I'M JUST THE MESSENGER. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and in their homes, they continued to teach and preach this message: "The Messiah you are looking for is Jesus."
Acts 5:41-42

OBSERVATION
The disciples suffered all kinds of trials for their faithful preaching of the Gospel. They wee imprisoned, judged, reprimanded, and flogged. What a contrast when comparing them with the attitude of the Israelites when leaving Egypt and suffering in the desert. Instead of being discouraged, the disciples rejoiced in their sufferings and considered themselves in a high place of honor with God as they felt dishonored by men for preaching the gospel. They did not stop doing what was right! They continued preaching the message of hope boldly, not only privately in their homes, but also publicly at the Temple.

APPLICATION
Living under the freedoms America holds dear, we may not be persecuted like the early disciples did when proclaiming the message of hope. But still the enemy of our souls will find a way to discourage us from proclaiming the good news. Accusations of lack of depth in my preaching has come in the past, comes in the present and will continue coming in the future. Criticism, weather is good intended or not, has the potential to discourage me or to spur joy. Still, no matter how experienced I get, accusation and criticism has a negative effect on me. It may try to steal away my confidence. But God's Word comes to the rescue and reassures me of my assignment. I know that I'm not the best speaker and that I will never be as brilliant and eloquent like some others. But I know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. This week I started to feel down because of some recent criticisms, but quickly the Lord turned the whole ting into an opportunity to rejoice. My sufferings for preaching the Gospel are small compared to what other brothers and sisters are suffering in other parts of the world. I can take the criticism and use it to rejoice before God!

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me of my assignment to feed your sheep, even when some of them don't like what I give them. I receive people's well intended criticism to become a better preacher and I rejoice in the fact that my sufferings, as small as they are, are going to encourage me to do a better job, to be more creative, more effective, and more resourceful to proclaim the most important message that there is. Amen!

WALKING AHEAD OF PEOPLE. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
The Lord said to Moses, "Take your shepherd's staff, the one you used when you truck the water of the Nile. Then call some of the leaders of Israel and walk ahead of the people. I will meet you by the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come pouring out. Then the people will be able to drink." Moses dis as he was told; and as the leaders looked on, water gushed out.
Exodus 17:5-6

OBSERVATION
The generation of Israel coming out Egypt were very difficult to please. Their mindset is set in complaining rather than in trusting God for provision. They grumbled and complained to Moses about water, and they were furious! But God, in His unfailing love, instruct Moses to take his staff and walk ahead of the people. This is very interesting because there is an important shift in Moses style to lead the people. He was one that walked with the people, but now he has to walk ahead of the people. He has to be few steps ahead into God's direction. He cannot be part of the caravan, he has to scout, he has to lead, and before everyone else, he needs to find the place where god's presence is with his provision.

APPLICATION
Many times we focus in the immaturity and grumblings of the Israelites so much that we miss Moses' desire to be transparent and point out his mistakes. Moses should have been walking ahead of the people, meeting God in the places where his glory will reveal, and then, leading people to those places. The context suggests that he wasn't. He was constantly in the defensive as a leader - puting down fires, reacting to peole's complains, shooting from the hip. But God's simple suggestion to walk ahead the people is very important to embrace and apply.

For the last three months I've ben evaluating several areas in my life and I realize that I've been in the defensive for way too long. I know how to be on the offensive because I've been there. When leaders are on the defensive, they give room for people to complain, grumble, and bail out. I think is important to realize that as leaders we set the bar. If things are not happening, we need to look in our leadership capabilities rather than in people's flaws. Leaders walk ahead of the people. And if they don't, they will be overun by the people.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for speaking to me and for instructing me to walk ahead of the people. I'm sorry I've been allowing so much stuff in my life that causes me to slow down and walk with the people. Help me to learn the lesson and to take few steps ahead so I can lead people better. Let me find you as I run towards your presence. Help me to be the shepherd your people deserves. Amen!

SEEING THE BEST IN PEOPLE. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers." 

Luke 22:31-33

OBSERVATION:

When Simon Peter was at his worst, Jesus was able to see the best in him. The Lord knew that Simon's faith was going to be tested because Satan was after everything in Simon Peter's life: his calling, his relationship with God, and his self-esteem. Instead of being indifferent to the situation, Jesus pleaded in prayer before God, as a loving shepherd, interceding for Simon Peter. Even though Peter was walking in the wrong path, Jesus trusted that he would find humility to repent and strength to build up his brothers. When fixing his eyes on Peter, Jesus never saw a failure in front of him. He saw a "rock," a man that would overcome and that would find redemption and victory in his life.

APPLICATION

When people walk away from God's will for their lives I have a tendency to neglect the good shepherding skills that Jesus displays. When people go their own way, I must try everything I can to stop them. But at the end, I cannot force them to change and I have to let them go. Nevertheless, I must never abandon them in my prayers. I have the tendency to limit my perspective and see people by the mistakes they make. But this morning I'm encouraged to see people with the eyes of redemption. I need to have the heart of Jesus to shepherd people well by seeing the best in them. Even when they hurt me by their decisions, I need to trust that they will see the light and embrace the redemptive plan of God in the future. I need to intercede for them, that they will pass the test, and that they will embrace humility and repentance quickly. I need to trust that God can still use them for great things in the kingdom in spite of their poor choices.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I don't see the best in people. I want to be a good shepherd, that genuinely cares for them, even when they choose to walk away from your will. The enemy is after the sheep that you have entrusted under my care. Some of them will go through difficult tests of faith. Let me be on your side as I intercede for them. Guard my heart from negligence or any kind of bitterness against them. Let me trust in your redemptive plan for their lives. I love you Lord. Amen!

VICTIM OR VICTOR. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I'm concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives o many people."
Genesis 50:19-20

OBSERVATION
Joseph displays the heart of God when it comes to extend grace and mercy to those who have offended him in the past. His brothers did something horrible to him, yet Joseph responded gracefully and kindly when he had the power to punish them. He understood that when you do what is right, even if life treats you unfairly, God is just and will redeem you. Joseph did not became a victim of the circumstances. He was the victor over his circumstances. Also in Luke we can see Jesus' perspective on his sufferings. He refers to Himself as a "rejected stone," that in God's hands would become the "cornerstone." Jesus was not a victim of the circumstances. He conquered over all His trials and brought a redemption greater than words.

APPLICATION
The path of redemption can be easily compromised when we assume the attitude of a victim. One of the worse attitudes in the human spirit is the sense of hopelessness people have because of what others have done against them. Joseph proved that becoming victims of our circumstances does not help to overcome them. The best approach is to embrace redemption and to see the power of God at work changing the tables on the enemy. I've seen this miracle over and over again. The biggest pattern of all, the cross of Calvary, both the symbol of death and redemption, proves once and for all that God is fair. He will always redeem the righteous.

In my own life, when thinking about what some people have done against me, or neglected to offer me, I know I would waste my time thinking in how I've been the victim of the circumstances. Race, culture, country of origin, education, or any other aspect of my life that could be perceived as a disadvantage by some, will be used by God to bring redemption. I will conquer when others have predicted doom. Because of God's pattern of grace, I will also extend kindness and forgiveness when the tables are changed and I have the upper hand. In those moments, we cannot seek revenge, or to run quickly to bring punishment, or misuse our authority to carry on a personal vendetta. Our power and authority is given to be kind and to display the love and grace of God. That's how we become victors, not victims.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for all the circumstances in which I've been rejected, put down, distrusted, and even offended. I refuse to become a victim of those circumstances. Rather, I choose to walk tall, to embrace your assignment, and to be faithful to what You call me to do. Please help me to stay focus as I embrace the path of victory over my circumstances. As promotion comes and more authority becomes available, please help me to use it wisely, not for personal gain, or for revenge. But help me to use my authority to be kind to those who rejected me hurt me. Let me follow Joseph's example, and let me be more like you. Amen!

HIS KINGDOM IN ME. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like yeast used by a woman making bread. Even though she used a large amount of flour, the yeast permeated every part of the dough."
Luke 13:18-19

OBSERVATION
When Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, He made a point about the influence of His kingdom as a whole. When His Kingdom comes into our lives, it will reach, affect, and transform all areas in our lives. We cannot be selective where we want the Kingdom to rule. We cannot make separate compartments and allow the kingdom influence those we choose. God's work in our lives is comprehensive, it's excellent, and it's guaranteed to be successful. Just like yeast reaches and transforms every molecule of the dough, God's Kingdom will transform every area of our lives. We cannot stop this if we truly have the Kingdom. And if we don't experience this kind of work, maybe the Kingdom has not been activated to work on our lives.

APPLICATION
One of the best evidences of the presence of the Kingdom of God in our own lives is the consistent conviction of the Holy Spirit to make us whole, to make us holy. When the reality of the Kingdom of God comes into our lives, it will transform every single area, no exceptions. Sooner or later, our King Jesus conquers all areas of our heart that have been under control of sin and death. He wants to bring life, hope, and transformation. During this season God wants to remind me about the way His kingdom grows in me. He wants to conquer all areas of my life. He wants to transform my sinful habits, my poor attitudes, my compulsions, my weaknesses. He wants to do a good work in me, not a mediocre one. His kingdom is working in us, so I need to let His rule touch every molecule of who I am.

PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for convicting me more and more about advancing your kingdom in every area of my heart. Please reach and transform every molecule, purifying who I am, making me whole, making me holy, making me more like You. Let the yeast of your Glory touch every thought, every habit, and every action. Let the image of Jesus be shaped in me as you conquer every area in my life. Show me where I have made compartments, separate areas that I keep for myself, areas where I need to surrender to your gentle rule. Reach until the last and make me whole. I love your work in me Jesus! Amen.

IMPOSSIBLE PROMISES. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE

"Then the Lord did exactly what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant, and she gave a son to Abraham in his old age. It all happened at the time God said it would." Genesis 21:1-2

OBSERVATION

The promise that God made to Abraham and Sarah violated all the natural laws of conception. Becoming a father at the age of 100 could be possible, but becoming a mother at the age of 90 is a big deal. God's promise to this couple challenged not only nature, but also their faith. Abraham believed God, and that was counted as righteousness. He made many mistakes and poor decisions. He sinned like everyone else. But his faith in God's promises, even in the things that seem impossible, made Abraham a righteous man. 

APPLICATION

What I found amazing about this passage is that God does his miracles they way He wants and in the time He wants. If it was up to Abraham and Sarah, they would have been wanted that son to come in a different time and in different circumstances. But the whole point is that our faith in God's promises must be comprehensive. A promise of God must be believed, but also tested over time, and sometimes over impossible circumstances. It's easy to believe in promises that are possible, easy to accomplish on our own. But very often God promises things that challenge nature and all possibilities. It can only be accomplished by Him. He wants us to believe Him and to trust Him.

When I look in to my life, there are many promises that God has for me. The majority are easy to believe and expect to happen. But there are few promises that are challenging, maybe easy to believe, but hard to accomplish. I need to trust that God will do His work in His time and according to His will. Those promises will be tested and I must be stubborn to stick to what God has promised. Sometimes He reveals the timing of things and sometimes He doesn't. To Abraham and Sarah He told them the timeline of His miracle. To me God has revealed a timeline for certain things, not for everything. The bottom line is that I must trust in His divine plan and expect that His promises will be fulfilled at the right time, even when things seem impossible. 

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for all your promises for my life, even the ones that are difficult to embrace because of their supernatural nature. Help me to embrace them, believe in them, and wait patiently for their fulfillment. I submit to your timing of things, knowing that everything is better in your time, not mine. I love you and rust you. Amen!

SPECKS AND LOGS. By Pastor Fernando

Scripture:

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log on your own? How can you think in saying, 'Friend, let me help you get rid of the speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First, get rid of the log from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."

Luke 6:41-42

Observation:

Jesus wants His followers to help one another and to deal with the issues that hinder them from moving forward in their journey. But before we help each other, we must be willing to help ourselves. Jesus clearly points out that we cannot help others if we do not deal with our issues first. It doesn't mean that we must be perfect in order to help others. It means that we need to deal with our issues and confront them before anything else. If we want wholeness for others, we need to be willing to pursue wholeness for ourselves first.

Application:

It intrigues me every time that certain people come to me with a sincere desire to help other people. Their desire to help is noble, but they are not aware that they need help themselves before anything else. And when they are aware of it, they think that they are going to get better as they help others. The reality is that we must undergo through a process of restoration with God before we want to be used to restore others. Otherwise, we will be blind leading the blind. For that reason, I must be willing to deal with the logs of my own eyes before I deal with people's specks. I cannot neglect God's work on me. The most important ministry is the ministry of my own heart. I need to be willing, diligent and resilient in pursuing healing and restoration for my own life before pretending helping others. My call to serve others is a call to serve myself. I must make sure that Jesus is removing the logs from my eyes so I can share through experience how God removes specks from people's eyes. The more vulnerable and humble I am about this, the more efficient and effective my ministry to others will be.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, I come to you with a humble heart, willing to work in the logs of my own eyes. Help me to avoid the hypocrisy that has become normal and that tells me that I can neglect my logs in order to take care of other people's specks. Please restore my life and make me whole in the many areas I'm not reflecting your image. Transform me according to your Son Jesus. Make me more like you. And as you remove the logs from my eyes, let me help those who have specks in theirs. Amen!