gap we created with our sins and offer us salvation and redemption.

     

    God sent His Son to us at just the right moment—when we were lost in our transgressions. Today, He remains with us, ready to heal our wounded hearts and mend our brokenness. He didn’t just come to dwell among us but to restore our fractured relationship with Him. Through Jesus—Immanuel—we find our salvation and are reconciled to our Heavenly Father through His finished work on the cross.

     

    Yes, over two thousand years ago, Immanuel walked among us. His Sacrifice and the complete work on the cross mean we are saved by grace. Our brokenness no longer defines us; instead, we are made whole through Him. This embodies our hope: one day, He will return, and we will dwell with Him for all eternity. The most glorious days are yet to come.

     

    As we reflect not only during Christmas but throughout our lives, we may find ourselves asking: What can we possibly give to God, who has everything? The answer is both simple and profound: He desires a relationship with each of us. All He asks is for us to open our hearts and let Him in.

     

    Opening our hearts to God is like opening a window on a bright day. Just as sunlight pours in when you let in fresh air, inviting God’s presence into our lives brings warmth, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. It lets us experience the fullness of His love and grace, transforming our hearts and minds just as sunlight brightens a dark room. Only Jesus, Immanuel, is the essential path to salvation—a journey that frees us from sin and restores our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the immeasurable gift of salvation that You have bestowed upon us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, I am in awe of Your willingness to leave the splendor of heaven and enter our broken world. You came to rescue us from the chains of sin and to bear the weight of our transgressions, paying the price that we could never afford.

    In Your humility, You exchanged Your divine glory to walk among us, to feel our struggles and know our pain. This unfathomable act of love fills me with profound thankfulness for the precious gift of grace. It is through You, Jesus, that I am able to experience true freedom—a freedom that is not earned through my own merit, but rather, granted out of Your boundless love for humanity.

    In moments of weakness, I am reminded of Your faithfulness and the price You paid so that I could be redeemed. I cherish this relationship with You and strive to reflect Your love in my life. Thank You, Lord, for forever changing my story with Your grace. I love You deeply, and I surrender my heart to You. Amen!

    Reference:

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Nativity). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • The Joy of Christmas

    The Joy of Christmas

    Yesterday, our Children’s Church blessed us with a heartwarming Christmas play that beautifully captured the spirit of the season. The air was buzzing with excitement as our church filled to the brim with parents, grandparents, family members, and friends—all eager to see the shining stars of the show. I happily took my seat in the audience, my heart swelling with love for my five-year-old grandson, excited to cheer him and his fellow performers on.

    As the play unfolded, it quickly became clear that this was more than just a simple production; it was a heartfelt retelling of the nativity story. The children’s faces radiated pure joy as they brought to life the miraculous birth of our Lord Jesus. I watched intently, captivated not only by their performances but also by the genuine emotions shining through their little faces.

    When the scene shifted to Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, I noticed shadows of sadness flicker across the children’s expressions, reflecting the weight of being turned away. Their small brows furrowed, and I found myself pondering the thoughts that must have raced through their innocent minds. How could there be no warm, welcoming place to embrace the Savior of our world?

    Then came the magical moment—the arrival of the angel, resplendent and bright, delivering the joyous news to the shepherds. Instantly, the children’s faces transformed, lighting up with uncontainable happiness. It was as if a wave of delight swept over the entire audience, reminding us all of the profound joy that should fill our hearts during Christmas.

    In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of our Lord Jesus nearly seven hundred years before it happened. He beautifully declares, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest upon his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah tells us that a child will be born to save us all. He would be born of a virgin, and he would be known as the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. This child will bring light into darkness, the One who will lead many to Him. This is the child that Israel longed for, the child destined to grow up and be nailed to a cross to atone for our sins.

    In Isaiah 9, we notice a strong emphasis on the word “joy,” which appears several times throughout the chapter. We might wonder why that is. The answer lies in the birth of the promised Messiah, a moment intended to bring joy to the world. Luke 2:8-12 beautifully tells the story of the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds: “That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’”

    This moment marked the fulfillment of Israel’s long-awaited hope—the birth of the Messiah. It should have been a time of immense joy and celebration. Yet sadly, the birth of our Lord was recognized only by Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds; much of Israel missed this joyous occasion, and unfortunately, the rest of the world did too. Today, many might overlook the significance of His birth, focusing instead on family gatherings, buying gifts, and celebrating the holidays with friends. For some, Christmas may bring heartache due to the loss of loved ones, making it a challenging time for joy.

    However, dear friends, it is during these moments of pain and life’s storms that we can look up and remember that this long-awaited Messiah came to save us all. He arrived among His people not as a mighty king but as a meek and humble lamb, taking our place on the cross. My pastor often reminds us that Jesus was beaten to make us whole and pierced to bring us healing—whether in this life or in Heaven.

    If you find yourself in a winter season of life, you might be wondering how to find joy this Christmas despite your struggles. As I mentioned in my devotion, “Facing Our Winter Season,” these difficult phases have an expiration date. They aren’t meant to last forever—after all, God created the seasons for a reason. Each season eventually gives way to the next, and although embracing joy in tough times may seem challenging, we can take solace in the truth that Jesus is the light of the world. Darkness can never prevail over the light.

    Experiencing a winter season in life is much like observing a tree in winter. At first glance, it may seem lifeless and barren, but beneath the surface, roots are still growing and preparing for the arrival of spring. Just as the tree endures the cold, trusting that warmer days are ahead, we, too, can hold on to hope and faith through our struggles, knowing that brighter days will come. Just as spring brings new life and blossoms, our hearts can also discover joy and renewal even in the face of challenges.

    No matter how much darkness surrounds us, Jesus stands as our light, ready to illuminate any shadow. Turn to Him and open your heart to His presence. Let Him transform your winter season into a vibrant spring. Only He can bring this change, for He declared on the cross, “It is finished.”

     

    Reflection:

    1. Are you going through a winter season that dims your joy this Christmas? Take a moment to consider how the birth of Christ can fill your heart with hope and warmth during this season.
    2. What brings you hope and joy as you gather to celebrate Christmas this year? Where and to whom do you turn for comfort and inspiration during this meaningful time?

     

    Prayer:

    Lord Jesus, we come before You with grateful hearts, reflecting on the profound gift of salvation that You have brought into our world. We thank You for willingly stepping down from the glory of Heaven to take our place on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins and paying the debt we could never satisfy on our own. Your incredible love for us is beyond comprehension, demonstrating a grace that we did not earn and do not deserve.

    As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, inspire us to embrace this season with the same joy and enthusiasm as the children in our church play, who eagerly welcome Your miraculous birth. May we approach this time with a sense of wonder and expectation, eagerly anticipating Your promised return. Help us cherish the true meaning of Christmas and keep our hearts focused on the love You have poured out for us. In Your precious name, we give You praise, amen.

     

    Reference:

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Next City Church). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

     

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  • Have You Ever Wondered Why We Celebrate Advent?

    Have You Ever Wondered Why We Celebrate Advent?

    When I think of the word “Advent,” my mind often drifts to the Advent calendars that my grandchildren eagerly anticipate each year. Each day during this special season, they can hardly wait to gather around the calendar, excited to open a small door and discover a delightful surprise or a piece of candy. My daughters have taken it a step further by adding Scripture and uplifting messages to accompany these treats. Yet, I find myself pondering the deeper meaning behind the Advent calendar.

    This year, I set out to explore the history and significance of the Advent calendar, eager to share its true essence with my grandchildren. My first stop was Merriam-Webster, where I discovered that “Advent” embodies three distinct meanings. It refers to:

    1. The four Sundays leading up to Christmas, observed by many Christians as a time of prayer and fasting.
    2. The coming of Christ during the Incarnation, as well as His anticipated second coming.
    3. The notion of a significant arrival or emergence.

    In short, Advent is a time for us to prepare our hearts—not just for celebrating the miraculous birth of Christ, the promised Messiah, but also to eagerly await His return. This is why we gather in our churches to sing heartfelt hymns like “Silent Night” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” songs that resonate with hope and God’s fulfilled promises.

    For the Jewish community, this season has held meaningful importance as they earnestly pray for the arrival of their promised Messiah. In contrast, Christians celebrate that the Messiah has already come—His name is Jesus Christ. For those who believe in this truth, Advent becomes a heartfelt time of remembering His first arrival while looking forward to His return.

    In the whirlwind of today’s world, filled with distractions, our hope should not rest on fleeting worldly things but on the One who reigns from His heavenly throne. During this sacred season, we intentionally shift our focus from material pursuits to the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus, our Messiah. Staying connected to Him nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith. As John 15:5 reminds us, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

    Our pastor often shares an impactful reminder about discipleship: the essence of being a disciple is to follow Christ and learn to do what He does. Picture a vineyard where strong, healthy branches cling tightly to the Vine, drawing nourishment and producing luscious grapes. In stark contrast are the branches that are only loosely attached, bearing fruit that lacks vitality and flavor. Unfortunately, those weaker branches are eventually pruned away.

    This principle holds true for our spiritual lives as well. When we drift away from God and indulge in worldly pleasures, we slowly distance ourselves from Him. Our time spent reading Scripture and praying diminishes; church attendance drops; and prayer becomes just a routine. If we’re not cautious, we can easily lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas—one not rooted in gifts, Santa, parties, or holiday travel.

    Have you noticed how hectic the Christmas season can get? Right after Thanksgiving, we dive straight into holiday preparations, planning parties, arranging travel, and shopping for gifts. Sometimes, we become so engrossed in these trivial details that we forget what the season truly represents. The outcome is often stress, exhaustion, and, in some cases, burdensome bills that weigh us down rather than bring joy.

    For years, this pattern defined my own Christmas experiences. While I understood the holiday’s surface, I found myself swept up in the world’s version of Christmas. It wasn’t until I made a conscious decision to immerse myself in God’s Word that I genuinely began to grasp the significance of Christmas and the purpose of Advent, which begins on December 1st. Since making that shift in perspective, I’ve stopped stressing over gifts and holiday plans. Instead, I focus on preparing my heart to celebrate the glorious return of our Lord.

    Think of Advent as a spiritual playlist tailored just for you. Much like how we create playlists filled with songs that resonate with our feelings and life experiences, this season invites us to reflect on the beautiful melodies of hope, joy, and anticipation that surround us. Each week leading up to Christmas can be seen as a new “track” on this playlist, beckoning us to embrace the season’s deeper meaning. As we prepare our hearts for the arrival of our Savior, let’s take the time to truly tune in and appreciate the divine soundtrack of our lives.

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible gift You bestowed upon us over two thousand years ago. In Isaiah 9:6, we are beautifully reminded of Your promised Messiah, who brings hope and redemption to the world: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

    As we journey through our lives, Lord, I ask that You guide us in preparing our hearts to fully embrace this gift. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith as we anticipate the joyous return of our Lord Jesus. May we find peace and purpose in Your presence, and may our spirits be uplifted as we await the fulfillment of Your promises. In Your precious name, we offer our praise and devotion. Amen.

     

    Reference

    “Advent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Advent. Accessed 1 December. 2025.

    Gonzalez, S. (2025). (The Lake). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    The Holy Bible: The Amplified Bible. 1987. 2015. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

     

     

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  • Discover the Secret to Cultivating a Truly Grateful Heart

    Discover the Secret to Cultivating a Truly Grateful Heart

    What does it truly mean to cultivate a grateful heart?

    Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my father’s heart, a beloved holiday that brings our family together in a lively celebration of gratitude and warmth. Each year, as the leaves turn and autumn blankets the world in shades of orange and gold, my mother lovingly prepares our family’s favorite dishes. The house fills with the rich aromas of roasted turkey, rice with gandules (Green Pigeon Peas)—a traditional Puerto Rican dish that resonates with our Dominican roots—pastelitos, known to many as empanadas, along with a variety of other Dominican delicacies. We gather around a table adorned with a colorful centerpiece that mirrors the abundance of our blessings, taking a moment to express our thanks to the Lord for His countless gifts.

    As a child and even into early adulthood, I often struggled to grasp the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I would rattle off the usual things—my family, my job, my friends—but something always felt incomplete. That all changed dramatically one memorable Thanksgiving when I welcomed my first child. As the turkey roasted and the kitchen thrummed with holiday cheer, my little one surprised us by arriving early, just a bit before the due date of December 13th. This event forever shifted my perspective on gratitude.

    Reflecting on those earlier years, I now realize that true thankfulness runs much deeper than the surface-level appreciation I once held. Back then, my gratitude was mostly focused on tangible blessings, but now I draw from a profound sense of appreciation—not only for the happy moments but also for the challenges I’ve endured. “Lord, I am deeply grateful for Your unwavering love, for Your mercy and forgiveness, and for the grace You’ve bestowed upon me throughout my life. I appreciate every time I stumbled and found You there to lift me up. I treasure the fleeting moments of joy, as well as the darker times that tested my spirit. There hasn’t been a single moment when You weren’t by my side.”

    It’s easy to express gratitude when life overflows with blessings, but facing storms and shattered dreams makes it a daunting task. In those dark moments, where grief and uncertainty loom large, the Lord gently nudges us to uncover thankfulness even amid suffering. He invites us to recognize that despite our failures, broken hearts, and dashed hopes, His love remains unwavering—a love so profound that He sacrificed His only Son to take our place and bear the weight of our sins.

    This leads to a crucial question: how do we nurture an attitude of gratitude in the midst of grief, chaos, and life’s hurdles? A passage that resonates deeply with me during tough times is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which reminds us, “In every situation, be thankful and continually give thanks to God, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

    This Thanksgiving, while many of us gather with family and friends, others may be grappling with the profound loss of a loved one, a spouse, a job, or even a home. How do we bounce back from such overwhelming pain and still manage to feel any sense of gratitude?

    My pastors have always emphasized the importance of nurturing a steadfast attitude of thankfulness, even amidst adversity. By embracing a mindset of gratitude, we can shift our perspective and begin to notice the small, often-overlooked blessings that continue to shine through challenging times. It’s crucial to pay attention to the little acts of kindness that God weaves into our everyday lives. Ignoring these positives can invite feelings of isolation and depression, darkening our hearts. By actively choosing gratitude, we can redirect our focus away from discouragement. This shift not only lifts our spirits but also enhances our overall well-being, serving as a valuable reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s always something to be grateful for.

    Let’s embark on a profound journey to embrace gratitude and unlock its extraordinary power to transform our lives, especially in challenging times. Gratitude should not merely pass through our minds as a fleeting emotion; it must grow into a nurturing habit that shapes our worldview and illuminates the path of hope amid adversity.

    How can we truly nurture a genuine spirit of gratitude? From my own experiences, I’ve discovered some powerful steps that can reshape how we approach this beautiful attitude. Let’s dive into the insights that have transformed my journey of appreciation!

    • Start by taking a moment to reflect deeply on the sources of your joy and comfort. Can you pinpoint at least one thing? Write it down. It’s entirely natural to feel engulfed by a sense of emptiness when grappling with loss. Yet can you reach into your heart to remember the cherished moments you shared with loved ones?

    After my father’s passing, I found myself engulfed by sorrow, struggling to find a glimmer of gratitude. However, as days turned to weeks, I began to see the light provided by my husband and my daughters, and I felt the warmth of my faith in God. Initially, the haze of grief blurred my vision, obscuring the blessings that quietly surrounded me. Yes, I miss my father immeasurably, but I am eternally grateful for the incredible man God gifted me. What little joys made your heart smile today?

     

    • Consider placing your handwritten note in a space where it will catch your eye regularly, like beside your bed or on your bathroom mirror.

    Allow yourself a moment to thank God for that small yet precious moment of joy. One of my cherished practices is to record my blessings in a journal or on bright Post-it notes, often paired with a soothing, uplifting Bible verse that resonates with my heart.

     

    • Expressing your gratitude by taking a moment to vocalize your thanks can infuse your day with deeper appreciation.

    Begin your morning with a heartfelt “thank you” directed to the Lord; this simple act can profoundly enrich your sense of gratitude. Speaking these words aloud helps you internalize your appreciation, forging a more meaningful connection. Can you recall a moment when God’s presence unexpectedly penetrated your life and surpassed your expectations?

     

    • Try shifting your focus away from negative thoughts by embracing the truth of God’s blessings. Remember, you hold the power to gently pivot your mindset.

    By consciously concentrating on the positives, you can train your mind to recognize and cherish the good, even during tumultuous times. Redirect your thoughts from what’s lacking to the abundance you already possess, especially during testing circumstances.

     

    • Be Honest and Open with the Lord. It’s essential to acknowledge your struggles and bear your heart’s weight.

    Life’s challenges can often feel like insurmountable mountains, and it’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed. However, practicing gratitude can fortify your faith, acting as a stabilizing force to navigate the stormy seasons with renewed hope. Pray earnestly and ask the Lord to help you keep your gaze fixed on Him, even when the tempests of life swirl around you.

     

    • Take a quiet moment to express your heartfelt thanks to the Lord—speak from the depths of your spirit and let your words resonate with authenticity.

    Often, we find ourselves caught in the tangled web of our problems, overshadowing the loving gifts God has imparted. Genuine gratitude transcends mere words; it’s about cultivating a profound connection with His grace. Maintaining a spirit of thankfulness amid life’s trials helps us recognize the small blessings that often go unnoticed. By acknowledging what we already have, we can experience greater fulfillment and inner peace.

    By weaving these practices into the fabric of our daily routines, we nurture a deep-seated attitude of gratitude that can gift us with peace and joy, even amid life’s most challenging seasons. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances. For us as followers of Jesus, allowing our thankfulness for God’s goodness to flow naturally from the essence of our being is paramount. This generous spirit not only strengthens our own hearts but also reflects the boundless love of Christ to those around us.

    Gratitude is like a warm blanket on a chilly winter night. Just as a blanket wraps you in comfort and shields you from the cold, cultivating gratitude envelops you in positivity and warmth, protecting you from the harsh realities of life’s challenges. Even when the storms of life rage outside, the warmth of gratitude can keep your spirit cozy and resilient.

     

    Prayer

    Dear heavenly Father, in moments when we feel tempted to express our frustrations about our circumstances, guide us to focus on You. May our hearts overflow with gratitude for Your steadfast love and unwavering faithfulness that envelops us, even when we struggle to see or feel Your presence. Lord, we trust that You will clear our path and guide us through any storms we face. I am certain that You are faithful and true to Your promises, my God, and no matter what tomorrow holds, You will always be by my side.

    Lord, we surrender our plans and desires into Your capable hands, opening our hearts to receive Your divine guidance and strength through any challenge. We embrace the assurance that You are always looking out for our family and us, blessing everything that weighs on our hearts. Lord, help us cultivate a spirit of gratitude. In Your name, we give thanks and praise, amen.

     

    Reference

    Almodovar, C. (2024). (Mount Fuji, Japan). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    The Holy Bible: The Amplified Bible. 1987. 2015. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

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  • The Light That Overcomes Darkness

    The Light That Overcomes Darkness

    Imagine standing in a pitch-black space, completely devoid of light. When you turn on your flashlight, a brilliant beam cuts through the darkness, revealing your surroundings. In that moment, the light triumphs over the darkness, demonstrating that even a small spark can make a huge impact.

    In Psalm 139:11-12, David reflects, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Throughout our lives, we face experiences that can plunge us into darkness, threatening to swallow us whole. This darkness might appear as loss, depression, low self-esteem, identity crises, shattered dreams, broken relationships, or job loss—the list goes on. Yet, amid this struggle, there is a light within us that shines brighter than any challenge: Jesus, the light of the world. He came to rescue us, guiding us out of darkness and into life. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we received grace, salvation, and a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.

    Since childhood, I’ve had a fear of the dark. I distinctly remember sleeping with the light on, while my father would stay by my side until I drifted off, turning it off only then. I can’t pinpoint when that fear faded, but once I grasped that Jesus was my light, it seemed to vanish. There are moments when the enemy tries to plant seeds of doubt in my mind, but I remind myself that God has equipped me with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not fear.

    The enemy aims to make us question our identity and sense of belonging, much like he did with Eve in the Garden when she forgot she was made in God’s image. However, he can never snuff out the light that entered the world to save us, not to condemn us.

    Growing up in the Dominican Republic until I turned 11, I lived in the bustling capital city of Santo Domingo, amidst vibrant neighborhoods and lively streets. My father held a significant government position, which afforded us a comfortable lifestyle surrounded by maids and bodyguards. Yet, the city’s unreliable electrical grid meant power would often fail three times a week, mainly in the evenings. My mother and grandmother meticulously ensured that oil lamps, candles, and matches were always readily available to prepare for these outages.

    When the electricity suddenly cut out after 6 PM, thick darkness would quickly envelope the room, and I would instinctively huddle in a corner, feeling terrified and unable to see even my own hands. The only sounds would be the soft footsteps of my mother, grandmother, and maids as they searched for the lamps and candles, their footsteps echoing on the tiled floor. Once they lit the lamps, a warm, flickering glow would spill into the room, pushing back the shadows and casting gentle light on our faces. In that instant, I could see clearly where I was and who was with me, feeling a sense of safety amidst the darkness. This experience reflects our spiritual journey, symbolizing moments of uncertainty followed by illumination and understanding.

    Jesus is the light of the world, a radiant presence that shines within our hearts, for God lives in each of us. As John beautifully expresses in John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.”

    This means that God became flesh in Jesus and came to walk among us. When He died on the cross, all our past, present, and future sins were nailed there, through His finished work. Therefore, we don’t need to fear the darkness. Jesus enters our hearts the moment we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, shining His light to dispel any darkness we may face. You might not be feeling fear right now, but perhaps you’re experiencing loneliness, especially as we prepare for Advent, marking the arrival of something great. The Messiah has come; He dwells among us and within us. He is that light, and all you need to do is hold on to Jesus, knowing no darkness can overcome you as long as He’s by your side.

    Would you take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with shadows and darkness? Can you recall a time when the weight of despair felt so heavy that you questioned whether Jesus, the true light of the world, could ever reach into the depths of your struggles? It’s important to remember that, just as we discussed in our last gathering, He is always present beside you, even in your most challenging moments. He sees your pain and doubts, and I want to assure you that He will never abandon you in your time of need.

    Now, I invite you to reflect on this: Have you truly felt His radiant light illuminating your path? Think back to the moments when you’ve witnessed His brilliance breaking through the clouds of your recent hardships. How has Jesus brought warmth and clarity into your life during times of confusion or sorrow? I encourage you to take some time to reflect on these experiences. Consider jotting down your thoughts in a journal or any notebook you have nearby, capturing those moments when His light shone brightly for you and reminding you of His unwavering love and presence.

    In my life, I have had profound moments where I felt the comforting light of Christ illuminating my path during the darkest hours. As the joyful season of Christmas draws near, we gather together to honor the miraculous birth of Jesus, the true light of the world. We eagerly anticipate His promised return, filling our hearts with hope.

    As we reflect on this meaningful time, I wish you blessings, dear friends. May you be enveloped by His radiant light, guiding you through any challenges you may face this Christmas season. Let us keep our focus on Jesus, the One who made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to step away from the shadows of darkness and embrace the brilliance of His glorious light.

     

    Prayer:

    Father, I thank You for being my unwavering source of light in life. The sacrifice of Jesus fills me with strength and drives away all darkness. When the enemy tries to sow seeds of doubt, You, Father, empower me with love, assuredly replacing fear. Lord Jesus, You are the light of the world, guiding and nurturing Your followers. Your light shines with hope, grace, and salvation. Because of You, Lord Jesus, I can face my fears, for You alone are my true source of light. Your light can never be put out; Your sacrifice provides me and countless believers the strength to overcome darkness.

    Though the enemy may attempt to instill doubt, You, Lord God, offer us power and love, not fear. Lord Jesus, You illuminate the world, promising guidance and life to those who believe in You. Your light, Jesus, brings hope, grace, and salvation to all of us who place our faith in You.

    Thank You, Jesus, for being a constant light in my life. In Your precious name, amen.

     

     

    Reference:

    Caporusso, C. (2025). (Sunset). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

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  • Just A Heartbeat Away From His Comforting Presence

    Just A Heartbeat Away From His Comforting Presence

    Have you ever found yourself in the depths of despair, battling thoughts that spiral endlessly in your mind? Thoughts that convince you that your sins are insurmountable or that you’ve strayed too far for God to rescue you. Even worse: thoughts suggesting He wants nothing to do with you? I have.

    When my father succumbed to cancer, I felt abandoned by God. Anger took root, and in my grief, I turned away from Him—I stopped praying, neglecting His Word, and skipping church. I lost sight of Him and everything that mattered. As I fled from God, darkness enveloped my world, whispering that I wasn’t worthy of His love and that He didn’t care.

    Years later, I came to understand that God had never abandoned me. He was by my side, even in my darkest days. Psalm 139:7-10 reminds us that God will always be with us and will always be able to find us.. The scriptures recount the stories of believers who faced their own dark times, and God was there for each of them. Take Elijah, for example. He was hunted by Jezebel and found himself hiding in a cave, consumed by despair and wishing to die. Yet God sought him out and restored his spirit.

    Then there’s Jonah, who was upset with God’s mercy toward Nineveh and tried to escape, only to end up in the belly of a fish, where God found him and brought him back to purpose. Adam and Eve tried to hide after their disobedience, but God sought them out, showing compassion even as they faced consequences by providing them with clothing made from animal skins. From their actions, the promise of our Savior, Jesus Christ, emerged.

    Consider Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers and unjustly imprisoned. Throughout all of this, he never turned away from God nor complained. Instead, God was with him and lifted him up, eventually placing him as second in command to Pharaoh.

    And what about me? God found me in a pit, lifted me out, restored my spirit, and called me to share my story—to offer hope to those who feel hurt, forsaken, or abandoned and think God is far away. He is present in our struggles, extending His hand, ready to rescue us from the storms of life, just like He did for Daniel and his friends.

    For anyone feeling lost and believing God cannot see them, look up; His hands are there, ready to lift you. He is filled with grace and mercy. That’s why He sent His only Son to die for you and me—because of His unwavering love. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 46:10 to “be still and know that I am God.” The Lord of Hosts is with us; He is El Roi, the God who sees you.

    Navigating through despair can feel like being lost at sea during a raging storm. The towering waves of grief and doubt crash around you, obscuring anything but darkness. However, just as a lighthouse stands firm to guide lost ships back to safety, God’s love and presence can be that guiding light, even when we feel isolated and abandoned. It may take time to see it through the storm, but that beacon remains steadfast, waiting to lead us home.

    Reflection: What situation in your life makes you feel like you’ve strayed too far, too distant from God for Him to bring you back? Why do you sometimes doubt His willingness to seek you out and help you? Always remember we are never too far gone for Him. He sees us, and He will never forsake us.

    Here are a few Scriptures that assure us that God will never leave us.

    • Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
    • Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
    • Joshua 1:5: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
    • Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
    • Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
    • Matthew 28:20: “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

     

    Let’s take a moment to thank our Lord for His love and grace:

    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering love and grace that sustain us each day. Thank You for never letting go of our hands, even when we feel far from Your reach. Your Word reassures us that You will never leave us or forsake us; You will leave the ninety-nine to seek out the one. Despite our imperfections, You gently guide us back to Your love, reminding us of the precious gift of Your forgiveness and mercy. Help us, Father, to keep our eyes on You and to hold tightly to Your hand, for You alone are our anchor, and it will hold steadfast through the storm. In times of feeling lost, remind us that You are Yahweh EL Roi, the God who sees us. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

    Reference:

    Gonzalez, S. (2025). (Rainbow over the Sunset). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

     

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  • Grace Over Grudges

    Grace Over Grudges

    How do we rise above and respond when someone offends us?

    Overlooking offenses is one of the most perplexing challenges we wrestle with in this imperfect world. My family has wrestled with the deeply ingrained notion of “forgiving but not forgetting” for generations, resulting in a tapestry of broken relationships tangled in our inability to overlook past grievances.

    When my parents embarked on their journey of marriage, they decided to live with my grandmother. As an only child, my mother welcomed this arrangement, believing it would foster a supportive environment. With both my parents working to make ends meet, my grandmother stepped in as caretaker, watching over us as we navigated our childhood. Yet as days turned into months and years, living together became a complicated web of strained interactions. The inability of my father and grandmother to overlook perceived offenses spiraled into a cycle of grudges that consumed them for over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on our home.

    Growing up amidst such an atmosphere of tension and unspoken words was a daunting experience. My father and grandmother occupied the same space yet moved through life as if on opposite ends of a vast chasm, rarely exchanging words, and their silence weighed down the room. It was a somber existence, punctuated by moments of awkwardness and conflict that lingered long after the words had faded.

    Recently, my husband and I joined one of our church’s small groups, which focused on “Keeping our thoughts captive.” The group’s goal is to help us uncover the root of our struggles and replace negative, hurtful thoughts with affirmations grounded in God’s truth. Identifying the undercurrents of our pain is crucial, especially when we find ourselves nursing wounds. In moments of hurt, we often unconsciously shield ourselves with the mantra, “I won’t let this person hurt me again,” leading to the construction of emotional walls—what we refer to as strongholds—that isolate not only the offenders but also anyone who crosses our path. My father and grandmother believed they were protecting one another, oblivious to the fact that their silence and unresolved tensions only fortified the walls that separated them over time.

    The story told in 2 Samuel 13 poignantly illustrates this dynamic. Amnon, one of King David’s sons, committed a heinous act against his half-sister, Tamar. When Tamar confided in her brother Absalom, he advised her to remain quiet, saying, “Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart.” Sadly, this advice only deepened the wounds and festered in silence, transforming Absalom’s anger into a smoldering desire for revenge. He never confronted Amnon directly, yet beneath the surface, resentment brewed, ultimately culminating in tragedy.

    From this account, we observe how Absalom’s choice to remain silent over such a grievous offense created a painful divide not only between him and Amnon but also fractured his relationship with their father, King David. The bitterness that brewed within him spiraled out of control, leading to an act of murder—a heartbreaking outcome borne of unresolved conflict.

    God’s Word gently reminds us to be slow to anger, nurturing the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and compassion. These qualities stand in stark contrast to the impulses of vengeance and unforgiveness. There are moments when remaining silent in the face of provocation or walking away from an injustice can be a wise response, serving as a form of restraint more powerful than a hasty reaction.

    This perspective doesn’t imply that we should remain passive in the face of wrongdoing or neglect to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. God indeed calls us to pursue justice and act righteously. Aligning our hearts with His will is essential. Sometimes, God invites us to confidently pause and trust in His perfect ability to restore balance and justice. His compassion and grace hold the remarkable ability to heal wounds and dissolve long-held grudges.

    This past week has been an enlightening journey for me as I’ve immersed myself in the significance of guarding my heart and capturing my thoughts. Through this process, I have unearthed profound insights that I feel compelled to share with you:

    1. Start with Prayer: Begin this transformative journey by quieting your mind and turning your heart towards God. Invite Him into your thoughts and ask for His divine revelation. Remember, He understands the hidden strongholds within us—those deep-seated issues that we may not even recognize.
    2. Genuine Repentance: After seeking His presence, come before the Lord with a heart yearning for repentance. Acknowledge any missteps or sins that weigh you down and sincerely seek His forgiveness, knowing that His mercy is endless and liberating.
    3. Identify Negative Thoughts: Take a deliberate moment to pause and reflect. Please pay attention to the nagging negative thoughts that linger in your mind, and don’t shy away from tracing their origins. Understanding where these thoughts stem from past experiences and the emotions tied to them is vital to breaking their hold over your life.
    4. Claim God’s Truth: As you engage in this introspection, invite the Holy Spirit to awaken your spirit to the unwavering truths of God. His Word stands as a powerful anchor against the tempests of doubts and fears that may arise within you.

    To help turn those negative thoughts around, here are some everyday struggles many of us face, accompanied by powerful Scriptures that can serve as a balm for the soul. Feel free to read the Bible version you are most comfortable with.

    Unforgiveness:

    • “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
    • “For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
    • “Bear with each other and forgive one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

    Low Self-Image:

    • “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14
    • “So God created mankind in his own image…” Genesis 1:27
    • “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:4

    Anger:

    • “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
    • “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Proverbs 29:11

    Fear and Anxiety:

    • “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
    • “Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

    Sadness: 

    • “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
    • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

    Loneliness and Anxiety:

    “For I am sure that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 

    When negative thoughts begin to take root, it’s essential to proactively replace them with the Scripture that speaks directly to your heart and soul. Embrace your feelings rather than running from them; confront them with courage! Just as weeds can threaten the beauty of a cherished garden, negative thoughts can hinder your spiritual flourishing. Remember the profound truth of Jesus’ words in Luke 6:45: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.”

    Beloved, let us extend to others the same grace that has been generously poured into our own lives by God. This practice isn’t always easy, but rest assured, God is faithfully by our side, guiding us along the way. Jesus reassures us in John 16:33: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace… But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

    Friends, let us cultivate a spirit of perseverance and nurture our hearts with His unwavering truth!

     

    Let’s take a moment to pray together:

    Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering love and grace that sustain me every day. You understand how challenging it can be to overlook offenses, especially when I feel vulnerable and hurt. Despite my imperfections, You gently steer me back towards Your love, reminding me of the gift of Your forgiveness and mercy. Help me, Abba, to let go of any rejection or pain I carry, ensuring they do not take root in my heart. Teach me to extend the same grace to others that You have shown me so abundantly. In Jesus’ precious name, I offer You my heartfelt gratitude, love, and praise. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Caporusso, C.  & Wolf, A. (2025). [Sunset]. [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]

     

     

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  • Elohim Machase Lanu – God Our Refuge.

    Elohim Machase Lanu – God Our Refuge.

    In 1979, the Caribbean region was struck by a devastating hurricane. It was a typical day; the sun shone brightly, and people went about their daily routines with no anticipation of disaster. I remember that day vividly, as if it happened just yesterday. My parents had sent me to Santo Domingo to study medicine. Although I was only there for about six to seven months, the impact of Hurricane David—a storm so fierce it nearly wiped out the entire island—left a lasting impression on me.

    That day, I witnessed firsthand the destructive power of nature’s fury. From the living room window, I saw towering trees being ripped from the ground like toothpicks, and cars being lifted into the air as if they were cardboard boxes or toys. Many residents who heeded the warnings chose to stay indoors, regardless of whether there were visible signs of impending danger. Sadly, others who dismissed the warnings paid a steep price, facing danger and destruction.

    This experience mirrors how we face life’s many storms. Often, we become so distracted or complacent that we ignore the warnings—warning signs from God and our surroundings—and fail to run to Him, our ultimate refuge and protector, through any storm. Yet, God promises to be with us, to preserve and protect us amidst life’s fiercest trials.

    Psalm 46:1 affirms, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

    Our Heavenly Father, Elohim Machase Lanu, is our ultimate refuge. He always cares for us and offers a safe haven when we seek His divine protection. He has provided a sanctuary where we can run when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us.

    Psalm 91:1-2 declares, Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

    Proverbs 18:10 reassures us, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

    Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

    Psalm 55:22 states, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

    Psalm 32:7 reminds us, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

    Psalm 18:2 affirms, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

    Nahum 1:7 assures us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

    2 Samuel 22:2-3a describes, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.” He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my savior.”

    Psalm 91:1-2, 4-5 emphasizes, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terrors of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”

    Scripture repeatedly reminds us that no matter what storms we encounter—be it hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters—our God is greater. He is our protector, caregiver, and the one who will carry us safely through any adversity.

    Here’s a thought to consider when fierce storms like hurricanes and tornadoes whirl through our world: our instinct is to seek shelter and stay safe. But what about when life’s storms—our personal crises, trials, and heartbreaks—hit us? Why do we find it so hard to run to our Lord, the one who promises in scripture to shield us, comfort us, and guide us through every storm? What’s holding us back from fully surrendering and trusting in His faithfulness?

    I’ve walked that path myself. I’ve faced distractions and doubts that pulled me away from embracing His unwavering love. But now I am sure that, even when things don’t go as I hope, one thing remains certain: His love for me runs deep, and He is a compassionate, good Father. So, why not choose to run to Him today? His arms are always wide open, and His promises will remain true.

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending love and constant protection in my life and in the lives of my loved ones. Help us, Lord, to always run to You, knowing that no matter what’s happening around us, You are with us and will carry us through every storm. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    • Wolf, A. (2025). [Idlewild Park]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.
    • Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • Elohei Ma’uzzi, The God Of My Strength

    Elohei Ma’uzzi, The God Of My Strength

    Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or caught in life’s stormy moments? Remember, Elohei Ma’uzzi, the God of our strength, promises that we are never alone in our struggles. He assures us of His constant presence, love, and unwavering support. All we need is to trust Him—believe that no matter what situation we face, He will never leave us or abandon us.

    “Therefore, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or panic before them, for the Lord your God goes ahead of you. He will never fail or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NLT

    “Now, we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrews 13:6, NLT

    “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. So we will not fear, even if the earth gives way or the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3, NIV

    “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and I praise Him with my song.” Psalm 28:7, NIV

    “The Lord is my strength, my defense, and my salvation. I praise Him—my God and my Father—and exalt Him.” Exodus 15:2, NIV

    Lord my God, Elohei Ma’uzzi, grant me daily divine strength—strength to weather life’s storms and resist temptations that try to steer me away from Your righteous path. Guide my steps, Lord, so I can run my spiritual race with steadfast faith, knowing You walk beside me, offering wisdom, protection, and unwavering support every step of the way. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

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  • A Lingering Thirst and an Unquenchable Longing

    A Lingering Thirst and an Unquenchable Longing

    What happens when the flames gently flicker and fade away, giving space to a quiet, persistent longing for more?

    Imagine this: you walk into a supermarket or bustling restaurant, your stomach growling loudly like a wild animal. Right from the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a delightful mix of tempting aromas that make your mouth water, each one promising a tasty treat. It’s as if your senses come alive. Every aisle calls out to you to explore vibrant, shiny fruits, crunchy snacks that beg you to try them, and beautifully presented dishes offering irresistible temptations. Time seems to fly by as you happily reach for anything that catches your eye in this exciting hunger-driven adventure, feeling like each delicious bite might disappear in an instant.

    But once you’ve satisfied your craving, a peaceful calm washes over you. As you look back on all those choices, suddenly a little regret might creep in for the treats you grabbed without much thought. That moment of clarity helps you realize what you truly needed versus what was just a tempting distraction. This experience reflects our journey as Christians. When I first encountered Jesus’ message and made the life-changing decision to accept Him as my Lord and Savior, I felt an overwhelming hunger to know Him more deeply. This strong need pushed me to explore the sacred scriptures, leading to a growing collection of Bibles and devotionals. I eagerly absorbed wisdom from great faith leaders, immersing myself in the powerful teachings of ministers like Billy Graham and Dr. Charles Stanley.

    I still remember the pure joy I felt as I lost myself in worship music, letting uplifting melodies and heartfelt lyrics wrap me around like a cozy blanket. My heart burned with a passion to experience Jesus’ presence in richer, more meaningful ways. But life can sometimes be overwhelming. My world was shaken during a difficult time following the heartbreaking loss of my father. During that period, the once-bright hunger I had for the Lord slowly waned—a gentle decline that I didn’t fully realize at the time, as I was unaware of how deeply I had drifted from that initial for.

    Fallen into grief. Consumed by my grief, I withdrew from the world around me, and as a result, I gradually lost sight of the One who carried my burdens and suffered in my place.

    Then, on what seemed to be a typical day, something powerful happened that brought back the lost flame within me. One of my coworkers was singing the poignant lyrics of “Hunger” by Nicole and David Binion. My heart and soul were pierced by the words that drifted into my head and stirred feelings I thought I had long since buried.

    “Cause there is a hunger. And a thirst. I am desperate; Immerse me. I’m not waiting; Not anymore; I need You, Lord.” (Binion, 2018)   Those lyrics struck a deep chord within me, reawakening a long-forgotten desire. Embarrassment washed over me at the prospect of asking my coworker—who I had never spoken to before—about the song, so I turned to Google, eager to discover what had reignited this yearning in my heart.

    Driven by this rekindled desire, I started listening to the song every day. Each time I played it, the lyrics seeped into my spirit, reigniting the hunger I once felt for Jesus. But this time, my quest was for more than simply knowledge; I longed to truly connect with Him intimately.

    I poured myself into fervent prayer, heartfelt worship, and studying His Word, bravely rejoining the loving embrace of the church where I truly belonged. Surrounded by faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, their support began the healing process of my wounded heart and revealed the depths of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. As I grew to know Jesus more, my hunger and thirst found true satisfaction. Eager to share my story, I sought out my coworker, only to discover that she had fallen ill and never returned to work. A month later, we received the devastating news of her passing. At her wake, I discovered that she was a devout Christian who shone brightly amid darkness. In that moment, I understood her purpose for coming to my school, and I shared my testimony with her family.

    This was just the start of my journey. In 2020, after retiring from a meaningful career in education, I felt the Lord’s gentle call to share my heartfelt story—how He transformed my life and kept every promise to satisfy my spiritual hunger and thirst.

    In Matthew chapter 5, during the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” This verse beautifully emphasizes the deep longing Jesus wants us to develop—a heartfelt desire for His righteousness. Imagine living a life where your heart is always restless, guided by a sincere and passionate wish to draw closer to our Lord. This hunger and thirst are more than just passive feelings; they call us to action. Just as we wouldn’t wait idly to be fed when we’re hungry, we also need to seek out God’s presence actively. This journey involves nurturing a strong spiritual hunger, an unquenchable thirst to understand His ways, and praying genuinely for the Holy Spirit’s guidance at every step.

    Dear friends, do you still feel that persistent hunger and desire to fulfill the deeper parts of your soul? I honestly do! It’s so easy to feel a sense of emptiness along life’s path, but I truly believe Jesus is the only One who can fully quench our thirst and satisfy our deepest hunger. His love and grace nourish our hearts, bringing us peace and fulfillment that the world cannot provide.

    Beloved, do you genuinely desire a personal relationship with Him, or do everyday distractions pull you away from seeking His presence? Take a moment now to pause and reflect: do the fleeting pleasures of this world really fill your soul, or do you find yourself longing for more?

    Today may mark the commencement of your relationship wherein you surrender to Him and present your heart to Jesus to become your Lord and favor. Do not be apprehensive. He is knocking at the door. Whoever seeks shall find Him; whoever asks shall receive; and to whoever knocks, the door will be opened. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. He will direct your path. Believe me, your hunger and thirst will be fulfilled. This is His promise.

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the countless moments You have walked beside me, always reaching out even during my heartbreak when I chose to turn away. It was in my darkest hour that, though I couldn’t see You, You held me close, leaving the ninety-nine to search for the one. You, Lord, truly fulfill my deepest longings. This world offers nothing of substance; it often leaves me feeling empty and longing for more. Only You have genuinely satisfied my hunger and my deepest desires. I never want to be apart from You again. In Jesus’ name I give You the glory, amen. Reference

    • Binion, D. & N. (2018). “Hunger” [Song]. Dwell: A Life Worship Experience. Integrity Music.
    • Gonzalez, S. (2025). [The Lake]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.
    • Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

     

     

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  • The Parable of the Good Samaritan

    The Parable of the Good Samaritan

    Every day, we come across so many people—neighbors, coworkers, some familiar faces, and others that are new to us.  It’s truly heartwarming to realize just how a simple act of kindness or a thoughtful gesture can make someone’s day so much better. We have the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life by taking a moment to show that we genuinely care, lifting their spirit, and reminding them that they are not alone in this world.

    The story of the Good Samaritan was one I had heard countless times, but on one particular day, it took on a new meaning for me. It brought back a clear memory of my father and me walking to the bus stop and train station. As we walked along, surrounded by the everyday chatter of city life, our peace was suddenly shattered by the terrifying sound of a woman’s screaming for help.

    The thick bushes surrounding a nearby building blocked our view, but as we drew closer, the sounds of desperation grew clearer. Gulping down my fear, I instinctively grabbed my father’s hand tightly and whispered, “Daddy, please, let’s go.” But my father was not the kind of person to look the other way. With a determined look in his eyes, he let go of my hand and marched toward the scene, focusing on the figure of a man violently attacking a woman.

    My heart raced as I imagined the worst—a dark and brutal confrontation that could end tragically for my father. Instead of the nightmare I imagined, my father confronted the attacker with unexpected courage, startling the man and causing him to flee in terror. It was a moment of pure relief and awe as my father approached the terrified woman.

    Kneeling beside her, he spoke softly and reassuringly, asking, “Are you okay? You should go to the hospital and get those wounds treated.” The gratitude in her eyes was evident as she thanked him, her voice trembling but full of appreciation, before turning to run inside the building.

    As we walked away, my father decided to report the incident to the police. But fear had overwhelmed me, paralyzing my thoughts. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I confronted my father, pleading, “Why did you have to get involved? You could have been hurt, or worse!” He paused, studying my face with a tenderness that cut through my fear. He said in a soft voice, “Billie, as he had always called me, “How could I stand by and watch someone suffer without intervening? That’s not the kind of man I am. I want you to know that you should never let fear dictate your actions, especially when it comes to doing what is right.”

    I wish I could say that I heeded my father’s wisdom at that moment, but my fear of losing him was stronger than my desire to help. Years later, whenever I read the parable of the Good Samaritan, my mind always went back to that day—my father’s bravery standing as a powerful reminder of how important it is to help someone in need.

    In Luke 10:24-37, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus is asked a pointed question by a lawyer who is a highly respected expert in the Jewish Law. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” In response, Jesus redirects the question, asking, “What is written in the Law? How do you interpret it?” By quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the lawyer confidently recites the fundamental principles of the Law, stating: “’ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’” citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and adds, “’ Love your neighbor as yourself,’” referring to Leviticus 19:18.

    Knowing that the lawyer is probing Him for a deeper explanation, Jesus affirms his answer, saying, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live” (Luke 10:28 NIV). Yet the lawyer, wanting to justify himself further, countered with another question: “Who is my neighbor?” Had he genuinely understood the meaning of the commandments he had just quoted, he may have humbly asked Jesus, “How can I fulfill this commandment? I struggle to show this love without help.” Unfortunately, his pride and self-righteousness kept him from acknowledging his mistakes.

    Recognizing the lawyer’s heart, Jesus decides to use the moving parable of the Good Samaritan to teach him. A man going from Jerusalem to Jericho is robbed, beaten, stripped, and left for dead by the roadside. It happens when three people pass this wounded man. The priest knows the laws Jesus just discussed. When the priest sees the man bleeding and defenseless, he purposefully crosses the road, ignoring the situation. A Levite, who must follow the same compassionate commandments, sees the injured man and chooses to react in the same way as the priest. Despite their religious grandeur and legal understanding, both men ignore the suffering of the man before them. Both the priest and the Levite fail to extend the mercy they preach. They represent the complete opposite of what it means to love one’s neighbor.

    A Samaritan—a person from a group hated by Jews—comes down the road. Interestingly, the Samaritan is moved by compassion rather than hostility. He stops, kneels beside the wounded man, and gently treats his wounds. The Samaritan pulls the injured man onto his animal and takes him to an inn, where he pays for lodging and medical care. He tells the innkeeper he will check on the man and will pay any additional expenses incurred.

    Through this story, Jesus wanted to teach His disciples and the people listening a valuable lesson about what it truly means to be a neighbor. The question is, who is a neighbor? A neighbor is more than just a person you know; they represent compassion and mercy, especially to those who are in need.

     Being a neighbor involves taking meaningful action toward others, rather than just categorizing them. Our willingness to help someone shouldn’t be based on their social or educational status, or even on whether they are dressed in a tailored suit or ragged clothes. We are called to help those in need, regardless of their circumstances.

     These reflections serve as a reminder that true neighborliness is demonstrated by our actions and our ability to show kindness to everyone. Our mission is to actively serve those around us.

    After immersing myself in the profound message of the parable of The Good Samaritan, I’ve spent time reflecting on how I engage with my neighbors and those in need around me. I began to ask myself some tough questions: Am I genuinely embodying the compassion, love, and mercy that Jesus sought to teach? Or do I only reach out only to those I already cherish, ignoring others who may also be in need of kindness and support?

    As I reflect on the concept of a ‘neighbor,’ I recognize the importance of acknowledging the unique qualities and individual stories that each person carries. Every individual is a tapestry woven from their experiences, joys, struggles, and triumphs. How can I foster positive relationships that build trust and camaraderie? It starts with small yet impactful gestures—offering a warm smile, giving a genuine compliment, or stepping in to lend a hand during someone’s challenging times.

    Moreover, open communication is a vital strand that holds a community together. Taking the time to listen and absorb what our neighbors share truly creates a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued. A simple act of being present—whether it’s helping out or just engaging in casual conversation—can brighten someone’s day and cultivate a more profound sense of belonging.

    Let’s not forget the power we have to shape our surroundings through our interactions with others. Small acts of kindness can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone in our community. As we strive to be true disciples of Jesus, we’re called to follow His example. Let’s share and celebrate those moments of connection and care, which show that we are His true disciples!

    Reflection:

    1. What is your main takeaway from the Parable of the Good Samaritan?
    2. What actions will you take to embody the lessons from this parable?
    3. Reflect on the level of compassion you have shown others over the past year. Does this reflection fill you with pride in yourself, or does it lead you to a more profound gratitude for God’s grace?

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering love, mercy, and compassion. Even in my moments of weakness and when I stumble, You have never turned Your back on me or my loved ones.

    Holy Spirit, I humbly ask that You fill me with Your divine wisdom. Guide me in cultivating a heart that embodies mercy—one that reflects Your goodness and brings You joy. Lord, pour Your joy into my spirit, igniting within me a passionate desire to pray without ceasing.

    Help me to cultivate a heart overflowing with gratitude, not tethered to my circumstances, but firmly rooted in Your boundless grace, love, and compassion. I ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

     

    Reference:

     

    • Gonzalez, S. (2025). [The Road]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.

     

    • Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • El Elohim Jehovah, our mighty fortress

    El Elohim Jehovah, our mighty fortress

    When someone asks, “How are you?” it often pushes us to confront the heavy emotions we carry through life’s dry seasons—those times filled with discouragement, loneliness, and weariness that can drain us both physically and emotionally. In these difficult moments, it’s essential to direct our focus towards El Elohim Jehovah, our powerful source of strength and refuge. He stands as our strong tower, offering a comforting shelter for the weary, igniting hope for the lost, and extending His endless mercy to the brokenhearted.

    During the chaos and storms of life, we shouldn’t have to shoulder our burdens alone or untangle every knot by ourselves. It’s all too easy to feel isolated as we grapple with our problems without a helping hand. Yet, Jehovah invites us to seek Him as our refuge, promising a connection that soothes our souls. He longs to embrace us and hear the voices of His cherished children.

    Take comfort in the profound promise from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This powerful declaration serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is a divine purpose intricately woven into our lives.

    And there’s even more. Jehovah comforts us with these reassuring words: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12-13).

    Each of us holds unique and extraordinary plans, crafted by the Lord Himself. All He asks is for us to come to Him in prayer, opening our hearts to share our deepest concerns. He is always eager to listen, welcoming us with open arms as our Heavenly Father—our Abba, overflowing with love, mercy, and compassion. In His presence, we find strength for the weary and comfort for the sorrowful, reminding us that even in our toughest battles, we are never truly alone.

    Father, thank You for being our strong tower, our hope, and our strength. Though our human eyes may struggle to see or comprehend during our bitter winters, we hold firmly to the truth that You will never leave us or forsake us, for You are faithful to Your Word and promises. In Jesus’s name, I thank You and declare that the best is yet to come.

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  • Ask, Seek, and Knock

    Ask, Seek, and Knock

    Do you confidently take the reins of your life to pursue your aspirations, or do you often find yourself yielding to the various demands and needs of your children and those around you?

     

    I clearly remember a crucial moment right before my 20th birthday when I confidently approached my mother to share my heartfelt desire: I wanted to marry my boyfriend. He was a brilliant law student, and I was captivated by his looks and intellect from the moment we met. However, my mother’s reaction was far from what I had expected; she erupted in disbelief, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. To her, the thought of me abandoning my promising pre-med studies to marry at such a young age seemed completely unreasonable.

    However, the story then took an unexpected turn. My mother turned to my father, voicing her concerns about my “crazy plan.” Frustrated by my persistent pleas and tears, she decided to discuss it with him, hoping he would help put an end to what she perceived as my madness.

    To my surprise, my father didn’t respond with the outrage I anticipated. Instead, he invited me to sit beside him, encouraging me to share my feelings. I climbed onto his lap, a familiar and comforting gesture, and poured out my heart, expressing the depth of my love for my boyfriend and my longing to build a life together.

    You might wonder why such profound conversations were happening at such a young age. My parents had always dreamed of returning to their homeland, the Dominican Republic, where my two siblings and beloved grandmother still lived. They envisioned me finishing my medical education there, but my aspirations leaned in a different direction. After listening patiently to my desires, my father leaned in and delivered a thought-provoking story. He gently warned me, “If you decide to marry young to a law student, you might struggle to maintain the comfortable lifestyle we’ve provided for you. But if this marriage is truly what you desire, you must promise me one thing: embrace what he can offer without expecting more than he can provide. Can you genuinely commit to that? If so, I would grant you my blessing.”

    I wholeheartedly agreed. From that pivotal moment, my parents got to work, preparing for the future that lay ahead for me. I kept my promise to my father, refraining from asking my husband for more than he could offer.

    You may be curious about how this story relates to Jesus’ words about “keeping on asking, seeking, and knocking.”

    I believe Jesus wasn’t instructing us to demand everything we desire. Instead, He conveyed a more profound message: we should prioritize the pursuit of the Kingdom of God above all else. Our prayers should focus on seeking the Father’s will, cultivating a daily relationship with Him, and demonstrating persistence in our efforts. It’s essential to approach our requests with genuine motives, aligning them with His perfect will and timing, rather than fixating on our desires.

    I had the incredible opportunity to study alongside my friends and spiritual sisters, exploring the true meaning of prayer and the essential truths every Christian should understand upon accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

    One of the most enlightening discoveries I made during our discussions was the profound meaning behind the phrase “Asking, Seeking, and Knocking” in the context of prayer.

    • Asking: When we ask during prayer, we make requests about things we are already aware of in our lives. This could range from seeking guidance on a decision to asking for help in familiar situations.

     

    • Seeking: On the other hand, seeking in prayer involves pursuing answers about matters that remain unclear or unknown to us. It reflects a desire for clarity, understanding, and divine insight in areas where we may be lacking knowledge.

     

    • Knocking: Finally, knocking in prayer symbolizes our appeals to Jesus regarding our needs behind closed doors. It’s about reaching out for hope and breakthroughs in situations that seem out of reach or challenging.

     

    These insights have significantly enhanced my understanding of the true essence of prayer and its transformative power in our lives. Like many, I once believed that if we ask, seek, and knock, God would grant every request. However, this view misses a crucial truth: we are called to seek His Kingdom first and to nurture a close relationship with the Lord by abiding in Him and His Word. It’s essential to put our trust in His promises and have unwavering confidence in His faithfulness, knowing that God deeply understands us and our genuine needs.

     

    A common misconception arises when we become too focused on our desires, neglecting to pray in line with His divine will and timing. I learned some time ago that God wants us to approach Him as a child approaches a loving father, sharing our hearts not out of a desire for something in return, but simply because He loves us and longs to hear from us. This sentiment resonates deeply with my cherished memories of my earthly father. After his passing and his return to be with the Lord, I felt lost and abandoned, struggling to recognize that my Heavenly Father loves me even more profoundly than my earthly father ever could.

     

    Once I embraced this pivotal truth, I began to approach God with the same openness and familiarity I had with my father. That’s when I underwent a remarkable transformation, realizing the depth of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. He willingly sacrificed His only Son, Jesus, who died for us, illustrating that immense love. God hears every cry, every hurt, and every plea that escapes our lips. However, as humans, we often crave immediate answers, which are not always provided.

     

    Throughout Scripture, we observe our Lord intimately involved in the lives of His people—at times unseen yet always working behind the scenes, as beautifully illustrated in the Book of Esther. His active engagement shines through, like when He spoke to Moses, guiding him to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt. One story that particularly resonates with me is that of the Prophet Elijah. In a moment of fear and persecution from Queen Jezebel, Elijah sought refuge in a cave, feeling anxious and alone. In his despair, God found him and gently asked about his presence in the cave. After listening to Elijah’s worries, God instructed him to step outside and stand on the mountain, for the Lord was about to pass by. (See 1 Kings 19:9-20)

     

    The astonishing revelation was that God’s presence was not found in the dramatic displays of nature—the roaring wind, the earth-shattering earthquake, or the consuming fire—but rather in a gentle whisper. This quiet yet powerful moment beautifully encapsulates the nature of God’s communication with us. In the New Testament, we see this love manifested through Jesus, who brought the good news of salvation, emphasizing grace and mercy to all who believe.

    In summary, Jesus imparted valuable lessons to His disciples and to us, as captured in Matthew 7:7-12, emphasizing the importance of being persistent in our prayers. He encourages us to earnestly seek out a relationship with God through continuous prayer, believing wholeheartedly that our requests will be heard. This persistence requires us to pray with sincere faith and to examine our motives, ensuring they align with God’s intentions (as highlighted in James 4:2b-3). We are reminded to align our prayers with His perfect will, trusting that He knows what is best for us (as stated in 1 John 5:14-15). Above all, we must genuinely believe in the profound love and unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father, who always desires to connect with us.

    Reflection:

    1. In your own words, what do you think Jesus meant when He encouraged His disciples—and all of us today—to “Ask, Seek, and Knock”? Has your perspective on these profound words shifted after reflecting on this post?
    2. How can we approach God in our daily prayers? Consider the practical steps you can take to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for being such an amazing, loving, and ever-faithful Father. Thank you for your unwavering presence and support, even during times when I struggle to seek your guidance. Lord, I ask that you grant me the ability to truly see and hear your voice, and to have an obedient heart. No matter the chaos or uncertainty that surrounds me, help me to remember that you are in complete control, orchestrating everything behind the scenes for my ultimate good.

     

    In moments of doubt and when my heart feels heavy with anxiety, teach me to practice patience. Remind me that your timing is perfect, even when I yearn for immediate answers to my prayers. Help me embrace and understand your divine will for my life, so that I may accept whatever path you lay before me. I have faith that you are a good and loving Father who genuinely desires what is best for me. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name, amen.

     

    Reference:

    • Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
    • Almodovar-Caporusso, C. (2022). [Jamaca de Dios)

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  • You Are The Salt And Light Of The World

    You Are The Salt And Light Of The World

    Did you know that we represent the flavor and brightness that the world craves?

    Imagine yourself as the spark that brings about change and the zest that makes life more exciting! Each of us has an incredible ability to inspire, delight, and add flavor to those around us. You might be wondering what that actually means.

    Salt served as much more than just a condiment in ancient times. This precious mineral was prized not only for its ability to enhance flavor but also for its medicinal qualities. It was a natural antiseptic that effectively cleaned wounds and ward off harmful bacteria, helping to prevent infections. In hot regions where food spoiled quickly, salt became essential for preservation, extending the shelf life of perishables and ensuring people had food during difficult times.

    The significance of salt in ancient cultures becomes quite clear when we consider Jesus’ metaphor of calling us the “salt of the Earth.” Just as salt keeps food from spoiling and heals wounds, we are meant to have a transforming and restorative impact on the world around us. Our lives should not only nourish and sustain, but also combat moral and spiritual decay by instilling hope and vigor in those we encounter.

    Scripture reminds us of this critical role through Jesus’ words, warning His disciples of the dangers of losing their “saltiness.” At that time, salt was collected from the shores of the Dead Sea, which was made up of rocks with a mix of various minerals in them. Though it appeared to be pure salt, it often lacked essential life-giving properties, resembling a chalky residue. True salt would dissolve over time, leaving behind a tasteless residue that should be thrown away. —nothing more than a substance to be tossed aside.

    This illustration encourages us to embrace our identity as “salt” in the world, bringing life and purpose with every step we take.

    We are typically disappointed when something that looks like salt fails to provide its essential benefits. This striking comparison illustrates why Jesus encourages us to preserve our unique identity and vitality.  He calls us to nurture a thriving relationship with Him while faithfully following His teachings.

    So, what role does the Church play in fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission?

    The Church is seen as a dynamic force that gives meaning and purpose to all facets of life and society.  Its mission is to confront and challenge the harmful influences of sin and evil in order to transform the world into a nurturing environment where people can genuinely flourish rather than just survive.

    Just like a few grains of salt can turn the simplest dish into a gourmet meal, you and I have the incredible ability to enrich every moment of life with flavor and texture. We shine like a beacon of light, radiating warmth and illuminating the darkest corners of life, motivating those around us with our positivity and brilliance. Our presence can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, encouraging others to recognize and appreciate the beauty around them.

    Jesus described the Church as both salt and light, two things that are necessary for human well-being. Imagine a world stripped of these essential elements. In Screen Door, Rich Mullins (1987) once sang an inspirational song that really struck a deep chord with me:  “Faith without works is like a song you can’t sing.” This beautifully illustrates the way in which we are supposed to influence our communities. Similar to a bird that sings because it has a song inside of it, we too have a mission to accomplish. In order to carry out this sacred mission, it’s important that we maintain our distinctiveness.

    A friend once quoted from Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett’s book When Helping Hurts (2009): “We cannot hope for the transformation of people without the involvement of the local church and the verbal proclamation of the gospel that has been entrusted to it.” This serves as a vital reminder of the importance of our divine calling. Jesus emphasizes the role of the Church as the vessel for God’s gifts, highlighting that without it, true life remains hopelessly out of reach. In this light, we are encouraged to embrace our role, embodying the true meaning of what it is to be “salt” in the world, instilling life and purpose in every step we take.

    Our presence should provide a preserving effect, much like salt acts as a preservative to prevent spoilage. We are supposed to be a remedy—a healing presence—for the restless souls we come into contact with; we have the ability to radiate the flavor of Christ in every corner we occupy. Those around us should feel an unmistakable thirst for Who we represent. When we truly reflect the essence of Jesus in our lives, He affirms that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world—a shining city perched on a hill that cannot be hidden.

    Don’t light a lamp just to hide it under a bowl; let your light shine brightly so others can see your good works and, in turn, glorify your Father in heaven.

    People around us should be drawn closer to God by catching a glimpse of Jesus in us through our daily interactions and deeds. This is both the challenge and the calling that He sets before us. It’s important to remember that while salt quietly exerts its influence, light shines brightly for all to see.

     

    Reflection:

    1. When Jesus refers to us as the salt and light of the world, how does that make you feel?
    2. Do others perceive Jesus’ love and compassion in you, even if they are unaware that you are a disciple of Christ?
    3. In what meaningful ways can you start living out Jesus’ teaching that “you are the salt of the Earth and the light of this world”?

     

    Prayer:

    Father, we thank You for Your steadfast faithfulness, boundless love, and abundant grace. We are grateful for the reminder of our calling to be salt and light in this decaying world. Lord, guide us to reflect Jesus in our daily actions and draw others closer to You. Through the Holy Spirit, remind us to let Your light shine brightly in our words and actions, so that everyone we encounter sees not us, but Jesus. In His name, we give You praise. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    Fikkert, B., and Corbett, S. (2009). When Helping Hurts. Moody Publishers.

    Almodovar, C (2025). [Waikiki beach]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.

    Mullins, R. (1987). Screen Door [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hmhN5X4dxYM?si=5Aj8uyogpBlzwexo//

    Scripture quotations adapted from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.[o

     

     

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  • The Lord’s Prayer

    The Lord’s Prayer

    When you pray, what image do you have of God? Do you see Him as a loving and nurturing Father who is intimately involved in every aspect of your life, or do you see Him as distant and aloof?

    When discussing prayer, it’s important to explore the different ways people view God. This difference is crucial for understanding the depth of the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus introduced during the most profound moments of the Sermon on the Mount.

    The Lord’s Prayer has been an important part of Christian practice that has been passed down from generation to generation for ages. But Jesus wanted His followers to do more than just repeat words. He wanted them to have a heartfelt conversation with God. This perspective highlights the importance of developing a personal and intimate relationship with our Creator by emphasizing His sincere desire to connect with His children on a profound emotional level.

    Jesus addressed six key points in the Lord’s prayer. Let’s examine them.

    • Adoration:

    The first line is a key element of this prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matt. 6:9). This phrase not only acknowledges God’s role as a parent but also recognizes His supreme authority as the ruler of the universe. The holiness of His name demands reverence and respect, setting Him apart from earthly figures, as God is the epitome of purity and perfection.

    As soon as we say the word “Father,” we immediately acknowledge the bond of family, recognizing the unique connection we have with God which is similar to our relationships with our earthly fathers. Reflecting on the time I spent with my father, I remember the special bond we shared—one that was filled with warmth, comfort, peace, and unwavering protection. It was a relationship that enveloped me in love and assurance, allowing me to go through life without worry while he was by my side.

    But after my father passed, I found myself adrift and struggled loneliness and feelings of abandonment. In the midst of my grief, I began to uncover the profound truth that I have a heavenly Father who loves me infinitely more than my earthly father ever could. As I worked through my sorrow, I slowly began to recognize God as my Father, and understand the depth of His love for me as His beloved daughter.

    God is not simply my Father; He is also the source of my strength and unwavering source of comfort. In times of suffering, fear, or loneliness—especially when I feel abandoned—I sense His presence hovering over me, providing comfort and reassurance.

    The phrase “in heaven” serves as a reminder that while God resides in the glorious realm of heaven, the Holy Spirit also dwells within each of us. Have you ever stopped to imagine what heaven might be like? Our human minds can scarcely fathom such a reality, yet God’s Word offers us glimpses of a realm of holiness and purity where He reigns in absolute righteousness. In heaven, there is no pain or sorrow, and the essence of God’s presence shines more brilliantly than the sun, illuminating all that exists (see Revelations 21-22).

    When we say, “hallowed be your name,” we acknowledge and affirm the holiness of God. In contrast to our earthly fathers, God is inherently perfect, and as such, we must approach Him with deep honor and reverence. Our thoughts, words, and actions should show that respect at all times.

    Dear friends, we were created in His image. What does that mean? It means that we are called to reflect God’s character and love in this fallen world. How can others see Him, if our words and behaviors fail to reflect His nature. We need to live and speak in a way so that others might see His goodness in our actions.

    Jesus wants us to see God not as a distant figure, but as a deeply personal presence in our lives. Through Jesus’ sacrificial love and finished work on the cross, we have the extraordinary privilege of establishing a personal relationship with our heavenly Father that will last today and forever.

     

    • Submission:

    The phrase, “…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10), highlights the importance of recognizing God’s authority in our lives. It emphasizes the need for us to submit to His divine plan, which often defies our understanding. This surrender reflects a sincere desire for God’s purposes to prosper not only in both our personal lives but also in the world at large, aligning our goals with His will.

     

    • Provision:

    “Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11), is a request that highlights the difference between real needs and short–lived desires. This sentence reminds us to seek our Heavenly Father for our sustenance and trust that He knows what we need. It emphasizes our dependence on God for life’s essentials, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 37:25, which assures us that those who seek God righteously will not be forgotten.

     

    • Confession:

    The moving reminder of the profound importance of forgiveness in our lives is provided by the line, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matt. 6:12). It brings to light the understanding that the grace we receive from God carries with it a heavy responsibility to extend that same grace to others. This idea beautifully highlights forgiveness as an essential aspect of our spiritual well-being—a vital thread that weaves through the fabric of our faith.

    Holding grudges not only darkens our hearts, but it also prevents us from seeing God’s boundless compassion. This emotional burden can cause inner turmoil and strife, creating an atmosphere of resentment that hinders our personal growth. For many years, I have struggled with the idea of forgiveness, believing that saying “I forgive you” does not always mean that the hurt has been genuinely forgotten or released.

    The Lord gently reminds me of the immeasurable grace my heavenly Father has given me whenever that insidious seed of unforgiveness tries to reappear in my heart. Jesus’ sacrifice—His willingness to die so that my sins could be washed away—reverberates loudly in these trying times. It makes me ask a difficult question: Why is it that I have such a hard time forgiving people who have wronged me if my heavenly father is able to forgive my numerous transgressions? This ongoing internal battle remains a poignant aspect of my journey toward embracing forgiveness in its truest form.

     

    • Protection:

    “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:13), is a sincere request for divine guidance and shelter. It recognizes the subtle yet pervasive dangers that temptation poses, along with the cunning tactics our enemy uses. This prayer expresses a sincere longing for the protective presence of God and a desire to be gently guided away from treacherous paths that may compromise one’s integrity. In the face of life’s challenges, it emphasizes the value of being strong and vigilant while seeking refuge from the outside influences that can lead to moral and spiritual degradation.

    The Lord’s Prayer serves as a powerful model of how we might use the art of prayer to develop a deeper connection with God. Reciting this divine invocation is more than just saying it aloud; it’s inviting Him into the very fabric of our life. Beginning with adoration, this prayer acknowledges His holiness and magnificence while also revealing a spirit of submission and recognition of His overall authority. It offers us an opportunity for confession, which enables burdens to be released and forgiveness to be sought. The Lord’s Prayer also includes a plea for divine provision—asking that our daily needs be met—as well as a heartfelt request for His protection against the trials and tribulations we may face. The act of praying this prayer helps us turn our attention from our own problems and difficulties to God, where it belongs. It serves as a strong reminder of His presence and guidance in our lives and offers us a way to draw closer to Him and experience His love and grace more deeply.

     

    Reflection:

    1. How can we practically develop a more intimate relationship with God in our daily lives?

     

    1. How might we better reflect God’s attributes in our interactions with others?

     

    1. What does it mean for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done in our lives today?

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, immensely thankful for Your unwavering love, faithfulness, kindness, forgiveness, and patience that You extend to me each day. I ask that You continue to guide me as I fully surrender every facet of my heart to Your perfect and divine will. It brings me immense comfort to know that I can enter Your presence at any moment, assured of Your unwavering love, even when I stumble and fall short of Your glory.

    You are a truly faithful and loving Father, who is always there to lift me up when I falter, to nurture me during my times of hurt, and to provide the necessary discipline when it is called for. Thank you, Lord, for being the steadfast Father I rely on. I earnestly seek Your help in surrendering my will to You each day, that my life may reflect the truth that I am Your beloved daughter. In the name of Jesus, I lift my praises to You and offer all honor and glory to Your magnificent name.

     

    Reference:

    • Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
    • Gonzalez, S. (2025). [Lake View]. [Photograph]. Personal collection.

     

     

     

     

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  • The Beatitudes and the Lessons They Convey- Part 3

    The Beatitudes and the Lessons They Convey- Part 3

    The first thing that comes to mind when I think about being a peacemaker is that Jesus encouraged His followers—and all of us—to live in harmony and strive to maintain peace with those around us. But I can’t help but wonder if that’s really what Jesus meant? If you’re like me, you’ve probably had moments when it was tough to stay calm during conflicts, whether they were heated arguments, family disagreements, or even just minor misunderstandings. Instead of fostering peace, I’ve often found myself getting pulled into the chaos or feeling like I come across as being preachy.

    So, what deeper message was Jesus trying to convey about the role of a peacemaker? It’s important to acknowledge that Jesus understood our limitations; He knew that achieving true peace would often be something beyond our own capabilities.

    When I think about being a peacemaker, I imagine an oil diffuser. What do I mean? An oil diffuser is a device that spreads the aroma of essential oils throughout a room. When I fill my diffuser with fragrant oils, the scent fills my home, creating a soothing and welcoming atmosphere.

    So, when Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” I envision Him seeing us as instruments destined to spread peace to everyone we meet, just like a diffuser spreads fragrance around a room. The Greek term for “peacemaker” in Greek is eirēnopoios, which refers to a person who is genuinely loving and dedicated to peace. This term doesn’t simply describe someone who enjoys inner peace; it also means someone who actively promotes peace in their interactions with others. It depicts a believer who reflects God’s essence in their daily actions, living a life firmly anchored in the Word of God and applying its teachings consistently.

    You may think, “I read the Bible and try to embody its principles, but there are times when my ‘Old Self’ pops up.” If you feel this way, you’re definitely not alone. I recall a time when my grandchildren came to visit me for a few days. I hadn’t spent any time with the Lord or studied His Word one day. Because of this, something happened that triggered my old tendencies.  My granddaughter, Alana, made a wise observation: “Grammy, when you don’t spend time with Jesus, you become a bear.” Her words touched me and made me realize how important it is for me to spend quality time in my relationship with Him. Without that connection, I lose not only my own sense of peace, but I also fail to reflect His Shalom peace to those around me.

    So, how can we show the world that we carry His Shalom peace? The answer lies in nurturing our relationship with Jesus and His Word. When we truly engage with Him, we naturally reflect His essence and peace. Often, words are unnecessary; people will recognize Jesus within us and feel the peace that surpasses all understanding.

    Paul says in Romans 8:14, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” It is His Spirit that fills us with divine peace, enabling us to share it generously with the world. I know this journey is challenging, but we must remember that Christ lives within us, and the Holy Spirit is our guide. Jesus knew that we could not walk this path alone, which is why He sent the Holy Spirit to help us and remind us of His Word. When we continually abide in Jesus and immerse ourselves in Scripture, the world will see Him, not us.

    Let us earnestly seek the Lord’s help in remaining close to Him and meditating on His Word day and night, so that we may reflect the presence of the Prince of Peace to those around us.

    Reflection:

    • What message are we conveying to the people we meet every day?
    • When people interact with us, are they really seeing who we are, or are they catching a glimpse of the One living inside us?

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I humbly recognize that I often fall short in embodying the peace that comes from You. There are times when my words and actions do not reflect the essence of Your love and grace. Please guide me, Lord, and help me to remain in Your presence at all times, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my steps so that I may reflect Your character rather than the remnants of my old self.

    Teach me to embrace the role of a true peacemaker, instilling in me the wisdom to know the right moment to speak up and the discernment to be silent when needed. May those I interact with see the joy and light of Your Spirit in me, recognizing that I am indeed Your child—not only through what I say, but also through the way I live my life. I am grateful for Your guidance and love. In Your most precious name, I offer this prayer. Amen.

     

    Reference:

    • Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
    • THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc.
    • Gonzalez, S. (2024). The Backyard. [Photograph]. Personal photo collection.

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  • Celebrating Our Mothers and Mother Figures

    Celebrating Our Mothers and Mother Figures

    Let’s take a moment to honor the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives—our mothers and mother figures. Their unwavering love, guidance, and strength form the foundation upon which we build our dreams. They nurture, support, and inspire us every day.

     

    Today, we celebrate these remarkable women who deserve our heartfelt gratitude and admiration. From the sacrifices they make to the invaluable lessons they teach, each memory we create brings us closer to understanding their profound impact on our lives. Here’s to the heroes among us—thank you for everything you do!

     

    The Bible beautifully highlights the vital role that mothers play within the family, depicting them as pillars of wisdom, strength, and nurturing love. They are revered figures whose insights and teachings shape their children’s lives, guiding them toward moral integrity and character development. The call to honor our mothers resonates throughout Scripture, urging us to appreciate their steadfast dedication and the invaluable wisdom they share.

     

    Proverbs 31 vividly depicts the virtuous woman, showcasing her intelligence, diligence, and unwavering commitment to her family’s well-being. This passage is a powerful reminder that mothers have a unique and essential calling—to instill faith and values in their children’s hearts and lay a strong foundation for the future.

     

    In a moving comparison, Isaiah 66:13 likens a mother’s comfort to God’s embrace, emphasizing the nurturing spirit that defines motherhood.

    The Bible is rich with inspiring stories of remarkable mothers who have left a lasting mark on their families through their unwavering faith and character. Notable figures like Mary, the mother of Jesus; Hannah, the mother of Samuel; Jochebed, the mother of Moses; and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, stand out as shining examples of faith and commitment, guiding their children toward lives that honor God.

     

    Moreover, the beauty of motherly love goes beyond biological ties. Whether you are an aunt, teacher, or mentor, you have a wonderful opportunity to reflect that nurturing spirit in your interactions with young people. Your influence can create ripples that extend far and wide, leaving a lasting impact that nurtures and inspires the next generation. Embrace this incredible blessing—your role in their lives can be transformative!

    Have a blessed Mother’s Day, everyone!

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts as we celebrate all the incredible women on this special Mother’s Day. We ask for your blessings to pour over each one of them, acknowledging the love and guidance they provide, whether they are biological mothers or have taken on the role of a mother figure in the lives of others. Thank you for the countless blessings they bring into our lives and for the nurturing spirits they embody. In Jesus’ name, we lift our voices in praise and gratitude, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • A Song of Praise to My Jesus: You Are Enough

    A Song of Praise to My Jesus: You Are Enough

    Throughout my life, I often found myself drifting through a bubble full of dreams, wishes, and elaborate fantasies. I felt trapped in a cycle of longing, convinced that if I could mirror my siblings’ beauty, match their intelligence, or acquire everything I desired, I would finally discover happiness. Each day was spent wishing and dreaming, constantly measuring myself against my sisters and every woman I encountered in my church community. Why did I do this? Deep down, I struggled to believe that I was worthy of love from my family, friends, and even You, Lord.

    In my quest for validation, I unknowingly sought the approval of others, not realizing that the only affirmation I truly needed came from You, Jesus. Jesus represented everything I had ever sought. His love surrounded me with a warmth untainted by expectations, just like the fairytale prince I had always dreamed of. You, Jesus, were the ideal hero who recognized me for who I was, whisking me away in a carriage to a magical castle where I could live “happily ever after.”

    However, I soon came to understand that this was nothing more than a fanciful illusion. You, Jesus, are far greater than that. You are the King of Kings, my Lord, and my Savior—the One who knew me even before I drew my first breath. You carefully fashioned me in the hidden depths of my mother’s womb, creating every detail with love and purpose, making me Your precious daughter and masterpiece.

    As I grew older, the tragic loss of my father sent me into a tailspin. I ran from You, convinced that your love had disappeared along with him and that my loss rendered me unworthy in your eyes. This moment immersed me in darkness, causing me to rebel and distance myself from You. Yet, even in my despair, you never left my side. You walked patiently with me, even when I felt completely alone. You left the ninety-nine to come after me, knowing my whole story before it started, and still, you sacrificed everything for my sake.

    Lord Jesus, I am incredibly grateful for Your unwavering presence, for never abandoning me, and for loving me even when I felt undeserving of such grace. Since you welcomed me back into your arms, my life has been transformed in ways I could never have imagined.

    You chose me, and my story continues to unfold beautifully. I have no right to grab the pen, believing I could craft a better narrative than you.

    Today, I found myself reflecting deeply on the powerful message conveyed in Psalm 90:12, which calls me to count my days intentionally. This thought encourages me to embrace each moment with mindfulness, fostering a heart that seeks wisdom and understands the beauty in life’s details. I yearn for an undivided heart that is entirely devoted to You, Lord Jesus, so that I can fully appreciate the richness of our relationship and the world around me.

    Lord, teach me Your ways; may the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth delight You. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You, regardless of the storms that may surround me. Teach me to cherish each day and embrace every precious moment, so that I might not sin against You but rather bring glory to Your name. Let my life be a testament to Your love, that I may be the only Bible some people will ever read. For it is no longer I who live, but You, Jesus, who live and work through me. You, Jesus, are Enough.

     

    Reflection

    • Reflecting on Ezekiel’s words, when he asks, “Teach me, Lord, to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12), what does this really signify for us? It’s a powerful plea for insight and understanding.

     

    • What does it really mean when we say that “Jesus is enough?”

     

    • Have you ever wondered why God encourages us to number our days? It’s a profound reminder of the preciousness of time and the importance of living purposefully.

     

    • How should we respond when we find ourselves in the middle of a storm? Do we immediately begin praying and seeking Jesus, or do we hesitate because we believe our problems aren’t important enough for Him?

     

    • In Ezekiel 37:4, he commands, “Dry bones, hear the Word of the Lord.” Can you feel the urgency and the power behind those words?

     

    • Do you believe that your comeback story is just around the corner? If you do, how are you getting ready for the glorious Second Coming of our Lord Jesus?

     

    • And here’s a question for your heart: Do you trust Jesus enough to know He hears you? When we trust Him, we won’t sink or perish in the chaos of life; He is our anchor and our sustainer. Jesus truly is enough for us.

     

    Prayer

    In this beautiful melody, I pour out my soul to You, my Savior. Your love fills every empty space in my heart, reminding me that I am perfectly complete in You. No matter the storms I face, I find solace in knowing that You are always with me. Every doubt fades away as I sing this song of gratitude, celebrating the unwavering truth that You are enough for me! Your grace sustains me, and in Your presence, I feel whole. Let this song resonate in my spirit as a testament to Your unfailing love!

    Heavenly Father, thank You for Your lasting love, support, and grace. Help us to focus on Jesus rather than getting lost in our current challenges. May we always put You first in our lives, knowing You are enough to fill our hearts and guide our paths. In Your precious name, we give all praises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

     

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  • The Beatitudes and the Lessons They Convey- Part 2

    The Beatitudes and the Lessons They Convey- Part 2

    In our previous post titled “The Beatitudes and The Lessons They Convey,” we examined the important teachings Jesus shared during the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the first three Beatitudes. We reflected on what we learned about the expectations Jesus has for His followers. Each Beatitude serves as a guiding principle that shows us how to live in a manner that honors His teachings and brings glory to God. During His time on earth, Jesus demonstrated how to face both challenges and joys with grace and purpose. As my pastor often says, “A disciple is a Christ follower who learns to do what the Master does.” (Cotignola, 2024). This serves as a reminder that we, too, are His disciples and have a responsibility to reflect His character in our daily lives.

    Today, let’s explore the profound wisdom of the next three Beatitudes from Matthew 5:6-8 and discover the powerful lessons they offer.

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matt. 5:6).

    This verse speaks volumes about the deep longing that Jesus encourages us to develop—a yearning for His righteousness. Imagine living a life where your heart is always restless, driven by an insatiable desire to draw closer to our Lord. This hunger and thirst are not just passive feelings; they require action. Just as we wouldn’t passively wait for someone to feed us when we’re hungry, we also need to actively seek God’s presence. This pursuit involves a vibrant spiritual hunger, an unquenchable thirst for understanding His ways, and an earnest prayer for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we navigate our journey towards Him.

    Consider the moment Moses came upon the burning bush. His curiosity was piqued; he was not willing to walk away without a deeper understanding of the divine presence he sensed there. He yearned to know the great “I AM,” for he understood that only God could truly satisfy the deepest desires of his soul. In the same way, Jesus stands ready to fill us with His righteousness—but only if we truly seek Him. Those who hunger for this connection will undoubtedly find themselves blessed.

    “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt. 5:7).

    This verse has often led me to reflect, prompting me to question the depth of my own mercy. Jesus’s message is clear: mercy is not limited to those who are easy to forgive or those in our immediate social circle. His life showed that mercy should be shown to everyone, especially those in dire need. How often do we find ourselves crying out for God’s mercy while hesitating to show the same grace to others?

    Consider the times in which we have been wronged. Can we truly find it in our hearts to forgive those who have hurt us? What about people who fail to show kindness to anyone outside their close-knit group? I can personally relate to this struggle, as I have faced moments of deep hurt and anger that made it difficult to show mercy to those who I felt didn’t deserve it. Yet, isn’t that exactly what Jesus calls us to do? He extended mercy even to those who persecuted and crucified Him. His teachings serve as a guiding principle not only for His disciples but also for us today by encouraging us to reflect His grace in the way we treat others.

    “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8).

    What does it mean to be “pure in heart”? This concept often reminds me of the parable of the soils, in which Jesus uses a simple yet powerful metaphor to illustrate the varying conditions of our hearts. In this parable, the seed symbolizes the Word of God, and the different soils represent how open we are to hearing His message. A pure heart, similar to the “good soil,” is one that welcomes God’s Word, allowing it to penetrate deeply and produce abundant fruit. (See Luke 8:4-15)

    Many people say they are “good” or have “pure hearts,” but we need to ask ourselves what that actually means. The scripture reminds us that only God is inherently good. (See Mark 10:18)

    What did Jesus mean by “pure heart”? A heart that is pure is undivided—a sincere, earnest heart that yearns to know God intimately. It’s a heart that willingly surrenders to His will, inviting Jesus to dwell within us as the center of our lives. This is a heart that earnestly seeks to please God in all things.

    In exploring these Beatitudes, we are encouraged to reflect deeply on our lives and relationships, aiming to embody these divine principles in our walk with the Lord. Cultivating a hunger and thirst for righteousness is akin to tending to a garden. Just as a gardener must tend to the soil, plant seeds, and ensure adequate sunlight and water, we must actively seek out spiritual nourishment, engage in acts of mercy, and pursue purity of heart. If the gardener neglects the garden, it will become overgrown with weeds, just as our spiritual lives can get cluttered by distractions and negativity if we do not consciously maintain our relationship with God. By caring for our spiritual garden, we create an environment in which righteousness can grow and flourish, allowing us to see and follow God more clearly.

    Reflection:

    1. How can we ignite a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness that will motivate us to earnestly seek God’s justice?
    2. What does it mean to be merciful, and how may we generously extend it to others?
    3. What does it mean to have a pure heart, and how can we actively seek spiritual purity?
    4. How can the purity of our hearts guide us on our path to see God and follow Him faithfully?
    5. What steps can we take to draw closer to Jesus and embrace His divine will in our lives?

    Prayer

    Lord, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, mercy, and grace. May my actions and thoughts align with Your Words. Help me to be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, guiding me along the path You have set for me. Cultivate in me a pure heart and a spirit of mercy, and ignite in me a hunger and thirst for Your righteousness day and night. May the meditation of my words be pleasing to You, Father. Empower me to be the person You designed me to be. I will keep my eyes on Jesus, as You mold me into the image of Your Son. In Your name, I give You praise and thank You for Your love and grace, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Cotignola, D. (2024). Abiding In Christ. [Sermon]. Next City Church, Bellerose, New York.

     

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • The Beatitudes And The Lessons They Convey

    The Beatitudes And The Lessons They Convey

    Understanding Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is a lot like peeling an onion. We may initially think we have a firm grasp of the surface layers, such as the familiar blessings found in the Beatitudes. However, the more we dig, the more layers we uncover that reveal profound truths and lessons, challenging us to think deeply and critically. Much like peeling an onion can make you cry, exploring these teachings may evoke strong emotions, prompting insights that challenge our perspectives and foster personal growth.

    Let’s take a closer look at the first three Beatitudes. The word “blessed” comes from the Greek word “makarios,” which means “blessed” or “happy,” but it’s more than just being happy. “It’s a deep, abiding joy and contentment that comes from a right relationship with God. (Strong’s Lexicon, n.d.)

    It’s easy to imagine Jesus addressing the large crowd in the Sermon on the Mount. However, a closer look at Matthew 5:1 presents a different scene: Jesus chose to sit down when He saw the multitude, a posture that indicated authority and instruction. At that very moment, His disciples approached Him, eager to learn His profound lessons about how they, and all of us today, are called to live as devoted followers of His teachings. This special setting highlights the intimate nature of His message, which is intended specifically for those seeking to understand and embody His values.

    Let’s dive into the first Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5”3). This statement invites us to explore its deeper meaning. When Jesus referred to being “poor in spirit,” He wasn’t just referring to people who didn’t have a lot of money. Rather, He was talking about a more profound state of being—spiritual humility. This concept embodies the idea of acknowledging our own limitations and recognizing our need for divine grace. It stresses the importance of embracing our spiritual emptiness so we can receive the richness of His kingdom.

    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4), is the second Beatitude. We are prompted to reflect on the significance of this statement. At first, I wondered if Jesus was addressing those who were grieving the loss of loved ones or the loss of something precious to them. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that His message extends far beyond that simple interpretation. He addresses a more profound sorrow that is rooted in the core of our very being—a sincere lament over our sins and spiritual state. This mourning recognizes our need for redemption and the longing for a Savior to bring about healing and restoration. This Beatitude encourages us to accept our frailties and recognize the transformative power of sorrow, which can lead us toward divine comfort.

    The third Beatitude says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). Some translations use the word humble instead of meek. It’s important to understand that meekness or humility does not mean weakness but rather, it reflects the inner strength that results from submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

    This idea reminds us of the disciples, who, despite their humble origins, experienced a remarkable transformation after receiving the Holy Spirit. They may have seemed ordinary and unremarkable before this divine empowerment, but their encounter with the Holy Spirit filled them with extraordinary courage and resolve. This inner strength enabled them to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that true humility is rooted in strength and divine support.

    As we learned in today’s study of the Beatitudes, we discovered the profound expectations Jesus has for those who follow Him. Each Beatitude serves as a guiding principle, showing us how we are called to live a life that not only honors His teachings but also brings glory to God. During His life on earth, Jesus showed us how to live, handling both the challenges and joys with grace and purpose. As my pastor often reminds his congregation, “A disciple is a Christ follower who learns to do what the Master does.” (Cotignola, 2024). This definition resonates deeply as we recognize that we are also His disciples and have been given the responsibility to reflect His character in our daily lives.

    Reflection:

    1. As we reflect on these important teachings, let’s ask a key question: Are our lives truly “blessed”? Do our goals and actions reflect what God wants for us?
    2. Thinking about how to live out these blessings each day presents both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. What practical steps can we take today to bring these blessings into our lives? We can enrich our own journey and uplift those around us by doing this.

     

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the countless blessings and guidance You bestow upon me each day. Thank You for Your unwavering presence in my life. I humbly ask that You remind me daily of the path You desire for me to walk, one that is aligned with Your purpose. Help me to cultivate a pure and sincere heart, with You at its very center, so that I may radiate Your glory through my words and actions. May everything I say and do reflect Your love and grace. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

     

     

    Reference

    Cotignola, D. (2024). Abiding In Christ. [Sermon]. Next City Church, Bellerose, New York.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Strong’s Lexicon (n.d.). Blessed. In Bible Hub. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://biblehub.com/greek/3107.htm

     

     

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  • It Is Finished!

    It Is Finished!

    At the culmination of His earthly journey, Jesus uttered the profound words, “It is finished.” In that moment, one can only imagine the myriad of thoughts racing through the minds of the onlookers, from the distraught followers to the hardened soldiers. Did they grasp the weight of His declaration?

    With those words, Jesus signified that He had fulfilled every purpose that God the Father had ordained for Him. But what does that truly entail?

    To understand this, we must look back to Genesis 2, where we find a vivid portrayal of God, known as Elohim, the Creator, as He intricately designed the breathtaking Garden of Eden. Picture a lush paradise filled with a tapestry of vibrant trees, succulent fruits, and an array of delightful animals, all functioning harmoniously in an environment of pure beauty. In this serene haven, God formed Adam, breathing life into him and entrusting him with this magnificent gift. Adam and Eve had every conceivable delight within reach, yet amid such abundance, God issued a crucial command: they were forbidden to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    For generations, the mystery of why God would place that tree in the garden and simultaneously prohibit its fruit has sparked deep contemplation. The essential truth about our sovereign and just God is His unwavering commitment to grant us the gift of choice. Unlike marionettes on strings, we are endowed with free will, allowing us to make our own decisions.

    Tragically, Adam’s act of disobedience set in motion a cascade of dire consequences. Their sinful choice resulted in a curse upon the earth itself; Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, and two majestic angels were placed at its gates, their swords drawn to guard against any return. Sin ushered in death and wrought a profound separation from our Heavenly Father.

    However, the narrative does not conclude with despair. In the poignant words of Isaiah 63:5, we find hope: “I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one gave support, so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.” This verse poignantly highlights the stark reality that no righteous individual could attain the atonement for our sins. Thus, in His boundless love, God sent His only Son to take our place, enduring the weight of humanity’s transgressions and bearing the punishment that rightfully belonged to us.

    “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. “John 3:16 NIV

    Jesus Christ, God incarnate, came to our earthly realm with a profound purpose: to unconditionally love us by sacrificing Himself on a rugged cross. His life, characterized by unparalleled righteousness, was exalted by God as the supreme atoning sacrifice for all who fall short of His glory. In this immense act of divine love, Jesus bore the unimaginable weight of our sins – past, present, and future – facing the punishment that we deserved.

    What I recently discovered is truly awe-inspiring: the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection was near a serene garden. The Scriptures recount, “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but he secretly feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in strips of linen with the spices, following Jewish burial customs. Near the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden with a new tomb, which no one had ever used. Since it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:38-42 NIV)

     

    Isn’t it remarkable how our Heavenly Father works? In the lush yet tragic Garden of Eden, sin entered through one man, creating an insurmountable divide between humanity and God, leading to death, shame, and unforgiveness. Yet, in the second garden, Jesus Christ chose to take on our transgressions, willingly laying down His life for our salvation. His sacrifice bridges the chasm that sin had created, restoring our intimate relationship with our Creator. Through His righteousness, we receive the invaluable gift of salvation, showered upon us purely by grace.

    What a profound truth to share, friends! This gift of salvation is freely offered to every person on earth. The only requirement is that we acknowledge our need for a Savior and choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Master. As He boldly proclaimed in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

    Easter symbolizes not just the forgiveness of our sins, but also the promise of a fresh beginning and our restoration with God the Father. It brings with it the assurance that, because Jesus triumphed over death, we too can face the uncertainties of tomorrow, holding onto the hope of living eternally with Him.

    Reflection and Takeaway:

    1. Have you ever felt lost and questioned your worthiness of God’s forgiveness? Reflect on the incredible gift of redemption that God extends to us through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
    2. Jesus took our place, absorbing the punishment we deserved for our sins. Have you invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?
    3. Embrace His love and find your true worth in Him as your Lord and Savior?

    Prayer

    Our Father who art in Heaven, Holy is Your name. Thank You for Your unwavering love, mercy, faithfulness, and grace. Where would I be without Jesus taking my place on the cross? I was lost in my sins, shame, and fears until You came down from Heaven to bear my burdens. Only You, Jesus, could set me free from the chains of sin. Because of You, I can face tomorrow with confidence, knowing You are with me, and one day I will see You face-to-face. May my life reflect Your glory, Jesus. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. In Your precious name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Misfit Jax- Photograph. Misfit Jax@Pinterest

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  • It’s Never Too Late To Repent

    It’s Never Too Late To Repent

    Have you ever thought back on your life and wondered if you’ve strayed too far from God’s forgiveness? It’s a thought that can weigh heavily on the soul.

    Feeling like you’ve sinned too much to be forgiven can be compared to someone standing at the edge of a vast ocean, overwhelmed by the waves crashing all around you. The sea may appear endless and frightening, but your feelings of guilt can feel overwhelming. Just as the sea is full of countless drops of water, each of which symbolizes a moment of grace and mercy, so too, the possibility of forgiveness can be found even in the darkest moments of our lives. Sometimes, taking a step back can show you that the tide can turn and bring peace.

    In Luke 23, we encounter the horrific events surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion. The story begins with the betrayal orchestrated by the religious leaders—the Pharisees and the Sadducees—who bore deep animosity towards Jesus. Their disdain for Jesus was not because they were ignorant of His identity; instead, it was rooted in their awareness that He posed a threat to the foundations of their authority and beliefs. They plotted against Him out of fear of His influence, ultimately persuading the Roman authorities to carry out the death sentence.

    The story takes a somber turn, as we learn that Jesus was not alone in His fate. Alongside Him were two other men who were both identified as criminals and who were likewise sentenced to death. As they traveled to the grim location known as the Skull, they arrived at the site where the unthinkable was about to take place. In the oppressive heat and anguish of that desolate location, Jesus was crucified on the Cross, with two criminals beside Him—one on His right and the other on His left.

    This moment, marked by brutality and despair, serves as a witness to the profound love and sacrifice that are captured in the story of the crucifixion. Yet, even as the darkness descended, it was clear that this was not the conclusion of the story. The narrative describes the exchange between Jesus and the two criminals who were crucified beside Him. One criminal insults Jesus. This person disobeyed God’s moral and spiritual laws throughout his life and engaged in continuous pattern of wrongdoing throughout his life. He lived his life pursuing his own ambitions and interests without regret or remorse. He chose to live a selfish life rather than seek redemption or understand the consequences of his choices.

    But the second criminal acknowledged Jesus’ innocence and corrected the unrepentant sinner, admitting that they deserved punishment for their wrongdoing. He recognized his need for forgiveness. When the repentant criminal then asks Jesus to remember him when He returns into His kingdom, Jesus answers, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).

    His words promised grace and forgiveness for a lost soul without hesitation or limitations. In that divine moment, the sinner felt the shackles of guilt fall away, replaced by the promise of redemption and everlasting life with his Savior.

    This passage demonstrates Jesus’ boundless mercy and grace, offering salvation even in the final moments of life to those who sincerely repent. It serves as a reminder that redemption is always possible, regardless of our past mistakes, and challenges us to show forgiveness and grace to others.

    Sin renders the soul spiritually dead, creating a complete separation from God. However, Jesus sees us in our brokenness when we humbly call out to Him and acknowledge our desperate need for redemption. He didn’t hold back with promises of a distant tomorrow; rather, He boldly stated, “Today you will be in paradise with me” (Lk. 23:43).

    In the final moments before His death on the Cross, Jesus forgave all our sins—those of the past, present, and future. All that remains for us is to accept this precious gift He offers and embrace salvation through grace. We are loved, forgiven, and redeemed. There is nothing else we need to do except to live our lives rooted in the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. Will you reach out your hands to the Savior and accept His gift of love and redemption? Remember, it’s never too late to repent.

     

    Reflection and Takeaway:

    1. Have you ever felt lost and unworthy of God’s forgiveness and redemption? Picture yourself as one of the sinners hanging on the Cross alongside Jesus. What would your response be? Would you react like the first criminal and mock Jesus, or would you be like the second criminal and take a moment to look into your heart, acknowledge your sins, and recognize your desperate need for a Savior?
    2. In your personal journeys or quiet moments with Jesus, have you experienced feelings of shame or doubt, wondering if He could truly look at you and say, “I forgive you. You will be with me in paradise”? Reflect on how you would answer these profound questions.
    3. If you have already had this meaningful conversation with Jesus, take comfort in knowing that you are truly forgiven. As you reflect on this precious gift of grace, what will you do with it? Will you choose to keep it hidden away, nurturing it quietly in your heart, or will you follow the example of the Samaritan woman? She chose to abandon her past and her worldly burdens, eager to share the powerful transformation that had taken place in her life. Will you, like her, boldly step forward and embrace your role as a witness to the incredible work He has done for you? (See John 4:1-42)

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we come before You filled with gratitude for Your steadfast faithfulness and limitless love that has surrounded us since the beginning of time. We truly appreciate the gentle nudges and thought-provoking questions You offer, leading us to delve deep into our hearts and uncover the strongholds that bind us, trapping us in a cycle of doubt and fear. Thank you for the many opportunities you’ve given us to draw closer to you and to repair our relationship, even when we falter and stray. As we navigate the complexities of everyday life, we pray for the sensitivity to recognize Your guidance and the courage to reflect on the questions You set before us. Help us to earnestly seek Your presence and to find stillness in our hearts as we wait upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Ross, Tammy. Photograph (hopitribe22@Pinterest)

     

     

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  • When God Asks Questions

    When God Asks Questions

    Have you ever been in a prayer session or faced with difficult circumstances in life when the Holy Spirit speaks to you in a gentle whisper and asks a question at the exact moment you need it most?

    Like a gardener tending to their plants, asking questions can nurture growth. Even if the gardener knows precisely how to care for the plants, they still take the time to check on their progress.

    Similarly, when God asks questions, it’s not because He lacks knowledge; rather, He aims to engage us and prompts us to reflect. Much like a gardener takes the time to learn about and tend to his plants, God’s questions encourage us to reflect on our journey and relationship with Him.

    In Genesis 3, a cunning serpent questions the woman about God’s command regarding the trees in the garden. The woman explains that God allows them to eat from every tree, with the exception of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She added they would die if they touched or ate from the tree. The snake claimed that eating the fruit would make her like God. The woman believed the lie and ate the fruit. Then she gave some to Adam, who was with her the whole time, to eat.

    Adam and Eve were filled with a mixture of shame and fear shortly after making their fateful decision. They heard the rustling sound of the Lord God walking gently through the lush garden of Eden. They instinctively hid behind the dense trees in an attempt to hide from the presence of their Creator.

    In that moment, God calls out, “Where are you?” in a voice that echoes through the quiet garden. This question carries significant weight. Why would the Almighty—timeless, all-knowing, everlasting, omniscient, self-sufficient, sovereign, and omnipresent—want to know where they are? After all, He knows everything and doesn’t need to confirm their actions or hiding places.

    So, what’s the deeper purpose behind this crucial question? It opens a pathway to reflection and relationship, inviting Adam and Eve to consider their choices and the consequences that led them to hide from the very One who created them.

    When God poses questions, it’s not out of ignorance or confusion but rather as a profound invitation that speaks to our hearts. He knew what Adam and Eve had done, but the real question was whether they recognized their actions. God’s inquiries serve not as requests for information but as opportunities for self-examination. The question was an invitation for them to confront their hearts and face the disobedience that created a separation between them.

    Unfortunately, Adam and Eve chose to blame one another—and even God—rather than take responsibility for their actions. Adam blamed God, saying, “The woman You gave me…” while Eve blamed the serpent. God gave them an opportunity to confess and acknowledge their wrongs, yet they chose denial. Can you relate friends? I certainly do. Many times, I found myself in situations in which I, too, played the blame game as a way to avoid facing the consequences of my actions.

    In Matthew 26 and John 21, we see another way God uses questions to gently guide us and restore us. Here, Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him during His arrest and crucifixion. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus’s prophecy (Matthew 26:30-35).

    After His resurrection, Jesus engages Peter in a meaningful conversation. Just as Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter affirms his love and repents, leading to Jesus’s restoration of their relationship and Peter’s future calling (John 21:15-17).

    This pattern of avoiding responsibility has existed since the beginning of time. When faced with our flaws and mistakes, we frequently find it easier to blame others or makeup excuses for our behavior than to go through the difficult and sometimes painful process of self-reflection. We hesitate to look in the mirror, where we might have to face who we really are and acknowledge how desperately we need honesty and reconciliation with God.

    I can certainly relate to this internal struggle. There have been numerous instances where I’ve caught myself blaming others for my mistakes instead of heeding the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudges to admit my shortcomings and embrace the grace and forgiveness lovingly offered by my Savior.

    I recall a particularly poignant time when my mother was diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. During this difficult time, my family planned a long-awaited vacation to celebrate my niece’s wedding, leaving me with the daunting task of handling everything back home and caring for my mother.

    My heart was racing with anxiety as I witnessed her sudden, unexplained falls. Every time she stumbled, a wave of panic washed over me, and I was overcome with fear that she might fall again while under my care. I felt the need to stay close to her, checking in every five to ten minutes, whether she was awake or peacefully sleeping.

    My need to protect her was all-consuming. One particularly restless night, I was consumed by an intense fear of losing my mother; I got down on my knees and cried out to the Lord. I poured out my heart, expressing the depth of my worries and my fear. As tears streamed down my face, I heard a gentle whisper asking, “Do you trust Me?” The question struck me deeply. While my mind grasped the concept of trusting the Lord, I realized my heart struggled to catch up.

    A strong conviction settled over me, urging me to hand over my fears and my mother to the capable hands of the Lord. As I concluded my prayers, an overwhelming sense of peace filled my heart; it was a peace I had never experienced before. I felt a deep reassurance that my mother was safe and secure in the loving arms of the Lord and not in my anxious embrace. In that moment, I truly understood what it meant to trust Him.

    I am thankful that God’s love and mercy manifest in ways we often cannot comprehend, always providing us with the opportunity to return to Him and to place our trust in His plans. I’ve discovered in the stillness that He is faithful and remains true to His Word no matter what life throws at us. He will always stand by our side, embodying a deep and unwavering confidence that fills us with a sense of reassurance. There’s something profoundly comforting in knowing he’s there with us, no matter what.

     

    Reflection

    1. Have you ever had a moment so profound that you felt the Holy Spirit speaking directly to you?
    2. Picture yourself sitting in prayer or navigating life’s toughest challenges, and suddenly, there’s a gentle whisper that guides you to clarity and comfort when you need it the most. How would you respond to this gentle whisper?
    3. Have you ever noticed instances in the Bible where God asks questions? What do you suppose His intention behind these inquiries might be? What is the underlying meaning of His questions?

     

    Prayer:

    Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude for Your unwavering faithfulness and boundless love that has enveloped us since the dawn of creation. We deeply appreciate the gentle nudges and thought-provoking questions You present, guiding us to explore the depths of our hearts and identify the strongholds that ensnare us, trapping us in chains of doubt and fear. Thank You for the countless opportunities You have bestowed upon us to draw nearer to You, to mend our relationship with You even when we stumble and stray. As we navigate the complexities of our daily lives, we ask for the sensitivity to recognize Your promptings and the courage to reflect on the questions You pose. Help us to seek Your presence earnestly and to find stillness in our hearts as we wait upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • The Invitation

    The Invitation

    Have you ever received an invitation to a dinner or party from someone you never thought even noticed you? It’s like a delightful surprise that can turn an ordinary day into something truly amazing!

    That’s exactly what happened with Levi, who was also known as Matthew. Levi was a tax collector, a profession that carried a heavy stigma. Tax collectors were often viewed as traitors who collaborated with the Roman government or other officials to extract money from their own people. To make matters worse, they often collected more money than was owed and pocketed the extra for themselves.

    Now, you can imagine the flurry of emotions Levi must have experienced when Jesus approached him. It was probably a mixture of disbelief and astonishment when Jesus not only recognized him but also invited him to follow Him. At that crucial moment, Levi made the monumental decision to leave his lucrative job behind without giving it a second thought. He abandoned everything he knew and stepped into the unknown with unwavering resolve.

    Levi celebrated this life-changing event by inviting Jesus to his house for a dinner party. It’s important to note that, given Levi’s occupation as a tax collector, the only likely guests would have been his fellow tax collectors, men who were in the same controversial line of work and who were rejected by society because of it. The atmosphere at that dinner would have been charged with a unique mix of excitement and tension as Levi sought to introduce his friends to the person who had changed his life forever.

    Everything appeared to be going smoothly as laughter and conversation filled the air. However, there were a few uninvited guests—Pharisees and teachers of the law—who couldn’t help but feel offended by what they saw. They watched disapprovingly as Jesus shared a meal with tax collectors and other people considered to be sinners by society. The flickering candlelight illuminated the joy and camaraderie at the table, which stood in sharp contrast to the judgmental looks from the uninvited guests. These onlookers murmured amongst themselves, unable to comprehend how someone so revered could associate with those they considered morally corrupt. Their outrage stemmed from their belief that, as descendants of Abraham, they were already righteous and did not require a savior or repentance. In their eyes, they were above the moral failings they so readily judged in others. But in His divine wisdom, Jesus made it abundantly clear to these religious leaders that the sick, not the healthy, require a doctor. With this simple yet profound statement, He highlighted the fundamental truth of His earthly mission. (See Luke 5:29-31)

    Picture the scene: Jesus, the Holy One, God in human form, chose to sit at the table with those who were considered to be sinners and outcasts. His life and ministry were focused on individuals who were spiritually lost and physically afflicted, illustrating the depth of God’s love and grace. His presence among those who recognized their need for redemption signifies the heart of the Gospel; salvation is available to all, but only those who acknowledge their brokenness will accept His invitation to the feast.

    So, I ask you, dear friend: have you received an invitation from Jesus? Have you felt that He is calling you to join Him at His table, to share a meal with Him, to walk alongside Him, and eventually to spend eternity in His presence? For those of you who haven’t already accepted this invitation, I strongly urge you to surrender your life to Jesus. Let’s follow the example of Levi and many other disciples who said yes to Jesus’ call without hesitation and never looked back.

    All we need to do is to trust in Him. When Levi accepted Jesus’ invitation, he had no idea what lay ahead on his journey. All he knew was that Jesus paused, recognized his worth, and chose him. Jesus saw Levi not for who he was in that moment but for who he could become.

    This truth resonates with our own lives as well. Jesus beheld our flaws and failures as He hung on the cross, yet He still chose to die for us because He saw what we could become. He understood that we were worth every bit of His sacrifice.

     

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the incredible sacrifice Your Son, Jesus, made for us. We are in awe of Your deep understanding of our needs and the unconditional love You extended to us, even while we were sinners. With open hearts, we accept Your gracious invitation to join You at Your table, eager to partake in the wondrous gifts that await us beyond this earthly existence. As we journey through our lives, may we continually dwell in You and immerse ourselves in Your Word. Just as the Vine sustains and nourishes its branches, we seek to draw strength and life from You, our true Vine. We acknowledge that apart from You, we are powerless, unable to bear fruit or fulfill our purpose. Help us remain connected to You so that we may thrive in our faith and bear witness to Your love and grace.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • Real Confidence Springs from Faith in God

    Real Confidence Springs from Faith in God

    How deep is your trust in God?

    Have you ever felt a strong desire to reach out and share your beliefs about God with others? Maybe there was a time when you sensed a calling deep within your heart to take action—a calling that felt profoundly important. Yet, in the midst of that passion, a whisper of doubt surfaced making you wonder about your intentions. This internal struggle can make you feel torn between what you truly want and the uncertainties that come up, leaving you to ponder whether you should follow that instinctive desire or take a step back. It’s something many of us go through, one that highlights the complexities of faith and what it means to be human.

    I think back to all of the times when I felt the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit urging me to act. However, during those moments, fear and self-doubt would creep in like a dense fog, whispering insidious thoughts that I wasn’t good enough and that I would inevitably fail. I listened to those negative voices, and as a result, I hesitated to embrace the calling God had placed on my heart.

    You might be wondering why I struggled so much. To be honest, I didn’t really have a deep understanding of who God was at that time. I was unable to completely trust that it was His voice calling me to step into the unknown, nor could I understand that He would not only walk with me but also provide me with all I needed to do His work.

    I developed a deep trust in God as I immersed myself in Scripture and learned more about His character and attributes, much like King David did when he faced the fierce giant Goliath. David trusted that God would protect him from the impending danger because he understood the nature of God. The Bible tells the stories of many people who God called to make significant leaps of faith such as Moses, who led the Israelites from slavery; Joshua, who conquered the Promised Land; Jeremiah, who proclaimed God’s messages; Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem; Jonah, who ultimately obeyed God’s command; and even the Apostles, who spread the gospel. In each instance, God called them to action, equipped them for their tasks, and assured them of His unwavering presence echoes through time. “I will accomplish this…and I will stand by you,” are the words that have resonated throughout history.

    In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus entrusted His disciples—and all of us—with a profound mission: to share His teachings and works with everyone, regardless of their background, culture, or economic status. This is not just a suggestion; it’s a call to action and obedience. God desires to reveal Himself through us to the world. We can make a significant impact by sharing our personal experiences of what God has done in our lives.

    But why, I ask, do we let fear take the reins? Do we genuinely believe that the same God is with us? This is Elohim, the Creator of the heavens and the earth; the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; the Almighty One, the King of kings, the righteous Judge of all, the Lord of hosts, who raised Jesus from the dead—the Lord of lords. If we truly grasp this truth, why should we be afraid? Knowing that He walks with us should embolden us and fill us with the confidence we need to pursue the calling that God has placed on our lives.

    Beloved, I find myself in a place of peace, and I no longer fear what tomorrow may bring. The doubts that once plagued my heart regarding God’s purpose and calling in my life have all but disappeared. Back in 2020, I clearly felt God’s gentle urging to share my personal journey and the life-changing work He has accomplished in my life with the people around me.

    Initially, I hesitated, returning to Him time and again with my uncertainties. I would often say, “But Lord, I am not a writer; I am a teacher. Surely, there are many others out there who are far more qualified to do this.” Yet, without fail, His response resonated in my heart: “I don’t call the qualified; I qualify the caller.”

    With each encounter, I began to comprehend the depth of His message. It became clear to me that my role was not to dictate the terms of my service but to surrender to His guidance. I have fully embraced this calling, choosing to put aside my interests and allow Him to work through me to fulfill His divine plan for my life.

    It is a profound realization that God is still actively writing our stories. Therefore, I constantly remind myself not to take the pen away from His hands and be the main character in my story. After all, He is the true author of my life, the central character in this beautiful tale, and it is through Him that my story is told.

    What about you, friend? Are you ready to trust the Lord your God and allow Him to guide you and write your story?

     

    Prayer:

    Today, I stand ready to serve You, Lord. I pray that Your will be done in my life, not just today, but for all eternity. As I prepare to face whatever challenges tomorrow may bring, I want to hold on to the promise that You are always by my side. No matter the difficulties or uncertainties that arise, I find comfort in knowing that You will never abandon me or let me down. We are truly in this journey together, and Your presence gives me strength. I love you, Lord, with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

     

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • Experiencing God vs. Merely Knowing About God

    Experiencing God vs. Merely Knowing About God

    How is our relationship with God shaped by the great truth that He perceives our every thought and action? Is your knowledge of God merely a comprehension of His existence and attributes, or do you genuinely know Him?

     

    Throughout my Christian journey, I have found myself pondering, “Do I really know God, or am I just familiar with the concept of God?” Through my life experiences, it’s become increasingly clear to me that the only way to really know someone is through personal connection and understanding, not just knowing basic facts about that person.

     

    During my final semester of high school, I was at a pivotal point in my life. I had been chosen to participate in a transformative internship program designed to provide teenagers with vital skills for college and the workforce. I had no idea that this opportunity would signal the start of a significant chapter in my life.

     

    I was overcome with a wave of anxiety on the day I was scheduled to go for my interview at the internship program  Recognizing my anxiety, my father asked my mother to accompany me to provide support  Upon entering the building, I was introduced to the leader of the program, an imposing figure who radiated confidence  Just one look at him was enough to make me lose my cool; I was rendered speechless as all my thoughts vanished  He was a very handsome young man who was devoted to his studies, and was on the cusp of graduating from Pre-Law.

     

    While I was captivated by this young man, he saw a different picture  To him, I was just a young girl with no life experience who needed a parent’s help to handle the interview  Despite his doubts about my suitability for the internship, he was forced to hire me  To say that I gave him numerous reasons to change his mind would be an understatement  His patience was put to the test by my immaturity and the constant complaints from the staff of the museum where I interned.

     

    Then something changed  One day, his boss, who was a wise mentor and friend, encouraged him to take the time to get to know me instead of dismissing me immediately  He suggested that perhaps I was sent into his life for a divine reason  Taking this advice to heart, the young man changed his approach  Instead of reprimanding me for every mistake I made, he started asking questions that invited conversation.

     

    Through those brief yet meaningful conversations that summer of 1978, he started to discover the true me  As the weeks turned into months, we engaged in countless conversations  As our relationship developed, it blossomed into something more profound  Years later, that young man would become my husband and the loving father of our three beautiful daughters.

     

    You might ask yourself, “How does this relate to knowing God?” The answer is very clear: we must actively pursue a personal relationship with Him if we are to truly understand who He is. We must make an effort to understand Him for His true nature instead of just accepting other people’s interpretations or opinions of Him.

     

    We can all acknowledge the existence of God  His remarkable attributes are intricately woven into the very fabric of the world surrounding us  We witness His artistry in the warm, golden hues of a sunrise that gently awakens the day, and in the serene beauty of a sunset that signals the end of it  The vast expanse of the night sky, adorned with countless twinkling stars and distant planets, stands as a breathtaking testament to His boundless creativity and power  The soft, gentle breeze that brushes against our skin serves as a reminder of His unseen presence. We often overlook the precious gift of each new morning when we open our eyes to the fresh air He graciously provides.

     

    But is this superficial awareness really enough  Obviously, the answer is no  God longs for us to develop a close relationship with Him  He wants us to explore the depths of who He is, seeking understanding and insights that go far beyond simple observation or intellectual acknowledgment  God invites us to set out on a journey of intimacy with Him, in order to experience the fullness of His love and grace.

     

    Scripture is like a heartfelt love letter from our Heavenly Father, who meticulously reveals Himself to all of His children  If we truly want to know God, it is imperative that we spend time reading His Word  John 1:1 speaks of God’s love for humanity through Jesus, who became flesh for us  He is the Word that was spoken and became incarnate for our sake  Jesus is the Word of God.

     

    Jesus, our Savior, experienced all that we face; He can understand our weaknesses and struggles  In an act of profound humility, He gave up the glory of Heaven, choosing to live a human life so that we could be saved  He willingly went to the cross, bearing a death that was not His, to atone for our sins and reconcile us with our Heavenly Father  On the third day, He triumphed over death, emerging from the grave with victory.

     

    “Where, O death, is your victory  Where, O death, is your sting  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law  But thanks be to God  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

     

    Dear friends, David wrote so beautifully in Psalm 139 about how God knows each one of us intimately  He intricately put us together in our mother’s womb, knows the number of hairs on our heads, and is never surprised by anything about us  He knows everything about us and wants us to know Him deeply too  When life throws us a curveball, we can take comfort in the fact that God is faithful, loves us, and will finish the work He started in us  But how can one place their trust in someone they do not know well  It is essential to develop a sincere and profound desire to know who God is.

     

    We come across a rich tapestry of God’s nature in the Scriptures, which is expressed through numerous meaningful names and titles  He is eternal, an everlasting presence who exists beyond time itself  As Elohim, He is our Creator, the source of all that is seen and unseen  He refers to Himself as the great “I AM,” a declaration of His supreme authority and existence  El Roi is the God who sees us, and is always aware of our joys and struggles  Yahweh Nissi is the One who valiantly fights our battles, and grants us victory  Yahweh Rapha, our Healer, compassionately restores our brokenness, both physically and spiritually.

     

    Each name represents a different aspect of His divine nature and shows the many ways He seeks to engage with us  El Shaddai, which means God Almighty, signifies His absolute power over creation and His ability to fulfill His promises and provide for all our needs  Yahweh Jireh signifies God as our provider, promising to meet us in our moments of want  We also know Him as Yahweh Adonai, our Lord and Master, reminding us of His sovereignty and guidance.

     

    In Jesus, we see these attributes brought to life in human form  He exemplifies mercy, extending forgiveness with open arms  He is full of grace, radiating gentleness and kindness  In His faithfulness, joy, and goodness, we find a reflection of unparalleled patience and complete control over every situation  Jesus embodies trustworthiness, omniscience, omnipotence, sovereignty, and deep compassion  He is slow to anger, overflowing with love that knows no bounds.

     

    I invite you, beloved, to embark on a journey of discovery with the God who loves each of us immeasurably, even in our sinfulness and brokenness  Surrender your heart, invite Him to dwell within you, and immerse yourself in His Word  As you read, ask Him to reveal His true self to you. I promise you, you will not be disappointed  Begin your journey by asking Him a question  Ask the Lord how you can apply what you have just read, then be silent as you wait to hear from Him  He will answer you if you are willing to wait  Then ask another question and another and before you know it you are having a conversation with Him. Is it easy? No. Your mind tends to wander about your day or what you will eat for lunch as you begin. It does take practice, but you will not be disappointed. The Lord, the God of Heaven and earth, is waiting to hear from His much-loved and favorite person—you.

     

    Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light, Matthew 11:28-30

     

    Prayer

    Father, we thank You for the abundant love You continually shower us  Help us draw nearer to You, cultivating a profound desire to know You for who You truly are, rather than simply accepting the perceptions of others  We are grateful for Your grace and forgiveness, recognizing that while we were yet sinners, Lord Jesus, You chose to lay down Your life for us  May we wholeheartedly accept Your invitation to sit at Your table, seeking to understand the God who decided not to dwell in Heaven without us, the One who willingly left the ninety-nine to pursue the One lost soul  We love You dearly, in Jesus’ name, amen.

     

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV  Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

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  • Trials And Suffering Can Distort Our Perception Of God If We Allow It.

    Trials And Suffering Can Distort Our Perception Of God If We Allow It.

    How do you perceive God when you encounter challenges and suffering?

    Trials, tribulations, and suffering can profoundly affect how we view God. These challenging experiences often create a lens through which we see the divine, sometimes enhancing our understanding and other times impairing it. Today, I read a heartfelt reflection by Elie Wiesel from his book “Night,” in which he poignantly shares his experiences during the Holocaust. His words are a powerful reminder of the difficulties many people go through and the profound effects those hardships can have on our spiritual journey.

    Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under the silent sky. Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes. (p. 68)

    As I read these words, I began to cry. Eli’s image of God became hazy, distorted by his situation. I knew what Eli was experiencing. Though I haven’t endured the horror he went through, I was no stranger to pain and suffering.

    My view of God had been impacted by the anguish of losing my father 25 years ago and my struggle to see God’s healing. I viewed Him as a distant and unloving, and I responded with anger, choosing to ignore His existence. Exhausted from my struggles, I boldly cried out to God one day, asking Him to reveal Himself to me. Even though I didn’t see Him or witness any miraculous signs, I discovered a side of God I had never known before as I surrendered and immersed myself in His Word.

    We often develop a distorted view of God when trials and suffering occur. We may perceive Him as non-existent, unloving, distant, and unkind. However, when we truly know Who God is through His Word, we can face our trials with confidence, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us. Even when we are unfaithful, God remains steadfast and unchanging. He is eternal, merciful, loving, truthful, kind, forgiving, and sovereign. In order to save, redeem, and restore us, He took on human form because He loved us so deeply. Through Jesus—Immanuel, God with us—God made Himself known.

    Beloved, trials and suffering will come as we walk in this fallen world, but let us focus on Jesus and view God through His Word, not our circumstances. We should seek Him out and ask for His wisdom in our circumstances. Spend time talking with Him. Ask God what’s going on. What should you do in this situation? Learn to trust Him. God has a plan, and you have a choice as to how you will respond. Believe that He will work things out for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). And never forget that God loves you. Everything changes when we know that He loves us.

     

    Prayer

    Father, I thank You for Your unwavering love. You have always been there for me, and I am grateful You never gave up on me. I trust that You will continue to reveal Yourself to me and to all who seek You through Your Word. Help us to steadfastly keep our focus on You, no matter our circumstances. I will treasure Your Word in my heart to avoid sinning against You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Wiesel, E. (1960/2006). Night. New York: Hill and Wang.

     

     

     

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  • Nurturing Spiritual Growth by Beholding and Becoming Like Jesus

    Nurturing Spiritual Growth by Beholding and Becoming Like Jesus

    “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you;
    my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.”  Psalm 63:1 – 8 NLT

     

    How can we truly understand God if we don’t first get to know Him?

    On our spiritual journey, prayer and fasting serve as powerful methods to remove distractions and deepen our connection with Jesus Christ. On January 5th, Pastor Dominick Cotignola from Next City Church Assembly of God and his staff inspired our congregation to embark on a transformative 21-day fast. Through this commitment, we surrendered ourselves to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to bring us closer to Jesus. As we focused our hearts on His presence, we sought to become more like Him.

    Despite the challenges, we uplift each other daily and gather every Wednesday via Zoom to read the Word, uncovering strength in our weakness, for in Him, we discover true power.

    David’s life serves as a great illustration of this. He wrote Psalm 63 during a turbulent time while wandering the desert of Judah. Rather than letting the severity of his situation consume his thoughts, David deliberately focused his attention on the Lord, recognizing Him as the only one who is perfect and completely reliable. This purposeful redirection emphasizes an essential truth: David recognized that although his problems, feelings, and surroundings were temporary, God’s presence, love, and ability to deliver him were eternal.

    Focusing on God instead of our problems is important because it helps us look beyond temporary feelings and situations. Meditating on who God is helps us to see things more clearly and shifts our perspective from despair to hope. Scripture provides us with timeless truths and promises, reminding us what God can do and how much He wants to have a relationship with us. By focusing on prayer and scripture, we build a foundation of faith that strengthens us during challenging times.

    There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of different challenges. In one instance, when faced with uncertainty regarding a significant decision, I turned to Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to present our requests to God and assures us that His peace will protect our hearts. As I prayed about this passage, I felt a divine calm wash over me, shifting my attention from fear and doubt to trusting God’s plan. This experience illustrated the transformative power of God’s Word in redirecting my thoughts to His promises.

    David poignantly states how God’s love is fundamental to our identity and worth when he says, “Your unfailing love is better than life itself” (Psalm 63:3). Understanding that God’s love is unconditional. His abundant grace allows us to trust Him, especially during prayer and fasting. This realization deepens our worship, transforming it from something we feel we have to do into a heartfelt response of His goodness and mercy.

    David encourages us to meditate on the Lord and contemplate His nature. Reading scripture, reflecting on its contents, and allowing it to transform our thoughts are all part of the biblical concept of meditation. It’s important to set aside quiet time in the day not only to read and think about God’s Word but also to listen to God’s voice. He’s always speaking to us, but if we’re too busy talking, we’re not listening. Reading a passage, praying, and listening to God’s voice will help to draw us closer to the Lord and help us understand His truths more clearly; it will strengthen our love for Him.

    Meditating on scripture serves as a guide to help us focus on God’s nature and directives. When we engage deeply in the Word, we anchor our thoughts in truth and stay guarded against the distractions of life. This regular practice cultivates a heart posture that is aligned with God’s will.

    As we reflect on Psalms 63:1-8, let’s look for practical ways to include the Bible in our prayer times during this year’s fast. This could involve choosing specific passages to meditate on daily, creating a prayer journal with scripture to guide our requests, or memorizing verses as part of our fasting discipline.

    IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS:

    1. The Word of God should be our primary filter for processing thoughts and guiding our understanding of life’s complexities.
    2. To align with God’s purposes, we must know His Word intimately.
    3. The Word reveals the ultimate truth; anything contrary to it should not enter our minds or hearts.
    4. The Word showcases God’s perfect character, which is vital for understanding Him correctly.
    5. Knowing the Word is fundamentally linked to recognizing our identities as children of God.
    6. Engaging with Scripture daily empowers us to live out our faith actively and effectively.
    7. Stay connected with the body of Christ. We are not meant to be alone; One body and many parts.

    Engaging in these practices can deepen our relationship with the Lord and ensure our hearts and minds remain steadfast and focused on Him.

    Several scriptures have helped me maintain my focus on God. Here are some verses you can meditate on:

    • Romans 8:28
    • Jeremiah 29:11
    • Joshua 1:8
    • Isaiah 26:3

     

    Prayer

    Father, thank You for Your unwavering love. Your strength lifts me up, especially in my moments of weakness. Your Word and promises are my foundation; while heaven and earth may fade, Your Word remains eternal. It is true, alive, and a guiding light along my path, sustaining me when I can no longer run. May I always keep Your words in my heart to avoid sinning against You. Yet, even in my failures, Your loving hands reach out to lift me and guide me home. You left the 99 to bring me back. Blessed are You, Lord God, the everlasting One, who is, was, and is to come. In Jesus name, Amen.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Choosing Joy in the Midst of Trials

    Choosing Joy in the Midst of Trials

    Are you genuinely experiencing joy when confronted with trials, whether small inconveniences or significant life events? Do you believe that even amid the most trying hardships, God can bring joy into your heart?

     

    Reflecting on my life, I realize I was far from welcoming trials. Instead, I was consumed by anger, frustration, and a deep resentment toward my circumstances. Not until I embraced a renewed relationship with the Lord did I begin to delve into the teachings of the Book of James.

     

    James 1:2 provides powerful guidance: “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (Christian Standard Version)

     

    This verse reveals a profound revelation: choosing joy is not only a passive response; it is a conscious decision we can make even amid hardship. Our attitude toward these trials is crucial in determining whether we believe it is possible to experience joy in turbulent times. If we give in to feelings of anger, bitterness, or jealousy toward those who appear to be trouble-free, we risk missing out on the deep joy that God offers us amid our storms.

     

    When my father passed away, I was initially overcome with sorrow. My mind was cluttered with grief and the painful knowledge that I would never see him again. I found it difficult to change my focus from my loss to an eternal perspective—that my father, at that moment, was with God, experiencing healing. He had been restored, free from the pain that had once tormented him. Sadly, I couldn’t see the wider picture. My choice not to rejoice in God’s goodness limited my experience of His grace.

     

    It wasn’t until I went through a difficult situation at work that I noticed God’s presence in the middle of the chaos. My pastors helped me to realize that my troubles were just distractions, not defining moments. Despite my circumstances and the negativity I had experienced, God remained steadfast and watched over me. This insight was liberating; it filled my heart with joy—God was actively working in and for me rather than against me. I gradually realized that the trials I faced were more than obstacles; they were growth opportunities, designed to teach me to rely on Him rather than on my own strength.

     

    As I began to develop endurance—the ability to persevere without giving in to despair, endure suffering without losing hope, and face opposition without becoming overwhelmed—I discovered a remarkable truth: the joy found in adversity is rooted in the assurance that God is at work in us, shaping us into the image of Jesus. We mature spiritually by exercising our faith and trust in God through various trials, allowing us to serve others who find themselves in similar situations.

    When we abide in Christ, we gain confidence because we know we are not alone in our trials. We not only learn to bear fruit in our lives but also equip ourselves to face any challenges that may come up. God’s presence envelops us through every storm and fire we face, ensuring us that we will come out of them changed and renewed, steadfast in faith and full of the joy He offers.

     

    Is this just a one-time experience? Unfortunately, it isn’t. Along the way, we will face many trials and challenges, all of which will test our resilience and character. But despite these difficulties, we have the empowering choice to embrace a spirit of joy and thankfulness, regardless of our circumstances.

     

    This transformation does not happen suddenly; it is a gradual process that occurs every day. While we may struggle, we can find comfort in the promise that God is always with us. He is by our side, ready to fight for and comfort us in our struggles. Furthermore, we can be confident that He will see us through to the completion of the work He has begun within each of us. This assurance is a source of hope and motivation, guiding us through life’s unpredictable journey.

     

    The Psalms beautifully depict the Lord as Yahweh Nissi, a powerful protector and warrior who faithfully defends those with unwavering faith in Him. His presence serves as a shield, offering safety and strength to all who seek His divine guidance and protection.

    1. Psalm 1: God invites us to discover how to live a truly happy life, regardless of our current situation.
    2. Psalm 31: God is our rock, fortress, and redeemer.
    3. Psalm 61: God provides us with security and hears our cries in times of trouble.
    4. Psalm 91: The key to our safety is to remain in Jesus.
    5. Psalm 121: The Lord never sleeps or turns away from us, and He is always present for those who trust Him.

    Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness, for never leaving or forsaking me, even in my moments of failure. Father, I appreciate the reminder to choose joy in every situation and to trust in You and Your Word. I am assured that You will complete the work You began in me. In Jesus’s name, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017

     

     

     

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  • The Best Is Yet To Come

    The Best Is Yet To Come

    Happy New Year, friends and family!

    As we reflect on 2024, it’s easy to focus on the challenges we’ve faced. However, let’s take a moment to celebrate the good things in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. We have food to nourish us, a cozy place to call home, and the gift of health—our hearts are still beating, and we are here!

    We also carry the incredible strength of the Lion of Judah within us. He loves us deeply and has made the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us and restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

    The Lord is our steadfast protector, always by our side. As we look ahead to 2025, let’s welcome it with open hearts and excitement for all the wonderful plans our Lord Jesus has in store for us. Remember to trust in God’s amazing plans—for the best is yet to come!

    Wishing you all a happy New Year filled with love, peace, joy, and prosperity!

    Thank You, Lord, for all Your blessings! I look forward to entering this year knowing that no matter what storms I may face, You are with me and will never leave me nor forsake me. I love You, Lord Jesus!

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  • A Message of Hope

    A Message of Hope

    In His infinite wisdom, God chose the smallest and most insignificant town, Bethlehem, for the birth of His Only Son. This choice serves as an example of how God does not define us according to worldly standards. He sees beyond who we are now to who we are destined to be. Each of His disciples and individuals throughout the Old and New Testaments was called not for who they were but for their incredible potential.

    The Book of Matthew presents the genealogy of Jesus through His adoptive father, Joseph, revealing people with significant flaws. Abraham lied out of fear, Jacob was a deceiver until God transformed him into Israel, and Judah, who faltered in his actions, still played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites. Rahab, a prostitute, and Ruth, a Gentile of Moabite descent, both contributed to God’s redemptive story. Though he sinned, King David had a heart after God, while his son Solomon, the wisest of men, succumbed to idolatry. Yet, through this flawed lineage, we witness that God uses imperfect people for His perfect plan, demonstrating His boundless grace. He redeems our past failures to bring forth His future purpose.

    In the New Testament, Jesus saw Simon, a flawed fisherman, and recognized his potential as Peter, the rock, who would become the leader of the early church. Likewise, God sees beyond our past deeds and envisions our future in Him. He does not choose the qualified; instead, He qualifies those He calls. If you feel invisible, forgotten, or unworthy, remember that Jesus knows you as you are now and who you will become.

    The Apostle Paul reminded us to consider our calling in Christ Jesus, who represents wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Back then, like now, people want to impress others with their wealth, status, or knowledge. Well, God brought His message of salvation to ordinary sinners. He chose people who were considered to be unimportant, like fishermen, a prostitute, or a tax collector, to share His message.  Individuals who were despised by those who were in position of authority or high society to share His message. That way, no one could boast as to who they were. If we are to boast, then we should boast about God because everything we need and have come from Him. (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

    Beloved, do you believe this truth? Will you take a step of faith today and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  Remember, God is in the business of restoring lives and transforming us into something extraordinary. Let Him lead you, and your life will be forever changed. I can affirm this is true because I was once lost, and He left the ninety-nine to find me.

     

    Prayer:

    Lord, help me to see what You see—chosen, beloved, unique, and loved—beyond what the world perceives or who I see in the mirror. Thank You, Lord, for Your restoration and forgiveness. Thank You for loving us so deeply that You chose to come down from heaven and sacrifice Yourself for us, granting us eternity with You. Help me, Lord, to remember this Christmas season and every day that being part of Your family is more important than any dinner invitation or gift, for You, Lord, are the reason for the season. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Gonzalez, S. (2024). Light In The Darkness. [Photograph].

     

     

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  • A Grateful Heart Opens The Door To Abundance

    A Grateful Heart Opens The Door To Abundance

    In every situation [no matter what the circumstances], be thankful and continually give thanks to God, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Amplified Bible

     

    What does it mean to have a grateful heart?

    Thanksgiving was always my father’s favorite holiday. Every year, my mother would make our family’s favorite meals, and we would gather around the table to thank the Lord for His blessings. As a child and even into my early adulthood, I struggled to understand the true meaning of Thanksgiving. That all changed during one memorable Thanksgiving Day when the Lord blessed me with my first child while we were preparing the holiday meal. She was supposed to arrive on December 13th, but the Lord had other plans.

    About five months before her birth, my parents retired and returned to their native country, the Dominican Republic. Of course, they planned to return to the US in December for the baby’s birth. At that time, my husband and I lived in Washington, DC, and we decided to spend the Thanksgiving break with my in-laws in New York. Since I was so close to my due date, my doctor advised me against traveling back home. So, we decided to stay in New York with my husband’s family.

    On Thanksgiving Day, while the family was busy preparing the meal, I started to have minor contractions, but I thought they were just false alarms and continued helping with the cooking. But when the meal was ready, and everyone gathered around the table, my contractions grew stronger, and my water broke. In that moment, time seemed to stop. Amidst the flurry of chaos, as my family rushed to get me to the hospital, I found myself praying, “Lord, if you’re letting my baby come early, please protect her and the both of us.”

    Looking back today, the dash to the hospital seemed rather funny. My in-laws lived on the 14th floor, and the elevator was out of service that day. So, my husband and his family decided to help me walk down all 14 flights, stopping on each floor so I could catch my breath and stop screaming. All I could think was, Please, Lord, take care of my baby. Don’t let anything happen to her.” In the meantime, my mother, who was not a believer, was attending a Christian retreat with a friend, and there was no means of reaching her.

    Long story short, I gave birth to my baby just 15 minutes after I got to the hospital. The doctor told us that she was a little premature and would need to be put in an incubator for observation. It broke my heart to hear that news, but I cried out to the Lord and thanked Him first for the incredible Thanksgiving gift of my daughter. I also thanked Him for protecting us, trusting He would work everything out for our good. I was devastated that I had to leave my daughter in the hospital, but giving my worries to the Lord and thanking Him amid such pain gave me a peace I had never known before. I kissed my baby goodbye and gently whispered, “Mommy will return tonight to take you home. The Lord is with you and will bring you back to me.”

    After spending a few hours with my in-laws, I returned to the hospital to pick up my daughter. Despite the doctor’s advice, I believed in my heart that the Lord would allow me to bring my baby home, even while my family thought I was crazy. Once again, the Lord showed up and exceeded our expectations, making it possible for me to bring her home that night.

    Remarkably, the birth of my daughter also marked a turning point in my mother’s life, for she accepted Jesus into her heart that same night.  So, for the past forty-two years, we have gathered together every Thanksgiving to celebrate the gift the Lord gave us on that special day.

    How can we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness in the midst of grief, chaos, and difficult circumstances? A passage that speaks to me in trying times is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, “In every situation [no matter the circumstances], be thankful and continually give thanks to God, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

    My pastors explained that the true meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is that gratitude is about developing an attitude of thankfulness, even in the face of adversity. By adopting an attitude of gratitude, we can change our viewpoint, enabling us to recognize the small blessings that still shine through in the face of hardship. We need to focus on being grateful for the small things God does for us every day. Isolation and depression often creep in when we overlook the good in our lives. By actively choosing to be thankful, we can change our focus away from discouragement. This way of thinking improves our mood and general well-being by reminding us that there is always something to be grateful for.

    This Thanksgiving, let’s make a commitment to practice gratitude and recognize how it can change our lives despite our current situation. Being grateful shouldn’t just be a passing emotion but a habit that changes how we see the world.

    How can we develop an attitude of gratitude? Here are some steps that have motivated me on my journey:

    1. Make a Gratitude List: Start by thinking about things that make you happy in life. Write down three to five things you genuinely appreciate, like having a warm cup of coffee, family warmth, a stable job, or supportive relationships in your life. Be honest and detailed. What little things made you smile today?
    2. Find Your Visibility Spot: Put your list in a location where you can constantly see it, such as next to your bed or on the mirror in your bathroom. Every day should begin and end with a reminder of the good things in your life. One of my favorite strategies is to write down in a journal, or Post-it notes the things God has done for me, along with a passage from the Bible that encourages me.
    3. Express Your Gratitude: Practice gratitude by saying it out loud. Saying “thank you” to the Lord as soon as you wake up is a beautiful way to reinforce those positive feelings. Speaking these words engages your senses and allows you to internalize your appreciation deeply. Can you recall a time when God showed up and exceeded your expectations?
    4. Train Your Brain: Remember that you can change the way you think. By continuously focusing on the positives, you can train your mind to see and appreciate the good, even during difficult times. Turn your attention from what you don’t have to what you do have. This is something I understood when I had to leave my baby at the hospital. Are you giving thanks to the Lord in every situation, even when you can’t see any changes right now?
    5. Be Honest with the Lord: Acknowledge your struggles. Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to feel that way sometimes. Focusing on gratitude can strengthen your faith and resilience, which can help you get through hard times with a positive attitude. Ask the Lord to help you keep your eyes on Him despite the storm you are currently going through.
    6. Express Your Thanks to the Lord: Take a moment to express your gratitude—not just to yourself, but outwardly as well. Sometimes, we focus more on the negative rather than the good things God has done for us. Being genuinely grateful is more than just thanking God for our blessings and expressing our needs and concerns; it is a deeper connection to the grace in our lives. It’s about maintaining a grateful heart, even when things are hard (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Being thankful changes how you see the world and helps you recognize small blessings amid hardship. Acknowledging what we have rather than fixating on what we lack fosters more profound satisfaction and a more fulfilling life.

    By making these habits a part of our daily routine, we can develop a powerful attitude of gratitude that makes our lives better, even when things are hard. The Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances. As followers of Jesus, expressing gratitude for all God has done for us should be a fundamental quality of our character. This kind of gracious attitude sets us apart in our surroundings and also serves as a powerful example of Christ’s love.

     

    Prayer

    Dear heavenly Father, in moments of temptation to complain about my situation, help me focus on You and remain thankful for Your unwavering faithfulness. As I pray with gratitude, I believe that You will pave the way for me. I am committed to surrendering my plans to You and opening my heart for Your guidance and strength, regardless of the circumstances. I trust that You will care for me and my family and bless all that concerns me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible: The Amplified Bible. 1987. 2015. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

     

     

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  • Deja que te atrape (Let Him Catch You)

    Deja que te atrape (Let Him Catch You)

     

    Y sé que el Señor continuará rescatándome

    de cada tropiezo, trampa, lazo y escollo del mal

    y me llevará a salvo a Su reino celestial.

    Que Él sea glorificado por toda la eternidad. Amén. 2 Timoteo 4:18 La Voz

                ¿Alguna vez has ido al circo a ver un acto de trapecio? Es una de las actuaciones más aterradoras. Siempre me ha asombrado y aterrorizado ver el acto aéreo. Mientras un trapecista vuela, el otro atrapa. Siempre me he preguntado por qué este acto fue tan exitoso.

     

    El secreto es que se supone que el volador solo debe volar, confiando en que el receptor lo atrapará y evitará que se caiga. La responsabilidad del receptor es solo atrapar al volante. Todo el trabajo lo hace él. La tarea del volante es extender los brazos y esperar a que el receptor lo agarre antes de que caiga.

    Lo interesante es que si el lanzador trata de agarrarse al cuerpo del receptor de alguna forma, ambos caen. Por lo tanto, el volador debe tener plena confianza en su receptor para que el acto sea seguro y exitoso.

    Lo mismo es cierto en nuestra vida cristiana. Dios es el receptor en el gran trapecio de la salvación. Somos simplemente los volantes. Debemos confiar en Dios. Podemos confiar en la capacidad de Dios para atraparnos, así como en Su fidelidad y la verdad de Su Palabra.     Mientras lo hacemos, sucede algo extraordinario: volamos. Dios nunca ha dejado caer a ninguno de nosotros. Al contrario, Sus brazos siempre están abiertos para sostenernos y rescatarnos de cualquier situación.

    En 2 Timoteo 4:18, vemos la confianza de Pablo en que el Señor no le fallaría a pesar de sus circunstancias. Y sé que el Señor continuará rescatándome de cada tropiezo, trampa, lazo y escollo del mal y me llevará a salvo a Su reino celestial. Que Él sea glorificado por toda la eternidad. Amén. 2 Timoteo 4:18 La Voz

    Amigos, no sé si están pasando por alguna dificultad en este momento, o si saben de alguien que lo esté, pero permítanme alentarlos diciendo que me he encontrado en muchas situaciones difíciles, pero he aprendido a poner mi confiar en Aquel que nunca me dejará caer. Él nos atrapará, nos librará, nos protegerá y nos devolverá a salvo a nuestros hogares. Dios es nuestra fuerza y nuestra guía. Él es Aquel que se preocupa por nuestras preocupaciones, miedos e inquietudes y nos ve a ti y a mí cuando caemos.

    Así que hagamos lo que estamos llamados a hacer y dejemos el resto en manos de Dios. ¿Estás listo para volar sabiendo que Sus brazos están allí para atraparnos y llevarnos?

    Padre, gracias por estar siempre a mi lado, listo para agarrarme cuando me caigo y traerme a casa a salvo. Ayúdame a recordar siempre que aunque mi montaña parezca inamovible, Tú eres más importante que cualquier montaña. Por eso, en el nombre de Jesús, te alabo y te doy toda la gloria. Amén.

    Referencia:

    The translation is done by Jesus Manuel Perez (Writer & Editor)

    La Biblia de la Voz Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. Traducción

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  • Let Him Catch You!

    Let Him Catch You!

    “And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom. May He be glorified throughout eternity. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 VOICE

     

    Have you ever gone to the circus to watch a trapeze act?

    It is one of the scariest performances. I’ve always been both amazed and terrified watching the aerial act. While one trapeze performer does the flying, the other does the catching. I’ve always wondered as to why this act was so successful.

    The secret is that the flyer is only supposed to fly, trusting that the catcher will catch and prevent him from falling. The catcher’s responsibility is only to catch the flyer. He does all the work. The flyer’s task is to extend his arms and wait for the catcher to grab him before he falls.

    Interestingly, if the flyer tries to hold on to the catcher’s body in any way, they both fall. Therefore, the flyer must have complete trust in his catcher for the act to be safe and successful.

     

    The same is true in our Christian life. God is the catcher in the grand trapeze of salvation. We are merely the flyers. We must trust God. We can rely on God’s ability to catch us, as well as on His faithfulness and the truth of His Word. As we do, something remarkable happens—we fly. God has never dropped any of us. On the contrary, His arms are always open to hold and rescue us from any situation.

    In 2 Timothy 4:18, we see Paul’s confidence that the Lord would not fail him regardless of his circumstances. “And I know the Lord will continue to rescue me from every trip, trap, snare, and pitfall of evil and carry me safely to His heavenly kingdom. May He be glorified throughout eternity. Amen.” (VOICE)

    Friends, I don’t know if you are going through any hardships right now or if you know of someone who is, but let me encourage you by saying that I have found myself in many difficult situations, but I have learned to place my trust in the One who will never let me fall. He will catch, deliver, protect, and safely return us to our homes. God is our strength and our guidance. He is the One who cares for our worries, fears, and concerns and sees you and me when we fall.

    So, let us do what we are called to do and leave the rest in God’s hands. Are you ready to fly, knowing His arms are there to catch and carry us through?

    Father, thank You for always being by my side, ready to catch me when I fall and bring me home safely. Help me remember that although my mountain may appear unmovable, You are more significant than mine. Therefore, in Jesus’ name, I praise You and give You all the glory. Amen.

     

    Reference

    The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society

     

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  • On a Road Trip With The Lord

    On a Road Trip With The Lord

    Have you ever taken a road trip with family or friends? My family and I thoroughly enjoy taking road trips. One particular trip sticks out in my memory. In April, I went to see the play Daniel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My daughter, her husband, and two of my grandchildren were with me. At first, everything was going smoothly. The children were settled in the back seats with their iPads, engrossed in their games. But, after two hours on the road, restlessness set in, and they began to protest by pestering my daughter with questions like “Are we there yet?” and “What is taking so long?” Their frustration was so great that they decided the trip was boring and unenjoyable.

    They even had second thoughts about attending the show. Seeing their growing annoyance, my son-in-law, who was driving, felt discouraged and unappreciated. He complained to my daughter about how frustrated he was, wondering why they were even going, and thought about going back home. Seeing that he was upset, my daughter gently put her hands on his hand and reassured him that she would handle the problem. She whispered to him how important it would be once they arrived at their destination.  She then turned to face the children and spoke to them with love and understanding. She told them that if they listened and behaved, they were going to have an incredible journey. But they needed to trust them and stay calm until they arrived at their destination, and they would have the most amazing day. Even though they were eager to reach their destination, they stopped complaining and settled down.

    This anecdote should serve as a powerful reminder to Christians. At times, God guides us down paths we may not initially embrace. In response, we may find ourselves complaining and whining, forgetting that God—not us—is the ultimate driver. Like my son-in-law, God the Father may feel underappreciated when He leads us down paths we don’t want to go. Or, like the kids, we may be excited at first, but impatience and complaints may surface as time goes on and there’s no obvious destination in sight.

    Like a devoted parent, Jesus intervenes on our behalf before the Father, lovingly reminding Him, “It’s okay. I died for them. They are mine. I’ve got this.” This image beautifully illustrates what Jesus has done for every one of us. He took our place on the cross and died for all our sins. Now, He sits at the Father’s right hand, advocating for each of us.

    I recall the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years. The Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments as guidelines to follow. But like kids on a road trip, while Moses was on the mountain receiving the commandments from God, the Israelites were growing restless, doubtful, and complaining about the manna God provided and their difficult life in the wilderness.

    They chose to completely forget the harsh and painful period they endured in Egypt as slaves and built a calf made out of gold and began to worship it. Like children, they were ungrateful and forgot all that God had delivered them from.  All they wanted to do was to gratify the desires of their flesh. They were not satisfied with what God was doing; they wanted more, and they wanted it on their terms.

    Friends, are we not like children or even like the Israelites? Do we not behave similarly? Do we not easily forget God’s past blessings and instead complain about the challenges we are facing? Thankfully, God does not treat us as we deserve. He is a loving and patient Father. In the same way, that a loving parent corrects their child, God corrects His children in order to lead them back to the right path. (Hebrews 12:6-11) Even when we stray, God is always there to guide and help us. (Proverbs 3:5-6) He always wants to bring us back into a loving relationship with Him. We need to trust in God’s plan, even when the path seems challenging. Look beyond your struggles and focus on Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide you. Remind yourself that nothing happens by accident, and you are not alone. God still sits on the throne, and everything is under His control.

     Here are some words to nourish your soul:

    • How can you and I continue to abide in God’s presence and His Word when things are not going as planned?
    • What life lessons can we learn from the Israelites and even ourselves during our road trip or journey through life?
    • What life lessons can we learn from Moses if we want to see God face-to-face and reach our final destination?
    • What lessons can we learn about waiting on God, not our strength and understanding?

     

    Prayer

    Almighty and merciful Father, who is holy, kind, and overflowing with love, I thank You for the powerful reminder that we must strive to remain holy, just as You are holy, for Your glory. I ask for the strength to abide in You alone, turning away from the fleeting offerings of this world. I believe that Your Word, faithfulness, and kindness endure, and I am determined to fix my eyes on You, seeing myself as a finished product through Your eyes. I trust that despite my shortcomings, You have called and equipped me for Your purpose. May Your light guide me like a lamp in the darkness and a pillar of fire at night. I am confident that Your presence will lead me while I run my race. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

     

    Reference:

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

     

     

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  • The God Who Sees Me:  El Roi (ל רֳאִי,)

    The God Who Sees Me:  El Roi (ל רֳאִי,)

    So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El Roi,” for she said, “In this place, have I seen the one who sees me?” Genesis 16:13-14 Christian Standard Bible

     

    Has there ever been a time you felt unnoticed, forsaken, misunderstood, angry, hurt, or betrayed? Or perhaps the pain is so severe that you begin to wonder if the Lord is aware of your pain. Have you ever prayed a prayer similar to this one during a trial: “Lord, where are You? I don’t understand why You’re allowing me to go through this pain. Does this sound familiar? I’ve said this prayer many times.

    I was falsely accused in 2018 of doing something I did not do at work. However, my emotions ruled over me, and I could not find a way out of a hopeless situation. Like Hagar, my initial reaction was to run and hide someplace where I wouldn’t be seen. But that wasn’t His plan for me. He was trying to turn my disaster into His message. I was able to abide in Him and rely on Him as my anchor because of this trial. It was during this storm that He called me to write what He has done in my life so that others can find encouragement. I thank God for all my brothers and sisters who helped me get through it.

    Genesis 16 tells the story of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. These are two women who were in constant rivalry. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the story. Sarai was unable to have children, so she thought she would give God a helping hand. Without giving any thought or prayer, she gave her handmaiden, Hagar, to her husband to take as his wife and bear him a child.

    Abram accepted his wife’s request without first seeking God. In ancient times, it was not uncommon for women to give their handmaids to their husbands as surrogate mothers who would carry the baby; this child would then become Sarai’s child to raise.

    Unfortunately, Hagar’s attitude toward her mistress changed—and not in a good way—as soon as Abram slept with her and became pregnant with Abram’s child. As a result, Hagar and Sarai were constantly at odds. That is what happens when we try to help God, believing He can’t or won’t handle the situation. Unfortunately, things never work out well when people try to help God.

    The scripture tells us that Abram was later praised for his unwavering faith and deep friendship with the Lord. Then you might ask, “Why did Abram agree to sleep with Sarai’s maid? Did Abram understand who God was? He was Elohim, the God of the universe, and nothing is impossible for Him. But like Sarai, we tend to give God a helping hand. Oh, sisters, how wrong we are. God doesn’t need our help to bring order out of chaos. That’s what He did in the beginning—in creation.

    So, it is in Genesis 18 that we see Hagar’s story unfold. After being mistreated by Sarai, Hagar chose to run away. “The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Gen. 16:17)

    These were two profound questions. It reminds us of the time when Adam and Eve tried to hide from God after having sinned. Here’s the exciting part: God was well aware of what was happening with Adam and Hagar. When she finally replied to the Angel, she said,

    I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai. The angel of the Lord said to her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her authority. The angel of the Lord said, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too much to count. The angel of the Lord spoke to her, ‘You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your cry of affliction. This man will be like a wild donkey. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hands will be against him; he will settle near all his relatives. So she named the Lord who spoke to me. You are EL Roi, for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me? Genesis 16: 8 – 13.

    Can you imagine returning to the place where she was mistreated and not seen? That’s hard. When my lawyer told me to return to the location where I spent nine months being humiliated and on the verge of being destroyed, I wanted to run and quit.  I did not want to go back to that place.  Let me tell you, friends, it was tough. But I made the choice to be faithful to God and let Him direct my path.

    Let’s return to Hagar’s conversation with the Angel of the Lord. The angel of the Lord said, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.”  Of course, Hagar, like many of us, didn’t want to return to her mistress. She discovered then and there that even when we don’t feel Him, God is still there to see us in the lowest moments in our lives. He not only sees us, but He also is aware of our pain and sorrows. He had not only heard Hagar but Also spoken to her. She called Him “El Roi, The God who sees me. The Hebrew word “Ro’iy” means shepherd, or seeing or looking just as He was watching over her, just as He is watching over us today.

    Psalm 56:8 says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”  El Roi is the God who sees each of us individually. We can rest knowing that El Roi, our Almighty God, sees us. Even though He sits outside gravity and time, He transcends time and space to see every hurt, pain, betrayal, tear, anger, etc. El Roi saw Hagar. He saw her pain and heartbreak. When He saw Hagar, He didn’t promise a simple solution to all her problems. Why? Because El Roi was able to see the broader picture. God is Omnipresent and Omniscient. He knew the role that Hagar’s child would play in the future.

    But why did the angel ask Hagar, “Where have you come from? Where are you going?” If God saw Hagar, He knew the answer. He did the same to Elijah when Jezebel persecuted him and went to hide in a cave, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (See 1Kings 19:9 CSB) Sometimes, asking ourselves questions can help us determine how we arrived at our situation. God can help us identify how we got to our places of disappointment, discouragement, and heartbreak.

    Sometimes, God uses questions to effectively help us identify the root of the problem and confidently guides us, through the Holy Spirit, to gain a better understanding of our situation. Only then can we draw valuable lessons from it and address it as a child of God should.

     I wonder whether you can relate to Hagar at all. Indeed, I can. When I am in a difficult season, I turn to prayer rather than trying to solve the problem on my own. God sent Hagar back to her situation and promised her that blessings would follow. He heard her cry of distress, and although her circumstances may not have changed, her hope did.

    Friends, I love how God uses the flaws of biblical characters to teach us, mold us, and reveal Himself to us—especially in those areas that we need to get rid of so God can continue the work He set us apart to do.

    Beloved, God sees our pain and sorrows, just like Hagar. He knows when we cry uncontrollably and aren’t even sure why we are sad or angry. God sees you and me in the same way that He saw Hagar. He met Hagar in her place of despair. We may not see any change in our situation; rest assured, El Roi sees you and me. God cares about the same things that we do.

    We are never alone because El Roi is the God who sees you and me.

     

    El Roi, thank You for seeing me even when I can’t see You. You know, every tear I cry, every pain, every worry and uncertainty, what makes me sad or brings me joy? I praise You because I’m not just one in a million; You love me and see me as an individual. Please help me keep my eyes on you constantly. And remember that You, El Roi, will never leave me alone. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Embrace Being different

    Embrace Being different

    When I watched the first season of The Chosen on television, one of the most profound things I heard was, “Get used to different.” This season, some disciples were astonished when Jesus approached Matthew, the tax collector, and asked him to follow Him. They couldn’t understand why Jesus would call a tax collector who had betrayed his kind to serve the Romans. Jesus lovingly told them, “Get used to being different.” When I heard those words, the Lord reminded me that He doesn’t see what other people see; He sees what He created us to be.

    Throughout the scriptures, we witness God choosing the unqualified and transforming them into qualified individuals. He chose a stutterer, Moses, to speak on His behalf; an infertile woman named Sarah was chosen to become the mother of a nation; a seemingly weak individual, Gideon, was chosen to defend Him; a forgettable young son, David, who became the most unforgettable king to His people; Mary, an unknown girl, was chosen to be the mother of His son; and Paul, a persecutor, was chosen to spread the gospel to the nations.

    God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect or fully mature in our faith to use us. Instead, He takes ordinary, willing people and accomplishes the extraordinary in their lives and in the lives of those around them, just like He did with Rahab, the prostitute, and the woman at the well. He promises to use us, and through that experience, He perfects us.

    I know this to be true because, like them, He chose me despite my lack of qualifications. He saw who He had created. He didn’t wait for me to be perfect. He saw what nobody else, not even me, had seen. He saw my heart – a woman spotless, a woman who would one day share His message and what He had done in my life with others. What did He see? The sentence that follows is who you became. Who were you before He chose you?

    The woman in the mirror is no longer the one I used to see but the one He sees. Now I can confidently proclaim, as Paul once said, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain”. (Philippians 1:21 KJV)

    How about you, friend? Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see who He sees, or do you see what other people see?

    Beloved, take heart. God sees you, stands with you, and will never give up on you or me. Trust Him and wait patiently. Remember, God is willing to use the less-than-perfect, the outcast, and what we might see as unsuitable to accomplish His purpose, just as He has done throughout history.

    God’s Promises to us:

    He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
    But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

    When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 NIV

    That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

     

    Prayer

    Lord, I am grateful for the beautiful and unexpected ways you have worked in my life. Thank you for seeing and choosing me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb. Please continue to guide me and give me the courage and strength, especially when my flesh and others tell me that I’m not enough. Help me to always see the one you see and not the one that others see. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

    References

    Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English

    Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV.

    Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New Kings James                             Version, Copyright1982 by Thomas Nelson copyright 1982 by Thomas19082

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Decluttering Your Heart

    Decluttering Your Heart

    I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” Galatians 2:20 ESV

    What’s cluttering your heart so that rivers of living water can’t flow from you to others? Have you ever found yourself lashing out in anger or feeling irritable without understanding why?

    Lately, I’ve noticed that there are certain people in my life that make me feel irritated when I’m around them. No matter how hard I try not to react that way, I can’t seem to shake it off or understand why I become so defensive and agitated.

    Four months ago, I had reconstructive surgery on my left ankle. During my recovery, I found myself feeling tense, depressed, and lonely. After some self-reflection, I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal what was causing these feelings in my heart.

    The Holy Spirit led me to Genesis 26. Initially, I didn’t understand what He was attempting to show me. What does my heart have to do with Isaac digging for wells? Still, I made the decision to obey and examine my heart as well as search the Scriptures. Genesis 26:18-25 tells the story of how Isaac reopened the wells his father had dug in the Valley of Gerar.

    Like me, you may be asking yourself, “How does this relate to decluttering your heart?” Wells were essential for both survival and prosperity in those days. No living creature can survive for longer than five days without water. Our bodies cannot survive without water. Our relationship with God is no different. Isaac had to dig to remove every bit of dirt and stones that had been blocking the water from flowing. And when he removed those obstacles, God blessed him. The same holds true for us. We must choose to invite the Holy Spirit to help us dig deep in our hearts and remove the hurts that are preventing us from becoming the people He created us to be.

    In John 7:38, Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

    Our hearts are like wells. They are intended to be rivers of living water that flow from them to every facet of our lives and to those of others. Sometimes, though, rivers of living water cannot flow through our hearts as God intended. We are unable to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us because we hold on to pain, old wounds, anger, shame, and unforgiveness. We see this truth illustrated in John 4:7 when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. Her heart was cluttered with shame, rejection, loneliness, and past hurts. Instead of rejecting her, Jesus showed her how much He loved her. But she needed to dig deep into her heart and allow Him to remove all the pain she carried.

    The life of Christ, who lives in us through the Holy Spirit, must flow through us and be poured into those around us. But if our hearts are cluttered, how can we reflect Jesus in our lives? How can we possibly love others if we don’t love ourselves, and have a heart full of past hurts, shame, anger, and unforgiveness?

    Friends, I had to come to Jesus and surrender my heart to Him, asking Him to do for me what He had done for the Samaritan woman—that is, to heal my heart and take away the stones of unforgiveness, shame, anger, condemnation, and brokenness.

    You might be wondering if Jesus has removed those stones from my heart or if they are still there. Can I talk with those people without getting agitated? Is my heart free of those stones?

    Unfortunately, this process does not happen overnight. This is a journey of surrender. As I yield every part of my heart and permit the Holy Spirit to reveal those stones, He will gradually remove them and fill the void with His love.

    And that is precisely what He is doing. Two nights ago, the Lord prompted me to text one of the persons I was feeling irritated towards. As I started writing the message, the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask for forgiveness. To be completely honest, I began writing, “Forgive me if I’ve wrongly judged you…” The Holy Spirit then said, “No, you did judge her. So, change that.” So, I started writing, “Forgive me for judging you and pulling away from you.” As I was writing those words, I have to admit that I felt a weight had been lifted, and songs of praise and deliverance began to fill my heart. What an amazing experience!

    It reminded me of the events described in Acts 16:25-26, where Paul and Silas, imprisoned, started praising the Lord. Chains were broken, and prison doors were opened. That’s exactly what my heart experienced.

    John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

    Jesus is inviting you and me to open our hearts to Him so He can heal our wounded hearts. However, He can only do this if we allow Him to move as He pleases in our hearts and not treat Him as merely a guest. What do I mean by this?

    Consider our home. Naturally, we ensure our house is tidy before inviting guests, but do we really allow them to enter every room? Are they allowed into the bedrooms and workplace? Do we allow them to browse our closets or rearrange things in our homes? I don’t know about you, but I don’t. Why? Because they’re only guests. We do, however, allow our family to go wherever they please within the house. Well, the same is true with our Lord Jesus. From the moment the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us at the moment of salvation, we treat Him as our Savior but not our Lord.

    We allow Him access to certain areas in our hearts, but not all of them. Why is that the case? Maybe it’s because we don’t understand what it means for Christ to indwell us and work through us. It has taken me a long time to understand what it means to allow the Lord to live through me.

    But, as I choose to abide in the beauty of Jesus and allow Him to be the center of my life and ask Him to let God’s will be done in my life, He will begin to remove those stones from my heart—just as He started to do two nights ago. It’s a journey we begin when we accept His invitation.

    How about you, friend? Are you willing to surrender your heart to Jesus so that He can remove all the stones that are blocking the rivers of living water from flowing through you and to others? I assure you, it’s not easy. Our flesh will try to resist, but when we allow the Lord to rebuilt our hearts, we too will sing songs of deliverance, the doors will break, the chains will break, and deliverance will come. Friends, He has good plans for us. All we need to do is surrender and allow Him to continue the work He began in us.

    If you’re interested in learning more about who you are in Christ and living a life guided by Jesus, explore this invaluable resource: Survival Kit- Five Keys to Spiritual Growth by Ralph W. Neighbour, Jr. & Bill Latham.

     

    Prayer:

    Lord, thank You for Your love and faithfulness. Thank You for loving me despite my stubbornness and always treating You as a guest, not my Lord. Help me, Lord, to surrender my heart daily to You. Lord, continue to remove those stones blocking rivers of living water from flowing in me and through me so that others may see You living through me. May Your will be done in me as it is in Heaven. May my life be a living testimony of You, not through my words but through my actions. In Jesus’ name, I give You all praises, Lord. Amen.

    Scriptures on Christ living in us:

    • 1 John 4:13-15
    • Galatians 5:13-26
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17
    • Colossians 1:21-22, 27
    • Ephesians 3:17
    • Galatians 2:19-20
    • Philippians 4:13
    • Philippians 1:21
    • John 7:37-39

    Reference

    Neighbour, R. W., Jr., and Latham, B. (2019). Survival Five Keys to Spiritual Growth.  Brentwood, Tennessee: Lifeway Press.

    Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

     

    Reference

    • Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
    • Neighbour JR, Ralph, and Latham, Bill. Survival Five Keys to Spiritual Growth. 1996 Lifeway Press. Originally published in 1979. Revised 1996, 2019

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  • Attributes of a follower who remains in Christ, Jesus

    Attributes of a follower who remains in Christ, Jesus

    But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version

    In 2020, shortly after the world went into lockdown because of COVID-19, I felt called by the Lord to write for His glory. I initially doubted this calling, much like Moses did, thinking, “Lord, I’m a teacher, not a writer. There are others more qualified than me.” My pastors sponsored my membership in Compel Training for three months, and I tried it, despite my fears. After I joined a critique group, where I had the opportunity to meet many amazing women writers, I struggled to fit in and often compared my writing to theirs. I didn’t understand why the Lord was calling me to write; after all, I was a teacher, not a writer. Why was I having trouble writing when He had called me to write?

    One day, I shared my worries and concerns with my best friend and sister-in-law, Sharon. I will never forget her words, “Sis, the Lord has called you to share your story and be His witness. He doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies the caller. So go to Him, seek Him, let Him reveal His heart to you. And always remember, by beholding Him, you become like Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus, remain in Him, and He will direct your path.”

    I understood then that the Lord had called me, but I needed to abide in Him and allow Him to direct me as I sought Him with all my heart. Jesus revealed Himself to me when I surrendered my will to Him, sought Him out, and abided in Him daily. As I spent more time with Him and His Word, my writing began to flow. I was trying to write in the flesh, but I couldn’t do it. God exists in the Spiritual realm, and His work is spiritual. Only after I surrendered to Him could He work through me to encourage many and use my life experiences to reveal His goodness, faithfulness, and character.

    In my last post, I talked about the significance of remaining in Jesus. We discovered the value of abiding and its significance in our lives as Christians. Today, we will look at the evidence of remaining in Jesus.

    We often wonder if others see Jesus in us. How can we know if Jesus lives within someone? Many are familiar with the story of The Sermon on the Mount. At first glance, it seemed like instructions from the Lord to His disciples and the assembled crowd. But the more I looked, the more I could see a road map that the Lord revealed to us. The road map is meant to direct us to Him. The road map shows us how we should be as followers of Jesus. What is meant by the word “disciple”? A disciple is a follower of Christ who learns to do what their master does. Seeing Jesus reflected in our lives may be the only way that others can come to know Him. Why? We are Jesus’s disciples today. When we remain in Jesus, His presence becomes evident in our actions, not just our words. How, then, do people know that we are abiding in Jesus?

    There are three distinct ways that remaining in Christ is demonstrated:

    1. Bearing spiritual fruit both on the inside and outside.

    The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control— is described as internal spiritual fruit in Galatians 5:22-23. Those are the characteristics of Christ Himself that are developed in our lives as we learn to submit to the daily direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, who, upon our salvation, imparts the very life of Christ upon us. People are drawn to the Christlike qualities we exhibit when they see the outward fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in our lives.

    1. His joy will be in us.

    In John 15:11, Christ assures us that if we abide in Him, His joy will be in us. In the New Testament, the term “joy” refers to a feeling of calm and confident assurance despite the difficulties we may face in life. We can confidently navigate life’s challenges by staying connected to Christ and relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance.

    1. Our prayers will be answered in accordance with His will.

    Christ tells us in 1 John 5:14-15 that if we abide in Him and obey His Word, He will answer our prayers according to His will. As we continue to dwell in Christ, our relationship deepens, enabling us to pray according to His perfect will and have the confidence that He will cause all things to work together for our good.

    When we remain connected to Christ, these three things characterize our Christian lives: bearing spiritual fruit, experiencing the joy of the Lord, and having our prayers answered according to His perfect will.

    Friends, are you finding it difficult to abide in Jesus? Are present circumstances affecting your daily walk with Jesus? No matter where you are at this moment, be assured that the safest place to be is with our Lord Jesus.

    Jesus extends His invitation with open arms. Are you willing to accept it? Are you willing to go to Him and entrust your worries and concerns into His care? It is difficult, I know. I’ve been there. Only when I fully surrendered to Him and reconnected with the Vine did my life change. My desires ceased to be my own and became His. I had faith that no matter what happened, He would give me strength and see me through every challenge.

    Consider these questions and scriptures as you reflect on abiding in Christ and meditating on His Word.

    1. Colossians 1:27-29

    Should you lift light or heavy weights at the gym if Jesus is living inside of you? Though the question may be silly, it actually speaks to a more profound concept: Is the Christian life meant to be easy, difficult, or unattainable?

    1. Colossians 1:27 English Standard Version

    “To them, God has chosen to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

    Without Jesus, living the Christian life is not only difficult but impossible. Why do we still face difficulties in life if we truly remain in Jesus?

    1. Colossians 1:29 ESV

    “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

    We can observe how Jesus’ life is entwined with everyday matters. Despite having the life of Jesus within us, we will encounter difficult situations, yet we do not need to confront them alone! In those actual situations, we possess the power of Christ within us.

    Are the weights heavy, then? Yes. Life’s burdens can sometimes be overwhelming, but we don’t have to face them alone. With Jesus as our strength, we can accomplish things that were once impossible on our own.

    1. According to 2 Peter 1:4, we are to “participate in the divine nature.” What does it mean to participate in the divine nature? It means that we live our lives in such a way that allows the power of Christ to be evident in the very practical areas of our lives—the secular is sanctified by the sacred.

    2. Colossians 2:11-13 NLT

    “When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. God then raised you from the dead along with Christ, for he forgave all your sins.”  

    1. Romans 8:11 New Living Translation

    “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”

    1. 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT

    “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to Himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

     

     Prayer:

    Lord, I am grateful for Your unchanging love, assurance, and guidance. Lord, please guide me to remain in You every day and every moment. Help me remember each day how crucial it is to fully dwell in You. May I mirror Your character through my words and actions so others may see You living in me. Lord, sometimes, the weight of daily life overwhelms me. But I am grateful that I don’t need to carry them alone. For You said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV.  Be my source of strength, allowing me to not only endure but also find joy in Your company, even amidst the challenges. My hope for peace and purpose today lies in You, Lord Jesus. Let Your will be done in me, just as it is in heaven. In Your name, I give praise and honor, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001, Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

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  • Abiding in Christ

    Abiding in Christ

    “I am the vine’ you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV

    Although we are familiar with John 15:5, do we really understand what Jesus was attempting to teach us about abiding in Him? What does it mean to abide (remain) in Christ? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to abide means “to remain; to stay.”  Abiding in Christ is a sign of a close, personal relationship with Him. It’s about choosing to know Jesus, listen to Him, and place your trust and belief in Him. Christ becomes the substance and source of our lives when we abide in Him.

    In John 15, as the last hours of His life approached, Jesus gathered His disciples to remind them and all of us of one very important truth: Jesus is the Vine, our life-source, and we are His branches (v. 5). It demonstrates a total dependence in Him. Without Him, neither you nor I can do anything. The branch gets its life from the Vine. This source provides the branch with nutrients and water. Should the branch separate from the Vine, it will not be able to survive on its own. You and I cannot bear fruit without Him. We have to become completely dependent on Him.

    What does that mean? When we choose to handle things on our own, we are acting as the “vine.” As a result, we get frustrated when things don’t go as we had planned. Jesus is NOT someone we should add to our lives; rather, He is the source of life. We cannot bear fruit if we are separated from the Vine. The Vine is our source of life. You are the branch; to do anything for Jesus, you must remain in Him. Our society encourages individuals to be independent and self-reliant. It may be effective in the world, but it will not work in your Christian life. To successfully live a Christian life, one must completely rely on Jesus. He is our source of salvation and on whom we must rely for all matters.

    Jesus seeks a personal relationship with us. God’s gift of salvation is free, but in order to have a close relationship with Him, we must walk and depend on Him in the same way that a branch does on the Vine. Jesus, as the Vine, is there to provide us with guidance and instructions and to be by our side throughout our entire journey. Recognizing this helps you to understand that because you are in Christ, you don’t need to do anything in this life without His help. Yet, we often tend to lean away from the Vine and try to branch out on our own (pun intended). I’m still not sure why we do this because when we do, we are pulling away from our source of life and strength. We have no hope when we try to work things out on our own strength, just as the branch has no hope when disconnected from the Vine.

    Pruning the branches.

    I’ve discovered that pruning can be quite painful. Consider the times we go through trials and testing. Even though we don’t like it, the Vine needs to grow healthy in order to produce fruit at the appropriate time and season. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit a vineyard. I saw what happened when a branch broke off from the Vine. The branch withers and dies because if it is too far away from the Vine. When a branch is only partially separated from the Vine, the vinedresser carefully trims it and reattaches it to the Vine using a splint and soft string. But if the branch is even slightly detached, it must be cut off and burned since it cannot be reattached to the Vine.

    At that moment, I saw myself as one branch that needed to be pruned. I turned to the Lord for guidance in removing all obstacles preventing me from fulfilling my purpose. Do I still need pruning? Definitely. The Lord trims us daily. God will prune us if we allow thorns to choke us and separate us from the Vine, which is the source of our life.

    God, our Father, knows each of us individually. He knows every hair on our heads. He knows what makes us happy and what makes us sad. But He also knows what causes us to stumble. That is why He carefully removes all those things from our hearts that do not belong there. According to Jeremiah, God has good plans for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). He wants what is best for us. So, when He begins the process of the pruning, we may not appreciate those small or sometimes significant cuts, but He makes them in order to help us grow into the person He created us to be.

    So, how do we abide in Jesus? To walk with Jesus means to maintain constant communion with Him. How can we ensure that we stay connected with Him?

    • Seek refuge in Him for security.
    • Choose to rely on Jesus as your source of strength.
    • Completely surrender your life to Him.
    • Pursue His kingdom and righteousness.

    Sometimes, our busyness and constant striving prevent us from prioritizing what really matters. Seek comfort from Jesus in times of uncertainty, reassured by His love and knowing that He will act in accordance with His plan. By abiding in Jesus and trusting Him, we can let go of our worries about our current circumstances and find rest in Him, knowing that He is capable of completing the good work He started.

    Abiding in His Word.                                                                                                     

    God knows that we need to be fed both physically and spiritually. God provided the Israelites with nourishment both physically and spiritually during their time in the wilderness. When I converted to Christianity forty-three years ago, I received guidance to read the New Testament and develop a study schedule to delve into the Scriptures. As I developed spiritually, I came to understand that having a plan was necessary but not enough. I found it challenging to understand what the Lord was trying to tell me because I was jumping from book to book. I began my journey with Jesus by asking for His guidance as I read through the Bible, meditated on His Word, and sought the Holy Spirit’s direction on applying the message.

    Roger C. Palms (1983) gave the following description of abiding in a passage in his book “The Pleasure of His Company”:

    That’s what life in Christ is all about—abiding. It is not the fruit-producing that matters, it is the abiding. The producing comes from the Vine; the branches are only the fruit bearers. To be an abiding branch is to be a faithful branch. The fruit will come. And the fruit that is borne, whether it be large fruit or small fruit, abundant or not so abundant, is his doing. Our role is to be attached to the Vine, to fit into our place—to abide. (p. 88)

    Friends, the ultimate source of life and nutrients for the branches is the Vine.

    King David stated in Psalm 139:1-5:

    “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know, when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I will say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

    King David clearly understood this principle of abiding in the Lord. He was nothing without the Lord; the same is true for us. When we abide in Jesus, the true Vine, it means we have complete trust in Him, no matter what season we are in.

    The Scripture tells us we are meant to bear fruit that brings glory to the Father. Abiding means making yourself comfortable with the Lord to the point that you completely surrender your heart to Him. But this can only happen when we put Jesus first in our lives and remove everything that takes God’s place in our lives. When we abide in His Word, we come to know Jesus better and have a more intimate relationship with Him. And once we know Him, we won’t need to be afraid because we will understand that God is with us and in us.

    Friends, are you struggling to remain in Jesus? Are present circumstances affecting your daily walk with Jesus? No matter where you are right now, be assured that the safest place to be is with our Lord Jesus.

    Jesus extends His invitation with open arms. Are you willing to accept it? Are you willing to go to Him and entrust your worries and concerns into His care? I know it’s difficult. Only when I fully surrendered to Him did my life change. My desires ceased to be my own and became His. No matter the unexpected circumstances, I trusted He provided strength and carried me through every hardship.

    Here are a few questions to guide your thoughts on abiding in Christ while meditating on His Word.

    1. Spend some time pondering the verse that states, “‘I am the vine, and you are the branches.” If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” What lesson do you believe God is trying to teach you in this verse?
    2. What significance does “abiding” have for you in your life right now?
    3. What is the biggest obstacle that prevents you from spending time with Jesus?

    Further study on Abiding:

    • John 15:4 – Jesus abides with us! He urges us to stay connected with Him, just as He is connected with us, in order to become more like Him.
    • According to John 14:16, the Holy Spirit will always stay with us as our helper, counselor, and comforter.
    • As we remain in the Lord Jesus and in God our Heavenly Father, the gospel message, the word of truth, abides in us (1 John 2:24-25). This, then, is our promise to remain in Him forever – the gift of eternal life.
    • Colossians 2:6-7- “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. “
    • 2 Thessalonians 2:15- So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
    • 2 Timothy 3:14- But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.
    • 2 John:9- Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teachings of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

    Prayer:

    Lord, we are grateful for Your love, faithfulness, and grace that we do not deserve. Our longing is to abide in You, O Lord, and remain connected to You, our life-giving source. Amid life’s ever-challenging moments, You are the one constant. You are the cornerstone of our strength, safety, and stability. May Your radiant presence enlighten us and may we be overwhelmed by Your majestic glory. May Your kindness and compassion envelop us, and may we forever depend on Your presence.  In Your precious name, we offer thanks and give You glory, Amen.

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Merriam-Webster. (2024). Abide. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://​www.merriam-webster.com/​dictionary/​citation

    Palms, R. C. (1983). The Pleasure of His Company. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House      Publishers.

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  • Waiting On The Lord

    Waiting On The Lord

    “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NLT

    My friends and I have been studying “Women of the Bible.”
    This week, we’re studying Sarah.

    For some reason, I have always had an issue with Sarah. I didn’t quite understand her actions and impulses.

    But today, the Lord made me see how Sarah’s hopes and dreams were shattered. All she ever wanted was a child. But because her trust in God was not strong enough, she took things into her own hands.
    Like Sarah, we have a problem with “waiting on the Lord.”
    It is hard to wait because we live in an “instant culture.”
    We can’t understand God’s timetable, so we become impatient and try to do things with our strength.

    This has been a challenging concept for me to understand.
    But every storm I have experienced has taught me that waiting on the Lord is better than acting hastily and having disastrous results.

    Am I there yet? Absolutely not. But Jesus, in His mercy and love, points me back to the goal and helps me remain anchored to Him as I run my race.

    How about you? Do you find it easy or hard to wait on the Lord? Whatever you may face today, Keep your eyes on Jesus. And remember that He’s with you; He sees you, and what matters to you matters to Him. So trust Him and wait for Him. The results are worth it.

    Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally, even when I choose to handle things on my own instead of relying on you. Lord, please guide me to remain in You and to anchor myself solely to You, fully aware that You always have my best interest at heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • I AM Who I AM: אני מי שאני

    I AM Who I AM: אני מי שאני

    Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I Am Who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14 New International Version

    Today, I had one of those days where I was in excruciating physical pain. I recently had surgery on my ankle and was placed on bed rest. The Lord prompted me to call my sister-in-law. We had such a beautiful conversation about the Lord and the amazing things He is doing in our lives.

    Of course, the enemy was not happy with our conversation, and as soon as we ended our beautiful chat, he started to bring up some painful memories. As I often do, I tried to brush it off. So, I decided to shower and listen to worship music. “All of a Sudden by Elevation Worship” was the first song to play. Tears began to fall down my face, and my mind started to take me on a documentary-style trip down memory lane.

    Suddenly, I heard the Lord whisper to me, “You are chosen, you’re forgiven; you are my child. Why do you look back to the past? I’m not there. I Am Who I Am. I’m not Who I Was, or I Will Be. I Am.”

    Upon hearing His words, I came to realize that we have a tendency to travel down memory lane when things are not going as planned or when we are overcome with regrets. Naturally, there’s nothing wrong with visiting certain memories; the problem arises when we find ourselves stuck in the past and find it difficult to leave memory lane. There’s an analogy that compares life to driving a vehicle while your eyes are focused on the rearview mirror rather than the windshield. The small rearview mirror provides an image of what’s behind you. The large windshield clearly shows you the road ahead of you. You won’t notice what’s going on in front of you if your focus is always on what’s behind you. Well, tonight, God (Elohim) showed me that I don’t need to look back because He is already here. He’s with me in the present. He reminded me that He is not I WAS, or I WILL BE. His name is I AM.

    God (Elohim) has never left us and continues to walk with us. He’s in our present; our race is not in the past. Friends, I don’t know about you, but going down memory lane has always served as bait for the enemy to get me to forget who I am and Whose I am.

    Let’s visit the scripture and discover when our God (Elohim) first introduced Himself as I AM WHO I AM.

    Let us visit the scripture and discover when our God (Elohim) first introduced Himself as I AM WHO I AM.

    In Exodus 3:13-14 we read:

    Moses said to God, ‘“Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘‘What is his name?’’ Then what shall I tell them?”  God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

    Wow! I can only imagine how Moses must have felt when God revealed Himself as “I AM WHO I AM.”  Moses surely wondered what that meant. What was the Lord trying to teach Moses and every one of us? I decided to look into it further. I found that there are several meanings of “I AM WHO I AM” in the Hebrew Torah.

    In Exodus 3:14, God gives his name as‎, Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה).  Ehyeh is translated as “I AM THAT I AM” or “I SHALL BE WHAT I AM.” According to the Hebrew Bible (Exodus 3:14), this is the personal name of God, revealed directly to Moses. The idea of God’s self-existence and eternal, unchanging nature is demonstrated in this statement. God announces that He is here and that He is the source of His own existence and does not need any outside reason to be. “I AM THAT I AM” is a powerful reminder of God’s divine authority and sovereignty.

    It is interesting to see that during Jesus’ (Yeshua) earthly ministry, He identified Himself as the source to whom His people should seek redemption. Jesus frequently identified Himself as I AM

    Let us look at the times when Jesus identified Himself as the I AM. Here are some passages from the New Testament that contain the I AM statements.

    • The Book of Isaiah 7:14 introduces us to Immanuel. Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.

    According to Isaiah, God is stating that He will one day dwell among us and be with us.

    The Book of Matthew introduces Jesus as Immanuel.

    • “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,”’ (which means “God with us”). Matt. 1:23.
    • “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Matt. 18:20
    • “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20.

    In the gospel of John, Jesus (Yeshua) identifies Himself as God by using the name I AM. The following scriptures contain references to Jesus (Yeshua) as I AM.

      • According to John 6:35, Jesus confidently states, ‘“I am the bread of life.”’ Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
      • John 8:12: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
      • John 10:7 states that Jesus is the gate or door. Therefore, Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.”
      • John 10:11,14: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down his life for the sheep.”
      • John 11:25: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
      • John 14:6; 15:1: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
      • John 15:1: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”

    Jesus was being attacked by the Pharisees and Sadducees who failed to recognize Him as the promised Messiah; He shocked them not by claiming to be the Messiah but by identifying Himself with Yahweh, saying, “Very Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am.!”  (John 8:58 NIV)

    Just imagine how these leaders of the Law must have felt when Jesus identified Himself as the I AM. As we’ve seen, I AM is a personal name that God revealed to Moses. The word “personal” resonates in my heart because God is not a distant God; instead, He wants us to know that He is here, right now, with you and me. The teachers of the Law accused Jesus (Yeshua) of blasphemy when He uttered the name I AM. Jesus was the exact opposite of what the Torah said the Messiah would be. They expected a great military and political leader who would free them from Roman rule and restore the nation of Israel. He wasn’t a warrior king but a humble man whose earthly father was a carpenter from Nazareth.

    Upon hearing Jesus’s words, the religious leaders realized that Jesus was claiming to be God. How tragic that with all the knowledge they possessed, they did not recognize that God Himself was already among them.  Jesus is the everlasting God who existed not only during Abraham’s time but also before creation. He informed them that He was the voice of the covenant that the God of Israel had revealed to Moses at the burning bush when He proclaimed, “Before Abraham was born, I AM” (John 8:58). Jesus was, is, and always will be the Great I AM.

    Here are some questions to help you meditate on I AM.

    1. Many scholars believe that when God said, “I AM WHO I AM,” this was His promise to always be with His people. In what ways have you experienced God’s faithful presence, particularly during a difficult time in your life?
    2. Why do you suppose the Pharisees and Sadducees reacted so violently when Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born, I AM?” What are your thoughts on what Jesus said?
    3. What do Jesus’ words teach us about His enduring presence?
    4. Just before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Why do you think Jesus waited to reveal this truth to His disciples until He was nearing His time to go to the Cross?
    5. In John 15:1-5 Jesus says He is the true vine and invites us to stay with Him. What does it mean for you to “remain in me (the vine)”?

    There are many verses in the Bible where Yahweh and Jesus are referred to as I AM. As you search and read the following scriptures, meditate on the name I AM and how its meaning relates to the context of each passage.

    • Matthew 16:15-16
    • Matthew 28:20
    • John 14:1-6
    • Revelation 1:8

     

    Prayer:

    Yeshua, the Great I AM. Thank You for reminding us today that You are not only the self-sufficient One, the eternal One, the voice of Your Covenant with Your people, but You are also our constant, the One who’s personal and present in our lives. Yeshua, You, our eternal Father, knew how much You would suffer for our sake. But none of that mattered to You because Your love for us was greater than our sins. Because of Your love, You chose to take our place on the Cross instead of living an eternity without us. Barukh Atah Adonai- Blessed are You, Lord. King of the Universe, the all-sufficient One Who was, is, and is to come. In Your precious name, amen.

     

    Reference

    I AM that I AM. (2024. May 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_that_I_Am#:~:text=%22I%20Am%20that%20I%20Am,I%20am%20the%20Existing%20One%22

    Israel by Locals. (2024). I am that I Am: Hebrew Meaning & Significance. [Article]. https://israelbylocals.com/i-am-that-i-am-hebrew/

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

    Humphrey, Dan. I AM Who I AM [Photograph].

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  • Yahweh Adonai ( יהוה (YHWH), אֲדֹנָי ) : Lord and Master

    Yahweh Adonai ( יהוה (YHWH), אֲדֹנָי ) : Lord and Master

    I say to the Lord (Yahweh), “You are my Lord (Adonai); apart from you, I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2 New International Version

    How often do we desperately cry, “Lord, help me!” Last Saturday, I received a disturbing call from my husband informing me that he had been in a minor accident. A heavy marble table had fallen on his left toe. Fear started leading me in unexpected directions after seeing the picture he sent me. But I immediately called upon the Lord for wisdom and guidance. I remembered that He was not surprised by anything. He knew this would happen, and He would find a way out. In that moment, He reminded me that He’s not just my Shalom peace but also my Lord, Yahweh Adonai. So, what did I do? I called Him by His Name, Yahweh Adonai, my Lord. I frequently heard my Jewish friends and the characters in the television series The Chosen refer to God as Yahweh Adonai, but I never understood why. I knew of Him as Yahweh Jireh, my provider, Elohim (God), and Yahweh Nissi, my banner, who fights my battles. However, I did not know Him as my Lord and Master, Adonai. So, I decided to research the Scripture and come to know Him as Yahweh Adonai.

    Why, then, is God called Yahweh Adonai?

    In ancient times, the Jewish nation considered calling God by His Name was too sacred. Yahweh was spelled simply YHWH, with no vowels. Later, when the vowels were added, they still could not say His Name. It was so holy they did not want to say it out loud. So, they decided to call Him Adonai.

    Now, let’s go over some background information. Adon is a Hebrew word that means “Lord,” which indicates an owner, Master, or someone superior to a master. It was usually used as a sign of respect and always referred to a person.

    Adonai is the plural of the Hebrew word Adon, which means “Lord” or “master,” and the term always refers to God. The Name Adonai implies a relationship between God and us: He is Lord, and we are His servants, His children. When you and I pray to Adonai, we acknowledge how sovereign He is. We can surrender every area of our lives to Him, knowing that Adonai is in control and will guide us through any storm we may encounter.

    In Exodus 4:1-5,  Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’? Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

    Of course, that’s not where the story ends. We all know that Moses was still not convinced.

    Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

    The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. (Exodus 4:10-15)

    Friends, do you relate to Moses’ reluctance at all? I surely can. Like Moses, my first reaction to the Lord calling me to write in 2020 was, “Lord (Adonai), I’m not a writer. I’m sure You can find someone more qualified.” Then, Adonai replied that He doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies the callers. But that’s a story for another day. One day, the Lord will lead me to write it.

    Now, let’s get back to Moses. Did you notice the tone Adonai used when He spoke to Moses? Adonai was not some distant deity who didn’t care about Moses’ plight. Yahweh Adonai is the all-powerful, all-knowing God who cares deeply for all of His children. What concerns us matters to Adonai. You’re probably wondering why God cares about our concerns. Why should we call Him Adonai instead of using another name we have already studied? Well, I’m glad you asked. Like you, I couldn’t understand why the Name Adonai was so important to God. We begin to know God well as we come to understand the meaning of the word Adonai. By addressing God as Adonai, we acknowledge He is Lord over every area of our lives. It keeps us from thinking of Him as our equal. When we confess to God as our Lord and Master, we have a stronger sense of respect, obedience, and faith in Him.

    It’s so simple to refer to God as “Lord,” but do we really understand what this Name means? When we acknowledge God as Adonai, as our Lord and Master, we recognize that Jesus is the Messiah with complete authority over our lives. And not just over our lives. He is in full control over everything. Nothing happens without His permission.

    My friends, how do you treat Jesus? Is He free to move as He pleases, or is He only allowed to visit certain areas of your hearts? That’s how I was treating Jesus throughout my journey with Him. I didn’t realize I was living my life as though Jesus was a guest rather than the Lord and Master. But something extraordinary happened when I began to see Jesus as my Lord and Master. I no longer struggled with anxieties or had difficulty making decisions. I was able to hear His voice clearly. Confusion and uncertainty vanished. Now I understood and experienced what He meant when He said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). At that moment, I understood that a true disciple is someone who follows Christ and learns to do as their Master does. So, friends, do you wish to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ? It’s simple, I promise. He’s waiting for you. You only have to say, “Yes, Lord!”

     

    Here are some questions to help you meditate on Yahweh Adonai:

    1. How is God’s lordship displayed in Exodus 4?
    2. Think back to Exodus 4. Do you think Moses considered the consequences of disobeying God? What do you think went through Moses’ mind had he disobeyed Adonai? Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation where Adonai tells you to do something, but you’re afraid of what can happen?
    3. Moses expressed reluctance to do God’s will while addressing Him as “Lord.” Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? What held you back from obeying Adonai? Fear of the unknown, lack of faith, or lack of trust in God?
    4. Exodus 4 shows us that God was angry with Moses. What does this show you about God’s character?
    5. We often say that Jesus is our Lord, but do we treat Him as our Lord? What can we do to completely surrender ourselves to Adonai without holding anything back?

     

    Scripture gives many examples of Yahweh Adonai. Here are some verses from the Bible you can meditate on. Feel free to share scriptures where Yahweh Adonai is our Lord. Remember to substitute “Lord” with “Adonai” as you read each passage.

    • Psalm 16:2: I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you, I have no good thing.”
    • Psalm 54:4: Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
    • Psalm 62:11-12: One thing God has spoken of is two things I have learned: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love,” and “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
    • Psalm 86:15: But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
    • Psalm 136:3: Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
    • Isaiah 6:1-8: With it, he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin is atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
    • Daniel 9:17-19: “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay because your city and your people bear your NameName.”
    • Luke 17:7-10:  “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
    • Philippians 2:5-11: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; instead, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the Name that is above every Name, that at the Name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the world, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

     

    Friends, how awesome is Yahweh Adonai, our God? He is sovereign overall. I remember the story of David fleeing for his life because King Saul was persecuting him. During great distress and uncertainty, David placed his complete trust in Yahweh. He cried out to Yahweh, confident that He would show him mercy and rescue him (Psalm 57: 1-3). He found refuge in the shadow of Yahweh’s wings, knowing that Yahweh was with him and had not forgotten him. David knew that God was still sovereign over all.

    Just like David, we, too, face many storms. But it is in the midst of the storm our Lord Adonai shows us that He is Lord and sovereign and that no matter what happens, our heart will praise His holy Name. We must remember that Jesus also faced difficulties, just like you and I do. But on the most challenging day of His life, even though He knew He was about to walk a difficult path of suffering and death, He trusted in Yahweh’s sovereignty. So, friends, let us keep our eyes on Yahweh Adonai, our Lord, knowing He is sovereign. No matter what lies ahead, let us hold on tight to Him, knowing that our victory is coming.

     

    Prayer:

    Yahweh Adonai, thank You for reminding me today that You are sovereign and that nothing is impossible for You. Thank You for Your mercy, patience, and love. I surrender every aspect of my life to You, Adonai. Help me to be the woman You created me to be. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You always, Lord. You are my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, and the lover of my soul. In Your precious Name, I give You praise and glory, Amen.

    Reference

    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

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  • Yahweh Shalom (יהוה שלום): The Lord is Peace

    Yahweh Shalom (יהוה שלום): The Lord is Peace

    And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 CSB)

    Are you in the midst of a season where you’re feeling uneasy and afraid of what lies ahead?

    We all go through phases in our lives where we find ourselves holding onto the familiar and fearing the unknown. I don’t know about you, but I’ve often wondered, “What is God doing in my life? Why am I going through all these tests? If so, friends, know that you’re not alone.

    I recently watched one of my daughters go through a harrowing experience. She had a bad fall. I was frozen by fear as I watched my daughter fall. My thoughts led me through different rabbit holes, but it was at that precise moment that God revealed Himself to me as Yahweh Shalom, our perfect peace. I came to see God as my Shalom peace after seeing my daughter endure unbearable pain and face the unknown. He is the peace that surpasses all understanding, even amid the storm.

    Around the same time, I went to see my orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up on my broken ankle. Although I knew my ankle needed time to heal, I was not prepared to hear that I would need to have another surgery. Jesus instantly came to mind as I listened to my doctor go over the benefits and drawbacks of having surgery. I thought, “Lord, I have no idea what You’re doing, but whatever it is, I know I can trust You, as the doctor described the procedure and the long recovery process. When he finished speaking, I said to the surgeon, “Let God do what He needs to do. If He allowed it, it would be for a reason.”

    You see, friends, when we focus on our present circumstances, we miss the lessons God is trying to teach us through our trials. We lose sight of what He can accomplish when we get stuck in our situation. We need to take a leap of faith and trust God throughout the trials. It is in the tests that God does the impossible.

    So, why is Yahweh Shalom called “The Lord is Peace.”

    Shalom was the greeting used by the Jews to greet one another in the television series The Chosen” I noticed they said “shalom” for both hello and goodbye. But there was a point when Jesus said, “Shalom Shalom,” which means “perfect peace.” Shalom, then, is not just peace; it is also having complete and whole inner peace in our souls, which can only be found in Jesus. This inner peace can only be experienced when one lives in harmony with the Lord and others.

    We learn about a man named Gideon in the sixth chapter of the Book of Judges, who was visited by an angel from the Lord. The angel of the Lord said to Gideon, “The Lord is with you, valiant warrior” (Judges 6:12 CSB). Of course, considering his current situation, Gideon, like Moses and many of us, wondered if the Lord was with him. So, what did Gideon do? He asked for a sign. Are you able to relate to this? We often question the Lord and ask Him for a sign when we are unable to see what He is doing. I’ve frequently questioned God, which has stopped me from seeing the bigger picture.

    Here is how The Lord revealed Himself to Gideon as Yahweh Shalom.

    And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.”

    Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah[a] of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.

    The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face! “But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”

    So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:18-24 CSB)

    Did you notice that Gideon’s success depended on his belief that the Lord was with him? All Gideon could see was his current situation; he could not see what The Lord was about to do through him. Most of the time, we become so caught up in the here and now that we let fear to cloud our judgment, and we fail to see what the Lord is doing behind the scenes.

    The Lord revealed Himself to Gideon as Yahweh Shalom. Gideon was terrified when he learned he was facing the angel of the Lord; he was afraid. But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid.” Gideon felt comfort and peace in these words.

    The same holds for us today. Through Jesus, we too can experience true shalom peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding—despite the chaos of our current situation and the world in which we live. That was my experience after I saw my daughter fall and after my doctor informed me that I would have a difficult and painful recovery from my surgery.

    Friends, what a powerful testimony it is for the world to witness when believers like you and me can remain calm and peaceful even while everything around us is out of control. When we act in that way, we open the door to talk about our faithful Lord Jesus, who is our Prince of Peace. That is when our faith and testimony become more powerful.

    Here are some questions to help you meditate on Yahweh Shalom:

    1. Why do you think the angel of the Lord called Gideon a “mighty warrior”? Why do you think Gideon doubted God called him to deliver the Israelites to the Midianites?
    2. Think of a time when you were in turmoil and couldn’t feel peace. What caused you to feel this way, and how did you respond?
    3. Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace be with you.” Do these words come easily to you, or is there someone in your life to whom you find it difficult to express them?
    4. How is Jesus our Prince of Peace?

    Scripture gives many examples of Yahweh Shalom. Here are some verses from the Bible you can meditate on. If you know of any Scriptures where you have seen Yahweh Shalom, The Lord is peace, please let me know.

    • Philippians 4:7- “And the peace of God who guard all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
    • Isaiah 2:4- God will deliver His peace among the nations.
    • 2 Corinthians 13:11- “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of peace will be with you.”
    • Ephesians 2:14- Jesus is our peace.
    • Matthew 11:28-30- Jesus is our inner peace.
    • Philippians 4:6-7- “Don’t worry about anything, through prayer and petition present your request to G d. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
    • Romans 5:1- “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

     

    Prayer:

    Yahweh Shalom, my Lord, and my peace, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and deliverance from eternal separation from You through Jesus. Lord, You told your disciples, “peace be with you.” Help me, Lord, to remember these words regardless of any storm I may face today or tomorrow. Lord Jesus, I know I can count on You to fill my heart and soul with Your eternal peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, help me keep my eyes on You and Your promises. Please help me to live in harmony with others. Sometimes, testing may shake my ground, but they will never overpower me because You, Lord, are my peace. I know that regardless of what tomorrow holds, You are with me. I give You all the glory, amen.

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017

     

     

     

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  • Yahweh Yireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה‎) – The Lord Will Provide

    Yahweh Yireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה‎) – The Lord Will Provide

    “Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. An Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, “I will be provided on the Lord’s Mountain.” Genesis 22:13-14 CSB

    Last week, we learned about Yahweh Nissi, The Lord is my Banner. Today, we will explore Yahweh Yireh (Jehovah Yireh), the God who provides for all our needs.

    Last month, I attended a Revelation Worship concert. It was a fantastic experience to worship with brothers and sisters from every nation, language, and culture. I experienced what life in Heaven is like, where we worship our Lord together as one. At this moment, the Lord revealed that Yahweh Yireh provides for all our needs, even when we can’t see what He’s doing behind the scenes.

    So, who is Yahweh (Jehovah) Yireh?
    The first time the name Yahweh Yireh appears is in Genesis 22:13-14. Now, let’s look at Genesis 22. Isaac was Abraham’s promised son, and as we all know, God had asked Abraham to sacrifice him.

    As a mother, I cannot imagine what it was like for Abraham to offer up his son—the son God promised him—for sacrifice. Even though Abraham may have been filled with many worries, fears, and doubts, he moved forward to fulfill God’s will regardless of his pain and concerns.

    One thing that resonated in my heart was Abraham’s attitude during his trial. Although God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, his actions and words demonstrated his trust and faith in Yahweh. Upon arriving at the location where God had instructed him to do the unimaginable, Abraham told his young servants,

    “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll return to you.” Did you notice Abraham’s response to his servants? Abraham knew God had commanded him to sacrifice his only son, Issac, yet he assured the servants that he and Issac would return. What a faith! Abraham knew God. He had seen God’s faithfulness. He knew God was going to provide. And those were his words to his son Issaic as well. “Then Issac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My Father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Issac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Genesis 22:7-8

    God saw Abraham’s faith, and He revealed the ram to Abraham after he obeyed God and did what He asked him to do. Sometimes, we must take a leap of faith and follow God’s instructions, even when something doesn’t make sense. We must trust God as our provider and be faithful to His promises.

     Throughout my walk with Jesus, I have often been attacked with fear, doubts, and worries about the uncertainties of tomorrow. Regardless of the circumstances, Yahweh Yireh has always provided for me. He did the same for the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt, providing them with food, shelter, guidance, and protection in the wilderness. If He did it for them, He will do it for us. In the same way, He provided for His children in the past, He continues to provide for us today even though we cannot see what He’s doing behind the scenes.

     Beloved, are you dealing with uncertainty and loss, and are you afraid of what tomorrow will bring? Do not be afraid. Yahweh Yireh sees you and knows your needs. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, friend. Bring your cares and concerns to Yahweh Yireh and leave them in His hands. You and I may trust that no matter what challenges we face today or tomorrow, God will provide for us just as He tends to the lilies of the field and feeds the birds, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).

    1. Here are some questions to help you meditate on Yahweh Yireh’s faithfulness:
      Abraham trusted and obeyed Yahweh long before he saw Yahweh’s provision. How did obedience affect your experience of God’s provision?
    2. Can you remember when Yahweh Yireh showed up and exceeded your expectations? How did Yahweh supply your needs?
    • The Scripture gives many examples of Yahweh Yireh providing for His children. Here are some Scriptures you can meditate on. If you know of any Scriptures where you have seen Yahweh Yireh’s provision, please share them with me.
    • Deuteronomy 15:4-6 (No poor among you for the Lord will bless you in this
      land…)
    • Matthew 6:25-33 (Worrying about tomorrow…)
    • John 3:16 (Salvation through Jesus)
    • Romans 8:32 (He didn’t spare His only Son but gave Him up for us all.)

    Prayer:
    Yahweh Yireh, my Lord and Provider, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and provisions for my family, friends, and me. Help me, Lord, to be mindful of the things in my heart that may stop me from trusting that You will provide all my needs according to Your riches. Like David, search my heart, Lord, and remove anything that does not belong there. Point it out so I can sacrifice my “Isaac” and completely surrender to You, knowing that You are the author of my story and Your plans for me are perfect because You are perfect. In Jesus’s name, I give You all the glory, amen.

    • Reference
      Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017
    • Photograph from Jessica Du Plessis

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  • Yahweh Nissi- (Hebrew: יְהוָה נִסִּי‎ YHWH nīssī) – The Lord is My Banner

    Yahweh Nissi- (Hebrew: יְהוָה נִסִּי‎ YHWH nīssī) – The Lord is My Banner

    And Moses built an altar and name it, “The Lord is My Banner.” He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted toward The Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Genesis 17:15-16 CSB

    For the past two months, the Lord has been leading me to learn more about His character and promises through His name. Early last month, I shared two posts on Elohim, God our Creator, and El Roi, God Sees Us. Today, I want to talk to you about Yahweh Nissi, The Lord is my Banner (Jehovah Nissi).
    Who takes on your mountain and fights your battles?

    When I was a child, I always relied on my earthly father to fight my battles. These were not just physical battles but also emotional and spiritual as well. Fear was one of the biggest problems I have dealt with for years. Since I was a baby, I have battled sickness and been afraid of the unknown as well as losing my parents and other loved ones. You’re probably wondering how my father fought my battles. Well, the answer is pretty simple; my father protected me, comforted me when I was afraid, and prayed for me when my illnesses prevented me from facing those giants on my own. I can still remember, even as a young adult, how my father would turn on a light and stayed by my side until I fell asleep on sleepless nights when fear would paralyze me.

    Twenty-five years ago today, my father passed away and went to be with the Lord. The first few years after his death were difficult, and I felt lost and alone. The first few years were difficult ones. I found myself lost and forsaken. I was emotionally, spiritually and physically paralyzed by fear. It wasn’t until 2016, that the Lord revealed Himself to me as my Father. He showed me how much He loved me even in the times when I was unable to see Him. I discovered from His Word and through fellowship with other believers, that it wasn’t only my earthly Father who protected me while he was alive, but it was actually Yahweh (Jehovah) who was protecting me through my earthly father.

    According to Exodus 17, we learn that the Israelites were being attacked by the Amalekites. Moses instructed Joshua to choose some men to go with him and fight against the Amalek. Moses assured Joshua that he would hold God’s staff in his hands as he stood on the hilltop. The Israelites would prevail as long as Moses’ hands were lifted in prayer; however, when Moses grew weak and lowered his hands, the Amalekites would overtake the Israelites in battle. So, Aaron and Hur helped Moses by placing a rock under him, and held up Moses’ arms during the battle. Despite being their leader and the Lord’s servant, Moses’s body grew weary, and he was unable to complete God’s task on his own. Just like Moses, there are times when we are unable to finish God’s work by ourselves. We may need words of encouragement or the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

    In Exodus 17:14-15 we read, “The Lord then said to Moses, “Write this down and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven.’ And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord is My Banner.” Moses understood that without Yahweh Nissi, the God who fights our battles, they would not have been able to defeat the Amalekites.

    So why is Yahweh Nissi called “The Lord is My Banner”?
    In ancient times, armies carried wooden banners that represented their identity and functioned as a means of identification. Similar to a flag, a banner could be seen from a great distance and was used by the soldiers to gather before a battle. Banners have historically been used in Babylon, Persia and ancient Egypt. The Israelites carried their banner as they marched through the desert.

    David is about to fight Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:47. Like Moses, David knew that Yahweh Nissi was his banner and the one who would fight for him.

    “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then, all the world will know that Israel has a God. And this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”

    The word Nissi describes a flag or banner. God is victorious in battle, and the flag of His victory is lifted high. He is the victorious one. The Lord is our banner. Both Moses and David recognized that Yahweh Nissi is the One who fought their battles. As Moses and David did, we are praying to the God who is able to fight our battles and overcome all our enemies when we pray to Yahweh Nissi.

    Beloved, when we face a battle, whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical, we cannot fight it in the flesh. We must rely on Yahweh Nissi to fight for us. He is our only hope. Psalm 20:5 says, “We raise a victory banner.” When we lift the Lord high, people see it and realize that Jesus is our Savior and Victor. Only through Him will we be victorious. We need to trust that He will rescue us. We have such a wonderful assurance today: Jesus is our banner of salvation.

    Here are some questions to help you meditate on Yahweh Nissi’s faithfulness:
    1. The Amalekites were Israel’s enemies and were the first ones to attack the
    Israelites after God took them out of Egypt (See Deuteronomy 25:17-19). As
    children of God, we face spiritual enemies that will constantly try to
    destroy God’s plans and purpose for our lives. What enemies or giants do you
    face today? How can knowing that Yahweh Nissi fights your battles bring you
    comfort?
    2. When Moses grew tired of holding up his hands, Aaron and Hur helped him.
    Can you recall the last time you felt weary during your battle and Yahweh
    Nissi sent someone to help you? How did they help you?
    3. How is Jesus God’s banner of victory for us?

    The Scripture gives many examples of Yahweh Nissi fighting for His children. Here are some verses from the Bible you can meditate on. If you know of any Scriptures where you have seen Yahweh Nissi, The Lord My Banner, please share them with me.

    • Psalms 20 60:4—”Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in
    the name of the Lord.”
    • Song of Songs 2:4—”His banner over us is love.”
    • Isaiah 11:10-12; 49:22-25 –” Jesus is the root of Jesse who will stand as a
    banner for God’s people.”
    • John 3:14-15—”The Son of Man will be lifted so that whoever believes in Him
    may have eternal life.”
    • 1 -Corinthians 1:18—Jesus delivered us from eternal suffering.

    Prayer:
    Yahweh Nissi, my Lord and the One who fights for me, thank You for Your love, faithfulness, and deliverance from eternal separation from God. Help me, Lord, to remember that the mountains I face, I don’t face alone. You are the God who fights for me. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, I should not be afraid when facing a giant, for You Lord are my shield; You’re the God of the valley and the mountain; nothing is impossible for You. So, I lift a shout of joy for my battles belong to You, Yahweh Nissi, who fights for me. In Jesus’ name, I give You all the glory, amen.

    Reference

    Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers 2017

    Photo by Anel V D Westhuizen at: http://raisedtowalk.org

  • Dios Se Revela a Través De Su Nombre y Promesas: Elohim

    Dios Se Revela a Través De Su Nombre y Promesas: Elohim

    Dios se revela a través de su nombre y promesas: Elohim

    En el principio creó Dios los cielos y la tierra. Y la tierra estaba sin orden y vacía , y las tinieblas cubrían la superficie del abismo, y el Espíritu de Dios se movía sobre la superficie de las aguas
    Génesis 1:1-2, CSB

    ¿Quién es Elohim y por qué necesitamos saber Su nombre?
    Permítanme comenzar con lo que me llevó a buscar el nombre de Dios y su carácter. Hace aproximadamente un año, cada miembro de mi familia y de la familia de la iglesia experimentó muchas tormentas, especialmente dolor, en el transcurso de seis meses. A veces no queremos hablar de nuestro duelo porque pensar en él nos hace revivir la angustia que sentimos. Muchas veces decidimos ignorarlo y actuar como si nada estuviera mal.

    Desafortunadamente, el duelo es muy real y doloroso. No dejes que nadie te diga lo contrario. Es algo que no podemos ignorar; deseamos que desaparezca de la noche a la mañana para satisfacer las demandas de nuestra vida diaria. Necesitamos solucionarlo. Pero tenga la seguridad de que podrá superar su dolor. Dios no espera que usted pase por esto solo. Él promete estar con nosotros en cada paso del camino. Debemos aprender a descubrir los planes de Dios para superar el proceso de duelo y salir del otro lado. La alegría y la esperanza se encuentran más allá de nuestra temporada de duelo.

    Pero, ¿cómo empezamos a sentir duelo sin perdernos, amargarnos o desanimarnos? Bueno, todo empieza por el principio. Entonces, comencé a pedirle al Señor que me mostrara quién es Él y me ayudara a permanecer en Él y refugiarme en Él. Cuando quieres conocer a alguien y establecer una amistad o relación, intentas conocer a esa persona. Lo mismo ocurre con Dios. Él nos dio Su Palabra para que podamos conocerlo y acercarnos a Él. Entonces, comencemos desde el principio; la primera vez que nos encontramos con Dios.

    En Génesis 1, encontramos el primer nombre que Dios usó en la creación. El nombre que usó fue Elohim, nuestro Creador. Elohim creó cosas que antes no existían. Génesis 1:1-5 describe cómo Elohim inició el comienzo de toda la creación y la progresión del tiempo, que sólo
    comenzó cuando Él habló. Génesis 1: 6-7 dice:
    Entonces dijo Dios: “Haga una expansión entre las aguas que separe el agua del agua”. Entonces Dios [Elohim] hizo la expansión y separó el agua debajo de la expansión. Y fue así. Dios llamó a la extensión “cielo”. Llegó la tarde y luego la mañana: el día segundo”. Elohim no tuvo principio ni fin. Todo lo que Él creó surgió de la nada. Él creó los cielos y la tierra y luego los
    llenó con la materia de las cosas creadas (tierra, vegetación, agua y
    finalmente, los hombres).

    Durante mis años en la facultad de medicina, aprendí que todo lo que tiene masa y volumen, se puede medir y ocupa espacio se considera materia. Entonces, si la materia ocupa espacio y se puede pesar, ¿qué podemos aprender acerca de Elohim? Existió más allá del tiempo, el espacio y la materia y no está sujeto a las limitaciones de Su creación. ¿Qué significa eso? Significa que Elohim existe en otra dimensión del

    mundo que Él creó, sin calificación. Él es capaz de decir:
    ¿Con quién, entonces, me compararán ustedes? ¿Quién es igual a mí?», dice el Santo. Alcen los ojos y miren a los cielos:¿Quién ha creado todo esto? El que ordena la multitud de estrellas una por una, y llama a cada una por su
    nombre. Isaías 40:25-26 NVI
    ¿En qué maneras Elohim difiere de Su creación?
    1. Elohim es distinto en el tiempo. “En el principio creó Dios los cielos y la tierra” (Gén. 1:1). Puedes ver que Dios creó todo en el principio. Eso significa que Dios creó el tiempo. Él es eterno. Existió antes de que se estableciera el tiempo. Tú y yo no estamos sujetos al tiempo en el cielo.
    2. Elohim existía antes de que Él creara el tiempo y el espacio.
    3. Elohim es anterior a la materia o al mundo físico que conocemos. Para que Elohim estuviera fuera del tiempo, el espacio y la materia, tenía que existir en otra dimensión porque nuestra dimensión está limitada por el tiempo, el espacio y la materia. No lo entendemos porque estamos limitados por el tiempo, el espacio y la materia. Leer y estudiar la Palabra de Dios es la única manera de comenzar a comprender Su reino. Sólo a través de Su nombre y Su palabra
    podemos entender quién es Dios.
    Características de los Elohim:
    • Él es trascendente: existe fuera del tiempo, el espacio y la materia.
    • Él es Omnipresente: está en todas partes, presente al mismo tiempo.
    • Él es personal, no un Padre distante. (“Entonces dijo Dios: “Hágase la luz”, y fue la luz).
    En Jeremías 23:23-24, leemos: “¿Soy yo un Dios sólo cercano” “y no un Dios lejano? ¿Puede una persona esconderse en secreto donde no puedo verla? ¿No lleno yo los cielos y la tierra (esta es la declaración del Señor).
    Elohim es la palabra hebrea para Dios que aparece en la primera frase de la Biblia. Cuando oramos a Elohim, se nos recuerda que Él es la fuente de la creación, quien hizo los cielos y la tierra. El nombre de Elohim nos revela el poder, la autoridad y la soberanía de Dios.
    Amados, anímense; Dios (Elohim) no es energía; Él es personal y, por lo tanto, nos invita a usted y a mí a venir a Él, hablar con Él y llevarle nuestras preocupaciones, dolores y preocupaciones porque Él nos ama y se preocupa por nosotros. Cuando oremos, llamémoslo por su nombre, sabiendo que Él no sólo es nuestro Creador sino también soberano y tiene el poder y la autoridad para crear y hacer existir lo que nos parece imposible. Podemos caminar a través del fuego pero no quemarnos; Podemos enfrentar una tormenta furiosa, pero no nos ahogamos porque Elohim nos guiará a través de ella.
    Elohim, mi Señor, mi creador. Eres soberano y poderoso. Gracias por revelarnos Tu carácter a través de la creación y Tu Palabra. Ayúdame a recordar siempre que cuando las cosas parecen imposibles, Tú, Elohim, puedes traer algo a la existencia a partir del caos, como lo hiciste cuando creaste los cielos y la tierra. Deja que toda la creación revele Tu gloria y Tu soberanía. Todo lo que haces es bueno. En el nombre de Jesús, te amo y gracias, amén.

    Referencia
    • Las citas bíblicas marcadas con CSB se han tomado de la Christian Standard Bible. Editores de la Biblia Holman 2017
    • La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.
    • Translator : Jesus Manuel Perez

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  • God Reveals Himself through His name and promises: Elohim

    God Reveals Himself through His name and promises: Elohim

    “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2,  Christian Standard Bible) 

    Who is Elohim, and why do we need to know His name?

    Let me begin with what led me to search for God’s name and His character. About a year ago, every member of my family and church family experienced many storms, especially grief, over the course of six months. Sometimes, we don’t want to talk about our grief because thinking about it makes us relive the anguish we feel. Many times, we choose to ignore it and act like nothing is wrong.

    Unfortunately, grief is very real, and it is painful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s something we cannot ignore; we wish it away overnight to meet the demands of our daily lives. We need to work through it. But rest assured—you can overcome your grief. God doesn’t expect you to go through it alone. He promises to be with us every step of the way. We must learn to discover God’s plans to get through the grief process and come out on the other side. Joy and hope lie beyond our season of grieving.

    But how do we begin to grieve without losing ourselves and becoming bitter or discouraged? Well, it all starts in the beginning. So, I began to ask the Lord to show me who He is and help me to abide in Him and take refuge in Him. When you want to know someone and establish a friendship or relationship, you try to get to know that person. The same is true with God. He gave us His Word so we can get to know Him and draw near to Him. So, let’s start from the beginning; the first time we meet God.

    In Genesis 1, we encounter the first name God used in creation. The name He used was Elohim, our Creator. Elohim created things that did not previously exist, to be. Genesis 1:1-5 describes how Elohim initiated the beginning of all creation and the progression of time, which only began when He spoke. ”

    Genesis 1: 6-7 says, “Then God said, “Let there be a expand between the waters separating water from water.” So God [Elohim] made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.” Evening came and then morning: the second day.”

    Elohim had no beginning and no end. Everything He created was out of nothing. He called into being the heavens and the earth and then filled them with the matter of created things (land, vegetation, water, and finally, men).

    During my years in medical school, I learned that everything that has mass and volume, can be measured, and takes up space is considered matter. So, if matter takes up space and can be weighed, what can we learn about Elohim? He existed beyond time, space, and matter and is not subject to the limitations of His creation. What does that mean? It means that Elohim exists in another dimension from the world He created, without qualification. He is able to say, “To whom will you compare me, or who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up and see! Who created these? He brings out the stars by number, he calls all of them by name.” (Isaiah 40:25-26 CSB)

    In what ways does Elohim differ from His creation?

    1. Elohim is distinct in time. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). You can see that God created everything in the beginning. That means God created time. He is eternal. He existed before time was established. You and I are not bound by time in heaven.
    2. Elohim existed before time and space were created by Him.
    3. Elohim predated matter or the physical world we know. For Elohim to be outside of time, space, and matter, He had to exist in another dimension because our dimension is bound by time, space, and matter. We don’t understand Him because we are limited by time, space, and matter. Reading and studying God’s Word is the only way to begin to understand His realm. Only through His name and His word can we understand who God is.

    Characteristics of Elohim:

    • He is transcendent— He exists outside time, space, and matter.
    • He is Omnipresent—He is everywhere, present at the same time.
    • He is personal—not a distant Father. (“Then God said, “let there be light,” and there was light.

    In Jeremiah 23:23-24, we read, “Am I a God who is only near”- this is the Lord’s declaration- “and not a God who is far away? Can a person hide in secret where I cannot see him?”- the Lord’s declaration. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?”- the Lord’s declaration.

    Elohim is the Hebrew word for God that appears in the Bible’s opening sentence. When we pray to Elohim, we are reminded that He is the source of creation, having made the heavens and the earth. The name of Elohim reveals to us God’s power, authority, and sovereignty.

    Beloved, be encouraged; God (Elohim) is not energy; He is personal, and therefore, He invites you and me to come to Him, talk to Him, and bring our cares, worries, and pain to Him because He loves and cares for us. When we pray, let us call Him by name, knowing He is not only our Creator but also sovereign and has the power and authority to create and bring into existence what seems impossible for us. We may walk through the fire but not burn; we may face a raging storm, but we will not drown because Elohim will walk us through it.

     

    Elohim, my Lord, my Creator. You are sovereign and mighty. Thank you for revealing Your character to us through creation and Your Word. Help me always remember that when things seem to be impossible, You, Elohim, can bring something into existence out of chaos as You did when You created the heavens and the earth. Let all creation reveal Your glory and Your sovereignty. Everything You do is good. In Jesus’s name, I love You, and thank You, amen.

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  • Broken But Not Defeated

    Broken But Not Defeated

    “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 51:17 NLT

     

    When we hear the word’ brokenness,’ we immediately picture something that can’t be fixed: a wimp, someone with an inferiority complex, or someone with low self-esteem. I’ve held onto these lies for many years. But the Lord has shown me the meaning of what true brokenness is.

    According to Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

    I have faced many trials and storms in my life. I received a bill this week that I wasn’t expecting expected. I was a victim of identity fraud two months ago. When I believed everything seemed in order, the bank sent me a letter informing me that the money they credited me due to the scam was invalid and that I needed to return it. I cried and became angry. I complained to the Lord, telling Him how unfair it was to be held responsible for something I hadn’t done. I was the victim!

    The Lord brought Gideon to mind today as I read Psalm 51:17 during my quiet time with Jesus. Gideon faced an army and thought there was no way he could defeat them with just a few soldiers. God allowed Gideon to witness that it would be God’s power, not his strength or his army’s, that would enable him to win the battle. (See Judges 7:2)

    And Jacob, the mighty one who became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. God had to break Jacob of his self-sufficiency before he could become “Israel.”

    How about Moses? He is known as the savior of Israel. The prince of Egypt spent 40 years as a shepherd in the wilderness, learning to put aside his pride and submit to God. Only then was Moses able to appear before Pharaoh and perform the miracles that displayed God’s power.

    Friends, if you are facing a difficult time, be encouraged. Sometimes, God allows us to face difficulties and even hit rock bottom. And it is in the midst of a storm, we can see God for Whom He is—the God who loves us and created us on purpose and for a purpose. He will restore us to become who He made us to be after the storm.

    We may appear broken, but we are not defeated. “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the Spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NLT

    Remember Paul’s words, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2Corinthians 4:8-9)

     

    Father, thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. Thank You for never leaving me alone when I hit rock bottom. Forgive me for the many times I complain, thinking how unfair it is, and the many times I face a storm. Lord, thank You for those storms, for through them, You are shaping me, pruning me off those pesky things that stop me from truly being who You created me to be. Because You are the rock at the bottom of the pit that sustains me, and You will bring me out with Your power. You are my rock, my redeemer, and the lover of my soul. I love You, Lord! In Your name, I thank you, amen.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

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  • Being Faithful in the Waiting

    Being Faithful in the Waiting

    “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).” Galatians 6:9-10 AMP

     

    Have you ever felt like things are not going as planned or that you are not where you imagined you would be? That somehow, you’re stuck in a waiting room, waiting for something to happen?

    Friends, I don’t know about you, but I have difficulty waiting. Every time I go to the doctor, I become increasingly impatient and feel like I’ve been waiting for hours. I want to scream when I see other patients called in before me: “Wait, I’ve been here for hours, and they just arrived!” So what should I do? Either I complain, or I ask the Lord for patience.

    Last year, I listened to a sermon from Pastor Dominick Cotignola of Next City Church Assembly of God about knowing God’s will. The Lord spoke to me about waiting as I listened to his message.

    See, my friends, before I heard Pastor Dominick speak about God’s will for our lives, I always thought that waiting was a terrible thing, but after hearing from him, I started to see why waiting is not a bad thing but rather a blessing. It is in the waiting where God molds, prunes, and removes anything in my life that needs to be removed and doesn’t belong in who I am in Christ.

    Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to keep going and not to give up because the reaping and harvest come after the pruning. “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap if we do not give in. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).”

     

    But we can only make it through “the waiting period” by abiding in Jesus through His Word. Waiting is a blessing when we don’t give up. Sometimes, God allows us to go through these waiting seasons to grow closer to Him and abide in Him. I remember Pastor Sharon once told us that the best part of this season is that we don’t remain there. We’re only passing through; it’s not meant to be our permanent address.

    Therefore, let us remain faithful in this waiting season and continue to do excellent and reliable work with what He has entrusted us. Let us live for the One who is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. Let us be accurate with what He has entrusted us and bring glory to Him even as we wait.

    Lord, thank you for reminding me of the importance of being faithful while waiting. Lord, you know I sometimes get impatient and want things done on time. Thank You for showing me, Lord, once again that it is in the waiting seasons where You do Your best work. And to remember that I’m only passing through this waiting season; it’s not my permanent address. I give you all the praise and glory in Your precious name, amen.

     

    Reference

    Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

    Editor: Carmen J. Almodovar

     

     

     

     

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  • Remain in Me

    Remain in Me

    Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 NLT

     

    Today, I woke up with a heavy heart. The memories were overwhelming my heart. I went to the Lord and lay my heart and the pain as I cried out to Him and told Him that my heart could no longer bear the pain and regrets of the past. “Lord, why can I let go? Help me, Jesus, I can’t do this without you,” I said. Suddenly, the Lord led me to read John 15:4.

     

    “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. ” I have read this verse many times; my last two postings were related to Jesus being the vine, and we are His branches. But today, He spoke to me about something else.

     

    “Abide” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means “to remain; to stay.” The Lord showed me to continue to remain in Him and depend on Him every day, every moment, and to trust that He will finish the work He began in me. In the meantime, while I wait, delight in His presence because He’s happy with me at every stage of my spiritual growth. He’s not waiting for me to be perfect to love me. He will never love me more than He already loves me.

     

    Friends, I don’t know if you can relate to being in a waiting period where you’re struggling not being the person you know God created you to be, or perhaps you’re going through a difficult time, and you’re wondering why God is not moving the way you want Him to. Be encouraged, beloved; God will never give up on you. Things may not happen as fast as we like, but be confident knowing that God is with you and loves you; He’s faithful and will complete the work He began in you.

     

    Father, thank You for loving me despite my past and present. You are holy and faithful. Father, let your will be done in me as in Heaven. Help me to delight in Your presence daily as I wait for You to complete the work You began in me. Thank you for your blessings, mercy, and grace. Thank you for always listening to me when I call out to you. Although I can’t see you, I know You’re beside me, embracing me and wiping all my tears. Thank you for being my Father. In Jesus’ name, I give you praises, amen.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

    Merriam-Webster (n.d.). Vinedresser. In the Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2023 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/vinedresser

     

     

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  • Seasons Of Waiting

    Seasons Of Waiting

    Waiting is difficult. We don’t like to wait. We live in a world that is constantly moving at a dizzying speed. We don’t walk; we run. We don’t stay in our lane while driving; instead, we get irritated and veer off when the car in front of us moves too slowly. We become impatient when we have to wait at the doctor’s office. We don’t like waiting in line for too long. We want things done yesterday.

    God doesn’t work like that. He works according to His pace and will. One year for us can be a thousand years for God. So, what do we do during our season of waiting?

    The Bible tells us that God works all things together for our good. What does that mean? Due to our inability to wait, we expect God to turn things around immediately. And to provide us with all the good things we want or desire. But that is not what this verse means.

    “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who[a]have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV, Romans 8:38)

    It means that God works all things together no matter what season we are enduring. He is active in our lives, not distant. He’s working behind the scenes, whether through trials or tribulations; He’s not leaving us alone. God uses every season in our lives to help us learn more about Him, His character, who He is, and who we are. Even when we face situations that leave us wondering how they will turn out, we can trust with all our hearts that the Lord will turn things around. Everything He does or allows is for our good.

    So, when we go through any season of waiting, instead of running away or complaining, let us ask ourselves: What is God trying to teach me about Himself and myself that only this season of time would allow me to see and learn? What truths can I cling to as a reminder of God’s continual work in my waiting?

    Friends, I have experienced many seasons of waiting. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the lessons God was attempting to teach me. Instead, I ran, complained, and completely missed it. It wasn’t until one season of waiting that God got my complete attention.

    In 2017, I was falsely accused of something I didn’t do. No matter how often I cried and complained, I was unable to see God at work until one day when I recalled Pastor Sharon’s words, “This is not the end of your story. God is not finished writing your story. Look for Jesus in the season. Surrender and let Him show you the way.” (Pastor Sharon Gonzalez, Pure Grace Ministries. 2018)

    I needed the support of my beloved brothers and sisters to get me through this challenging season in my life. At first, I couldn’t see what God was doing, but as I surrendered and turned to Jesus and let Him lead me, I could slowly see what He was trying to teach me. Finally, although it wasn’t easy, I could see God working in me and on those who falsely accused me. Did it happen overnight? No! It took ten months of pain, humiliation, doubts, praying, and letting God do what He knows best to reconstruct my heart and bring me to a place where I entirely depended on Him.

    After ten long months, my Lord Jesus brought me back to work. But it wasn’t just going back to my job; it was about showing everyone that I was innocent and that my Heavenly Father had redeemed me and showed everyone that I was His child. Shortly after, every person who falsely accused me was removed. Not because of anything I did but rather because of who He is.

    “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time, their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near, and their doom rushes upon them.” (NIV, Deuteronomy 32:35)

    God allows us to go through seasons of waiting where He can show us who He is and who we are. Seasons of waiting are pauses in our lives that help us see God’s faithfulness. We can embrace these seasons and allow the Lord to remove those strongholds that keep us from becoming who He created us to be, or we can continue to remain stuck, roaming around the wilderness, not knowing Who He is and what His will is for us. What would you choose?

     

    Father, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you again for reminding me that you are not an absentee Father. You are always with me and in me. I can run to your arms anytime, knowing they are open to embracing, comforting, leading, and lovingly correcting me when needed. Lord, help me to be patient during seasons of waiting. Teach me what I need to learn and give me the wisdom to apply it. Instead, I would go through any season of waiting with You rather than live a life of uncertainty without You. In Jesus’ name, I thank you, Father, amen.

    Reference:

    • Gonzalez, S. (Fall 2018). The Discipline of Discipleship: Hidden Seasons. https://www.puregracenyc.org/
    • The Lucado Encouraging Word Holy Bible New International Version (2020. Nashville, Tennessee
    • Carmen J. Almodovar Editor

     

  • Come to Me

  • The Lord’s Prayer: Day 3: “Deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13 NKJV).

    The Lord’s Prayer: Day 3: “Deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13 NKJV).

    Why did Jesus teach us to pray, “Do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”?

    Satan, our enemy, knows our areas of weakness, and he will use them against us.

    But the good news is that our weaknesses, not strengths, draw us closer to God.

    Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time, he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so Christ’s power can work through me. I enjoy my weaknesses and the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

    What lessons can we apply from Paul in these verses?

    Here are some lessons I learned through this passage:

    1). Our weaknesses stop us from becoming proud.

     Paul writes, “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.”

    I have discovered that on many occasions, I have found that with my weakness, there’s always a strength that God has given me, so I don’t boast about what I can do but what He can do through me.

    For example, one of my weaknesses is writing. I always felt anxious whenever I had to write an essay in school or even teach it to my students. Yet God turned that weakness into strength for His glory. He called me to write encouraging words for others based on my life storms. This is all Him because writing is one of my weaknesses.

    2). Our weakness creates fellowship with others.

    Our struggles show how much we need the support of others. Many of our trials help us encourage others going through a similar situation.

     

    Vance Havner once said, “Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together, they can stop traffic.” How right he was.

     3.) Our weakness enables us to help others.

    The things we’re so afraid to share with others are what God uses to help us help others. I know this to be true. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the caller.

    Lord, thank You for being my strength and my strong tower.

    You are the One who gives me the strength to do what I’m unable to do and the courage to make a difference in this world. Thank you for your guidance and love, in Jesus’s name, amen.

     

    Reference

    • The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.
    • Vance Havner. April 6, 2007. Purpose-driven Life
    • Editor: Carmen Almodovar, Virginia,

     

     

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  • The Lord’s Prayer: Part 1

    The Lord’s Prayer: Part 1

    “Therefore, pray…Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9 NLT

    We are all familiar with the prayer Jesus taught us, which became known as The Lord’s Prayer. However, do we understand why Jesus wanted us to learn this prayer? For centuries and decades, people have prayed this prayer and recited it as something passed on from generation to generation.

    Last summer, in my Bible study group, we broke down each verse of the Lord’s prayer, and the Holy Spirit revealed things that we didn’t know.

    For the next couple of days, we will unpack the Lord’s prayer as we do; let us ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what the Lord wants us to know about Him and the meaning behind His prayer.

    “Our Father in heaven.” When we say the word, Father, we immediately acknowledge that we are family and have a special connection with God as we do with our earthly father. When my father was alive, we had a special bond, a relationship that brought comfort, peace, security, and protection, and most importantly, I knew I was loved. I knew I didn’t need to worry about anything while he was with me.

    After my father went home with the Lord, I felt lost, abandoned, and unloved. I didn’t realize I had a heavenly Father who loved me more than my earthly father. Through my grief, I began to see God as my Father. I understood how much He loved me because I was His daughter.

    Not only is God my Father, but He’s also the source of my strength; He’s my comfort; He hovers over me at all times, especially when I’m hurting, scared, or feeling abandoned and unloved.

    “..in heaven..” God lives in heaven and in you and me through the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? Have you ever imagined what heaven is like? Our human mind will never be able to comprehend or imagine what heaven is like. But God’s Word gives us glimpses of life in heaven. It’s pure, holy as He is righteous; there’s no pain or sorrow, no need for the sun because God’s presence brightens the heavens. (See Revelations 21-22)

    “..may Your name be kept holy.” Unlike my earthly Father, God is holy. Therefore, I cannot address Him as my equal. My thoughts, words, and actions must honor Him at all times.

    Friends, you and I were created in His image. What does that mean? We are supposed to mirror Him in this falling world. How can others see Him if our actions and words don’t reflect Him?

    Jesus wanted us to see God as our Father, not a distant God, but a personal God involved in our lives. Through Jesus’s sacrifice and finished work on the cross, we can have a personal relationship with our heavenly Father today and forever.

    Father, I am so grateful to come to Your presence at any time, knowing You love me even when I fall short. You are a faithful and loving Father who will never let me down. Who picks me up when I fall, nurtures me when I’m hurting, and disciplines me when needed. Thank you, Lord, for being my Father. Help me, Father, surrender my will to You daily to show the world I am Your daughter. In Jesus’ name, I praise you and give you all the honor and glory.

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

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  • In the Stillness, There’s A knowing

    In the Stillness, There’s A knowing

    Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of this storm?

    During this trial (test), I learned to see and trust Jesus even though I couldn’t see or understand what He was doing.

    But God had other plans. I needed to learn that even in the darkest hour in my life, God never forgets me; He still has a purpose for me.

    I learned that God was fully engaged in my life. He sees our needs of tomorrow and, accordingly, uses our circumstances to create the ‘test” (to take a keen look at, to look, to choose. The Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible Edit by Spiros Zodhiates.)

    God can cause all things to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)

    Can He turn something good out of my mess? Yes, He can! God is the potter; we are the clay. He is the Gardener; we are the branches. He is the Shepherd; we are the sheep. He is the teacher; we are the students.

    I needed to trust His training and believe He would make something good out of my mess. And He did. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. 

    During this trial, God reminded me of Joseph. Joseph succeeded in the kitchen and dungeon before prevailing in the Egyptian court. He cared for the butler and baker before he cared for the nations. He excelled in the small things and was rewarded immensely.

    And that’s precisely what the Lord did for me. He turned a harrowing situation in my life into a victory. He cleared my name, restored me, and turned my “mess” into His message. 

    Friends, how can we be like Joseph and Job and rely on God in the small things while waiting for Him to promote us to create more extraordinary things? 

    During the test, let us focus on maintaining a great attitude, serving others, and not complaining. Remember, no testing or trial lasts forever, and God will always fulfill His promise. He will always make something good out of our mess. God will turn it around. Jesus is the same yesterday and today!

    Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for turning my mess into Your message. Thank you for reminding me that You are an incredible Father who loves me and will never let me go.

     

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  • An Encounter With Yeshua

    An Encounter With Yeshua

    “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
    Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28 NLT.

     

    I was informed last Friday that I needed a second biopsy. Overwhelmed with uncertainty and fear, I cried out to the Lord. I threw myself at His mercy and asked Him why I had been suffering so much for the past year. I went to bed after I said my prayers and complained.

    I had a vision while I was asleep. In my vision, I found myself in a building that resembled a church. Though it was very dark, I knew there were other people there. There was a group of people on my left who appeared to be Christians, but on my right was a group of people who were non-Christians. They were attacking the Christians. Despite their human-like behavior, I knew they were demons.

    I tried to tell the Christians to fight back because we had the power in Jesus’ name to do so. They were scared and were not fighting back. I held my phone up as a light source, faced them, and began rebuking them in a language I didn’t know yet understood what I was saying. I kept calling out over and over, “Yeshua, come.”

    Suddenly, the door opened, and a bright light, like the sun, appeared and illuminated the darkness. I yelled, “Yeshua is here,” and ran towards the light. I could see a figure emerging from the light as I got closer. I saw his body, his pierced hands, and I fell at His feet saying, “Yeshua, you’re here.” He gave me a gentle embrace and called me by name as He said, “Do not fear; I am with you.” Then He turned to face the demons and wiped them out using His voice. Above the sky, I saw an army of angels dressed in armor fighting with swords.

    Friends, I felt so much peace and joy. I cannot explain it. I woke up calling out His name, Yeshua. In my 42 years as a Christian, I have never had a vision like that. It was so real.

    What season are you facing right now? Like me, are you going through emotional and physical storms? Have you experienced the loss of a loved one and have lost hope? Or are you facing uncertainty and don’t see a way out?

    Be encouraged- Yeshua is real. He has never left us alone. Even when we’re unfaithful and lose our perspective, Yeshua never does. He has great plans for me, and you. All we need to do is trust His Word. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. (See Hebrew 13:5) Even though the mountains and giants we face may be overwhelming, Yeshua is far greater than our giants. Let us approach His throne and lay all our worries, fears, and concerns at His feet. He’ll take care of it, for the battle belongs to Him.

    Father, thank you for the beautiful vision You showed me. Words can never explain what it was like to see You, Yeshua, face to face. You have hovered me with love, peace, comfort, and joy in my darkest hours. I can face anything, Lord, knowing that You are always by my side; You will never leave or forsake me. You are always with me. In Jesus name, I praise You, amen.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

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  • Unidad en Cristo Jesús

    Unidad en Cristo Jesús

    Mi oración no es por el mundo, sino por los que me has dado,

    porque te pertenecen. Todos los que son míos te pertenecen,

    y me los has dado, para que me den gloria.

    Ahora me voy del mundo; ellos se quedan en este mundo,

    pero yo voy a ti. Padre santo, tú me has dado tu nombre;

    ahora protégelos con el poder de tu nombre

    para que estén unidos como lo estamos nosotros.

    Juan 17:9-11 NTV

    Estudiamos el significado de la Oración de Lamento y cómo avanzar en la fe mientras estamos de duelo en nuestros dos devocionales más recientes.

    Como descubrimos en el Salmo 13, el lamento es una forma de comunicarse con Dios. Podemos optar por cerrarnos durante un período de duelo o podemos optar por hablar con nuestros padres o un amigo cercano sobre cómo nos sentimos. Que alguien nos escuche puede ayudarnos a manejar nuestras emociones y las situaciones que las provocan.

    En esta sesión, discutiremos la oración final que nuestro Señor Jesús nos dejó, conocida como La Oración de la Unidad. Estamos familiarizados con esta oración y la hemos hecho con frecuencia. No sé ustedes, pero estas oraciones suelen ser breves y directas. Mis oraciones

    normalmente comienzan con:

    ¡Ayúdame, Señor! Señor,

    ¿por qué no me respondes?”

    Tuve la oportunidad de estudiar hoy la oración que Jesús hizo en la Última Cena. Durante mi estudio, descubrí una oración en Deuteronomio 6:1-9 que el Dios vivo dio a los judíos. Este capítulo comienza con Moisés dando a los judíos instrucciones sobre el carácter de Dios. Dios es santo y, como hijos de Dios, deben buscar la santidad. Esto todavía se aplica a nosotros hoy. Como cristianos, estamos llamados a ser santos, como Dios es santo.

    Entonces, ¿cómo podemos llegar a ser santos como Dios? Estamos llamados a amarlo obedientemente, “con todo nuestro corazón, alma y fuerzas” (Deuteronomio 6:5).

    Esta es una oración que Jesús mismo tenía que hacer todos los días y, como rabino, la hacía muchas veces durante el día.

     

    ¡Escucha, Israel! El Señor es nuestro Dios, solamente el Señor. Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma y con todas tus fuerzas. Debes comprometerte con todo tu ser a cumplir cada uno de estos mandatos que hoy te entrego. Repíteselos a tus hijos una y otra vez. Habla de ellos en tus conversaciones cuando estés en tu casa y cuando vayas por el camino, cuando te acuestes y cuando te levantes. Átalos a tus manos y llévalos sobre la frente como un recordatorio. Escríbelos en los marcos de la entrada de tu casa y sobre las puertas de la ciudad.

    Deuteronomio 6:1-9 NTV

    En la Última Cena, Jesús supo que ésta era la última comida que compartiría con sus discípulos antes de que la calma se convirtiera en

    caos. como Juan 13:1 dice: Había llegado la hora, lo que significa que sabía que el momento estaba cerca. ¿Te imaginas cómo se sintió Jesús durante esta última comida? ¿Te imaginas todo lo que se agitaba y se movía en su corazón mientras comía con sus discípulos? —un grupo de hombres a quienes amó tan profundamente— ¿por última vez antes de que todo cambiara para siempre? Habiendo amado a los suyos que estaban en el mundo, los amó hasta el fin es uno de mis pasajes favoritos de Juan 13:1.

    Jesús lavó los pies de sus discípulos y les explicó lo que estaba haciendo antes de que comenzara la Última Cena. Él demostró cuánto los amaba a través de Sus palabras y acciones. Las palabras que pronunció alrededor de esa mesa, preservadas para nosotros en Juan 13-17, fueron algunas de sus últimas palabras para sus discípulos tanto

    entonces como ahora.

    • Palabras de verdad.
    • Palabras de vida.
    • Palabras de aliento.
    • Palabras de instrucción.
    • Palabras para explicar lo que estaba por suceder.
    • Palabras de esperanza.
    • Palabras de consuelo.
    • Palabras de visión.
    • Palabras de propósito.
    • Palabras de unidad para unirlos.
    • Palabras de oración ofrecidas en su nombre y en el nuestro.

    En la comunidad judía hace dos mil años, la comunión en la mesa era crítica e íntima. Compartir una comida con alguien significaba darle la bienvenida, abrazarlo y aceptarlo. La mesa era un lugar donde los discípulos podían recostarse, descansar y compartir historias; era un

    lugar para compartir las comodidades de la comida y el compañerismo.

    En este cuadro de la Última Cena (McLelland, 2023), los discípulos están tumbados en el suelo; algunos están reclinados sobre la mesa, algunos incluso descansan sobre Jesús. Estaban compartiendo una comida con Jesús, disfrutando de Su presencia y aprendiendo lo que vendría. Jesús y los discípulos se muestran como uno en esta imagen. Había intimidad y unidad.

    A menudo me imagino cómo sería compartir una comida con nuestro Señor, sentarme con Él y escucharlo. Pero permítanme compartir con ustedes un pequeño secreto que aprendí mientras hacía este estudio: fuimos parte de la Última Cena.

    Sus instrucciones en la Última Cena fueron para Sus discípulos y para todos y cada uno de nosotros que creeríamos en Él y lo aceptaríamos como Señor y Salvador. ¿Cómo fue eso posible?, te preguntaste. Si nos fijamos en las palabras de Jesús en la Última Cena, Jesús se refería no sólo a Sus discípulos, sino a todos los que en el futuro recibirían como dijo el Señor y Salvador. Profundicemos y analicemos

    la oración de Jesús en Juan 13:34.

    Queridos hijos, estaré con vosotros sólo un poco más. Y como dije a los líderes judíos, me buscaréis, pero no podréis venir adonde yo voy. Por eso ahora os doy un mandamiento nuevo: que os améis unos a otros. Así como yo os he amado, vosotros debéis amaros unos a otros. Su amor mutuo demostrará al mundo que son mis discípulos.

    Cuando Jesús hizo esta oración, no sólo se refería a sus discípulos sino también a los cristianos. La oración es una oportunidad para involucrarnos activamente con nuestro Dios vivo. No es pasivo sino activo. La oración es una interacción con el Dios vivo y una manera de asociarse con Él. La oración hace descender el cielo a la tierra. Las últimas horas de Jesús las pasó orando por sus discípulos, por ti y por mí. Eligió sus palabras con cuidado. Les recordó lo que se avecinaba y los instó a seguir siendo uno.

    ¿Qué dirías si supieras que esta sería tu última comida con tu familia? ¿Qué y cómo orarías? Esa es una pregunta difícil. Para ser completamente honesta, antes de que mi padre y mi esposo fueran a estar con el Señor, tenía tanto miedo de perder a un ser querido que nunca tuve la oportunidad de decirles cómo me sentía, de animarlos o de asegurarles que estarían bien. No encontraba las palabras adecuadas para expresar mis sentimientos o para despedirme. Entonces perdí la oportunidad de decirles muchas cosas que quería decirles.

    Jesús sabía que su tiempo llegaría y quería recordarles a los discípulos todo lo que les había enseñado y prepararlos para lo que vendría. Jesús no quería que sus discípulos y amigos perdieran la fe después de su partida. Prometió enviar el Espíritu de la Verdad, el

    Consejero.

    No dejen que el corazón se les llene de angustia; confíen en Dios y confíen también en mí. En el hogar de mi Padre, hay lugar más que suficiente. Si no fuera así, ¿acaso les habría dicho que voy a prepararles un lugar? Cuando todo esté listo, volveré para llevarlos, para que siempre estén conmigo donde yo estoy. Y ustedes conocen el camino que lleva adonde voy.

    Juan 14:1-4 NTV

    Jesús oró no sólo por sus discípulos sino también por ti y por mí.

    No te pido solo por estos discípulos, sino también por todos los que creerán en mí por el mensaje de ellos. Te pido que todos sean uno, así como tú y yo somos uno, es decir, como tú estás en mí, Padre, y yo estoy en ti. Y que ellos estén en nosotros, para que el mundo crea que tú me enviaste.

    Juan 17:20-21 NTV

    Jesús enfatizó la importancia de la unidad en la Unidad. Según

    Kristi McLelland, una de las autoras de When You Pray:

    La unidad es el camino del reino de Dios en el mundo. Es una unidad centrada en el Evangelio y orientada al reino que siempre ha estado dentro de la diversidad. La unidad no ocurre cuando nos volvemos iguales. La unidad verdadera, robusta, saludable y vibrante ocurre dentro de nuestras expresiones únicas y diversas. Lo mejor se expresa como un ramo de flores únicas en lugar de doce rosas rojas. Estamos mejor juntos. (pág.200)

    Nuestro Señor Jesús es verdaderamente único. Él oró para que seamos uno. ¿Cómo puede la gente vivir esto? Al honrarlo, seguir sus enseñanzas y su ejemplo y vivir en armonía, plenitud y deleite, nos volvemos uno en Cristo.

    Es reconfortante saber que Jesús no abandonó a ninguno de nosotros. Envió el Espíritu de la Verdad (el Espíritu Santo) para recordarnos las enseñanzas de Jesús, guiarnos, convencernos de nuestros

    pecados, y ayudarnos a permanecer justos y protegernos.

                La oración no se trata de decir lo que creemos que el Señor quiere oír de nosotros. La oración es una búsqueda honesta, íntima e intencional del Señor en la verdad, en la realidad, en la realidad de nuestras vidas tal como son. McLelland, 2023

    La oración es una conversación con el Señor. Lo estás invitando a tu vida diaria. Estás quitando el foco de ti mismo y poniéndolo en Dios. La oración se trata de estar en silencio ante el Señor y escucharlo.

    Amigos, es posible que estén experimentando alguna tormenta en la vida y se sientan abandonados, confundidos o rechazados. ¡Aliéntense!  Jesús sabía que experimentaríamos pruebas y tribulaciones como los discípulos. Es por eso que Jesús hizo esta hermosa oración por nosotros y envió al Espíritu Santo para ayudarnos, enseñarnos y recordarnos

    quién es Jesús y quiénes somos nosotros. Nunca estamos solos.

    Mi oración no es por el mundo, sino por los que me has dado,

    porque te pertenecen. Todos los que son míos te pertenecen,

    y me los has dado, para que me den gloria.

    Ahora me voy del mundo; ellos se quedan en este mundo,

    pero yo voy a ti. Padre santo, tú me has dado tu nombre;

    ahora protégelos con el poder de tu nombre

    para que estén unidos como lo estamos nosotros.

    Juan 17:9-11 NTV

    Señor, gracias por tu fidelidad aun cuando yo te soy infiel. Gracias, Señor, por tu amor por mí y por toda la humanidad. Enséñame a mantener mis ojos puestos en Ti y en Tu Palabra. Gracias por el Espíritu Santo que enviaste para enseñarnos, corregirnos, abogar por nosotros, guiarnos y recordarnos que yo soy la justicia de Dios en Cristo Jesús. A veces es difícil amar a quienes no nos aman y nos han hecho daño. Pero con Tu ayuda, guía y gracia, miraré a cada una de esas personas a través de Tus ojos de amor: Tu amor incondicional. Dijiste que nos amáramos unos a otros: a la familia, a los amigos e incluso a nuestros enemigos. En el nombre de Jesús, amén.

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  • Oneness In Christ Jesus

    Oneness In Christ Jesus

    “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now, I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” John 17:9-11 New Living Translation

    We studied the significance of the Prayer of Lament and how to move forward in your faith while grieving in our two most recent devotionals.

     As we discovered from Psalm 13, lament is a way to communicate with God. We may choose to shut down during a period of grief or talk to our parents or a close friend about how we are feeling. Having someone listen to us may help us handle our emotions and the situations that cause them.

     In this session, we will discuss the final prayer our Lord Jesus left us, known as ” the Prayer of Unity.” We are familiar with this prayer and have prayed it often. I do not know about you, but these prayers are often short and pointed. My prayers would typically begin with, “Help me, Lord! Lord, why don’t you answer me?” 

     I had the opportunity to study the prayer Jesus prayed at the Last Supper today. During my study, I discovered a prayer in Deuteronomy 6:1-9 that the living God gave to the Jews. This chapter opens with Moses giving the Jews instructions regarding God’s character. God is holy, and as God’s children, they must pursue holiness. This still applies to us today. As Christians, we are called to be holy, as God is holy.

    So how do we become holy like God? We are called to love Him obediently, “with all your heart, soul, and strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

    This is a prayer Jesus Himself had to pray every day, and as a Rabbi, He prayed it many times during the day.

    Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to the commands I give you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home, on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:1-9 NLT)

    At the Last Supper, Jesus knew this was the final meal He would share with His disciples before calm was thrown into chaos. As John 13:1 puts it, “The hour had come,” meaning He knew the moment was near.  Can you imagine how Jesus felt during this last meal? Can you imagine all that was stirring and moving in His heart as He ate with His disciples—a group of men He loved so deeply—for the last time before everything changed forever? “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the very end” is one of my favorite passages from John 13:1.

     Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and explained what He was doing before the Last Supper began. He demonstrated how much He loved them through His words and actions. The words He spoke around that table, preserved for us in John 13-17, were some of His last words for His disciples both then and now.

    • Words of truth.
    • Words of life.
    • Words of encouragement.
    • Words of instruction.
    • Words to explain what was about to happen.
    • Words of hope.
    • Words of comfort.
    • Words of vision.
    • Words of purpose.
    • Words of unity to bind them together.
    • Words of prayer are offered on their behalf and ours.

    In the Jewish community two thousand years ago, the table fellowship was critical and intimate. Sharing a meal with someone meant you welcomed, embraced, and accepted them. The table was a place where the disciples could recline, linger, and share stories; it was a place to share in the comforts of food and fellowship.

    In this picture of the Last Supper (McLelland, 2023), the disciples are lying on the floor; some are reclining on the table, and some are even resting on Jesus. They were sharing a meal with Jesus, enjoying His presence, and learning what would come. Jesus and the disciples are shown as one in this image. There was intimacy and oneness. I often imagine what it would be like to share a meal with our Lord, sit with Him, and listen to Him. But allow me to share with you a small secret I learned while doing this study: we were part of the Last Supper. His instructions at the Last Supper were for His disciples and each and every one of us who would believe in Him and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

    In John 13:34, Jesus prayed, “Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

    When Jesus prayed this prayer, He was not only referring to His disciples but to Christians as well. Prayer is an opportunity to engage actively with our living God. It is not passive but active. Prayer is an interaction with the living God and a way to partner with Him. Prayer brings heaven down to earth. Jesus’s final hours were spent praying for His disciples, you, and me. He chose His words carefully. He reminded them of what was coming and urged them to remain one.

     What would you say if you knew this would be your last meal with your family? What and how would you pray? That is a tough one. To be completely honest, before my father and husband went to be with the Lord, I had such a fear of losing a loved one that I never got the chance to tell them how I was feeling, to encourage them, or reassure them that I would be okay. I could not find the right words to express my feelings or to say goodbye. So, I missed the opportunity to tell them many things I wanted to say. 

    Jesus knew His time was coming, and He wanted to remind the disciples of everything He had taught them and prepare them for what was to come. Jesus did not want His disciples and friends to lose their faith after He was gone. He promised to send the Spirit of Truth, the Counselor.

    Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There is more than enough room in my father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I will prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.  (John14:1-4)

    Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for you and me. “I am praying for these disciples and all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me” (John 17:20-21).

    Jesus emphasized the importance of unity in Oneness. According to Kristi McLelland, one of the authors of When You Pray,

    Oneness is the way of the kingdom of God in the world. It’s a Gospel-centered, kingdom-oriented unity that has always been within diversity. Unity does not occur when we become the same. True, robust, healthy, and vibrant unity happens within our unique and diverse expressions. The best is expressed as a bouquet of unique flowers rather than twelve red roses. We are better together. (p.200)

    Our Lord Jesus is truly unique. He prayed for us to be one. How can people live this out?  By honoring Him, following His teachings and example, and living in harmony, wholeness, and delight, we become one in Christ.

     It is comforting to know that Jesus did not abandon any of us. He sent the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) to remind us of Jesus’s teachings, lead us, convict us of our sins, help us remain righteous, and protect us.

    “Prayer isn’t about saying what we think the Lord wants to hear from us. Prayer is an honest, intimate, and intentional reaching for the Lord in truth, in reality, in the actuality of our lives as they are.” (McLelland, 2023).

    Prayer is a conversation with the Lord. You are inviting Him into your everyday life. You are taking the focus off yourself and placing it on God. Prayer is about being quiet before the Lord and listening to Him.

    Friends, you may be experiencing some life storm and feel abandoned, confused, or rejected. Be encouraged; Jesus knew we would experience trials and tribulations like the disciples. That is why Jesus prayed this beautiful prayer for us and sent the Holy Spirit to help us, teach us, and remind us who Jesus is as well as who we are. We are never alone.

    My prayer is not for the world but for those you have given me because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now, I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. (John 17:9-11)

    Lord, thank you for your faithfulness even when I am unfaithful. Thank you, Lord, for your love for me and all humanity. Teach me how to keep my eyes on You and Your Word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit whom you sent to teach us, correct us, advocate for us, guide us, and remind us that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Sometimes, it’s hard to love those who do not love us and have hurt us. But with Your help, guidance, and grace, I will look at each of those people through Your eyes of love—Your unconditional love. You said to love one another: family, friends, and even our enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Reference

    • The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.
    • McLelland, K. (2023). [Sketch of the Last Supper] Lifeway Press. Brentwood, TN. (It’s a When You Pray)
    • McLelland, K. (2023, September). Prayers that Unify. [Video]. http://www.lifeway.com/Whenyoupray

     

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  • How To Move Forward in Your Faith While Grieving

    How To Move Forward in Your Faith While Grieving

    “Weeping may last through the night,  but joy comes with the morning.” Proverbs 30:5b

    In our most recent devotional on the prayer of lament, we learned what the prayer of lament was and its significance.

    We looked at Psalm 13 to explain and understand the prayer of lament. Lament is a way to communicate with God. When we are grieving, we may either shut down or talk to our parents or a close friend about how we are feeling. In some ways, just having someone listen to us may help us to deal with our feelings and the situations that cause them. Sadly, this is what we do as humans to help us cope with our pain. However, you might be wondering how is going to your parents or friends different from going to God.

    Friends, believe me when I say it’s completely different. When my father passed away, I tried to talk to everyone about my pain, but I was never able to find comfort or peace in their words. Why? Because only God can give us peace and direct us in how to grieve properly.

    God has given us the prayer of lament to help us cope with our grief. We need to walk the path of lament when we are broken, hurt, in despair, and without answers.

     

    You might be wondering if this applies to you because you’re not grieving or in despair. My friend, I completely agree with you. It’s difficult to understand grief unless you have experienced it before.

    After Adam and Eve sinned, the Scripture says in Genesis 3:10 that Adam heard God’s voice and hid. “But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you? “He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid” (New International Translation).

     

    Nowadays, people hide for a variety of reasons. Adam, however, was accustomed to walking with God. They were friends. Yet, when he sinned against God, he was ashamed and wanted to hide. Adam’s statement didn’t just address how he was feeling, but also he described it:

     

    • I Feel: He was feeling shame. “I was afraid because I was naked.” This statement shows Adam’s expressing his emotions to God. (Genesis 3:10)
    • Adam then described his feelings of becoming aware of his nakedness. He went on to say, “I was afraid and hid.”

    I can only imagine the pain Adam was going through. Adam had a perfect relationship with God, his Father. They walked together, they talked. Can you even imagine how beautiful their relationship was? But everything changed after the fall. Sin separated Adam from God. I can hear the pain and shame in his voice, “I was afraid and hid.”

     

     

    After Adam and Eve sinned, God did not search for Adam, asking, “Where are You? We all know God did not lose Adam. He knew what they had done. God wants us to be closer to Him even when we sin; we are not called to isolate ourselves in our grief. Lament is a way for us to say, “God, here I am.”

    One of the phrases I’ve learned walking the path of lament is that we are called to go to our Father in our grief and share our emotions with Him. It’s nothing special. A straightforward sentence, “Lord, I Feel…; Lord I need…. Lord, I will”

    Let’s see how Hannah dealt with her grief. Hannah was, as you know, barren. In addition, Peninnah, Ekanah’s first wife, constantly picked on and tormented Hannah because she was unable to bear children.

    According to the Scripture, Hannah cried out to God because she could not bear the shame and suffering. “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut” (1 Samuel 1:9-12 New Living Translation). Wow! What a powerful and selfless prayer. Friends, I don’t know if you can relate, but I don’t believe I could ever give up my child.

    As you can see, Hannah had good reason to lament. Did you see that Hannah, like David, was able to express and convey her pain and emotions?

    Yes, lament gives you and me a place to express our emotions. It allows us to worship God through our pain. Never hesitate to be specific in your prayers. Be honest with God about how you feel and what you need. It’s difficult to pretend that carrying all that pain inside doesn’t bother you when, in reality, it does.

     

    Jennifer Rothschild (2023) states, “Lament always needs a yet, not a but. While it negates everything that comes before it it is the way you acknowledge all those emotions and situations and still move forward in faith.

     

    Lament is like riding a raft down a restless river. You’re going somewhere. You feel the turmoil and even the refreshment of the experience, and eventually, you reach the shore, and the journey ends. Yet, the whole time you ride the waves of Lament, you’re being held, cradled, and drawn by a strong Hand to a safe place. (p. 135)

    I love that last line, “Yet, the whole time you ride the waves of Lament, you’re being held, cradled, and drawn by a strong Hand to a safe place.” Knowing that God is with you and me through every storm gives us the hope and comfort we need.

    Friends, singing praises to the Lord amid a storm is hard but not impossible, regardless of the outcome. I know and can relate. It’s something we are called to do. “Sing the praises of the Lord, you, his faithful people; praise his holy name” (Psalm 30:4 NIV). Yes, friends, in this life, we will experience grief, but joy comes in the morning. (See Psalm 30:5b NIV)

     

    Friends, I now say this prayer as part of my daily routine. This prayer of lament has encouraged me and helped me to express my pain and sorrows to God. I can assure you no one enjoys experiencing pain, but be encouraged to go to your secret place. A place where there’s only you and God, and you can share your feelings without fear. He understands. He has experienced what it is to be human—pain, sorrow, betrayal, persecution, and death so that we can be reunited with our Heavenly Father.

    It is in that quiet place where I can come to Him and cry out to Him. You’ll be surprised what the Lord can and will do when we go to Him and share our innermost thoughts. You may be wondering, did it work? Yes, it did!

     

    My dear friends, God never fails us. He’s faithful. He’s the same God, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV).

     

    Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes and teaching me the importance of coming to You with our pain and sorrows. I know this is a path many of us don’t like, but we know it’s necessary for our growth. Lord, remind me not to overthink in trying to find answers when things go wrong. Here I am, Lord! Walk this path with me, for I know You are faithful to your Word and promises. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

     

    Reference

     

    • The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1985/2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
    • The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.
    • [Jennifer Rothschild]. (2023, September). Prayers of Lament.
    • . http://www.lifeway.com/Whenyoupray

     

     

     

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  • La oración de lamento (The Prayer of Lament)

    La oración de lamento (The Prayer of Lament)

     

    Oh Señor, ¿hasta cuándo te olvidarás de mí? ¿Será para siempre?
    ¿Hasta cuándo mirarás hacia otro lado?
    ¿Hasta cuándo tendré que luchar con angustia en mi alma,
    con tristeza en mi corazón día tras día?
    ¿Hasta cuándo mi enemigo seguirá dominándome?

    Vuélvete hacia mí y contéstame, ¡oh Señor mi Dios!
    Devuélvele el brillo a mis ojos, o moriré.
    No permitas que mis enemigos se regodeen diciendo:

    «¡Lo hemos derrotado!».
    No dejes que se regodeen en mi caída.

    Pero yo confío en tu amor inagotable;
    me alegraré porque me has rescatado.
    Cantaré al Señor porque él es bueno conmigo.

    Salmo 13 NTV

    Mi corazón y mi alma han estado llenos de desesperación durante los últimos días. Un miembro de mi familia, a quien amamos mucho, ha padecido múltiples enfermedades y dolores agonizantes. Todos los días me encuentro llorando. Sigo preguntándole al Señor: “Señor, ¿por qué sucede esto? Ten piedad de él”. Nuestra familia está desesperada, sin saber lo que depara el futuro.

    Hoy no tuve fuerzas para levantarme de la cama. Mi corazón estaba abrumado por el dolor. De repente, el Señor me llevó a leer La oración del lamento. No tenía idea de que existiera tal oración. Siendo obediente a los impulsos del Espíritu Santo, leí el Salmo 13.

    Después de leerlo, vi el video sobre La oración del lamento de Jennifer Rothschild, una de las autoras de Cuando oras. Mi perspectiva del lamento y su propósito cambiaron después de que escuché su

    historia. Esto es lo que aprendí al escuchar sus enseñanzas:

    Lamentarse es expresar nuestro dolor, corazón quebrantado, desesperación y pena al Señor nuestro Dios.

    La lamentación NO es una forma de quejarse. Es una invitación para que vengamos a nuestro Padre y compartamos nuestros sentimientos con Él. Esto nos permite revelar nuestro corazón mientras estamos en la presencia de Dios.

    El lamento es un camino que recorremos con Dios y donde Él se revela a nosotros.

     Peldaños de la Oración de Lamento:

    1. Siento:

    “Oh Señor, ¿hasta cuándo me olvidarás? ¿Para siempre?

    ¿Hasta cuándo mirarás para otro lado? ¿Hasta cuándo tendré que luchar con la angustia de mi alma, con el dolor de mi corazón cada día?

    ¿Hasta cuándo mi enemigo tendrá la ventaja? (Salmo 13:1-2, NTV).

    David estaba revelando su corazón a Dios:

    • Abandonar
    • Abandonado’
    • Asustado
    • Rechazado
    • Desesperado
    • Roto

    Dios nos revela su carácter cuando acudimos a él en el lugar secreto y seguro de su presencia. Durante este tiempo, Él nos revela quién es Él y qué puede hacer.

    Isaías 49:14-15 escribe: “Sin embargo, Jerusalén dice: “El Señor nos

    ha abandonado; el Señor nos ha olvidado. ¡Nunca! ¿Puede una madre olvidar a su hijo lactante? ¿No puede sentir amor por el niño que ha dado a luz? ¡Pero incluso si eso fuera posible, no te olvidaría!

    Salmo 34:18: “Cercano está el Señor a los quebrantados de corazón;

    él rescata a aquellos cuyo espíritu está abatido”.

    1. Necesito

    “¡Vuélvete y respóndeme, Señor Dios mío! Restaura el brillo de mis ojos o moriré. No dejes que mis enemigos se regocijen diciendo: “¡Lo hemos derrotado!”. No dejes que se alegren de mi caída”.

    Salmo 13:3-4

    En estos versículos, David le dice a Dios que tiene una necesidad.

    Mírame y respóndeme.. Considérame. Quiero saber que me ves; ves mi dolor y desesperación.

    Al igual que David, todos necesitamos que Dios nos vea y sepa por lo que estamos pasando.

    Habacuc clama a Dios en Habacuc 1:2, diciéndole que tiene una necesidad. “¿Hasta cuándo, Señor, tendré que pedir ayuda? ¡Pero no escuchas! “¡La violencia está en todas partes!” Lloro, pero no vienes a salvar.

    Después de que Habacuc le dijera al Señor cómo se sentía, alabó a Dios por quién era, aunque su oración no fue respondida de inmediato. ¿Por qué? Habacuc sabía quién era Dios. Sabía de la bondad y fidelidad de Dios.

    Sólo pasando tiempo con Dios y permitiéndole mostrarnos su carácter podremos saber verdaderamente quién es Él.

    “Aunque las higueras no tengan flores, ni haya uvas en las vides;

    aunque la cosecha de olivos falle y los campos queden vacíos y estériles;

    Aunque los rebaños mueran en los campos y los graneros estén vacíos, ¡yo me regocijaré en el Señor! ¡Estaré gozoso en el Dios de mi salvación! ¡El Señor Soberano es mi fuerza! Él me hace andar tan seguro como un ciervo, capaz de pisar las alturas”.

    Habacuc 3:17-19

    Podemos orar a Dios para que abra nuestros ojos y nuestras almas, para que nos conceda sabiduría, conocimiento, discernimiento y contentamiento cuando vayamos a ese lugar sagrado y seguro donde solo estás tú y Dios. Podemos pedirle que nos ayude a recorrer el camino del lamento donde llevamos nuestro dolor y tristeza al Padre, y

    es entonces cuando Él nos revela su carácter.

    1. Lo haré

    “Pero confío en tu amor inagotable. Me alegraré porque me has rescatado. Cantaré al Señor porque él es bueno conmigo”.

    Salmo 13:5-6

    No importa las pruebas por las que estuviera pasando, David conocía a Dios y confiaba en Su amor inagotable; sabía que Dios nunca le fallaría. David sabía que Dios estaba con él.

    Dios nos ha dado la oración de lamento para ayudarnos con nuestro dolor. Necesitamos recorrer el camino del lamento cuando estamos destrozados, heridos, desesperados y no tenemos respuestas. A través de su muerte y resurrección, Jesús hizo posible que tuviéramos una relación íntima con Dios, el Padre.

    Amigos, en presencia de nuestro Señor, la oración de lamento es un lugar sagrado y seguro donde ustedes y yo podemos superar nuestro dolor, pena, miedos y desesperación. En Su presencia, Él nos revela Su carácter y continuamente nos recuerda Su bondad y fidelidad.

    Dios nos da consuelo, paz, comprensión y sabiduría mientras caminamos por este camino.

    Puede que no obtengamos la respuesta que queremos, o tal vez no llegue de inmediato, pero Él nos da la paz interior que necesitamos, sabiendo que Él es la cuarta persona en el foso de los leones y en el fuego con nosotros.

    Queridos amigos, no sé si se pueden identificar, pero si es así, anímense, no estamos solos en nuestro duelo. Quizás esté pasando por una temporada de duelo y pueda encontrar la fuerza para alabar a Dios durante ella. Pero eso está bien. Dios nos encuentra donde estamos. Dios está ahí con nosotros. Y a través del Espíritu Santo, Dios nos guía mientras recorremos el camino del Lamento un día a la vez.

    Querido Padre, gracias por tu Gracia, misericordia, amor, bondad y fidelidad. Gracias, Señor Jesús, por Tu sacrificio. Tu muerte y resurrección allanaron el camino para restablecer mi relación con mi Padre para poder venir a Su presencia en cualquier momento, sabiendo que Él siempre está aquí conmigo, dispuesto a escucharme y revelarse a mí, especialmente cuando mi corazón está quebrantado. Señor, perdóname por mis quejas cuando las cosas no salen como esperaba. Ilumina mis ojos y mi alma. Dame sabiduría, discernimiento y contentamiento para que pueda ver las cosas a través de Tus ojos. En el nombre de Jesús, amén.

     

    Referencia

    Traductor:: Jesús Manuel Perez

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

    [Jennifer Rothschild]. (Lifeway Women Bible Studies, 2023/septiembre de 2023.) Oraciones de lamento. [Video]. http://www.lifeway.com/Whenyoupray

     

     

     

     

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  • The Prayer of Lament

    The Prayer of Lament

    “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
    Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.” Psalm 13 NLT

     

    My heart and soul have been filled with despair for the past few days. A member of my family, who we dearly love, has been afflicted with multiple illnesses and unbearable pain. Every day, I find myself crying. I keep asking the Lord, “Lord, why is this happening? Have mercy on him.” Our family is in despair, not knowing what the future holds.

    I didn’t have the strength to get out of bed today. My heart was overwhelmed with pain. Suddenly, the Lord led me to read the prayer of Lament. I had no idea that such a prayer existed. Being obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I then read Psalm 13.

     

    After reading it, I watched the video “The Prayer of Lament” by Jennifer Rothschild, one of the authors of “When You Pray.” My perspective of Lament and its purpose changed after I listened to her story.

    This is what I learned from listening to her teaching:

    • To lament is to express our pain, broken heart, despair, and grief to the Lord our God.
    • Lamentation is NOT a form of complaining. It’s an invitation to come to our Father and share our feelings with Him. This allows us to reveal our hearts while we are in the presence of God.
    • Lament is a path we walk with God and where He reveals Himself to us.

     

    Steppingstones of the Prayer of Lament:

     

    1. I feel: 

    “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (Psalm 13:1-2, NLT).

     

    David was unveiling his heart to God:

    • Abandon
    • Forsaken’
    • Afraid
    • Rejected
    • Despaired
    • Broken

    God reveals His character to us when we come to Him in the secret & safe place of His presence. He reveals who He is and what He can do during this time.

    Isaiah 49:14-15 writes, “Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us. Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

    .Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

     

    1. I Need- 

    “Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
    Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.” (Psalm 13:3-4).

     

    In these verses, David is telling God he has a need.

    • Look at me and answer me.
    • Consider me
    • I want to know that you see me; you see my pain and despair.

    Like David, we all need God to see us and know what we’re going through.

     

    Habakkuk cries out to God in Habakkuk 1:2, telling Him he has a need. “How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry,
    but you do not come to save.

     

    After Habakkuk told the Lord how he felt, he praised God for Who He was, even though his prayer wasn’t immediately answered. Why? Habakkuk knew who God was. He knew of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

    Only by spending time with God and allowing Him to show us His character can we truly know who He is.

     

    “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

     

    We can pray to God to open our eyes and souls, to grant us wisdom, knowledge, discerning, and contentment when we go to that sacred and safe place where there’s only you and God. We can ask Him to help us walk the path of Lament, where we bring our grief and sorrow to the Father, and it is then that He reveals His character to us.

     

    1. I Will- 

    “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.” (Psalm 13:5-6).

     

    No matter what trials he was going through, David knew God and trusted in His unfailing love; he knew God would never fail him. David knew God was with him.

     

    God has given us the lament prayer to help us grieve. We must walk the path of Lament when we are broken, hurt, in despair, and have no answers. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to have an intimate relationship with God, the Father.

     

    Friends, in the presence of our Lord, the Prayer of Lament is a sacred and safe place where you and I can work through our pain, grief, fears, and despair. In His presence, He reveals His character to us and continually reminds us of His goodness and faithfulness.

    God gives us comfort, peace, understanding, and wisdom as we walk on this path.

    We may not get the answer we want, or perhaps it doesn’t come right away, but He gives us the inner peace we need, knowing that He is the fourth person in the lion’s den and the fire with us.

    Dear friends, I don’t know if you can relate, but if you do, be encouraged; we are not alone in our grief. Perhaps you’re going through a grieving season and can find the strength to praise God during it. But that’s okay. God, meet us where we’re at. God is right there with us. And through the Holy Spirit, God guides us as we walk the path of Lament one day at a time.

     

    Dear Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, love, goodness, and faithfulness. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice. Your death and resurrection paved the way to reestablish my relationship with my Father, so I can come to His presence at any time, knowing He’s always here with me, willing to listen and reveal Himself to me, especially when my heart is broken. Lord, forgive me for my complaints when things don’t go as I expected. Enlighten my eyes and soul. Give me wisdom, discernment, and contentment so that I can see things through Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

    [Jennifer Rothschild]. (Lifeway Women Bible Studies, 2023/September 2023.) Prayers of Lament. [Video]. http://www.lifeway.com/Whenyoupray

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Consecuencias de no saber controlar nuestra ira

    Consecuencias de no saber controlar nuestra ira

    Además, no pequen al dejar que el enojo los controle. No permitan que el sol se ponga mientras siguen enojados. Efesios 4:26 NTV

    Cuando era más joven, recuerdo que mi abuela siempre nos decía a mis hermanos y a mí, justo antes de acostarnos, que no dejáramos que se pusiera el sol mientras estábamos enojados. Cuando era niña, no me di cuenta de que ella estaba tratando de enseñarnos algo, simplemente asumí que era parte de sus oraciones vespertinas.

    Por supuesto, sus palabras permanecieron en mi corazón durante

    años, incluso hoy. Todavía recuerdo claramente un día en que mi difunto esposo se enojó mucho conmigo. Era un estudiante de derecho que no creía en las tardanzas. Por otro lado, yo era, y todavía soy, conocida por llegar tarde. No los aburriré con una historia larga, así que les daré la esencia.

    Se suponía que nos reuniríamos para un almuerzo rápido durante su descanso de 30 minutos. Estaba estudiando para un examen y no me di cuenta del paso del tiempo. Sólo me quedaban 15 minutos para encontrarme con mi marido. Me apresuré a traer el almuerzo. Desafortunadamente, la fila era muy larga y cuando llegué a la escuela, su descanso de 30 minutos había terminado. Llegué 45 minutos tarde. Estaba tan enojado que me arrojó la bandeja del almuerzo y se alejó; Me dejó en la cafetería, literalmente cubierto de comida.

    Entonces, ¿por qué estoy compartiendo esta historia contigo? Aunque no entendí por qué estaba tan enojado en ese momento, recordé las palabras de mi abuela. Cuando llegó a casa, le pedí disculpas por llegar tarde y le dije que no dejáramos que se pusiera el sol mientras todavía estábamos molestos. En ese momento él no era cristiano, por lo que no podía entender la importancia de no dejar que el sol se pusiera en nuestro enojo. Como resultado, su enojo y decepción persistieron por un tiempo. Pero no me rendí. Seguí orando e hice un esfuerzo por aclarar el malentendido. Pasó mucho tiempo antes de que mi esposo entendiera la importancia del perdón y aprendiera a dejar las cosas atrás. Pero sólo Jesús pudo cambiarlo, y lo hizo.

    Hoy, mis emociones estaban por todos lados. Mi corazón se llenó de ira y falta de perdón hacia un miembro de la familia. Pasé todo el día sintiéndome como un volcán a punto de hacer erupción.

     

    Mientras me preparaba para acostarme y leer Efesios 4:26, el Señor me recordó las palabras de mi abuela:

    Además, no pequen al dejar que el enojo los controle. No permitan que el sol se ponga mientras siguen enojados.

    La ira es como el veneno. No puedes quitártelo de encima, no importa lo que intentes hacer; te consume de adentro hacia afuera. Ocurren dos cosas cuando no sabemos cómo controlar nuestra ira. Según el devocional Perdonado – Libertad de tu pasado, fe para tu futuro – 90 días,

    Sigues enojado. Vas por ahí con el termostato en punto de ebullición. No te enojas ni siquiera cuando es apropiado. En consecuencia, las cuestiones  que podrían formar el carácter crean indecisión e indiferencia. (Pág.22)

    Debemos poder expresar nuestro enfado adecuadamente. En Mateo 18:15 NTV, Jesús nos enseñó cómo manejar nuestra ira:

    Si un creyente peca contra ti, háblale en privado y hazle ver su falta. Si te escucha y confiesa el pecado, has recuperado a esa persona.

    La verdad es que Dios nos dio la emoción de la ira, pero cuando ese sentimiento nos controla y nos lleva al pecado, nos destruye a nosotros y a quienes nos rodean. Eso no es de Dios.

    En Efesios 4:27 DHH Pablo dice: “No le den oportunidad al diablo.”

    No podemos pensar con claridad cuando permitimos que la ira nos controle. Nuestra mente empieza a pensar en razones por las que deberíamos estar enojados con esa persona. Desafortunadamente, a veces (o quizás la mayoría de las veces), en lugar de confrontar a la persona que nos ha ofendido, arremetemos y desahogamos nuestras frustraciones con personas que no tienen nada que ver con la agitación que estamos experimentando.

    Compartí mi enojo y mi falta de perdón con una amiga y líder de mi grupo de estudio bíblico, Ann Knopp. Ella me dijo:

    Cuando Jesús dijo que debemos perdonar setenta veces setenta, quiso decir que el perdón es un proceso continuo. Debemos perdonar a la persona, dárselo a Dios tantas veces como sea necesario y seguir adelante. Y cada vez que el enemigo te devuelva el dolor, perdona de nuevo y entrégaselo a Dios. No es que olvidemos la mala acción, es que el evento que causó la ira no generará los mismos sentimientos. Puedes mirar a esa persona y el evento será sólo un recuerdo triste. La emoción de la ira ya no estará conectada. Aún será recordado porque no somos Dios y no tenemos un mar personal de olvido. (Knopp, 21 de agosto de 2023)

    Amigos, no sé si pueden identificarse, pero sepan que Jesús sabía que experimentaríamos ira y situaciones desafiantes que sacarían lo peor de nosotros. Pero con Su ayuda podemos encontrar la libertad de la ira y el perdón. Todavía no he llegado allí, todavía soy un trabajo en progreso. Sé que no puedo hacer esto sola; solamente a través de Jesús puedo lograrlo. Jesús me da la fuerza y el coraje para afrontar cualquier cosa. Necesito concentrarme en Él y Él me mostrará el camino. Él murió para liberarnos a ti y a mí. La obra ya está hecha; sólo tenemos que aceptarla y dejar que Él nos guíe.

    Señor, Jesús, gracias por ir al futuro y ver todos mis pecados, mi ira, mi falta de perdón y quién sería sin Ti. Gracias por morir por mí a pesar de todos mis pecados y regresar al pasado para rescatarme de la muerte. Ayúdame a amar a los demás como Tú me amas. Por favor ayúdame a perdonar a los demás ya que Tú has ignorado todas mis deudas. Señor, sabes que no puedo hacer esto sin Ti. Guíame por el camino correcto y completa la obra que comenzaste en mí. Te amo! En Tu nombre te alabo, ¡Amén!

    Reference:

    Knopp, Ann L, author of “Pursue Jesus, Obey Jesus, Live Jesus.

    Forgiven: Freedom from Your Past, Faith for Your Future. (2022). Roswell, GA: Celebration Enterprises, Inc. 2022.

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

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  • Quebrantada pero no derrotada (Broken but not Defeated)

    Quebrantada pero no derrotada (Broken but not Defeated)

    El sacrificio que sí deseas es un espíritu quebrantado; Tú no rechazarás un corazón quebrantado y arrepentido, oh Dios. Salmo 51:17 NTV

    Cuando escuchamos la palabra “quebrantamiento”, inmediatamente imaginamos algo que no se puede arreglar: un cobarde, alguien que tiene un complejo de inferioridad o alguien que tiene baja autoestima. Me he aferrado a estas mentiras durante muchos años. Pero el Señor me ha mostrado el significado de lo que es el verdadero quebrantamiento. Según el Salmo 51:17:

    El sacrificio que sí deseas es un espíritu quebrantado; Tú no rechazarás un corazón quebrantado y arrepentido, oh Dios.

    He enfrentado muchas pruebas y tormentas en mi vida. Recibí una factura esta semana que no esperaba. Fui víctima de fraude de identidad hace dos meses. Cuando creí que todo parecía estar en orden, el banco me envió una carta informándome que el dinero que me acreditaban producto de la estafa no era válido y que necesitaba devolverlo. Lloré y me enojé. Me quejé ante el Señor, diciéndole lo injusto que era ser responsable de algo que no había hecho. ¡Yo fui la víctima!

    El Señor me recordó a Gedeón hoy mientras leía el Salmo 51:17 durante mi tiempo devocional con Jesús. Gedeón se enfrentó a un ejército y pensó que no había manera de derrotarlos con sólo un pequeño número de soldados. Dios le dio a Gedeón la oportunidad de testificar que sería el poder de Dios, no su propia fuerza ni la de su ejército, lo que le permitiría ganar la batalla. (Ver Jueces 7:2)

    Y Jacob, el poderoso que llegó a ser el padre de las 12 tribus de Israel. Dios tuvo que romper con la autosuficiencia de Jacob antes de que pudiera convertirse en “Israel”.

    ¿Qué tal Moisés? Se le conoce como el salvador de Israel. El príncipe de Egipto pasó 40 años como pastor en el desierto, aprendiendo a dejar a un lado su orgullo y someterse a Dios. Sólo entonces Moisés pudo presentarse ante el Faraón y realizar los milagros que mostraban el poder de Dios.

    Amigos, si están pasando por un momento difícil, anímense. Aveces Dios nos permite enfrentar dificultades e incluso tocar fondo. Y es en medio de una tormenta que podemos ver a Dios tal como Él realmente es: el Dios que nos ama y nos creó a propósito y con un propósito. Después de la tormenta, Él nos restaurará para convertirnos en la persona para la que Él nos creó.

    Recordemos las palabras de Pablo:

    Por todos lados nos presionan las dificultades, pero no nos aplastan. Estamos perplejos pero no caemos en la desesperación.  Somos perseguidos pero nunca abandonados por Dios.Somos derribados, pero no destruidos. 2 Corintios 4:8-9 NTV

    Padre, gracias por Tu amor, misericordia y gracia. Gracias por nunca dejarme sola cuando toco fondo. Perdóname por las muchas veces que me quejo, pensando en lo injusto que es, y las muchas veces que me enfrento a una tormenta. Señor, gracias por esas tormentas, porque a través de ellas, Tú me estás moldeando, quitándome esas cosas molestas que me impiden ser verdaderamente quien Tú me creaste para ser. Porque Tú eres la roca en el fondo del abismo que me sostiene y me sacarás con Tu poder. Eres mi roca, mi redentor y el amante de mi alma. ¡Te amo, Señor! En Tu nombre te doy gracias, amén.

     

    Referencia

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

     

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  • Consequences Of Not Knowing How to Handle Your Anger.

    Consequences Of Not Knowing How to Handle Your Anger.

    And “don’t sin by letting your anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesian 4:26 New Living Translation)

     

    When I was younger, I recall my grandmother always telling my siblings and I, right before we went to bed, not to let the sun go down while we were angry. As a child, I didn’t realize she was trying to teach us something; I assumed it was part of her evening prayers.

    Of course, her words remained in my heart for years, even today. I can still clearly recall a day when my late husband became quite angry at me. He was a law student who didn’t believe in tardiness. On the other hand, I was and still am notorious for being late. I won’t bore you with a long story, so I will give you the gist.

    We were supposed to meet for a quick lunch during his 30-minute break. I was studying for an exam and didn’t realize the passing of time. I had only 15 minutes left to meet my husband. I hurried to get us lunch. Unfortunately, the line was very long, and by the time I arrived at the school, his 30-minute break was over. I was 45 minutes late. He was so angry that he threw the lunch tray at me and walked away; he left me in the cafeteria, literally covered in food.

    So why am I sharing this story with you? Although I didn’t understand why he was so angry at the time, I remembered my grandmother’s words. When he arrived home, I apologized for being late and told him we should not let the sun go down while we were still upset. At the time, he wasn’t a Christian, so he couldn’t understand the importance of not letting the sun go down in our anger. His anger and disappointment persisted for a while as a result. But I didn’t give up. I continued to pray and made an effort to clear up the misunderstanding. It took a long time before my husband understood the importance of forgiveness and learned to let go of things. But only Jesus was able to change him, and He did.

    My emotions were all over the place today. My heart was filled with anger and unforgiveness towards a family member. I spent the entire day feeling like a volcano, ready to erupt.

    As I was prepared to go to bed and read Ephesians 4:26, the Lord reminded me of my grandmother’s words, “And “don’t sin by letting your anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.”

    Anger is like poison. You can’t shake it off no matter what you try to do; it consumes you from the inside out. Two things occur when we don’t know how to control our anger. According to the devotional Forgiven- Freedom from Your Past, Faith for Your Future- 90 Days,

    1. “You stay angry. You walk around with your thermostat at boiling point.
    2. You don’t get angry even when it’s appropriate. Consequently, issues that could build character create indecision and indifference.” (P.22)

    We must be able to express our anger properly. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus taught us how to handle our anger,

    “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”

    The truth is that God gave us the emotion of anger, but when that feeling controls us and leads to sin, it destroys us and those around us. This is not from God.

    In Ephesians 4:27, Paul says, “And do not give the devil a foothold.” We are unable to think clearly when we allow anger to control us. Our mind starts coming up with reasons why we should be angry with that person. Unfortunately, sometimes—or perhaps most of the time—instead of confronting the person who has offended us, we lash out and vent our frustrations on people who have nothing to do with the turmoil we are experiencing.

    I shared my anger and unforgiveness with a dear friend, the leader of my Bible study group, Ann Knopp. She told me, “When Jesus said that we are to forgive seventy times seventy, He meant that forgiveness is a continuous process. We are to forgive the person, give it to God as many times as we need, and move on. And every time the enemy brings the hurt back, forgive again and give it to God. It’s not that we forget the wrongdoing; it’s that the event that caused the anger won’t hold the same feelings. You may look at that person, and the event will just be a sad memory. The emotion of anger will no longer be connected. It will still be remembered because we aren’t God and don’t have a personal sea of forgetfulness. (A. Knopp, August 21, 2023)

     

    Friends, I don’t know if you can relate, but know that Jesus knew we would experience anger and challenging situations that would bring out the worst in us. But with His help, we can find freedom from anger and forgiveness. I’m not there yet; I’m still a work in progress. I know I cannot do this alone; only through Jesus can I accomplish it. Jesus gives me the strength and the courage to face anything. I need to focus on Him, and He will show me the way. He died to set me and you free. The work has already been done—we only need to accept it and let Him lead us.

     

    Lord, Jesus, thank You for going into the future and seeing all my sins, anger, unforgiveness, and who I would be without You. Thank You for dying for me despite all my sins and returning to the past to rescue me from death. Help me to love others as You love me. Please help me to forgive others as You have ignored all my debts. Lord, You know I can’t do that without You. Lead me through the right path and complete the work You began in me. I love You! In Your name, I give You praise, Amen!

     

     

    Reference:

    Knopp, Ann L, author of “Pursue Jesus, Obey Jesus, Live Jesus.

    Forgiven: Freedom from Your Past, Faith for Your Future. (2022). Roswell, GA: Celebration Enterprises, Inc. 2022.

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

     

     

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  • Buscando a Dios en la viña (Looking for God in the Vineyard)

    Buscando a Dios en la viña (Looking for God in the Vineyard)

    Yo soy la vid verdadera, y mi Padre es el viñador.

    Él corta de mí toda rama que no produce fruto

    y poda las ramas que sí dan fruto, para que den aún más.

    Juan 15:1-2, NTV

     

                                                                                                                                                                            Como dije anteriormente, mis amigos y yo hemos estado estudiando Scouting the Divide de Margaret Feinberg. En nuestro último devocional vimos a Dios como nuestro Buen Pastor y cómo trató a las personas de manera diferente según sus necesidades. Hoy veremos la relación entre Dios y la vid y la importancia de que Jesús sea la vid y nosotros los ramas.

                Mis hijas me sorprendieron con un viaje de fin de semana para visitar varios viñedos por mi cumpleaños. Durante este fantástico viaje y pasando tiempo de calidad con mis hijas, me di cuenta de primera mano del significado de las palabras de Jesús cuando se refirió a sí mismo como la vid y a nosotros como las ramas.

    ¡Pero aprendí mucho más! Cuidar un viñedo es una tarea sumamente compleja. Tuve el placer de entrevistar a algunos de los trabajadores que nos dieron un recorrido por su viñedo y nos explicaron el proceso de plantación, poda, cosecha y finalmente la elaboración del vino.

    Entonces, ¿qué lección bíblica quería Dios que aprendiera mientras visitaba estos viñedos y aprendía sobre el proceso de elaboración del vino? Juan 2:1-11 cuenta la historia de cómo Jesús convirtió el agua en vino. Este milagro fue el comienzo del ministerio de Jesús. Según los trabajadores de la viña con los que hablé, que Jesús convirtiera el agua en vino fue un verdadero milagro porque el vino fino tarda tres años o más en hacerse. Y durante ese periodo cada proceso tiene su propio tiempo y estación. No se puede apurar. Cultivar una viña requiere corazón, pasión, paciencia, perseverancia y esperanza. Durante cada temporada, el enólogo debe decidir qué vid se debe podar y qué tanto. Si corta la rama equivocada, toda la vid sufrirá. La poda requiere mucho cuidado, paciencia y conocimiento de cada vid individualmente.

    Cuando Jesús pidió a los sirvientes que llenaran las tinajas con agua y convirtió el agua en vino, hizo más que realizar un milagro: Él trascendió el tiempo. Jesús mostró que Él es el Dios de lo imposible y que no está sujeto al tiempo. Demostró quién era Él a los sirvientes, a Sus discípulos y a la novia y el novio. El vino era el mejor que habían probado en su vida. Este milagro fue un presagio de Su muerte en la cruz.

    Una de las lecciones que aprendí durante mi visita a la viña fue que ningún individuo puede hacerlo todo. Diferentes trabajadores realizan diferentes trabajos. Tienes al viñador(una persona que cultiva y poda las vides), a los trabajadores que recogen las uvas en la cosecha, y a los que

    las muelen y agregan la levadura, el azúcar y otros ingredientes apropiados para producir el vino perfecto.

    También descubrimos que las personas en la viña a menudo tienen múltiples roles. Jesús dijo a sus discípulos, Yo soy la Vid, y mi Padre es aún más que el viñador; también es el propietario, gerente y viticultor del viñedo. Pero de todos los títulos, Jesús da el título de viñador a Su Padre, que es el que poda o esculpe el árbol. Entonces, ¿cuál era el papel del viñador? ¿Por qué es tan importante su trabajo?

    Según Kristol, el agricultor entrevistado por Margaret Feinberg dijo:

    Puede que te sorprenda, pero el que está podando una vid es el amo. Incluso en nuestros viñedos, el dueño puede poseer la tierra y puede estar haciendo el vino, pero el tipo que gana $12 la hora con las tijeras es quien tiene todo el poder.

    Un viñador es alguien que cultiva y poda vides. Nuestro Padre Celestial es el que conoce cada vid individualmente y, porque las conoce, las trata a todas individualmente.

    Reflexionando sobre la cita: Él corta de mí toda rama que no produce fruto

    y poda las ramas que sí dan fruto, para que den aún más. Juan 15:1-2, NTV

    Kristof le explicó a la Sra. Feinberg:

                Tú podrías ver otra rama sin fruto y la cortarías. Pero como vinicultor, hay mucha más toma de decisiones y experiencia en esta cita de lo que parece a primera vista. Son los pequeños cortes los que tienen más impacto. No puedes entrar con un par de tijeras y cortar como un loco. No solo miras lo que parece ser una rama muerta y la cortas, luego miras una rama llena de fruta y piensas que está bien sino, que a lo largo de la poda, realizas cortes precisos y estratégicos para producir la vid más saludable y robusta.

     

    He descubierto que la poda puede ser bastante dolorosa. Considere los momentos en que pasamos por pruebas y pruebas. No nos gusta, pero la vid debe crecer sana y producir frutos en el momento y la estación apropiados. Según Kristof, si se hace el corte incorrecto, la vid no dará frutos. Para evitar que esto suceda, las vides deben ser examinadas adecuadamente. Cada vid es diferente y requiere un corte diferente.

    Esto también es cierto en nuestras vidas. Dios nuestro Padre nos conoce individualmente a cada uno de nosotros. Él conoce cada cabello en nuestras cabezas. Él sabe lo que nos hace felices y lo que nos entristece.

    Pero Él también sabe lo que nos hace tropezar. Entonces, Él quita cuidadosamente aquellas cosas que no pertenecen a nuestros corazones. Jeremías dice que Dios tiene buenos planes para nosotros. (Ver Jeremías 29:11). Él quiere lo mejor para nosotros. Entonces, cuando Él comienza Su poda, es posible que no nos gusten esos cortes pequeños o, a veces, significativos, pero se hacen para ayudarnos a crecer y convertirnos en la persona que Él nos creó para ser. Mientras miraba a un viñador podar las vides, me vi a mí misma como una de esas ramas que necesitaban ser podadas. Necesito que el Señor elimine todas esas cosas que me impiden convertirme en la persona que Él me creó para ser. El Señor nos poda cada día. A veces tenemos un descanso, pero si continuamos permitiendo que esas espinas nos ahoguen y nos separen de la Vid, nuestra fuente de vida, Dios nos podará.

    Amigos, las vides son un retrato ideal de permanencia porque Jesús es la Vid. Dependemos de la Vid para obtener los nutrientes adecuados, el suelo adecuado, la poda correcta y mucho cuidado amoroso; requiere mucho amor. Nuestro Padre, el Viñador, conoce cada vid individualmente. Sólo el viñador sabe lo que necesita cada vid. ¿Por

    qué? Porque Él nos conoce. El rey David declaró en el Salmo 139:1-5:

    Oh SEÑOR, has examinado mi corazón y sabes todo acerca de mí.

    Sabes cuándo me siento y cuándo me levanto;

    conoces mis pensamientos, aun cuando me encuentro lejos.

    Me ves cuando viajo y cuando descanso en casa.

    Sabes todo lo que hago. Sabes lo que voy a decir incluso antes de que lo diga, SEÑOR. Vas delante y detrás de mí.

    Pones tu mano de bendición sobre mi cabeza.   Salmo 139:1-5 NTV

     

    Tú creaste las delicadas partes internas de mi cuerpo

    y me entretejiste en el vientre de mi madre.

    ¡Gracias por hacerme tan maravillosamente complejo!

    Tu fino trabajo es maravilloso, lo sé muy bien.

    Tú me observabas mientras iba cobrando forma en secreto,

    mientras se entretejían mis partes en la oscuridad de la matriz.

    Me viste antes de que naciera.

    Cada día de mi vida estaba registrado en tu libro.

    Cada momento fue diseñado

    antes de que un solo día pasara.

    Qué preciosos son tus pensamientos acerca de mí, oh Dios. Salmo 139:13-17 NTV

                                                                                                                                                                            Mientras escuchaba al mesonero de la viña, recordé que esta era una imagen hermosa de cómo Jesús mora con Dios para cuidar toda la Viña y cómo las ramas deben permanecer en la Vid para sobrevivir; obtener los nutrientes que necesitan, y recibir los cuidados necesarios para dar frutos en la cosecha.

    Amigos, la Vid es la fuente de todo, incluida la vida y los nutrientes para las ramas. El rey David entendió este principio. Aparte del Señor, él no era nada y lo mismo es cierto para nosotros. Cuando permanecemos en Jesús, la Vid verdadera, significa que tenemos plena confianza en Él, sin importar en qué época estemos. Según la escritura, ustedes producen frutos para la gloria del Padre. Permanecer significa sentirse cómodo con el Señor hasta el punto de entregar completamente su corazón sin dudarlo. Pero esto solo puede suceder cuando ponemos a Jesús en primer lugar en nuestras vidas y ofrecemos nuestros corazones, emociones y eliminamos cualquier cosa que nos quite el lugar de Dios.

    Cuando permaneces en la Palabra de Dios y le revelas tu Corazón, creces más íntimamente con Jesús y llegas a conocerlo mejor cada día. Y, una vez que lo conozcas, no tendrás miedo porque sabrás que Dios está contigo y en ti.  Después de su investigación, la Sra. Feinberg concluyó:

                Para crecer, debemos estar afuera. Y como la vid no puede producir uvas de calidad durante todo el año, tampoco podemos esperar ser fructíferos todos los días. Aunque es doloroso, la poda es uno de los mandatos de Dios, actos de amor más significativos. Durante el invierno, descubrí el mayor acto de amor de Dios. Durante el invierno, encontré a Dios como el guardián de la vid, Aquel que nos protege y nutre para que podamos dar el fruto que Él ha preparado para nosotros. producir.

     

    Entonces, amigos, ¿pudieron obtener una comprensión más profunda de quién es Dios y por qué es el guardián de la vid? Oro para que el Señor abra tus ojos espirituales para que comiences a ver a nuestro Padre como nuestro viñador, y a Jesús como nuestra vid, la fuente de nuestra vida. Daremos fruto mientras permanezcamos en Él. Seremos protegidos y guiados mientras corremos nuestra carrera, sabiendo que Jesús es nuestra fuente de fortaleza.

    Señor, gracias por mostrarme cuánto nos amas a través de este estudio y la experiencia de visitar una de estas viñas. Tú eres mi; protector; Podas lo que necesita ser podado para que pueda crecer y finalmente convertirme en la mujer que me creaste para ser. Elimina esas viejas ramas que me impiden alcanzar mi verdadero potencial. Ayúdame a través de Tu sabiduría a ser consciente de esas áreas, el ajetreo, la familia, la actitud e incluso la falta de perdón, y desarraigarlas. Por favor, guíame para tomar decisiones sabias y recuerda que Tú estás en mi vida. Nunca te vas de mi lado. En el nombre de Jesús, te agradezco por tu amor, misericordia y gracia. En tu nombre, amén.

     

    Referencias

    Almodóvar-Caporusso, C. (2023). Región vinícola de Long Island. [Fotografía].

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

    Feinberg, M. (1976). Explorando lo Divino: mi búsqueda de Dios en el vino, la lana y Miel salvaje. Middletown, DE: Fundación Lockman.

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

    Merriam-Webster (nd). Viticultor. En el diccionario Merriam-Webster.com.

    Consultado el 1 de agosto de 2023 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/vinedresser

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  • Searching for God in the Vineyard

    Searching for God in the Vineyard

    “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:1-2, NLT

    As I previously stated, my friends and I have been studying “Scouting the Divide by Margaret Feinberg. In our last devotional, we saw God as our Good Shepherd and how He treated people differently depending on their needs. Today, we’ll look at the relationship between God and the Vine. And the importance of Jesus being the Vine and us as the branches.

    My daughters surprised me with a weekend trip to visit several vineyards for my birthday. During this fantastic trip and spending quality time with my daughters, I realized firsthand the significance of Jesus’ words when He referred to Himself as the Vine and us as the branches.

    But I learned so much more! Taking care of a vineyard is a highly complex task. I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the workers who gave us a tour of their Vineyard and explained the process of planting, pruning, harvesting, and finally making the wine.

    So, what biblical lesson did God want me to learn while visiting these vineyards and learning about the winemaking process? John 2:1-11 tells the story of how Jesus changed water into wine. This miracle was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. According to the vineyard workers I spoke with, Jesus turning water into wine was a miracle because fine wine takes three or more years to make. During this time, each process has its own time and season. It cannot be rushed. Growing a vineyard requires heart, passion, patience, endurance, and hope. During each season, the winemaker must decide which vine should be pruned and by how much. If he cuts the wrong branch, the entire vine will suffer. Pruning requires great care, patience, and knowledge of each vine.

    When Jesus asked the servants to fill the jars with water and turn the water into wine, He did more than perform a miracle; He transcended time. Jesus showed that He is the God of the Impossible and is not bound by time. He demonstrated who He was to the servants, His disciples, and the bride and groom. The wine was the best they had ever tasted. This miracle was a foreshadowing of His death on the cross.

    One of the lessons I learned during my visit to the Vineyard was that not one individual can do everything. Different workers carry out other jobs. You have the vineyard keeper, the Vinedresser, the workers who gather the grapes at harvest, and those who grind them and add the appropriate yeast, sugar, and other ingredients to produce the perfect wine.

    We also discovered that people in the Vineyard often have multiple roles. Jesus told his disciples, I am the Vine, and my Father is more than just the Vinedresser (a person who cultivates and prunes grapevines); He is also the Vineyard owner, manager, and vintner. But of all the titles, Jesus gives the title of Vinedresser to His Father, who is the one pruning or sculpting the tree.

    So, what was the role of the Vinedresser? Why is his job so important? According to Kristol, the farmer interviewed by Margaret Feinberg (1976),

    It may surprise you, but whoever is pruning a vine is the master. Even in our vineyards, the owner may possess the land and might be making the wine, but it’s the guy making $12 an hour with the shears who has all the power. (p.111 )

    A vinedresser is someone who cultivates and prunes grapevines. Our Heavenly Father is the one that knows every vine individually, and because he knows them, He treats them all individually.

    Reflecting on the quote, “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:2, NLT), Kristof explained to Ms. Feinberg.

    You’d see another branch without fruit and cut it off. But as a vintner, there’s a lot more decision-making and experience going on in this passage than appears at first glance. It’s the little cuts that are the most impactful. You can’t come in with a pair of shears and clip like crazy. You don’t just look at what appears to be a dead branch and cut it off, then look at a branch full of fruit and think it’s fine. But throughout pruning, you make precise, strategic cuts to produce the healthiest, most robust Vine. (p. 112)

    I’ve discovered that pruning can be quite painful. Consider the times we go through trials and testing. We don’t like it, but the vine must grow healthy and produce fruits at the appropriate time and season. According to Kristof, the vine won’t bear fruit if the wrong cut is done. To avoid this from happening, the vines must be adequately examined. Each vine is different and requires a different cut.

    This is also true in our lives. God, our Father, knows each of us individually. He knows every hair on our heads. He knows what makes us happy and what makes us sad.

    But He also knows what causes us to stumble. So, He carefully removes those things that do not belong in our hearts. Jeremiah says that God has good plans for us. (See Jeremiah 29:11). He wants what is best for us. So, when He begins His pruning, we may not like those small or sometimes significant cuts, but they are done to help us grow into the person He created us to be. As I watched a vinedresser prune the vines, I saw myself as one of those branches that needed to be pruned. I need the Lord to remove all those things preventing me from becoming the person He created me to be. The Lord prunes us every day. Sometimes, we get a break, but if we continue to allow those thorns to choke us and separate us from the Vine, our life source, God will prune us.

    Friends, the vines are an ideal portrait of abiding because Jesus is the Vine. We depend on the Vine to get the proper nutrients, suitable soil, the correct pruning, and plenty of loving care; it requires a lot of love. Our Father, the Vinedresser, knows each vine individually. Only the Vinedresser knows what each vine needs. Why? Because He knows us.

    King David stated in Psalm 139:1-5, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know, when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I will say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

    “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous- how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in the utter seclusion as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O Lord.” (Psalm 139:13-17 NLT)

     

    While listening to the Vineyard’s innkeeper, I remembered how this was a beautiful image of how Jesus abides with God to care for the entire Vineyard and how the branches must stay in the Vine to survive to obtain the nutrients they need and to receive the necessary care to bear fruits in the harvest.

    Friends, the Vine is the source of everything, including life and nutrients to the branches. King David understood this principle. Apart from the Lord, he was nothing; the same is true for us. When we abide in Jesus, the true Vine, it means we have complete trust in Him, no matter what season we are in. According to the scripture, you produce fruits for the glory of the Father. Abiding means making yourself comfortable with the Lord to the point that you completely surrender your heart without hesitation.  But this can only happen when we put Jesus first in our lives, offer our hearts emotions, and remove anything that takes God’s place away from us.

    When you abide in God’s Word and reveal your Heart to Him, you grow more intimately with Jesus and get to know Him better daily. And once you know Him, you will not be afraid because you will know that God is with you and in you.

    After her research, Ms. Feinberg concluded: “To grow, we must be out back. And as the vine can’t produce quality grapes year-round, neither can we expect to be fruitful daily. Though painful, pruning is one of God’s most significant acts of love. Through the winter, I discovered God’s greatest act of love. Through the winter, I found God as the keeper of the vine-One who protects and nurtures us so we can bear the fruit He has set out for us to produce” (p.115).

    So, friends, were you able to get a deeper understanding of who God is and why He is the keeper of the Vine? I pray the Lord will open your spiritual eyes so you will begin to see our Father as our Vinekeeper and Jesus as our Vine, the source of our life. We will bear fruit as long as we remain in Him. We will be protected and guided while we run our race, knowing that Jesus is our source of strength.

     

    Lord, thank You for showing me how much You love us through this study and the experience of visiting one of these vineyards. You are my protector; You prune what needs to be pruned so I can grow and finally become the woman You created me to be. Remove those old branches that are stopping me from reaching my true potential. Help me through Your wisdom to be aware of those areas, busyness, family, attitude, and even unforgiveness, and root them out. Please guide me to make wise choices and remember that You are in my life. You never leave my side. In Jesus’ name, I thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace. In Your name, amen.

     

     

    References

    Almodovar-Caporusso, C. (2023). Long Island Wine Country.  [Photograph].

    Feinberg, M. (1976). Scouting the Divine-My Search for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey.   Middletown, DE: The Lockman Foundation.

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

    Merriam-Webster (n.d.). Vinedresser. In the Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2023 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/vinedresser

     

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  • Llámame (Call Out To Me)

    Llámame (Call Out To Me)

    Pídeme y te daré a conocer secretos sorprendentes que no conoces acerca de lo que está por venir. Jeremías 33:3 NTV

     

    El pasado domingo por la noche, mi alma se sintió inquieta. Sentí preocupación, miedo en mi corazón, como si algo imprevisible estuviera a punto de suceder. Pasé tiempo con Jesús, pero no me senté y hablé con Él sobre cómo me sentía.

    Luego, mientras me preparaba para acostarme, el Espíritu Santo me instó a tocar la canción Famous For (I Believe) de Tauren Wells y Jenn Johnson. Empecé a llorar cuando escuché la canción y comencé a hablar en el Espíritu No tena idea de por qué estaba llorando o lo que el Espíritu Santo estaba diciendo.

    Mi Espíritu clamó a Él tan pronto como escuché estas palabras:

                No hay miedo porque yo creo. No hay duda porque he visto Tu fidelidad, mi fortaleza una y otra vez. Tengo una esperanza hallada en Tu nombre. Tengo una fuerza que se encuentra en Tu gracia. Tu fidelidad, mi fortaleza una y otra vez. (Butler, Nordhoff, Sapp, Slifer & Wells. 2020)

    Pero, mientras continuaba escuchando la canción, sentí algo poderoso en mi corazón y alma. Me sentí como si estuviera de pie al lado de Jesús.

    Abre paso a través de las aguas, llévame a través del fuego.

    Haz aquello por lo que eres famoso. Cierra la boca de los leones.

    Da vida a los huesos secos y haz aquello por lo que eres famoso.

    Yo creo en Ti, Dios…  (Butler et al., 2020)

     

    Comprendí en ese momento que había alguien más que necesitaba creer que Jesús era el Dios de lo imposible. Empecé a orar, pidiéndole al Señor que se revelara a esa persona. Él es el Dios de lo imposible. El mismo Dios que me trajo de regreso a Él y nunca se da por vencido con ninguno de nosotros, sin importar lo que hagamos.

    Quien necesite escuchar este mensaje necesita saber que Él es el Dios de lo imposible. El Dios que te perseguirá y dejará las noventa y nueve para ir tras de ti. ¿Por qué? Porque así es Él. Él te ama a ti y a mí y nunca se dará por vencido contigo. Sé que esto es cierto porque Él lo hizo por mí.

    Amigo, cuando se te rompa el corazón y te sientas perdido, solo y sin saber qué hacer, recuerda que tienes a Jesús. El Dios que se hizo carne y tomó tu lugar en la cruz para salvarte. Nada es imposible para Él. Confía en Él y espera. Superará tus expectativas. Aunque es posible que no obtengas una respuesta de inmediato, ten la seguridad de que Dios nunca miente y siempre cumple sus promesas. Clama a Él, y Él te escuchará.

    Padre, gracias por tocar mi corazón esta noche y hacerme saber que siempre estás cerca y eres nuestro gran Pastor, siempre cuidándonos. Padre, oro por quien está pasando por un momento difícil esta noche. Muéstrate a esta oveja como lo hiciste conmigo. Haz que Tus ovejas sepan cuánto las amas. No importa qué tormenta encuentren, Tú estás allí con ellos. Eres el Dios de lo imposible, que cumple Sus promesas y nunca nos deja ir. En el nombre de Jesús, alabo tu nombre, ¡amén!

     

    Referencia

    Butler, C., Nordhoff, K., Sapp, J., Slifer, A. y Wells, T. (2020). Famoso por (Creo). [Grabado por T. Wells & J. Johnson]. Sobre Ciudadano del Cielo. https://www.youtube.com/watch

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

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  • Call Out to Me

    Call Out to Me

    Ask me, and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33:3 NLT

    Sunday night, my soul felt restless. I felt this worry, concern, and fear in my heart, as though something unforeseeable was about to happen. I spent time with Jesus, but I didn’t sit down and talk with Him about how I felt.

    Then, as I was getting ready to go to bed, the Holy Spirit prompted me to play the song “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson. I started to cry as I heard the song and started speaking in the Spirit. I had no idea why I was crying or what the Holy Spirit was saying.

    My Spirit cried out to Him as soon as I heard these words:

    “There is no fear ’cause I believe. There is no doubt ’cause I have seen Your faithfulness, my fortress Over and over. I have a hope found in Your name. I have a strength found in Your grace Your faithfulness, my fortress Over and over. “(Butler, Nordhoff, Sapp, Slifer & Wells. 2020)

    But, as I continued listening to the song, I felt something powerful in my heart and soul. I felt as if I was standing next to Jesus.

    “Make way through the waters, walk me through the fire. Do what you are famous for. What You are famous for. Shut the mouths of lions. Bring dry bones to life and do what You are famous for. I believe in You, God…” (Butler et al., 2020)

    At that moment, I understood that someone else needed to believe that Jesus was the God of the impossible. I started to pray, asking the Lord to reveal Himself to that person. He is the God of the impossible. The same God who brought me back to Him and never gives up on any of us, no matter what we do.

    Whoever needs to hear this message needs to know that He is the God of the Impossible. The God who will pursue you and will leave the ninety-nine to go after you. Why? Because that’s who He is. He loves you and me and will never give up on you. I know this to be true because He did it for me.

    Friend, when your heart is breaking, and you feel lost, alone, and unsure of what to do, remember that you have Jesus. The God who became flesh and took your place on the cross to save you. Nothing is impossible for Him. Trust Him and wait. He will exceed your expectations. Although you may not get an answer immediately, rest assured that God never lies and always keeps His promises. Call out to Him, and He will listen.

     

    Father, thank You for touching my heart tonight and letting me know that You are always near and our great Shepherd, always watching over us. Father, I pray for whoever is going through a difficult time tonight. Show Yourself to this sheep as You did to me. Let Your sheep know how much You love them. No matter what storm they encounter, You are there with them. You are the God of the impossible—who keeps His promises and never lets us go. In Jesus’ name, I praise your name, amen!

     

    Reference

    Butler, C., Nordhoff, K., Sapp, J., Slifer, A., & Wells, T. (2020). Famous For (I Believe). [Recorded by T. Wells & J. Johnson]. On Citizen of Heaven. https://www.youtube.com/watch

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

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  • El buen pastor y sus ovejas (The Good Shepherd and His Sheep)

    El buen pastor y sus ovejas (The Good Shepherd and His Sheep)

    Alimentará su rebaño como un pastor;
    llevará en sus brazos los corderos
    y los mantendrá cerca de su corazón.
    Guiará con delicadeza a las ovejas con crías. Isaías 40:11 NLT

     

    En nuestro devocional anterior, “Nuestro Buen Pastor”, aprendimos acerca de Jesús como el Buen Pastor y las cualidades únicas de un buen pastor:

    • Está dispuesto a arriesgar su vida para proteger a sus ovejas.
    • A sus ovejas llama por su nombre, y ellas conocen su voz.
    • Él mantiene seguras a sus ovejas.
    • Él guía a las ovejas.
    • Las corrige cuando es necesario.
    • Siempre vigila a sus ovejas.
    • Él lleva a las ovejas a pastos verdes donde pueden comer con seguridad sin preocuparse por depredadores.
    • Los conduce a aguas tranquilas donde pueden beber con seguridad.
    • Él va delante de las ovejas y las ovejas lo siguen.
    • Espera junto a la puerta con su bastón para protegerlas de los enemigos.

    Según Juan 10:11-14, el buen pastor conduce a sus ovejas, encuentra comida y agua, y también localiza caminos en el desierto (ver Salmo 23). El buen pastor se interpone entre sus ovejas y el peligro y lucha para protegerlas (Juan 10:11).

    Isaías 40:11 nos da una hermosa descripción de Nuestro Buen Pastor:

    Alimentará su rebaño como un pastor;
    llevará en sus brazos los corderos
    y los mantendrá cerca de su corazón.
    Guiará con delicadeza a las ovejas con crías.

     

    Si recuerdas, hacia el final de nuestro último devocional sobre Nuestro Buen Pastor, te hice algunas preguntas para reflexionar a fin de prepararnos para la lección de hoy: sabemos que Jesús es nuestro Buen Pastor, pero ¿son todas las ovejas iguales? ¿Y cómo nos trata nuestro Señor individualmente?

    Primero hablemos de las ovejas. Lo creas o no, no todas las ovejas son iguales. Algunas ovejas tienen una voluntad fuerte y piensan que la hierba siempre es más verde al otro lado de la cerca. Encuentran una manera de escabullirse, y el pastor debe buscarlas y traerlas de vuelta.

                The Shepherd Trilogy de W. Phillip Keller (1970) contiene una historia sobre una de sus ovejas especiales. Compartió que una vez tuvo una hermosa oveja, la oveja más hermosa que jamás había tenido. La

    describió de la siguiente manera:

    Su cuerpo estaba bellamente proporcionado. Tenía una constitución fuerte y una excelente capa de lana. Su cabeza estaba limpia, alerta y bien colocada, con ojos brillantes. Dio a luz corderos robustos que maduraron rápidamente. Pero a pesar de todos estos atractivos atributos, tenía un defecto pronunciado.

    Estaba inquieta, descontenta, como una merodeadora de cercas. (p. 25-26).

    Entonces, debido a todos estos atributos, la llamó Sra. Gad-about. Ella le causó más problemas que prácticamente el resto del rebaño combinado. Constantemente buscaba una manera de alimentarse del otro lado de las vallas.

    El Sr. Keller era un buen pastor; a la señora Gad-about no le faltaba acceso a los pastos. Sus campos siempre estaban bien mantenidos. El problema era que la Sra. Gad-about no estaba contenta con las provisiones que le hizo su pastor. Siempre encontraba la manera de saltar la cerca que estaba allí para mantenerla a salvo. Pero ella no fue la única. Pudo enseñar a sus corderos a seguir su mal comportamiento. Continuó haciéndolo a pesar de los repetidos esfuerzos del Sr. Keller por localizarla y llevarla a casa. Estaba dando un mal ejemplo al resto del rebaño.

    Desafortunadamente, el Sr. Keller se vio obligado a tomar una decisión difícil si quería salvar al resto del rebaño. La amaba mucho, pero tenía que deshacerse de ella. A pesar del afecto del Sr. Keller por ella y de todo lo que había hecho para mantenerla, la Sra. Gad-about era una oveja que todavía estaba insatisfecha y quería más. ¿Suena familiar?

    Nosotros también tendemos a alejarnos de Dios en busca de algo mejor. ¿Significa eso que Dios se librará de nosotros como el Sr. Keller se deshizo de su oveja? ¡Absolutamente no! Nuestro Padre Celestial no nos echa fuera cuando nos escapamos o deambulamos en busca de una vida mejor. Él nos espera con amor y paciencia.

    Como algunas ovejas, a veces pensamos que la hierba siempre es más verde al otro lado de la cerca. A pesar de que Dios nos ama profundamente, satisface todas nuestras necesidades y nos protege del mal, hay momentos en los que todavía queremos más. Y al igual que esa oveja rebelde, la Sra. Gad-about, encontramos la manera de dejar el lugar cómodo que Dios nos ha provisto en busca de algo mejor. Sé que esto es cierto porque yo era una de esas ovejas.

    Jesús enseñó acerca del Hijo Pródigo en Lucas 15:11-32. Como las ovejas del Sr. Keller, el joven hijo lo tenía todo. Tenía todo lo que quería, pero pensó que la hierba era más verde al otro lado. Entonces, empacó sus cosas y tomó su parte del dinero de su padre y se fue. Lamentablemente, después de enfrentar muchas pruebas y desafíos, se dio cuenta de que la vida fuera de la casa de su padre no era mejor y decidió regresar a casa.

    Una de las cosas asombrosas de esta parábola es cómo el padre nunca perdió la esperanza en la posibilidad de volver a ver a su hijo. Cuando el padre vio a su hijo de lejos, corrió a abrazarlo. Lo mismo es cierto de nuestro Buen Pastor. No importa las dificultades que enfrentemos, Él nunca se da por vencido con nosotros y amorosamente nos trae de vuelta a él.

    Mi segunda pregunta fue si creemos o no que nuestro Buen Pastor trata a todas sus ovejas de la misma manera. Esa es una pregunta difícil de responder. Desde mi experiencia personal, Él trata a todas Sus ovejas por igual, pero también nos trata a cada uno de nosotros como individuos. Dios conoce a todos sus hijos. Él sabe todo sobre nosotros. Aunque Su amor sigue siendo el mismo, la forma en que lo muestra puede diferir según nuestras personalidades. Sabemos que Jesús ama a todas sus ovejas y dio su vida por nosotros. Él conoce nuestras alegrías y tristezas. Él sabe cuando nos desviamos. Él deja las 99 en busca de la desaparecida. Yo era una de las ovejas desaparecidas.

    Estaba tan abrumada por el dolor después de la muerte de mi padre que dejé la iglesia porque no sentía que estuviera recibiendo ningún apoyo de ellos. Sin embargo, Jesús nunca dejó de amarme. Él estuvo allí cuando enfrenté pruebas y tribulaciones; Él me amó a través de mi desobediencia, dolor y tristeza. ¿Por qué? Porque soy una de sus ovejas. Él sabía que algún día regresaría a Él y cuando lo hice, Él estaba esperando con los brazos abiertos para abrazarme y amarme. ¿He recibido alguna medida disciplinaria mientras estuve fuera? ¡Absolutamente! Pero esos fueron los resultados de mis acciones. A pesar de todo, Dios nunca dejó de amarme. No importa cuán perdida estaba, siempre sentí Su presencia.

    Encuentro consuelo en saber que Jesús, nuestro Buen Pastor, está en nosotros a través del Espíritu Santo. Él nos está cuidando y protegiendo de cualquier daño. Sé que Él tiene todo bajo control, incluso cuando las cosas no salen como queremos. Él nos ama y tiene grandes planes para cada uno de nosotros.

     

    Amigos, no sé por lo que están pasando en este momento, pero anímense porque Jesucristo, nuestro Buen Pastor, siempre está con ustedes, sin importar en qué etapa de su vida se encuentren. Como el Buen Pastor, Él está trabajando en tu nombre, eliminando cualquier obstáculo que te impida encontrar paz y descanso. Clama a Él, busca refugio en sus brazos y permite que Su Palabra te dé el consuelo que tu corazón necesita desesperadamente. Es solo en Su presencia que encontramos paz y descanso.

    Mi Señor y mi Pastor, gracias por velar siempre por mí y por no dejar que me aleje por mucho tiempo. Gracias por dejar las 99 para ir tras de mí. Señor, sé que incluso cuando no puedo ver lo que estás haciendo en mi vida, estás trabajando entre bastidores para preparar mi corazón para que pueda experimentar la paz y el descanso que solo se pueden encontrar en ti. En Tu precioso nombre, te alabo y te doy toda la gloria. Amén.

     

    Referencia

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

    Keller, Phillip W. (1970). La trilogía del pastor. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    Schmidt, D. (2023). Rebaño de ovejas. [Fotografía

    Traductor: Jesus Manue Perez

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  • The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

    The Good Shepherd and His Sheep

    “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)

    In our previous devotional, “Our Good Shepherd,” we learned about Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the unique qualities of a good shepherd.

     

    • He is willing to risk his life to protect his sheep.
    • He calls his sheep by name, and they know his voice.
    • He keeps his sheep safe.
    • He guides the sheep.
    • He corrects them when needed.
    • He always keeps an eye on his sheep.
    • He leads the sheep into green pastures where they can safely eat without worrying about our predators.
    • He leads them to calm waters where they can safely drink,
    • He goes before the sheep, and the sheep follow.
    • He waits by the gate with his staff to protect them against enemies.

     

    According to John 10:11-14, the good shepherd leads his sheep, finds food and water, as well as locates paths in the wilderness (see Psalm 23). The good shepherd stands between his sheep and danger and fights to protect them (John 10:11).

    Isaiah 40:11 gives us a beautiful description of Our Good Shepherd, “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11)

    If you recall, towards the end of our last devotion on Our Good Shepherd, I asked you some questions to reflect on regarding the previous devotional on the Good Shepherd to prepare us for today’s lesson.  We know Jesus is our Good Shepherd, but are all sheep the same? How does our Lord deal with us individually?

    Let’s first talk about the sheep. Believe it or not, not all sheep are the same. Some sheep are strong-willed and think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. They find a way to sneak away, and the shepherd must search for them and bring them back.

    The Shepherd Trilogy by W. Phillip Keller contains a story about one of his special sheep. He shared that he once owned a gorgeous ewe, the most beautiful sheep he had ever owned. He described her in the following way: “Her body was beautifully proportioned. She had a strong constitution and an excellent coat of wool. Her head was clean, alert, and well-set, with bright eyes. She bore sturdy lambs that matured rapidly. But despite all these attractive attributes, she had one pronounced fault. She was restless—discontent—a fence crawler.” (Keller, 1970, p. 25-26). So, because of all these attributes, he named her Mrs. Gad-about. She caused him more problems than practically the rest of the flock combined. She constantly looked for a way to feed on the other side of the fences or shoreline.

    Mr. Keller was a good shepherd; Mrs. Gadabout wasn’t lacking access to pasture. His fields were well-maintained. He was proud of it. He had the best grazing land in the district. The problem was the ewe, Mrs. Gadabout, was not happy with the provisions made for her by her shepherd. So, she would find a way to go over the fence that was there to keep her safe. But she wasn’t the only one. She was able to teach her lambs to follow her bad behavior. She continued to do it despite Mr. Keller’s repeated attempts to find her and bring her back; by doing so, she was setting a poor example for the rest of the flock.

    Unfortunately, Mr. Keller was forced to make a difficult decision if he wanted to save the rest of the flock. He loved her dearly, yet he had to get rid of her. Despite Mr. Keller’s affection for her and everything he had done to provide for her, Mrs. Gadaway was a sheep who was still unsatisfied and wanted more. Sound familiar?

    We, too, tend to turn away from God in search of something better. Does that mean that God will get rid of us, much like Mr. Keller had to get rid of his sheep? Absolutely not! Our Heavenly Father does not cast us out when we run away or wander around in search of a better life. He lovingly and patiently waits for us.

    Like some sheep, we sometimes think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Even while God loves us deeply, meets all of our needs, and protects us from harm, there are moments when we still want more. And much like that rebellious sheep, Mrs. Gad-about, we find a way to leave the comfortable place God has provided for us in search of something better. I know this to be true because I was one of those sheep.

    Jesus taught about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. Like Mr. Keller’s sheep, the young son had it all. He had everything he wanted, but he thought the grass was greener on the other side. So, he packed his things and took his share of his father’s money, and left. Sadly, after facing many trials and challenges, he came to see that life outside of his father’s home was not better; he decided to return home. One of the amazing things about this parable is how the father never lost hope on the possibility of seeing his son again. When the father saw his son from a distance, he ran to embrace him. The same is true of our Good Shepherd. No matter what difficulties we face, He never gives up on us and lovingly brings us back to him.

    My second question was whether or not we believe that our Good Shepherd treats all His sheep the same? That is a difficult question.  From my personal experience, He treats all His sheep equally, but He also treats each of us as individuals. God knows all His children. He knows everything about us. Although His love is still the same, how He shows it may differ depending on our personalities. We know that Jesus loves all His sheep and gave His life for us. He knows our joys and sorrows. He knows when we stray. He leaves the 99 in search of the missing one. I was one of the missing sheep.

    I was so overcome with grief after my father passed away that I left my church because I didn’t feel like I was receiving any support from them. However, Jesus never stopped loving me. He was there when I faced trials and tribulations; He loved me through my disobedience, pain, and sorrow. Why? Because I am one of His sheep. He knew that I would one day return to Him, and when I did, He was waiting with open arms to embrace me and love me. Have I received any discipline while I was away? Absolutely! But those were the results of my actions. But through it all, God never stopped loving me. No matter how lost I was, I always felt His presence.

    I find comfort in knowing that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is in us through the Holy Spirit. He is watching over us and protecting us from harm. I know He has everything under control, even when things don’t go the way we want. He loves us and has great plans for each one of us.

    Friends, I don’t know your current situation, but be encouraged that no matter what season in your life you are in, Jesus, our Good Shepherd is with you. As the Good Shepherd, He is working on your behalf, clearing any obstacles that stop you from finding peace and rest. Call out to Him, find shelter in his arms and let His Word bring you the comfort your heart needs. It is only in His presence that we find peace and rest.

     

    My Lord and my Shepherd, thank you for always watching over me and for not letting me stay away for too long. Thank you for leaving the 99 to go after me. Lord, I know that even when I can’t see what You’re doing in my life, You are working behind the scenes to prepare my heart so I may experience peace and rest that can only be found in You. In Your precious name, I praise You and give You all the glory. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Keller, Phillip W. (1970). The Shepherd Trilogy. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

    Schmidt, D. (2023).  Herd of Sheep [Photograph].

     

     

     

     

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  • Mi Buen Pastor

    Mi Buen Pastor

    Yo soy el buen pastor; conozco a mis ovejas, y ellas me conocen a mí, como también mi Padre me conoce a mí, y yo conozco al Padre. Así que sacrifico mi vida por las ovejas. Juan 10:14-15 NLT

     

    Mis amigos y yo decidimos estudiar el libro, Explorando lo Divino: Buscando a Dios en el Vino, la Lana y la Miel Silvestre, de Margaret Feinberg. El título despertó mi interés. Como soy una chica de ciudad que nunca ha estado en una granja, desconozco el significado espiritual de las ovejas, el vino y la miel silvestre. Pero estaba emocionada porque sabía que había una razón por la que Dios seleccionó este libro para que lo estudiáramos. Así comenzó la búsqueda.

     

    Mientras leía, me llamó la atención la importancia de las ovejas tanto en el Antiguo como en el Nuevo Testamento. Entonces, comencé a preguntarme qué significa saber que Jesús es nuestro Buen Pastor. Aunque sabía que la Sra. Feinberg nos ayudaría a descubrir esta verdad a través de su viaje, decidí comenzar investigando la importancia de una oveja y el papel de un pastor.

     

    Después de mucho estudio y lectura del relato de la Sra. Feinberg sobre su viaje para entender lo que significaba para ella un buen pastor, aprendí que ella trata de ayudarnos a entender a Dios y Su reino. Ella buscó intencionalmente formas de mostrarnos cómo Dios es nuestro Buen Pastor. Entendió las Escrituras más plenamente a medida que aprendió sobre la vida desde la perspectiva de una pastora.

     

    Según las Escrituras, las ovejas eran muy importantes para Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David e incluso Jesús. Entonces, ¿por qué son tan importantes las ovejas y por qué Jesús se refiere a nosotros como ovejas? El viaje de la Sra. Feinberg le permitió visitar y quedarse por un tiempo en una granja donde una pastora cuidaba su rebaño de ovejas. Durante su visita, descubrió que un buen pastor conoce a sus ovejas y las ovejas reconocen su voz. Es necesaria una relación basada en la confianza mutua para poder escuchar la voz del Pastor. Después de todo, ¿por qué confiarías en alguien que no conoces? Con voz suave, la pastora llamó a cada oveja por su nombre. Su voz fue la única que provocó una respuesta de ellos.

     

    Luego nos cuenta sobre el día en que una de las ovejas desapareció. La pastora sabía que algo andaba mal. Entonces, dejando las otras ovejas al cuidado de otros cuidadores, ella fue en busca de la oveja. La pastora no se dio por vencida hasta que la encontró. La oveja estaba muy enferma y no podía cuidar a sus crías. La pastora la llamó por su nombre, la cargó sobre sus hombros y la llevó de regreso al granero para atender sus heridas.

     

    La oveja no permitió que nadie más se acercara a ella excepto la pastora. ¿Por qué? Porque la pastora y su oveja tenían un vínculo increíble de amor y confianza. Cuando la pastora trajo de regreso a la oveja herida y perdida, todos en la comunidad se regocijaron y le dieron la bienvenida a casa. Seguro que, igual que yo, te estarás preguntando cómo supo la pastora que faltaba una de sus ovejas. Lo sabía porque conocía a cada una de ellas por su nombre, y ellas conocían su voz.

    Y esto es exactamente lo que Jesús nos dijo en Juan 10:14-15:

    Yo soy el buen pastor; conozco a mis propias ovejas,

    y ellas me conocen a mí.

                Esta historia también me recordó la parábola que Jesús contó en Lucas 15 sobre el pastor que tenía cien ovejas y perdió una de ellas. Dejó las noventa y nueve para encontrar la oveja desaparecida. Luego, después de traerla a casa, compartió la gran noticia con sus amigos, quienes también se regocijaron por el hallazgo de la oveja.

    He leído Lucas 15 innumerables veces, pero solo después de leer la historia de la Sra. Feinberg, entiendo lo que Jesús quiso decir cuando dijo que Él era el buen Pastor. Él sabe nuestro nombre; Él cuida de nosotros, y ninguna de Sus ovejas se pierde sin que Él lo sepa. Hay un fuerte vínculo de confianza y amor entre Jesús y sus ovejas. Para proteger a cada oveja del daño y evitar perder alguna, el Pastor debe vigilar de cerca a cada una de sus ovejas. Jesús hace exactamente eso por cada uno de nosotros.

     

    Se dice que los ojos del Señor se mueven “de un lado a otro de la tierra” en 2 Crónicas 16:9, buscando apoyar con fuerza a aquellos cuyos corazones son completamente suyos. Tal vez por eso Jesús dijo: “¿No se venden cinco pajarillos por dos centavos? Sin embargo, ninguno de ellos está olvidado delante de Dios” y declaró: “Y en cuanto a ustedes, cada cabello de sus cabezas está contado” (Lucas 12:6-7 NLT).

     

    Dios nos ama tanto que Él mira cuidadosamente todo. Él está constantemente explorando, notando los detalles más pequeños. Amigos, es una verdad asombrosa saber que nuestro Dios, el Dios del universo, nos ama tanto que siempre nos está cuidando. No está tan lejos como algunas personas piensan. No, Él reside dentro de cada uno de nosotros. Él nos está cuidando, corrigiéndonos cuando lo necesitamos y cuidándonos cuando estamos heridos. Ese es nuestro Dios.

     

    Entonces, ¿cuáles son las cualidades de un buen pastor?

    • Está dispuesto a arriesgar su vida para proteger a sus ovejas.
    • A sus ovejas llama por su nombre, y ellas conocen su voz.
    • Él mantiene a salvo a sus ovejas.
    • Él guía a las ovejas.
    • Las corrige cuando es necesario.
    • Siempre vigila a sus ovejas.
    • Él lleva las ovejas a pastos verdes donde pueden comer con seguridad sin preocuparse por depredadores.
    • Las conduce a aguas tranquilas donde pueden beber con seguridad,
    • Él va delante de las ovejas y las ovejas lo siguen.
    • Él espera junto a la puerta con su bastón para protegerlas contra sus enemigos.

     

    Conocer a Dios como mi Buen Pastor me obliga a admitir cuánto lo necesito y a reconocer cuán desvalida estoy sin Él. Simplemente significa que debo conocer y confiar completamente en mi Pastor. En el

    Salmo 23, David sabía que Dios era su buen Pastor:

                Dios me obliga a acostarme en pastos verdes porque tengo la tendencia a saltarme las cosas buenas, incluido el descanso que Él gentilmente proporciona. Me conduce junto a aguas tranquilas, lugares especiales donde Su Espíritu se cierne, refrescando el mío; en la quietud, me vuelvo más sensible a Su voz, a mi propia voz ya los que me rodean. En este lugar, Él

    restaura mi alma de la tensión de la vida diaria.

    Mi Buen Pastor me guiará por los caminos de la justicia, no los que trato de allanar por mí mismo sino los que Dios ya ha preparado. Aunque habrá momentos en que debo caminar por algunos valles terribles, no tengo miedo porque conozco a mi Buen Pastor y Él me conoce a mí. Él siempre está cerca. Sus ojos están constantemente escaneando, por lo que ni el depredador ni la pestilencia podrán atraparme.

     

    A veces Su vara me corrige, y otras veces Su vara me salva. Cuando me encuentro en problemas, Él nunca me regaña; en cambio, Él me guía suavemente de regreso al camino correcto. Otras veces, como ahora, Él lleva mi frágil cuerpo y me nutre mientras lucho contra una infección no identificada. Mi Buen Pastor está siempre conmigo. Él nunca se va de mi lado. Él me conoce, y yo soy suyo.

    Ánimo, amigos, porque siempre están a salvo en los brazos de nuestro Buen Pastor cuando puedan venir lobos y otros depredadores. Recuerde, el Pastor cuidará de nosotros mientras estemos bajo su cuidado. Él nos atenderá cuando estemos en necesidad, y Su amor por nosotros nunca fallará.

     

    Amigos, este es solo el comienzo de nuestro viaje para conocer a Jesús como nuestro buen Pastor. Pero aquí hay un pensamiento para que lo consideremos hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar. Sabemos que Jesús es nuestro Buen Pastor, pero ¿son todas las ovejas iguales? ¿Cómo trata nuestro Señor con nosotros individualmente? Bendito seas, y te veré en el campo.

     

    Señor, gracias por este maravilloso recordatorio y lección. Siempre supe que eres nuestro Buen Pastor, pero hoy entiendo lo que significa ser un Buen Pastor. Gracias por las muchas veces que tuviste que dejar las 99 para buscarme. Y cuando me encontraste, me pusiste sobre tus hombros y me cuidaste hasta que volví a la vida. Tú eres mi escudo, mi protector, mi Salvador, mi Señor y el amante de mi alma. Evita que deambule. Mantenme cerca de Tu corazón. En el nombre de Jesús, te alabo y te agradezco, amén.

    Referencias

    Feinberg, Margaret, (2009). Explorando lo divino: mi búsqueda de Dios en el vino, la lana y la miel silvestre. Grand Rapids, Míchigan, Zondervan

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Fundación Tyndale House.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

     

     

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  • Our Good Shepherd

    Our Good Shepherd

    “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 NLT

    My friends and I decided to study the book “Scouting the Divine: Searching for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey” by Margaret Feinberg. The title piqued my interest. Since I’m a city girl who has never been on a farm, I am unaware of the spiritual significance of sheep, wine, and wild honey. But I was excited because I knew there was a reason God selected this book for us to study. So the quest began.

    While reading, I was struck by the importance of sheep in both the Old and New Testaments. So, I began to wonder what it means to know that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Although I knew Ms. Feinberg was going to help us discover this truth through her journey; I decided to begin by researching the importance of a sheep and the role of a shepherd.

    After much study and reading of Ms. Feinberg’s account of her journey to understand what a good shepherd meant for herself, I learned that she tries to help us to understand God and His kingdom. She intentionally searched for ways to show us how God is our Good Shepherd. She understood the scriptures more fully as she learned about life from a shepherdess perspective.

    According to the Scriptures, sheep were very important to Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and even Jesus. So, why are sheep so important, and why does Jesus refer to us as sheep? Ms. Feinberg’s journey allowed her to visit and stay for a while on a farm where a shepherdess tended her flock of sheep. During her visit, she discovered that a good shepherd knows her sheep, and the sheep recognize her voice. A relationship based on mutual trust is necessary in order to hear the Shepherd’s voice. After all, why would you trust someone you don’t know? In a soft voice, the shepherdess called each sheep by name. Her voice was the only one that elicited a response from them.

    She then tells us about the day one of the sheep went missing. The shepherdess knew something was wrong. So, leaving the other sheep in the care of other caretakers, she went in search of the sheep. The shepherdess didn’t give up until she found it. The ewe was very ill and unable to care for her young. The shepherdess called her by name, put her on her shoulders, and carried her back to the barn to tend to her injuries.

    The sheep did not allow anyone else to approach her except the shepherdess. Why? Because the shepherdess and her sheep had an incredible bond of love and trust. When the shepherdess brought the lost, wounded sheep back, everyone in the community rejoiced and welcomed her home. I’m sure you’re probably wondering just as I did as to how the shepherdess knew one of her sheep was missing. She knew because she knew each of them by name, and they knew her voice.

    And this is exactly what Jesus told us in John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.”

    This story also reminded me of the parable Jesus told in Luke 15 about the Shepherd who had a hundred sheep and lost one of them. He left the ninety-nine to find the missing sheep. Then, after bringing it home, he shared the great news with his friends, who also rejoiced about the sheep being found.

    I’ve read Luke 15 countless times, but only after reading Ms. Feinberg’s story did I understand what Jesus meant when He said He was the good Shepherd. He knows our name; He cares for us, and not one of His sheep goes missing without Him knowing. There’s a strong bond of trust and love between Jesus and His sheep. To protect each sheep from harm and avoid losing any, the Shepherd must keep a close eye on every one of his sheep. Jesus does exactly that for each one of us.

    The Lord’s eyes are said to be moving “to and fro throughout the earth” in 2 Chronicles 16:9, searching to strongly support those whose hearts are completely His. Maybe that’s why Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God” and declared, “The very hairs of their head are numbered” (Luke 12:6-7, New Living Translation).

    God loves us so much that He carefully watches everything. He is constantly scouting—noticing the tiniest details.

    Friends, this is an amazing truth to know that our God, the God of the universe, loves us so much that He is always watching over us. He’s not as far as some people think. No, He resides inside every one of us. He is watching over us, correcting us when we need it, and nursing us when we are wounded. That is our God.

    So, what are the qualifications of a good shepherd?

    • He is willing to risk his life to protect his sheep.
    • He calls his sheep by name, and they know his voice.
    • He keeps his sheep safe.
    • He guides the sheep.
    • He corrects them when needed.
    • He always keeps an eye on his sheep.
    • He leads the sheep into green pastures where they can safely eat without worrying about our predators.
    • He leads them to calm waters where they can safely drink,
    • He goes before the sheep, and the sheep follow.
    • He waits by the gate with his staff to protect them against their enemies.

    Knowing God as my Good Shepherd forces me to admit how much I need Him and to acknowledge how helpless I am without Him. It simply means that I must know and trust my Shepherd completely. In Psalm 23, David knew that God was his good Shepherd:

    God forcibly makes me lie down in green pastures because I have a tendency to skip the good things—including the rest He gently provides. He leads me beside quiet waters—special places where His Spirit hovers, refreshing my own; in the stillness, I become more sensitive to His voice, my own voice, and to those around me. In this place, He restores my soul from the strain of daily life.

    My Good Shepherd will guide me along the paths of righteousness, not the ones I try to pave for myself but the ones that God has already prepared. Even though there will be times when I must walk through some terrifying valleys, I am not afraid because I know my Good Shepherd, and He knows me. He is always near. His eyes are constantly scanning, so neither the predator nor the pestilence will be able to get me.

    Sometimes His rod corrects me, and other times His staff saves me. When I find myself in trouble, He never scolds me; instead, He gently guides me back onto the right path. Other times, like now, He carries my frail body and nurtures me as I battle an unidentified infection. My Good Shepherd is always with me. He never leaves my side. He knows me, and I am His.

    Be encouraged, friends, because you are always safe in the arms of our Good Shepherd when wolves and other predators may come. Remember, the Shepherd will take care of us as long as we are in His care. He will tend to us when we are in need, and His love for us will never fail.

    Friends, this is only the beginning of our journey to get to know Jesus as our good Shepherd. But here is a thought for us to consider until we meet again. We know Jesus is our Good Shepherd, but are all sheep the same? How does our Lord deal with us individually? Be blessed, and I’ll see you on the field.

    Lord, thank You for this wonderful reminder and lesson. I always knew You were our Good Shepherd, but today I understand what it means to be a Good Shepherd. Thank You for the many times You had to leave the 99 to look for me. And when You found me, You put me on Your shoulders and nursed me back to life. You are my shield, my protector, my Savior, my Lord, and the lover of my soul. Keep me from wandering around. Keep me close to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, I praise You and thank You, amen.

    References

    Feinberg, Margaret, (2009). Scouting the Divine-My Search for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan

    The Holy Bible, New Living Translation. (1996). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Foundation.

     

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  • Our Unchanging Father

    Our Unchanging Father

    We were able to learn a few of our Father’s characteristics in our devotional “You Can Count on Me.”  Our Father is seen as all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present, and always faithful to His Word throughout the Scriptures. Today, we’re going to get to know our Father more intimately.

     

    1. God loves us and demonstrated it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place and receive the punishment we deserved. 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (New International Version)

     

    Furthermore, we learn from Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good, and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” In other words, our Father’s love for us will never end. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt lonely or unloved, but let me assure you that knowing how much my Father loves me gives me the strength to face anything. For I know how much He loves me.

     

    1. God never intended to leave us alone. He promised to send His Holy Spirit, our counselor, our teacher, and our guide to remind us who we are and to Whom we belong. He also promised to supply all our needs. God will never give us a task or assignment without also providing us with the tools to complete it (our calling). And I am well aware of this. I’ve never been a writer. Aside from school assignments, I’ve never written anything before. In fact, writing was never my best subject in school. So, you can imagine how I felt when the Lord called me to write for His glory during COVID. He wanted me to provide encouragement to those who needed it and to show them the Father’s heart. All my mistakes in life have been transformed into His messages. How awesome is our Lord!

     

    1. Jesus nailed our past, present and future sins on the cross when He took our place on the Cross. He received the punishment that we deserved. He did it all out of love for us. Therefore, if God is able to forgive my sins, then who am I to judge others and refuse to forgive their wrongdoings?

     

    1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us from all unrighteousness.” This is exactly what He did for you and me. The Lord no longer remembers our sins, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps.103:12).

     

    No matter what our circumstances are, the Lord wants us to live and rest confident and assured that He is for us. We see this promise in Ephesians 2:7  “In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

     

    So, friends, remember who God is and how much He loves you whenever you feel unsure or doubtful. When we know that we are loved, our circumstances cannot overwhelm us because God’s plans for you and I are good. Let us just wait for His timing. It will be worth the wait.

     

    Father, You know that it has taken me a while to truly understand how deep is Your love for me. Thank You for Your love and Grace. And Father, help me to see people and circumstances through Your eyes because when I do, I know the best is yet to come. In Your precious name, I thank You for Your love and for being a constant in my life. In Jesus’ name, I praise You and give You glory, Ament!

     

     

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1973/2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

     

     

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  • Ustedes pueden contar conmigo (You can count on Me)

    Ustedes pueden contar conmigo (You can count on Me)

                Así que, hermanos, mediante la sangre de Jesús, tenemos plena libertad para entrar en el Lugar Santísimo, por el camino nuevo y vivo que él nos ha abierto a través de la cortina, es decir, a través de su cuerpo; y tenemos además un gran sacerdote al frente de la familia de Dios. Acerquémonos, pues, a Dios con corazón sincero y con la plena seguridad que da la fe, interiormente purificados de una conciencia culpable y exteriormente lavados con agua pura. Mantengamos firme la esperanza que profesamos, porque fiel es el que hizo la promesa. Hebreos 10:19-23 NIV

    ¿Con qué frecuencia nuestros familiares, amigos, y nosotros mismos decimos: Puedes contar conmigo? Pero, ¿realmente lo decimos en serio? ¿Estamos ahí cuando la gente más nos necesita y las cosas van mal? ¿Llamas o envías mensajes de texto para preguntar cómo están? o para decirles: Estoy pensando en ti y rezando por ti.

    Seamos realistas, nos involucramos en nuestras rutinas y obligaciones diarias y olvidamos que tenemos un llamado: Amar a las personas, así como Él nos ama”.

    He escuchado estas palabras muchas veces a lo largo de mi caminar cristiano. Yo mismo solía decir cosas así. Pero, lamentablemente, cuando yo u otras personas necesitábamos escuchar esas palabras, había silencio.

    Hoy, el Señor me guió a leer, durante mi tiempo devocional con Jesús, Hebreos 10:19-23, titulado: Un llamado a perseverar en la fe.

    ¿Por qué el Señor me recuerda este pasaje? ¿Qué quería que yo recordara o aprendiera? Cuando Jesús tomó nuestro lugar en la cruz, el velo que nos separaba de nuestro Padre se rasgó. Gracias a la sangre de Jesús, podemos entrar al Lugar Santísimo, donde podemos sentarnos con el Padre cuando nuestros corazones están quebrantados y decirle cómo nos sentimos.

    A lo largo de las Escrituras, hemos aprendido las muchas características únicas de nuestro Padre. Estas son algunas de las cosas

    que el Señor me recordó a hoy.

    Dios es fiel, aunque se considere normal que las personas entren y salgan de nuestras vidas a medida que una estación cambia a la siguiente. Pero nuestro Padre es no es así en absoluto. Él nunca cambia.

    Hebreos 13:8 dice: Jesucristo es el mismo ayer y hoy y por los siglos.

    Dios es omnisciente.. Él sabe lo que necesitamos y lo que nos está pasando en cada momento. Nada lo sorprende.

    Proverbios 15:3 dice: Los ojos del Señor están en todas partes, vigilando a los malos y a los buenos. Nada acerca de nosotros está oculto para Él.

                Dios es omnipotente. Nuestro Padre tiene autoridad sobre todo, aquí en la tierra, como en el cielo. Nada puede jamás escapar de Su control. No hay nada que Él no pueda hacer. Job se dio cuenta del poder de Dios en Job 42:2: Sé que todo lo puedes; ningún propósito tuyo puede ser frustrado.

                Dios es omnipresente. No hay nadie ni nada fuera de la presencia del Señor. Salmo 139:7-13, David dijo: ¿A dónde podría alejarme de tu Espíritu? ¿A dónde podría huir de tu presencia?
    Si subiera al cielo, allí estás tú; si tendiera mi lecho en el fondo del abismo, también estás allí.

    Si me elevara sobre las alas del alba, o me estableciera en los extremos del mar,
    aun allí tu mano me guiaría,     ¡me sostendría tu mano derecha!

    Y, si dijera: «Que me oculten las tinieblas; que la luz se haga noche en torno mío»,
    ni las tinieblas serían oscuras para ti, y aun la noche sería clara como el día. ¡Lo mismo son para ti las tinieblas que la luz!

    Tú creaste mis entrañas; me formaste en el vientre de mi madre.

    Todo el espacio y el tiempo están a la vista de Dios. Incluso nos conoció antes de que naciéramos. ¡Qué maravilloso es nuestro Padre! Además de estos maravillosos rasgos, sé que nuestro Padre Celestial esfiel a Su Palabra y nunca miente.

    En el Libro de Tito(1:1-2), Pablo declara:

                Pablo, siervo de Dios y apóstol de Jesucristo, llamado para que, mediante la fe, los elegidos de Dios lleguen a conocer la verdadera religión. Nuestra esperanza es la vida eterna, la cual Dios, que no miente, ya había prometido antes de la creación.

    Además, Números 23:19 dice: Dios no es un simple mortal
    para mentir y cambiar de parecer.     ¿Acaso no cumple lo que promete ni lleva a cabo lo que dice?

    Saber quién es Dios nos da el consuelo de saber que podemos poner nuestra confianza en Él y que, incluso cuando las cosas no salen según lo planeado o nuestras oraciones no son respondidas de inmediato, podemos estar seguros de que Él nos ayudará en Su tiempo.

    Amigos, el carácter de Dios no se ve afectado por el tiempo, el lugar, las personas o las circunstancias. Podemos confiar en que Él es fiel y siempre cumplirá Sus promesas. Así que cuando te encuentres en una situación en la que te sientas atrapado, abandonado, decepcionado por los demás, o incluso sin que te escuchen, anímate sabiendo que, aunque las personas, las circunstancias e incluso nuestros planes pueden cambiar, Dios, nuestro amoroso Padre Celestial, nunca cambia ni nos fallará. Él es la única constante en nuestras vidas. Podemos contar con Él ahora y para siempre.

    Padre, gracias por recordarme hoy que siempre estás conmigo, incluso cuando no puedo verlo. Gracias por nunca dejarme o abandonarme a pesar de mis acciones. Señor, gracias por ser la constante en mi vida. No sé dónde estaría si no estuvieras en mi vida. Te amo y te alabo, Señor, hoy y siempre. Hágase tu voluntad en mi vida de forma permanente. En el nombre de Jesús, te alabo y te doy toda la gloria.

     

    Referencia

    La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional. (1985/2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • You Can Count on Me

    You Can Count on Me

    Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrew 10:19-23 NIV)

    How often have our family and friends told us, “You can count on me.’? But do we truly mean it? Are we there when people need us the most and things go wrong? Do you call or text to ask how you are? I’m thinking about you and praying for you. Let’s face it, we get involved in our daily routines and obligations and forget that we have a calling “to love people, just like He loves us.”

    I have heard these words many times throughout my Christian walk. I used to say things like that myself. But sadly, when I or other people needed to hear such words, there was silence.

    Today, the Lord led me to read Hebrews 10:19-23, titled “A Call to Persevere in Faith,” during my quiet time with Jesus. Why is the Lord reminding me of this passage? What did He want me to remember or learn? When Jesus took our place on the cross, the veil separating us from our Father was torn down. Because of the blood of Jesus, we are able to enter the Holy of Holies, where we can sit with the Father when our hearts are broken and tell Him how we feel.

    Throughout the Scriptures, we have learned the many unique characteristics of our Father. Here are some of the things the Lord reminded me of today.

    1. God is faithful. When considering it to be normal when people come and go from our lives as one season changes into the next. But our Father is not like that at all. He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is faithful.

     

    1. God is omniscient. He knows what we need and what is happening to us every moment. Nothing surprises Him. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Nothing about us is hidden from Him.

     

    1. God is omnipotent. Our Father has authority over everything here on earth, as in heaven. Nothing can ever escape His control. There is nothing He cannot do. Job realized God’s power in Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

     

    1. God is omnipresent. There is no one or anything outside the Lord’s presence. Psalm 139:7-13, David said, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

     

    All space and time are within God’s sight. He even knew us before we were born. How awesome our Father is! In addition to these wonderful traits, I know that our Heavenly Father is faithful to His Word and never lies. In the Book of Titus, Paul states, “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,” (1:1-2)

     

    Further, Numbers 23:19 states, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Knowing who God is gives us the comfort in knowing we can put our trust in Him and that, even when things don’t go as planned, or our prayers aren’t answered right away, we can be confident that He will help us in His time.

     

    Friends, God’s character is not affected by time, place, people, or circumstances. We can trust that He is faithful and will always keep His promises. So when you find yourself in a situation where you feel trapped, abandoned, disappointed by others, or even unheard, be encouraged in the knowledge that while people, circumstances, and even our plans may change, God, our loving Heavenly Father, never changes nor will He fail us. He is the only constant in our lives. We can count on Him both now and forever.

     

    Father, thank you for reminding me today that You are with me always, even when I can’t see it. Thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me despite my actions. Lord, thank You for being the constant in my life. I don’t know where I would be if You weren’t in my life. I love You and praise You, Lord, today and forever. Let Your will be done in my life permanently. In Jesus’ name, I praise You and give You all glory.

     

    Reference

    The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1985/2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

     

     

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  • Unidos en Cristo (United in Christ)

    Unidos en Cristo (United in Christ)

    Y en unión con Cristo Jesús, Dios nos resucitó

    y nos hizo sentar con él en las regiones celestiales,

    para mostrar en los tiempos venideros

    la incomparable riqueza de su gracia,

    que por su bondad derramó sobre nosotros en Cristo Jesús.  Efesios 2:6-7 NVI

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ¿Qué significa estar unido a Cristo?

                Estamos unidos con Cristo por su amor y misericordia. Debido al sacrificio de Jesús, el pecado ya no tiene poder para mantenernos cautivos; en cambio, podemos ser vencidos por el poder de Dios.

    Ayer vimos la condición de nuestros corazones antes de que Jesús viniera y nos rescatara. Jesús vino a nosotros cuando estábamos muertos en nuestros pecados y transgresiones. Así como Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos, nuestros corazones muertos han resucitado de la tumba de nuestros pecados. Somos bautizados una vez que aceptamos a Jesús como nuestro Señor y Salvador. Nuestro bautismo es una hermosa imagen de lo que sucede durante la conversión cuando somos sepultados a la semejanza de Su muerte y resucitados para caminar en la novedad de la vida.

    Hemos sido crucificados con Cristo, y nuestro pecado ha sido puesto a muerte. (Romanos 6:5-11 y Gálatas 2:20) Pablo nos dice en estos pasajes que hemos sido vivificados en Cristo y resucitados con Él. Así como fuimos crucificados con Cristo, también somos presentados con Él y sentados con Él en los lugares Celestiales.

    Vaya, ¿qué significa esto? ¿Cómo podemos resucitar con Él si todavía estamos en la Tierra? Pablo está tratando de decirnos que como hijos de Dios, somos inseparables de Jesús. Por lo tanto, aunque estemos aquí en la Tierra, estamos unidos a Aquel que ya está reinando en los cielos. Entonces, aunque enfrentamos muchas pruebas y tribulaciones, estamos seguros de que estamos en Él, y Él está en nosotros, y nada puede separarnos de Su amor.

    Pablo nos asegura en Romanos 8:25-39: ¿Quién nos separará del amor de Cristo? ¿La tribulación o las penalidades o la persecucióno el hambre o la desnudez o el peligro o la espada?

    Como está escrito: Por causa de ti, enfrentamos la muerte todo el día; somos tenidos por ovejas de matadero.

                No, en todas estas cosas somos más que vencedores por medio de Aquel que nos amó. Porque estoy convencido de que ni la muerte ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni los demonios, ni el presente ni el futuro, ni ningún poder, ni lo alto  ni lo profundo, ni ninguna otra cosa en toda la creación, podrá separarnos del amor de Dios que es en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor.

    Amigos, nada nos podrá separar del amor de Dios. La sangre de Jesús nos sella. Es una transacción única. Pero estar unidos a Jesús cambia la forma en que vivimos. ¿Por qué? Estamos llamados a vivir una vida digna de Su llamado porque, aunque nuestra carne estaba muerta, a través de Jesús, somos vivificados. Ya no debemos ceder a los deseos de nuestra carne y, en cambio, debemos vivir una vida digna de su llamado. Por lo tanto, estamos llamados a buscar primero el Reino de Dios y crucificar nuestra carne diariamente.

    ¿Es fácil? ¡Absolutamente no! Sin embargo, el Espíritu Santo nos enseñará y nos guiará para vivir una vida que es digna del llamado de Dios cuando ponemos a Jesús primero y permitimos que Él nos guíe.

    Amados, Jesús pagó la pena por nosotros. El pecado nos puso en prisión y cerró la puerta detrás de nosotros. Pero entonces Jesús vino a pagar la multa por nosotros. Amigos, alguien necesitaba morir por nuestros pecados, pasados, presentes y futuros. Entonces, Jesús vino y se ofreció a sí mismo como un sacrificio vivo. Él nos liberó pagando la pena por nuestros pecados.

    ¿Qué haremos entonces? ¿Aceptamos la fianza y quedamos libres pero entonces, incluso después de salir de la cárcel permanecemos encarcelados y en servidumbre por el resto de nuestra vida?

    Sé que no me quedé en esa prisión. Acepté el sacrificio perfecto de Jesús y salí corriendo. Ser liberado y perdonado, sin embargo no me da permiso para seguir viviendo como lo hice. Tuve que hacer cambios en mi vida.

    Ojalá pudiera decir que el cambio sucede de la noche a la mañana. ¡Pero no! Aunque mi corazón aceptó el sacrificio de Jesús, debo rendirme diariamente al Espíritu Santo y permitirle que me cambie y me moldee a la imagen de Jesús.

    Mi pastor Joaquín siempre decía:

              Nuestros corazones se transforman cuando aceptamos a Jesús en nuestro corazón, pero la transformación de la mente requiere tiempo. Necesitamos permitir que el Espíritu Santo nos muestre quiénes somos en Cristo, quién es Él y cuánto nos ama.

    Entonces, dime, querido amigo, ¿cómo cambia tu forma de vivir el darte cuenta de que hemos sido unidos con Cristo? Cuando las personas se encuentran contigo e interactúan contigo, ¿a quién ven? ¿Están viendo el antiguo tú o están viendo a Jesús viviendo a través de ti?

    Padre, gracias por recordarme que Tú elegiste salvarme sin importar cuán desordenada esté mi vida. Soy una nueva creación, y he sido salvada por gracia. No por nada que yo haya hecho, sino por lo que Jesús ha hecho por mí. Gracias por Tu amor, gracia y misericordia inagotables. Señor, continúa transformándome para que otros puedan verte viviendo tu vida a través de mí, Señor Jesús. En tu nombre doy toda alabanza, amén!

    Referencia Lucado, Max (2013). Dios usará esto para bien. Nashville, Tennessee por Thomas Nelson, Inc.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

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  • La disciplina de la tranquilidad (The Discipline of Quietness)

    La disciplina de la tranquilidad (The Discipline of Quietness)

    “¿Por qué estoy desanimado? ¿Por qué mi corazón está tan triste? ¡Pondré mi esperanza en Dios! Lo alabaré de nuevo: ¡mi Salvador y mi Dios! ” (Salmo 42: 5-6)

    ¿Cómo está tu alma?

    En este versículo, el salmista se habla a sí mismo. Su alma está desanimada (habiendo perdido la confianza o el entusiasmo; descorazonada). Su alma está en angustia y confusión.

    No puedo evitar pensar en las muchas veces que mi alma se desanimó hasta el punto de desesperación. ¿Cuántas veces me retiré a un lugar tranquilo para tratar de calmar mi corazón, mi alma? Pero no importa a dónde fuera, mi alma no podía experimentar la paz.

    La verdad es que nuestra alma anhela descansar. No importa cuántas horas durmamos o tratemos de irnos a un lugar tranquilo. Si nuestra alma no descansa, nunca podremos tener paz. ¿Alguna vez se acostó y trató de dormir, solo para descubrir que su mente y su corazón no están en reposo? ¿Estás lleno de ansiedad y preocupación?

    Desafortunadamente, vivimos en un mundo lleno de ruidos y distracciones. Pero el ruido en nuestra mente es lo que nos mantiene despiertos por la noche. A veces se vuelve tan fuerte que limita nuestra capacidad para prestar atención y concentrarnos.

    Recuerdo haber leído sobre el profeta Elías. Al final de todas sus victorias, estaba agotado, deprimido y desesperado. Durante este período, sintió que Dios estaba a un millón de millas de distancia. Su alma estaba turbada e inquieta.

    Entonces, ¿qué hizo Elías? Huyó a una cueva; a un lugar oscuro, aislado y tranquilo para descansar. ¿Suena familiar? Sin embargo, este lugar no le dio a Elías lo que necesitaba. De hecho, solo se sumó a su confusión y depresión. No importa cuán silenciosa y aislada fuera la cueva, el alma de Elías no descansaba.

    Pero algo asombroso le sucedió a Elías en ese lugar tranquilo, oscuro y aislado. Dios lo encontró y le preguntó: “¿Qué estás haciendo aquí, Elías? Sal de esta cueva “.

    Dios encontró a Elías en su punto más bajo y amorosamente lo elevó y lo restauró. Elías conocía la fuerza y el poder de Dios. Pero nunca había experimentado la tranquila voz de Dios. Algunos de nosotros, como Elías, necesitamos cambiar de posición y cambiar nuestra forma de pensar para poder recibir lo que el Señor tiene para nosotros.

    Como Elías, yo también he experimentado temporadas en las que mi alma estaba llena de miedos y preocupaciones. No importaba a dónde fuera o cuánto traté de calmar los miedos, las dudas y la soledad, no pude encontrar descanso.

    Pero un día, clamé a Jesús y me encontró en medio de mi tormenta. No, no estuvo en el ruido, ni en el trueno, ni en un evento sobrenatural. Más bien, lo encontre con una voz tranquila que me susurraba: “No estás sola. Estoy contigo.”

    Amigos, no sé lo que pueden estar experimentando hoy, pero puedo asegurarle que no están solos. Nuestro Señor está allí en medio de nuestras tormentas. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es escuchar.

    El salmista escribió una hermosa canción en el Salmo 46 para recordarnos al Dios que está siempre presente incluso en los peores momentos. La canción dice así:

    Salmo 46: 1-3- “Dios es nuestro refugio y fortaleza, una ayuda muy presente en los problemas. Por tanto, no temeremos, aunque la tierra sea removida, y aunque los montes sean llevados al medio del mar; aunque bramen y se turben sus aguas, aunque tiemblen los montes con su hinchazón. Selah ”(pausa y reflexiona).

    Salmo 46: 10-11- “Estad quietos, y sabed que yo soy Dios; ¡Seré exaltado entre las naciones, seré exaltado en la tierra! El Señor de los ejércitos está con nosotros; el Dios de Jacob es nuestro refugio. Selah ”(pausa y reflexiona)

    “Quédense quietos y reconozcan que yo soy Dios…” En la quietud… hay un conocimiento.

    Amigos, hagamos una pausa y reflexionemos sobre esta hermosa nota de gracia. Y busquemos descanso para nuestras almas cansadas. Porque nuestro hermoso Jesús está siempre presente. Selah.

     

    Reference

    Las citas de las Escrituras estan tomadas de la Santa Biblia, Nueva Version- International-Copyright 1973

    Translator: Jesus Manuel Perez

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  • El pan de vida (The Bread of Life)

    El pan de vida (The Bread of Life)

    Entonces Jesús declaró:

    Yo soy el pan de vida.

    El que a mí viene nunca pasará hambre,

    y el que en mí cree nunca tendrá sed.

    Juan 6:35 NVI

                ¿Te gusta el pan? ¿Te gusta comer pan? ¿Sabías que antes de que se rompa el pan, éste debe pasar por un proceso? ¿Sabías que el pan debe pasar por un proceso antes de que pueda ser el pan que tú y yo disfrutamos comer?

    La semilla primero debe plantarse antes de que pueda crecer. Luego, cuando el grano está listo, debe ser cosechado y molido en harina. Finalmente, antes de que el grano se convierta en pan, debe pasar por el horno. Hacer pan requiere plantar, cosechar y calentar.

    Jesús soportó un proceso similar. Él nació en este mundo. Fue cortado, magullado y golpeado en la era de la caballería. Soportó la ira de Dios por nosotros. Él voluntariamente dio Su vida para reconciliarnos con Dios. Fue muerto en el cuerpo pero vivificado en el espíritu. (1 Pedro 3:18 NVI)

                En Juan 6:35, Jesús dijo: Yo soy el pan de vida. El que viene a mí nunca pasará hambre, y el que cree en mí nunca tendrá sed.

    Así que Jesús aseguró a la multitud hambrienta que Él era el pan de vida.

                A lo largo de la Biblia, el pan se usa como una representación simbólica de la provisión sustentadora de vida de Dios. Así que cuando Jesús dijo a las multitudes hambrientas que él era el Pan de Vida, estaba enseñando a sus seguidores que solo Él era su fuente confiable de vida espiritual, tanto en este mundo como en la vida eterna venidera.

    Pero para obtener esta bendición necesitamos recibirla como una barra de pan. Entonces, cuando compramos una barra de pan, ¿la abrimos y la comemos de inmediato, o la dejamos reposar en un estante o en un armario para que se enmohezca? Todos sabemos que si una barra de pan no se abre y se come en un tiempo determinado, se debe tirar porque se pone rancia. Lo mismo es cierto en nuestra vida cristiana.

    Jesús dijo que Él era el pan de vida. Si queremos recibir el perdón de

    Dios a través de Jesús y permitirle que transforme nuestras vidas, debemos aceptar Su regalo de la Salvación.

    Amigos, ¿Han abierto el pan de vida que Jesús les ofrece? ¿Han descubierto la vida por la que Jesús murió para que podamos tenerla?

    La vida sin Dios no tiene sentido. Su amor, perdón, misericordia y gracia nunca se desvanecerán. Sin Él, la vida no vale la pena ser vivida. De la misma manera, todo lo que ofrece el mundo se desvanecerá.

    Así que hoy, abre tu corazón al pan de vida y observa cómo tu vida se transforma en belleza desde las cenizas.

    Gracias, Señor, por Tu precioso regalo de Salvación a través de la gracia y la vida eterna contigo. Ayúdame a compartir lo que has hecho en mi vida con aquellos que aún no han aceptado tu precioso regalo.      Señor, no solo quiero hablar de Ti y de lo que has hecho por nosotros; Quiero que otros te vean en mí a través de mis palabras, comportamiento y acciones. En el nombre de Jesús, te doy la alabanza. ¡Amén!

     

    Referencia

    Las citas de las Escrituras están tomadas de La Santa Biblia, Nueva Versión Internacional—copyright 1973, 1978,1984,2011 por Biblica

    Traductor: Jesús Manuel Perez

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  • The Bread of Life

    The Bread of Life

    Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NIV

    Do you like bread?

    Do you enjoy eating bread? Did you know that before the break because bread, it must go through a process? Did you know that bread must go through a process before it can be the bread you and I enjoy eating? The seed must first be planted before it can grow. Then, when the grain is ready, it must be harvested and ground into flour. Finally, before the grain becomes bread, it must pass through the oven. Making bread requires planting, harvesting, and heating.

    Jesus endured a similar process. He was born into this world. He was cut down, bruised, and beaten on the threshing floor of cavalry. He endured the wrath of God for our sake. He willingly gave His life to reconcile us with God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit. (1 Peter3:18 NIV)

    In John 6:35, Jesus said: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” So Jesus assured the hungry crowd that He was the bread of life.”

    Throughout the Bible, bread is used as a symbolic representation of God’s life-sustaining provision. So when Jesus told the hungry crowds that he was the Bread of Life, he was teaching his followers that He alone was their trustworthy source of spiritual life, both in this world and in the everlasting life to come. (See John 6:35) It’s paraphrased.

    But to get this blessing, we need to receive it like a loaf of bread. So when we buy a loaf of bread, do we open it and eat it right away, or do we let it sit on a shelf or in a cupboard to become moldy? We all know that if a loaf of bread isn’t opened and eaten within a specific time, it must be thrown away since it gets stale.

    The same is true in our Christian life. Jesus said He was the bread of life. If we want to receive God’s forgiveness through Jesus and allow Him to transform our lives, we must accept His gift of Salvation.

    Friends, have you opened the bread of life that Jesus offers you? Have you discovered the life Jesus died to give you? Life without God is meaningless. His love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace will never fade. Without Him, life is not worth living. In the same way, everything the world offers will fade away.

    So today, open your heart to the bread of life and watch your life transform into beauty from ashes.

    Thank You, Lord,  for Your precious gift of Salvation through grace and eternal life with You. Help me to share what You have done in my life with those who have yet to accept Your precious gift. Lord, I don’t only want to speak about You and what You have done for us; I want others to see You in me through my words, behavior, and actions. In Jesus’ name, I give you praise. Amen!

     

    Reference

    Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version—copyright 1973, 1978,1984,2011 by Biblica Inc.

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  • Somos elegidos: Un estudio del libro de Efesios (Introduction to We Are Chosen: A Study of the Book of Ephesians)

    Somos elegidos: Un estudio del libro de Efesios (Introduction to We Are Chosen: A Study of the Book of Ephesians)

    ¿Quiénes somos?

    Pablo habló acerca de quiénes somos en Cristo en el libro de Efesios. Cristo nos ha redimido, y a través de la salvación, hemos sido unidos con Cristo. Con frecuencia nos preguntamos quiénes somos en Cristo. Sin embargo, Pablo nos recuerda que Jesús está en nosotros y nosotros en Él, lo que debería cambiar la forma en que vemos todo.

    Nos vemos a nosotros mismos como creyentes en Cristo. La identidad de Cristo cambia nuestra identidad. Y luego miramos nuestra vida cotidiana a la luz de esta unión con Cristo. Vivimos de manera diferente debido a lo que somos en Él.

    Pero, ¿qué significa realmente vivir en Cristo? Cuando crees en Cristo, Cristo obra un milagro en ti:

    En él también ustedes, cuando oyeron el mensaje de la verdad,

    el evangelio que les trajo la salvación, y lo creyeron,

    fueron marcados con el sello que es el Espíritu Santo prometido. Efesios 1:13 NVI

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Cuando pienso en un sello, pienso en un depósito. Dios nos dio un pago inicial para mostrarnos a nosotros y al resto del mundo que le pertenecemos a Él y a nadie más. Piensen en una casa o propiedad que les gustaría tener. Para evitar perderla, haces un pago inicial para mostrarles a todos que la casa o propiedad es tuya.

                Eso es lo que el Espíritu Santo hace por nosotros. Dios mismo nos purifica permanentemente y nos da poder después de que el Espíritu Santo nos ha sellado. El mensaje de Jesús a la persona religiosa es simple: No se trata de lo que haces, se trata de lo que puedes hacer por

    Me he mudado. Y con el tiempo, puedes decir como Pablo: He sido crucificado con Cristo y ya no vivo yo,sino que Cristo vive en mí.  Gálatas 2:20 NVI

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Ya no eres un cacharro limpio, ni siquiera un cacharro. Ahora eres un elegante auto de carreras apto para el Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    Sin embargo, cuando lleguen las pruebas, es posible que te preguntes: Si eso es cierto, ¿por qué sigo balbuceando? Si volví a nacer, ¿por qué me caigo tan a menudo? Toda mi vida, cada vez que me enfrento a una tormenta severa, inmediatamente me derrumbo. Me convierto en un niño incapaz de entender por qué las cosas deben suceder de la manera en que suceden.

    Hoy mi hija me recordó que soy una hija de Dios. Puede que no entendamos por qué pasamos por pruebas y tribulaciones, pero sabemos que Dios quiere que crezcamos a través de ellas. Entonces, si somos quienes Él dijo que somos, podemos acercarnos a Él con valentía y preguntarle cualquier cosa.

    Amigos, he soportado tanto dolor desde que mi mamá se enfermó. Y como no tengo respuestas, todo lo que quiero hacer es acurrucarme en posición fetal y llorar hasta que no haya más lágrimas en mis ojos. Pero, ¿qué dice eso de mí? Estoy tirando la toalla y rindiéndome en lugar de acudir a Jesús para que me guíe, incluso si las respuestas que encuentro no son las que quiero escuchar.

    Es tan simple creer que si simplemente ignoramos la terrible realidad en la que vivimos, eventualmente desaparecerá. Pero no lo hará. Está ahí cuando nos dormimos y cuando nos despertamos. ¿Por qué? Porque Dios tiene una lección para que aprendamos, pero solo puede ser enseñada mientras pasamos por la prueba.

    Por lo tanto, debo someterme a mi Padre y pedirle que permita que se haga Su voluntad en lugar de huir de Él. Él me ayudará a ver lo que me niego a ver. Él me dará la sabiduría y el entendimiento que necesito para comprender por qué debo soportar esta prueba, cómo aplicar lo que aprendo a mi vida y cómo compartirlo con los demás.

    Es difícil aprender una lección cuando tu corazón está roto. Pero Dios prometió que estaría con nosotros pase lo que pase. Entonces, debo entregar mi dolor, ira, control y miedo y permitir que Él me enseñe las lecciones que Él cree que necesito aprender.

    Amigos, sé que esto no es fácil. Es un camino doloroso. Pero al final, comprenderán por qué debemos soportar pruebas y tribulaciones, no para que podamos crecer, sino para que otros puedan crecer junto a nosotros.

    Señor, Tú sabes que lucho con esto; por favor, ayúdame a darte el control completo de mi vida y circunstancias. Enséñame tus caminos; ayúdame a ver lo que no puedo ver. Ayúdame a entregarme por completo a Ti y a Tu perfecta voluntad para que pueda aprender Tu elección. En el nombre de Jesús te lo pido, amén.

     

    Referencia

    Lucado, Max (2013). Dios usará esto para bien. Nashville, Tennessee por Thomas Nelson, Inc.

    Traductor: Jesus Manuel Perez

    ,

  • Efesios 5: Cómo vivir una vida cristiana (How to live a Christian life)

    Efesios 5: Cómo vivir una vida cristiana (How to live a Christian life)

    1 Por tanto, imiten a Dios, como hijos muy amados,

    2 y lleven una vida de amor, así como Cristo nos amó y se entregó

    por nosotros como ofrenda y sacrificio fragante para Dios. Efesios 5:1-2 NVI

     

    En Efesios 5, Pablo da instrucciones sobre cómo vivir una vida cristiana. Pablo nos recuerda que Cristo se entregó a sí mismo a Dios como sacrificio para expiar todos nuestros pecados, pasados, presentes y futuros. Por lo tanto, debemos vivir una vida digna de Su sacrificio y llamado. No podemos vivir como incrédulos mientras afirmamos ser hijos de Dios. No solo debemos comportarnos como Cristo, sino también hablar como Él.

    Estas instrucciones sirven como guía sobre cómo comportarse y vivir cada día. Pablo nos recordó que, aunque antes vivíamos en tinieblas, ahora somos hijos de la luz que da frutos de bondad, justicia y verdad porque hemos aceptado a Jesús como nuestro Señor y Salvador (Efesios 5:9).

    Todo lo que se haga en la oscuridad no permanecerá durante la noche. Nada permanece oculto; todo lo que la luz revela se convierte en luz.  (Efesios 5:6-13).

    Debemos vivir sabiamente, no neciamente. Debemos pasar tiempo con el Señor si queremos conocerlo a Él y Su voluntad en nuestras vidas.

    Pablo también nos recordó vivir una vida llena del Espíritu, ser agradecidos en todas las circunstancias y alabar a Dios por su amor, bondad, misericordia y fidelidad. Así como Cristo ama a la Iglesia, así también los esposos deben amar a sus esposas, y las esposas deben someterse a sus esposos como cabeza de familia. El Señor manda que los hijos obedezcan a sus padres. Deben respetar a sus padres para que todo les vaya bien y puedan disfrutar de una larga vida.

    Pero lo más importante, estamos llamados a amarnos unos a otros tal como Dios nos ama. ¿Te imaginas cuán diferente sería este mundo si todos viviéramos como Dios nos llamó a vivir? Cuando vivimos esta verdad bíblica mostramos el evangelio para que todos lo vean. Pablo nos recuerda que sin el Espíritu Santo, no podemos vivir la vida que Dios nos ha llamado a vivir. El Espíritu Santo nos da la capacidad de ser como Jesús y de poner a los demás antes que a nosotros mismos.

    Jesús es nuestro ejemplo. Él hizo la voluntad de Su Padre. Cuando nos sometemos a nuestros esposos y esposas o hijos y padres, no lo hacemos por ellos sino, lo que es más importante, por el Señor mismo. El Espíritu Santo nos da la capacidad de ser como Jesús. Nuestras palabras, acciones y motivos necesitan ser más como Jesús.

    Señor, gracias por tu amor, misericordia, fidelidad y gracia. Gracias, Señor, por enviarnos el Espíritu Santo que nos guía y nos recuerda cómo vivir una vida santa digna de tu llamado. Señor, ayúdame a mantener mis ojos en Ti y a amar a los demás como Tú nos amas. En tu precioso nombre, te agradezco y te alabo, ¡amén!

    Reference:

    Translator: Jesus Manuel Perez

     

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  • Ephesians 6: The Armor of God

    Ephesians 6: The Armor of God

    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full Armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full Armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV)

    Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are seen fighting constant battles with their enemies, but we also see God fighting for them. God is seen as a warrior. (See Exodus 15:3; Zephaniah 3:17; Psalms 18:39, 35:1-3, 42:13; Isaiah 11:5, 49:2)

    In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual and physical battle. That is why God sent the Holy Spirit in order to help us resist the enemy’s schemes. So, how do we fight an unseen battle? The Lord gave us His armor to allow us to stand firm and protect us against the enemy’s schemes. With this armor, we have God’s power. The same God who fought for His people in the Old Testament is also the same God who resides within us through the Holy Spirit. We can fight the enemy with confidence when we wear this armor, because we know that God is fighting for us.

    The importance and meaning of the armor of God were summarized by my friend Ann Knopp in her book “Pursuing Jesus, Obeying Jesus, Living for Jesus” (2021) as follows:

    1. Belt of Truth—Truth must be the foundation for our life; without truth we have nothing.
    2. Breastplate of Righteousness—Live a right life (protect our heart and lungs).
    3. Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace—Share the gospel with everyone we meet.
    4. Shield of Faith—Fiery arrows of Satan will fly; our faith keeps us standing strong.
    5. Helmet of Salvation—We must believe in our mind and heart that Jesus died for us then we can be saved.
    6. Sword of the Spirit- Word of God—Study His Word daily so we can fight the battles that come our way.
    7. Pray in the Spirit in all occasions—Whatever comes our way, we always have the Spirit of God with us (p.89).

    Without this armor, my friends, we are defenseless and vulnerable to the enemy’s attack. Only a soldier who is adequately armed and trained can engage in warfare. The image that comes to mind when I think of the armor of God is one of a Roman soldier getting ready for battle. This armor protects his head, his heart, and other vital organs. Without it, he would essentially be dead.

    In verse 10, Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Jesus knew we would face many trials and tribulations, so He left us the Holy Spirit and gave us His armor to help us fight. Without God, we are powerless to resist and win this battle. We cannot defeat the enemy on our own; we must be spirit-filled and strengthened by God’s power. The enemy has used the same tactic since the beginning of time. He is cunning and devious. He strikes when we are weak, vulnerable, and distracted.

    Although I’ve always known about the armor of God, I never fully understood how important it was to know its purpose and why God has given it to us. In the past, I’ve tried to try to fight my own battles, but I’ve never been successful. It’s left me feeling weak and defeated and made me more insecure and doubtful. Now, though, I am aware of both who I am and Who lives in me. The God of Heaven’s army lives in you and me. He gave us the weapon we needed to fight the enemy and continue running our race.

    Friends, don’t be discouraged when facing trials or tribulations; remember who you are and Whose you are; put on your armor and continue running your race. Your struggles will not end, but ask Him to give you the strength so you may continue on your journey. Take hold of His hand and He will walk you through all the way to victory. Trust and believe in Him!

    Once again, I am thankful for Your love, mercy, and guidance. You knew we couldn’t defeat the enemy on our own, so to protect us, You sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and gave us spiritual weapons to help us to stand firm, be on our guard, and not be surprised when the enemy hits us with one of his schemes. Father, give me the wisdom and discernment to know when the enemy attacks me. Help me to always be on guard and to live a life worthy of Your calling. In Jesus’ name, I give You all the praises. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Knopp, A. L. (2021). Pursue Jesus, Obey Jesus, Live for Jesus.

    Meadville, PA: Christian Faith Publishing.

    The Lucado Encouraging Word Holy Bible. (2020). Nashville,

    TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

     

  • Ephesians 5: How to live a Christian life

    Ephesians 5: How to live a Christian life

    “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT

     

    In Ephesians 5, Paul gives instructions on how to live a Christian life. Paul reminds us that Christ gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to atone for all our sins—past, present, and future. Therefore, we must live a life worthy of His sacrifice and calling. We cannot live like unbelievers while claiming to be the children of God. We must not only behave like Christ but also speak like Him.

     

    These instructions serve as a guide on how to behave and live each day. Paul reminded us that, although we once lived in darkness, we are now children of the light who bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth because we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. (Eph. 5:9)

    Whatever is done in the dark will not remain through the night. Nothing remains hidden; all that the light reveals turns into light. (Eph.5:6-13) We are to live wisely, not foolishly. We must spend time with the Lord if we are to know Him and His will in our lives.

    Paul also reminded us to live a Spirit-filled life, to be thankful in all circumstances, and praise God for His love, goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. As Christ loves the Church, so too should husbands love their wives, and wives are to submit to their husbands as the head of the household. The Lord commands that children obey their parents. They are to respect their parents in order for everything to go well for them and they can enjoy a long life.

    But most importantly, we are called to love one another just as God loves us. Can you imagine how different this world be like if we all lived as God called us to live? When we live out this biblical truth, we display the gospel for everyone to see. Paul reminds us that without the Holy Spirit, we are unable to live the life God has called us to live. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be like Jesus and to put others before ourselves.

    Jesus is our example. He did the will of His Father. When we submit to our husbands and wives or children and parents, we are not doing it for them but, more importantly, for the Lord Himself. As you said, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to be like Jesus. Our words, actions, and motives need to become more like Jesus.

    Lord, thank you for your love, mercy, faithfulness, and grace. Thank you, Lord, for sending us the Holy Spirit who guides us and reminds us how to live a holy life worthy of Your calling. Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You and to love others as You love us. In Your precious name, I thank You and give You praise, amen!

     

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  • Ser fiel en la Espera

    Ser fiel en la Espera

    No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien porque, si no nos damos por vencidos, a su tiempo cosecharemos. Así que, mientras nosotros (como creyentes individuales) tengamos la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas (no solo siendo útiles, sino también haciendo lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual), y especialmente (seamos una bendición] para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo). Gálatas 6:9-10 NVI

    ¿Alguna vez has sentido que las cosas no salen según lo planeado o que no estás donde imaginaste que estarías, que de alguna manera estás atrapado en una sala de espera, esperando que suceda algo?

    Amigos, no sé ustedes, pero a mí me cuesta esperar. Cada vez que voy al médico, me impaciento más y siento que he estado esperando durante horas. Quiero gritar cuando veo que llaman a otros pacientes antes que yo: ¡Espera, llevo horas aquí y acaban de llegar! Entonces, ¿qué debo hacer? Me quejo o le pido paciencia al Señor.

    Recientemente escuché un sermón del pastor, Dominick Cotignola, de Next City Church Assembly of God sobre conocer la voluntad de Dios. Mientras escuchaba su mensaje, el Señor me habló de esperar.

    Miren, mis amigos, antes de escuchar al pastor Dominick hablar sobre la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas, siempre pensé que esperar era algo terrible pero, después de escucharlo, comencé a ver por qué esperar no es algo malo, sino una bendición. Es en la espera donde Dios moldea, poda y elimina cualquier cosa en mi vida que deba ser eliminada y que no pertenezca a lo que soy en Cristo.

    Gálatas 6:9-10 nos anima a seguir adelante y no desistir porque la siega y la cosecha vienen después de la poda: 

    No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien, porque a su tiempo cosecharemos, si no nos damos por vencidos. Así que, mientras tenemos [como creyentes individuales] la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas [no solo ser útil, sino también hacer lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual], y especialmente (seamos una bendición) para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo).

    Pero la única forma en que podemos superar “el período de espera” es permaneciendo en Jesús a través de Su Palabra. Esperar es una bendición cuando no nos damos por vencidos.

    A veces, Dios nos permite pasar por estos tiempos de espera para que podamos acercarnos más a Él y permanecer en Él. Recuerdo que la pastora, Sharon, una vez nos dijo que la mejor parte de esta estación es que no nos quedemos ahí. Solo estamos de paso, no está destinada a ser nuestra dirección permanente.

    Por lo tanto, permanezcamos fieles en este tiempo de espera y sigamos haciendo un trabajo excelente y confiable con lo que Él nos ha confiado. Vivamos para Aquel que es fiel para completar la obra que ha comenzado en nosotros. Seamos precisos con las cosas que Él nos ha confiado y démosle gloria mientras esperamos.

    Señor, gracias por recordarme la importancia de ser fiel en la espera. Señor, tú sabes que a veces me impaciento y quiero que las cosas se hagan a mi tiempo. Gracias por mostrarme, Señor, una vez más que es en los tiempos de espera donde haces tu mejor trabajo. Y recordarme que solo estoy pasando por esta temporada de espera: no es mi dirección permanente. En tu precioso nombre, te doy toda la alabanza y la gloria, amén.

    Reference

    Translator: Jesus Manuel Perez (Writer)

     

  • Ser Fiel En La Espera (Being Faithful In The Weaiting)

    Ser Fiel En La Espera (Being Faithful In The Weaiting)

                No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien porque, si no nos damos por vencidos, a su tiempo cosecharemos. Así que, mientras nosotros (como creyentes individuales) tengamos la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas (no solo siendo útiles, sino también haciendo lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual), y especialmente (seamos una bendición] para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo). Gálatas 6:9-10 NVI

    ¿Alguna vez has sentido que las cosas no salen según lo planeado o que no estás donde imaginaste que estarías, que de alguna manera estás atrapado en una sala de espera, esperando que suceda algo?

    Amigos, no sé ustedes, pero a mí me cuesta esperar. Cada vez que voy al médico, me impaciento más y siento que he estado esperando durante horas. Quiero gritar cuando veo que llaman a otros pacientes antes que yo: ¡Espera, llevo horas aquí y acaban de llegar! Entonces, ¿qué debo hacer? Me quejo o le pido paciencia al Señor.

    Recientemente escuché un sermón del pastor, Dominick Cotignola, de Next City Church Assembly of God sobre conocer la voluntad de Dios. Mientras escuchaba su mensaje, el Señor me habló de esperar.

    Miren, mis amigos, antes de escuchar al pastor Dominick hablar sobre la voluntad de Dios para nuestras vidas, siempre pensé que esperar era algo terrible pero, después de escucharlo, comencé a ver por qué esperar no es algo malo, sino una bendición. Es en la espera donde Dios moldea, poda y elimina cualquier cosa en mi vida que deba ser eliminada y que no pertenezca a lo que soy en Cristo.

    Gálatas 6:9-10 nos anima a seguir adelante y no desistir porque la siega y la cosecha vienen después de la poda:

                No nos cansemos ni nos desanimemos en hacer el bien, porque a su tiempo cosecharemos, si no nos damos por vencidos. Así que, mientras tenemos [como creyentes individuales] la oportunidad, hagamos el bien a todas las personas [no solo ser útil, sino también hacer lo que promueva su bienestar espiritual], y especialmente (seamos una bendición) para los de la familia de la fe (creyentes nacidos de nuevo).

    Pero la única forma en que podemos superar “el período de espera” es permaneciendo en Jesús a través de Su Palabra. Esperar es una bendición cuando no nos damos por vencidos.

    A veces, Dios nos permite pasar por estos tiempos de espera para que podamos acercarnos más a Él y permanecer en Él. Recuerdo que la pastora, Sharon, una vez nos dijo que la mejor parte de esta estación es que no nos quedemos ahí. Solo estamos de paso, no está destinada a ser nuestra dirección permanente.

    Por lo tanto, permanezcamos fieles en este tiempo de espera y sigamos haciendo un trabajo excelente y confiable con lo que Él nos ha confiado. Vivamos para Aquel que es fiel para completar la obra que ha comenzado en nosotros. Seamos precisos con las cosas que Él nos ha confiado y démosle gloria mientras esperamos.

    Señor, gracias por recordarme la importancia de ser fiel en la espera. Señor, tú sabes que a veces me impaciento y quiero que las cosas se hagan a mi tiempo. Gracias por mostrarme, Señor, una vez más que es en los tiempos de espera donde haces tu mejor trabajo. Y recordarme que solo estoy pasando por esta temporada de espera: no es mi dirección permanente. En tu precioso nombre, te doy toda la alabanza y la gloria, amén.

     

     

    Reference:

    •  Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI) Santa Biblia, NUEVA VERSIÓN INTERNACIONAL® NVI® © 1999, 2015 por Biblica, Inc.
    • Traductor y Escritor: Jesus Manuel Perez

    , ,

  • Study of Ephesians Day 3: United in Christ

    Study of Ephesians Day 3: United in Christ

    And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV

    What does it mean to be united with Christ?

    We are united with Christ because of His love and mercy.
    Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin but can be overcome by the power of God.

    Yesterday we looked at the condition of our hearts before Jesus came and rescued us. When we were dead in our sins and transgressions, Jesus came to us. Just as Jesus was resurrected from the dead, our dead hearts have been raised from the grave of our sins. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we get baptized. Our baptism shows us the beautiful picture of what happens in conversion as we are buried in the likeness of His death and raised to walk in the newness of life.

    We have been crucified with Christ, and our sin has been put to death. (Romans 6:5-11 and Galatians 2:20) In these verses, Paul tell us that we have been made alive in Christ and raised with Him. Just as we were crucified with Christ, we are also presented with Him and seated with Him in the Heavenly realms. Wow, what does this mean? How can we be raised with Him if we are still on Earth? Paul is really trying to tell us that as a child of God, we are inseparable from Jesus. So although we are here on Earth, we are united by the one Who’s already reigning in heaven. So even though we face many trials and tribulations, we are sure that we are in Him, and He’s in us, and nothing can separate us from His love.

    Paul assures us in Romans 8:25-39 NIV, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, [b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    Friends, nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jesus’s blood seals us. It’s a one-time deal. But being united with Jesus changes the way we live. Why? Because our flesh was dead and through Jesus, we are made alive; therefore, we are called to live a life worthy of His calling. We can no longer give into our flesh desires; instead, we are to live a life worthy of His calling. Therefore, we are called to seek the Kingdom of God first and crucify our flesh daily. Is it easy? Absolutely not! But, when we put Jesus first and let Him lead us, the Holy Spirit will teach us and lead us to live a life worthy of God’s calling.

    Beloved, Jesus paid the penalty. Sin put us in prison; it locked the door behind us. But then, Jesus came to bail us out to pay the fine. Friends, someone needed to die for our sins (past, present, and future). So, Jesus came and offered Himself as a living sacrifice. He paid the penalty of our death and set us free.

    So, what will we do? Do we stay in prison even if we were set free, or do we accept the bail or remain in prison and bondage for the rest of our lives? I know I didn’t stay in that prison. I got Jesus’ perfect sacrifice and ran out. But being set free and forgiven is not a blank check to continue living the life I lived. My life needed to change.

    I wish to tell you the change occurs overnight. But, no! Although my heart accepted Jesus’ sacrifice, I must yield daily to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to change and mold me to Jesus’ image. My pastor Joaquin always told us, “Our hearts are transformed when we accept Jesus in our heart, but the transformation of the mind requires time. It needs to allow the Holy Spirit to show us who we are in Christ, who He is, and how much He loves us.

    So, friend, how does our knowledge that we have been united with Christ change how we live? Who do people see when they see you and interact with you? Do they see the old you, or do they see Jesus living His life through you?

    Father, thank you for reminding me that you chose to save me no matter how messed up my life is. I am a new creation, and I’ve been saved by grace. Not because of anything I’ve done but because of what Jesus has done for me. Thank you for your unfailing love, grace, and mercy. Lord, continue to transform me so that others can see You living your life through me, Lord Jesus. In your name, I give all praise, amen!

    Reference
    Lucado, Max (2013). God Will Use This For Good. Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
    ‘

  • Study of Ephesians: Day 2: Made Alive in Christ

    Study of Ephesians: Day 2: Made Alive in Christ

    Day 2: Made Alive in Christ

    “And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these [unbelievers], we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of [a]human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. 4 But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). 6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ.” (Ephesians 2:1-6 AMP)

    Today’s passage speaks to us about the condition of our hearts before Jesus sacrificed His life to save us. How does knowing our sins and transgressions help us to be thankful for what God has done for us?

    I was raised in a Catholic family and attended Catholic schools. Sin was rarely discussed, and when it was, we had to go to church and confess our sins to a priest, who then granted us absolution. At the end of the confession, the priest had us recite several prayers, for example, three Hail Marys and the Our Father. I never felt different after doing my act of contrition. I never understood how the priest could forgive me or how doing an act of penance could help me. But we were required to do it every Friday morning before class or every Saturday night.

    I was twenty years old when one of my college professors spoke to me about Jesus. She told me that we are all sinners, and Jesus had to come and die on the cross in order to save us. Even though I didn’t understand what she meant, she had planted the seed in me. I prayed repeatedly, asking Jesus to reveal Himself to me. Though I wish it had, it didn’t happen overnight. First, I needed to seek God with all my heart and accept who I was. That’s when my search began, and I started to understand who I was and why He had come for me.

    Ephesians 2:1–6 states that we were dead in our sins and our transgressions. That means we were spiritually dead and had no power to bring ourselves back to life. Trespasses is known as paraptoma in Greek. This word refers to our willingness to cross boundary lines. The Greek word for sin is amartia, which means to miss the mark or not live up to God’s standard of righteousness and perfection.

    So, what does this mean? It means we willingly choose to run away from God and choose our path.

    But here is evidence of God’s amazing love for us: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6 NIV)

    We didn’t deserve His love. We weren’t even aware that we were dead. Yet, He chose us. He chose to save us and redeem us, not because we deserved it, but because He loved us.

    According to Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast. We are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    We were dead in our sins and transgressions, but God made us alive in Christ. While we were running from God, He was running to us. He chose you and me when we didn’t deserve it. I once read of a vision Ezekiel had in which he saw the land covered in dry bones, and the Lord said to the bones: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” (Ezekiel 37:5-6 NIV)
    Although we were completely dead and without hope, our God brings dead things to life.

    Friends, we who have placed our faith in Jesus were once dead, but now we are alive in Christ. We are no longer dry bones; we are alive because of Jesus. We no longer need to live a life without purpose or seek fleeting pleasures. Our Father loved us enough to run to us and rescue us from our eternal death. Because Jesus is alive, we are alive in Him. Every day that we are alive, we owe to Jesus. He took our dry, lifeless bones and gave us an abundant life. We may not get everything we want in this life, but we can be sure that, one day, we will spend eternity with Him. And it’s not because we earned it or deserve it; rather, it’s because He loves us and gave His life so we can live.

    Lord, thank You for turning these dry bones to life. Thank You for not giving up on me even when, at times, my heart and my flesh fail, You oh Lord, have never failed me. Your love for me endures forever. Help me keep my eyes on You alone, for when I do, I can run my race knowing that You are right beside me and one day I will be with You for all eternity. In Your name, I praise You, amen.

    Reference

    Reference

    • Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.
    • Lucado, Max (2013). God Will Use This For Good. Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

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  • Introduction to The Book of Ephesians Day One: Who are we?

    Introduction to The Book of Ephesians Day One: Who are we?

    “In Him also we have [a]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 AMP

    Paul addressed who we are in Christ in the book of Ephesians. Christ has redeemed us, and we have been united with Christ through salvation. Yet, we frequently wonder who we are in Christ. However, Paul reminds us that Jesus is in us, and we are in Him, which should change how we view everything.

    We see ourselves as believers in Christ. Christ’s identity changes our identity. And then we look at our everyday lives in light of this union with Christ. We live differently because of who we are in Him.

    But what does it mean to live in Christ? When you believe in Christ, Christ works a miracle in you, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing  our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of God.” (Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV).

    When I think of a seal, I think of a deposit. God put a down payment on us to show us and the rest of the world that we belong to Him and no one else. Think of a house or piece of property you would like to own. To avoid losing it, you make a down payment to show everyone the house or property belongs to you.

    That is what the Holy Spirit does for us. God Himself permanently purifies and empowers us after the Holy Spirit has sealed us. So the message of Paul to the believers is simple: It’s not about what you do, but what He can do for you. He chose us; He has already moved in. He has permanently made His home in you and me.

    And in time, we can say, like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him, I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20 AMP).

    I don’t know about cars, but my husband does. Here is how he explained to me the amazing work Jesus has done in us. We are no longer junk cars or used cars. We have been transformed into a classic ready to compete and run our race.

    When the trials come, however, you may wonder, “If that’s true, why do I still sputter? If I’m born again, why do I fall so often?” All my life, whenever I’ve faced a severe storm, I immediately fall apart. I become a child unable to understand why things must happen the way they do.

    Today my daughter reminded me that I am a child of God. We may not understand why we go through trials and tribulations, but we know God wants us to grow through them.

    So, if we are who He said we are, we can boldly come to Him and ask Him anything. There is one truth that will never change even we go through trials, and that is that God cherishes us. The more we know Him, the more we understand His love for us.

    Friends, I’ve endured so much pain since my mom got sick. And because I have no answers, all I want to do is curl up into a fetal position and cry until there are no more tears in my eyes. But what does that say about me? I’m throwing in the towel and giving up instead of turning to Jesus for guidance, even if the answers I find are not what I want to hear.

    It’s so simple to believe that if we ignore our terrible reality, it will eventually disappear. But it won’t. It’s there when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Why? Because God has a lesson for us to learn, but it can only be taught as we go through the trial. I must, therefore, submit to my Father and ask Him to let His will be done rather than running away from Him. He will help me to see what I refuse to see. He will give me the wisdom and understanding to comprehend why I must endure this trial, how to apply what I learn to my life, and how to share it with others.

    It is challenging to learn a lesson when your heart is broken. But God promised He would be with us no matter what happens. So, I must surrender my pain, anger, control, and fear and allow Him to teach me the lessons He believes I need to learn. Friends, I know going through trials is not easy. It’s a painful road. But in the end, we will understand why we must endure trials and tribulations—not only so that we can grow but so that others can grow alongside us.

    Lord, You know I struggle with this; please help me give You complete control of my life and circumstances. Teach me Your ways; Help me to see what I can’t see. Help me surrender entirely to You and Your perfect will so I may learn Your choice. In Jesus’ name, I ask, amen.

    Reference

    • Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.
    • The Lucado Encouraging Word Holy Bible New International Version (2020. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson
    • Editor: Carmen J. Almodvar

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  • The God of Second Chances

    The God of Second Chances

    “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His nature and promises] and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose] 1John 1:9 AMP

     

    Have you ever wondered why the Lord consistently stood by the Israelites despite their betrayal and stubbornness? That is a question I have asked myself many times. But, one day, I realized that God never stopped loving them despite their repeated betrayal and disappointment. Do you know how I know this is true? Because He did the same for me.

     

    When I first became a Christian, I often questioned whether I was saved. I frequently heard people testify how the Lord saved them from drugs, abuse, and many other things unknown to me at the time. But, because of my lack of knowledge, I didn’t know the true story of who God was and why He sent Jesus.

     

    I often heard stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joseph, Paul, and other “Bible Heroes.” But I never really knew who they were and the things they did before God called them.

     

    Let’s start with Abraham, who is known as the Father of Faith. Yes, He did trust God, but he was still human, like you and me. He lied, was afraid, and had doubts.

     

    Moses was the person God chose to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. Yet he fled to the desert after killing an Egyptian.” Years later, when God called Moses to return to Egypt and save His people, Moses doubted and asked, “Why me? I’m sure there’s someone else you can select besides me.” God ignored Moses’ reluctance and sent him to do the task.

     

    That reminds me of another biblical figure, Jonah. God gave Jonah the task of preaching repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jonah, however, had another plan, so he ran away. God allowed him to be swallowed by a whale, where he remained for three days, forced to do some thinking. After the whale spits him out, Jonah carries out God’s plans.

     

    David, the beloved King, was a man after God’s heart. David did love God, but he was also human. He lusted after a married woman and slept with her. As a result, she became pregnant, and David tried to cover it up, but when he failed, he decided to kill her husband.

     

    Then there’s Jacob, from whom the twelve tribes of Israel, the Chosen One, would come. Unfortunately, Jacob cheated on his brother and stole his firstborn rights to food.

     

    Next is Solomon, the wisest king Israel ever had. God granted him wisdom, but he was weak against women. So he married many foreign women who worshiped other gods.

     

    The apostle Paul is considered one of the greatest apostles and brought the gospel to the Gentiles. However, before Paul met the Lord, he persecuted Christians and was responsible for many deaths, including Stephen’s.

     

    Many men and women whose lives changed the course of history are mentioned in the Bible. Yet, every one of these people was human. They were not pure or holy; they had no supernatural gifts. No, just like you and me, their lives were a mess. God, however,  overlooked their flaws and saw their potential.

     

    God is a God of second chances. He uses people to change the world. God is into details. He knits wrongdoings together and transforms them into a beautiful narrative.

     

    When I reflect on everything that has happened in my life–good and bad–I cannot help wondering why God would want someone like me. Insecure, fearful, a liar, a cheater, and someone afraid of her shadow. Why would He want me? Before this, I was unable to see it. God wants to transform people’s lives. He doesn’t choose those who are qualified to do the work. He chooses people who are humble, gentle, and uneducated and provides them with the tools needed to carry out His work.

     

    Friends, if you wonder why God would want you, remember that He loves you. He knew who you and I would become even before we were conceived in our mother’s womb. Yet, Jesus chose to die for you and me. It is not our past or present that determines who we are; it is Jesus who makes us righteous. Nothing we did or did not do can earn God’s love for us. Only Jesus’ love for us can make us righteous in God’s eyes.

     

    Lord, I am in awe of how much You endured to save so many people and me. Lord, forgive me for allowing the past and the enemy’s lies to bring me down and for doubting why You have chosen me. Lord, I surrender all to You, my past, present, and future. Continue to mold and shape me into the woman You created me to be. Help me to keep my eyes on You and keep running my race. In Your precious name, I thank You for Your love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Amen.

     

    Reference

    Amplified Bible (AMP). 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.

    Editor: Carmen Julia Almodovar, Bristow, Virginia

     

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  • In the Stillness, There’s A knowing

    In the Stillness, There’s A knowing

     

    “If you are faithful with a few matters, he will set you over many.” Matthew 25If so, you’re not alone.

    I faced a harrowing situation at work about four years ago that changed my life. I had no idea why I was going through this storm or trial. I couldn’t see how God was going to get me through it. I don’t know if you are like me; I wanted to run out of the storm. I didn’t want to endure the pain, the humiliation. I just wanted it gone.

    Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of this storm?

    During this trial (test), I learned to see and trust Jesus even though I couldn’t see or understand what He was doing.

    But God had other plans. I needed to learn that even in the darkest hour in my life, God never forgets me; He still has a purpose for me.

    I learned that God was fully engaged in my life. He sees our needs of tomorrow and, accordingly, uses our circumstances to create the ‘test” (to take a keen look at, to look, to choose. The Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible Edit by Spiros Zodhiates.)

    God can cause all things to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)

    Can He turn something good out of my mess? Yes, He can! God is the potter; we are the clay. He is the Gardener; we are the branches. He is the Shepherd; we are the sheep. He is the teacher; we are the students.

    I needed to trust His training and believe that He would make something good out of my mess. And He did. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. 

    During this trial, God reminded me of Joseph. Joseph succeeded in the kitchen and dungeon before prevailing in the Egyptian court. He cared for the butler and baker before he cared for the nations. He excelled in the small things and was rewarded immensely.

    And that’s precisely what the Lord did for me. He turned a harrowing situation in my life into a victory. He cleared my name, restored me, and turned my “mess” into His message. 

    Friends, how can we be like Joseph and Job and rely on God in the small things while waiting for Him to promote us to create more extraordinary things? 

    During the test, let us focus on maintaining a great attitude, serving others, and not complaining. Remember, no testing or trial lasts forever, and God will always fulfill His promise. He will always make something good out of our mess. God will turn it around. Jesus is the same yesterday and today!

    Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for turning my mess into Your message. Thank you for reminding me that You are an incredible Father who loves me and will never let me go.

     

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  • He Will Get You Through This

    He Will Get You Through This

    “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV

    Will you get through this? How many times do we hear people recite these lines? The last thing we want to hear while drowning in our sorrows and grieving is, “You’ll get through this.” Although nothing is wrong with saying these words, they are the last thing we want to hear when we suffer.

    Unfortunately, these are not magical words that instantly make our pain disappear. I should know because I experienced this sorrow when I lost my father and husband. Then, I was gripped by despair and guilt.

    When we experience suffering, we fear that we won’t be able to overcome our worries and that our sorrow and grief won’t go away. But instead, the pain and anguish seem to get worse as time passes.

    The scripture talks about those who, like us, went through a terrible persecution, death, illness, and even depression.
    People like Joseph were betrayed by his brothers and jailed through no fault of their own. David was anointed King early but endured trials, persecution, and betrayal. Likewise, the Apostles were persecuted, mocked, and imprisoned for choosing to follow Jesus.

    Daniel was a victim of jealousy and faced death for taking a stand on whose he was. How about Noah, who was instructed to build an ark when there was no sign of rain? He was not crazy, despite what everyone thought; he simply followed God’s instructions and remained faithful.

    They must have all wondered when their suffering would end. We go through storms as well. Even if our storms may not be as severe as theirs, it still overwhelms us and fills our minds and hearts with fear.

    What, then, do all these men have in common? Despite their storms, they trusted in God. Trials and tribulations are not painless. Did God promise that we would not go through trials and tribulations? No, but He did pledge to reweave our pain for a higher purpose. It will take a while. Years he was passed before God raised Joseph to a higher position. Joseph was only 17 when he began his journey. It took God one hundred twenty years to prepare him for his work.

    At the age of 17, God called David and appointed him King, but first, he had to endure much suffering and persecution before he ascended to the throne. Jesus spent thirty years preparing for His mission. If it took time before their persecution ended, how long would it take for God to deliver you and me to fulfill His promises in our lives?

    Despite everything, God is at work in our lives and the lives of others; He is preparing us for our calling. Remember that God will use your circumstance to transform it into a message, no matter how long it takes. It is during these seasons and waiting periods that God teaches us what we need to learn.

    Max Lucado wrote, “We see a prison, God sees a kiln. We see a famine; God sees the relocation of His chosen lineage. We call it Egypt; God calls it protective custody, where the sons of Jacob can escape barbaric Canaan and multiply abundantly in peace. We see Satan’s tricks and plots. God sees Satan tripped and failed” (Lucado, 2013, pp. 220)

    Friends, we are a modern-day equivalent of Joseph. We represent a threat to Satan’s plans. Why? Because we carry the Spirit of God. He is inside us and eager to give the world what it needs: holiness, mercy, pureness, kindness, abundant peace, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

    The life of Joseph demonstrates how God, our Master Weaver and Master Rebuilder, redeems us for the better through forgiveness, mercy, and restoration. If God did this for Joseph and many others, He would do the same for you and me. All we need to do is to trust Him.

    Thank you again for reminding me that You are a good Father and Your plans are always good. Help me to focus on You as I run my race and keep my eyes on Jesus. In your precious name, I praise you and give you all the glory; amen.

    Reference & Credits

    • Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright
    2001 by Crossway, a Good News Publishers publishing ministry.
    • Lucado, Max. (2013). God Will Use This For Good. Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
    • Editor: Carmen Almodovar, Bristow, Virginia

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  • God, The Master Weaver

    God, The Master Weaver

    As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20 ESV)

    I occasionally run across people who I’ve known for years. Most are amazed by how much I’ve changed or, as some like to say, “developed.”

    The fact is, I have changed; I’m no longer the same person I was. I had a choice; I could have continued to wallow in my pity party or taken a stand for what I believed.

    During one of our weekly chats last week, my niece told me how proud she is of the woman I have become. Her words were a sweet aroma to my soul, especially during this season in my life. She then asked me what my secret was. How did I remain so calm and hopeful while going through many trials and tribulations? I didn’t have to think too hard; I said, “I owe it all to God.”

    After our lovely conversation, I turned off all the lights and started to pray; I thanked God for everything He has done in my life and also asked Him to continue to give me His wisdom and discernment so that I could see my friends, family, and everyone I encounter through His eyes.

    The Lord reminded me of Joseph’s life during my time with Him. His brothers betrayed him; Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, and he was imprisoned and forgotten. Yet Joseph never once expressed anger toward God. Instead, he held on to his faith because he believed in who God was.

    Then one day, God turned everything around. The young boy who had been forsaken and forgotten became God’s instrument to save His people. In Genesis 45-50, Joseph meets his brothers face to face. He held a position of authority. He had the power to hold his brothers accountable for what they had done to him, but he chose not to. Instead, he said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (ESV, Genesis 50:20)

    I have found this verse to be true in my life. I have been in situations where hope seemed so far away, but my beloved brother Larry, an Elders in my church, always reminds me that God causes all things to work together for our good. (See Romans 8:28)

    “In God’s hands, intended evil becomes eventual good.” (Lucado, 2013 pp. 13)

    Friends, there will be times when we cannot see what God is doing or why He has allowed things to happen in our lives. But like Joseph, we can hold on to the promises that God is good. He’s faithful and has good plans for us. (See Jeremiah 29:11)

    He is continuously working behind the scenes to remove what evil the enemy has woven in our lives. Though we may not see it right away, we know God will surely fulfill His promises. Why? God is the constant in our lives. He will never leave us or forsake us.

    Father, thank you for reminding me today that no matter what evil the enemy may be weaving in my life, You are working behind the scenes to reweave it and turn it into good. Thank You for being the constant in my life. Lord, continue to remind me that I’m never alone, no matter what storm I face. You will always pull me out and cause everything to work together for my good. Lord, help me to see people through your eyes of love. In your precious name, I thank You and give You all the glory, amen.

    Reference
    • Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright
    2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights
    reserved
    • Lucado, Max (2013). God Will Use This For Good. Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

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  • He Chose You

    He Chose You

    You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.” John 15;16 NIV

     

    Many of my friends have spoken to me about the television series “The Chosen,” which is based on the life of our Lord Jesus. In one of the episodes, Jesus met a man named Simon the Zealot. At one point, Simon asked the Lord Jesus, “Why did you choose me?” Jesus turned to face him and said, “Simon, I have everything I need, but I wanted you.”

     

    Isn’t that amazing? The Lord doesn’t need any of us to do anything for Him. He is God, Our Creator, Adonai, and Elohim. Yet, though He has everything and can do anything, He chose you and me. He saw our broken hearts and our broken spirits.

     

    Our souls yearn to return to the first story. The story began in the Garden of Eden. Where God, Adam, and Eve were in unison. God walked around the Garden and talked with Adam.

     

    No sin could separate them until the serpent placed doubt in Eve’s mind. “Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the Garden? To this, Eve responded, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the Garden, but God did say, you must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the Garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die. You will not certainly die, the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-5 NIV)

     

    Despite reading these verses so many times, I did not realize the language the serpent used to place doubt in Eve’s mind. “Did God really say…? Surely you won’t die.” His words focused on finding a loophole and information than about the love, trust, and intimacy that God had given Adam and Eve.

     

    He led Eve to doubt God, who she was, and whose she was for her to think that there were better things available than what God was providing for them. He acts the same way toward us. He sows doubts in our minds to make us forget who God is, who we are, and whose we are.

     

    John Eldridge offers the following interpretation of what happened in the Garden of Eden: “Satan came into the Garden whispered to Adam and Eve and in them, to all of us. You cannot trust the heart of God… he’s holding out on you… you’ve got to take matters under your control.” (Eldridge, 204. P.55)

     

    Satan sowed the seed of mistrust in our hearts and tempted us so he could seize control. Unfortunately, it’s the same lie he still uses in your life and mine.

     

    The enemy still uses the strategy of making us doubt God. The Old Testament speaks of David as a great King. He faced similar temptations that we face today. But he provided guidance on how to deal with those uncertainties throughout his Psalms. He had doubts about his current situation, other people’s motives, and the injustices of the world. David questioned his situation, yet he talked to God about it. Why? David knew God and trusted God.

     

    In his book “The Eden Option,” author, Allen Arnold, explained how following the fall, Adam and Eve lost four essential things:

     

    1. They lost their union with God. They didn’t become gods because they doubted God. On the contrary, it caused them to hide in shame from God.
    2. They lost their voices. Adam remained silent when Eve was tempted. Then after the fall, Adam used his voice to blame Eve. She, in turn, used her voice to blame the serpent.
    3. They lost their vision. The serpent promised their eyes would be opened. And they were, but not in the way they hoped.
    4. They lost the ability to rest. Their curse included pain, striving, and restlessness. (Arnold, 2022, pp. 60-61)

     

    Allen Arnold states, “Story 1 is the original true story we were made for. A way of life that evolves around God, where we are fully seen, known and loved. Story 2 is the counterfeit narrative we’re born into. A way of life that revolves around us. We make ourselves the hero of the story, then wonder why God seems distant.” (The Eden Option)

     

    In Story 2, unison, voice, vision, and rest were lost. However, in Story 1, we have an opportunity to get them back. The journey is possible but requires us to live by choice, not by chance.

     

    In the story of Alice in Wonderland, Alice is a dreamer full of curiosity, but one of her flaws is her inability to make decisions. So when she encounters the Cheshire Cat, Alice says, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

     

    The Cheshire Cat responded, “That depends greatly on where you want to get to.” Alice replied, “I don’t much care where. Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cheshire Cat. “So long as I get somewhere,” responded Alice.

    “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cheshire Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” (Geronimi, Jackson & Hamilton 1951)

     

    This movie always left me puzzled when I watched it. Who was more confused, Alice or the Cheshire Cat? I couldn’t tell. But, as I watched it with my grandchildren, I realized that the Cheshire Cat knew Alice had a problem. Her problem wasn’t getting somewhere but not knowing where she wanted to go.

     

    The same was true for Adam and Eve and for us as well. By choosing to disobey God and eat from the forbidden tree, they went somewhere—to a misguided journey where God was not the center. They lost sight of who they were and whose they were. The same holds true for us. There will be instances when we will have to make a choice.

     

     

    The world will tempt us with various pleasures that will appeal to our flesh, which will ultimately cause us to live in Story 2, where we, not God, are the main character. But, unfortunately, that will set us on a path of confusion and will cause us to make wrong decisions, just like Alice.

     

    But no matter what storms and difficulties we may face, if we know who we are and whose we are and choose to live in Story 1, to be in communion with God where He is the center of our lives, then we can stand firm because we know that through Jesus we are saved by Grace, and He didn’t leave us alone.

     

     

    The Holy Spirit is with us, teaches us, guides us, and reminds us who we are. We are children of the Most High God. The God who chose us, who sees us—El Roi, and who left everything to rescue us and deliver us from our sins. Friends, we don’t have to live in Story 2. Let’s choose to live Story 1 instead, as our Heavenly Father intended for us to live. Jesus made that possible for you and me.

     

    Lord, thank you for seeing me and choosing me even though you didn’t need anything from me. Lord, You left all our glory and came down from Heaven to rescue me by giving Your life for me. I choose to live my life in Story 1. I choose to make You the center of my life. A life where I can boldly come to You and talk to You, knowing that You listen to my prayers; You speak to me when I’m silent, and You are always working behind the scenes even when I can’t see You. I love you, Lord, because You loved me first. In your name, amen!

     

    References:

    • Arnold, A. (2022). The Eden Option. NavPress. Tyndale House Publishers
    • Eldridge, J. (2004) Epic: The Story God is Telling. Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee
    • Geronimi, C., Wilfred, J. and Hamilton, L. (Directors). (1951). Alice in Wonderland [Motion Picture]. Walt Disney Productions. RKO Radio Pictures.
    • The Lucado Encouraging Word Holy Bible New International Version (2020). Nashville, Tennessee

     

     

     

  • No Place Like Home

    No Place Like Home

    “I’m leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

    In the beloved children’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy’s boredom with farm life leads her mind to stray to a place far off, where dreams come true. Thanks to a Kansas tornado, her wish is granted. However, the yellow brick road inevitably leads Dorothy down a path to disappointment and self-discovery. She learns that the infamous Wizard can’t live up to his hype, and Oz is certainly no promised land. Ultimately, she longs to return to the simplicity of life in Kansas. 

    When life doesn’t live up to our expectations, we can feel out of place and become discouraged, just like Dorothy. That’s why we need to know our home address. We’re not orphans. We’re not homeless. We have a seat at the King’s table and a place in His heart. 

    Friends, Jesus left us a gift before He went to the Cross. 

    “I will not leave you comfortless as orphans: I will come to you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:18,27) 

    The gift is Himself! 

    Peace is not the absence of problems but rather the presence of God in your troubles. We often wait for skies to clear up and storms to stop before we finally find peace. But Jesus is teaching me that peace is not the absence of something. Rather peace is the presence of Someone. Peace is seeing Jesus during my storm. 

    Ultimately, it’s the awareness of Jesus’ unfailing presence that brings us true and lasting peace during the storms of life. 

    Friend, Jesus is calling you and me back into His presence. For it is only in His presence that we find true rest, peace, and comfort. Peace is not a place; peace is the Person of Jesus. 

    Beloved do you know your address? Where do your heart and mind reside? 

    Often, we’re more preoccupied with our street address, our career address, our financial address, and every other pursuit, than we are with our spiritual zip code. 

    Beloved, where do you live? Home is where the heart is. Dear friends, unlike Dorothy, we don’t need a rainbow to leave the clouds far behind us. We don’t need to wish upon a star for our dreams to come true. His presence is our forever home. His peace is our hiding place. You’re probably wondering, how does one come into the presence of Jesus? Very simple friends, all we need to do is go to His Word and spend time with our precious Lord Jesus. Beloved, remember 

  • Awaiting With Expectancy For The Bridegroom

    Awaiting With Expectancy For The Bridegroom

    “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 ESV

    How does a bride prepare for her Bridegroom?

    I was 21 years old when my husband proposed to me in front of my parents. I was so excited and happy that I couldn’t think about anything else. My thoughts were only on my fiancé. But after I recovered from the initial shock, my parents sat me down, and we talked about the wedding preparations. Choosing a date; choosing the bridesmaids; making a wedding list; looking for a venue; selecting a menu; ordering invitations; looking for a church; looking for the perfect dress and shoes; finding a band, and photographer, etc. It was so overwhelming that I left all the planning to my mother. All I ever wanted was to marry my prince. So I went along with everything my mother suggested. 

    During this waiting period, the bride prepares herself for her bridegroom. She doesn’t do it to win his love because he already loves her and chose her to be his bride.

    The same is true with our Lord Jesus. He chose us, set us apart, and eagerly awaits the day He would see His bride. 

    During the waiting period, we (the bride) want to transform our hearts and thoughts to be pure; we want our faces to shine brightly when we see Jesus face to face. 

    We are spoken for by our Lord, Jesus. What does that mean? 

    Like a bride-to-be, we are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you and me. Let us not waste our time by settling for a one-night stand in the arms of a stranger (the world). 

    Let us guard our hearts against the root of bitterness, unforgiveness, and giving in to worldly temptations. Let us spend this waiting period to get to know our Bridegroom by reading His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out by “setting our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

    We are engaged to royalty, and our Prince, Jesus, is coming one day to take you and me home with Him. So, let us wait with expectancy for the return of our Bridegroom, and as we wait, let us keep our eyes on Him and prepare our hearts and body until His return.

    Lord, thank you for choosing me and setting me apart to be Your bride. Help me keep my eyes on You and everything pure as I expectantly await Your return. I love you, Lord Jesus.

    Reference:

    1. Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a Good News Publishers publishing ministry. Used by permission. All rights reserved
    2. Image: “Righteous Crown” by Kume Bryant: HTTP: redbubble.com

     

     

     

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  • Breaking Ground

    Breaking Ground

    “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV

    Today, K-Love was playing the song “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Suddenly something unique happened in my heart. As I listened to the song, tears began to fall down my face. I had to stop what I was doing. I was unable to contain or explain what I was experiencing. My heart was so full of joy, yet I couldn’t stop sobbing.

    For years, I’ve brought into the enemy’s lies that I’m not good enough—not a good mother, wife, friend and especially not good enough for God. But even when I couldn’t see it, God was breaking ground and tearing down every lie I had been holding on to since I could remember. I had no idea that the enemy was using these strongholds as excuses to bind me.

    But Jesus has been at work in my heart all these years. He was breaking down and removing every brick. Although it has been a long journey, Jesus’ love for me has broken down every wall and has set me free. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Cor. 10:4)

    While I was experiencing this spiritual revival in my heart, I heard a student’s testimony on K-Love about what happened at Asbury University in Kentucky yesterday. The Lord led a few students to the chapel, where they began to pray openly and confess their sins, worries, pains, and concerns to the Lord.
    He has been leading more and more people to join them during the past ten days. That was the revival being discussed on the news, Tick tock, and other social media sites.

    What makes this so unique is that we don’t need to travel to Kentucky to connect with God and experience a spiritual revival in our hearts. That’s exactly what happened to me today! We can do it from wherever we are. By surrendering to Him all our hurts and pains and allowing Him to do what He does best: repair and transform our hearts.

    Friends, even though I knew Jesus loved me and gave His life for me, I still believed the lies that I wasn’t good enough. But I was wrong; Jesus never stopped loving me or working in me to transform me into His image. God knows the real me. Despite knowing what I’ve done, He still chose me.

    I’m not there yet; I’m a work in progress. Every moment, I am being transformed, until one day I will be able to say like Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

    Thank you, Father, for your faithfulness and unfailing love for me and my family. Thank you for showing me the areas that need to be torn down. Lord, You are the God of revival. Revive our hearts and tear down any stronghold that keeps us from completely surrendering our hearts to You. In Jesus’ name, I praise and give You all the glory, amen.

    Reference:
    Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978,1984,2011 by Biblica Inc.

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  • From Death To Life

    From Death To Life

    “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
    (John 11:25-26 NIV)

    John chapter 11 portrays Jesus as having power over death. My entire life changed when my beloved father passed away 23 years ago. Incredible grief consumed me. I remember the therapist suggesting visiting my father’s grave so I could find comfort and accept that he was gone forever.

    Unfortunately, that didn’t help at all. Visiting my father’s grave only confirmed the fact that he was dead and I would never see him again. The emptiness in my heart from losing my father has taken many years to heal. Today, the Lord reminded me of John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

    I paused and reflected on this passage. Lord, help me understand what you are trying to teach me through this passage. How many times have I read this passage since I became a Christian? Like Martha, I knew that one day we would be resurrected on the last day.

    But what did Jesus exactly mean when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though they die. And whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” And then when He asked Martha to show him where Lazarus was buried. Martha responded, “By this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” (John 11:39 NIV)

    This is where I came to the realization that before the Lord Jesus came, we were all dead and buried due to our transgressions. We didn’t need someone to fix us; we needed someone to die for us and raise us, just like he did for Lazarus. Jesus didn’t want to abandon us in the grave, where we would rot from the inside out. So what did He do? He came, died for us, and called us out from the grave.

    After the fall, God speaks to the Serpent (Satan), “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Gen. 3:15 NIV)

    With His foot planted on Satan’s head, Jesus loudly said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26 NIV)

    Beloved, we were once dead, but now we are alive because of Jesus’ sacrifice. The Apostle Paul said, “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgression- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians. 2:4-6 NIV)

    So, while my father’s physical body may be dead, he is still alive in Christ. He was made alive with Christ when he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

    I no longer visit my father’s grave and mourn his death. Instead, I celebrate the fact that he is alive in Christ, and I will one day see him again.

    Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for overcoming death and rescuing me and my loved ones from the end. I was once dead in my transgressions, but because of your love and grace, I am now alive, and one day, I will return to you and live with you for all eternity. I love you, Lord Jesus.

    Reference

    The Lucado Encouraging Word Holy Bible New International Version (2020. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson

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  • Waiting with Expectancy

     “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout… It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25, 26 NIV

    Jesus was born seven hundred years after Isaiah foretold the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah. Wow, that’s a long time—700 years! I don’t know about you, but I’m not very patient.

    Luke, however, tells us of two people who lived their lives waiting with expectancy for the coming of the Messiah who would one day redeem Israel.

    One of them is a man by the name of Simeon. Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man, who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah to come and save Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that “he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (See Luke 2:6-27)

    We meet Simeon for the first time outside the temple. Jesus is brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph for His circumcision ceremony. Simeon felt prompted to go to the temple as they were preparing to dedicate their eight-day-old son to God. (Luke 2:27 NIV)

    There, at the temple courts, Simeon saw the promised Messiah.

    “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.” (Luke 2:29-30 NIV)

    What does it mean to wait with expectation?

    According to Boyd Bailey, to wait with expectancy means: “We don’t fret or wait fearfully. Instead, we wait, expecting God to engage in our world while faith fills our soul with expectation.” (Bailey, 2010, para. 2)

    For Simeon, it was not a question of whether it would happen but when it would happen. He patiently awaited the coming of the Messiah because he was confident that God would keep His word.

    God never revealed the day or hour to Simeon. Only that he would see the Messiah before he died. With the knowledge that one day we would see the Messiah, how many of us would have clung to this promise and remained faithful throughout every season of our lives? I doubt I could have done it.

    Luke also mentioned another faithful person who eagerly waited to see the promised Messiah. Her name was Anna.  She was “the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day.” (Luke 2:36-38 NIV)

    When Jesus was being presented at the temple, Anna saw the young couple carrying their baby. She hurried over to them and realized the baby Mary was holding was the One for whom she had been praying and waiting. He was the Messiah.

    “She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

    Friends, I want to be like Simeon and Anna, who eagerly awaited the Messiah’s coming. They didn’t just believe; they knew God’s promise to their ancestors was true. They had a Biblical Hope.

    Max Lucado states, “Biblical Hope is the confident expectation that something good is ahead. But since it is not there, we must stay alert because hope pays attention. And one day, hope pays off. Then, all the waiting gives away to wonder.” (Lucado, p. 1465 )

    Let us wait with expectancy for the second coming of the Lord, and while we wait, let us share the good news of God’s gift with others and tell them how much our life has changed because of His Grace and mercy.

    Lord, thank you for reminding me of what it means to wait patiently for the day I will see you face to face. Please help me to be proactive and not passive in waiting. Please help me to keep my eyes on You and continue running my race. “You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

     

    Reference

    • Holy Bible New Living Translation, 2015 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
    • Bailey, Boyd. Wait In Expectation. Wisdom Hunters. May 13, 2010 wisdomhunters.com/wait-in-expectation
    • The Lucado Encouraging Word Bible, New International Version, Max Lucado, gen. ed., Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2020

     

     

     

       

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    1. One With US

      person writing on a notebook
      Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

      “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The Virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’) 

      Isaiah 7:14 NLT

      God with us! These words resonate in my heart, soul, and mind—what a precious gift to have God among us.

      Isaiah prophesied about the promised child- the seed of David that one day would come to redeem His people and restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

      This precious child was to be born from a virgin Jewish girl and was to be called Immanuel, which means ‘God with us in Hebrew.

       The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person. It was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin because the “last Adam or second Adam” could not be contaminated with the inherited stain of the “first Adam’s” sin and rebellion. (1 Corinthians 15:45-49, translation)

      ” But the last Adam…Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. (1Corinthians 45-49 NLT)

      Immanuel, the second Adam, had to be like the first Adam in that He was sinless yet had the capacity to sin out of free choice. Untainted (not contaminated; polluted or tainted) but able to choose His way.

      Jesus was born to be our substitute; He didn’t merely come to die for us—He died as us. What am I saying? Jesus had the option to choose to go His own way, but He chose not to. Jesus made the decision to take our place on the cross.

      Lord, thank you for Your unfailing love. Thank you for leaving all your splendor and glory to join this sinful world to forgive us and restore our relationship with the Father. Lord, you became human to understand what it is like to feel hunger, pain, fear, disappointment, betrayal, abuse, desire, joy, laughter, delight, and every other experience common to humanity. Lord, Jesus, thank you for not letting me spend eternity without You. Jesus, you are Immanuel, God with me and in me.  In your precious name, amen!

      Reference

      • Holy Bible New Living Translation, 2015 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc
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    2. True Happiness

      silhouette photo of woman against during golden hour
      Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

      “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (NIV)

       

      So often, I hear people speaking about what makes them happy. But what exactly is happiness? According to an article on verywellmind.com titled “What Is Happiness?” written by Kendra Cherry, “Happiness is an emotional state characterized by joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment.” The article acknowledges that happiness can take on different forms and definitions and “is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.”

      The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment,” as well as “a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” 

      Although there are many different definitions of happiness, it is often said to involve “positive emotions and life satisfaction.https://www.meriam-webter.com/dictionary/happiness“

      If we examine all the definitions of happiness, we find that it is a simple emotion that refers to a feeling of fulfillment and contentment. But what happens when those feelings go away?

      Many of us feel happy when we complete tasks such as shopping, decorating our perfect home and caring for our loved ones, family, spouse/or partner, and children. But what happens when those things or people are no longer available or in our lives?

      Some people spend most of their lives peering through a glass window, looking at others who appear happy. We all want things we think will make us happy. I know people who shop when they feel empty because buying what they want or like makes them happy. But does it, though? 

      I was once one of those people who watched the world through a glass window. I used to believe I could only be happy if I obtained what I wanted or what others had. However, the truth is that none of those things brought me true happiness. Instead, after some time, it made me feel empty. Why? Because there was an emptiness in my heart that could not be filled with possessions, jobs, and praise from others.

       So, after many years of searching for happiness to fill the emptiness in my heart, I finally understood that Jesus was the only one who could fill my void and bring me joy. I knew how much Jesus loved me. As I read God’s Word, I began to see the blessings God had given me even before I was born. He entrusted my care to the hands of my two wonderful parents who would love, protect, and guide me, so I could one day grow into the woman God created me to be.

      My parents weren’t perfect, but neither was I. God blessed me with three siblings. And even though we loved each other, we were constantly at odds with one another. Unfortunately, those negative traits were passed on to my daughters and their children. 

      However, how can I rebuild those messy relationships with God’s help? Knowing who God is and who I am, has given me the strength to see my past through his eyes of grace.

      According to my friend Ann Knopp, author of “Pursuing Jesus, Obeying Jesus, and Living Jesus,” drivers use their rearview mirror to assist them when backing up or parallel parking their vehicles. However, drivers are not meant to look back through their rear mirrors because it increases the likelihood that they will miss what is in front of them and cause an accident.” 

      The same is true for us in our Christian walk. The enemy loves to keep us focused on the past and focused on the “what ifs.” It’s a way to divert our attention from what God has in front of us and prevent us from seeing the accurate picture.

      I often reflect on the past, wishing I could go back and right my wrongs; be a better example for my children, husband, friends, and family. But the truth is there is nothing I can do to change anything. All I can do is keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, thank him for his forgiveness, mercy, and grace, and continue running my race. Jesus knew my past before I was born, and he decided to die for me and reconcile me to the Father. Therefore, I must embrace who I am in Christ.

      In Colossians 1:10-14 (NIV), Paul gives us a list of the things he prayed for in his life. We can also hold on to this list as we continue to run our race. His list was summarized by my friend Ann Knopp in her book “Pursuing Jesus, Obeying Jesus, Living for Jesus” (Knopp, Ann L. p. 93) as follows: 

      • Live a life worthy of the Lord. 

      • Please Him in every way.

      • Bear fruit in every good work.

      • Be strengthened in His Power.

      • Have great endurance and patience, and joyfully give thanks to the Father.

      • Share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom.

      • Know that we have been saved from the darkness (which is the grip of Satan’s hand) to full redemption and forgiveness in Christ.

      • Be a person who honors the Lord.

      Therefore, I decided today to put the past where it belongs and keep my eyes on Jesus, run my race, and joyfully await the return of my Lord Jesus. True happiness can only come from knowing Jesus, walking with Jesus, and living with Jesus.

      John 8:32 (NIV) says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True happiness and freedom can only come to us by knowing Jesus. We are no longer prisoners in chains; we are free. We don’t need to continue believing the enemy’s lies. Jesus took our place on the cross and took the punishment for our past, present, and future. So, we don’t need to live in chains. 

      When we fall into our old habits of looking back to our past instead of looking at what is ahead, let us remember that Jesus fully paid our account. My mistakes and wrongdoings don’t define me; Jesus’ sacrifice, love, mercy, and Grace represent who I am. Furthermore, this is not a feeling that can last only for a few moments. No, His love and Grace are eternal.

      Lord Jesus, you paid the price on that cross to set me free from bondage. I’m no longer the person I used to be. I’m a new creation in You. Please help me remember who you are, and I am because of you. Thank you for your word, which strengthens me when I’m weak and continues to reassure me of who I am. I am your child and coheir with Jesus. In your precious name, I pray, amen!

      References: 

      1. Knopp, Ann L, Pursue Jesus, Obey Jesus, Live for Jesus. Copyright by Ann L Knopp, Christian Faith Publishing, 2021
      2. (Merriam-Webster.com, Merriam-Webster, https://dictionary/happiness. Accessed 26 November 2022)
      3. NIV Bible (New International Version)
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    3. A Promised Seed

      close up photo of bible
      Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

      And I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring.
      He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 NLT


      In Genesis 3:15, following the fall of humanity, our Heavenly Father declared and gave us a hint of His plan to restore our relationship with Him.


      The serpent (devil) deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, but Adam willfully disobeyed the Word of the Lord.   Because of this act of disobedience, humanity fell. 

      However, because of God’s unfailing love and mercy, He promised that one day the woman’s seed—a descendant or offspring – would restore our relationship with Him.


      “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel.”

      Our Heavenly Father was referring to Jesus, our Messiah and our Savior.

      The Scripture also tells us of a man named Abram (Abraham), who was called by the Lord to go to the place.
      He had prepared for Abraham and his descendants. God also told Abraham that his seed (plural) would become a nation from which an exceptional seed (singular) would one day emerge.


      “And through your descendants, all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed Me.”
      (Genesis 22:18, NIV)


      Then, the day finally arrived about two millennia after Abraham received that promise. An angel of the Lord
      announced to a young Jewish virgin that the season had come for that long-awaited promised seed to emerge from
      Abraham’s seed pot (descendants).


      In his blog: A Seed Must Die, Ken Winter wrote, “But the fact of the matter is that the seed must die for life to burst
      out. As it dies, it transforms into deep roots and stems that soon make their way out of the dirt into the air to grow
      and blossom.”(Winter, 2020)

      I remember a few years ago, Pastor Sharon Gonzalez once shared with us a life word the Lord had given her:

      “The seed that dies in the Winter, comes up in the Spring, and bears fruit in the Fall. It may not come up
      in the form which you expect it to; nevertheless, it shall come up.” (Sharon Gonzalez, Pure Grace Ministries)

      Jesus was the seed that was promised to Abraham and his descendants. He was born to be the seed that died and was
      planted on the earth for our redemption.

      Sadly, the Israelites expected a king who would set them free with swords, but Jesus was the exact opposite.

      Although He was a King in every sense of the word, He left all His glory to become a servant and take our place on the cross to restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

      When Jesus died and rose from the dead on the third day, He forever crushed the head of the ancient serpent.

      Father, thank you for reminding me today of your precious gift of love for all humanity. Jesus is the
      promised seed who crushed the enemy and restored our relationship with You. Help me to remember the true meaning of Christmas throughout this holiday season. Give me opportunities to share Your precious Christmas gift with family and friends. In the precious name of Jesus, amen!

      • References
        · The Lucado Encouraging Word Bible, Max Lucado, gen. ed., Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2020
      • Winter, Ken. 2020: “A Seed Must Die.”  https://kenwinter.org/blog/a-seed-must-die
      • Pastor Sharon Gonzalez- Pure Grace Ministries
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    4. Uncompromised Faith

      "I issue a decree that in every part of my Kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and endures forever; his Kingdom will not be destroyed, and his dominion will never end." Daniel 6:26 NIV

      According to the Book of Daniel, Chapters 5 & 6, no matter how much authority we believe we have on earth, we learn that God is ultimately in control. He is supreme over all creation.

      A message for the King of Babylon appeared on the wall during a lavish feast. Daniel was called to interpret the message, which told of the impending fall of Babylon. “The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men and appoints over it whosoever He chooses.” Daniel 5:21 NIV

      After Daniel interpreted the writings on the wall, he was appointed the third-highest ruler in the Kingdom of Babylon. The interesting thing about Daniel was his integrity and faithfulness to his One true God. Daniel never accepted gifts or rewards for his ability to interpret dreams since he knew that God alone had bestowed this gift upon him. He never boasted about his abilities but rather about who God was.

      “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your reward to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell what it means.” Daniel 5:17 NIV

      Although Daniel was aware that his actions might have consequences, he never compromised his trust and belief in God.

      Daniel found favor in the eyes of Darius, who succeeded Belshazzar as king, because of his integrity. But sadly, the king’s administrators were jealous of Daniel, and since they could not find any fault in him, they chose to use his faith against him.

      “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his god.” Daniel 6:5 NIV

      So they went to King Darius and persuaded him to issue a decree that anyone who prayed to any god or person within 30 days—aside from the king—would be thrown into the lion’s den. (Daniel 6:6-7)

      The amazing thing about Daniel is that while he was aware of the decree and its consequences, he refused to compromise his faith and continued to pray to God. (See Daniel 6:10-11)

      As a result, the king’s administrators accused Daniel and asked the king to uphold his decree. Although the king did not want to harm Daniel, he was forced to uphold his law. “May your God whom you serve continually rescue you.” (Daniel 6:16 NIV

      Daniel trusted in God despite the circumstances. The following morning, King Darius went to the lion’s den to see if Daniel was still alive. “Daniel, the servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve continually been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20 NIV)

      Daniel responded, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before your sight.” Daniel 6:21-22 NIV

      Despite his alarming situation, Daniel trusted God; even if the lions had devoured him, he knew who God was. He refused to compromise his trust, faith, and belief in the One true God.

      Like Daniel, all of us have encountered difficult situations and been given the same choice Daniel had: do we compromise our faith and trust in God, or do we let the circumstances or the outside world’s influence dictate our path and change who God created us to be?

      I don’t know about you, but I have shamefully compromised my faith and trust in God many times throughout my life. But the Lord has been so kind, patient, and merciful that He continues to guide me and lovingly shepherds me back to the right path.

      A song by Clint Brown called “If Not For Grace” reminds me constantly of who God is and what He has done for me.

      “Where would I be? You only know. I’m glad you see through eyes of love: a hopeless case and an empty place if not for Grace. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. I once was lost, but now I’m found. A hopeless case and empty place if not for Grace.”

      Yes, Lord Jesus. Where would I be if You hadn’t found me? I am no longer a “hopeless case or an empty place” because of Your Grace. Thank you for loving me so much that you left everything to save a wreck like me.

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    5. La Santidad de Dios Silencia La jactancia Humana

      “¡Ay de mí! Lloré. ¡Estoy arruinado! Porque soy hombre inmundo de labios, y habito en medio de un pueblo de labios inmundos, y mis ojos han visto al Rey, al Señor Todopoderoso”. Isaías 6:5

      Cuando Isaías vio la santidad de Dios, cayó sobre su rostro y se dio cuenta de que no era digno de estar en la presencia del Señor Todopoderoso. La santidad de Dios silenció su jactancia humana. ¿Con qué frecuencia nos encontramos en situaciones en las que sentimos la tentación de jactarnos de nuestro trabajo, estatus o posesiones? Sin embargo, cuando nos encontramos cara a cara con Jesús, nada de eso importa.

      La visión de Isaías nunca fue sobre él, sino sobre Dios y su gloria. Isaías estaba consciente de su inmundicia e indignidad cuando se encontró con Dios. Se humilló en la presencia de Dios y dijo: “¡Ay de mí! Lloré. ¡Estoy arruinado! Porque soy hombre inmundo de labios, y habito en medio de un pueblo de labios inmundos, y mis ojos han visto al Rey, al Señor Todopoderoso”.

      Cuando la humildad de Isaías se movió, Dios envió serafines para limpiar los labios de Isaías con brasas. “Mira, esto había tocado tus labios; es quitada vuestra culpa, y expiados vuestros pecados (Isaías 6:6-7). A través de este acto, Dios le demostró a Isaías y a nosotros que la única forma en que podemos llegar a ser santos es a través de Su misericordia y gracia.

      Lo notable es que Isaías no hace pedidos ni espera nada porque es consciente de su indignidad e inmundicia. Sin embargo, descubrió a un Dios misericordioso y perdonador que lo perdona y redirige su vida. “¿A quién enviaré? ¿Y quién irá por nosotros? Isaías no dudó ni un segundo. “Aquí estoy. ¡Envíame!” Todo lo que necesitó fue vislumbrar la santidad y la misericordia del Señor, y la vida de Isaías cambió por completo.

      La Escritura habla de muchas personas cuyas vidas han sido transformadas por la misericordia y la gracia de Dios. Soy una de esas personas impuras e impías cuya vida ha sido transformada por la misericordia, el amor y la gracia del Señor. No vi la santidad de Dios cara a cara, pero fui transformada por cuánto me ama a pesar de mi vergüenza y mis malas acciones. Dios ha tocado mi vida para que pueda compartir su amor, misericordia y gracia con los demás. Todos estamos llamados a compartir el amor y la gracia de Dios con aquellos que lo necesitan.

      Amigos, no sé a qué temporada se enfrentan actualmente, pero anímense; vuestro Padre Celestial os ama con amor inagotable y os eligió. Tú le importas a Él. Mantén tus ojos en Jesús. Deja que Su amor, misericordia y gracia transformen tu vida como transformó la mía. Al contemplarlo, nos volvemos como Él.

      Padre, gracias por tu amor, misericordia y gracia inagotables. Ayúdame a mantener mis ojos en ti en todo momento y jactarme solo de ti y de lo que has hecho en mi vida. En tu precioso nombre, te doy las gracias. Amén.

       

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    6. God’s Holiness, Silence Human Boasting

      “Woe to me! I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:5 NIV

      Humans tend to boast about many things: our careers, accomplishments, financial status, etc. But today, the Lord showed me through Isaiah that who we think we are and what we have can’t be compared to Who God is and His holiness.

      When Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he fell on his face and realized that he was unworthy to be in the presence of the Lord Almighty. This is because God’s holiness silences his human boasting. “Woe to me! I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

       How often do we find ourselves in situations where we are tempted to boast about our job, status, or possessions? Yet, when we come face to face with Jesus, none of this matters.

      Isaiah’s vision was never about him but about God and His glory. Isaiah was aware of his uncleanness and unworthiness when he met with God. He humbled himself in God’s presence and said, “Woe to me! I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 

      When Isaiah humbled himself before the Lord, God sent seraphim to cleanse Isaiah’s lips with hot coal. “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sins atoned for (Isaiah 6:6-7). Through this act, God demonstrated to Isaiah and us that the only way we may become holy is through His mercy and grace.

      What’s remarkable is that Isaiah makes no requests and expects nothing because he knows his unworthiness and uncleanliness. Yet, he discovered a merciful and forgiving God who forgives him and redirects his life. “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah didn’t hesitate for a second. “Here am I. Send me!” All it took was a glimpse of the Lord’s holiness and mercy, and Isaiah’s life was changed completely. 

      The Scripture speaks of many people whose lives have been transformed by God’s mercy and grace. I am one of those unclean, unholy people whose life has been transformed by the Lord’s mercy, love, and grace. I didn’t see God’s holiness face to face, but I was transformed by how much He loves me despite my shame and wrongdoings. God has touched my life so I can share His love, mercy, and grace with others. We are all called to share God’s love and grace with those who need it.

      Friends, I don’t know what season you’re currently facing but be encouraged; your Heavenly Father loves you with unfailing love and chose you. You matter to Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Let His love, mercy, and grace transform your life as He has transformed mine. By beholding Him, we become like Him. 

      Father, thank you for your unfailing love, mercy, and grace. Help me keep my eyes on you every moment and boast only about You and what You have done in my life. In your precious name, I thank you. Amen.

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    7. When God Unexpectanly Shows Up

       
      “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Highest your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone”. 
      Psalm 91:8-13 NIV





      I remember going to school in the fall of 1992 to take a midterm exam. The night before my husband and I had a heated argument the previous evening. I don’t remember what the fight was about, but I do recall that we were both angry and didn’t speak to each other after it. We were both ready to give up. Everything was going wrong. I felt like God was so very far away from me.

      Early that morning, I dropped off my daughters at school before taking my midterm. After finishing the exam, I felt an overwhelming desire to call my husband and ask him for his forgiveness. So, I went to the payphone, took some quarters, and called my husband. After our conversation, I had a tremendous sense of peace in my heart.

      I then left the school and walked towards the bus stop. My mind was so preoccupied with everything that was going on in my life that I started to speak to the Lord and unveiled my heart to Him. Even though I wasn’t sure that He was listening, I couldn’t stop talking to Him. I didn’t notice an elderly woman standing next to me as I waited for the light to change. I didn’t give it much thought since it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. She was another pedestrian waiting for the light to change. 

      I looked away from the elderly woman and noticed a truck blocking the crossroad. As I waited for the light to turn green, I also saw a white car waiting for the light to change. 

      Unfortunately, the driver wasn’t paying attention since he was too busy kissing his girlfriend. When the light changed, I attempted to cross the street, but the older woman smiled at me as she pushed me out of the way. 

      Suddenly, the white car hit us, and we were thrown into the middle of the expressway. I remember crawling over to where the older woman was lying down and whispering in her ears, “Please don’t die. Help is on the way.” 

      The students who witnessed the accident ran to help me and carried me to safety while they called for an ambulance. I asked them to help the elderly woman because she was severely hurt. 

      They looked at me and started to mumble something. Unfortunately, the ambulance took too long to arrive, so I asked the students to help me get on the bus. When I got home, my girls and my husband were already there. They took me to the ER and the police station to report the accident. 

      After they had taken my statement, my husband asked the police about the older woman who was hit. They looked at us as though we were weird. “There was no one else at the scene except your wife. “That’s impossible!” I said. “An elderly woman was hit because she pushed me out of the way.” “Well, I guess you have a guardian angel by your side because there was no report made of another person being hit except you.”

      This accident still haunts me today. Who was that elderly woman who saved my life? Unfortunately, there are no records of an elderly woman being hit by a car on that day, time, or location. So then, who was she, and where did she come from?

      The Lord reminded me of this incident that occurred in 1992 as I read Psalm 91 today. “If you say, “The LORD is my refuge, and you make the Highest your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:8-13 NIV)

      Who was that old lady who saved my life in 1992? It was an angel sent by the Lord to protect me and save my life. Psalm 91 says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

      But why me? I don’t know, but God thought I was worth saving. He knew the work he had begun in me was not finished. He created me on purpose and for a purpose. What is that purpose? It’s something I’m still figuring out. But I know my story was only beginning in 1992. 

      Sometimes we live our lives believing the enemy’s lies—that we are worthless and have no purpose. But that, my friend, is a lie. Our story would not be complete without our missteps, wrongdoings, and mess. God will cause all things to work together for our good. (See Ro. 8:28)

      So let’s run our race and accept both the good and the bad. Let’s focus on Jesus and trust that He will complete the work He started in us.

      Father, thank you for saving my life so many times and never leaving me alone, even when circumstances show that I am alone. Thank you for creating me on purpose and for a purpose. Guide me and show me what Your calling is in my life so I can continue to run my race, knowing that You’re by my side and that my story will bring You honor. In Jesus’ precious name, amen!

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    8. Facing Our Goliath

      “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1Samuel 17:26 NIV

      Last Saturday, my husband took me to see “David” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I prayed to the Lord right before the concert started, asking Him to keep me from being distracted from the message He wanted me to learn. 

      When the show started, my mind completely blocked the noises, the people’s complaints regarding their seats’ locations, and the sound effects; I could only see David, a shepherd boy playing his harp and singing songs to His God. Then the Lord focused my attention on David’s reaction to the threat Goliath represented to the Israelites.

       When David saw how Goliath mocked God, he said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David knew that the same God that delivered him from the lion and the bear’s paw would deliver him from the Philistine. (See 1Samuel 17:37)

       Without hesitating, David took five stones and headed out to face Goliath. He didn’t go up against Goliath because he could but because he knew God was with him. 

      Through this act of faith from David, the Lord showed me that we, too, face many giants every day, including loneliness, anger, despair, doubt, fear, anxiety, mistrust, shame, pain and embarrassing pasts, relationships, family, loss, unfulfilled aspirations, sexual assault, and many others.  

      But like David, we must look past our Goliath and recognize that we serve a God who can defeat our most formidable enemy.

      God shows up when we’re out of options and exceeds our expectations. 

      Saul and the Israelites trusted their strength and armor. But when they failed, they

      retreated. Although running away from our “Goliath” might feel safe initially, it will not go away unless we face it head-on with the Lord, as David did.

      Friends, I have run away from my “Goliath” many times, hoping it would go away.

      But I’ve come to learn that, despite my “Goliath,” God is with me, fighting for and beside

      me. What do I do now when I face one of my “Goliath”? 

      I run into the arms of my Heavenly Father, confident that He will deliver me no matter the

      outcome. For the battle belongs to the Lord. 

      “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD

      saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our

      hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

      No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can trust and turn to the Lord, knowing that He loves us and has the power to turn any situation around.

      Lord, thank you for reminding me through David that I don’t fight my giants alone.

      You are with me and will fight for me; my battles belong to you alone. In your

      precious, amen.

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    9. A Lamp for Living an Obedient Life Through Grace

      “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

      What are you seeking today? Are you seeking God first? Or are you so preoccupied with living your daily life and trying to accomplish your goals?

      Following the death of his father, King David, God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 King 3:5-6) Instead of asking for wealth, power, or the destruction of all his enemies, King Solomon asked the Lord to give him a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong. (1 King 3:6-9)

      King Solomon understood that he needed God’s wisdom and guidance in order to lead God’s people. God was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom and guidance. Not only did He grant King Solomon with a discerning heart, but he gave him wealth and honor. (See 1 King 3:10-13)

      In the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon shares with us wise words for daily living.

      Max Lucado once said, “The Book of Proverbs is a collection of lamps. Not spotlights that blind. Not bonfires that blaze. But lamps. Lamps that do for your heart what the lamps in your house do for your eyes. They chase away the darkness.” 

      What a powerful statement! The Book of Proverbs contains many wise counsels for daily living. They shed light to us in our daily walk, as does the whole of scripture, as we see in Psalm 119:10:

      “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – ESV

      My Pastor once said: “This verse tells me that when I’m in His word, it will show me where I stand and guide me to what my next step should be.”

      However, Proverbs needs to be viewed through the lens of Grace and the finished work of the Cross. Proverbs can very easily become a series of do’s and don’ts, thus becoming formulaic. A sort of step-by-step instruction on how to be right with God. But, here’s the thing:

      We ARE ALREADY right with God through our Lord Jesus Christ!

      “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:19 NIV

      Secondly, if we don’t see Proverbs through the lens of Jesus’ finished work on the Cross, we would be seeking righteousness through works (the law) and not but faith (Grace):

      “For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s Grace.” Galatians 5:4 NLT

      We grow in wisdom and lead fruitful lives, not defeated ones when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and allow the Word to be our daily guide. 

      When anxious about tomorrow’s uncertainties, I can run to Proverbs and sit under the light of trust. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your path.” Proverbs 16:3

      When facing conflict, I can run to Proverbs and turn on the lamp of patience. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

      Is it easy to live a life full of wisdom and rely on our Lord for guidance? No, it is not. But God has provided us with His Word to be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

      Many years ago, Pastor Joaquin taught us the importance of living a life pleasing to God. 

      “Walking out your Christianity isn’t a Sunday morning thing. It’s easy to be a Christian on Sunday, but who are you on Monday? Are you walking out what you’re speaking out? Our lives and our words are a reflection of who we really are and what we really believe.” (Pastor Joaquin Gonzalez)

      Kandi Gallaty wrote, “The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His truth, and it teaches us how to live for God and share His love with the world.” (The Bible in a Year)

      Beloved, no matter what challenges you may face, be encouraged that nothing we face or will encounter will catch God off guard. Our Shepherd is with us and has given us His Word to guide us through the darkest periods in our lives.

      But we must remember what He said on the Cross: IT IS FINISHED!

      If we live our lives from that standpoint, then walking out what He has worked in us will be far easier.

      Lord, Jesus, thank you for Your Word that has been a light that has guided me through the darkest periods in my life. Lord, like Solomon, I pray that you would give me a wise and discerning heart so I may continue to discern right from wrong and keep my eyes on the path you have established so I can run my race and bring you glory. In your name, I praise you and love you, amen!

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    10. In Your Presence

      “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.
      Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8 NLT


      Many mornings I lay awake, tempted to stay in bed, and have no desire to go through my “to-do list.” When this happens, I always feel the soft whispering of the Holy Spirit saying, “Celeste, you need to get up and spend time with me.” Truth be told, my entire day falls apart when I ignore this prompting.

      I have learned how important it is for me to begin my day in the arms of my Heavenly Father. He loves me so much that He knows what would happen if I don’t start my day in His presence.

      In Psalm 143:8, David urges us to start our day in the presence of our Lord rather than trying to complete our ‘to-do list. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I trust you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” 

      It is wonderful to know that no matter what we do or do not accomplish, our Heavenly Father’s love for us is unfailing. We are loved not for what we do but for who He is. 

      So, what happens when we set aside time with our Lord Jesus and let Him saturate our hearts, mind, and soul with His love and lead our day? 

      In my journey, I have learned that the unexpected happens when I spend time with Jesus and surrender to Him. And even if my prayer is not answered immediately, I know He is by my side, and I can face each day with Jesus as I wait. 

      Lord, Jesus, help me to begin each day remembering how much You love me. Open my eyes and ears to see You and hear your voice amid my present circumstances. Lord, lead me through the right path. Help me not to focus on my current circumstances, but only on You because as I behold you, I become like you more and more each day. In Your name, amen!

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    11. Life is by Design and by Choice

      “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

      We often ask ourselves, why am I going through a dark season? Where are you, Lord?

      Darkness is an overwhelming cloud that sneaks up when you least expect it. So how do we fight this overwhelming darkness that engulfs us and leaves us paralyzed with fear?

      The Scripture tells us that whenever King David was about to face a battle or fear tried to overpower him, he always withdrew and sought the Lord. David knew that God was faithful; therefore, he had hope in the One who loved him and fought his battles. The One who knew him; forgave his sins and saved him by grace. So, David came to God’s presence, laid all his burdens and fears at His feet, and worshiped the Lord with thanksgiving and a strong desire to know God better. (See Psalm 119)

      How do we handle fear in the face of uncertainties? Do we come to Jesus and lay all our fears and concerns at His feet with the knowledge that He has good plans for us and that no matter how grim our current circumstances may be, we can trust that God will cause all things to work together for our good? (See Romans 8:28) 

      Friends, I need to be honest with you. Before the pandemic, I would bring my questions and complaints to the Lord whenever anything didn’t go as I expected. “Lord, why? I don’t understand why my family and loved ones must struggle so much …” and the list went on and on.

      During the pandemic, I was forced to remain locked up where it was only God and me. My brother, who is also my beloved pastor, used to pray for God to find an isolated island where I could get to know Him more intimately and realize how deeply my Heavenly Father loved me. Well, Covid became that ‘isolated Island.’ 

      During this time, I started reading His Word and learning more about who He is and how much He loves me. The more time I spent with the Lord, the more I began to know Him; God is a faithful and wonderful Father who loved me despite my shortcomings and a lousy attitude. He never stopped loving me, even when I messed up. 

      Pastor Sharon once told us, “Nothing about your life or mine is random or coincidental. Life is by design (a plan to make something) and by choice.” Who designs? God. Who has the option to accept His plan? You and me. 

      In Jeremiah 29:11, God said, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Isn’t that amazing? God, our amazing Father, has good plans for you and me.

      Ann L. Knopp wrote in her book, “God gives you the strength and power to walk through each day and not just make it through but to conquer the day with Him fighting the battles for you or with you.” (Pursue Jesus; Obey Jesus; Live for Jesus.)

      If you are currently facing some uncertainties or are experiencing a dark season, be encouraged, friend; you are not alone. Jesus, our Savior, is with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is faithful, and He will see you through it.

      Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding us that nothing we are experiencing is random. You are aware of everything that we are facing. You will lead and carry us through Your Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Your name, amen! 

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    12. He Takes Good Care of Us

      Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 ESV

      I took my grandchildren to a farm Saturday. The children had a great time feeding the animals. A sparrow suddenly flew by and began to pick up the leftovers my grandkids had dropped. At that precise moment, God reminded me of how awesome He is. The little sparrow had no one to feed him or his family, yet God knew he was hungry.

      In his song, Sparrows, Cory Asbury quotes, “The sparrow’s not worried about tomorrow or the troubles to come. The Lily’s not thinking about the seasons. The drought or the flood. A tree planted by the water isn’t fazed by the fire. A heart that’s planted in forgiveness doesn’t dwell in the past. So why should I be?”

      This is a powerful message! And a wonderful reminder of how much God cares for and loves us. The Lord Jesus reminds us in Luke 12:6-7 how valuable we are to our Heavenly Father, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

      Why then do we worry about tomorrow or fear our storm when God loves us more than He loves the sparrows, the lily, or the trees? Why do I revisit the past if I’ve been forgiven?

      The past should only be remembered as a memory of who we were and who we are today because of His grace.

      Thank Lord for your Grace. Continue to remind me who I am and not who I was. Thank you, Father, for your love, for carrying me through every season in my life, and for taking care of me. You are a good father who knows my every need even before I ask. I’m blessed to be your daughter! In Jesus, name, amen!

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    13. When We Can’t, He can!

      Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:18-20 NLT

      My family fell apart a year ago. Roots of unforgiveness and old wounds overtook my family. I couldn’t understand why my family couldn’t get together and discuss those ‘old wounds that have kept us in chains for decades.

      I knew it was not God’s will to live like our ancestors once lived. Most of them were lost and didn’t know Jesus. But we do.

      Having been bought and paid for by Jesus on the cross, we are a brand-new generation that God has created to live as His children.

      Why then couldn’t we live that way? So what is holding us back: our pride, unforgiveness, old wounds?

      One night, I cried out to the Lord and asked Him to show me why we couldn’t be the family He created us to be. What was stopping us?

      Then, the Lord whispered in the silence, “You can’t do anything, but I can!” The Lord reassured me that I needed to surrender this burden to Him and leave it in His hands. And believe with expectancy that He’s working in our family even when we cannot see it. He assured me that my family would one day become the family He created us to be.

      So, I took a step of faith and began thanking Him daily for the work He was doing in my family. I got up early every morning for a year and thanked Him for his work in my family. Although I didn’t see any change, I believed in my Father’s promise.

      One day as I was reading Luke chapter 5, the Lord reminded me about the story of the paralyzed man. His companions believed that if they brought their friend to Jesus, He would heal him. So, they formed a plan to get their friends to Jesus no matter what.

      When the friends arrived where Jesus was staying, it was already too late. The house was packed. But they didn’t give up. They had an idea; they decided to remove some tiles from the roof and lower their friend through the hole. It was dangerous, but they could only see their friend’s need for healing.

      When Jesus saw their faith, he was moved with compassion. Jesus not only healed the paralytic, but He also forgave his sins. Of course, the friends wanted Jesus to heal their friend. But Jesus didn’t settle for simply healing the body; He tried to recover the paralyzed man’s soul. The faith of these men was so strong that it touched Jesus to go beyond healing and straight to the cross.

      The Lord showed me that all I have to do is to stand in the gap for my family and hope (wait with expectancy) for what He will do. When my strength faded, and I lost hope, the Lord placed a group of women in my Compel Critique group to stand in the gap for my family and myself. Just like Aaron held Moses’ hands when he grew tired, these women of faith held my hands and did not let me give up.

      When I woke up, I thanked the Lord for His love, faithfulness, and promise to restore my family. But, as I was praying, a peace that surpassed all understanding surrounded me, and as I stood in silence, I heard, “I’m working behind this storm. It will soon be over. So, keep believing because when you can’t, I can.”

       Friends, we sometimes feel discouraged and want to give up, but let me encourage you that God is always present in our lives. Even before we ask, He knows what we need. So don’t give up. Instead, hold on to your hope.

      Father, thank you for showing me a glimpse of your promise. Thank you for showing me that my family will become who you created us to be one day. Help me, Lord, to keep my eyes on you, not on my circumstances. In Jesus’ sweet name, amen!

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    14. Soaring Like Eagles

      Time seems to stand still in the “waiting room” of life. It is a place where life is put on hold. When I visit my doctor, I sometimes wait in his waiting room for what seems like hours, but when I check my watch, it’s only been 20 minutes. When we are in the waiting room of life, it seems as if time has come to a screeching halt. This is how it sometimes feels while we wait on the Lord.

      One of the most important exhortations of the Bible is the instruction to “wait on the Lord.” Even though God promises special blessings for those who wait, waiting is one of the most challenging exhortations of scripture. Why is it so difficult? Because, as a part of fallen humanity, we are so likely to take matters into our own hands and follow our plans. Yet, the Bible repeatedly instructs us to “wait on the Lord.”

      We don’t like to wait, and when we think of waiting, we are apt to respond with a pun: “Wait? That’s what caused the bridge to collapse!” But, of course, that was weight, not wait. But then, these two words, weight and wait, are not always unrelated because one of our needs in staying in the Lord is to cast the weighty burdens of life on Him.

      I once read an article from NLP Life that used eagles to illustrate how God gives us strength while we wait through trials. According to NLP Life, “Eagles know when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to a high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the battery; it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.”

      When the storms of life come upon us, we can rise above them by keeping our eyes on Jesus, knowing He will keep His promises. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever it may be, our current situation doesn’t have to overcome us; God promised not to leave or forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6) God will strengthen us while we wait. His love, mercy, and faithfulness will lift us above the dark clouds so we can ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives.

      Friends, I don’t know if you can relate, but I’ve faced many life storms that could have destroyed or made me stronger. I’ve experienced many storms, but I’ve learned to look for Jesus during them and to trust Him, knowing that He will not forsake me. Keeping my focus on Jesus and not my current circumstances have given me the strength to soar above the storms, just like the eagle. And friends, He will do the same for you in whatever storm you face. 

      Beloved, as we are waiting on God to strengthen us, let’s remember the words of the prophet Isaiah “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT).

      Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that You are with me throughout my storms. Thank you for giving me your strength and not giving up on the many times I’ve crumbled and was tempted to give up. Thank you for your unconditional love and mercy. I am who I am today because of You, Father. In Jesus’ precious name, amen! 

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    15. Hope, A Place of Expectancy

      “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” Luke 2:29-30 NIV.

      Today I read Chapter 2 of Luke. In this chapter, Luke tells us of an older man named Simeon. This man was a righteous man who served the Lord at the temple and held on to a promise our Heavenly Father gave him. God promised that he would not die until he saw the salvation God had prepared for all the nations. (See Luke 2:25-32)

      The incredible thing about Simeon is that he wasn’t just a righteous, devout man, but he eagerly waited for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. For Simeon, it wasn’t a question of “if” it would happen but “when.” Simeon had this kind of hope.

      According to Oxford Dictionary, hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.”

      The Old Hebrew word “hope” is often translated as “wait.” What does this mean? It’s not wishful thinking with our fingers crossed. It means to have the confident expectation that something good is coming. But, since it hasn’t happened, we remain alert because hope pays attention. It may not happen right away, but it will happen. This was the hope that Simeon had. 

      When prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon went to the temple and saw the promised Messiah. (Luke 2:28-29)

      Today, I witnessed what happens when we place our hope in the Lord. Hope is a feeling of expectancy and desire for a sure thing to happen. The Lord brought to mind Simeon while I sat in the waiting room for the doctor to tell us if my husband was a candidate for surgery and when he could have the surgery. 

      The doctor assured my husband he was a candidate for surgery, but the hospital was booked through the end of the year. I saw the disappointment in my husband’s eyes. 

      I immediately turned to my Abba and said, “Father, I know you have good plans for my husband; and I know and believe with expectancy that this surgery will happen at your time. So therefore, I will wait with confidence, knowing it will happen.

      My husband was silent as we drove home. Then, exactly 45 minutes after we left the doctor’s office, we received a call from the surgeon telling us that there was an opening for September 6th. 

      My husband was speechless. He was at a loss for words. He didn’t know what happened, but I did. My Abba moved and opened the door. He opened a door that was closed. Why? Because I waited for God’s timing and believed that He would. 

      Friends, let me encourage you to hold on to your hope, your faith. God will show up and will exceed your expectations. 

      Father, thank you for reminding me today of the importance of living in hope and with the confidence that you never let us down when we wait on you. Teach us, Lord, to live like Simeon, who never doubted what you promised would happen in your time. In the precious name of Jesus’ amen!

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      ,

    16. The Power is not in the Prayer but in the One Who hears it.

      “If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” Mark 9:22b NIV
       

      I can’t even begin to fathom this father’s suffering watching his son’s anguish and suffering since he was a young child. While other parents watch their children grow up and play with other children, this desperate father was trying to keep his son alive.

      According to Mark 9, this boy had been subjected to this evil spirit attempts to kill him by throwing him into fires and water since he was a young child. The father was likely exhausted and desperate for help. And what did he do? He cried out to Jesus in desperation. “If you can do something for him, please have pity on us and help us.”

      What a simple yet powerful prayer. This prayer didn’t begin with “Since…” but rather “If” (a tense that implies doubt).

      Perhaps this poor father thought his son’s situation was beyond Jesus’ reach. But, if Jesus could do something, his son would get better.

      But noticed how Jesus responded, “If I can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark tells us that upon hearing Jesus’ words, the father replied, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)

      Have you ever prayed such a desperate prayer like this? I have many times. But I have learned that God listens to all our prayers, especially those borne from our deepest sorrows.

      C.S. Lewis once said, “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what out to be in us.” Beloved, God doesn’t judge our prayers or expect us to have fancy and eloquent prayers. All He wants is for us to unveil our hearts to Him.

      The power is not in the prayer but in the One who listens.

      Beloved, God does not judge our prayers or demand that they be elaborate or eloquent. He only asks that we reveal our hearts to him. It’s not about our accomplishments or how many verses we memorize. It’s about the One spoken of in the Scriptures. 

      The power is not in the prayer but in the One who hears it.

      Heavenly Father, you know my heart, pain, and sorrows before I speak to you. Thank you for your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. When my heart is drowning with doubts and fear, help me remember that you are with me, carrying me through my storms. And help me overcome any doubts I may have. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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    17. Pouring New Wine into Old Wineskin

      Image by "Come and Reason Ministries"
      21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” Mark 2:21-22 NIV

      I remember when I first became a teacher. I would begin my day with prayers inviting the Lord to help me show everyone that He lived in me and through me. Then, I would end the prayer by asking the Lord to send His angels to guard and protect my students and me. I did this for years. My husband will remind me daily to make sure I show everyone through my actions that I am a Christian.

      Unfortunately, I was the only Christian teacher. Non-believers surrounded me. Although I tried to remain faithful, the influence of the outside world was overwhelming. Without realizing it, I was trying to be part of that ‘world’ thinking that I could change them, but I didn’t; the world was changing me instead,

      Although my prayers didn’t change, I slowly began to spend less time reading the Word. I began to change the way I spoke and dressed. My husband noticed it, but I didn’t.

      It was then that he reminded me of Jesus’ words in Mark 2:21-22, “

      “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

      I wish I could tell you that I learned this lesson “once and for all” without turning back, but I didn’t. The more I tried to show the world that Jesus lived in me, the harder it became. No one wanted to hang out with a Jesus follower. I was set aside. So, what did I do? I stopped showing who I was. The new wine that was placed in the old wineskin burst, just like Jesus said it would.

      Friends, no friendship or even romance, are worth our soul.  Repentance means a complete change. And change means purging (purification or cleansing- Oxford Dictionary) your heart of anything that can’t coexist (exist at the same time or in the same place) with the life Jesus has called us to live.

      You can’t put your new life (who you were created to be) into an old lifestyle. The inevitable (sure to happen; unavoidable) will occur. The new life will get lost as the old lifestyle; the world’s influence will drown who you were created to be.

      Beloved, I don’t know if you have ever experienced something similar, or perhaps you know someone, a believer who’s struggling to fit in this world as I was many years ago. But be encouraged; Jesus can and will give us the strength to take a stand and not compromise who we are. So let’s put our lives in Jesus’ hands and let us trust that He will do what He promised to do.

      Lord, thank you for your love, grace, and forgiveness. Continue to remind me who I am and who you created me to be. I was started on purpose and for a purpose. Set apart, not set aside. May my words and actions reflect who you are every moment.

      In Jesus’ precious name, amen!

      ,

    18. God, do You Care?

      A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown.” Mark 4:37-38

      Almost everyone has asked this question at some point in their lives. No one has ever gone through life without wrestling with this agonizing question, “Does God care?”

      Mark tells us in chapter 4, verses 35-41 that the disciples and Jesus were caught in a storm. As the winds howled and raged, the impatient and frightened disciples screamed with fear to Jesus, who was sleeping and resting from a full day of teaching and healing those in need.

      “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to drown?”

      Jesus could have continued sleeping. He could have told them to be silent or ignored them. Even better, Jesus could have impatiently jumped up and angrily dismissed the storm. He could have pointed out their lack of faith, but he didn’t.  Jesus lovingly got up and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still.”

      At this moment, Jesus provided the answer for the agonizing question of man, “Where is God when I’m hurting?”

      How often do we face a storm and wonder where God is? Is He listening?” Does He care that I’m hurting?

      Even when we are unable to see or hear Jesus, He is still speaking and healing. The problem is that we want Jesus to answer our prayers in our time. So, when the answer is delayed, we immediately become discouraged, panic, and lose hope.

      I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in that situation many times. But it is now that I have learned that God’s delay is not a “no” or that He isn’t listening; it simply means, “wait and don’t lose hope. Trust me, and I will exceed your expectations in due time.”

      Let me ask you a question, “How has Jesus shown that He cares for you in the storms of your life?

      Let us take a moment to reflect on the many times Jesus showed up and exceeded our expectations.

      Father, thank you for reminding me that even when I don’t get the answers to my prayers right away, it doesn’t mean that you’re not listening or caring; instead, you’re working behind the scenes preparing a way to exceed my expectations. Lord, Jesus, thank you for your love and grace. In your precious name, amen!

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    19. Someday I Will…

      “Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do.” Proverbs 6:4 NLT
       

      Someday… what a simple word to utter with painful consequences. Someday I will get to buy a house away from the city. Someday I will retire and travel with my husband. Someday, my children will understand why I had to work so many hours.

      The truth is someday may never come.

      Max Lucado once wrote, “Someday… the enemy of risky love is a snake whose tongue has mastered the talk of deception.”

       My dear friends, I used to live a life in which ‘someday’ became my best friend. So I used to put things off, thinking someday it would get done.

      The day my father died, my school was holding a parent-teacher conference that lasted until 8:00 PM. Although I was physically present for my students and parents, my heart was with my father. I kept telling myself that I would see him after work tomorrow. I had no idea those would be his final hours with us, and I would never see him again.

      Later that evening, my Daddy went home to be with the Lord. I wish I could tell you that I handled it as a God-fearing person. I didn’t. For years, I was racked by guilt and pain. I ran from God and everyone and caused a great deal of suffering for my husband and children. I thought ‘someday’ my heart would heal, and I would be able to make things better.

      But ‘someday’ never came, my husband died, and he was able to forgive me for all the suffering I had caused him, even though our marital relationship was irreparably damaged. It took several years, but I was able to repair the harm that I had caused my children.

      It was then that I learned this painful lesson, “Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do.”

       Friends, let me encourage you to do what you can today and not postpone it till tomorrow.

      Enjoy every moment and spend time with your family. Mend broken relationships; be there for your family and friends, and spend time with your Heavenly Father.

      Live the life that Jesus came to give you. “Seized opportunity renders joy. The neglected brings regret and produces a broken heart.” (Max Lucado)

      Let us live as though Jesus died today and will return tomorrow. Let us run our race with confidence that the Lord will one day greet us and say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:21 NLT

      Someday, I will see my Daddy again.

      Father, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Lord, help me keep my eyes on you and run my race, knowing that one day I will see you face to face, and you will embrace me and welcome me home. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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    20. Where are you anchored?

      Image from Cornelius Bella, "The Message Bearer."
       
      Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. MATTHEW 8:24-26.

      The last few weeks have been very challenging. With the Lord’s guidance and my family’s support, I accompanied my mother to the Dominican Republic to visit her younger brother. You’re probably wondering, how is that challenging? My Mom has Alzheimer’s. She desired to return home. So, I took her on this trip, not knowing what to expect. Whenever I asked the Lord for his guidance, I got the same response, “Do you trust me?”

      To everyone’s surprise, my Mom had no problem. She came alive! It was a joy to see her so full of life. We did, however, encounter a storm. Upon our arrival, my heart couldn’t take it, and I collapsed at the airport. While all this was happening, I could only think of my Mom. I didn’t know where she was, and I was worried about her. The doctor at the airport assured me that my Mom was fine; they were more concerned about me. The Lord reminded me at that moment that He was the same yesterday, today, and forever. That I needed to remember who He was and to trust him.

      The Lord brought to my mind Matthew 8:24-27, “Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. Then the disciples woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, which were utterly calm. (NIV)

      At that moment, my heart rate began to slow down, and I could breathe again. The Lord Jesus reminded me that He has power over any storm. All I needed to do was trust and remain anchored in Him. Jesus displayed power over nature; disease and broken hearts were and still are a way Jesus reveals Himself to us and exemplifies faith, love, peace, and hope. 

      Max Lucado once said, “Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message, but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries but are time-tested truths that have to heed their ground against the winds of change.” Wow, what a powerful reminder.

      Friends, when we anchor our lives to Jesus, no storm can overcome us; or destroy us. Jesus has the power to overcome any storm we may be facing. All He requires from us is to anchor ourselves to Him and trust Him.

      Lord, Jesus, thank you once again for pulling me out of my storm. I will remain anchored in you even when no storms are on the horizon. In Your name, amen!

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    21. God is working on our present circumstances

      But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT

      Why are we required to wait for God’s timing?

      My fiancé and I were engaged for a few years before we decided to get married. But, so often, my family and friends would ask me what we were waiting to get married. Just do it already. They often said you’d been a widow for years, and you’re not getting any younger.

      Somehow, I knew in my heart that God wanted us to wait. Why? Only God knew. However, there were times that I went to the Lord and tried to give Him a timeframe. “Lord, if you don’t open the doors by the end of the year, I’m not getting married. I’m too old for this.” That, my friends, was a big mistake. God doesn’t respond to demands. So I had to learn the hard way to trust God with my relationship and wait on Him.

      During the process of waiting, my relationship with the Lord grew deeper. I began to rely on Him for everything. God was not only preparing me for this journey. He was also working in my fiancé’s life, my family, and his family. Sometimes, we forget that God not only loves us and wants to give us what we need; He also loves those that are involved in our lives.

      This marriage was not only about me. My wedding was going to affect all of us. So, I needed to learn to be less selfish and respect and value everyone around me. I needed to trust God, knowing that he was working on the circumstances even though I couldn’t see it.

      We may want something that’s the will of God, but are we ready for God’s perspective? Are the circumstances ready? Do we have the right motives?

      Often what we desire in life; in our relationships involves other people, so acting on our behalf doesn’t mean God will do something that may hurt or affect other people.

      He acts on our behalf if it fits into his perfect plan in our lives. So we have to wait.

      Charles Stanley once said, “Our willingness to wait reveals our value on what we are waiting for.”

      Friends, I don’t know what circumstances you’re currently experiencing; maybe you’re waiting for a new job; or a big promotion; perhaps you’re waiting for your book to be published; for healing; to buy a new car or house; whatever circumstances you’re currently facing be encouraged, God is still on the throne, and He’s exactly where He’s supposed to be.

      God loves you and knows what you need. So, trust Him and wait for His perfect timing. He is working behind the scenes, and in His time, He will exceed your expectations.

      Father, thank you for your love, mercy, and patience. Thank you for reminding me how important it is for me to wait on you. Lord, help me to continue to keep my eyes on you and not be anxious, but to wait on You. For I know you have great plans for my family and me. And in Your timing, you will fulfill all your promises.

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    22. Spiritual Dehydration

      “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
      to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NLT

      What happens to our body when we don’t hydrate enough?

      According to Marian Moghaddam, D.O., a family medicine doctor with the Henry Ford Health, “Human beings are made up of about 80% water. Every organ, cell, and tissue in our bodies use it to function properly, so drinking enough water every day is important.” We are required to drink six to eight 8-ounces of water daily.”

      My cardiologist, neurologist, and urologist constantly tell me how vital it is for me to stay hydrated due to my heart condition, migraines, and kidney stones. If I don’t drink enough water, I experience migraines, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, and my kidney begins to produce many kidney stones. My doctors are baffled as to why I subject my body to such hardships.

      But, to be honest, I don’t drink nearly as much water as my body demands. When my body begins sending signals that my body is dehydrated, I panic and start drinking. But, once I’m feeling better, I revert to my old habit of not drinking the water my body needs.

      The same is true with our souls. When we deprive our souls of Spiritual Water, our ‘dehydrated’ heart sends signals to alert us of a dryness deep inside our hearts. As a result, we may feel irritable for no apparent reason; fearful; hopeless; insecure; anxious; sleeplessness; guilty, and empty. I’ve been lol experiencing some of these symptoms for the last two weeks. I couldn’t explain why, but today, the Lord gave me an answer.

      Today, during my time with Jesus, the Holy Spirit guided me to read Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Then, I started praying and telling the Lord that all I ever wanted was to obey Him. The Lord showed me that I needed to continue flooding my heart with His Word, worship, prayers, and fellowship. At first, I didn’t understand what the Lord was trying to tell me. Lord, I thought, “I spend a lot of time reading the Scripture; listening to worship; praying. So what am I missing, Lord, Jesus?”

      But then, it dawned on me. Since I started watching my youngest grandson, I haven’t been able to spend much time with the Lord. As a result, I’ve been experiencing anxiety, fear, sleeplessness, and insecurity.

      So, tonight, when I got home, I showered, put on my air pods, and began to listen to Elevation Worship. Friends, there are no words to describe what I went through. My heart and my soul began to worship Jesus. I got completely lost. I felt as if Jesus lifted my spirit to Heaven. Wow, I could close my eyes and see my Lord, my God, the lover of my soul. All my worries, fears, and concerns disappeared. All I could think of was being with Jesus. If this is what Heaven is like, beloved, I can’t wait to go home and be my Lord Jesus for all eternity.

      Friends, we live in a world full of chaos and problems, a dry and exhausting place to live. That’s why it’s vital to flood our soul and spirit with God’s Word and prayers and worship the Lord who is worthy of all praises. When the presence of our Lord fills our souls and heart, all troubles, fears, and concerns disappear. He gives you the strength to fly like eagles and run and not be tired. “But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 Amplified Bible.

      So my sweet friends, let us stand together and wait for the Lord. Let Him fill you with the sweet aroma of His presence. Give your worries and—concerns to our Lord, the Father of Abraham, who always keeps all His promises.

      Lord Jesus, thank you for always knowing what I need best. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of spending quality time with you. Lord, I will not look at my circumstances but keep my eyes on you. Fill my soul and heart with your presence. You are all I need.

      In your name Lord Jesus, amen!

      .

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    23. Fear Not

      Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

      Lord, Jesus, thank you for never giving up on me. You were carrying me in the darkest periods in my life, comforting me, even when I couldn’t see you, Lord. But looking back, I can see how much you wanted to fill my empty and hopeless heart. So it was during these times when you were filling my empty cup. Because only when I was empty-open, afraid, worried, anxious, depressed, lost, and didn’t have the answers is when you were able to replenish my soul with your unconditional love.

      Only You, Lord, Jesus, can fill my empty spaces. Flood my heart and soul with your presence every moment as you have done so many times. Only in Your presence can I feel secure no matter what storm I’m facing. In Your presence, all my fears disappear. I’m no longer afraid because You are with me.

      “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand..” Isaiah 4110 NLT

      Lord, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me. Not because I deserved it, but because You love me and always keep your promises. In your precious name Lord Jesus, amen!

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    24. Waiting On God- Part 3: God is working on our present circumstances

      “Since ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 66:4 NIV

      Why are we required to wait for God’s timing?

      My fiancé and I were engaged for a few years before we decided to get married. But, so often, my family and friends would ask me what we were waiting to get married. Just do it already. They often said you’d been a widow for years, and you’re not getting any younger.

      Somehow, I knew in my heart that God wanted us to wait. Why? Only God knew. However, there were times that I went to the Lord and tried to give Him a timeframe. “Lord, if you don’t open the doors by the end of the year, I’m not getting married. I’m too old for this.” That, my friends, was a big mistake. God doesn’t respond to demands. So I had to learn the hard way to trust God with my relationship and wait on Him.

      During the process of waiting, my relationship with the Lord grew deeper. I began to rely on Him for everything. God was not only preparing me for this journey. He was also working in my fiancé’s life, my family, and his family. Sometimes, we forget that God not only loves us and wants to give us what we need; He also loves those that are involved in our lives.

      This marriage was not only about me. My wedding was going to affect all of us. So, I needed to learn to be less selfish and respect and value everyone around me. I needed to trust God, knowing that he was working on the circumstances even though I couldn’t see it.

      We may want something that’s the will of God, but are we ready for God’s perspective? Are the circumstances ready? Do we have the right motives?

      Often what we desire in life; in our relationships involves other people, so acting on our behalf doesn’t mean God will do something that may hurt or affect other people.

      He acts on our behalf if it fits into his perfect plan in our lives. So we have to wait.

      Charles Stanley once said, “Our willingness to wait reveals our value on what we are waiting for.”

      Friends, I don’t know what circumstances you’re currently experiencing; maybe you’re waiting for a new job; or a big promotion; perhaps you’re waiting for your book to be published; for healing; to buy a new car or house; whatever circumstances you’re currently facing be encouraged, God is still on the throne, and He’s exactly where He’s supposed to be.

      God loves you and knows what you need. So, trust Him and wait for His perfect timing. He is working behind the scenes, and in His time, He will exceed your expectations.

      Father, thank you for your love, mercy, and patience. Thank you for reminding me how important it is for me to wait on you. Lord, help me to continue to keep my eyes on you and not be anxious, but to wait on You. For I know you have great plans for my family and me. And in Your timing, you will fulfill all your promises.

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    25. Waiting On God- Part I: God Works On Our Behalf

      “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 66:4 NIV

      Have you ever wondered why things we wish for don’t turn out to be the way we wanted or when we wanted them?

      I have learned that things don’t exactly work out the way I expected when I rush into things and don’t wait on the Lord. When I’m not willing to wait, my life turns into chaos.

      God doesn’t want us in spiritual debt. He wants to give us what we need. But only in His time. He knows everything about our lives, from beginning to end. He knows exactly where I am at this moment. God knows exactly what I need when I need it, and when I’m ready to receive it.

      Our unwillingness to wait on God gets us in trouble and brings us confusion. God’s way is the very best blessing for us.

      Isaiah 66:4 teaches us that God works on our behalf. He is a personal God who knows each one of us. He’s willing to become involved in every aspect of our life if we let him.

      He will bring good things for me and you in order to accomplish His purpose. I have met many people who have lived their lives and died ignorant of this truth.

      The Bible says that God predestined you and me; He knew us before we were born. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NLT.

      Since that moment, He worked on a plan to comfort us and transform us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. Therefore, whatever God does in our lives will be for our good.

      When God acts on our behalf, He adds the things that would bless you and me; and removes those things that will harm us.

      “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

      As parents, when we act on behalf of our children or grandchildren, we are doing everything we can to ensure their well-being. They may not understand why we don’t allow them to do certain things, but one day they will realize that everything we do it’s for their good.

      The same is true for God, our Father. He gives and takes according to His perfect will and plans for our lives. So if He’s acting on our behalf, it means that whatever you and I may be facing, he will be there to guide us and protect us. He will always cause all things to work together for our good. Romans 8:28

      So, I’m going to wait on God because I know that no matter what I may be facing tomorrow, He’s right there with me and He has great plans for my life.

      Father, I know that at times I’m impatient and don’t want to wait. Teach me Lord, to wait on you and trust you even when I can’t understand what you’re doing. Remind me, Lord that you are always working on my behalf. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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    26. Persevering In The Waiting

      “If you are faithful with a few matters, he will set you over many.” Matthew 25:11

      Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of this storm?

      If so, you’re not alone. About four years ago, I faced a harrowing situation at work that changed my life. I was wrongly accused of misplacing senior dues. I didn’t know why I was going through this storm or trial. I couldn’t see how God was going to get me through it. I wanted to run out of the storm desperately. I didn’t want to go through the pain or the humiliation. I just wanted it gone.

      God, on the other hand, had different plans for me. So, I decided to surrender to my Heavenly Father and seek Jesus during my storm. God used this trial to draw me closer to Him and show me who He was and what He can do. I needed to learn that God never forgets about me; even in the darkest hour of my life, He still has a plan for me.

      I learned to see and trust Jesus during this trial (test), even though I couldn’t see or understand what He was doing.

      I discovered that God was actively involved in my life. He sees our needs of tomorrow and uses our circumstances to create the ‘test” (to take a keen look at, to look, to choose. The Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible Edit by Spiros Zodhiates.)

      God can cause all things to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)

      Is it possible for Him to turn something good out of my mess? Yes, He can! God is the potter, and we are the clay. He is the Gardener, and we are the branches. He is the Shepherd, and we are the sheep. He is the teacher, and we are the students.

      I needed to put my faith in His abilities and trust that He would bring something good out of my mess. And He did. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. 

      During this ordeal, God reminded me of Joseph. Joseph succeeded in the kitchen and dungeon before prevailing in the Egyptian court. He cared for the butler and baker before he cared for the nations. He excelled in the small things and was rewarded immensely.

      And that’s exactly what the Lord has done for me. He turned a harrowing situation in my life into a victory. He cleared my name, restored me, and turned my “mess” into His message. 

      Friends, how can we be like Joseph and Job and rely on God in the small things while waiting for Him to promote us to create more extraordinary things?  During the test, let us focus on maintaining a great attitude, serving others, and not complaining. Remember that no test or trial will last forever, and God will always fulfill His promise. He will always make something good out of our mess. God will turn it around. Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday!

      Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for turning my mess into Your message. Thank you for reminding me that You are an incredible Father who loves me and will never let me go.

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    27. It’s Okay to Let Go.

      “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

      Does your past keep you up at night?

      Have you ever had a fabulous day where everything seemed bright! You had a great day with the Lord, and you felt that nothing could cloud your day. 

      Suddenly a familiar song, an unexpected call, or a text triggers an old memory, a painful one.

      Immediately your mood changes. Your bright sunny day becomes gloomy. Your mind takes you to a painful time in your life. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a time machine and were transported to the past for a moment. 

      Frozen by pain, as tears roll down your face, you whisper, “Lord, Jesus, thank you for being with me even when I could not see you.”

      Friends, I don’t know if you have ever had this experience. This is a path I have walked many times before.

      The enemy of our souls hates to see us walking in victory. So, he would go to any length to make us doubt who we are.

      But let me assure you, friends, Jesus is not concerned with our past. Our sins have been forgiven. “As far as the east is from the west, our sins have been forgiven….” We have been forgiven because of the finished work of the Cross. The only interest Jesus has in our past is to turn “our mess” into His message. 

      Jesus is only concerned with our future, with each and every moment of our lives. Therefore, we have nothing to fear when we behold Him. So hold on to Him and let go of our past. He will never leave us nor forsake us. The enemy will try, but we already have the victory in Jesus. Remember, as Jesus is, so are we.

      Father, thank you for reminding me who I am in you once again. So I know that you are with me when doubts try to sneak up and overshadow me. You will never forsake me or leave me. Lord, give me your spiritual eyes to recognize the enemy’s tactics, to confuse me, and make me forget who you are in my life. You are my King, the lover of my soul, my friend; my God, my Lord, and my savior. Thank you, Lord, for constantly reminding me of who you are and who I am through Jesus.

      In Jesus’ name, amen!

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    28. He can’t be bargained with

      “And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” Judges 11:30-33 NIV

      Have you ever promised to do something for The Lord if He would grant your request? I have. At the end of 1998, after my father had three colon surgeries, the doctors told us that the cancer had spread and there was nothing they could do for him. Our family, including myself, was devastated by the news. So, because I didn’t know any better, I began to bargain with God. I

      promised God that if He could cure my father, I would do anything for Him. But unfortunately, the fear and pain of losing my beloved father were too much for me to bear.

      In my ignorance, I believed that God and I had agreed. But unfortunately, my father died three months later and went to be with the Lord.

      I felt so angry and betrayed by God that I turned away from Him. How can I trust a God who didn’t keep His promise? The truth is that God never promised me anything. It was I who was pleading with God to heal my father. Years later, I discovered the truth of who God was. He was a loving, caring, faithful Father who loved my father and me.

      But He was also God. God doesn’t respond to demands, and I can’t persuade Him to do what I want. All He ever wanted was my love, obedience, and a heart after His own heart. He

      wanted my loyalty and my undivided heart. I had no idea that my father had taken God’s place in my heart.

      It’s been twenty-three years since my father went home to be with the Lord. God never gave up on me throughout these years, even when I was angry and rebellious. Then, about six years ago, my Heavenly Father left the ninety-nine and went after the one. Finally, He brought His daughter back home to be with Him. My life and heart have changed dramatically since then. I was once dead, but now I’m alive.

      Friends, I don’t know if you have experienced a similar situation or may know someone who has. If so, be encouraged; God is an awesome God and an amazing Father. All He ever wanted was to love us. So, when things don’t seem to turn out the way we expect, we can trust our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and is always working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.

      Heavenly Father, thank you for never giving up on me or letting me go. Thank you for going after me and bringing me back to your arms where I belong. Thank you for forgiving all the wrong I have done and for not wanting to spend eternity without me. Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on that cross and dying for me even when I was a sinner. In your precious name, amen!

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    29. Looking Beyond The Storm

      Hope

      “Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

      In the Book of Jeremiah, chapters 30-33, Jeremiah assured the Jewish people that they wouldn’t be captive forever. God would free them to return to their land and restore their fortunes. He would repay their enemies for their wickedness. How amazing is our Heavenly Father? Even when we stray and get into a mess, He’s faithful and true to His Word. 

      Friends, I have learned that no matter what storm I may be facing, God will always come through. Our enemy, the devil, would never have the final say, and our testing won’t last forever. God will restore our health, our fortunes, and our relationships.

      Whatever the enemy plots against us will always fail. Max Lucado once said, “Intended evil becomes ultimate good.”This is true not only for the people of Israel but also for you and me.

      Every challenge or storm we face is not easy or random. God is not sometimes sovereign; He is not occasionally victorious; He does not occupy the throne one day and vacate it the next. “The Lord will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purpose of His heart.” (Jeremiah 30:24 NIV)

      Whatever season you and I may find ourselves may confuse us, scare us and even puzzle us, but it will not bewilder God. He can and will use it for His purpose. He did it for me and will do it for you. God wants us to know that He loves us. We can call on Him, and He will answer..” (Jeremiah 33:3)

      When I face a storm, the Lord always reminds me of Joseph. Joseph was sent to prison. From a human viewpoint, the Egyptian jail was not the tragic conclusion of Joseph’s life. Satan thought that all God’s plans to use Joseph ended with the slamming of the jail door. The devil had Joseph just where he wanted him, so he thought. But let me let you in on a bit of secret, so did God. What Satan intended for evil, God used for testing. 

      The Bible tells us that testing is an external trial that purifies and prepares the heart. Just as fire refines precious metal from dross and impurities, a test purges the soul of the same.

      Beloved, are you going through a time of testing; or do you know anyone who is? Be encouraged; the tests are not here to stay. God will turn what the enemy meant to destroy us and cause it to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28) This is God’s promise for us.

      Father, thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for never giving up on your children. Guide our hearts and help us to recall your goodness in a time of testing and the many times you showed up and rescued us. In Jesus’ name, amen!

       

       

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    30. We are Unique

      We are Unique

      Psalm 139:13-14 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.

      My husband loves to visit old mansions. He finds the uniqueness of its structure and architecture fascinating! Did you know that the design of each mansion or castle is unique, although it may appear similar to the viewers? But only the architecture and designer can determine how many bricks were laid, the type of bricks, or the structure. Yet, to us, everything seems the same.

      This principle applies to us as well. You and I were created unique and special. God is the potter and we are the clay. He made us all perfect having our own uniqueness. Some of us have blue eyes; some have brown eyes; some of us have special talents that other do not; and some of us are right-handed while others are left-handed. No matter what talents and gifts we have, you and I were made for a purpose. God, our creator, made each one of us unique. No one else has the same DNA, fingerprints, or features that you and I have.

      Psalm 139:13-14 says, “You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.”

      Every single baby is a brand-new idea from the mind of our God. What does this mean? This means that you and I are not just another ‘brick in a construction site; a mason’s pile, or one of the dozen bolts in the mechanic’s drawer. You and I are unique! And if people don’t get us or don’t understand, they’re missing out. Our amazing Heavenly Father beautifully makes us. Each of us has unique gift to share with the world that no one else can. It will not be obtained if you do not bring it.  Our salvation was purchased by Jesus’ sacrifice. As we go through each day, Jesus continues to work in our lives, helping us become the person He created us to be. 

      Heavenly Father, thank you for taking your time and creating us unique. Lord, remind me each day, that no matter what goes on around me, I need to remember that you chose me before I was conceived in my mother’s womb. You created me on purpose and for a purpose. I can’t wait to see what you have installed for me. In Jesus’ name amen!

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    31. He is Faithful and true to His Promises

      He is Faithful and true to His Promises

      God is faithful in keeping His promises
      God is Faithful

      “Review the past for me; let us argue the matter together.” Isaiah 43:26 NIV

      My brother-in-law loves Psalms. Every morning before sunset, he goes to his prayer room and spends time with His Heavenly Father. He begins his day thanking the Lord for His love, goodness, and faithfulness. Then, he reminds the Lord of His promises. I couldn’t understand why we needed to remind our Father of His promises for years.

      But, today, the Lord reminded me how much He loves for His children to remind him of all his promises. 

      In Isaiah 43:26, the Lord said to Isaiah, “Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together.”

      God invites you and me to remind him of his promises. How do we do that? It’s simple. We need to spend time reading his Word and meditate on it. Then, when we know his Word, we can faithfully come to our Heavenly Father and say, “Lord, you said….”

      Here are some promises that have helped throughout my walk with Jesus.

      “Lord, you said you would walk me through the waters.” (Isaiah 43:2)

      “Lord, you said you would lead me through the valley.” (Psalm 23:4)

      “Lord, you said you would never leave me or forsake me.” (Hebrews 13:5)

      “Lord, you said if I believe in the Lord Jesus, my household (family) and I will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

      “Lord, you said you would cause all things to work together for my good.” (Romans 8:28)

      When things appear to go wrong in my life and life storms overwhelm my soul, I remind my Father of all his promises. One promise I keep going back to is Roman 8:28.

      This promise reminds me of how the Lord took a very bad situation in my life and turned it around. He restored all the broken pieces and made me whole.

      When we pray in faith we touch our Heavenly Father’s heart and miracles will start to happen. You may not get your answers overnight but trust me when I tell you that it will come, and you will overcome.

      Friends, I don’t know what season you’re in right now-but be encouraged; our Heavenly Father wants us to remind Him of His promises. Find a promise that fits your current situation and build your prayers around it. Remind our Lord of His promises.

      Father, thank you for your Word, faithfulness, and unconditional love. Lord, thank you for being a constant in my life and faithful to your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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    32. Forgiveness is a Choice

      Forgiveness is a Choice
      silhouette of person standing beside cross during sunset
      Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

      Why do you think it is so hard for us to overlook offenses and forgive those who have wronged us?

       Overlooking offenses is one of the biggest problems we face in our family. For generations, my family has been dealing with “forgiving but not forgetting.” But, unfortunately, many relationships have been broken because of our lack of overlooking offenses. 

      When my parents got married, they chose to live with my grandmother. My Mom was an only child, so when she got married, my grandmother went to live with them. At that time, that seems to be a good idea. My parents worked, and my grandmother took care of us. However, as time went by, living with your in-laws became very difficult to the point that neither my father nor my grandmother overlooked offenses. Holding a grudge and unforgiveness ruled their lives for over 30 years.

      Growing up in this environment was very difficult. My father and my grandmother would coexist but would not speak to each other. 

      The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:9, “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NLT

      Did you know that when a friend or a family member hurts us, we have a choice? 

      Proverbs 17:9 says that we should disregard the faults of others. Forgiving faults and overlooking offenses help build and restore friendships. We may be tempted, especially in an argument, to bring up all the mistakes the other person has made. Love, however, keeps our mouth shut-difficult though that may be. 

      So, what does this mean? I’ve learned throughout the years that bringing a personal attack about someone into an argument leads to more resentments and broken relationships. It’s essential to stay focused on the topic being discussed. As simple as this may sound, it’s tough to follow, especially during a heated argument. That would only add more fuel to the fire, not extinguish it.

      So, how are we supposed to handle unforgiveness? First, the Lord gave us His Word to help us become more like Jesus. Then, as we grow to be like Jesus, we will acquire God’s ability to overlook others to deepen our relationships with them.

      We can either accept their apology, forgive them, and keep the relationship, or we can hold a grudge, even if they are contrite, and end up more distant from them. 

      Friends, I don’t know if you can relate to this concept but be encouraged. As we become more like Jesus, we will live in peace and learn to overlook offenses. Remember, beloved, regardless of the number of times we have and will fall back into sin, Jesus’ sacrifice still covers us. He will not leave us in darkness. He will continue to do His good work in us. 

      Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word and Your unfailing love. Thank you for reminding me that I do have a choice to overlook an offense and live in peace with others. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

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    33. Faith is not Works, but Trust

      Faith is not Works, but Trust

      And Jesus said to him, “Go, your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 NIV

      Have you ever asked yourself, “If only I had enough faith, God would listen to me? Have you ever had someone tell you-“You need to have more faith if you want God to move.”

      I often wondered if I had enough faith; perhaps God then would hear my prayers and heal my loved ones. 

      The truth is, faith has nothing to do with works. Faith entails more than merely believing in something. Faith is living in a way that shows our trust in God no matter what’s going on in our lives. Hebrews 11 highlights champions of the faith from the Old Testament who trusted and obeyed God in the face of difficult situations.

      In Mark 10, we meet a man named Bartimaeus who was born blind. Each day he would sit by the roadside to beg for money or food. When Bartimaeus hears that Jesus was passing by, he begins to shout, “Son of David, have mercy of me.” The crowd kept telling him to be quiet. But Bartimaeus shouted even louder. Finally, Jesus stopped and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Then Jesus, full of compassion and mercy, said, “Go, your faith has made you well.”

      Friends, faith isn’t work that qualifies you or me to receive a response from God. Faith is the spiritual force within us that takes hold of the answer God has already joyfully and willingly provided for us. When we believe God’s goodness, kindness, and faithfulness; when we believe He is for us; when we believe that Jesus’s sacrifice was all-sufficient; when we believe that our acceptance by God is based on Jesus’ perfect work on the cross, and not on our efforts then our faith reaches out and accesses what God has given us already. 

      Faith isn’t something we do to get God to move or change His mind. Instead, it is the calm, confident assurance that our Heavenly Father has already moved- that everything you and I could ever need has been given abundantly, supplied through Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

      I’m not sure where you are or what you may be going through right now but be encouraged beloved, we have an amazing Father who loves us and who has provided through Jesus’ finished work on the cross everything we will ever need. Even when we can’t see or feel it, God is working behind the scenes for our good. 

      Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for reminding me today that you have given me everything I need through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. I believe in you, your goodness, and your unfailing love. I believe you are for me, and I believe what Your Word says about me. Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you were willing to die so that I would not spend eternity without you.

    34. Come to Me

      Come to Me

      Do you ever feel like life is getting too much to handle that you want to throw in the towel? I’ve been there many times, friends. But the good news is that Jesus has come to ease our burdens and carry our loads. All we need to do is “be still” and know that He will fulfill all His promises. So, all you need to do is talk to Him. 

      As if you were sitting in a coffee shop with a friend and talking about everything going on in your life. Maybe you want your friend to listen while sharing your feelings or pouring out your heart.

      Friends, Jesus is the perfect friend who wants to enjoy your company, who wants to know what makes you happy or sad. His invitation is simple, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” But how do we find rest in this crazy world? By trusting Jesus with all our cares and believing in our hearts that He is faithful and will always fulfill his promises. After all, He loved us so much that He was willing to die for you and me. Why? Because He didn’t want to spend eternity without you and me.

      Friends, join me in discovering the unique treasure of knowing Jesus and trusting in Him.

      “Breakfast With Jesus” is a website that encourages us to sit with Jesus and learn about who He is and who we are in Him.

      It’s as if you and I are entering a quiet place where we can be still before Him.

      Friends, Jesus is waiting for us with open arms. All we need to do is accept His invitation.