Living a Self-Controlled, Upright, Godly Life

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For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14)

We're just hours away from the celebration of the greatest event the world has ever known; the birth of God's Son, our Messiah, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet, for many, this is a time of rush and hurry to get the last-minute gift for that hard-to-please person on their list; others are rushing to the grocery store to fight the crowds that must prepare a feast to the liking of even the pickiest of eaters. What if we sat down, took a deep breath and prayed this prayer: "Lord, help me to live a self-controlled, upright, and Godly life; for You have taken care of all the rest through Jesus, amen."?

Titus writes these words because he knew all about life and all about God. He knew that through Christ, God has taken care of us with the most important aspects of our life: Our souls are saved; with the right attitude, we become people for all people to bring them along this journey of life and that in abundance; and as we work for the good of all, we await the final glory that is coming. It does require our part as illustrated in the photo selected for today's reading; We must find the right balance for our lives, a certain calmness that fights against anxiety; the determination to move forward in spite of unexpected setbacks or illnesses, the confidence that says, "I can do this" that comes from God's Holy Spirit in our lives, and the willpower that is ours for the taking by asking God to help us. That is self-control. For upright, God's Spirit helps us make the right and best decisions for our lives; staying away from the harmful to us and others choices that come our way. For the Godly, that comes from the time we spend with God in prayer and scripture reading and study. If we start there, the other two come easier.

PRAYER: LORD, it was the birth of a tiny baby that has brought all this traffic to our areas, shoppers to our stores, and a hurried pace. Many have forgotten that, but I pray not to be among those; I want to be those Titus mentioned who have it altogether because of You. This I pray in He born for us, Jesus our Lord, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde

The Harvest is Plentiful

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Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. (Matthew 9:37)

Jesus does not lie.

We do. I'm great especially at justifying some of my actions, thoughts, or lack thereof. Jesus doe not lie, and never needs to justify His actions.

Nellie and I have gotten up early now for some time, to read the Bible out loud to each other, silent time to write reflections, and then a prayer together, and then I come to my office and share a prayer on that reading through my blog, "The Pastor's Gift." The other day we came across this passage, and as we read it, I remembered the numerous accounts I've heard about, know about, and read about, of churches that are closed. There should be nothing sadder for any Christian, especially a pastor, than to see a church closing or already closed. This goes against the entire message of the Bible for us to be fruitful and multiply the number of those who are coming to new life through Jesus Christ.

I may have shared the true account of a small church in another district that has rented its worship space out to three other churches, who have grown so big, they could no longer worship in that small United Methodist Church. That church, however, continues with its ten members.

Jesus does not lie.

There is a harvest, and it is ready, and as the rest of that verse say, "The workers are few."

We believe we've done all we can, and we say we're impacting those few that come Sunday after Sunday. And that may be true, but what about the harvest? There are churches that are truly growing, why isn't ours?

Jesus answers prayer.

I've shared with you at our charge conferences a prayer that I really wish you would pray, with a selected group of your trusted leaders. Prayer works. Prayer begins the process of reaching the harvest. It allows the Holy Spirit to come into our worship and our parking lots, and move among us to become the people we are called to become, and we might just reach the harvest.

Jesus walked everywhere He went.

That's the punch line of an old joke of the father-son discussion about long hair and the continued use of the family car if one of the two didn't cut their hair. I lived that.

Those churches that are reaching the harvest are going beyond their campus to knock and doors to pray with people. And as they pray they listen to needs being shared, and then responses to those needs are deployed. In one of my churches we have a store room full of wheelchairs, crutches, and other types of medical supplies that were just collecting dust. During one of our prayer walks we found a family in need of a lot of those items. We prayed for them, and then shared with them that which we had. God answered prayer through our church. And we sent a message to the family that we not only cared though our prayers, but in our work to answer those prayers that we could.

Jesus loved all people.

Prayer can begin to change the hearts of those who for years haven't. Some who complain about noisy children, once they hold them and carry them around, once again realize that God put that wiggle and giggle in that child, and it's okay to have some squeals and cries in the church - it is the sound of life!

Prayer may also change those who for years have had notions about different people, especially those who don't dress or talk like the rest of us. Working alongside each other, and sharing life stories, we discover the common core of humanity.

Jesus expected results.

So should we. We have not done enough. We should not be comfortable. We should toss and turn when we realize we have not done enough. We should move away from the notion that only a set number of hours are expected of us "at work." If you miss the time clock, you may be missing your old job; the one I have is exciting and never-ending. The more I do, the more I want to do more.

The harvest is plentiful.

We've got work to do.

And here's Advent!

Jesus Understands Our Condition

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From our reading in Matthew 11 this morning, this prayer:

Lord Jesus, you better than anyone else, truly and genuinely understand our human condition. You felt great sadness at the arrest of your kinsman, John. You felt some distress at his doubt, but understood given where he found himself and what he knew was coming to end his life. You did so much to prove to him, and us, that You are Who You are, the Messiah: You gave new hope and wholeness to those in different situations, the blind saw, the lame walked, the lepers were made clean, the deaf heard, and the dead were raised. The good news were shared with the poor.

You have helped the spiritually blind to see new things and new possibilities; the ones paralyzed with fear and doubt unable to move forward, can now run to do that which You expect. The ones who felt unclean and unpresentable, now shine Your light and love. Those who were spiritually dead, now walk with new life. And we are still to preach and share the good news with those who have not yet heard nor received them.

We thank You for John's role and ministry that even today paves the way for You as we enter Advent and as we await Your second return.

We pray we would not be like those cities that saw and experienced great miracles and yet did not believe nor repent of their ways; help us to believe and be made right with You, for we have seen and experienced great things in our lives.

Lord, help us to hear and accept Your invitation to come to You, just as we are, weary and as burdened as we are, and we will truly find in You rest for our souls.

Help us to further Your work here on the earth.

In Thy precious and powerful name we pray, amen!

As One with Jesus' Authority

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This morning was spent on Matthew 10, and here is a prayer on that passage:

Lord, grant me Your authority to truly do all You would have me do. I want to be a part of the wholeness and restoration ministry of those hurting and ill.

Let me go to all places to boldly proclaim You and Your saving grace. Let me truly be shrewd like a serpent, but innocent as a dove in doing Your will.

I ask not for safety, but salvation. I ask not for protection as much as power to faithfully and fruitfully serve.

Let me be a witness in front of all people, regardless of station or status, for You will provide the words to share with all through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

I fear not arrest by men as I fear being arrested by doubt or pride.

I know the worth I have in Your loving eyes, and that exceeds the low that others, even in my own family, has placed on me.

I seek to serve Thee for the reward of Your love and grace both now and for all eternity.

In the Name of He Who died for me, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Thank You, Lord...

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In my reading of Matthew, chapter 9, here are the words for a prayer based on that wonderful reading about our wonderful, awesome Savior and Lord, Jesus:

Thank You, Lord, for forgiving my sins. Thank you for strength to stand and walk, even when I would feel better staying in bed; for allowing me to walk even in times of feeling weak, weary, unwanted, ignored, invisible, and rejected.

Thank You, Lord, for seeing the true potential in all people, yes, even among those written off by society. It was from among those that You called Your disciples, whom you made apostles. Help me be among those.

Lord, grant me Your vision to see those who should join us and be among us, even among "sinners."

Lord, help me to fast and feast on only Your word and spirit. Help me to burst when filled with Your Spirit, into outrageous and courageous acts of mercy and justice.

Lord, thank You for new life in those who seek to live again.

Lord, thank You for Your loving and healing touch to make whole and new, those who seek You.

Lord, thank You for conquering the evil in us, and for restoring us to faithfulness and fruitfulness.

Grant us the vision and courage to see the harvest even in areas where others have said there is no life nor future. Help me be among the harvest workers to bring in that harvest!

This I pray in Thy Name, Christ Jesus! Amen!

Jesus, Our Healer

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This comes from our reading in Matthew 8 this morning:

It seems no matter how grave or hopeless our situation, be it disease or sin, Your loving touch heals us, and makes us whole, Loving Jesus.

Grant me the faith of the Centurion, a foreigner to faith, but who quickly learned by watching and listening to You, how awesome You are, and the power at Your command, so that I too, may ask in faith for that which blesses others, especially even those many consider lowly or not worthy.

Lord, grant me the faith that will reserve my place at the feast table with the heroes and parents of the faith.

Work at making my weaknesses, strength; and my illnesses, blessings. Let me follow You without regard to where I will sleep nor stay, for in You I have found the rest my soul desired for so long, and the nourishment of my spirit; truly in You I have found the fullness of life.

Let not the storms of life take away from where I need to be; deliver me from believing possessions are more important than the blessings You share with others.

This I pray in Thy precious name, Lord Jesus, amen.

Building Upon the Rock

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I read from Matthew 7 and blessed from it, I wrote this prayer:

Loving God, let me not judge others, for that will be Your job, but do let me see myself honestly and openly, in ways that let me be holy and pure before You. Let me work alongside those who love You and bless You, so that we might bring blessings to all, especially those who do not yet know You.

Help me to live a prayer life that has full confidence in You that trusts You enough to ask, seek, and knock; and the wisdom to know when to do each. Let me truly do to others, as I like for others to do to me. Help me to walk through the narrow gate of faith and godliness, and to bear fruit of that faith. Let me live out Your will for my life so that I may be one who truly blesses others.

Let my life we firmly upon the Rock; let me hear and do what You share with me - let neither wind nor rain, in whatever form they present themselves in my life, damage my relationship with You. For I know, as the hymn says, "all other ground is sinking sand."

This I pray in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

God Provides; Why Do We Worry?

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This prayer comes from reading Matthew 6 early this morning. What a joy and excitement to spend time with God in prayer and reflection! I urge you to do it! You will be richly and wonderfully blessed!

Lord, guide my life for joyful and faithful living. Let my life be blessed and guided by prayer. May my prayer life be a form of worship unto You, an act of thanksgiving and obedience, and praise.

You so lovingly provide for me and mine, and so many others, and so I ask that all worrying be removed from my life, along with my sins.

Let me seek to live in the way that blesses my spirit and that stores up treasures in heaven. I have no need to worry nor seek after money or earthly possessions; You have so lovingly provided those for me.

Fill my life and body with the light of Jesus, so that I may be a blessing to You and Yours.

Feed me and clothe me in Your splendor, for You care and provide for me. Amen

Jesus Knows Us and Our Needs

Matthew, chapter 5 is known as The Sermon on the Mount. I urge you to re-read this sometime today. It is powerful and it touches your heart and spirit. Here is my prayer after reading it:

Loving Lord, Your reflections and prayers reflect Your love and concern for our human condition. Your knew the heartaches and pains that life sometimes causes us, and to the points it sometimes leads us, and You say, "You are blessed, and You are made whole." I rejoice in the beatitudes and what they convey from You to us. You have shared with our spirits that which the world has tried to take away; to the point of no-return that we think we sometimes reach, You reach out with love and compassion and say, "Keep going."

Lord, You called us to be salt and light of the world. Let us by our actions truly be the positive flavor that life needs. May our lives brightly reflect Your light shining on me. Let me be the beacon of hope to those who are still in despair.

Lord Jesus, make me holy and pure, with Your wisdom, strength, and courage, to honor You and the way that I live my life. Make pure my relationships with those whom I love and who love me back, but teach me to love those who hate me and seek to make my life uncomfortable or miserable. You have called us to love all people, no exceptions. You have called us to love and pray for those who don't even think about us, and let us pray for them right now; "Lord, bless those who hate me and seek to ruin me, protect them and guide them to know Your love, amen."

Jesus, help me move steadily toward perfection in this life, not only in love, but in all things. You are perfect and I seek to model my life after You. In Thy name I pray, amen.

When I Am Weak, Thou Art Strong

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This comes from reading Matthew, chapter 4:

Loving God, there are times when I am at my weakest and I am tempted to take care of myself and my needs. I sometimes give in to doubt, to taking care of those needs, and do not turn to You as I should. The example of Jesus is the one I should follow, He who surrendered to You in prayer and faith; I should do the same, seeking nourishment, stronger faith, and self-control in You and Your word.

I do trust You and what You offer, to care for me and my loved ones. I do believe You protect me. I also believe You invite me to worship and serve You.

I do want to be one who reflects the great light You have shone on me and my situation and life.

I do want to repent and believe in Your kingdom, here among us now. Let me be Your disciple who serves alongside You in whatever the needs are of those around me. I pray for healing, deliverance, strength, joy, and peace to all who seek it, and let me be a part of that healing and wholeness You offer to all.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

MY DAILY REPENTANCE

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MATTHEW PRAYER. This comes from our reading of Matthew 3:

Lord, repent is a word I need to hear every day, for every day I am confronted by my sin. There is, nor should there be, room in my life for sin, or the memories of sin. Daily I am called to repent and to bear fruit of that repentance.

I cannot hide behind what anyone in my history or family has done for You - I am responsible for myself, and I want to bear good fruit of righteousness.

Like Jesus, I seek to connect with You, Heavenly Father, and to do Your will.

Baptize me with fire, the fire of Your Holy Spirit, to serve You and to be a blessing to others.

In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

God Can Use All People, and He Does!

Image is made up of different people from the Coastal Bend District, all mixed together to form a perfect picture of Jesus keeping watch over His flock.

Nellie and I started reading and sharing from the Gospel of Matthew. It is an interesting read, and chapter one was read, emotionally, without skipping a single "begat". Here is my prayer from reading chapter one:

Loving God, Your story of grace and love, and how it came to be shared in Jesus includes many men and women of questionable character. They had their flaws, wrinkles, and pimples; yet, they were a part of a glorious faith story that brought us He Who is without sin, for my sake and for all the world. Lord Jesus, You were born in a special way, to special, righteous parents - one filled with doubt, the other filled with fear - yet their first offspring was He born to save us, and to show that indeed, God is with us. In His Name, amen!

I believe...

We finished our reading of the Gospel of Mark this morning as we read chapter 16. Here is a prayer based on those words:

Lord, I believe You rose from the dead with power and might. I believe You defeated death. I believe You showed Yourself to many, sadly, many who did not believe. I believe You continue to show Yourself even today in ways that we sometimes don't accept or understand. Sometimes, I, like those three women, see and still say nothing, and yes, sometimes I tremble and feel bewildered by all I have seen You do in my life and in the lives of those I love. Lord, help me not to stay quiet with what You do; I want to say more and do more. I want to share You. Lord, I want to be a part of those who do take the Good News to all the world. I do want to drive out demons and evil from this world, especially among those in holy places. I want to speak in new ways and in new languages to tell of Your love and marvelous works among us. I want not to be hurt as I am among snakes and poisonous people. I want to be among those who help heal the sick, yes, especially through prayer and the laying on of hands; and one day I want to see You seated at the right hand of God. In Your Name I pray, amen.

My Role in the Death of Jesus?

Yes, the stores already have Christmas decorations up, and no one really wants to talk about Jesus other than he being a baby and in a manger; but my reading today was in the 15th chapter of Mark, and the subject was the trial and crucifixion of our Lord. It is a book that must be read; each chapter is packed with truth and freedom, and especially those chapters leading up to, and covering His death. Here is the prayer I wrote about chapter 15:

Loving God, sometimes my role in Jesus' death embarrasses me, for I accuse Jesus of not doing enough but I realize it is me that should be doing more, not You, for You are truly my King.

I sometimes try to please my sin and crucify You all over again, but I know it is my sin that should be crucified, which it was, if I would truly believe and ask for that.

Sometimes I join in on the efforts against You, when my shouts should be those in favor of You!

I should be like Simon of Cyrene in carrying Your cross and influencing my children and family to follow You, as Simon did with Alexander and Rufus.

Lord, Your death was not in vain, You died to save me, even me. Thank You.

In Christ Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.

May My Life Bless Jesus!

Image of that of Adabelle Grace Garcia, who this Sunday will be baptized by Pastor Cindy Layton and her grandpa, Eradio Valverde, at her church El Mesias UMC in Mission, Texas (On Grandpa's birthday no less!)

This prayer from this morning's reading of chapter 14 of Mark

Loving God, may my life be an anointing of Jesus' role and blessing here on the earth. May every meal be a celebration of Your goodness and provision. May I always honor and remember what You have done for me and the world through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. May I especially never forget that as I take Holy Communion; for You did and do great things through the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Lord, let my life not ever betray You. Let it instead bless you. May my life be a witness and testimony to what You are doing and can do in the lives of all who open themselves to You.

May I never disown you just to save myself or to escape into temptation.

This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.

Let Me Be Ready

Image is Saraí Evangelina, our oldest grandchild.

MARK HIS WORDS PRAYER, from reading Chapter 13 of The Gospel of Mark

Lord, the beauty and magnificence of some structures of the present age inspire and impress me, but I know that everything I hold as special and sacred, will one day no longer stand; they will pass away, but what will remain is Your love for me and those who love You. Your call, and my plea, is to have the strength, wisdom, and courage to remain faithful and obedient to You.

As I hear of wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, famines, national strife, kingdoms going against kingdoms, help me remain faithful and calm. I want to be ready to face whatever may come, and to speak a word about my faith to all who would listen. I want to stand firm until the end.

Loving God, though the sun and moon darken, and stars fall from the sky, let me not stop shining bright the light of Christ in me; and even if the heavenly bodies be shaken, let not my faith be shaken nor moved.

I do not know the day nor the hour of when all this will be, but I do know that I want to be ready even now for what may come.

This I pray in He who loves me and stands with me, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Dear friends, saturate yourselves in the Word. Nothing as refreshing as hearing God speak to our hearts as we start, go through, and end a day. The blessing will be yours. Make time for God!

Increase My Faith!

Image of my grandson and namesake, Caleb Eradio Garcia

Loving Father, I acknowledge Jesus as Your Son and as my Lord and Savior. It is He who has come to share life and its fullness with me and all who believe. I pray that I might reach those who do not yet believe. I honor, love, and respect Jesus as the Cornerstone of my life and my faith.

Lord, I want to give You the rightful place in my life. You are my King, and I render unto You that which is Yours.

I believe in the resurrection of Jesus and in my own resurrection after my death; what a honor it will be to worship and serve You as an angel in heaven.

I believe it is better to live out the Greatest Commandment than to just know it. I do love You with all my heart, my soul, mind, and strength. I pray that I can love my neighbor as myself, and that I not exclude anyone for any reason, from being my neighbor.

I thank You for the faith of that widow who gave her all to you; may I give my all to You in all that I have and all that I do.

This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen. (Based on chapter 12 of Mark's Gospel)

In Season, Out of Season, Let me be Faithful and Fruitful

As I read chapter 11 of this gospel, here is the prayer that has come to my heart:

Awesome Lord, may my heart welcome You each day as I pray and worship You. May my heart truly shout Hosanna for the things You have done in my life and in the lives of those whom I love. Lord, let my life be all about prayer and spiritual things, not on money on material possessions. Lord, I pray that in season or out of season, I would bear fruit. Grant me faith, mountain-moving faith based on Your Heaven-given authority. This I pray in the Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

MARK HIS WORDS PRAYER Mark 10

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In reading the Gospel of Mark this morning, here is the prayer I have from that reading of this chapter:

Lord, I thank You for the meaningful relationships in my life For those whom I know are married, bless with new understandings of the seriousness with which You take marriage; I include myself in that request. I ask that we be blessed and a blessing in our marriages. I pray for the children in and out of marriage; I pray for their parents, especially those pondering divorce for them to prayerfully and seriously consider the implications of those decisions not based on godly reason, on the children; for children suffer much from broken relationships such as divorce. I pray for those who are rich and lost to the trappings and strong grip of wealth. I pray for all who may be possessed by their possessions.

I give You thanks for those who have left everything to follow and serve You, such as our pastors. All have indeed left home, parents, siblings, possessions, careers, much in their having said yes to Your call. Grant to them the hundredfold blessing promised here. Let me never forget the huge price paid by Jesus for me, and for all of us. We are blessed to be in the Body of Christ; our place nor position matter; what matters is that we have become servants for what You are doing among us.

I pray again for those who are blind to You and what You do among us. Open our eyes to Your love, joy, and peace. We pray in Your name, amen.

Today's Prayer from the Gospel of Mark

MARK HIS WORDS PRAYER: Lord, I confess Jesus as Your Son, the Messiah, and as the One sent by you for my sake to live a life on which I should model mine, and to die for my sins. I pray that nothing evil in my life prevent me from speaking Your truth. I seek not to be great in power or prestige, but in service to You and Yours, even as a servant to all. Let me not cause others to sin, but to do good. Salt my life with Your fire. I pray this in Christ Jesus, amen. (from Mark 9)

Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord

Mark, chapter 7 for today:

You and I are like Pharisees when we want someone to fall and trip. This chapter opens with the Pharisees intent on catching Jesus in the wrong. Today's incident involved Jesus and the Twelve eating with "unclean" hands. This was a forbidden practice, for Jews were expected to follow the tradition of a ceremonial cleaning of the hands before eating. So, the question gets asked of Jesus why He did not follow this practice. Jesus responds with a prophetic quote from Isaiah of people who honored God with their lips, but whose hearts were far from Him -- Their worship was in vain, and their teachings were but rules of men. Jesus also counters the practice set up by them called Corban, which allowed a man to not care for his parents by declaring money that could be used to care for them as Corban; Jesus said this practice went against the Commandment to Honor one's mother and father.

Jesus then declares that it is not what goes into a person that makes them unclean, but what comes out of them that does. Food eaten with either clean or unclean hands, goes into the stomach and becomes waste. Jesus says it is what comes out of a person that makes one "unclean." Jesus shares the examples of unclean things that come out of a person: unclean thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.

The chapter continues with an encounter with a Gentile woman of faith, who begs Jesus to heal her daughter from a demon possession. The encounter was the one where Jesus tries to make the case for all healings to be for Jews, "Let the children eat all they want," to which the woman counters, "Yes Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." This reply resulted in the daughter's healing.

Jesus then visits the Decapolis where He heals a deaf and mute man. The healing of the ears was with Jesus putting His fingers in each ear and ordering them open, and placing spit on the man's mouth and loosening the tongue to allow the man to speak clearly. Jesus commands the people not say a word about this, but the word spread quickly and people declared, "He has done everything well; He even makes the deaf and the mute speak."

MARK HIS WORDS PRAYER: Lord, let my heart be filled with purity. May what comes out of my mouth be only that which glorifies You and builds up and blesses others. May my faith in You increase daily. Unplug my ears to Your voice, and open my mouth to speak Your truth. This I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Beyond a Hometown Faith

This is chapter 6 of Mark:

Jesus returns to His hometown where He teaches in the synagogue. His teaching amazed those who heard Him. They also began to ask questions of this authority and background. When one asked, "Isn't this the carpenter?" and another, "Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon?" The people realized Jesus was a hometown boy and resented Him. It is indeed sad for one's hometown to be known as amazing for its lack of faith! This lack of faith prevented Jesus from doing any miracles other than healing a few sick people.

Jesus leaves His town and preached in surrounding villages. He also sends out the Twelve, two by two, with authority over demons, to preach and teach. He also instructs them to travel with just the bare essentials, ready for movement, ever urgent with the gospel message. He wanted them to know about how some will respond with love and hospitality and some will not even welcome you; these are the ones whose homes they would shake the dust off their feet, as a symbol of that lack. The disciples did as sent, and drove out many evil spirits and healed many sick people with oil.

The news of Jesus and His itinerant apostles reaches the ears of Herod who believed this to be John the Baptist back from the dead. Other believed it to be the return of Elijah, and still others who believed these to be prophets of old also back from the dead.

Marks shares the tragic story of the death of John the Baptist; the result of a favor owed for a dance; all motivated by Herodias, who was living with Herod and such relationship was denounced by John the Baptist. Herod had not wanted to kill John for he both feared and was amused by him. Herodias saw Herod's birthday as the perfect time to get what she wanted.

Mark then shares the account of the feeding of the five thousand. Sought by the crowds, and taught until evening, the disciples worry about feeding them. They estimate the cost to feed such a crowd as 8 months wages. Jesus asks what is available and they find five loaves of bread, and two fish. From this, five thousand men are fed. Jesus sends the 12 to cross the lake while He can spend some time in prayer. From the mountainside where He is praying, He sees the disciples struggling with the wind as they try to row across. Jesus walks on the water to them, which terrifies them believing Jesus to be a ghost. The account says their hearts were hardened by all they had seen that day.

They reach Gennesaret where more crowds await the healing of their loved ones. So great was their faith they believed and begged just to have the sick touch the hem of Jesus' garment. Mark says, "and all who touched Him were healed."

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: LORD, be with me when I feel out of place or even unwelcome. Help me to have faith in all settings. Send me with authority to places where I can bless others. Help me to be a part of feedings for the hungry; help me to share the miracle of sharing with others. Let not my heat be hardened but let me have faith to present You in a way that people will want to touch You. This I pray in You, dear Jesus, my Lord and my Savior, amen.

Deliverance from Evil, Deliverance into Healing

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Today, chapter five of Mark. Powerful stories found there!

Jesus and the Twelve cross the lake only to find a man possessed by an evil spirit awaiting them. This in the region of the Gerasenes. This man was known for his possession by demons. He lived among the tombs, cut himself, and easily broke chains that were used to try to subdue him. He would cry out in pain. The demons, upon seeing Jesus and hearing Jesus order them out of the man, cry out, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" Interesting to note several things at this point. The demons know Jesus. They know His name, and Who He truly is: Son of the Most High God. They also request that they not suffer what they had been inflicting on this man for many years, torture. It reveals to me more of the nature of evil; they can dish it out; they can't take it. They also made a request of Jesus that they not leave the area. Jesus sends them into pigs in that area, and that herd of 2,000 run off the cliff and into the lake where they drown. This made headlines and people came out to see Jesus. Once they learned of what had happened, they ask Jesus to leave. Losing a herd of two thousand affects the economy. Never mind that a man is now healed and free! The man, now fully clothed and in his right mind, asks to join Jesus, but Jesus sends him home to give witness to what God had done in his life. The man goes to the Decapolis, a region of ten cities, and shares there his testimony of what God had done. It is interesting to note that this man, out of his gratitude to God, decides to share his story among ten cities; these were connected loosely by their common language, culture, and ties to Greek and Roman influence; it was there that this man evangelized in the name of Jesus, the great things God had done for him.

Jesus crosses the lake once again and again, a crowd awaits Him. This crowd included an influential man of the area, Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, whose 12 year old daughter, was dying. Jairus falls to his knees in begging for his daughter's life, and Jesus agrees to go to his home to heal the daughter. Another healing occurs on the way to the house; a woman afflicted with an ailment of 12 years, who had spent all her money on doctors, decides that if she can but touch His garment, she would be healed. And so she makes her way into the crowd and touches Jesus and Jesus feels power leave Him. He turns and asks who touched Him. The disciples, almost to the point of laughter, ask, Lord, with all these people around You, You dare ask who touched You? But this was a touch of faith; sincere searching faith. Faith enough to bring healing to this woman. She, healed, but fearful of what Jesus might do, falls to the ground and tells Jesus the whole truth. Jesus responds with, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

The news meanwhile, at Jairus' house were not so good, for his daughter died while Jesus was making His way there. The news bearers want it to be over and to not bother Jesus anymore, and Jesus replied, "Don't be afraid, just believe." And, taking with Him Peter, James, and John, makes His way to Jairus' home. There He finds the expected crowd of mourners, and declares to them that the child was not dead, but sleeping. This makes them laugh and Jesus puts them out and goes in and with the words, "Talitha koum," (literally, "Little girl, get up!") the daughter gets up and walks around. Jesus orders them to not say anything about this, and to give the little girl something to eat. Proof that this resurrection was physical.

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: Lord, lead me to faithfulness and fruitfulness. Let me serve Thee in all places. Remove the evil from my life that cuts at me with doubts and thoughts that should not be there; lift me from life among the tombs to live free from those chains of despair. Let me seek only You and grant me the faith to seek complete healing for me, and faith to see beyond death. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Let Me Be Good Soil; Calm the Storms in My Life...

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Today was spent reading chapter four of Mark. Here are what spoke to me:

As Jesus teaches, we see introduced the use of parables as a way to teach. A simple, but powerful story to capture and hold the audience's attention, while sharing a powerful truth. This first parable used in Mark is the Parable of the Sower, in which Jesus talks about growing the kingdom of God. The story has a farmer sowing seed in an ancient way of growing crops, but useful in sharing how the word of God is shared and the reception it receives. Some see, Jesus says, falls along a path only to be eaten by birds. Some falls on rocky soil and sprouts up quickly only to have the sun come and scorch it and it withers away since it had no root. Some seed falls among thorns which grew up only to be choked by these thorns. Some does fall on good soil, takes root, and produces a good harvest of 30, 60 or even 100 times what was planted.

The disciples ask why He teaches in this way. Jesus responds that the secret to the kingdom of God is being shared with them only, and quoting the prophet Isaiah speaks of those who, sadly, will never hear, nor receive, nor bear fruit. But, Jesus takes time to explain the parable of the sower; The seed that fell along the path, Jesus says, is that which is heard by those who hold it only until Satan comes and tempts them away. Some, like the rocky soil, hear and receive ti joy, but as soon as trouble or persecution comes along, they give up their faith. Others hear the word only to have the worries of this life, the temptations of wealth, and the desire for other things, takes them away and the word is unfruitful. And yet, Jesus says, some does fall on good soil where the word is heard, accepted, and the crop is bountiful; 30, 60, 100 times what was sown. Jesus also says those who do hear and receive, should be like a lamp on a stand, giving witness to all, of what good has come to their lives.

Jesus also speaks of the Parable of the Growing Seed - what word that is heard and shared and grows, and those who hear it, share it with others, who share it with others, and it continues to grow, producing a great harvest!

Jesus then speaks of the mustard seed. Tiniest among all seeds, when planted grows big enough, Jesus says, to provide support and shade for birds. In the same way, our faith, tiny at first, should mature and bless others as we expose it to needed things, sunlight, water, nourishment.

The chapter ends with Jesus crossing the lake, falls asleep on a cushion and a storm arises. The disciples freak and awaken Jesus. Jesus rebuked the winds and calms the waves. The disciples then ask, "Who is this that even the winds and the waves obey Him?" Yes, indeed, Who is this?

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: Loving God, let me be good, fertile soil in which Your word can take root in a way that give witness to the world about You. Let me see the storms in my life calmed and stilled by You. In Thy name I pray, Jesus my Lord, amen.

Restore Me and Use Me

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The Gospel of Mark, chapter three today:

On a Sabbath, in a synagogue, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand. The stage is set for a showdown with the religious leaders of the day, who wondered, "Will this man heal a man, which is work, on a Sabbath?" Jesus asks the man to come to the front of the synagogue and there asks, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do goo or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" Great question, but no one answered. They knew better. Their silence angered Jesus, for He knew he was facing hardened hearts and closed minds about what God could do through Him. Jesus then orders the man to stretch forth his hand, and he was healed. Instead of rejoicing and thanking God for this miracle, the Pharisees leave to meet with the Herodians to plot the murder of Jesus.

Jesus' ministry continues to draw great crowds. The late Rev. Bill Hinson, of FUMC-Houston, used to say, "Preach Jesus and you will draw crowds!" And people are drawn to the truth of God's love in action; where healing and restoration occur. Jesus offered healing and deliverance from evil spirits.

Mark has the final line-up of the Twelve Apostles, with a definition given of an apostle; they who can learn from Jesus, be ready to be sent to preach by Him, and who have authority to drive out demons. The twelve include Simon, called Peter by Jesus, James and John, the sons of Zebedee also called Boanerges, which means "Sons of Thunder", Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus's fame drew yet another crowd to a home, where the crowd was so large Jesus and the disciples could not eat. You and I have been to some of those covered dishes, have we not? But it was there that Jesus is accused of being possessed by Beelzebub, for they believed Jesus had this power to drive out demons from him. Jesus asks, "How can Satan drive out Satan? A divided kingdom cannot stand, nor can a divided house, nor can Satan oppose Satan." Jesus also stresses the need to be aware of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, the only unforgivable sin.

The chapter closes with Jesus having to endure attacks even from his family, who believe Him to be mad. When Mary and His brothers and sister show up to take control of Him, as Mark describes it, Jesus replies that whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: Lord of truth, health, and peace, restore in my life whatever is withered. Let me live a life that "preaches" Jesus so that more will know Your love. May demons, evil spirits and any attack against me flee! I want to be an apostle and a member of Jesus' family! In Jesus' powerful name I pray, amen!

Mark My Words 2!

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Chapter Two of Mark:

Jesus continues to heal those in need. This chapter begins with the "Through the Roof!" healing story of four friends who cut through a roof to lower their friend to be healed. It's a great story of faith and also shows the crowds that Jesus was attracting every time He entered a town, Capernaum being the town in this story. Once the man is in front of Him, because of the friends' faith, Jesus declares the paralyzed man's sins as forgiven. This angered the Pharisees who gathered to watch Jesus saying, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus, knowing their hearts and thoughts, answered, "I know what you are thinking, so I ask, What is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven, or get up, take up your mat, and walk?'" Then in order to show His authority, He tells the man, "Get up, take your mat, and go home." Bam! The man, no longer paralyzed, got up, takes his mat, and goes home. Everyone who saw this was amazed and praised God.

Jesus then calls yet another disciple, this one, Levi, also known as Matthew. Matthew was on active duty as a tax collector, but Jesus comes to him and simply says, "Follow me." That was all he needed to hear and he got up and followed Jesus. That night Jesus has supper with Levi and his tax collector friends, and some "sinners" had also been invited, probably to make the supper even more interesting. And this, of course, upsets the Pharisees who have to ask, "Why does He eat with sinners and tax collectors?" Jesus' reply is that His purpose among us was not for the healthy, but the sick.

Questions about fasting and its practice among Jesus and His disciples also come up, and Jesus addressed those. Jesus also declares Himself, Lord of the Sabbath.

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: Lord, make me a new wineskin as You fill me with the new wine of Your Holy Spirit. Let it be the start of a wonderful day in which I serve You and Yours. This in Thy name I pray, amen.

Mark My Words!

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I continue to be blessed by time spent immersing myself in God's word. This morning we began our study of the first gospel, the Gospel of Mark. Here are my impressions of what this awesome word shares with us:

The Gospel of Mark is believed to be the first written of all the gospels. It is believed to have been written by the young disciple, John Mark. It is the shortest of the gospels, but believed to be a primer for new believers, especially those coming from the Jewish faith. Evidence of this is found early, as Mark begins with a prophetic word from Isaiah preparing the way for John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Messiah. Quoting Isaiah's words that the way should be prepared and made ready for the Lord's anointed, John comes and begins his ministry of baptizing and preaching his simple but powerful message urging repentance of sins. His message struck a chord with many as Mark says the entire region presented themselves for this baptism. John also teaches that one coming after him would be powerful and he, John, was not worthy to untie his sandals. This coming Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Mark shares how Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and presents Himself for baptism by John in the River Jordan. As He emerges from the water, a heavenly proclamation calls Jesus, "Son," and one in "who I am well pleased." From there, Mark says that Jesus goes into the desert to be tempted for forty days, and comes back to begin his public ministry with a call to disciples to follow Him.

Mark shares Jesus' invitation to all who would listen as simple, yet powerful: "The time has come; the kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the good news."

The first disciples called are Simon (Peter) and his brother, Andrew, who answer Jesus' call to "Come, follow me." Later, Mark has Jesus calling James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who immediately respond to Jesus' call.

Jesus' ministry is marked by His amazing teaching, for He was one who taught with authority, as many of those who heard Him proclaimed. He also touched many by His ability to drive out demons and evil spirits, including the first who asked Jesus, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are -- the Holy One of God!" Jesus also healed many of their illnesses and infirmities, starting with the healing of Simon's mother-in-law.

Jesus was a man of prayer, who sought out quiet places during the morning, using the time to connect with God. Mark's early account of this says that even during His prayer time, He was sought out by those needing Jesus' blessings. This motivated Him to leave that place to begin a ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing in other areas.

Jesus was a man of love and compassion, so much so, that the first leper healed, was touched by Jesus. This was something unheard of, nor expected. Jesus instructs the man to tell no one. The man does the opposite and goes and tells all he can of what Jesus has done for him. We do not have that same call upon our life, John Wesley wrote; "We should broadcast it far and wide all that Jesus has done for us." And indeed, that is so.

MARK MY WORDS PRAYER: Jesus, You are the Messiah, and I want to follow You. You are the Healer, and I want to be healed by You. You are He who drives out evil; let me say goodbye and good riddance to the evil in me. In Your name I pray, amen.

We Reap What We Sow; Where are You Sowing?

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We close our our study of Go! The Epistle to the Galatians ends with chapter six. Here are today's reflections and ponderings:

Even with all the negativity Paul encountered with this church, he speaks of restoration as being important to him. Paul writes that those caught in sin, or in this case, guilty of being involved in or promoting this movement towards observances of the Law, could be restored. Paul does urge caution to those helping restore the guilty back in, for Paul fears one could just as easily be dragged into the "sin" from which a person is being rescued. Paul does urge all to be supportive of others in whatever we may be facing or carrying as a load in our lives. We should not take a haughty attitude about ourselves. We should test ourselves without comparing ourselves to somebody else. As we learn, we should share with others those things that we are learning, even with the one teaching us.

We should know that God cannot be fooled or mocked. One reaps what one sows. If we sow in the field of human pleasure, we will sow things from that same field, which usually is a field of destruction. If we sow in the spiritual field, we will reap eternal life. We should never grow weary of sowing in the spiritual realm, for Paul believes a great harvest is coming if we do not give up. We have an opportunity to do good for all, especially those who belong to the family of believers. We are guilty sometimes of doing more for those outside our own families, and neglect our own; Paul says, sometimes the greatest need may be inside the family of believers.

Paul hand wrote this first of his major letters, and closes it with yet another warning against the movement that had poisoned the Galatian church. There is no need for circumcision among Christian believers, he writes. Paul understands this to simply be a ploy for those wanting to escape persecution for believing in the cross of Jesus. Paul writes that he knows that even those circumcised do not keep the law, but seek only to win converts for boasting purposes.

What a beautiful closing: "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation." How true. We can do whatever we believe is necessary to show on the outside our faithfulness; but what really matters is if we're a new creation in Jesus Christ; that will give us away!

Paul closes with his blessings for peace and mercy upon all who read or heard this letter's content; as well as requesting he not be troubled, for he bore the marks of Jesus upon his body. Some have wondered and written about Paul having the stigmata, a real and physical manifestation of wounds in the hands and feet; but we do not know for sure. I believe that surely Paul bore the marks of his faithfulness to Jesus from the stonings, beatings, and other physical attacks done upon his body by those who hated him. Yet, he closes this letter with his blessings of grace and peace.

GO AND GROW PRAYER: Loving God, may the marks of Jesus' love, service, compassion, teaching sharing, and obedience be upon me this day and all days. May I truly be one who seeks to serve You in all things, evidence of my being a new creature in You. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen.

A Spirit-Fille and Sprit-Led Life

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This morning we shall look at chapter 5 of Go! (Galatians).

Paul continues to offer a counter-attack on what poisoned the faithful in Galatia. Someone or some persons, managed to convince the Christians in Galatia to surrender first to Judaism and its Law, including circumcision for the men, and the covering of heads, etc. for women;and Paul says this move is a stupid one. To surrender the grace of God to become followers of the law is to become "burdened again by a yoke of slavery." The agitator or agitators, who pushed for the observances of the law, were arguing for demonstrations of visible signs of faithfulness. Paul counters that "the only things that counts is faith expressing itself through love." (v. 6b).

Paul knew the Galatians to be on the right track, running the good race of faith, but this one person(s) poisoned the thinking of the faithful, causing only confusion. Paul's repeated strain is that true faith is finding true and eternal freedom in Christ. The only calling of believers, even today, is to "serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Paul next lists a powerful part of this chapter as he describes life lived in the Spirit versus a life driven by the flesh. Paul shares a list of those things that ruin a person because they follow only the desires of the flesh rather than the guidance of the Spirit. Paul's beautiful list of the fruit of the Spirit is one we should know and live: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature in our lives to receive new freedom and blessings in serving God.

GO AND GROW PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for freedom found in Jesus Christ. May we never grow tired of serving You and Yours. May we seek to bless others by receiving and sharing the fruit of the Spirit. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Slave or Free?

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We are still in Go!, Galatians. This morning I read chapter 4, and these are the reflections from that passage:

Paul continues to stress his belief that those who had failed prey to the new teachings of observing and living under the law, are now slaves to the law, when indeed, they, because of the grace in Christ Jesus, should be living as free people. Those living under the law, Paul argues, are missing out on everything. Those under the law are not free, living as slaves and missing out on the inheritance that is theirs, as the real children of God, the ones saved by grace.

Paul wonders what has happened to the Galatians who once welcome Paul "as an angel of God," and treated him "as if I were Christ Jesus Himself." They now regard Paul as an enemy. They have gone from being loving people, who would have "torn out their eyes to share them with me," to being these who are suspicious of him and his teachings. Paul believes they prefer the lie, to the truth that he has shared.

The Galatians are now convinced they should live in observance of the law, which, Paul believes, is only alienating them from the true way. Paul uses the example of Hagar and Sarah as a means of illustrating how much they are missing by living as those who observe the law and not living under God's grace. Hagar, he knows, was the mother of the slave child, and represents Jerusalem of old; while Sarah and her child is the "Jerusalem from above," free and living in the fullness of life offered by God through Jesus Christ.

GO AND GROW PRAYER: Awesome God, may we not becomes slaves to rituals, observances, and traditions that beyond structure offer no power for our faith. Help us to know and claim that our power to live comes from You and Your Holy Spirit that shares with us grace as our strength for the living of these days. In Jesus we pray, amen.

ONE IN CHRIST

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My readings in Galatians continued today through the entire third chapter/ Here now, my reflections.

Paul is asking, in effect, the question, should we hold fast to faith or to the law? He asks this because he is riled up because somehow the Christian believers in Galatia have been convinced, or "bewitched" by someone, to follow just the law. What this has meant to them is the've come to hold just to the do's and don't's of the law, observing the traditions and practices of the Jewish faith and forgetting the tenets of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds them that through Jesus, they have received the blessing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. They have seen and experienced miracles and signs that do not come by keeping of the law.

He reminds them of Abraham, father of the faith, whose belief and faith in God resulted in the covenant, which Paul sees as a foretaste of the gospel, and quotes God from the Genesis 17 passage: "All nations will be blessed through you," Paul further adding that all who have faith share in this blessing along with Abraham, the father of faith.

Paul believes that those who just hold to observing the law, are cursed. For Paul, it is more important to know that the "righteous shall live by faith." Jesus Christ, Paul believes, redeemed us from the law by becoming himself a curse, in accordance to the verse from Deut. "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." But Paul knows this curse brought us the blessing of Abraham to all people, for by faith we receive the promise of the Spirit.

The promise of the covenant made with Abraham remains in effect for us; God's grace shown to Abraham continues on to those who believe in Christ Jesus. Paul argues that the law has served its purpose in helping humankind come to understand its sinfulness; but through Christ has found forgiveness and freedom from that sin. Jesus' message is all about freedom from sin and fullness of life. Now that faith has come, believers are no longer subject to the law.

Paul declares that we are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Through baptism we have clothed ourselves with Christ, and therefore, there are no distinctions necessary between all people. Paul said, no longer are there Jews and Greeks; slaves or free; male or female - we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we believe in Christ, then we are children of Abraham and co-heirs to what God promised him.

GO AND GROW PRAYER: Loving God, make us all one in Christ. May we receive from You fullness and freedom in life. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Paul's Posse

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My readings in Galatians continued beginning with chapter 2, very one to the end of the chapter. A reminder that this letter from Paul is the first of the four in "Go Eat Peaches & Cream" to help us easier find Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.

Paul returns back to Jerusalem with a posse, Barnabas and Titus. It has been fourteen years since his last visit and it seems they arrived to be present at the council at Jerusalem (See Acts 15). Paul wants to share how the gospel he has been sharing with the Gentiles has been a fruitful one. Their arrival is met by some Judaizers who want Titus, the Gentile in the posse, to be circumcised to conform to their beliefs on the Law. Paul and others were able to convince them that this was not necessary, and Paul shares how salvation comes by faith, which is enough for God - not the external demands of circumcision. Peter recognizes that God is truly at work in Paul's ministry to the Gentiles; and Paul recognizes how God is at work in Peter's ministry to the Jews. Paul later meets up with James and John, who along with Peter, extend "the right hand of fellowship" to Paul and all recognized the grace of God upon their work. They agree they will continue with their respective works, all they ask of Paul and his work, is to continue to remember the poor, of which Paul says he is eager to do.

Peter later comes to Antioch to visit Paul. His arrival to a Gentile city makes Peter act more like a Jew, and when some from James' crew come to visit, Peter further withdraws from Gentiles and further into his Jewish observations of daily life. This leads Paul to confront Peter with the truth: "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?" Again, Paul's faith is to stress justification by faith and not works or observing the Law. He writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness could be gained through the Law Christ died for nothing."

GO AND GROW PRAYER: Loving God, live in me. Fill me with Your grace and righteousness. You care not how I look on the outside but how I live on the inside. Let me not forget the poor, for all deserve to know You. This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord & Savior, amen.

Only One Gospel

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I began reading Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia, known as The Epistle to The Galatians. It is not a very long letter, but contains some important teachings from the Apostle to the believers in those churches. Here now, are my reflections and thoughts on this first chapter:

Paul shares first how he came to be an evangelist for the Lord Jesus Christ. He states openly that he was not sent nor called by men or by a man, but by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and by God the Father. So serious was the tone of this letter, he dispenses with the usual greeting of thanksgiving and begins admonishing these believers for so easily abandoning the true gospel. Paul believes there can be no other gospel, except the one he preaches. What he has heard about these believers is that they are listening to and being perverted by another gospel. Twice he says that those who preach and teach such a gospel are eternally condemned. He does not want there to be any doubt as to where he stands to this gospel being taught.

Paul sees his work as that being necessary to please and serve God, and not humanity; one cannot be a servant of the church if One is a people-pleaser.

The only gospel that should be taught is the one Paul received directly from Jesus Christ; and this after his having been a prosecutor of the faith. Paul does not deny that he was a zealous person seeking to gratify the traditions of his fathers, yet it was God who set him apart for this work, calling him by grace, to preach and teach the truth about Jesus Christ. Paul further adds that after receiving this new faith he did not seek the teaching of the disciples in Jerusalem, but instead went to Arabia and Damascus, returning after three years to Jerusalem where he met Peter and James, the brother of Jesus. There and wherever he went, he was known as "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And this caused many people to praise God for the turnaround that occurred in his life.

GO AND GROW PRAYER: God of power and might, Creator of all things, through Your resurrection power you can, and do, make all things new, even old hardened hearts. Turn my heart towards You, and make it new, so that I too, may be among those transformed and witnesses that have seen You at work in so many ways. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Cover Me, Lord!

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I concluded my reading in Ephesians, the "Eat" part of Go, Eat Peaches and Cream; and here are my reflections.

Along with the problems of husbands and wives in marriages, the church in Ephesus had problems shared with Paul about parents and children. Paul knew the ideal is to have good parents in the life of every child. And the ideal is for those who have children to be good parents. The reality is that not every father or mother is good all the time, and some parents shouldn't be parents. But Paul reminds us of the Commandment that says we are to honor our father and mother; and this being the first commandment with a promise: "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Paul goes further in saying parents should not exasperate their children, but instead should strive to instruct them in the ways of the Lord.

The next part of the passage is set in the sad context of slavery, with instructions for good behavior between slaves and masters and vice-versa. The takeaway verse would be the one that applies to all people today, for us to work wholeheartedly in all we do, as if we were doing it for the Lord.

The powerful comparison to real armor comes in this chapter; much quoted and preached, The Armor of God speaks true even today. Believed to be inspired by the Roman soldier keeping watch over Paul as he wrote this letter, the words have guided many people for many centuries with its instruction.

We are called to be strong in the Lord. The Lord's power and protection is available to those who call for it, especially as we confront the battles of life, some involving the battles we do against the devil, for Paul saw the devil as a real foe, and a wicked one at that; to win such battles we need the armor of God.

Here are those key verses and areas we should protect: Truth should be the belt that guards our waist and loins, meaning those areas most susceptible to the desires of the flesh. It is God's truth that should guide our thinking as to consequences and outcomes if we do give in. Righteousness should protect our hearts; our love should be pure and righteous for all people as should be our desires of the heart. The gospel of peace covering our feet meaning it should guide us to places where we can share good news. Faith should be the shield that protects us from all attacks of doubt and despair thrown at us by the devil. And the ever present thought and reality of our salvation should protect our minds and guide our thoughts. Our offense against such attacks comes from staying and studying the word of God on which we should rely daily and often. And our prayer life should be as much a part of our lives as our breathing. We should have a prayer life that never ceases and should include, as Paul says, "all prayers and requests, praying for all believers here and everywhere."

EAT TO YOUR FILL PRAYER: Cover me, Lord. Bless me to be a blessing. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.

Wives and Husbands

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My readings in Ephesians started with chapter 5, verse 22 to verse 33. A very popular portion of this epistle. Not!

As Paul addresses issues and problems facing the church in Ephesus, he gets to the question of marriage and some of the realities sometimes encountered in it. The church has always had in it either a very active, church-going and God-Believing wife with a non-active, nonbeliever husband; and a husband who was also very involved in the life of the church, but married to a nonbeliever, non-churchgoer. Paul seeks to encourage those with the view he believes is best in those cases, and best for the work of Christ: A shared ministry view, if possible, between the two for the good of Christ's work. Love should be key, as well as respect, where the issues and challenges of the marriage be seen as central to their spiritual lives. Paul wanted the church to be a model of service where Christ is the head of the body of believers. Wives are urged to respect and support the work and role of the husband, and vice-versa. In some homes, the reality is that the wife is the head of the home in spiritual matters, and husbands should respect that.

Husbands were urged to love their wives. The kind of love important for this relationship is the love that builds up and cleanses each in the marriage. The man who marries should of his wife in a positive, caring way; attending to his wife's needs, seeing that she is deprived of nothing. Christ, Paul reminds us, cares and provides for the church. And Paul shares a reminder from Genesis 2:24, where Adam takes Eve as his wife, and ends the passage with these words: "This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you must also love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

EAT-TO-YOUR-FILL PRAYER: Loving God, for the institution of marriage, we are thankful and blessed. We pray for healthy, strong marriages, and we lift up those marriages where struggle and discord are realities; bless them, too, Loving God. Those those marriages found within the church we pray they be ones that glorify You. May each one in the marriage love, honor, and cherish the other, as You, Loving God, do the church. We pray that You make love real, genuine, and spirit-filled so that in each problem and challenge faced by these marriages be done in a way that give You honor and praise. May each home truly be a worship center and mission site; where all who reside there might be involved in worship, study, and service to You and Yours. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.

Live a Life that Pleases God

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My readings in the Epistle to the Ephesians continues with a reading in 5:1-21

The greatest joy for a parent or grandparent, is when a child or grandchild, tries to imitate something that parent/grandparent does. In my case, it was a grandson that too to wearing pens in his t-shirt or in his shirt pocket, just like Grandpa. Another, my granddaughter, had her mother buy a black journal which she presented to me, "As you new preaching book, Grandpa!" Imagine, then, the joy of God when we seek to imitate Him. The greatest imitation God expects from us is to be people that love like God, who love without condition and without exceptions.

Our lives should also please God, with our seeking to be holy and pure before Him. It is very difficult because, like the people of Ephesus, we find distractions and temptations at every turn. The writer warns we should avoid even a hint of sexual immorality, or greed; these things are not pleasing to God. Our conversations with all people should be those that edify the work we seek to do for the Lord - empty words used to deceive others have no room in Christ's work. Our obedience to God should be our only goal.

We should remember that our life in Christ is to reflect Christ's light on us. When we were pulled out of the darkness of sin, we leave those sins in the past. When we awoke out of our sins, we found ourselves living in light - the light of Christ shining on us; making us that attraction to others to come join in faith.

We should live wise lives, taking every opportunity to please God and help bring others into the relationship with God they should have. Foolishness or bad choices will only get us into trouble. Trying to seek comfort or answers in substances, such as alcohol or drugs, will result in emptiness. Our aim is to seek the power and peace of the Holy Spirit.

For all believers, music praise to God should be part of our daily living, seeking always in song and praise, to give thanks to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, working together for the betterment of the world.

EAT-TO-YOUR FILL PRAYER: Loving God, loud and clear is the message that we find in this passage, to find ways to imitate and please You. This then, is my prayer: Guide me to obedience, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. Help me to be nonstop in my praise to You. I give you thanks for all things in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

Sensitivity or Sensuality?

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Our readings in Ephesians continued this morning in chapter 4, from verse 17 to 32; here are my thoughts:

Our life in Christ should be a new life always; each and every day. It should be a holy, pure, and completely dedicated to God, life. Our daily prayers should be to ask God to help us leave behind our old self behind, seeking new understanding and attachment to God. We should choose sensitivity to the spiritual things, and renounce our having chosen sensuality. We should let Christ lead us to a place and point of surrender of lust, for we know when we were once there it only made us desire it more and more; and that is not a way to live!

Our having come to Christ Jesus was a coming to life in Him and receiving from Him the fullness of His truth. Our surrender to Jesus meant our turning over to Him all of our negative and evil things of our past, and seeking to be truly new in Him. We need a new life in righteousness and holiness.

In our relationships with each other, we should exhibit the same things as we should towards Christ like honesty and commitment. We are all in this together and we are all a part of the body of Christ.

If we get angry, it should not be a sinful anger and we should let the anger go down with the sun; sleeping on anger makes for a terrible bed. We should not take what is not ours. We should be productive members of society, caring and sharing all to make life better for all.

Our words should speak life and build others up. We should not grieve the Holy Spirit, for it was in the Holy Spirit that we were sealed, marked and ready for the day of redemption.

A checklist of unnecessary baggage for our life journey: bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice.

A checklist of necessary and wanted things for this journey: Kindness, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness towards others.

EAT-TO-YOUR-FILL PRAYER: Awesome God, let me truly live an exemplary life in which I bring honor and glory to You. Help me die again to self, especially the wretched self that I once was. Let me instead be one who seeks to build up others, and one who brings others to Your love. This I pray in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.

Seeking Unity in Christ Jesus

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My reading this morning was in Ephesians 4:1-16 and these are my reflections:

Paul believed the greatest witness of the Church was its unity under and with Christ. This is the greatest witness we can give to those outside the Church that we do indeed believe we are one in Christ. And part of what keeps us together is the gift of God's grace given to us through Jesus Christ. This grace came as a working gift; we are called to live a life worthy of our calling, and that gift of grace makes it possible. It is grace that helps us be humble. It is God's grace that lets us be gentle with one another; patient and loving with each other. Through us should run the bond of peace, reminding us that there is one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, on God and Father of us all. We are all under God, who is in us all.

It was the gift of grace that set us apart with different roles and responsibilities as Paul says, some as apostles, those who learn and do the work of a disciple and go to make other new disciples; some as evangelists, those who go and tell others the good news about God's love in any and every setting they can; some as pastors, those who tend the flocks in churches, caring for and loving the faithful, but seeking those outside the flock to come and be a part of the work as well; some as teachers, who help the pastor in teaching and leading the faithful to mature in the faith - all with the goal of getting God's people ready to do works of service for those not yet in the body of Christ.

The goal of unity should also be maturity. We cannot stay in our faith content in thinking we know and do enough; no, we should mature into wisdom and service, building up daily the body of Christ.

EAT-TO-YOUR FILL PRAYER: Loving God, let me live a life worthy of Your call upon me. Let my life reflect humility and gentleness, seeking unity in You. Whatever my role and responsibility, let it be done in the grace You shared with me. Help me to grow and mature in You - help me to prepare all around me for works of service. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!

Come and Know!

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This morning's reading was from Ephesians 3:1-21:

Through the gift of reading and studying God's Word, we are blessed in knowing how some, like Paul, received special insight into the mysteries of Christ Jesus. We read how Paul was one, like Peter, to understand that God wanted all people, Gentiles included, to know they mattered to God, and were heirs along with the Jews, in the promise of Jesus (read Acts 10).

Though Paul considered himself least among all of God's people, he knows that he was called to preach because of God's grace, and even now, while imprisoned, he was still a recipient of that grace, which he used to share these words found in this chapter of his epistle. Paul understood his role as preacher to be the one who shared with all who would hear him, the wonderful, immeasurable riches of Christ Jesus. He knew that folks needed someone to preach to them how the Good News was meant for them, and that, through Jesus Christ, we all have access to God, free and clear. Paul wanted all to be always encouraged in their faith.

Paul was a man of prayer, kneeling daily before God, asking for others. He set a model for our prayer life, in which we should pray for all people, especially those inside and outside the church. Paul recognized the power of God and so should we; knowing that for Paul, God was so awesome he says, "from Whom all in heaven and on earth derive their name," and he asked that all believers be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit living in them. We, too, should pray this for ourselves and for those in our lives. Paul prayed that Christ would indeed dwell in their hearts through faith. His desire was to see believers rooted and established in love, with power to truly understand how awesome was the love of God for them and us. Paul said it was beyond measure; so high, so wide, and long, and deep, that we cannot begin to understand it. One preacher once said it was like coming to the ocean with an empty soda can and trying to fill it with water from the ocean and believing we had enough in that can to truly understand the awesomeness of the oceans. We should pray and live so that all honor and glory be given to God who is at work in us.

EAT-TO-YOUR-FILL PRAYER: For those called to be your preachers and teachers, loving God, fill with Your grace. For those called to be servants of Your kingdom, also fill with Your grace so that the work to which they were called be made plain and clear: That You love us all through Jesus Christ, Whom we preach and share as we live. May our prayers be prayers of faith and hope asking that we might make clear the awesomeness of God's love. That love is higher, deeper, wider, and longer than we can ever imagine. To You, loving God, be all honor and glory, amen.