SCRIPTURE
"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
OBSERVATION
As Paul closes his letter, he gives a direct exhortation in the form of a locker room speech. These 5 instructions must be considered priority in or lives. But this morning I want to focus in the first two. First, Paul encourages poeple to be on guard. The reality of our warfare cannot be overlooked. We are in battle. And if we put our hands down, the enemy is going to take advantage of such mistake. We must keep our guard up at all times.
Second, we are also to stay true to what we believe. As we read about the people of Israel in the book of Judges, we see the complete opposite. They believed in God, but lived in a way that did not honor Him. They neglected their relationship with God and they traded their devotion for God for the worship of local idols. Not staying true to what we believe will create a fatal inconsistency and destroy our relationship with God.
APPLICATION
The best fighters are the ones that give no opportunity to the enemy by keeping their guard always up. I've been noticing how easy is for the enemy to get me when for some reason or another, my guard is relaxed. Maybe I feel that the enemy will not take advantage. But the truth is that the enemy will waste an opportunity to attack. He is patient waiting for my guard to be down. I cannot put mu hands down. I cannot give up doing what is right. As tireing as it could be, I cannot let my hands down, I must remain in the offensive, always expecting the punches of the enemy.
Also, I need to watch the ares where I cmpromise my beliefs, especilly in small details. I don't think tha I will go a worshp some idols, but I know how easy is to not stay true to what I believe. I believe that daily devotions are important, but I will not do my dvotions every day. I believe that quick repentance is the key to deal with unresolved sin, yet sometimes it takes me too long to humble myself before God. I need to be more carefull in this, staying true to my convictions, even when it hurts to honor them.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I cannot folow these principles on my own. I need your help. Let me be mindful of the deception that the enemy always uses to punch me in the face. Let me keep my guard up at all times. Help me o avoid distractions. Also let me see the importance of staying true to my beliefs. I don't wnat inconsistency between what I believe and what I do and between my words and my actions. Amen!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
OVER-PROMISE & UNDER-DELIVER. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
But the people answered Joshua saying, "No, we are determined to serve the Lord!" "You are accountable for this decision," Joshua said. "You have chosen to serve the Lord." "Yes," they replied, "we are accountable."
Joshua 24:21-22
OBSERVATION
As Joshua is giving a farewell speech, he exhorts the people to serve exclusively the Lord and challenges them to chose God above anything else. The people responded positively, but emotionally. They were determined to serve the Lord and accepted all the terms of the covenant with God. However, they did not realize that they could not remain faithful to God. Soon after, the people went after the worship of idols and forgot their part of the contract. They over-promised, but under-delivered.
APPLICATION
Over-promising and making impulsive vows may sound very spiritual. We find amazement in the passionate claims that some people make when expressing their desires. We clap and we set high hopes on them. But their promises were impetuous. They have no ability to fulfill them. So they disappoint us when they cannot deliver. They had good intentions, but they could not bring the results. Rash vows are one o the anchors that the enemy uses to bring guilt in our lives. So let's not give the enemy more opportunities to bring us down. Let's under-promise and then over-deliver.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the impulsiveness and hasty expressions of good intentions tat I have made. I have failed you so many times! I wanted to set a bar so high that I cannot even see it anymore. Let me bring my goals into a level that can be accomplished. Let me make promises that I will be able to fulfill. Help me to over-deliver in every single commitment that I make before You and before men. Amen!
But the people answered Joshua saying, "No, we are determined to serve the Lord!" "You are accountable for this decision," Joshua said. "You have chosen to serve the Lord." "Yes," they replied, "we are accountable."
Joshua 24:21-22
OBSERVATION
As Joshua is giving a farewell speech, he exhorts the people to serve exclusively the Lord and challenges them to chose God above anything else. The people responded positively, but emotionally. They were determined to serve the Lord and accepted all the terms of the covenant with God. However, they did not realize that they could not remain faithful to God. Soon after, the people went after the worship of idols and forgot their part of the contract. They over-promised, but under-delivered.
APPLICATION
Over-promising and making impulsive vows may sound very spiritual. We find amazement in the passionate claims that some people make when expressing their desires. We clap and we set high hopes on them. But their promises were impetuous. They have no ability to fulfill them. So they disappoint us when they cannot deliver. They had good intentions, but they could not bring the results. Rash vows are one o the anchors that the enemy uses to bring guilt in our lives. So let's not give the enemy more opportunities to bring us down. Let's under-promise and then over-deliver.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the impulsiveness and hasty expressions of good intentions tat I have made. I have failed you so many times! I wanted to set a bar so high that I cannot even see it anymore. Let me bring my goals into a level that can be accomplished. Let me make promises that I will be able to fulfill. Help me to over-deliver in every single commitment that I make before You and before men. Amen!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SCRIPTURE
So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I'm not like a boxer that misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
OBSERVATION
Paul knows exactly what he is doing. As he reveals his intention to find common ground with all people so we can bring them close to God, he explains that he is not moving intuitively but purposely. He knows what steps to take next because he has calculated the route, the pathway to follow. He is not throwing punches in the air hoping to hit something. He loves the harvest, so he studies the harvest. He tries to find creative ways to reach more people for Christ. But also, he has developed a regimen that keeps him in shape for the race. He is not going to sprint and be done after few yards. He know how to pace himself. He knows how to train so his body responds the way he wants.
APPLICATION
Learning to play squash is great challenge or me during this season of my life. I always liked racket sports so I understand the hard work that needs to be made in order to gain the skills. Drills and training are essential in order to play well. Sometimes I'm in the court and I can think in the right play to make, but my body does not reach, or my skills don't allow me to make the play I know is right. The same is true with our relationship with God. We know what to do in order to grow in our relationship with Christ, but our conditioning does not match our intentions. Our mind muscle over-promises, but out body muscle under-delivers. The only solution for this problem is a diligent regimen of drills and training.
During this fast the first things that the Lord has brought to my attention have to do with my spiritual regimen. There are certain disciplines that I have had embrace in the past that are now neglected. I used to get up every morning to slide on the side of my bed, and on my knees, consecrate my day before the Lord in prayer. There are so many other drills that I must diligently practice so my conditioning is ultimate to face the challenges of my assignment.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for reminding me once again the importance of my spiritual regimen. Let me be diligent in those things that are non-negotiable and that will condition my mind and body for an amazing service to you and your people. Let me go back to those things that are sometimes monotonous but that will shape me and sharpen me to become more effective in my assignment. Training and drills are not the most enjoyable thing, but they are worth it when I know what they are producing in me. Help me to always remember that!
So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I'm not like a boxer that misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27
OBSERVATION
Paul knows exactly what he is doing. As he reveals his intention to find common ground with all people so we can bring them close to God, he explains that he is not moving intuitively but purposely. He knows what steps to take next because he has calculated the route, the pathway to follow. He is not throwing punches in the air hoping to hit something. He loves the harvest, so he studies the harvest. He tries to find creative ways to reach more people for Christ. But also, he has developed a regimen that keeps him in shape for the race. He is not going to sprint and be done after few yards. He know how to pace himself. He knows how to train so his body responds the way he wants.
APPLICATION
Learning to play squash is great challenge or me during this season of my life. I always liked racket sports so I understand the hard work that needs to be made in order to gain the skills. Drills and training are essential in order to play well. Sometimes I'm in the court and I can think in the right play to make, but my body does not reach, or my skills don't allow me to make the play I know is right. The same is true with our relationship with God. We know what to do in order to grow in our relationship with Christ, but our conditioning does not match our intentions. Our mind muscle over-promises, but out body muscle under-delivers. The only solution for this problem is a diligent regimen of drills and training.
During this fast the first things that the Lord has brought to my attention have to do with my spiritual regimen. There are certain disciplines that I have had embrace in the past that are now neglected. I used to get up every morning to slide on the side of my bed, and on my knees, consecrate my day before the Lord in prayer. There are so many other drills that I must diligently practice so my conditioning is ultimate to face the challenges of my assignment.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for reminding me once again the importance of my spiritual regimen. Let me be diligent in those things that are non-negotiable and that will condition my mind and body for an amazing service to you and your people. Let me go back to those things that are sometimes monotonous but that will shape me and sharpen me to become more effective in my assignment. Training and drills are not the most enjoyable thing, but they are worth it when I know what they are producing in me. Help me to always remember that!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
SCRIPTURE
So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.
1 Corinthians 4:5
OBSERVATION
Paul here is pointing out the human tendency to jump to conclusions and to judge people's faithfulness based on our limited knowledge. We can only see the results that are tangible to our senses and our judgment is subjective, disingenuous at best, and unfair at worse. But God can reveal the secrets and the motives of people's hearts. His judgment alone is accurate and flawless. He alone can say who is faithful and who is not.
APPLICATION
In our culture is common to reward people for their superior performances. There are awards for every discipline. We like to recognize those who go beyond and above. On the other hand, our culture is also very critical of those who does not meet certain standards. Heroes and villains are depicted in lists of "the best of" and "the worse of." Competitions for best performances are everywhere, and along with them, the eccentric judges that are supposed to know it all.
Unfortunately, the same practice has been embraced by some followers of Christ in matters that only God has the complete facts to make an accurate assessment and judgment. Only God can say who is faithful and who is not. And the day certainly will come for each one of us to be measured by God Himself. He will open the book of our lives for everyone to see. Only then, the real heroes will emerge.
Two things need to be applied into my life about this. First, I must work in my faithfulness to God and His assignment for my life in the secret. I cannot pretend that my faithfulness is reflected in my human results. I can have the best performance on paper, but have the worse motives in my heart. I need to work on my heart and make sure that I'm honoring God. So when the book of my life opens for everyone to see, that there will be no surprises. Second, I cannot determine who is faithful and who is not. When I'm impressed by someone's performance, I need to remember that only God can determine if that person is faithful. And when I'm not impressed with their performance, it does not mean that they are not faithful. There are many unfaithful leaders that are praised and put on pedestals. There are many true faithful servants hidden somewhere where the spotlight does not reach.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that you are the judge, not me. Forgive me for the many times I have labeled people as faithful or unfaithful. You are the only one that can cast an accurate judgment. Help me to focus in my own assignment and to be faithful to You. And also keep me away from judging others. Let me respect them as I refrain from any kind of unfair assessments and labels. Amen.
So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.
1 Corinthians 4:5
OBSERVATION
Paul here is pointing out the human tendency to jump to conclusions and to judge people's faithfulness based on our limited knowledge. We can only see the results that are tangible to our senses and our judgment is subjective, disingenuous at best, and unfair at worse. But God can reveal the secrets and the motives of people's hearts. His judgment alone is accurate and flawless. He alone can say who is faithful and who is not.
APPLICATION
In our culture is common to reward people for their superior performances. There are awards for every discipline. We like to recognize those who go beyond and above. On the other hand, our culture is also very critical of those who does not meet certain standards. Heroes and villains are depicted in lists of "the best of" and "the worse of." Competitions for best performances are everywhere, and along with them, the eccentric judges that are supposed to know it all.
Unfortunately, the same practice has been embraced by some followers of Christ in matters that only God has the complete facts to make an accurate assessment and judgment. Only God can say who is faithful and who is not. And the day certainly will come for each one of us to be measured by God Himself. He will open the book of our lives for everyone to see. Only then, the real heroes will emerge.
Two things need to be applied into my life about this. First, I must work in my faithfulness to God and His assignment for my life in the secret. I cannot pretend that my faithfulness is reflected in my human results. I can have the best performance on paper, but have the worse motives in my heart. I need to work on my heart and make sure that I'm honoring God. So when the book of my life opens for everyone to see, that there will be no surprises. Second, I cannot determine who is faithful and who is not. When I'm impressed by someone's performance, I need to remember that only God can determine if that person is faithful. And when I'm not impressed with their performance, it does not mean that they are not faithful. There are many unfaithful leaders that are praised and put on pedestals. There are many true faithful servants hidden somewhere where the spotlight does not reach.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that you are the judge, not me. Forgive me for the many times I have labeled people as faithful or unfaithful. You are the only one that can cast an accurate judgment. Help me to focus in my own assignment and to be faithful to You. And also keep me away from judging others. Let me respect them as I refrain from any kind of unfair assessments and labels. Amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
DEEP SECRETS REVEALED. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But we know these things because God has reveled them to us by his Spirit, and His Spirit searches our everything and shows us even God's deep secrets.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
OBSERVATION
Only the Spirit of God can reveal the deep things of God. And God does not run out of secrets. He has prepared a clear path for each one of us and He wants to reveal each step at the proper time. He wants to show us the next step we must take and the right way to make crucial decisions. He wants to reveal new things that we are not even looking for. But according to Paul, we need to be soaked in the Spirit to be able to be in the same page to hear God in deeper places. Secrets are shared to people that are closer, not only in distance, but also in affection. Paul is encouraging us to have an intimate communion with the Spirit of God and as a result, the deep secrets of God for our lives will be revealed.
APPLICATION
During the time of fasting we are preparing to have, we must be expecting deeper revelations from God, hidden things to be found, and clear direction from Him. But more than anything, we will be able to have an encounter with the Lord that will reignite our passion for Him. We will see things that we have never seen before. We will hear things we have never hear before. We will imagine possibilities that could not be considered before. But all these cool blessings come because our desire to seek the Spirit's input in our lives. We need to humble ourselves before God and reach closer to His throne to the place where all His secrets are revealed. Through the Spirit of God we can approach closer to hear the conversations the heavenly Father has with Jesus about us. We will hear His plans, we will see a fresh vision that will make us more dependent in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please prepare our hearts to expect new and deep revelations from your heart to ours. Speak the words that we have never heard before. Let us see your plan for our lives like we have never seen it before. And let us imagine what your Spirit wants. Give us fresh vision for our personal lives and for our ministry. Bring us closer to you, but not just to get information from you, but to be more in love with you. Amen!
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But we know these things because God has reveled them to us by his Spirit, and His Spirit searches our everything and shows us even God's deep secrets.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
OBSERVATION
Only the Spirit of God can reveal the deep things of God. And God does not run out of secrets. He has prepared a clear path for each one of us and He wants to reveal each step at the proper time. He wants to show us the next step we must take and the right way to make crucial decisions. He wants to reveal new things that we are not even looking for. But according to Paul, we need to be soaked in the Spirit to be able to be in the same page to hear God in deeper places. Secrets are shared to people that are closer, not only in distance, but also in affection. Paul is encouraging us to have an intimate communion with the Spirit of God and as a result, the deep secrets of God for our lives will be revealed.
APPLICATION
During the time of fasting we are preparing to have, we must be expecting deeper revelations from God, hidden things to be found, and clear direction from Him. But more than anything, we will be able to have an encounter with the Lord that will reignite our passion for Him. We will see things that we have never seen before. We will hear things we have never hear before. We will imagine possibilities that could not be considered before. But all these cool blessings come because our desire to seek the Spirit's input in our lives. We need to humble ourselves before God and reach closer to His throne to the place where all His secrets are revealed. Through the Spirit of God we can approach closer to hear the conversations the heavenly Father has with Jesus about us. We will hear His plans, we will see a fresh vision that will make us more dependent in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please prepare our hearts to expect new and deep revelations from your heart to ours. Speak the words that we have never heard before. Let us see your plan for our lives like we have never seen it before. And let us imagine what your Spirit wants. Give us fresh vision for our personal lives and for our ministry. Bring us closer to you, but not just to get information from you, but to be more in love with you. Amen!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
THE WAY OF PERFECTION. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
"Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"
Galatians 3:3
OBSERVATION
There is always a human tendency to earn love by our own effort. God created us with this tendency so we can see the contrast between our human way to love and God's divine love. For God, love is about sacrificing to give people what they don't deserve. But for us, we try to do whatever it takes to deserve such love. And even when we first get it God's way, that we please God by believing in His promise and in the sacrifice of Christ, our tendency will be to slowly return to our default nature. Sooner or later, we will try to please God by human efforts. Paul is warning us about that tendency and encourage us to remain fresh in the understanding of grace.
APPLICATION
Our perfection as Christ followers will never be attained by following the rules. It will only come from the inside out as we trust in God's grace alone and as we let Him do the work in our hearts. We need to fight our self-righteous tendencies in a regular basis. Like a weed that will grow wildly if not controlled, self-righteousness can spread quickly in our hearts and minds. We cannot become slaves of regulations that we cannot follow anyway. We need to depend in God's grace, and in that alone.
In my personal life I can see how very often I'm trying to become perfect by human efforts. In our sincere desire to honor God with our lives, we assume that holiness is sinlessness and we try to keep a life without sin. The problem with that is that we are not free from the presence of sin in our lives. In Chirst we are dead to sin, but sin is not dead to us. Sin will be around us and sometimes will touch us. When that happens, our reaction cannot be just feel bad about our failure and feel rejected by God. Our reaction should be to trust in God's grace and to love Him becasue He first loved us knowing how messed up we are.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love that goes beyond my sin, my self-righteousness, and my inperfections. The only way to be perfect in your sight is by putiing our trust in You, in your sacrifice at the cross, and in your promise to shape Christ's image in our own character. Let my be always under the grace, not under the pressure to perform for You. Thank you for setting me free from my human tendencies and keep me humble and mindful about your grace. Amen!
"Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"
Galatians 3:3
OBSERVATION
There is always a human tendency to earn love by our own effort. God created us with this tendency so we can see the contrast between our human way to love and God's divine love. For God, love is about sacrificing to give people what they don't deserve. But for us, we try to do whatever it takes to deserve such love. And even when we first get it God's way, that we please God by believing in His promise and in the sacrifice of Christ, our tendency will be to slowly return to our default nature. Sooner or later, we will try to please God by human efforts. Paul is warning us about that tendency and encourage us to remain fresh in the understanding of grace.
APPLICATION
Our perfection as Christ followers will never be attained by following the rules. It will only come from the inside out as we trust in God's grace alone and as we let Him do the work in our hearts. We need to fight our self-righteous tendencies in a regular basis. Like a weed that will grow wildly if not controlled, self-righteousness can spread quickly in our hearts and minds. We cannot become slaves of regulations that we cannot follow anyway. We need to depend in God's grace, and in that alone.
In my personal life I can see how very often I'm trying to become perfect by human efforts. In our sincere desire to honor God with our lives, we assume that holiness is sinlessness and we try to keep a life without sin. The problem with that is that we are not free from the presence of sin in our lives. In Chirst we are dead to sin, but sin is not dead to us. Sin will be around us and sometimes will touch us. When that happens, our reaction cannot be just feel bad about our failure and feel rejected by God. Our reaction should be to trust in God's grace and to love Him becasue He first loved us knowing how messed up we are.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love that goes beyond my sin, my self-righteousness, and my inperfections. The only way to be perfect in your sight is by putiing our trust in You, in your sacrifice at the cross, and in your promise to shape Christ's image in our own character. Let my be always under the grace, not under the pressure to perform for You. Thank you for setting me free from my human tendencies and keep me humble and mindful about your grace. Amen!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
GREAT SIGNS, WRONG MESSAGE. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed.
Galatians 1:8
OBSERVATION
You can have all the right signs and miracles on your side, but if you don't have the right message, you are in trouble. As the Lord established the Law of Moses, He warns us about the possibility of prophets and leaders performing miraculous signs but proclaiming a message that turns people away from worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Ideally, leaders should have both, the amazing signs and the uncorrupted message. But if we must have to choose, we should always prefer to honor and proclaim the right message over pursuing signs and wonders.
APPLICATION
Every so often there is an interest in the body of Christ for the miraculous. Sometimes this interest is a genuine consequence of an increased faith. But sometimes it is the result of immaturity and insecurity. The lack of a solid foundation causes people to prefer the miraculous over sound doctrine. And some gifted leaders, that may or may not move in the power of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, start compromising the message. They center stage is for the miracles and the Gospel slowly becomes compromised. But according to both, the OT and the NT, the Gospel is preached and signs follow, not the other way around.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us a message that is freedom-giving and effective to bring hope and life. Let us proclaim this message in such a way that signs and wonders follow and conform that message. And as signs and wonders take place, let us always stay focus in Your glory and power, not in the miracles. Give us discernment to avoid leaders that are immature and insecure and that would rather be miracle chasers than truth seekers. Let us honor the Gospel, never diluting it, nor never compromising it. And as we devote ourselves to the Gospel, let us pass the test that shows that our love, devotion and alligience goes to you alone. Amen!
1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship them," 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Even if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message, let him be forever cursed.
Galatians 1:8
OBSERVATION
You can have all the right signs and miracles on your side, but if you don't have the right message, you are in trouble. As the Lord established the Law of Moses, He warns us about the possibility of prophets and leaders performing miraculous signs but proclaiming a message that turns people away from worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Ideally, leaders should have both, the amazing signs and the uncorrupted message. But if we must have to choose, we should always prefer to honor and proclaim the right message over pursuing signs and wonders.
APPLICATION
Every so often there is an interest in the body of Christ for the miraculous. Sometimes this interest is a genuine consequence of an increased faith. But sometimes it is the result of immaturity and insecurity. The lack of a solid foundation causes people to prefer the miraculous over sound doctrine. And some gifted leaders, that may or may not move in the power of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, start compromising the message. They center stage is for the miracles and the Gospel slowly becomes compromised. But according to both, the OT and the NT, the Gospel is preached and signs follow, not the other way around.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for giving us a message that is freedom-giving and effective to bring hope and life. Let us proclaim this message in such a way that signs and wonders follow and conform that message. And as signs and wonders take place, let us always stay focus in Your glory and power, not in the miracles. Give us discernment to avoid leaders that are immature and insecure and that would rather be miracle chasers than truth seekers. Let us honor the Gospel, never diluting it, nor never compromising it. And as we devote ourselves to the Gospel, let us pass the test that shows that our love, devotion and alligience goes to you alone. Amen!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
WILLING TO GIVE IT ALL AWAY. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Mark 12:41-44
OBSERVATION
Jesus taught His disciples that day that appearances are deceiving. While others look into impressive gifts, God is looking into the heart of the giver. God is not impressed with large gifts it they don't represent sacrifice. But when a person is willing to give sacrificially, out of faith, and out of sincere trust in God's love and His way to take care of their needs, God is not only impressed, He is also glorified.
APPLICATION
Giving out of our surplus does not mean too much. And if it doesn't mean too much to us, it doesn't mean too much to God. I need to see in my own life if I'm willing to give it all away in a second's notice. How fast can I walk away from all my possessions if God requests that from me. It seems that the more we get the harder it gets. The more stuff we acquire, the more difficult to give it away.We only want to give what's old, unused, meaningless, and unwanted. But this morning I feel encouraged to turn up my level of trust in God and be willing once again to give it all away. I've done this before, and God has always blessed me beyond my imagination.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, once again I come to you recognizing that nothing I steward is mine. All these things are yours and you can request them from me at anytime. But I can feel lately that such attitude is increasingly difficult, and I want to soften my heart in your presence. It's taking me too long to walk away from things. Please renew me and give me an increased sense of trust in your love for me. That if I loose it all, you will never leave me nor forsake me. Let me give to you sacrificially, not expecting something in return. I just want to simply trust you and your ways to care for my needs and to take me from glory to glory. Amen!
41Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Mark 12:41-44
OBSERVATION
Jesus taught His disciples that day that appearances are deceiving. While others look into impressive gifts, God is looking into the heart of the giver. God is not impressed with large gifts it they don't represent sacrifice. But when a person is willing to give sacrificially, out of faith, and out of sincere trust in God's love and His way to take care of their needs, God is not only impressed, He is also glorified.
APPLICATION
Giving out of our surplus does not mean too much. And if it doesn't mean too much to us, it doesn't mean too much to God. I need to see in my own life if I'm willing to give it all away in a second's notice. How fast can I walk away from all my possessions if God requests that from me. It seems that the more we get the harder it gets. The more stuff we acquire, the more difficult to give it away.We only want to give what's old, unused, meaningless, and unwanted. But this morning I feel encouraged to turn up my level of trust in God and be willing once again to give it all away. I've done this before, and God has always blessed me beyond my imagination.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, once again I come to you recognizing that nothing I steward is mine. All these things are yours and you can request them from me at anytime. But I can feel lately that such attitude is increasingly difficult, and I want to soften my heart in your presence. It's taking me too long to walk away from things. Please renew me and give me an increased sense of trust in your love for me. That if I loose it all, you will never leave me nor forsake me. Let me give to you sacrificially, not expecting something in return. I just want to simply trust you and your ways to care for my needs and to take me from glory to glory. Amen!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
FIGHTING MATERIALISM. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27
OBSERVATION
The disciples were astonished to hear that no one with a materialistic mindset could enter into heaven. Jesus is not saying that rich people cannot be saved. He is saying that those that are owned by their possessions, those that love their possessions more than the Kingdom of God will not enter into heaven. The disciples knew that love for possessions and materialism is a common human desire. We all have materialistic tendencies. No wonder they were so concerned. If this is true, then no one would be saved. But Jesus tells them that nothing is impossible to God. This does not mean that God would compromise and let materialistic people make it to heaven. What it means is that if people are willing, God can change our human tendency for materialism for a willingness to seek the Kingdom of God first.
APPLICATION
There is no human sinful behavior or mindset that God cannot overcome. Every person has an opportunity to face the Gospel and walk into an eternal relationship with God. But willingness to surrender all things before Him, to give away everything for the sake of the kingdom, is an unavoidable challenge. Good works without total surrender to God means nothing. That's why is so important that my heart i snot attached to anything in this world. For people that have little is easier to let things go. It's understandable that for those that have many things this challenge is more difficult. But we must be willing to let anything go at any moment's notice. Our heart and mind must be in the things of heven, not in the material possessions and perks of this world.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, even though in the past I have left everything for you, homes, cars, family, friends, my culture, etc., I can see that my human tendency for materialism can grow in my heart and mind. I want to move forward at your last minute request without thinking what I'm leaving behind. Everything I have is yours, so if you want it, you can have it. Let me have the same heart I had 11 years when I left everything for the Gospel. I was able to do that because there is nothing impossible for You yesterday, today, and forever. Amen!
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27
OBSERVATION
The disciples were astonished to hear that no one with a materialistic mindset could enter into heaven. Jesus is not saying that rich people cannot be saved. He is saying that those that are owned by their possessions, those that love their possessions more than the Kingdom of God will not enter into heaven. The disciples knew that love for possessions and materialism is a common human desire. We all have materialistic tendencies. No wonder they were so concerned. If this is true, then no one would be saved. But Jesus tells them that nothing is impossible to God. This does not mean that God would compromise and let materialistic people make it to heaven. What it means is that if people are willing, God can change our human tendency for materialism for a willingness to seek the Kingdom of God first.
APPLICATION
There is no human sinful behavior or mindset that God cannot overcome. Every person has an opportunity to face the Gospel and walk into an eternal relationship with God. But willingness to surrender all things before Him, to give away everything for the sake of the kingdom, is an unavoidable challenge. Good works without total surrender to God means nothing. That's why is so important that my heart i snot attached to anything in this world. For people that have little is easier to let things go. It's understandable that for those that have many things this challenge is more difficult. But we must be willing to let anything go at any moment's notice. Our heart and mind must be in the things of heven, not in the material possessions and perks of this world.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, even though in the past I have left everything for you, homes, cars, family, friends, my culture, etc., I can see that my human tendency for materialism can grow in my heart and mind. I want to move forward at your last minute request without thinking what I'm leaving behind. Everything I have is yours, so if you want it, you can have it. Let me have the same heart I had 11 years when I left everything for the Gospel. I was able to do that because there is nothing impossible for You yesterday, today, and forever. Amen!
Monday, March 2, 2009
CLEANSED BY WATER AND FIRE. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the requirement of the law that the LORD gave Moses: 22 Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead 23 and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water.
Numbers 31:21-23
OBSERVATION
After the battle against the Midianites, Moses ordered the soldiers to purify themselves and their spoils following the requirements of the Law. Some things had to be purified by fire, but everything had to be purified by water. Things made of precious metals and anything hardened that was used for common use, and especially when those things were used for pagan rituals, had to be purified in the fire and be redeemed to be used for holy purposes in the future. Then after cleansing by fire, those things will go through cleansing by water. But clothing and others accessories that could be destroyed in a fire were to be purified by water only. That's how things were redeemed according to the heart of God.
APPLICATION
Even though we don't live to please God according to the Law, we can find principles in the Law that are helpful to find redemption in our own lives. As we walk with Christ in our journey through life, we will find ourselves contaminated by the things of this world. God doesn't want us to be germophobics, legalistic, or focused in external religious appearances. However, He wants us to have a redemptive desire for the things that were used for unholy purposes in our past. Samson's willingness to risk his life for a temporary sexual gratification, after being cleansed by fire and water, God redeemed Him and used Samson to be willing to risk his life for the urposes of God and the destructions on his enemies. The same zeal Saul used to persecute the church, after being cleansed by fire an water, God redeemed that zeal and used Paul to preach the gospel around the world. God wants everything to go through the cleansing process of water, but some things need to go through the fire.
Some things in my daily life can be cleansed in a regular process of prayer and repentance before God, just like the ritual of purification by water. When I catch myself thinking incorrectly, or feeding a bad attitude, I can go and wash myself under the love and grace of God. Daily repentance for such normal exposure to the polluting things of this world is necessary and healthy. But there are other things in my life that require fire. Water is not enough to find cleansing for those things. I need to submit them to the consuming fire of God's presence. Deep rooted compulsions, hard habits to break, destructive behaviors, and other serious roadblocks must be exposed to the holy fire. Only in that way, I will find the proper cleansing that I need.
The Lord is calling me to expose certain things in my life to the fire, not just to water. I've been trying to find cleansing by water for things that are only cleansed by fire. I need to go the holy furnace of God's grace and trust in His power to bring cleansing in my heart. Only in that way the impurities will be removed away!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for your revelation about finding a consistent cleansing of my heart. Recently I've been noticing insecurities flaring up, wrong motives flirting with my decisions, and old and destructive bad habits trying to come back from the dead. I must take those things seriously. I cannot effectively deal with them just with water, with regular ways to find forgiveness through repentance. I need to walk into the furnace rather that into the basin. Take me into your consuming fire where corruption and impurities disappear. Bring me into a place where my life brings glory to your name and it's free from the things that do not honor you. I love you Lord! Purify my heart, let me be as refined gold and precious silver. Amen!
21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the requirement of the law that the LORD gave Moses: 22 Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead 23 and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water.
Numbers 31:21-23
OBSERVATION
After the battle against the Midianites, Moses ordered the soldiers to purify themselves and their spoils following the requirements of the Law. Some things had to be purified by fire, but everything had to be purified by water. Things made of precious metals and anything hardened that was used for common use, and especially when those things were used for pagan rituals, had to be purified in the fire and be redeemed to be used for holy purposes in the future. Then after cleansing by fire, those things will go through cleansing by water. But clothing and others accessories that could be destroyed in a fire were to be purified by water only. That's how things were redeemed according to the heart of God.
APPLICATION
Even though we don't live to please God according to the Law, we can find principles in the Law that are helpful to find redemption in our own lives. As we walk with Christ in our journey through life, we will find ourselves contaminated by the things of this world. God doesn't want us to be germophobics, legalistic, or focused in external religious appearances. However, He wants us to have a redemptive desire for the things that were used for unholy purposes in our past. Samson's willingness to risk his life for a temporary sexual gratification, after being cleansed by fire and water, God redeemed Him and used Samson to be willing to risk his life for the urposes of God and the destructions on his enemies. The same zeal Saul used to persecute the church, after being cleansed by fire an water, God redeemed that zeal and used Paul to preach the gospel around the world. God wants everything to go through the cleansing process of water, but some things need to go through the fire.
Some things in my daily life can be cleansed in a regular process of prayer and repentance before God, just like the ritual of purification by water. When I catch myself thinking incorrectly, or feeding a bad attitude, I can go and wash myself under the love and grace of God. Daily repentance for such normal exposure to the polluting things of this world is necessary and healthy. But there are other things in my life that require fire. Water is not enough to find cleansing for those things. I need to submit them to the consuming fire of God's presence. Deep rooted compulsions, hard habits to break, destructive behaviors, and other serious roadblocks must be exposed to the holy fire. Only in that way, I will find the proper cleansing that I need.
The Lord is calling me to expose certain things in my life to the fire, not just to water. I've been trying to find cleansing by water for things that are only cleansed by fire. I need to go the holy furnace of God's grace and trust in His power to bring cleansing in my heart. Only in that way the impurities will be removed away!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for your revelation about finding a consistent cleansing of my heart. Recently I've been noticing insecurities flaring up, wrong motives flirting with my decisions, and old and destructive bad habits trying to come back from the dead. I must take those things seriously. I cannot effectively deal with them just with water, with regular ways to find forgiveness through repentance. I need to walk into the furnace rather that into the basin. Take me into your consuming fire where corruption and impurities disappear. Bring me into a place where my life brings glory to your name and it's free from the things that do not honor you. I love you Lord! Purify my heart, let me be as refined gold and precious silver. Amen!
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