Scripture:
They still did not understand the significance of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe. Mark 6:52
Observation:
Jesus was extremely patient with His disciples. Many times they were slow to gain insight on Jesus’ messages and miracles. They were so perplexed and astonished at the miracle of the feeding of thousands that they couldn’t catch up with what Jesus was doing next. Mark is quick to point out the reason of their behavior - hardness of heart. They had Messiah right in front of them and they couldn’t see Him or recognize Him. The hardness of their heart caused them to not believe. One thing is to is to doubt what someone tells you, and another is to doubt what you have seen with your own eyes. They were second guessing themselves and couldn’t believe what was already happening before them.
Application:
Hardness of heart is not a demonized attitude. In fact, it’s very common in all of us and regularly practiced by default. As followers of Christ we may try to push our way. But when an instruction that contradicts or challenges where we want to go is given, our hardness of heart will motivate several thoughts and attitudes that may not please God. We may try to undermine, rationalize, and/or stubbornly make a case for our ways. Our choice should always be to trust and obey, even when we don’t understand what God is asking for. I should appreciate the patience of the Holy Spirit and all my mentors and teachers that have been bearing with my hardness of heart. I should trust them and obey them, softening my heart, and embracing an attitude of genuine submission to the divine order of God.
Also as a leader, I must extend patience and compassion at all times, especially to those under my care that have a hardened heart and that undermine my instructions or cannot listen to my lessons. I must not treat these people as if they were stupid or rebellious. I must extend the same compassion the Lord Jesus gives me when I’m the one slow and hard to listen His instructions for my life.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I truly want to be more like your Son Jesus when it comes to be a servant leader. Let me be more patient and compassionate with those who are hardened. They are not worse than me, and I’m not better than them. We all love you and want the blessings of faithfulness in our lives. Let us be obedient in your ways. Let us be soft in heart to your instructions, and guide us into a more trustworthy relationship with you. Amen!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
THE TENSION BETWEEN RULES AND RELATIONSHIPS. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath. And I, the Son of Man, am master even of the Sabbath!” Mark 2:27-28
Observation:
The Pharisees made a big deal about Jesus and his disciples’ activities on the Sabbath. They had rules about the Sabbath that were sometimes ridiculous. They took one of the ten commandments and built a whole commentary based on hundreds of rules about the Sabbath. This tradition came so far as to change the original intent of God with t he Sabbath. Jesus challenged that mindset and brings back the original intent for God’s rules--to benefit people. Jesus points out that the best way to solve a tension between rules and relationships is to air on the side of relationships without breaking the original intent of the rules.
Application:
Rules are important and necessary because they provide margins that define the pathway in front of us. Just like cones properly arranged in a traffic hazard zone provide a clear lane for flow, rules are meant to benefit the people that use them. One problem comes if we get rid of the cones and allow people to drive over the hazards, hoping for no accidents. Another problem comes when the cones become barricades rather than delineators. People get stalled and flow is interrupted. This creates a tension that must be balanced. And when someone with authority deals with the tension and tries to arrange the cones in the right way, some other people will get offended. These people deal with this tension by putting rules about people. For them is more important to follow procedure than being effective. Rules become red tape. And this generates frustration and sometimes rebellion. We need to deal with tension by honoring people above the rules. And this mindset requires a greater sense of discipline and discernment. Rules are to bless people, not to make their lives more complicated. We need to embrace rules, but we need to manage them well so they never become more important than relationships.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I put rules above relationships, or when I dismiss certain rules in order to make people happy. Give me wisdom and discernment to deal with this in a way that honors you. Amen!
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath. And I, the Son of Man, am master even of the Sabbath!” Mark 2:27-28
Observation:
The Pharisees made a big deal about Jesus and his disciples’ activities on the Sabbath. They had rules about the Sabbath that were sometimes ridiculous. They took one of the ten commandments and built a whole commentary based on hundreds of rules about the Sabbath. This tradition came so far as to change the original intent of God with t he Sabbath. Jesus challenged that mindset and brings back the original intent for God’s rules--to benefit people. Jesus points out that the best way to solve a tension between rules and relationships is to air on the side of relationships without breaking the original intent of the rules.
Application:
Rules are important and necessary because they provide margins that define the pathway in front of us. Just like cones properly arranged in a traffic hazard zone provide a clear lane for flow, rules are meant to benefit the people that use them. One problem comes if we get rid of the cones and allow people to drive over the hazards, hoping for no accidents. Another problem comes when the cones become barricades rather than delineators. People get stalled and flow is interrupted. This creates a tension that must be balanced. And when someone with authority deals with the tension and tries to arrange the cones in the right way, some other people will get offended. These people deal with this tension by putting rules about people. For them is more important to follow procedure than being effective. Rules become red tape. And this generates frustration and sometimes rebellion. We need to deal with tension by honoring people above the rules. And this mindset requires a greater sense of discipline and discernment. Rules are to bless people, not to make their lives more complicated. We need to embrace rules, but we need to manage them well so they never become more important than relationships.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I put rules above relationships, or when I dismiss certain rules in order to make people happy. Give me wisdom and discernment to deal with this in a way that honors you. Amen!
Monday, October 27, 2008
THE REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with boldness and teaching about he Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. Acts 28:30-31
Observation:
What an amazing way to close the book of Acts. Paul was able to get to the place God revealed to him. He was at Rome, faithfully preaching and teaching without serious opposition. Paul’s faithfulness was tested with persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. But he was able to endure all of them. He trusted God and His plan to take him to Rome to proclaim the Good News. He knew that God was faithful, so he was bale to be faithful. And the best part of all, is that God rewarded his faithfulness and Paul became the instrument of God to proclaim the Gospel around the known world in a relatively short period of time.
Application:
Faithfulness trumps personal ability and it will always bring the rewards that God has promised. Paul was many things, but his greatest virtue was faithfulness. He trusted God’s revelation of getting to Rome, the most influential place in the world, to proclaim the most powerful message ever delivered. When he saw all the doors closing and no way of escape, he trusted God and had hope for a miracle. Every single time God rescued him. It’s amazing what faithfulness to God and His promises does in our lives. No matter what opposition we face, when we are faithful and endure, we will walk into the promises of God trusting not in our abilities, but in God’s faithfulness. Today I’m encouraged to face any opposition, any kind of roadblock, and any kind of storm, knowing that God has a redeeming purpose on the other side of my trials. My hope is still alive because I remain faithful to the One who is always faithful.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being always faithful and true. You have given clear images of the future that become blurry when we face opposition. But your faithfulness makes me endure and helps me to be more faithful to you. Please remind me of what waits on the other side of the storm. Show me what is coming after the test. Reveal to me the reward that will come to your people as i continue being faithful to you. Grant me more faithfulness to honor you and to advance your kingdom in the few years I have ahead of me. Thank you Lord. Amen!
For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with boldness and teaching about he Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. Acts 28:30-31
Observation:
What an amazing way to close the book of Acts. Paul was able to get to the place God revealed to him. He was at Rome, faithfully preaching and teaching without serious opposition. Paul’s faithfulness was tested with persecutions, beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. But he was able to endure all of them. He trusted God and His plan to take him to Rome to proclaim the Good News. He knew that God was faithful, so he was bale to be faithful. And the best part of all, is that God rewarded his faithfulness and Paul became the instrument of God to proclaim the Gospel around the known world in a relatively short period of time.
Application:
Faithfulness trumps personal ability and it will always bring the rewards that God has promised. Paul was many things, but his greatest virtue was faithfulness. He trusted God’s revelation of getting to Rome, the most influential place in the world, to proclaim the most powerful message ever delivered. When he saw all the doors closing and no way of escape, he trusted God and had hope for a miracle. Every single time God rescued him. It’s amazing what faithfulness to God and His promises does in our lives. No matter what opposition we face, when we are faithful and endure, we will walk into the promises of God trusting not in our abilities, but in God’s faithfulness. Today I’m encouraged to face any opposition, any kind of roadblock, and any kind of storm, knowing that God has a redeeming purpose on the other side of my trials. My hope is still alive because I remain faithful to the One who is always faithful.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being always faithful and true. You have given clear images of the future that become blurry when we face opposition. But your faithfulness makes me endure and helps me to be more faithful to you. Please remind me of what waits on the other side of the storm. Show me what is coming after the test. Reveal to me the reward that will come to your people as i continue being faithful to you. Grant me more faithfulness to honor you and to advance your kingdom in the few years I have ahead of me. Thank you Lord. Amen!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A MORE ACCURATE MESSAGE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
He (Apollos) had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:25-26
Observation:
Apollos was a bold speaker and messenger of the Good News. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence about Jesus but he only knew about the baptism on water. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained him a more accurate way, that includes the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture refers to this teaching as a “more accurate” way of God. In fact, in the book of Acts we keep reading about believers that were not aware to this part of the Gospel and that were taught about this topic for their complete revelation of the work of God and His grace over them. The early disciples knew that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit was an essential part of their daily walk with God.
Application:
Interesting to find about many honest and sincere believers today that only know about the baptism on water, but have no understanding of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. We must be like Priscilla and Aquila in that regard when we encounter people like Apollos. We need to take them aside and explain the way of God more accurately. As a shepherd, I need to be eager to see our flock not only understanding but also living under the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I need to feed them well and include this important part of the gospel in their spiritual diet.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for the precious gift of your Holy Spirit in my life. Great to walk in a more accurate way. Please help me to take people aside and explain them about this wonderful experience, that is part of the blessings we have because of the cross. Fill our church with your Holy Spirit and let all our people experience the blessing of being baptized with fire from heaven. Amen!
He (Apollos) had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:25-26
Observation:
Apollos was a bold speaker and messenger of the Good News. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence about Jesus but he only knew about the baptism on water. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained him a more accurate way, that includes the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture refers to this teaching as a “more accurate” way of God. In fact, in the book of Acts we keep reading about believers that were not aware to this part of the Gospel and that were taught about this topic for their complete revelation of the work of God and His grace over them. The early disciples knew that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit was an essential part of their daily walk with God.
Application:
Interesting to find about many honest and sincere believers today that only know about the baptism on water, but have no understanding of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. We must be like Priscilla and Aquila in that regard when we encounter people like Apollos. We need to take them aside and explain the way of God more accurately. As a shepherd, I need to be eager to see our flock not only understanding but also living under the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I need to feed them well and include this important part of the gospel in their spiritual diet.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for the precious gift of your Holy Spirit in my life. Great to walk in a more accurate way. Please help me to take people aside and explain them about this wonderful experience, that is part of the blessings we have because of the cross. Fill our church with your Holy Spirit and let all our people experience the blessing of being baptized with fire from heaven. Amen!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ESSENTIAL "BURDENS." By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
For it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden that these essentials - that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Acts 15:28-29
Observation:
The Early Church fathers understood the importance of honoring basic essentials in the disciplines of new Gentile converts. In many ways, these essentials were “burdens” necessary for their well-being, spiritual growth, sanctification, and witnessing. The good care of their bodies was seen as an essential concern for new believers to follow. A healthy diet and a godly sexual life were very important, at the top of the list. When this foundation is not strong, other disciplines cannot be built. The apostles did not want new believers slaved in a lifestyle that compromises in those areas. They know that when believers walk away from sexual immorality, idol worship, and unhealthy habits, they will be free and do very well in their spiritual journey.
Application:
These essential burdens set up by the apostles deal with “separation” and “consecration.” A follower of Christ is not like everyone else. A disciple of Jesus doesn’t share the same values of the world, but pledges allegiance to the Word of God and its principles. If these are essential burdens for a disciple, then those who are called to be leaders must build upon them. These basics must remain strong and unshakable for a leader in the church. If as a leader I’m not consecrated/separated for the purposes of God, then I will not be free and i will certainly loose effectiveness in my purpose of service. Such separation, the acceptance and observance of these essentials, defines the starting point of a lifestyle that honors God and His Word. An the word the apostles used is “BURDEN” because this essential are not easy. They require sacrifice, hard work, endurance, determination, and self-control. The flesh must be kept weak. And as the flesh weakens, the spirit becomes stronger.
I think every leader must take a regular break and evaluate their walk with the Lord and their observance of these essential burdens. As I dedicate my life to the ministry, I need to be honest about my separation from the things of the world and live consistently in a lifestyle of consecration - to the things that establish a firm foundation in my worship to God. I must honor the Lord with my body and mind, not just with my sermons. counseling, prayers, and songs. The more I do that, the more prepared I will be for the next season of leadership.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to focus more in the way I keep my entire life consecrated to you. Let me have a consistent determination about this, honoring daily your Word, serving you with all my heart, and pruning back to these essentials in my lifestyle. Let me live separated from this world and dedicated to your purposes. Amen!
For it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden that these essentials - that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Acts 15:28-29
Observation:
The Early Church fathers understood the importance of honoring basic essentials in the disciplines of new Gentile converts. In many ways, these essentials were “burdens” necessary for their well-being, spiritual growth, sanctification, and witnessing. The good care of their bodies was seen as an essential concern for new believers to follow. A healthy diet and a godly sexual life were very important, at the top of the list. When this foundation is not strong, other disciplines cannot be built. The apostles did not want new believers slaved in a lifestyle that compromises in those areas. They know that when believers walk away from sexual immorality, idol worship, and unhealthy habits, they will be free and do very well in their spiritual journey.
Application:
These essential burdens set up by the apostles deal with “separation” and “consecration.” A follower of Christ is not like everyone else. A disciple of Jesus doesn’t share the same values of the world, but pledges allegiance to the Word of God and its principles. If these are essential burdens for a disciple, then those who are called to be leaders must build upon them. These basics must remain strong and unshakable for a leader in the church. If as a leader I’m not consecrated/separated for the purposes of God, then I will not be free and i will certainly loose effectiveness in my purpose of service. Such separation, the acceptance and observance of these essentials, defines the starting point of a lifestyle that honors God and His Word. An the word the apostles used is “BURDEN” because this essential are not easy. They require sacrifice, hard work, endurance, determination, and self-control. The flesh must be kept weak. And as the flesh weakens, the spirit becomes stronger.
I think every leader must take a regular break and evaluate their walk with the Lord and their observance of these essential burdens. As I dedicate my life to the ministry, I need to be honest about my separation from the things of the world and live consistently in a lifestyle of consecration - to the things that establish a firm foundation in my worship to God. I must honor the Lord with my body and mind, not just with my sermons. counseling, prayers, and songs. The more I do that, the more prepared I will be for the next season of leadership.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to focus more in the way I keep my entire life consecrated to you. Let me have a consistent determination about this, honoring daily your Word, serving you with all my heart, and pruning back to these essentials in my lifestyle. Let me live separated from this world and dedicated to your purposes. Amen!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
GREAT REMINDERS. By Pastor Fernando.
Scripture:
After preaching the Good news in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations. Acts 14:21-22
Observation:
As new local churches were born and many more disciples were added to the Church, Paul and Barnabas identified and addressed the need to encourage and remind the followers of Christ about persistence and endurance in their walk with God. The Scripture never makes false promises of constant happiness or uninterrupted growth. In fact, the true messengers of the Good News are have very realistic expectations about life, its troubles, its discouragement, and its ups and downs. They know that faith is fragile and vulnerable to the blows of life. They knew that the new disciples were facing opposition from other people and from their own flesh. They were discouraged because of persecution and injustice. That’s why Paul and Barnabas were full time encouragers. They want to make sure that those who started strong with God remain strong for the the rest of the journey.
Application:
Life is tough, even for a genuine believer of Christ. Our relationship with God doesn’t make us immune to suffering. In fact, because our relationship with God we will be expose to tribulations and pain. The closer we get to God, the bigger targets we become to the enemy’s fury. For that reason, I need to be an encouragement for people around me. It’s easier to be deceived and think that strong starts in the faith will carry people to the end of the race. On the contrary, I’ve seen people that crush soon after they become excited about the Lord. I need to be reminded of this reality in my own life, but also in the lives of others. I need to remind others about this reality and strengthen them when their faith is weakened. Having the key to access to the Kingdom of God is a gift of God’s grace, but we must endure the journey towards the gates of the kingdom and endure to the end. We will succeed, as long as we don’t let go of the key.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be always an encourager for those around me. Give me discernment and a especial anointing to speak refreshing words to those who feel weak in their faith. Let me share the Good News in a way that turns people from their despair to hope. Let me remind people of the realities of our journey with you, that even though we suffer all kinds of tribulations and unfair treatment, you are always with us and for us. Amen!
After preaching the Good news in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and barnabas returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations. Acts 14:21-22
Observation:
As new local churches were born and many more disciples were added to the Church, Paul and Barnabas identified and addressed the need to encourage and remind the followers of Christ about persistence and endurance in their walk with God. The Scripture never makes false promises of constant happiness or uninterrupted growth. In fact, the true messengers of the Good News are have very realistic expectations about life, its troubles, its discouragement, and its ups and downs. They know that faith is fragile and vulnerable to the blows of life. They knew that the new disciples were facing opposition from other people and from their own flesh. They were discouraged because of persecution and injustice. That’s why Paul and Barnabas were full time encouragers. They want to make sure that those who started strong with God remain strong for the the rest of the journey.
Application:
Life is tough, even for a genuine believer of Christ. Our relationship with God doesn’t make us immune to suffering. In fact, because our relationship with God we will be expose to tribulations and pain. The closer we get to God, the bigger targets we become to the enemy’s fury. For that reason, I need to be an encouragement for people around me. It’s easier to be deceived and think that strong starts in the faith will carry people to the end of the race. On the contrary, I’ve seen people that crush soon after they become excited about the Lord. I need to be reminded of this reality in my own life, but also in the lives of others. I need to remind others about this reality and strengthen them when their faith is weakened. Having the key to access to the Kingdom of God is a gift of God’s grace, but we must endure the journey towards the gates of the kingdom and endure to the end. We will succeed, as long as we don’t let go of the key.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to be always an encourager for those around me. Give me discernment and a especial anointing to speak refreshing words to those who feel weak in their faith. Let me share the Good News in a way that turns people from their despair to hope. Let me remind people of the realities of our journey with you, that even though we suffer all kinds of tribulations and unfair treatment, you are always with us and for us. Amen!
Friday, October 17, 2008
A HIGHER SENSE OF INTEGRITY. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Job would consecrate his sons, raising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:5
Observation:
Job had a high sense of integrity, not only for himself, but also for those under his care. As a father and a leader, he was very disciplined and quick to seek God’s face in repentance every single morning. He couldn’t bear the thought of having a day away from God’s presence and favor. He wouldn’t allow any sin, intentional or unintentional, to take away from his integrity and devotion to God. Hi tried to keep a high sense of integrity before the Lord. Perhaps that’s the reason why God is so confident that Job will pass Satan’s test. Job’s higher sense of integrity gave him the ability to get up again after each blow of the enemy, not to curse God, but to continue devoted to Him.
Application:
In many ways, I’m the only one responsible for the stewardship of my integrity. Fortunately, there are people around me that love me and help me to be aware and deal with my blind spots. These are people that pray for me and would confront me in a loving way in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before God. In the same way, I must help those under my care to pay attention to their habits, actions, attitudes, motivations, and mindset in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before the Lord. I should never be afraid to confront towards a higher sense of integrity. As I personally pursue integrity, others will pursue it. This principle gives me focus as I pray for other people, specially for my family, my ministry team, and the congregation I lead. The integrity of my heart as a shepherd covers and influences many people. For that reason, I must pay close attention to my regimen, specially in my intercession early in the morning, to make sure that my sense of integrity for me and for those around me is always higher.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to live as a good steward of integrity. I need your help to be more responsible for my own high sense of integrity, but also to stand on the gap and intercede for the integrity of your people. Help me Lord to be more passionate about it, with a holy zeal about it, and with a deeper understanding of the ways you pour out your favor upon your people. Create in me a consistent heart for intercession and a desire to restore daily a high sense of integrity. Amen!
Job would consecrate his sons, raising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. Job 1:5
Observation:
Job had a high sense of integrity, not only for himself, but also for those under his care. As a father and a leader, he was very disciplined and quick to seek God’s face in repentance every single morning. He couldn’t bear the thought of having a day away from God’s presence and favor. He wouldn’t allow any sin, intentional or unintentional, to take away from his integrity and devotion to God. Hi tried to keep a high sense of integrity before the Lord. Perhaps that’s the reason why God is so confident that Job will pass Satan’s test. Job’s higher sense of integrity gave him the ability to get up again after each blow of the enemy, not to curse God, but to continue devoted to Him.
Application:
In many ways, I’m the only one responsible for the stewardship of my integrity. Fortunately, there are people around me that love me and help me to be aware and deal with my blind spots. These are people that pray for me and would confront me in a loving way in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before God. In the same way, I must help those under my care to pay attention to their habits, actions, attitudes, motivations, and mindset in order to keep a higher sense of integrity before the Lord. I should never be afraid to confront towards a higher sense of integrity. As I personally pursue integrity, others will pursue it. This principle gives me focus as I pray for other people, specially for my family, my ministry team, and the congregation I lead. The integrity of my heart as a shepherd covers and influences many people. For that reason, I must pay close attention to my regimen, specially in my intercession early in the morning, to make sure that my sense of integrity for me and for those around me is always higher.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to live as a good steward of integrity. I need your help to be more responsible for my own high sense of integrity, but also to stand on the gap and intercede for the integrity of your people. Help me Lord to be more passionate about it, with a holy zeal about it, and with a deeper understanding of the ways you pour out your favor upon your people. Create in me a consistent heart for intercession and a desire to restore daily a high sense of integrity. Amen!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
THE "FRUITFULNESS OVER TIME" TEST. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it i of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39
Observation:
Gamaliel’s advice was result of both his experience and intuition about the problems that the high council had with the Early Church. God used this man to influence the religious establishment of the time and spare the lives of the apostles. Gamaliel’s words reveal the essence of a test of “fruitfulness over time.” A drastic intervention was not necessary. If a movement comes from God, nobody can stop it. But if it’s not of God, it will be stopped one way or another. And history proved that the apostles were following the plan of God. The church continued growing with supernatural force and today is about to reach every person of the world with its message.
Application:
As many people claim they are following God’s will for their lives, sometimes is very difficult to discern how much of their plans are being blessed by God. Fruitfulness over time is the best way to test if God truly has directed someone. There is no point to oppose somebody with judgments alone. It's true that some people have character flaws, or they are mavericks in their own approach of life; but still, God could be calling them to serve Him in a very unique capacity. Who am I to oppose them? Who am I to stand on their way? I should never speak judgment against them or criticize their approach. I should leave them alone and wait and see if God is truly with them. I should never be fighting against God! I don’t know all the answers and I’m not the only one with vision for this city and for our church.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your faithfulness and for putting your hand and favor over my life. I don’t deserve so much and yet you bless me constantly. Please give me wisdom to always chose your side. I don't want to be found fighting against your plans. I always want to be found in your team. Let me apply the fruitfulness over time test as I deal with new ideas, vision, and people. Amen!
“So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it i of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39
Observation:
Gamaliel’s advice was result of both his experience and intuition about the problems that the high council had with the Early Church. God used this man to influence the religious establishment of the time and spare the lives of the apostles. Gamaliel’s words reveal the essence of a test of “fruitfulness over time.” A drastic intervention was not necessary. If a movement comes from God, nobody can stop it. But if it’s not of God, it will be stopped one way or another. And history proved that the apostles were following the plan of God. The church continued growing with supernatural force and today is about to reach every person of the world with its message.
Application:
As many people claim they are following God’s will for their lives, sometimes is very difficult to discern how much of their plans are being blessed by God. Fruitfulness over time is the best way to test if God truly has directed someone. There is no point to oppose somebody with judgments alone. It's true that some people have character flaws, or they are mavericks in their own approach of life; but still, God could be calling them to serve Him in a very unique capacity. Who am I to oppose them? Who am I to stand on their way? I should never speak judgment against them or criticize their approach. I should leave them alone and wait and see if God is truly with them. I should never be fighting against God! I don’t know all the answers and I’m not the only one with vision for this city and for our church.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your faithfulness and for putting your hand and favor over my life. I don’t deserve so much and yet you bless me constantly. Please give me wisdom to always chose your side. I don't want to be found fighting against your plans. I always want to be found in your team. Let me apply the fruitfulness over time test as I deal with new ideas, vision, and people. Amen!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
STILL & QUIET. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with his mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord - now and always. Psalm 131.
Observation:
This short psalm of David reveals the importance of simplicity and devotion before God. When we deal with the different issues of life, our nature is to overcome, to find solutions, and to make our lives much better. However, this pursuit can become very self-centered, prideful, and independent from God’s wisdom and intervention. That’s why David concluded that it was better to be still and quiet before God, just like a child runs to his mother for safety and comfort. This is the only way we truly put our hope in God, not in our efforts and good intentions.
Application:
How easy is to focus on our own strength when facing situations in life. My kids love to be independent until they hit a roadblock. They run to me or mommy to find help because they trust in our ability to help them. One of the tragedies of getting old is forgetting that we can always put our trust in God. Self-confidence is important and needs to be developed. God wants is to learn how to solve problems, to make wise decisions, and to deal wisely with difficulties. But He never wants us to do it alone. He is always there to assist us when we need Him. So let’s be still and quiet before God in a regular basis. Let’s dedicate more time and energy to be devoted to him, without barring our head in the ground. We can put all our trust in him, now and forever.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times I want to walk though the issues of life on my own, thinking that I can do things without you. let me be more dependent on you, just like my kids are dependent on me and Karen. Let me put my trust in you for all the issues I face daily in my personal life, in my family, and in the ministry. Amen!
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with his mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord - now and always. Psalm 131.
Observation:
This short psalm of David reveals the importance of simplicity and devotion before God. When we deal with the different issues of life, our nature is to overcome, to find solutions, and to make our lives much better. However, this pursuit can become very self-centered, prideful, and independent from God’s wisdom and intervention. That’s why David concluded that it was better to be still and quiet before God, just like a child runs to his mother for safety and comfort. This is the only way we truly put our hope in God, not in our efforts and good intentions.
Application:
How easy is to focus on our own strength when facing situations in life. My kids love to be independent until they hit a roadblock. They run to me or mommy to find help because they trust in our ability to help them. One of the tragedies of getting old is forgetting that we can always put our trust in God. Self-confidence is important and needs to be developed. God wants is to learn how to solve problems, to make wise decisions, and to deal wisely with difficulties. But He never wants us to do it alone. He is always there to assist us when we need Him. So let’s be still and quiet before God in a regular basis. Let’s dedicate more time and energy to be devoted to him, without barring our head in the ground. We can put all our trust in him, now and forever.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times I want to walk though the issues of life on my own, thinking that I can do things without you. let me be more dependent on you, just like my kids are dependent on me and Karen. Let me put my trust in you for all the issues I face daily in my personal life, in my family, and in the ministry. Amen!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
NOT AFRAID. By Pastor Jan Tomai.
Scripture:
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God." "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7
Observation:
Jesus wants us to fear God (v. 4, 5). Not a "paralyzing, I am going to die" fear, but fear or awe that brings forth trust in God's love for us. Jesus goes on to declare that nothing happens in our lives that God does not care about. No detail is too small for his consideration. God looks on our lives with ever expanding vision.
Application:
I have heard these scriptures many times. And, each time I read them aloud, afresh, and believe...I am brought closer to God. I have this habit of letting struggles, difficulties, or crises interrupt my relationship with God. I find myself moving away from God. There God is just waiting on me with open, loving arms to trust in Him once more. He didn't move, I did. And, if His love isn't complete enough in caring about every detail of my life, He stirs up the Spirit within me (Haggai 1:14) to bring me closer to Him. Isn't it awesome to have a God of detail!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being a God of detail. Help me to walk each and everyday with renewed trust in You. I lift up those that need to experience our loving God. Those that are under unfair judgment, pain, suffering, loss of family, friendships, divorce, poverty, depression or whatever struggles they face day to day. I give you praise and thanks for what You have already done and what You are about to do!
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God." "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7
Observation:
Jesus wants us to fear God (v. 4, 5). Not a "paralyzing, I am going to die" fear, but fear or awe that brings forth trust in God's love for us. Jesus goes on to declare that nothing happens in our lives that God does not care about. No detail is too small for his consideration. God looks on our lives with ever expanding vision.
Application:
I have heard these scriptures many times. And, each time I read them aloud, afresh, and believe...I am brought closer to God. I have this habit of letting struggles, difficulties, or crises interrupt my relationship with God. I find myself moving away from God. There God is just waiting on me with open, loving arms to trust in Him once more. He didn't move, I did. And, if His love isn't complete enough in caring about every detail of my life, He stirs up the Spirit within me (Haggai 1:14) to bring me closer to Him. Isn't it awesome to have a God of detail!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being a God of detail. Help me to walk each and everyday with renewed trust in You. I lift up those that need to experience our loving God. Those that are under unfair judgment, pain, suffering, loss of family, friendships, divorce, poverty, depression or whatever struggles they face day to day. I give you praise and thanks for what You have already done and what You are about to do!
LESSONS FROM FASTING & FEASTING. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
His father said to him, “Look dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and now has come to life! He was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:31-32
Observation:
While the prodigal son is suffering and forced into fasting, he learns life-changing lessons. He learns how good the love of his father was and how much better life is for a slave in his father’s house than for a man living faraway from it. He is forced to fast the good things in life. Then he decides to humble himself and return to his father. He is received with great joy and the father calls for a feast to celebrate the return of his lost son. But the other brother was upset. He had many opportunities to feast with his father but he didn’t. He was so close to the father, yet so far away from his heart. He forgot the lessons in the feast.
Application:
The lessons we learn fasting cannot be forgotten while feasting. Many of us have gone through difficult seasons, sometimes because of our stubbornness and poor decisions, and sometimes because of the path God sets for us. Either way, we will be exposed to life-changing lessons as certain things and comforts are stripped away. These are the lessons learned in the fasting. But tough times are not forever. Better times are always in the horizon and our fasting will turn into feasting. The key is to never forget the lessons while fasting. Human nature forgets easily and forces people to go over and over again over the same lesson. Allowing this will make us like the jealous brother, so close to the love of our heavenly Father, yet so far away from his heart.
Jesus interrupts the story and doesn’t let us know what happens next. I think he does that on purpose to let us finish the story. For the prodigal son, I hope that he learned the lessons while fasting, and that he never forgot them while feasting in his father’s house. For the older brother, I hope that he humbled himself and joined the party. I have choices in front of me and I want to honor our father no matter what. I want to steward well the lessons learned in tough times so I can have a humble heart when I go through better times.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the lessons learned in tough times. I don’t want to learn them again. So please help me to remember them when times are better. Help me to grow in wisdom and understanding in a way the brings glory to your name. Amen!
His father said to him, “Look dear son, you and I are very close, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and now has come to life! He was lost, but now he is found.” Luke 15:31-32
Observation:
While the prodigal son is suffering and forced into fasting, he learns life-changing lessons. He learns how good the love of his father was and how much better life is for a slave in his father’s house than for a man living faraway from it. He is forced to fast the good things in life. Then he decides to humble himself and return to his father. He is received with great joy and the father calls for a feast to celebrate the return of his lost son. But the other brother was upset. He had many opportunities to feast with his father but he didn’t. He was so close to the father, yet so far away from his heart. He forgot the lessons in the feast.
Application:
The lessons we learn fasting cannot be forgotten while feasting. Many of us have gone through difficult seasons, sometimes because of our stubbornness and poor decisions, and sometimes because of the path God sets for us. Either way, we will be exposed to life-changing lessons as certain things and comforts are stripped away. These are the lessons learned in the fasting. But tough times are not forever. Better times are always in the horizon and our fasting will turn into feasting. The key is to never forget the lessons while fasting. Human nature forgets easily and forces people to go over and over again over the same lesson. Allowing this will make us like the jealous brother, so close to the love of our heavenly Father, yet so far away from his heart.
Jesus interrupts the story and doesn’t let us know what happens next. I think he does that on purpose to let us finish the story. For the prodigal son, I hope that he learned the lessons while fasting, and that he never forgot them while feasting in his father’s house. For the older brother, I hope that he humbled himself and joined the party. I have choices in front of me and I want to honor our father no matter what. I want to steward well the lessons learned in tough times so I can have a humble heart when I go through better times.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the lessons learned in tough times. I don’t want to learn them again. So please help me to remember them when times are better. Help me to grow in wisdom and understanding in a way the brings glory to your name. Amen!
FINDING ALTERNATIVES. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
The gardener answered, “Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty o fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.”
Luke 13:8-9
Observation:
Jesus gives a parable that sets the expectations for fruitfulness in the lives of his followers. After a period of time, fruit must be evident. The Lord expects the fruit to come. And if there is barrenness, the Lord will consider cutting any barren source. However, those who serve the Lord in the harvest always find alternatives to bring fruit in people’s lives. They are creative and diligent to try again, to pay extra attention, to nurse and to care for a person that has difficult times producing fruit. They don’t give up easily. But there’s a moment of reality where they even recognize that certain people are not going to be fruitful under their care and they must let them go.
Application:
The compassion of God and His patience with each one of us is amazing. He gives us opportunities to grow and to become more fruitful. We cannot miss those opportunities. We cannot neglect our growth or get distracted. We need to do whatever it takes in our lives to bring froth the fruit God expects in our lives. If we need extra care and fertilizer, so be it! We need to be willing to put ourselves in the hands of the Holy Spirit and in our spiritual leaders to find a path of blessing and productivity in our own lives.
In the same way, as we help others to become fruitful, we need to be creative and diligent in doing everything we can to boos their fruitfulness. At the same time, we must be discerning about those who will waste our time, efforts, and resources, and that do not want to be fruitful. We must be really good in investing where fruit thrives and in walking away from where barrenness is taking over.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please make my life always fruitful and thriving with your glory and grace. Touch our hearts and let us be diligent in producing the fruit of your presence that you expect in each one of us. Also give me innovation and diligence to invest in people that want to be fruitful. Help me to walk away from those who are wasting my time and my energy with a compassionate heart and with a clear conscience. I love you Lord. Amen!
The gardener answered, “Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty o fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.”
Luke 13:8-9
Observation:
Jesus gives a parable that sets the expectations for fruitfulness in the lives of his followers. After a period of time, fruit must be evident. The Lord expects the fruit to come. And if there is barrenness, the Lord will consider cutting any barren source. However, those who serve the Lord in the harvest always find alternatives to bring fruit in people’s lives. They are creative and diligent to try again, to pay extra attention, to nurse and to care for a person that has difficult times producing fruit. They don’t give up easily. But there’s a moment of reality where they even recognize that certain people are not going to be fruitful under their care and they must let them go.
Application:
The compassion of God and His patience with each one of us is amazing. He gives us opportunities to grow and to become more fruitful. We cannot miss those opportunities. We cannot neglect our growth or get distracted. We need to do whatever it takes in our lives to bring froth the fruit God expects in our lives. If we need extra care and fertilizer, so be it! We need to be willing to put ourselves in the hands of the Holy Spirit and in our spiritual leaders to find a path of blessing and productivity in our own lives.
In the same way, as we help others to become fruitful, we need to be creative and diligent in doing everything we can to boos their fruitfulness. At the same time, we must be discerning about those who will waste our time, efforts, and resources, and that do not want to be fruitful. We must be really good in investing where fruit thrives and in walking away from where barrenness is taking over.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please make my life always fruitful and thriving with your glory and grace. Touch our hearts and let us be diligent in producing the fruit of your presence that you expect in each one of us. Also give me innovation and diligence to invest in people that want to be fruitful. Help me to walk away from those who are wasting my time and my energy with a compassionate heart and with a clear conscience. I love you Lord. Amen!
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