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!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
REACTING OR RESPONDING. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”
Numbers 20:12
OBSERVATION
The people of Israel were very difficult. They complained, grumbled, and rebelled all the time. Moses had to put up with their tantrums to the point of burning all his margins. Moses and Aaron reacted angrily rather than responding wisely. They did not trust God enough and failed to demonstrate the holiness of God. In their reaction, they became as rebellious as the ten spies with negative reports. And even though Moses and Aaron did not die immediately, they were banned from leading the people in the promised land.
APPLICATION
There are some people that will drive us crazy. Their negative attitude, their victim mentality, their constant and unquenchable neediness, and their manipulative grumbling has the potential to worn out the strongest of us. And if we are not careful, we will end up reacting rather than responding. Reactions are volatile emotionally and may solve a temporary problem. Moses' angry attack on the rock provided the water people demanded. But responses are charged with divine wisdom and will always provide long term solutions. When Moses responded to the people's cravings for food, God set things up to provide manna and quail faithfully everyday.
Good shepherds must avoid reactions and embrace responses. And because they are human beings, vulnerable to the pressures of people, they need to protect their margins and avoid patterns that warn them out. Moses was listening too much what people were saying. We cannot have a receptive ear to people's complains. We need to learn how to listen, retain only what is good, and reject what is counterproductive.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to keep healthy margins and a healthy distance from difficult people. Give me wisdom to avoid their ambushes. Help me to escape their 5 minute requests. Help me to focus my attention into those that want to keep moving forward and follow God's will. I don't want to loose my trust in you and end up not honoring your holiness. Give me the heart of a good shepherd. Teach me how to solve problems in a long term fashion. And don't let me walk one step in rebellion by reacting emotionally rather than responding wisely. Amen!
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”
Numbers 20:12
OBSERVATION
The people of Israel were very difficult. They complained, grumbled, and rebelled all the time. Moses had to put up with their tantrums to the point of burning all his margins. Moses and Aaron reacted angrily rather than responding wisely. They did not trust God enough and failed to demonstrate the holiness of God. In their reaction, they became as rebellious as the ten spies with negative reports. And even though Moses and Aaron did not die immediately, they were banned from leading the people in the promised land.
APPLICATION
There are some people that will drive us crazy. Their negative attitude, their victim mentality, their constant and unquenchable neediness, and their manipulative grumbling has the potential to worn out the strongest of us. And if we are not careful, we will end up reacting rather than responding. Reactions are volatile emotionally and may solve a temporary problem. Moses' angry attack on the rock provided the water people demanded. But responses are charged with divine wisdom and will always provide long term solutions. When Moses responded to the people's cravings for food, God set things up to provide manna and quail faithfully everyday.
Good shepherds must avoid reactions and embrace responses. And because they are human beings, vulnerable to the pressures of people, they need to protect their margins and avoid patterns that warn them out. Moses was listening too much what people were saying. We cannot have a receptive ear to people's complains. We need to learn how to listen, retain only what is good, and reject what is counterproductive.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to keep healthy margins and a healthy distance from difficult people. Give me wisdom to avoid their ambushes. Help me to escape their 5 minute requests. Help me to focus my attention into those that want to keep moving forward and follow God's will. I don't want to loose my trust in you and end up not honoring your holiness. Give me the heart of a good shepherd. Teach me how to solve problems in a long term fashion. And don't let me walk one step in rebellion by reacting emotionally rather than responding wisely. Amen!
Monday, February 23, 2009
RESTORING THE RISK TAKER IN ME. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
Numbers 13:30-33
OBSERVATION
Few weeks ago I had the privilege to sit down for lunch with the head of the intelligence agencies in Hawaii. We talked about this passage of Scripture and from his perspective, he shared very important insights. Good intelligence collection is about decision support. Good reports help to suspend critical disbelief in decision making. The assignment of Moses' spies was to report, but they included their decision in their report. Their report was true and accurate, but their conclusion was faithless and demoralizing. They took upon themselves an assignment that wasn't theirs. Decision making was the responsibility of Moses, not theirs. They lost objectivity and they spread discouragement all around the camp. They wanted to manipulate the decision according to their opinion. Lack of objectivity kills hope, faith, creativity and innovation. They were certainly punished accordingly and they died before entering the Promised Land.
As a contrast, we can see Joshua and Caleb with a different attitude about the situation. They don't change the data, but they change the approach. They were cautious, yet they were risk takers. They were prudent and realistic about the situation. But they realized that the solution was not about retrieving, but about building an army. Their approach was according to the possibilities of God, not according to the possibilities of men.
APPLICATION
We need to resist the temptation to collect data as decision points. We cannot manipulate the decisions according to our fears. We need to be sober and realistic, but not according to our expectations and experience. We need to trust in the Lord to do miracles in the midst of our disadvantages.
During the tough economic times our nation is going through, we can easily fall in the mind trap that the 10 spies were into. We can be very accurate in our assessments, but very off in our attitude and strategy. The bottom line is to hear what God says, to trust in His promises, and to be risk takers, without being reckless. This is certainly a season to make tough decisions, and to move forward pleasing God, not people.
During the last three months, as we have been planning for the economic downturn, I fill like we have been playing safe too much. There is no risk in the way we are setting things up. We are not following vision. We are making decisions according to worldly and human patterns, not according to divine and godly patterns. We are looking at what we have in the bank to determine the direction we must follow, rather than hearing God and believe for His provision to do whatever He wants. I believe that there is a way to accomplish both: to be responsible stewards, and to be visionaries and risk takers. I need to help my leadership team to see these economic times with the eyes of Joshua and Caleb. We may not have the army yet, we may not have the resources yet, but we have God's instruction for our lives and we need to obey God above all things. These are not times to retrieve and play safe, but times to be courageous and full of faith and trust in God's promises for our church.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I just want to follow your ways. In the past, I have always risked everything to follow your instructions. I have applied the same pattern to our ministry in Hawaii. Every time we risked it all for You, You never disappointed us. Why is it that now we want to play it safe? Certainly it seems that the more we have the harder is to risk it all. But I don't want to downgrade my heart and attitude. Please restore unto me the spirit of Joshua and Caleb. Help me to convince my team to be risk takers, to be willing to loose it all for the sake of following you. If You want us to retrieve and let our cash flow to determine our direction, then so be it! But I feel that You want to challenge our faith and human strength. We ask our congregation constantly to bring everything to the altar, but also, as the leaders of the church, we must be willing to bring everything to the altar. Guide me during this times! I want to follow You and Your promises for our church, not numbers, not opinions of men. I love you Lord! Help me to be bold and courageous during these times! Amen!
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
Numbers 13:30-33
OBSERVATION
Few weeks ago I had the privilege to sit down for lunch with the head of the intelligence agencies in Hawaii. We talked about this passage of Scripture and from his perspective, he shared very important insights. Good intelligence collection is about decision support. Good reports help to suspend critical disbelief in decision making. The assignment of Moses' spies was to report, but they included their decision in their report. Their report was true and accurate, but their conclusion was faithless and demoralizing. They took upon themselves an assignment that wasn't theirs. Decision making was the responsibility of Moses, not theirs. They lost objectivity and they spread discouragement all around the camp. They wanted to manipulate the decision according to their opinion. Lack of objectivity kills hope, faith, creativity and innovation. They were certainly punished accordingly and they died before entering the Promised Land.
As a contrast, we can see Joshua and Caleb with a different attitude about the situation. They don't change the data, but they change the approach. They were cautious, yet they were risk takers. They were prudent and realistic about the situation. But they realized that the solution was not about retrieving, but about building an army. Their approach was according to the possibilities of God, not according to the possibilities of men.
APPLICATION
We need to resist the temptation to collect data as decision points. We cannot manipulate the decisions according to our fears. We need to be sober and realistic, but not according to our expectations and experience. We need to trust in the Lord to do miracles in the midst of our disadvantages.
During the tough economic times our nation is going through, we can easily fall in the mind trap that the 10 spies were into. We can be very accurate in our assessments, but very off in our attitude and strategy. The bottom line is to hear what God says, to trust in His promises, and to be risk takers, without being reckless. This is certainly a season to make tough decisions, and to move forward pleasing God, not people.
During the last three months, as we have been planning for the economic downturn, I fill like we have been playing safe too much. There is no risk in the way we are setting things up. We are not following vision. We are making decisions according to worldly and human patterns, not according to divine and godly patterns. We are looking at what we have in the bank to determine the direction we must follow, rather than hearing God and believe for His provision to do whatever He wants. I believe that there is a way to accomplish both: to be responsible stewards, and to be visionaries and risk takers. I need to help my leadership team to see these economic times with the eyes of Joshua and Caleb. We may not have the army yet, we may not have the resources yet, but we have God's instruction for our lives and we need to obey God above all things. These are not times to retrieve and play safe, but times to be courageous and full of faith and trust in God's promises for our church.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I just want to follow your ways. In the past, I have always risked everything to follow your instructions. I have applied the same pattern to our ministry in Hawaii. Every time we risked it all for You, You never disappointed us. Why is it that now we want to play it safe? Certainly it seems that the more we have the harder is to risk it all. But I don't want to downgrade my heart and attitude. Please restore unto me the spirit of Joshua and Caleb. Help me to convince my team to be risk takers, to be willing to loose it all for the sake of following you. If You want us to retrieve and let our cash flow to determine our direction, then so be it! But I feel that You want to challenge our faith and human strength. We ask our congregation constantly to bring everything to the altar, but also, as the leaders of the church, we must be willing to bring everything to the altar. Guide me during this times! I want to follow You and Your promises for our church, not numbers, not opinions of men. I love you Lord! Help me to be bold and courageous during these times! Amen!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SETTING THINGS IN ORDER. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
So the people of Israel did everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them.
Numbers 2:34
OBSERVATION
In order for the people of Israel to mobilize their massive population and be prepared for battle, God instructed Moses to organize the people according to family clans. Like an advanced military, Israel followed an orderly system that will help them in their journey through the desert. The system was clear, leaders were informed, and the people were instructed to follow their respective family banners. Nobody was left behind. They were united in mind and purpose. The result was an impressive army that moved like clockwork.
APPLICATION
God has a huge plan for our lives that will be fulfilled in its entirety when we submit to his instructions of restructuring. Very often during our journey with the Lord, we need to take a break and set things in order. Life comes and goes so fast that very often certain areas get messy. Clutter accumulates, relationships need to be repaired, habits must be under control, emotions must be checked, and motives need to be surrendered before the Lord. Our life must be in order in order to move according to the pace God has designed for us. He doesn't want us to leave thongs behind. He wants us to tie loose ends. My life must be set in order often. Otherwise, I will loos momentum and become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
During this season I must also set things in order for our ministry in the church. Things need to be restructured so communication is clear, relationships are strengthened, and effectiveness is maximized. We need to empower people, give them banners so they can lead with purpose, and keep them on the same page as we advance the kingdom. I don't want to leave people behind. I don't want to have vulnerable points for the enemy to come and attack. Things need to be set in order.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for always keeping things in order and for instructing me to put my life in order. Please forgive me for neglecting the divine order in priorities, habits, and lifestyle. Help me to set my life in order. And in the same pattern, lead me in setting things in order in the ministry of our church. Let us be effective, organized, and ready for battle at all times. Pour out your Spirit upon us to bring unity, clarity, and effectiveness. Show us how to move the troops during this season so we can advance your Kingdom. Amen.
So the people of Israel did everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them.
Numbers 2:34
OBSERVATION
In order for the people of Israel to mobilize their massive population and be prepared for battle, God instructed Moses to organize the people according to family clans. Like an advanced military, Israel followed an orderly system that will help them in their journey through the desert. The system was clear, leaders were informed, and the people were instructed to follow their respective family banners. Nobody was left behind. They were united in mind and purpose. The result was an impressive army that moved like clockwork.
APPLICATION
God has a huge plan for our lives that will be fulfilled in its entirety when we submit to his instructions of restructuring. Very often during our journey with the Lord, we need to take a break and set things in order. Life comes and goes so fast that very often certain areas get messy. Clutter accumulates, relationships need to be repaired, habits must be under control, emotions must be checked, and motives need to be surrendered before the Lord. Our life must be in order in order to move according to the pace God has designed for us. He doesn't want us to leave thongs behind. He wants us to tie loose ends. My life must be set in order often. Otherwise, I will loos momentum and become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.
During this season I must also set things in order for our ministry in the church. Things need to be restructured so communication is clear, relationships are strengthened, and effectiveness is maximized. We need to empower people, give them banners so they can lead with purpose, and keep them on the same page as we advance the kingdom. I don't want to leave people behind. I don't want to have vulnerable points for the enemy to come and attack. Things need to be set in order.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for always keeping things in order and for instructing me to put my life in order. Please forgive me for neglecting the divine order in priorities, habits, and lifestyle. Help me to set my life in order. And in the same pattern, lead me in setting things in order in the ministry of our church. Let us be effective, organized, and ready for battle at all times. Pour out your Spirit upon us to bring unity, clarity, and effectiveness. Show us how to move the troops during this season so we can advance your Kingdom. Amen.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
HARMLESS ATACKS. By Pastor Fernando
SCRIPTURE
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.
Acts 18:9-12
OBSERVATION
God revealed to Paul in a vision a promise to protect him from harmful attacks. There is not reason for Paul to be afraid because God was promising to be with Him. But as we keep reading, right in the next verse, the vicious attacks of the Jews came. In one verse God promises protection from attacks, but in the next verse Paul is under attack. Important to observe what God clearly promised to Paul. He did not promised a life free from attacks, but a journey free from hurtful attacks. He told Paul, "Attacks will come. But they will not hurt you or harm you. They will not be a threat to your life or your assignment."
APPLICATION
We would have unrealistic expectations if we assume that our journey with Christ is free from attacks. In fact, as followers of Christ, we should expect attacks from many places and in many shapes and forms. But those attacks, as relentless as they could be, will not destroy us. God promises to be with us, to be our shield, and to carry us to the finish line of our assignment. We will not be stopped. We may be afraid and we may want to retrieve. But God will come to our aid as we put our trust in Him and depend in His power and might, not ours.
During this season our church has been under constant vicious attacks of the enemy. I recognize that I've been afraid of the negative consequences and the damage that the enemy can do to the members of our body. But this morning I'm hearing from God the exact words that are going to sustain my during this assault and constant attack. I don't need to be afraid. I will not be silent. I will continue with boldness and determination doing what God has called me to do. When the enemy comes from one way, God will come out to meet him from 10 different ways. I'm confident that the Lord will be fighting for us, protecting us, and securing the victory for us as we depend on Him.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, we need you more and more, especially during this season. Let us come before you and depend on you to find protection from the attacks of the enemy. These attacks are not going to destroy us. They may slow us down. But they will not stop us. Give us the resilience to dissipate or fears as we fix our eyes on you. We cast all our fears and anxieties before you. Thank you for being with us. Amen!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court.
Acts 18:9-12
OBSERVATION
God revealed to Paul in a vision a promise to protect him from harmful attacks. There is not reason for Paul to be afraid because God was promising to be with Him. But as we keep reading, right in the next verse, the vicious attacks of the Jews came. In one verse God promises protection from attacks, but in the next verse Paul is under attack. Important to observe what God clearly promised to Paul. He did not promised a life free from attacks, but a journey free from hurtful attacks. He told Paul, "Attacks will come. But they will not hurt you or harm you. They will not be a threat to your life or your assignment."
APPLICATION
We would have unrealistic expectations if we assume that our journey with Christ is free from attacks. In fact, as followers of Christ, we should expect attacks from many places and in many shapes and forms. But those attacks, as relentless as they could be, will not destroy us. God promises to be with us, to be our shield, and to carry us to the finish line of our assignment. We will not be stopped. We may be afraid and we may want to retrieve. But God will come to our aid as we put our trust in Him and depend in His power and might, not ours.
During this season our church has been under constant vicious attacks of the enemy. I recognize that I've been afraid of the negative consequences and the damage that the enemy can do to the members of our body. But this morning I'm hearing from God the exact words that are going to sustain my during this assault and constant attack. I don't need to be afraid. I will not be silent. I will continue with boldness and determination doing what God has called me to do. When the enemy comes from one way, God will come out to meet him from 10 different ways. I'm confident that the Lord will be fighting for us, protecting us, and securing the victory for us as we depend on Him.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, we need you more and more, especially during this season. Let us come before you and depend on you to find protection from the attacks of the enemy. These attacks are not going to destroy us. They may slow us down. But they will not stop us. Give us the resilience to dissipate or fears as we fix our eyes on you. We cast all our fears and anxieties before you. Thank you for being with us. Amen!
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