SCRIPTURE
From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.
1 Chronicles 12:32
OBSERVATION
Among all the armed warriors that joined David in Hebron, the men of Issachar were very special. They had a gift that no one else had. They had insight and discernment about the best course to follow for Israel. Their advice caused David to be successful in every step because these men knew something that anyone else knew. Their forecast was accurate and trustworthy. When facing difficult situations, they avoided emotional reactions but embraced wise responses. Of all the tribes of Israel, we don't hear much about Issachar. Maybe their desire was to be behind the curtain, serving the leaders without expecting recognition or the applause of people.
APPLICATION
One of the greatest blessings that a spiritual leader could have is people around him/her like the men of Issachar. I always recognize that my success as a leader is completely independent from my personal performance. The majority of what I have accomplished in leadership has come to fruition becasue of the women and men around me that understand the signs of the times and provide optimum advice in my steps. Our church wouldn't be today where it is without God using these precious leaders.
We need to equp and empower leaders that know the right time to do what needs to be done. Some poeple know what it nees to be done, but they are impatient, emotional, impetuous, and with poor sense of timing. We will never make optimum decisions like that. We need to become wise in what to do and when to do it. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to become like the men of Issachar. I have no doubt in my heart that God wants to teach us how to be like them.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please help our church to be magnet to atrack men and women like the men of Issachar. Also let us equip and empower leaders that will be like them and make optimum decisions for their personal lives and for their ministries. Let me be a leader that always invites people like them to provide their wisdom and insight without fear. Let us walk according to the signs of the times and bringing great blessings to your poeple. Amen.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
THE STORY BEHIND A STORY. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Matthew 11:18-19
OBSERVATION
As Jesus teaches his disciples and to some of the disciples of his cousin, John the Baptist, He reveals the importance of the conclusions we make about people based in our perception. He mentions that John the Baptist's dietary restrictions were perceived as demonic by some. He also points out that His own diet and behavior was perceived as negative and carnal. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus Himself were able to give the right impression to the majority because the people had the wrong expectations and they were not interested in finding the story behind the story. Behind all the reports of John the Baptist's odd behavior, there was a story of a righteous man willing to obey the path God traced for him. People were quick to judge him without finding the stories behind the story. The same happened to Jesus. Nicodemus seems interested in finding the story behind the story. But the great majority were making conclusions based in the first impressions. What a blessing they missed!
APPLICATION
I have become a fan of online news over TV news. However, it bothers me when editors and writers allure readers to get into a story with sensational headlines. And once you read the story behind the headlines, you get a different perspective on the news. When reading people, we cannot make our conclusions based on headlines, soundbites, and first impressions. We must be diligent to find the story behind the story. And we should refrain our conclusions until we get to the bottom.
The more I walk in the path of leadership, the more I realize the importance of collecting good information for decision making. It's amazing the amount of problems people have with each other because they don't find the story behind the story. They jump to conclusions without considering options. They don't give people an opportunity to explain their actions. They think the worse our of people rather that being gracious and give the benefit of a doubt. The result is distrust, disunity, and misjudgment.
Even though I cannot control what people think about me, I can control what I think about people. My responsibility as a leader and a mature believer is to find the story behind the story. I don't want to miss the blessings God has for us when we are diligent in building the right perception about others. There are people that may give me a bad first impression, but if I seek the story behind the story, I will find out that they are good people that simply are immature, naive, or unaware. There are other people that are masters in giving good first impressions, but if we seek diligently the story behind the story, we will find that they have evil intentions, wrong motives, and selfish ambitions.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I judge a book by its cover. Let me be more diligent about seeking the story behind the story until I exhaust relevant information. Let me have discernment and wisdom when leading people and when making conclusions about their intentions and actions. I don't want to miss the blessing you have for me. Help to to spread unity, trust, and harmony around me by showing first how to make wise decisions based in accurate information, and then by lovingly teach people how to seek diligently the story behind a story. Amen!
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
Matthew 11:18-19
OBSERVATION
As Jesus teaches his disciples and to some of the disciples of his cousin, John the Baptist, He reveals the importance of the conclusions we make about people based in our perception. He mentions that John the Baptist's dietary restrictions were perceived as demonic by some. He also points out that His own diet and behavior was perceived as negative and carnal. Neither John the Baptist nor Jesus Himself were able to give the right impression to the majority because the people had the wrong expectations and they were not interested in finding the story behind the story. Behind all the reports of John the Baptist's odd behavior, there was a story of a righteous man willing to obey the path God traced for him. People were quick to judge him without finding the stories behind the story. The same happened to Jesus. Nicodemus seems interested in finding the story behind the story. But the great majority were making conclusions based in the first impressions. What a blessing they missed!
APPLICATION
I have become a fan of online news over TV news. However, it bothers me when editors and writers allure readers to get into a story with sensational headlines. And once you read the story behind the headlines, you get a different perspective on the news. When reading people, we cannot make our conclusions based on headlines, soundbites, and first impressions. We must be diligent to find the story behind the story. And we should refrain our conclusions until we get to the bottom.
The more I walk in the path of leadership, the more I realize the importance of collecting good information for decision making. It's amazing the amount of problems people have with each other because they don't find the story behind the story. They jump to conclusions without considering options. They don't give people an opportunity to explain their actions. They think the worse our of people rather that being gracious and give the benefit of a doubt. The result is distrust, disunity, and misjudgment.
Even though I cannot control what people think about me, I can control what I think about people. My responsibility as a leader and a mature believer is to find the story behind the story. I don't want to miss the blessings God has for us when we are diligent in building the right perception about others. There are people that may give me a bad first impression, but if I seek the story behind the story, I will find out that they are good people that simply are immature, naive, or unaware. There are other people that are masters in giving good first impressions, but if we seek diligently the story behind the story, we will find that they have evil intentions, wrong motives, and selfish ambitions.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I judge a book by its cover. Let me be more diligent about seeking the story behind the story until I exhaust relevant information. Let me have discernment and wisdom when leading people and when making conclusions about their intentions and actions. I don't want to miss the blessing you have for me. Help to to spread unity, trust, and harmony around me by showing first how to make wise decisions based in accurate information, and then by lovingly teach people how to seek diligently the story behind a story. Amen!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
OUTSMARTING WOLVES. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
"Look, I am sending you as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
OBSERVATION
As Jesus sends His disciples to minister, He warns them about the real dangers that come with the territory. Jesus tells them that they will find situations and people that will prey on them like a pack of wolves. For that reason, the disciples need to learn how to avoid them by being shrewd without bringing harm. This is something very difficult. A sheep is not match for a pack of wolves. But Jesus says that we can face them if we are smart and gentle. We don't need to be defensive and ram wolves on our way to safety. We can trick them, we can outsmart them, we can confuse them, and we can leave them hungry.
APPLICATION
Almost in a weekly basis I encounter a situation or a person that displays the characteristics of what Jesus refers as "wolves." They are hungry and I look like dinner to them. They seem to always attack in packs. They show their sharp fangs, they threaten and they intimidate. To be honest, my first reaction is NOT to be smart and gentle. My first reaction is to fight. I might be like a sheep to them, but I can be a very mean sheep. And they may be stronger and ready to take me down, but I will give them the fight of their lives. This may sound courageous, but is simply flat stupid. Jesus says that I can be smart and gentle when dealing with this kind of situations. And if Jesus said it, I can bank on this.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom and the gentleness to deal with the pack of wolves that surround me, my family, and our church. Make me a master in the art of trap avoidance. Sometimes people team up with the pack of wolves and I don't want them to get hurt as I confront them. So please give me wisdom beyond mine to win them back to your side. Let me get out of their ambush without harming them. Give me the right words at the right time. Amen!
"Look, I am sending you as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
OBSERVATION
As Jesus sends His disciples to minister, He warns them about the real dangers that come with the territory. Jesus tells them that they will find situations and people that will prey on them like a pack of wolves. For that reason, the disciples need to learn how to avoid them by being shrewd without bringing harm. This is something very difficult. A sheep is not match for a pack of wolves. But Jesus says that we can face them if we are smart and gentle. We don't need to be defensive and ram wolves on our way to safety. We can trick them, we can outsmart them, we can confuse them, and we can leave them hungry.
APPLICATION
Almost in a weekly basis I encounter a situation or a person that displays the characteristics of what Jesus refers as "wolves." They are hungry and I look like dinner to them. They seem to always attack in packs. They show their sharp fangs, they threaten and they intimidate. To be honest, my first reaction is NOT to be smart and gentle. My first reaction is to fight. I might be like a sheep to them, but I can be a very mean sheep. And they may be stronger and ready to take me down, but I will give them the fight of their lives. This may sound courageous, but is simply flat stupid. Jesus says that I can be smart and gentle when dealing with this kind of situations. And if Jesus said it, I can bank on this.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom and the gentleness to deal with the pack of wolves that surround me, my family, and our church. Make me a master in the art of trap avoidance. Sometimes people team up with the pack of wolves and I don't want them to get hurt as I confront them. So please give me wisdom beyond mine to win them back to your side. Let me get out of their ambush without harming them. Give me the right words at the right time. Amen!
Monday, April 20, 2009
THE GOLDEN RULE. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."
OBSERVATION
The genius and simplicity of Jesus statement about the golden rule is so profound that is one of the godly principles that has crossover from the church to the secular culture. Its practicality will make not only the church better, but also our communities. However, we cannot allow our familiarity with the golden rule to become a nice slogan. It should be one of those non-negotiables and principles to live by at all times.
APPLICATION
Ever since I read the golden rule I've tried to apply it in my own life. But very often my behavior and attitude towards others are not consistent with it in many levels. One level is when I simply treat people in a way I don't want to be treated. This does not happen very often, but it happens more that I would like. Another level is when others treat me like I want to be treated, set the bar really high, but I don't return a treatment that is the same or higher. That does not happen often either. But when it happens, it reveals selfishness and pride. Another level is when I treat people like I want to be treated, but I do it expecting that they will do the same. And when they do not, I feel disappointed. I get frustrated because my situation is not fair.
This last level of application for the golden rule has been affecting me recently. There are people that I treat them with silk gloves and with great generosity. I cater for them with diligence and do them big favors as quick as I can and as excellent as I can. But when they don't appreciate or treat me the same way, I'm tempted to break the golden rule and stop treating people like I want to be treated. Why is that? I think the source of such thinking is based on false expectations. This rule is not an investment rule. It does not say, "If you do good things for people then people will do good things for you." It says, "Do good things to people regardless if they appreciate them or if they return the same attitude." By treating people as I want to be treated I will be living in a way that lines up with God's will for my life. So regardless of how others treat me, I will treat them the way I want to be treated.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, please forgive me for making my obedience to the golden rule conditional to false expectations about people. The truth of the matter is that sometimes people are going to be selfish, self-centered, and will not respond to me with the same grace and generosity I respond to them. In those moments, please let me have integrity to remain faithful to the golden rule. In all my relationships, let me a giver, not a taker. Help me to treat other people in an honorable not because of what they can do for me, but because of who they are in You - Your children. Amen!
"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."
OBSERVATION
The genius and simplicity of Jesus statement about the golden rule is so profound that is one of the godly principles that has crossover from the church to the secular culture. Its practicality will make not only the church better, but also our communities. However, we cannot allow our familiarity with the golden rule to become a nice slogan. It should be one of those non-negotiables and principles to live by at all times.
APPLICATION
Ever since I read the golden rule I've tried to apply it in my own life. But very often my behavior and attitude towards others are not consistent with it in many levels. One level is when I simply treat people in a way I don't want to be treated. This does not happen very often, but it happens more that I would like. Another level is when others treat me like I want to be treated, set the bar really high, but I don't return a treatment that is the same or higher. That does not happen often either. But when it happens, it reveals selfishness and pride. Another level is when I treat people like I want to be treated, but I do it expecting that they will do the same. And when they do not, I feel disappointed. I get frustrated because my situation is not fair.
This last level of application for the golden rule has been affecting me recently. There are people that I treat them with silk gloves and with great generosity. I cater for them with diligence and do them big favors as quick as I can and as excellent as I can. But when they don't appreciate or treat me the same way, I'm tempted to break the golden rule and stop treating people like I want to be treated. Why is that? I think the source of such thinking is based on false expectations. This rule is not an investment rule. It does not say, "If you do good things for people then people will do good things for you." It says, "Do good things to people regardless if they appreciate them or if they return the same attitude." By treating people as I want to be treated I will be living in a way that lines up with God's will for my life. So regardless of how others treat me, I will treat them the way I want to be treated.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, please forgive me for making my obedience to the golden rule conditional to false expectations about people. The truth of the matter is that sometimes people are going to be selfish, self-centered, and will not respond to me with the same grace and generosity I respond to them. In those moments, please let me have integrity to remain faithful to the golden rule. In all my relationships, let me a giver, not a taker. Help me to treat other people in an honorable not because of what they can do for me, but because of who they are in You - Your children. Amen!
Friday, April 17, 2009
FALSE CRACKED. By TJ Gorum
SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after he fasted 40 days and 40 nights then he became hungry and the tempter came. Matthew 4:1-2
OBSERVATION
Often I find myself more and more dismayed at where the Lord takes me in my life and what He allows me to go through. I wonder if Jesus ever felt the same way??? Here he is on the cusp of starting his public ministry. He just got baptized and then being led by the spirit he goes into the wilderness to fast and be tempted. LED by the spirit to endure a test and go through a season of hardship. Wow...that really doesn’t help me sleep at night! There will be times in my life where God will lead me to places where I will be tested. During those times I may meet the tempter as well...when I am weak, when I least expect it. And worst of all I can fall to the temptation. And to think…these seasons are God induced.
APPLICATION
I have never thought about the reason why Jesus fasted before? Was it to hear God more clearly? He heard perfectly. Was it to unleash spiritual power? He yielded it all. Whatever the reason, if Jesus exampled it and he was God, then I better be sure to practice it in my own life.
On top of that I have never thought about Jesus being tempted before. Was it possible for Jesus to be deceived? I’d like to say no, but it had to be. Why else would the devil try and waste his time? The devil may be defeated but he is not stupid!!! Surely in Jesus 100% God nature He couldn’t be deceived but in his 100% man nature surely he must have held the potential to be deceived! What a scary thought! Many people I know that are Christians think that because they love Jesus they will never be deceived. He (God) wouldn’t allow that to happen of course! Yet in today’s reading we see Jesus being led out to face circumstances just like this. And if it was possible for Jesus to be deceived and he had the whole God thing going for Him, than you better believe it is possible for me. I can love Jesus and be deceived in areas of my life. I may even be absolutely “sure” that I am right. I’ve yet to meet the person who is deceived and knows it. Could you imagine that! Um...Hi...I am living my life making these decision and I know I am being tricked and deceived. NOT going to happen.
The hardest thing about deception is that fact that it can sound so logically and right. It can be so alluring and even beautiful. I’m reminded in revelation where John sees Lucifer and is enchanted by his beauty even though he is the incarnation of evil. I picture deception as this ugly mess that I will see coming and be able to fight off when in reality I may not see it coming because of its beauty and actually welcome it with open arms.
What are ways to fight deception?
Devotions every day-God’s word is sharper than any two edged sword and will lead me to truth
Prayer-God promised the Holy Spirit would lead me into all truth
God given friends and family-the ones who will tell me how it is and do so with a pure heart. They love Jesus and me. They do it in that order.
PRAYER
Father, I am a little scared today that I will drift from the simplicity of following you and your word. Give me discernment and help me stick to my guns when it comes to times of tempting/testing. May I hold true to Your words no matter how logically or beautiful deception may sound. Help me to do the same with those you placed under my care. I love you and serve you from a heart that desires to be pure. Thank you for leading me into all truth as you promised. I recognize today that I don’t know everything and can fall in a moments notice. Help me to also be a man who fasts and refuses to compromise. I love you!
GOD IS OUR STRENGTH. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who sows me unfailing love.
Psalm 59:16-17
OBSERVATION
It was not fun for David to become an outlaw and a target of the most powerful man in the land. King Saul was after David's life, tried to pin him to the wall with a spear, raided his home, and forced him to be on exile. And in the midst of such life storm, David decides to sing before God. No wonder David is a man after God's heart. Regardless of the opposition and size of his troubles, he decides to praise the name of the Lord with all of his might. Why he does that? Skeptics may say that those religious practices made him feel better. Historians may say that he was trying to establish a new tradition. But a disciplined student of the Scriptures will discover that David's actions were a pure response of his inner conviction about his source of strength. That was God himself. David had no pedigree, alliances, or resources to deal with his trials. He only had God. The Lord was His strength. And he renewed his heart with strength through sincere worship-singing praises and giving thanks when others would complain and run away from God.
APPLICATION
David shows me a clear pattern for me to follow regarding dealing with my life storms. My attitude may be confident in the Lord but I can see the enemy slowly stealing away my strength when I neglect sincere moments of worship. I don't have to wait until the weekend to be at church and praise the Lord. I can interrupt my day, sit on the piano, or grab my guitar, or interact with my ipod and worship the Lord. As I worship Him, I can see how my heart melts away doubts, my complains, and my fears.
It's the natural human thing to get discouraged, weak, and weary. But if I allow God to be my strength, I know that I can walk though my storms with supernatural power. He is all I need. He is my strength.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being the reliable and never failing source of my strenght. Let me respond to your call to worship, specially when it's just between you and me. Teach me how to become aman after your own heart. You are my strength! Amen!
But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who sows me unfailing love.
Psalm 59:16-17
OBSERVATION
It was not fun for David to become an outlaw and a target of the most powerful man in the land. King Saul was after David's life, tried to pin him to the wall with a spear, raided his home, and forced him to be on exile. And in the midst of such life storm, David decides to sing before God. No wonder David is a man after God's heart. Regardless of the opposition and size of his troubles, he decides to praise the name of the Lord with all of his might. Why he does that? Skeptics may say that those religious practices made him feel better. Historians may say that he was trying to establish a new tradition. But a disciplined student of the Scriptures will discover that David's actions were a pure response of his inner conviction about his source of strength. That was God himself. David had no pedigree, alliances, or resources to deal with his trials. He only had God. The Lord was His strength. And he renewed his heart with strength through sincere worship-singing praises and giving thanks when others would complain and run away from God.
APPLICATION
David shows me a clear pattern for me to follow regarding dealing with my life storms. My attitude may be confident in the Lord but I can see the enemy slowly stealing away my strength when I neglect sincere moments of worship. I don't have to wait until the weekend to be at church and praise the Lord. I can interrupt my day, sit on the piano, or grab my guitar, or interact with my ipod and worship the Lord. As I worship Him, I can see how my heart melts away doubts, my complains, and my fears.
It's the natural human thing to get discouraged, weak, and weary. But if I allow God to be my strength, I know that I can walk though my storms with supernatural power. He is all I need. He is my strength.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being the reliable and never failing source of my strenght. Let me respond to your call to worship, specially when it's just between you and me. Teach me how to become aman after your own heart. You are my strength! Amen!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
GOD WITH US. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
David continued to succeed in everything he did, because the Lord was with him.
1 Samuel 18:14
OBSERVATION
David's secret for success was not only in his personal abilities and skills. It all came from God's presence in his life. David's life was about making sure that God's favor and presence where always with him. He was loyal to his superiors, airing on the side of being naive. Someone else would have quit and leave Saul's court after being a spear target twice.
APPLICATION
Success is never ending when God is with us. That's why I need to believe in His promise of companionship and favor because of my relationship with Jesus. Success is consistent for those who walk with Jesus and obey his instructions. The presence of the Lord is everywhere, but it manifests where is welcomed. More favor will come in my life when I live according o God's plan. I must make sure that my life is all about entertaining God's presence in me, not about entertaining my own desires.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, today I want to renew my covenant to honor your presence in my life. Of course I want success to be a constant experience in my life, but I don't want it according to the definitions of this world. I want the success You define as a constant walk in obedience according to our will for my life. Help me to be confident like David always was! With Your presence in me I will have favor, grace, and victory in all areas of my life. You are with me. But I need to be with You also. I love you Lord. Amen!
David continued to succeed in everything he did, because the Lord was with him.
1 Samuel 18:14
OBSERVATION
David's secret for success was not only in his personal abilities and skills. It all came from God's presence in his life. David's life was about making sure that God's favor and presence where always with him. He was loyal to his superiors, airing on the side of being naive. Someone else would have quit and leave Saul's court after being a spear target twice.
APPLICATION
Success is never ending when God is with us. That's why I need to believe in His promise of companionship and favor because of my relationship with Jesus. Success is consistent for those who walk with Jesus and obey his instructions. The presence of the Lord is everywhere, but it manifests where is welcomed. More favor will come in my life when I live according o God's plan. I must make sure that my life is all about entertaining God's presence in me, not about entertaining my own desires.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, today I want to renew my covenant to honor your presence in my life. Of course I want success to be a constant experience in my life, but I don't want it according to the definitions of this world. I want the success You define as a constant walk in obedience according to our will for my life. Help me to be confident like David always was! With Your presence in me I will have favor, grace, and victory in all areas of my life. You are with me. But I need to be with You also. I love you Lord. Amen!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
WHEN GOOD IDEAS BECOME DANGEROUS. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
But Samuel Replied: “What I some pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than the offering of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols…”
1 Samuel 15:22-23
OBSERVATION
Saul blew it big time! It seems that he had good intentions, but his good intentions were contrary from what God required of him. God send Samuel to give clear instructions for Saul to follow. But Saul ended up acting in rebellion and stubbornness. Some one had a good idea! Keep the king alive and keep the best of the cattle. These are good ideas, but they were contrary from God’s direction. And when confronted, Saul was trying to excuse his behavior in very spiritual ways. In the context of the passage we see two important character flaws in Saul that caused him to act this way. In verse 12 we see that he was busy trying to build a monument for himself. And in verse 24 he admits that he was afraid of the people so he did what they demanded. Saul’s behavior was not insignificant. The Scripture equals his behavior with witchcraft and the worship of idols. Obedience to God’s ways is what matters the most.
APPLICATION
Sometimes our intentions may be really good, but if they oppose or undermine what the authority set by God instructs, we are walking in rebellion, which is as sinful as witchcraft. Rebellion and stubbornness cannot be minimized. We cannot make excuses about it. We need to simply follow orders and obey willingly. We may think that there are better solutions, or that there are more rewarding and smarter options. It doesn’t matter. When we undermine the God’s instructions given to us through our spiritual authorities, we are walking in a very sinful path. And the enemy is going to deceive us and make us think that it is not a big deal.
In my own life I’ve paid a big price to be obedient. But there are many instances where I was rebellious, undermined my authorities, and became stubborn about following their instructions. This is something that I cannot allow in my character at all. I cannot minimize it. I must be aware when I’m rationalizing my motives and actions. I need to move and act inside the boundaries of divine direction given through spiritual authorities.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times when I walked in rebellion and stubbornness. Please clean my heart and change it. Make it so sensitive to these two menaces. Help me to resist them with everything I have. Make me humble so I can follow instructions flawlessly and help me to be submitted to your ideas, not the good ideas of someone else of myself. Amen.
But Samuel Replied: “What I some pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than the offering of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols…”
1 Samuel 15:22-23
OBSERVATION
Saul blew it big time! It seems that he had good intentions, but his good intentions were contrary from what God required of him. God send Samuel to give clear instructions for Saul to follow. But Saul ended up acting in rebellion and stubbornness. Some one had a good idea! Keep the king alive and keep the best of the cattle. These are good ideas, but they were contrary from God’s direction. And when confronted, Saul was trying to excuse his behavior in very spiritual ways. In the context of the passage we see two important character flaws in Saul that caused him to act this way. In verse 12 we see that he was busy trying to build a monument for himself. And in verse 24 he admits that he was afraid of the people so he did what they demanded. Saul’s behavior was not insignificant. The Scripture equals his behavior with witchcraft and the worship of idols. Obedience to God’s ways is what matters the most.
APPLICATION
Sometimes our intentions may be really good, but if they oppose or undermine what the authority set by God instructs, we are walking in rebellion, which is as sinful as witchcraft. Rebellion and stubbornness cannot be minimized. We cannot make excuses about it. We need to simply follow orders and obey willingly. We may think that there are better solutions, or that there are more rewarding and smarter options. It doesn’t matter. When we undermine the God’s instructions given to us through our spiritual authorities, we are walking in a very sinful path. And the enemy is going to deceive us and make us think that it is not a big deal.
In my own life I’ve paid a big price to be obedient. But there are many instances where I was rebellious, undermined my authorities, and became stubborn about following their instructions. This is something that I cannot allow in my character at all. I cannot minimize it. I must be aware when I’m rationalizing my motives and actions. I need to move and act inside the boundaries of divine direction given through spiritual authorities.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times when I walked in rebellion and stubbornness. Please clean my heart and change it. Make it so sensitive to these two menaces. Help me to resist them with everything I have. Make me humble so I can follow instructions flawlessly and help me to be submitted to your ideas, not the good ideas of someone else of myself. Amen.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
WISE SEED PLANTING. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2 Corinthians 9:6
OBSERVATION
As Paul encourages the Corinthian church for their generosity towards the poor in Jerusalem, He delivers great principles of wise living. The principle of sowing here can be applied in many areas of our lives. If we plant few seeds, we should not be expecting a big crop. But if plant many seeds, a big harvest will come as a reward. In God's economy, what we receive from Him comes in direct proportion of what we bring to Him. The same measure that we use to be generous towards others will be the same measure God will use to be generous towards us.
APPLICATION
When I look into the huge scale of people's needs, especially those hit with extreme poverty, I cannot avoid to be skeptic about the effectiveness of the seeds I'm planting. But God reminds me that He uses the seeds that I plant to develop the measuring system He will use to bless me. I'm not giving away with a teaspoon. My measurement is bigger than that. I plant seeds with some level of sacrifice. I'm not going hungry in order to be generous, but I'm sacrificing certain privileges for the sake of the poor. I know that God is pleased and He loves my cheerful giving. But also I need to expect that in the same way God is going to take care of my needs. I don't need to be afraid of provision because God is using a generous measurement to bless me. And that brings a lot of hope during difficult times.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me the principles of wise giving. Please let me always be mindful of the seeds that I'm planting and to expect the proportional rewards from your abundance. Give me a bigger heart for the poor, to find creative ways to rescue them from their condition, and more opportunities to mobilize champions for the needy and the poor of this world. Amen!
Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2 Corinthians 9:6
OBSERVATION
As Paul encourages the Corinthian church for their generosity towards the poor in Jerusalem, He delivers great principles of wise living. The principle of sowing here can be applied in many areas of our lives. If we plant few seeds, we should not be expecting a big crop. But if plant many seeds, a big harvest will come as a reward. In God's economy, what we receive from Him comes in direct proportion of what we bring to Him. The same measure that we use to be generous towards others will be the same measure God will use to be generous towards us.
APPLICATION
When I look into the huge scale of people's needs, especially those hit with extreme poverty, I cannot avoid to be skeptic about the effectiveness of the seeds I'm planting. But God reminds me that He uses the seeds that I plant to develop the measuring system He will use to bless me. I'm not giving away with a teaspoon. My measurement is bigger than that. I plant seeds with some level of sacrifice. I'm not going hungry in order to be generous, but I'm sacrificing certain privileges for the sake of the poor. I know that God is pleased and He loves my cheerful giving. But also I need to expect that in the same way God is going to take care of my needs. I don't need to be afraid of provision because God is using a generous measurement to bless me. And that brings a lot of hope during difficult times.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me the principles of wise giving. Please let me always be mindful of the seeds that I'm planting and to expect the proportional rewards from your abundance. Give me a bigger heart for the poor, to find creative ways to rescue them from their condition, and more opportunities to mobilize champions for the needy and the poor of this world. Amen!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
WEAKNESS UNCHECKED. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, "I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife." 3 His father and mother replied, "Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" But Samson said to his father, "Get her for me. She's the right one for me." 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
Judges 14:1-4
OBSERVATION
Samson's story has all the elements of a modern drama-action film. The supernatural announcement of his birth sets the stage for high expectations about a leader with amazing potential to serve God and His people. We don't know how much of that potential was wasted, but what we know is that God used all Samson's failures to fulfill His plan with Israel. God allowed the strongest man in the world to be weakened by lustful desires. When he saw a woman he liked, he wanted her, and he got her. But the Scripture tells us this weakness was from the Lord. I don't think that God made Samson as an incurable lustful man, but He knew his weak points and used them to bring forth His plan. Samson's unchecked weakness took him to a path of moral failures. But God had a plan to restore him.
APPLICATION
God is in control of everything. Our failures do not compromise God's plan for our lives. However, we don't have to leave our weaknesses unchecked for God to do great things in us. Just imagine what God could have done through Samson if he had learned self-control! This is very important for me to understand during this season of fasting. I can see how the enemy tries to use my past failures and my weak points to distract me, to put me over the edge, and to pressure me with temptations that may seem irresistible at times. My potential can be wasted if I don't become aware of my weakness and do something meaningful and practical abut keeping them checked.
During this fast God has called me to restore my regimen of training for the sake of godliness, including accountability and regular checks on my weak points. I don't know why, but sometimes I feel invincible, like Samson, able to do many great things for God, and at the same time, neglecting important habits that will keep my weaknesses checked. During this season I must get rid of any blockage, any spiritual subluxation, any carnal desire that takes away from the potential God has placed in my life. I cannot take God's grace for granted.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I come before you willing to remove anything that is interrupting the flow of your grace and mercy. I don't want to repeat Samson's story in my own life and ministry. I don't want to compromise in small ways that overtime become huge roadblocks from your anointing power. Let me keep all my weak points checked before You and before men. Let me keep a sincere and swift accountability of my weakness. Even though I know You can use my failures and restore me when I fall, I don't want to have to go through what Samson went through in order to learn his lessons. Help me to stay focused on You! Amen!
1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, "I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife." 3 His father and mother replied, "Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?" But Samson said to his father, "Get her for me. She's the right one for me." 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
Judges 14:1-4
OBSERVATION
Samson's story has all the elements of a modern drama-action film. The supernatural announcement of his birth sets the stage for high expectations about a leader with amazing potential to serve God and His people. We don't know how much of that potential was wasted, but what we know is that God used all Samson's failures to fulfill His plan with Israel. God allowed the strongest man in the world to be weakened by lustful desires. When he saw a woman he liked, he wanted her, and he got her. But the Scripture tells us this weakness was from the Lord. I don't think that God made Samson as an incurable lustful man, but He knew his weak points and used them to bring forth His plan. Samson's unchecked weakness took him to a path of moral failures. But God had a plan to restore him.
APPLICATION
God is in control of everything. Our failures do not compromise God's plan for our lives. However, we don't have to leave our weaknesses unchecked for God to do great things in us. Just imagine what God could have done through Samson if he had learned self-control! This is very important for me to understand during this season of fasting. I can see how the enemy tries to use my past failures and my weak points to distract me, to put me over the edge, and to pressure me with temptations that may seem irresistible at times. My potential can be wasted if I don't become aware of my weakness and do something meaningful and practical abut keeping them checked.
During this fast God has called me to restore my regimen of training for the sake of godliness, including accountability and regular checks on my weak points. I don't know why, but sometimes I feel invincible, like Samson, able to do many great things for God, and at the same time, neglecting important habits that will keep my weaknesses checked. During this season I must get rid of any blockage, any spiritual subluxation, any carnal desire that takes away from the potential God has placed in my life. I cannot take God's grace for granted.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I come before you willing to remove anything that is interrupting the flow of your grace and mercy. I don't want to repeat Samson's story in my own life and ministry. I don't want to compromise in small ways that overtime become huge roadblocks from your anointing power. Let me keep all my weak points checked before You and before men. Let me keep a sincere and swift accountability of my weakness. Even though I know You can use my failures and restore me when I fall, I don't want to have to go through what Samson went through in order to learn his lessons. Help me to stay focused on You! Amen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
