A Look in the Mirror

Mystery, Faith and Revelation

2011-03-04T09:44:00.002-06:00

Mystery – the unknown and unexplainable

We all have nagging personal struggles, unanswered questions and persistent contradictions in our lives.

Why can’t I overcome this problem?
Why is the world like this?
If God promised good, why does bad happen

It’s a mystery. That is not to say we should commit intellectual suicide and not pursue answers or solutions, but for some reason some questions will not be answered in this earthly life. So how should we respond to life’s mysteries?

Faith – trust and confidence in someone

It’s important that we respond to the mysteries in our lives with faith and confidence towards God. For some, faith is a promise or a creed, but I believe it needs to be more. Faith must be a confident trust in our Father God who takes a personal interest in us. It must include knowledge and experience, but without a relationship it will either be dry, cold and stale or an unpredictable roller coaster of feelings as we pursue the next emotional high.

Faith is placed in our loving Father God. It is the confidence and trust that He will make all work out for our best.

Revelation –God revealing Himself to us

Intimate relationship with God will open us to revelation from Him of His certain love, mercy and goodness toward us. The personal relationship of knowing Him in the most intimate way will result in a know-that-I-know confidence and certainty that is beyond the shadow of a doubt. We will stand firm and steadfast even in the most difficult test or trial, storm or tribulation, question or mystery that life can throw at us.

The mysteries of life must be faced with personal faith, grounded on the deepest revelations from our intimate relationship with Father God.

"The walk of FAITH is to live according to the revelation we have received, in the midst of the mysteries we can't explain." Bill Johnson

James 1:2-4 "When troubles come your way, consider it a opportunity for great joy. for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." NLT

News from the Rutledge family

2011-01-28T07:03:00.001-06:00

Enjoy our first 2011 newsletter. Included is an up date of Judah's life and plans. If you like you can forward them to your friends or even print off the pdf copies and share them in that way. Blessings and peace. Earl

Jinotega, Nicaragua, January 2011

Happy New Year! Our awesome God reigns in goodness, wisdom, power, and love, and we rejoice in His steadfast character and in knowing Him. Our 2010 was a year of change for our family as well as a year of growth in relationships. We have established a prayer room in Jinotega, and have ministered to many in the area of forgiveness of past offenses and healing of previous relational wounds, allowing present relationships to improve. We have seen spiritual renewal and peoples' relationships with Father God restored, and are discipling those who desire to grow deeper in their relationship with Him.

Earl focused on relationships in Jinotega through English classes, English and Spanish Bible studies/home groups, a marriage group and one-on-one discipleship. Other activities included teaching in Young Life Leadership camps, Youth with a Mission Discipleship School, Thompson Chain Reference Bible training, and trips to the States. Oversight of the Matagalpa church continues.

Family wise Earl officiated Cheree's wedding in June and less than three months later buried his mom. In all these experiences of rejoicing, caring, and parting, God's light shined giving new revelation and understanding of Father God's love, peace and joy.

In September Bev took a break from her busy roles of mom, teacher, hostess, nurse, "pastora" and counselor, to travel with Lance to visit her folks in Minnesota for 3 weeks. After Cheree and Vicente's June wedding and Earl's sister's visit in July, Bev spent several difficult weeks of caring for Earl's mom during her rapid decline in health until her eternal home-going the end of August. We are thankful that we had the privilege of Grandma living with us these last 8 years and for her legacy of doing all for God's glory. The void created by Grandma's absence has greatly affected our home school, and we are thankful for Judah curtailing his study plans temporarily to fill in the large gap during this adjustment period in our lives.

Cheree and Vicente have had a great six months of marriage. God constantly provides in varied and creative ways! After five months of intense work, Cheree graduated with honors in Graphic Design and Publicity. They pray that, in this New Year, God will provide a work outlet in her career that allows flexibility to care for house and husband. Vicente works full time at a civil engineering firm and teaches classes Saturdays at a local university. Pray for the Lord's wisdom to make good decisions in their marriage and work, confirming how they can serve Him in Estelí.

Our oldest son John is settled down at John Brown University, has a solid group of friends, and just finished the first semester of his sophomore year. He is a triple major in International Business, Marketing, and Management and is on track to graduate in 2013, 4 years after starting. Needless to say, when in school, John is a busy person. Through earning academic scholarships he has managed to pay a great majority of his college tuition. The chance to receive a quality education coupled with a positive college experience is a great blessing to him.

Judah finished high school with a 4.0 average, and has added knife making to his existing array of arts. He planned to begin a leadership school in September, but because of his Gram's death and other delays he changed plans and helped mom home school his younger siblings this past fall. He starts a YWAM Discipleship Training School in Oakridge, New Zealand this February. It consists of three months of teaching followed by two months of application through outreach. Judah is responsible for paying the cost of his outreach, $3300, and all contributions are welcome. He starts classes at LeTourneau University in August.

Lance considers 2010 a year of accomplishments and opportunities. For Cheree's wedding, he dressed up in slacks, a long sleeved shirt and a tie. This was a major accomplishment, since he considers a collar shirt and jeans ''dressed up''. In September, Lance visited his grandparents in Minnesota. Grandpa has a garage that is practically a whole machine shop, and he learned how to operate several tools and machines during his breaks from cleaning the garage and carpeting the attic. This trip was a tremendous vacation and a definite cultural experience. Lance plays soccer, sculpts with clay, and enjoys a large variety of music.

Luke has had a hard but successful year. The year was difficult because his grandmother died. He misses being able to help her and talk with her. It has also been a productive year for him in school. He is in the 9^th grade and his grades have improved significantly. Luke has a knack for connecting, setting up and operating things like computers, iPods, televisions, cameras, DVD/CD players and other electronics. He is also extremely active and enjoys climbing. He is helpful and caring with his sisters.

Kelsy has greatly missed not having Grandma as her teacher this year, but is doing well in 6^th grade. She enjoys her Bible class most and read the entire Bible this year. She likes reading and recently finished all the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. She also likes to write. Six weeks ago on a family trip to San Juan del Sur to help with a library celebration she was excited to get her ears pierced. She has learned to cook more things this year and helps mom by taking care of her younger sister, playing "let's pretend," dolls, other games and having tea parties.

Esperanza, energy personified, is always looking for "something fun to do." She enjoys playing with dolls, kindergarten computer games, drawing, and painting but prefers to be doing whatever someone else is doing and being in the middle of wherever there is action. She is Dad's constant companion when he goes to pay bills or run other errands and is a ready student for Mom to teach.

We appreciate your prayers, letters, emails, chats and financial support. This year in ministry we are looking at new challenges, relationships and opportunities which include more travel here in Nicaragua and the US, greater financial commitments and constant wisdom from Father God regarding plans and priorities.

Please Pray for:

New and developing ministry opportunities in Jinotega and Somoto
Financial needs, especially regarding university costs and Judah's YWAM [$8000 needed urgently]
Expanding the ministry of inner/emotional healing
Development of a network that includes our contacts in Matagalpa, Jinotega, Estelí and Somoto
Purchase of property for the church in Matagalpa
Our older three children as they marry, go to the university, and grow and mature as adults
Our four younger children as they continue to grow and prepare for their own unique destinies
Relationships as we continue to minister alongside Young Life, YWAM Nicaragua, and Bethel Church

Thank you again for your prayers and support of our ministry. We pray God's excellent goodness and unfailing merciful kindness will follow you throughout this year; that His joy will sustain you when the road seems difficult; and that you will experience His presence and Everlasting Arms of love in a greater way in 2011.

Blessings and peace,

Earl, Bev, and family

Email: norixzeta@gmail.com

Letters, cards and donations:

World Outreach Fellowship

2011 W. Marshall Ave.

Longview, TX 75604

Write checks to World Outreach Fellowship.

Separately, indicate: "for Nicaragua/Earl & Bev Rutledge."

Hi! This is Judah Rutledge. I know there is a section on me in my parent's latest newsletter, but since I will be away from Nicaragua (and, thus, Mom and Dad) until Christmas, I have decided to write a more detailed letter of personal plans and expectations for the year.

As I stated above I will soon be leaving the country. This is obviously the greatest change for me, but the last year has been full of numerous, smaller changes. I spent nine months living in Matagalpa with Cheree while taking a computer course and getting my driver's license. So I enjoyed more independence last year than ever before, even though only an hour away from my parents. Cheree taught me how to set and live on a budget and how to take care of a house, versus just cleaning one. It was great to have some special time with her before she got married. After finishing my computer course and getting my Nicaraguan license, I returned to Jinotega, where I have been helping my parents for the last four months. I have spent my free hours exploring the mountains surrounding the city and making knives, greatly increasing my proficiency in both arts. In fact, I now have knives for sale in Managua and will soon be taking a group of youth up the Peña de la Cruz (Peak of the cross) here in Jinotega.

All this is drawing to a close, though, as a new phase of my life takes shape. I will be headed for the states for two weeks and leaving from there to New Zealand to start a five month Discipleship Training School with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). This will be an Adventure DTS, the normal DTS with an extra touch of hiking and extreme sports coordinated with the classes, all designed to help me dive deeper into the ultimate adventure: knowing God and his will for my life. Three months of classes will be given on a variety of subjects such as God's nature, hearing God's voice, intercession, how to study the Bible and, of course, missions. After the theory comes the application. With my classmates and leaders, I will spend the last two months ministering in any area of need on a South Pacific Island, probably Vanuatu. A personal goal for this time is to continue growing in independence and maturity, while still under a protective spiritual coverage. This will be preparatory for college, which I'm starting in Longview, Texas two weeks after I graduate from the DTS. LeTourneau University residence halls open the 18^th of August, and a new world awaits. I'll finish my first semester of mechanical engineering and then come back to Nicaragua for Christmas vacation.

The year will require more of me than anything I've yet experienced, but all is in God's hands so it will be great! Prayers are welcome! If you are interested in more details or have any questions, write to me at judadr@gmail.com . This year will be the best yet for me; may it be the same for you.

Peace!

Judah D. Rutledge

The Star

2010-12-25T04:00:00.008-06:00

John 8:12; 1 John 1:5; 2:8; Revelations 22:16; John 1:9; Psalm 119:105

The Star led the wise men from a far a way place to the house where Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus were living. It was their faithful guide. Jesus, the bright morning star, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Following Him and His direction, we will always make the right decisions and find the correct way.

The key? Keep the Star in the top place in your life, the first priority, the deciding factor, the ultimate guide. You’ll never go wrong.

“Bright and Morning Star, shine on me. Illuminate my life with your understanding and wisdom. Guide me into your truth for living. I will follow you where ever you lead.”

An intro to our Advent symbols
The first Advent symbols: In the Beginning

Jesus: The Best Present Ever

2010-12-24T04:00:00.002-06:00

Romans 5:17; 6:23; John 3:16

The most dynamic aspect of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. Watching a small child giggle and smile as she gives gifts to others and rejoice as she opens hers will touch the heart of any parent. Giving is the essence of Christmas.

The primary reason for Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus. Through Jesus, God’s abundant grace to us, we receive forgiveness and righteousness. Jesus’ life and sacrifice was the first "Christmas gift"; generosity began with Father God. Eternal life was the best gift ever given.

“Father God, thank you for the gift of righteousness and eternal life. I want to share it with others.”

The next symbol is The Star

The Wise Men

2010-12-23T04:00:00.002-06:00

Matthew 2:1-2

To the poor and despised shepherds and the rich and intellectual wise men, God’s message was the same, a King is born and a Savior has come. Worship him, Christ the Lord.

Our life, our possessions and our worship are precious gifts; let us place them at Jesus’ feet like the wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before Him. The great cost of time, money and effort is minimal in comparison to His gift of grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Let’s worship Jesus as King and Lord.

“My Savior and King, I worship you and place my life, my possessions, and my desires at your feet to be used in your service in the manner you desire.”

Coming up: The Best Present Ever

The Shepherds

2010-12-22T04:05:00.001-06:00

Luke 2:2-20

The shepherds acted instantly on the angels’ song and that rocked their world. They went to Bethlehem to see what God had spoken to them: the baby lying in a manger. They shared their story with Mary and Joseph, they told all they met about the child, and they returned to their sheep “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” Their lives had been forever changed.

The shepherds were transformed because they acted on the revelation God sent them. They changed the world because they shared that revelation with others. What an awesomely simple story!

“God of the Heavens, speak to my life and transform my world. I praise your name for all you have done in me. I am your willing messenger.”

The symbol that follows is The Wise Men

She Laid Him in a Manger

2010-12-22T04:00:00.001-06:00

Luke 2:4-7; Job 8:7; Zachariah 4:10

“Who dares make light of small beginnings?” Jesus was born in a stable, laid in a manger, lived in Nazareth and died on a cross. Nothing indicated he would be of great influence, but he is the most influential man of all times.

Insignificant? I don’t believe so. God lived on earth as a man, so he could redeem us from sin. Maybe it was a seemingly poor and unimportant beginning, but the eternal result is unbelievably marvelous, wonderful, and awesome. The King of kings’ earthly debut started with a stable as his castle and a manger as his throne. The impact was eternal.

“King Jesus, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. May I present you in a worthy manner to those around me.”

Tomorrow is The Shepherds

Born in Bethlehem – Insignificance?

2010-12-21T04:00:00.003-06:00

Luke 2:4-7; Micah 5:2-5

It doesn’t matter how insignificant you might feel or if others notice you, God knows you and sees your impact. Bethlehem was small and unimportant, yet God took note and sent His Son there to be born. Because of that birth, the world knows of Bethlehem and her Son, Jesus the Christ.

As we allow God to be birthed into our lives, He will impact others and we will have a place in eternity’s history. As we allow God to move in us, He will bring security and peace to our sphere of influence and to the ends of the earth.

“Almighty God, thank you for noticing me. Fill me with your Spirit and move through me to bring security and peace to my world.”

The next symbol is She Laid Him in a Manger

His Name Is John

2010-12-20T04:00:00.001-06:00

Luke 1:57-80 [versículos 62-67 and 37]

Given a second chance Zechariah confirmed “John” as his son’s name. In this moment, the Holy Spirit came upon him and he prophesied greatness over his son’s life. Although not a believer at first, being mute for nine months left Zechariah a lot of time to think. He understood and agreed with God’s promise.

Let’s not wait for a second chance to believe and obey. Listen, believe, receive and act in faith, today. Begin with promises in the Bible and continue on with the promises He makes as you meditate on His Word. Declare his goodness, agree with the promise, and walk in the power of His word.

“God of the Impossible Promise, I will believe and act on your promises. Speak to me today.”

Tomorrow: Born in Bethleham

Mary’s Song - The Magnificant

2010-12-19T04:00:00.001-06:00

Luke 1:46-55

Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced together as their offspring cheered the goodness of God. Elizabeth honored God’s blessing in Mary while Mary praised Him. In their mothers’ wombs, cousins John and Jesus celebrated each other. John delighted in his Lord. What a party!

Mary sang of God’s favor. She gloried in God her Savior and proclaimed His greatness as “the Mighty One.” She exalted Him mentioning the “scattering of the proud” and remembering His blessing over Abraham and his family. What a beautiful song of praise!

What blessings present and past provoke worship in your heart?

"Good and merciful God, I thank you for your blessings. Thank you for my life and my family; for provision and protection; and for your goodness and salvation."

His Name is John follows.

The Announcements

2010-12-18T06:05:00.002-06:00

Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25

There was a special purpose for the lives of Joseph and Mary; they were the earthly parents of Jesus, God Incarnate. They suffered injustice and misunderstanding. They faced impossibilities and dangers. Even then, through their words and actions both responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

Although we will never live same circumstances Mary and Joseph did, the destiny of God on our lives is still important. Everybody has a special purpose from God and their own circle of influence. Even if there is danger of misunderstanding or false accusation, even if we might suffer injustice, let us say, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

“Spirit of God, speak to me. I am your servant. Work your will in my life.”

Mary's Song is the next symbol.

I Send My Messenger

2010-12-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

Mark 1:2-4; Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:10; Luke 1:76; Romans 10:14-15

John the Baptist was the messenger that prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He announced the need for changed hearts and the forgiveness of sins. When Jesus came, people were ready and waiting for him.

Today, we are the messengers that prepare the way for Jesus’ coming: the coming to people’s hearts and the second coming to the earth. We must proclaim the forgiveness of sins for the repentant heart that believes in Jesus and accepts his love. If we do not share the good news, how can the world know the Christ and who will be waiting?

“Jesus, I want my heart to be prepared and I want to tell others of your love.”

The following devotion is The Announcements

The Alpha and the Omega

2010-12-16T05:00:00.001-06:00

Revelations 21:6; Isaiah 41:4; Jeremiah 33:11; Nahum 1:7; John 1:1

Alpha—the beginning…

Before all time was… Christ was God. The faithfulness of God through Christ Jesus is from before the beginning of time until after the end of eternity. He is ever-present, God-unchanging, always faithful, always true. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Even in the most difficult of situations, God is with us. He was there at the beginning and he will be there at the end, He is always present and always the same: unchanging God of love.

…Omega—the end

“Alpha and Omega, thank you for always being with me, unchanging, always good, faithful and true.”

Next: I Send My Messenger

He Is Building His Temple

2010-12-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

Zachariah 6:12-13; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelations 21:3

God favors personal relationships over beautiful buildings (nothing against beautiful buildings). He is building a tabernacle made of people that worship Him in spirit and truth; we are the living stones he is using.

The Priest-King takes us, His lively stones, and nails us together with the spikes of His love and bonds us with the mortar of the fellowship of the saints. When we unite with others to worship Him, the King sits on the throne we erect. Let's exalt Him in our secret place and publicly as a community; this is our spiritual sacrifice, perfect and acceptable to God.

"Lord Jesus, inhabit the songs of my heart. Place your throne there. Join me to others and build yourself a spiritual house to dwell in."

Tomorrow: The Alpha and the Omega

King of Peace

2010-12-14T04:00:00.002-06:00

Zachariah 9:9; Matthew 21:6-11; John 12:12-15

Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem as the King of Peace, not on a horse as a king of war. He knew he was soon to enter the bloodiest and most difficult conflict of his life, but He also knew that three days later He would rise from the dead, totally victorious.

The time in between his death and his resurrection he “cut off the chariot and the war horse and the battle bow.” He defeated Satan on his own territory. When he rose again, he came “speaking peace and ruling to the ends of the earth.”

“King of Peace, rule in me. As an ambassador of Christ I will proclaim His victory over Satan and His soon coming as King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Next thought: He's Building His Temple

The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Righteousness

2010-12-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

Jeremiah 23:5-6; Isaiah 11:1-5

Notice the people among Jesus’ ancestors: Rahab the harlot and Ruth the Moabite. God wasn’t influenced by their sin or race; David was still chosen to be the bloodline of the Messiah. An adulterer and a murderer, he wasn’t an especially worthy man himself.

Besides defects, what do these three have in common? They had faith and they had repentant and obedient hearts. They became the roots and the stump where the shoot of Jesse grew. Jesus, the LORD our righteousness, came from a family of sinful people. That encourages me because none of us are perfect and God still wants to use us. That's grace!

‘Jesus, be the wise and understanding King of my heart. Grow there to be the Branch of Righteousness of my life.”

Tomorrow: King of Peace

The Spirit of the LORD is Upon Me

2010-12-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19; 24:49; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:8

God’s Spirit was sent for a purpose. Jesus didn’t minister publicly until the Dove descended upon him and His last commandment to the disciples was wait for the power of the Spirit. Years later, Paul encourages the constant filling of the Spirit. The “oil of God” is important for effective ministry.

The Spirit’s purpose is clear. He brings good news; strengthens the weak; frees the captive; opens blind eyes; encourages the repentant; and gives joy to the sad and crying. The Spirit plants us as solid oaks in His righteousness.

“Spirit of God come upon me as I share the good news and bring hope and healing to the hurt and discouraged. Strengthen me in Your righteousness as I live to bring you glory.”

The next devotion is The Shoot of Jesse

The Lamb of God

2010-12-11T05:00:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 53:4-8; Matthew 27:13-14; John 1:29; Revelations 5:6

We find the ultimate expression of God’s love in the Suffering Servant: the Lamb of God, slain to take away the sin of the world. Father God did not manipulate Jesus to obey His design, nor did the soldiers drag him to his death. He decided to die. He willingly went to the judgment and to the cross, silently, like a sheep before its shearers.

Instead of crushing the bruised or discouraging the depressed, he took their wounds and transgressions on himself; he suffered the punishment for their sins and the stripes for their healing. Jesus: the totally sufficient sacrifice lamb.

“Lamb of God, forgive me, heal me, encourage me. You are the only adequate sacrifice. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me of my sins.”

Next symbol: The Spirit of the Lord

Light for the Nations

2010-12-08T18:12:00.003-06:00

Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:30-32; 1 Timothy 2:3

Jesus is the light for the nations, the light to the Gentiles. God’s plan is to redeem mankind and to bless the world, not just a chosen few from one nation or a select religious elite. Paul reminds us that God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth.

Jesus is the light. He is the way, the truth and the life revealed to the world so all that believe in Him can be God’s sons. The light leads to the correct path; it helps see beauty and truth. Let Jesus’ light shine in and through you!

“Light of the World shine on me; reveal your splendor. Help me reflect your glory and illuminate those around me.”

Tomorrow: The Lamb of God

The Servant King

2010-12-08T18:11:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 42:1-4; Mark 10:43

The title public servant is common but the concept of being a leader and a servant isn’t. Isaiah’s servant is anointed by the Spirit and brings justice, but his justice will not bruise or break. The Servant King, just as the Good Shepherd, will guard the weak and dependent, taking them in his arms to protect and carry them.

Jesus came to serve. He was born a man and died an unjust death. He gave his life so we could live. Instead of pursuing a political kingdom with its riches and power, he humbled himself and became a servant. Through service his kingdom was established.

“King Jesus, anoint me with the spirit of service. Help me not promote myself, but to love, care for and bless others.”

Tomorrows symbol is Light for the Nations

The Shepherd King

2010-12-08T07:07:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23-25; Psalm 23:1; John 10:11, 14-15

The devoted shepherd carries the lambs and gently leads his sheep. He feeds and protects the flock. He drives evil away from the fields, so the sheep can sleep in peace.

The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He supplies pastures of fresh tender grass. He finds calm waters. He provides a peaceful atmosphere where the sheep can rest. When the flock is attacked, the Good Shepherd protects the sheep from danger. He gives his life for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

“Good Shepherd, I place myself in your care. Lead me, guide me, feed me, and protect me. You are my Shepherd. I want to hear, know, and obey your voice.”

The Servant King is the next reflection.

The Belt of Righteousness and Faithfulness

2010-12-06T23:04:00.001-06:00

Isaiah 11:4-5, Isaiah 61:1, 1 John 1:9

The Anointed Judge brings good news to the broken, wounded and captive. Righteousness and faithfulness are His foundation. He heals our wounds and strengthens our broken hearts; he frees us from the habits that enslave us and the thoughts that imprison us. He provides for us his righteousness, victory and life.

Even though we are unfaithful to him, He remains faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Christ provides for our forgiveness, healing and freedom. He is faithful and true, and his mercies are new every morning.

“Anointed Lord, forgive my unfaithfulness. Anoint me to announce your goodness. Help me minister to the poor and wounded, the broken and captive, and be an example of your righteousness and faithfulness.”

The next symbol is The Shepherd King

Prince of Peace

2010-12-06T09:52:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah prophesied Christ the governing ruler and his birth as a son. His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Living under His direction as our Counselor and Extraordinary Strategist, we will make the right decisions. Submitting to the sovereignty of Mighty God the warrior, we will experience His victory. Accepting the forgiveness of the everlasting Father, we will feel loved and accepted in Him. Allowing the Prince of Peace to reign over our lives, we will know peace and relationships will be restored with Him and others.

“Prince of Peace, establish your Kingdom in my heart, reign in my life, counsel me in my decisions and pour out your love through me.”

Next Symbol: The Belt of Righteousness

Born of a Virgin

2010-12-04T23:32:00.001-06:00

Isaiah 7:14

Divine choreography: God wrote the script, directed the play and was the primary actor. He desires our participation and allows our improvisation with complete knowledge that the redemptive plan will be fulfilled.

A righteous sacrifice to cancel the price of sin required a perfect man. God himself was the only one that could take the part and his stage entrance was the virgin birth.

God came as Jesus. Born of Mary, a virgin, he lived as a man on the earth, he died and was resurrected. God with us is the divine act.

“Emmanuel, dwell in me. I will be a part in your play so the world can see and know and experience your love, heaven on earth.”

The following thought is Prince of Peace

The Righteous Scepter

2010-12-04T06:16:00.001-06:00

Numbers 24:17 and Hebrews 1:8

The star and scepter speak of the Messiah’s royalty and authority. He would rise a powerful king to destroy all the enemies of Israel. The religious leaders interpreted these ideas exclusively as a national, political leader that would free them from Roman oppression. They disregarded the Christ that walked and talked with them.

Hebrews extends the metaphor to a scepter of uprightness. Jesus came to rise as the righteous king of power and authority in our hearts, establishing his kingdom of righteousness there. We must therefore receive his authority and extend the Kingdom of Heaven to the ends of the earth.

“Righteous King, rule in my life. I accept your righteousness and authority. Empower me for the purpose of influencing others in just and moral living.”

Next devotion: Born of a Virgin

The Snake on a Pole

2010-12-03T00:15:00.002-06:00

Numbers 21:9 and John 3:14,15

In Numbers the serpent image used in Genesis is renewed representing temptation and the results of sin. For murmuring against the authority of God in their community the people of Israel were dying. We too have rebelled against God and our relation with Him is lost.

John foretold that the “Son of man” was to be lifted up like the bronze serpent in the desert. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy by becoming sin and dying on the cross. If we will look up to Him in faith we will have eternal life. What an awesome gift.

“Merciful LORD, forgive my rebellious thoughts and actions. Cleanse me from my disobedience. Restore my relationship with you. Give me your life.”

Other verse: Isaiah 53:4-5

The next symbol is The Righteous Scepter

The Prophet’s Trumpet [a prophet like Moses]

2010-12-01T19:12:00.001-06:00

Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18

Moses spoke with God and for God. There was no other prophet like him: humble and meek; full of power and resolution; obedient and courageous. He prophesied the Messiah’s coming declaring he would be “a prophet like me from among you.”

As the Israelites obeyed Moses, they were led out of slavery into the land of promise. Jesus, God Incarnate and the greatest of all prophets, leads us out of slavery to pride, rebellion, and fear; into the promise land of life in abundance.

Lead on!

“Jesus, lead me out of bondage into your freedom. Reveal to me the areas in my life in which I am still a slave and the promise land I should, by your Spirit, aggressively conquer.”

Tomorrow: The Snake on a Pole

The Sacrifice of Isaac

2010-12-01T03:00:00.001-06:00

Genesis 22:13-17

Abraham demonstrated faith through obedience and his son was saved. God provided a ram so the promise, Isaac, would not be sacrificed. Abraham then named the place, “the LORD will provide.” God had made a way where there was no way; He supplied a sacrifice where there was no sacrifice.

We have no righteousness of our own, but God offers us His righteousness through the sacrifice of Jesus. In the same way that God provided a ram for Abraham through faith, faith is our key to receiving His forgiveness, righteousness, life and blessing.

God loved us so, that He gave His only son. John 3:16

“Jesus, I receive your forgiveness and life that was provided for us as a gift through the sacrifice of your life on the Cross. Thank you.”

The next reflection is The Prophet's Trumpet

The Promise of a Messiah

2010-11-30T00:03:00.001-06:00

Genesis 3:15

God didn’t wait to solve the problem of man’s transgression. Genesis 3:15 declares the Christ’s virgin birth, crucifixion, resurrection and victory. The complete story was foretold.

Jesus, born of a virgin, was the offspring of woman. Wounded for our transgressions, his death was temporary. It was just a bruised heel. Yes, He rose from the dead on the third day. Yet, the damage inflicted to the enemy’s head was permanent and fatal. Satan suffered total defeat when the bruised heel shattered his skull. Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us complete victory over Satan. God’s promise revealed.

“Christ, I receive the forgiveness you died for and the righteousness you rose to give. You are my victory, my LORD.”

Tomorrow: The Sacrifice of Isaac

The Fall of Man

2010-11-29T02:14:00.001-06:00

Genesis 3:6-8

Mankind’s history starts with a personal, face-to-face relationship with God. Adam and Eve’s life in Eden was an incredible opportunity to know God and to be known by Him. There was also a protective limitation: don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Incredible!

The wonderful story became a depressing tragedy. Adam and Eve pursued their selfish desires instead of following the caring guidelines of God; they ate the prohibited fruit and became conscious of good and evil. The resulting guilt and fear caused them to hide and isolate themselves from the very life-giving source who had created them, Father God. Unbelievable, but true!

“Father God, I do not want to be cut off from you. I long to know you as I am known. I want to live according to your wisdom every day.”

The next symbol is The Promise of a Messiah

The Creation of Man

2010-11-28T06:00:00.003-06:00

Genesis 1:27

The amazing aspect of the creation of man is God didn’t just speak Adam into existence. He bent down and with his hands made man’s body out of the dirt. God was personally involved.

God then invested of himself by breathing his life into man. In this way, God created man in his image – a spirit. The rest of creation shows the glory of God and God’s spirit is everywhere, but man holds a particular distinction over the rest of the animal kingdom. Man is spirit and God’s Spirit dwells in man.

“Jesus, breathe your breath in me even as the Father did in Adam and as you did in your disciples. Spirit of God, give me your living life, today.”

Other verses: Genesis 2:7

Tomorrow: The Fall of Man

He is... Creator and Sustainer of the Universe

2010-11-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

Colossians 1:15-17

Not only was Jesus before the creation of the earth, He is also the Creator and Sustainer of the whole universe. He is the intelligent designer of our world. He holds all things in their place. Ephesians says we are the workmanship of his hands and John taught us that without Christ we can do nothing. As the center of our universe, Jesus is the gravity that holds our life together so through Him we can fulfill his design and purpose for our lives.

“Jesus, Creator and Sustainer, I give to you the throne at the center of my being. I want all I say and do to be controlled by your gravitational pull so I will always please you and complete your design for my life.”

Other verses: Heb 1:3; Is. 48:13

The next post is The Creation of Man

He Was... In the Beginning

2010-11-26T08:09:00.001-06:00

John 1:1-5

It all began before all was…

Jesus is God. He always has been and always will be.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The belief that Jesus is God is the distinguishing point of Christianity and all else we believe is built upon that truth. If Jesus is not God, Jehovah, Yahweh, we are no different than any other religion or belief system.

“Jesus, my God, my LORD, my Savior, who always has been and will always be, I give my life to you, to serve you and to extend your Kingdom by manifesting Heaven on earth, today.”

Next Post: He Is... Creator and Sustainer of the Universe

New Life with Advent

2010-11-26T08:04:00.003-06:00

As I did last year I'll be making a daily post about Advent, the coming of our LORD.

I will be making a daily post for thirty days, one a day until Christmas. These reflections are a result of 15 years of celebrating Advent as a family. As the years passed the verses, symbols and thoughts developed into what you now see here. I hope you are blessed by what we as a family have enjoyed for so many years.

The symbols are family made. Sometimes by Bev or myself, other times they were done by the children, and other times a combination of the two. I have taken the originals and improved them digitally, but they remain basicly the same.

The reflections were written last year and then translated by John and revised by my son-in-law, Vicente Diaz.

Let us not forget the reason for the Christmas season, the remembrance of the birth Jesus of Nazareth, God
incarnate. May he forever live within us and be seen without, where ever we go.

First post: He Was... In the Beginning

The Long Way Around

2010-11-24T12:12:00.000-06:00

Why doesn't God always take the most direct route?

Exodus 13:17-18 reveals at least one of the possible reasons.

"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them... through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people around by... the Red Sea..." NIV

Sometimes the Good Shepherd leads us by an indirect route to protect us from discouragement and defeat. Thank you ABBA Father for your foresight and mercy.

Barbara Christine Hall Rutledge - December 2, 1930 to August 27, 2010

2010-10-02T23:24:00.001-05:00

Friends and family,

Thank you for all your prayers and notes. I have not sent an email to my complete list since I asked you to pray for mom in the email sent on August 21. Six short days later, she passed away. We know she is now eternally blessed and enjoying the presence of her LORD Saviour. We as family here in Nicaragua are doing well as we adjust to changes. I apologize for not communicating earlier. Included is the same memorial and celebration as is posted on my blog Happenings in North Nicaragua .

Grace and peace,

Paz y bien,

Earl and Bev Rutledge

Grandma Barbara, as many in Matagalpa and Jinotega called her, celebrated the last 8 years of her life in Nicaragua as a missionary serving in the gift of helps. Primarily she helped home school and care for the younger children of her oldest son's family. She also interceded for those the ministry was touching. Barbara lived in Nicaragua from 2002 until she passed away August 27, 2010.

As a child, teenager, and young lady she grew up in Seymour, Tennessee. She was known as Christine, her middle name, and affectionately called Kricket by her father, William Hall Sr. She married Joseph W. Rutledge in 1956 and gave birth to four children: Earl, Ellen, Lloyd and Fred.

Barbara and her husband Joe touched many lives in a variety of ways. In the first year of their marriage they were "tentmakers" in Elgin, Illinois, where Joe taught math in the public high school as they ministered in a Baptist mission in the city. Afterwards, they served as dorm parents at Harrison-Chilhowee Academy in Seymour, Tennessee. Leaving Tennessee, they returned to Louisiana where Joe finished a third degree in engineering. Barbara and Joe both had previously finished masters degrees in Christian Education from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

The following years were filled with raising a family as Joe worked as an engineer and later Barbara returned to the university to be certified as a teacher for special needs children. During these 16 years both attended church and served faithfully in whatever manner they could. In 1975 Barbara and Joe realized a dream they had put aside many years before and the summer after Earl graduated from high school they took their first missionary journey to the island of Jamaica. The time spent there was short, but it opened their hearts once again to serve as carriers of God's light to the nations and people that would never think of entering a church door. Joe's job as an engineer allowed their light to shine as they lived with their family in Mandeville, Jamaica and later Valencia, Venezuela.

When Barbara's husband Joe passed away in 2002 she decided to move to Nicaragua and live with her oldest son. She served in their ministry as she taught and cared for their younger children. Although unable to speak and understand Spanish, this did not prevent her from showing the people that she loved God and that she loved them. In this silent yet powerful way she continued until her death impacting lives of those that came in contact with her.

August 27, 2010, at 10:25 PM, after a three month bout with illness, Barbara Christine Hall Rutledge walked through the valley of the shadow of death into the eternal glory with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed away in her sleep at the Hospital Metropolitano-Vivian Pelas, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Barbara Christine is survived by three children: Earl, Ellen and Lloyd; nine grandchildren: Marcus, Cheree, Sarah, John, Judah, Lance, Luke, Kelsy, Esperanza; and one great grand-child Katelynn.

Her testimony lives on.

--
Posted By Earl to Happenings in North Nicaragua at 9/30/2010 11:39:00 AM

Patience in Life’s Circumstances

2010-08-07T16:22:00.001-05:00

“Abraham patiently endured and obtained the promise God had made.” Hebrews 6:15

There are so many situations in life that are totally out of our control, whether it’s the people we deal with, the uncontrollable situations of life or the time we wait for God’s design and blessing to manifest. Patience not only allows us to respond to incompetence and discrepancy in people in a positive and constructive way, it also helps us deal with life’s delays in a manner that will help us grow in character, trust and faith.

What attitudes create impatience in our lives?

Lack of trust – “God, is this the best solution?”
Ungratefulness – “I need more!”
Life is urgent – “I want it now!”

When these attitudes raise their ugly heads in the moment of change and delay, Psalms 37:7 and 40:1 challenge us to “rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” Don’t get upset about other people’s successes. God will hear and respond.

“Waiting patiently” includes the idea of twisting or braiding strands of string together to increase the overall strength and endurance of one single rope. We through patience are made one with God. We braid ourselves with Him, His life, and His Spirit take part of His strength to joyfully endure with strong expectation until the goal is achieved. It includes Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy to commit our situations to God and the promise in Ecclesiastes of the strength of unity. Patiently waiting and trusting in the LORD permits Him to bring the total result of His good, perfect and acceptable will to all situations and circumstances of our life.

“Waiting patiently” also refers to the waiting, the labor and the pain experienced while pregnant and giving birth. In our lives, patience is the gestation and birth process that occurs between the time God sows a seed of promise in our lives and when that promise becomes reality. After the conception of the promise, hope and faith help us wait and endure patiently as the blessing of God develops and emerges as reality in our lives. This anxious expectation is a knowing that the desired end is coming. This hope encourages us to “hold on” and not become desperate or depressed. We know the answer is coming. We are pregnant with the promise. Birth is certain.

Romans indicates that nature constantly “waits with eager longing” for freedom from the futility, death, and decay it was unwillingly subjected to because of Adam’s decisions millenniums ago and humanities present actions of disregard and abuse. We also frequently find ourselves in situations that are out of our control. We “groan” as we wait or reprogram a desired outcome. We call out to God when a spiritual result is not coming to pass as quickly as we planned. Again Romans speaks to the experience.

We ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it in with patience. ESV

As we go through the “birth pains” of new ideas, projects and relationships, we must braid our lives together with the Spirit of God so He can “help us in our weakness.” In this moment, He knows exactly what we need. We must patiently trust in the LORD, our strength. This is not a passive waiting. It is a decisive and active knotting of ourselves to God and His promises with faith and hope-filled braids of prayer, meditation. As we do, we will birth the spiritual promise here in this world. God will make all things work together for our good. He will be glorified.

This mixture of patient waiting, mutual trust, hopeful enduring, faith filled expectation and the strong labor of birth brings the desired results of our faith out of eternity and into today (Hebrews 11:1).

As Abraham did, we too can patiently endure and obtain the promises God has given.

How do you deal with impatience when you find yourself in circumstances beyond your control? Leave your comments below.

Follow this link for the first blog in the sequence on Patience: Patience, Again?

OK, I need more Patience… but with people?

2010-07-30T11:39:00.009-05:00

Patience is the ability to respond to people’s incompetence or unique differences in a good-natured way. It will protect me from offense and bitterness, and will allow God to work in my life. I certainly need patience in my life

What causes me to be impatient?

I fear this person is taking advantage of me. I’m in a hurry and my time is valuable. My pride and ego get in the way. I’m more important. Look how bad they are. I’m better. I know best. I lack knowledge or understanding of their situations, circumstances or culture. Look how many reasons I use for justifying my anxious, impulsive, aggressive, and self-centered attitudes and actions.

As we deal with people, we need patience that results in correct responses. Galatians mentions patience as one of the fruits of the Spirit and different translations use words like longsuffering, even tempered and forbearing to help us understand this spirit-led characteristic. Synonyms include tolerance, forgiving and merciful.

How can we be patient without being forbearing, tolerant, merciful and forgiving? We can’t. We must combine these ideas of forbearance, tolerance, mercy and forgiveness with the essence of Christianity, love. Then we will see the overt manifestation of patience in our relationships. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love is patient and kind.

And how does patience manifest itself?

Patience is not envious or boastful; it isn’t arrogant or rude. Patience doesn’t insist on it’s own way; it isn’t irritable or resentful.

Patience bears and endures all things; believes all things and places confidence in others; it joyfully waits with confident, expectation and hope; and it calmly, suffers unfair treatment. Patience exercised with Faith, hope and love is never powerless or without effect. [Based on ESV translation of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8]

Sounds like love. And that’s why patience never fails.

Remember continue your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God our Father. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

What provokes impatience towards other in your life? What do you do to respond patiently to these people? Leave your comments.

Read about patience when things seem out of control here: Patience in Life's Circumstances

Patience, Again?

2010-07-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

How often have you heard the following statements?

I prayed, “LORD, give me patience,” and He sent me tribulation.

“You know the Bible says ‘tribulation works patience.’ I guess if you don’t want problems and trials you just better not pray for patience.”

“Patience is a virtue, brother. You’ve got to wait. You know, God’s doing something in your life.”

Although parts of these thoughts may not be 100% off base, I do think they represent a common misapplication of the ideas in Romans and James. This way of thinking creates fear in us; a fear that God will cause us to have many trials, tribulations and difficulties so we will learn to be patient.

I believe the opposite is true. Instead of being afraid to ask God for help, we must believe He strengthens us as we wait patiently. We must trust Him in the difficult times to change our attitude and our response to these moments when answers seem to be evasive or when it seems as though God does not answer.
Our attitude always affects the outcome. Patience is a good-natured response to delays and incompetence*. Let us consider four possible characteristics of metals and their relationship to our attitudes during the trials of life.

Malleable is the capability of being shaped by pressure; adaptable*
Ductile is the characteristic of being stretched thin or undergoing change of form without breaking *
Flexible is the potential of bending without breaking*
Resilient is the ability of springing back or returning to the original form of position after being bent *

When we impatiently demand our own way, we be easily offended, hard and brittle and therefore easily damaged.
If we patiently endure with hope and faith, we’ll be malleable, ductile, flexible and resilient. We will be moldable and God will use the situation to our advantage. We will “spring back” from trials even stronger than before.

Lord, I need to respond to life’s delays and people’s incompetence in a good-natured way. Help me deal with restlessness and annoyance in my life. Holy Spirit, give me patience.

As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring [patient, unwavering] hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT

Check out the next blog on patience: OK, I need more patience... but with people?

*The definitions used are paraphrases of the meanings given in Dictionary! and Dictionary.com applications for the iPhone and iTouch.

The Glory

2010-07-21T10:35:00.001-05:00

This morning they fumigated our house for mosquitoes with an awesome fog machine. Thirty minutes later the fog was still there.

Holy Spirit, fumigate my life with the fog of the glory and presence of God, and may the fog linger for a long, long time.

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34-35 English Standard Version

And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 8:10-11 English Standard Version

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

2010-07-12T17:06:00.001-05:00

“Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.” The Message

God’s response to Adam’s sin was mercy, “I’ll fix it.” He did have to remove Adam and Eve from of the garden, but even that was an act of mercy. If He hadn’t they would have eaten of the Tree of Life and forever been locked into the state of sinfulness and there would have been no hope of redemption and restoration to a relationship with God.

Twice, David showed mercy to “a defenseless” Saul. The story of the “Prodigal Son” illustrated a father’s mercy towards an errant son. Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman and his forgiveness of Peter’s denial of knowing him were direct divine acts showing the mercy of God towards sinful man.

Romans 5:8-9 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, because we have now been declared righteous by his blood, we will be saved through Him from God’s wrath.”

These examples show how God’s mercy triumphs over judgment. They bring thoughts of gratitude to my mind:

God was and is merciful towards me. That has been very freeing. Yes, His mercies are new every morning.
God’s goodness, mercy and patience lead me to repentance and keep my heart open to Him.

Amazing! Incredible! Awesome!

Since God is merciful towards me, how should I speak, live and practice this “truth in love”?

Pray for my enemies.
Forgive my offenders.
Bless those who take advantage me.
Speak in love, not out of anger, rage or offense.
Speak the truth, not a biased emotion tainted position.
Don’t judge others for what they’ve done.
Don’t condemn those that have done wrong.

If there is no prayer, forgiveness and blessing when I speak the truth about an offense, it will be saturated with judgment and condemnation, and the truth I speak can in no way be spoken in love.

James 2:13; Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 1:9-11

Celebrate Their Goal

2010-07-02T15:05:00.001-05:00

“Goooooooaaaaaal,” sounds the television as the ball streaks past the players and hits the net behind the goalie.

From the bedroom my four year old daughter comes running, jumping for joy and asking, “a goal, a goal? Yea, goooaaalllll!”

I think Esperanza has the best perspective of all the people watching the FIFA World Cup. It doesn’t matter who scores, she celebrates the goal. It doesn’t matter who wins, she rejoices with the winning team.

There is a lesson to learn here. Instead of criticizing and making excuses when your neighbor, friend or even your opponent wins, celebrate with them. That makes for good relationships, better attitudes and lots more fun.

I’m not talking about being happy about injustice or evil. but often instead of celebrating and rejoicing in somebody’s legitimate, hard earned success, we point out all the luck they had, how we could have done the same if we’d had the chance or even how we could have done it better.

Esperanza has reminded me of Paul’s words to rejoice with those that rejoice and cry with those that cry. We should feel the emotions of those around us and instead of dismissing their happiness or mourning, join them in it.

The next time somebody gets the job you’ve pursued, receives a raise you’ve needed, finds the exceptional buy you’ve wanted, or wins the game you were playing, celebrate with them. Your day will come and rejoicing with them will help the days pass quicker and with more joy.

Don’t forget to celebrate!

GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!

The Rock that Is Higher

2010-06-15T16:51:00.002-05:00

When there is no lightning and thunder, great signs and wonders; when the earth doesn’t shake and all seems deathly silent, where do you go? What do you do?

When the storms are raging, waters are rising; when it seems that all is going wrong, nothing is working right, where do you go? What do you do?

I go to the rock, the rock that is higher than I. That rock is Christ Jesus; the rock is the truth of the Word of God. The immovable, always solid, unchanging revelation that I have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. This is the good news of the gospel of which I am not ashamed. – The Rock is always faithful, always true.

Verses to read: 1 Kings 19:1-13; Matthew 7:24-25; Psalm 61:1-3; Matthew 16:16-19; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Romans 5:1-11

It Is Time to Move: Something New is About to Happen

2009-11-29T21:36:00.002-06:00

“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. A time to break down, and a time to build up.” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b, NET

In life there are ups and downs; summer and winter; childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and mature years; bear markets and bull markets. Like waves, we must find the crest and ride it to the end. Once on the beach, don’t just sit there, get up and swim out again. Prepare for the next wave and the next ride.

Jesus said, “I must go to my Father.” He knew his time was near. The crucifixion and the resurrection were the goal. The ascension would prepare for Pentecost, which was to be the launching pad of the world-wide spread of Christianity. The church started and grew in Jerusalem. The persecution spread it to Samaria and Antioch. Paul and Peter extended it to the known Mediterranean world. Each thrust and movement was a new cycle, a new wave, a new experience, the next step in the expansion of the Kingdom of God on earth.

As individuals, families and churches we live with the same experience of times and seasons. There is rest and work; stable moments and agitated moments; discipleship and evangelism. Now, we have the opportunity to move, to grow and to do new things that will take us to new heights and greater achievements.

Jesus is calling us, “Follow me.”

Our response must be, “Let’s go! We will follow wherever you lead.”

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I m doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18, 19 NIV

My Debt Has Been Paid

2009-10-20T12:01:00.001-05:00

Many nations, businesses and people have debts they cannot pay. It appears to me that debt is a serious problem in our day and time. I think the same is true in the spiritual area.

Romans 3:23 is clear when it says, “all sinned.” And this sin leaves us with a debt to pay. There is a judgment against us and the sentence is spiritual death, separation from the life God gives and ultimate result is all forms of death that exist in our lives: sickness, poverty, hate, war and more.

The good news is that there is a completely, sufficient solution. Romans 6:23 reminds us that God’s gift is eternal life because of Christ Jesus. This is confirmed in John 3:16, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

How did God do this? He sent his son, Jesus. “He appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:5) God took away our sins. Now we owe Him nothing. Jesus fulfilled the demands of justice.

HOW SUFFICIENT WAS THIS WORK OF GOD? How far has God separated us from our sins? Psalms 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” There is more and the results are actually even better. Isaiah 43:25 declares, “I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Our sins have been erased [Spanish translation]. They are not there; they were removed from us. God forgave us and cleansed us from all evil (1 John 1:9).

We are totally forgiven and cleansed. We have been set free! Thank you LORD.

Since our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience and the weight of sin, let’s go into God’s presence with confidence and a sincere hearts in full assurance of faith. [a combination of ideas expressed in Hebrews 10:22, NIV and BBE translations]

Meditation

2009-07-07T12:25:00.003-05:00

July 6, I posted this thought on Facebook.

"Meditation has more to do with filling yourself with His thoughts [God’s] than it does emptying yourself of yours."

I know it’s not an original idea, but it sure touched a need out there. For what it's worth, here are some other thoughts on meditation. These thoughts didn’t necessarily originate with me either, but with the exception of the Biblical references I don’t know who to give credit to.

- be still and know that I am God, Ps. 4:4; 46:10
- God spoke in a still small voice, 1 Kings 19:12
- Renew our minds with the word of God, Rom 12:2
- meditate [to chew the cud like a cow] day and night on the Word, Joshua 1:8; Ps 1:2

I meditate, sitting quiet and just being, just being quiet before him. Like Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, I sit listening for Him to speak. My objective is not to empty myself, but to quiet myself. I think there is a difference. I quiet myself and fill myself with God's thoughts. Maybe I read one verse or two and just think on them. Maybe I'm listening to music and thinking about God. Maybe I'm not doing anything but sitting there and enjoying the presence of God that is with me. The neat thing is that as I quiet myself and fill myself with God's thoughts that come from His Word, He fills me with more of Himself. As I let Him fill me and as I obey Him, the undesirable in me is PUSHED out. The more full of God I am, the less full I am of myself.

There is a video teaching titled Be Still and Know that I Am God that deals with meditation and contemplative prayer. It's very good and includes comments and thoughts from Dr. Henry Cloud, Richard Foster, Max Lucado and Beth Moore.

Sincere

2009-07-04T12:56:00.001-05:00

Let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings. – Hebrews 10:22 NET

Sincerity is true, free of hypocrisy and without deception.

The sincere heart speaks without manipulative motives; it is a true and honest expression of thoughts, feelings and emotions. It is also willing to hear the open and honest expression of others. The exchange and communication is of grace with transparent words and open ears.

The sincere faith is certain and convinced that the promises and the work of God are absolutely true and completely sufficient to realize the transformation needed in our lives. It is pure and unadulterated. Its motives are not self-centered; on the contrary its desire is to bring the presence of heaven to earth for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Sincere love seeks the pure and perfect motives of God. Its practice is without deceit or hypocrisy, without judgment or guilt. Sincere love demonstrates the desire of God to rescue, redeem and restore his sons and daughters to their original design. It pursues the extension and expansion of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.

The aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. - 1 Timothy 1:5 NET

You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. – 1 Peter 1:22 NET

How Can I Minister to Others?- getting started

2009-06-16T09:59:00.001-05:00

[notes from a teaching by Charles Slagle, April 6, 1993, Del Rio, Texas]

I must desire to share God's heart.

Ask these questions while you are praying:

What pleases You (God) about this person?
What good plans/promises do You want to communicate to this person?
What are You teaching this one now?
What inner hurts, stresses, fears, sorrows is this person experiencing?
What gifts/strengths need to be affirmed?
How is he/she a unique blessing?
Does this person labor under an inadequate view of Father God or of himself?

Stress identity, not behavior!

Identification as a child of God and understanding who we are in Christ is the fulcrum of balance.

The central factor, the position of balance, is knowledge of who God is and our identity/relation to Him and with Him. The promises and blessings of God are a product of our relation with Him. The interesting thing is, Christian conduct is also a product of intimate relation with God.

Emphasize identity and relation, not behavior; identity and relationship with God produce correct behavior.

"First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside may also be clean." Matthew 23:26

God is EXTREME!

2009-05-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

God has always been an extremist. He created a universe, a planet, a garden and animals for his maximum creation, man and woman. The moment they failed Him He promised a Savior.

God is extreme!

His mercy is new every morning. We are to eat of the abundance of his table. Life in Him is abundant. He did not come to be served. Instead, he came to serve and give his life as a sacrifice for all. God is extreme!

He is extremely good and generous; extremely merciful and gracious; extremely loving and kind; extremely holy and righteous. God is extreme!

He said:

Sell all you have and follow me.
I don't condemn you; go and sin no more.
Forgive the same offense 490 times a day.
You will do greater works than I did.
Tell all the world.
Love as I loved you.

God is extreme!

Without complaining, Christ suffered the punishment and the weight to forgive us all our sins, to heal our diseases, to restore our broken relationships, supply our needs and give us TOTAL and COMPLETE victory in an abundant life. He didn't respond to his false accusers nor did he call for a legion of angels to save Him. He didn't point his finger at the guilty nor prophecy doom and judgment on the nation. Instead, He opened his beaten and bruised arms wide and lay his bloody and lacerated back on the rustic cross. As they drove the nails through his hands and feet he said, "This is how much I love you."

God is extreme! And you?

The Keys 2

2009-03-29T10:00:00.001-06:00

Intimacy with God gives us confidence, true humility results in authority and a servant heart increases influence.

Ideas on Humility and Our Nation

2009-03-29T09:57:00.002-06:00

Intimacy with God, humility and service are areas we must pursue in our lives. Let's consider humility.

Humility is the opposite of pride. It seeks to honor others over itself and to do the best for them. It's teachable, accepts counsel and correction and shares the good it has with others. Pride, being
self-centered, wants to exalt itself in every situation and believes the purpose for everything is personal gain and benefit. Pride doesn't permit others to teach him, give counsel nor correct him. It takes all for itself and shares with no one, unless, of course, sharing can result in some personal benefit.

Our prayers can indicate if we are humble and live to serve. Let's consider our prayers in the present economic crisis and political situations in which we are living. Normally our prayers are focused on our needs and desires; our praying is a complaint session where we criticize our leaders and murmur about the decisions made by others. That is to say, we are seeking the best for ourselves and we are cursing our authorities.

If we want to pray with an humble attitude, how should we pray? 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us to humble ourselves and repent for our part in the present situation; for our self-centered prayers and our complaining, murmuring and cursing of others. Let us change our attitude. Let's start to be more concerned for the manifestation of the kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven. Let's seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness [Matthew 6:33], let's pray for our government and authorities with petitions and thanksgiving [1 Timothy 2:1, 2] and let's seek the peace and well being of the city God has sent us to [Jeremiah 29:7]. In that way a peaceful life of
well being, tranquility and dignity will be added to us. Let's pray that God's will be done and that the Lord be glorified in our nation.
Let's pray that heaven invade earth.

The Keys

2009-03-05T12:19:00.003-06:00

The keys for proper development and use of authority, talents, finances and influence (along with everything else we have in this life) are intimacy with God, humility in attitude and service as motivation while we do all for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom.

I may in the future take the time to develop the ideas of each point.

Sheer Delight

2009-02-02T12:29:00.001-06:00

"For you have made me a blessing for ever; you have given me joy in the light of your face. For I have faith in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High I will not be moved." Psalm 21:6-7

We are a blessing forever because the fountain of God springs forth from our inner self. This spring continues flowing because we spend extend times in His presence, enjoying the shining light of His face. The presence of God in us confirms His love to us and it gives us confidence in each moment, under all circumstances and during every experience.

Therefore, even in the middle of crisis and chaos, we remember that God is always good and creative. Just as He provided manna in the desert, just as there were 12 baskets left over after the miracle of the fish and bread, just as He raised Lazarus from the dead, and just as he gave us eternal life making us new creatures, certainly He can fulfill each and every need we have today; and certainly He will continue walking with us in the midst of the moments of crises and chaos in our lives.

Psalm 21:7 reminds us that our confidence must always be totally place in God; don't focus on situations and feelings, instead remember that Jesus came to give us life in abundance and not death, depression, sadness, sickness or poverty. How can we keep this strong and secure confidence? basking in His presence, because "in His presence we experience abundant joy and He always give us sheer delight." Psalm 16:11

Walking, Waiting and Knowing

2009-01-16T18:03:00.006-06:00

As we walk with God, in the direction he is going, doing what he is doing and feeling what he is feeling; we begin to see as he sees and know as he knows. Jesus said, “follow me and I will make you one who attracts others to my kingdom”. Following Jesus in the days of the disciples was to walk with, eat with and live with Jesus. It was to listen to him, trust him and work with him. The life-style of Jesus became the lifestyle of his disciples. We need to walk with Jesus.

As we spend time with friends, we wait on them. Sometimes wait means sitting while they prepare, work or rest. Sometimes wait means to serve them in their needs. Wait always means grow in patience and trust one with another. Wait should always include expectation, hope, and love. It is not dreary and sad; it is joyfully anticipation of what is to come and happen in our lives. Certainly as we walk with Jesus we will have to wait on him and for him and this process will create a closer relationship of love and service.

Walking with and waiting on friends will help us know them better. As you walk together you talk and share likes and dislikes, dreams and purposes, emotions and feelings. You begin to know the person better. As you wait on a friend through service and unity you develop a bond with them that cannot be broken. Knowing friends through walking together and through serving and waiting on them, braids a three strand cord of faith, hope and love that cannot easily be broken.

Let us become one with Christ in lifestyle, walking with him. Let us become one with Christ in service and patient anticipation as we serve him. Let us know him as he is in the brightness of his glory.

Bless us LORD with Peace and Well-being

2008-11-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

Work to see that the city where I sent you enjoys peace and prosperity. Pray to the LORD for it, for as it prospers you will be blessed. Jeremiah 29:7

How can we seek the prosperity and well being of our family and church, and the peace of our city and nation? I believe the answer starts in Ephesians 4:2-3 when Paul writes, “with all humility and unselfishness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to live in peace and keep the unity of the Spirit.”

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 12 stating that there different spiritual gifts, ministries, ways to serve, operations, administrations and manifestations, but the same God, LORD and Spirit. Certainly there is diversity and there are differences, but God teaches us that when the Holy Spirit gives us something, he does it for the benefit and the good of others. When we seek the good of others and do all possible to live in peace with others, we will not lose the unity of the Spirit.

Praying for our authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-3), living with all humility, generosity, patience and love (Ephesians 4:2-3) and looking out for the good and benefit of others (1 Corinthians 12:7); we will be seeking for the peace and prosperity of the city God has sent us to and we will live in peace and under the blessing of God (Jeremiah 29:7).

Power, Truth and Honor

2008-10-31T10:34:00.001-06:00

Power, truth and honor are blessings from God. So many times we misuse these blessings because we have not experienced their correct use nor do we understand how God designed them to be used.

Power is to be used for the benefit of others, not for manipulating them to one’s own desires. We should use the authority we have to bring freedom and to provide better opportunities in the lives of others. In Jesus’ parable, the man that was freed of his debt only understood the cancelation of the amount owed, not the forgiveness and liberty his Lord wanted to give him. In the end he was still a slave. With the authority God has given us we should protect others and help them develop confidence to live.

Truth is for giving good counsel and freedom to others. So many times we use truth to point out others’ sins, errors and mistakes. We condemn instead of consoling or giving wise counsel. The religious leaders wanted to condemn and punish the sinful woman; “they were better people than she was”. Jesus used truth to free the woman from condemnation and release her from the power of sin.

Honor is integrity, up rightness and faithfulness. We should use it to give confidence and acceptance to others. When we compare ourselves to others, we exalt ourselves. We also humiliate others like the brother of the prodigal son did. But, the father of the prodigal son used his characteristic of honor to show acceptance and to honor the prodigal as his son, even though he had been lost.

Power to protect and help others; truth for giving good counsel and freedom; honor to accept and lift others up; are we living that way. We need to experience the goodness of God’s power, truth and honor so we can treat our friends and family positively and correctly, helping them see that God is good. Receive from God so we can give to others and give to God all the honor the power and the glory He deserves.

Hope

2008-10-04T12:07:00.002-05:00

Economic crisis, political elections, world-wide wars, sickness and death; all provoke profound and preoccupying thoughts. For this reason we must have a strong hope and a rock in which to anchor our faith.

Jesus said we would have tribulations and difficulties; therefore don’t be surprised by challenging tests and problems. He also gave us hope when he proclaimed, “ I am the Truth, my Words are the truth and the Holy Spirit will always be with you.”

Jeremiah tells us that God’s plans for our future are better than we can dream, always while Christ, the Hope of Glory, is in us. The faith we have in Him and his words will give substance to the hope he offers.

Meditate in the following confession based on Romans 15:13 and fill receive His hope for a blessed day and a better tomorrow.

The God of hope fills me with all hope and peace so there abounds in me hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peace, blessings and abundant hope in Christ Jesus.

Travel Revelation

2008-07-30T09:40:00.004-05:00

Travel as an eight member family in a twelve passenger van with all your "stuff" is a great revelation. Parents serve as counselors and referees, older children are helpers and playmates, younger children are a joy at moments and a challenge at others. Yes, living in such limited space will surely reveal your true character and weaknesses. That is sure! We have only been on the road a few days and have almost 2 months left. The tests and blessings have just begun.

The trip of life presents some of the same challenges as we face change and uncertainty, especially as we deal with our church family. As leaders we serve as counselors and peacemakers. As older “brothers” we help others through crises and walk through life with them. And the younger ones are a joy to watch and a challenge to train.

The key to these challenges is “the LORD is my refuge and my strength in Him will I trust.” Daily intimacy with our Father God and constant time in His presence will help us pass through the tests and difficulties of life.

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Ps 9:10

Generals and Fathers

2008-07-08T13:02:00.007-05:00

Although we have fathers and mothers; although we have families, we do not understand as we should how the relationship of parents and family functions. For this reason we return to the known even though we do not like it.

A Nicaraguan proverb says, "the old we have is worth more that the new we have yet to know."

For this reason we search for Generals, Commanders and Chiefs when we need fathers and families. For this reason we act like Generals, Commanders and Chiefs when we should be fathers, sons and brothers. For this reason we like to be apostles and prophets instead of pastors and servants. Yes, even though we do not like people to tell us what to do, we look for people to make our decisions for us instead of somebody to help us develop our relation with God the Father and therefore be responsible for our own decisions and relationships with others.

Yes, God wants to establish his Kingdom here on earth and He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, but we do have the opportunity to know him as our Heavenly Father and develop relationships as children of God and brothers in Christ.

Eph.. 2:19; John 1:12; 1 Cor. 4:15; John 13:34,35

Anticipation with Preoccupation

2008-06-27T16:16:00.002-05:00

Birth, first steps, the first school day, starting college, finding your first job, getting married and your first grandchild are all part of our progressive growth and maturity. They bring a mix of excitement with concern and joy with fear.

The growth of a church is similar. New believers, the birth of a church, the process of discipleship, and the recognition of leaders is the process which leads to a growing, mature and reproductive church that is able to stand and walk towards its destiny. Yes, it brings a mix of anticipation with preoccupation and joy with fear, but the leap is necessary because growth comes only when we take risks.

We moved to Matagalpa with the vision to plant five churches in North Nicaragua that are birthed with new believers and grow into self-governing, self-sustaining and self-reproducing Christian communities. This month La Fuente will continue in her development while Bev and I visit the United States. It has been 15 years since we arrived in Nicaragua, 13 years since we have visited the United States as a family and 10 years since we moved to Matagalpa. The trip is important for us. But more than being significant for us, it is vital for you, La Fuente. You must take the risk.

As we expand to other cities, La Fuente must continue walking and growing as a family. Our trip provides you a two month experience of living and learning without Mom and Dad at your side. It is a continuation of taking your first steps and going to the first day of class at school and finding your first job after graduation.

You are prepared. You are able.

Rise and shine. Be strong and courageous.

Christ is in you; He is your hope and future.

So be it.

God's Legatus

2008-06-11T13:20:00.002-05:00

Legatus is a Latin Word for ambassador, envoy, or legion commander. One sent by a person of supreme authority to represent him in a given situation. Also Roman citizens sent by an order of the Senate to establish Roman government in a recently conquered province were legatus.

Paul in 2 Corinthians writes of this position in which we live when he mentions that we are “ambassadors for Christ.” The Message says, “We're speaking for Christ himself now.” Also we can see the same idea in Ephesians 6:20 when he says, “I am an ambassador in chains… pray for me that… [I may] boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Paul clearly understood the call of God on his life to be His representative here on the earth.

We too have been commissioned as God’s legatus.

Jesus taught us to believe that the will of God is to be done on the earth as it is in heaven.

In Matthew and Mark he sent us as his envoys to the world when he said, “Go, and make disciples of all nationalities and races, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to put into practice all I have told you. These signs will accompany true believers: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in new tongues; they will take snakes in their hands and if they drink poison and they will not be hurt; believers will lay hands on the sick and they will be healed."

Jesus gave us authority to speak in His name. We are His legatus here on the earth. He has sent us to establish His kingdom here; in our lives, our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our nations, in all the earth.

Light

2008-04-29T08:17:00.002-05:00

Mark 4:22-25

God illuminates us so we can shine and raise His light high.
We must hear well and we must pay attention to receive more light and understanding.

If we place "the Light" in a place of importance in our lives, if we have ears to hear, more light and understanding will be given to us. If we do not put into practice what we understand, even what we have will be lost.

Creativity

2008-01-24T10:58:00.001-06:00

"We would like to commend risk taking as a stimulus for creative reimagining. [Imagination] and creativity are dangerous, but we believe that without risk there can be no growth and no progress."

"When you are out of your depth, at risk, the creative juices start really flowing. The fact is that when we are doing things we have learnt well and are part of the safe and the habitual, we really don't learn all that much. We don't have to. However, when we are out of our depth and out of our comfort zone, we have to learn."

Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch, The Shaping of Things to Come, pp. 195-196

God became a man

2007-12-19T06:57:00.001-06:00

Behold the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. God became a man and lived among us.

Although he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death... on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Is 7:14; Philipians 2:6-11

Christmas - God became a man

2007-12-17T17:48:00.001-06:00

In every part of the world Christmas is celebrated with gifts, food, visits and songs. They speak of the Virgin Mary, the Christ child, the shepherds, the wisemen and so many other things, but what is the true reason we can celebrate?

For me, celebrating Christmas is celebrating Christ. Christmas is remembering that God became a man and lived with us as a man but without sin. The gifts, the new clothes, the special fool, the family visits and the Christmas songs are all pretty and fine; but they are the way we celebrate, not the reason for the celebration. The true reason to celebrate is that on this day we remember that the son of God came to serve us all and to give His life to redeem ours.

Generous God

2007-12-14T19:05:00.001-06:00

In the measure that you give you will receive. Paul sail, "He who gives little, receives little; he who give in abundance, receives in abundance." If we change our perspective to one that forgets what we give and remembers what we receive, we will open ourselves to generous giving to others. Giving is the thermometer of love. If there is love in the heart, generosity will be a frequent action in your life, and not just giving money. We will also be generous in our friendship, time, love and forgiveness.

God is our best example. He loved so... that he gave his only Son, so all those that believe in Him... can have eternal life. He gave the best so we could enjoy a live full of love and the eternity with Him.

Receive from God's generous gift and be generous with others.

God's Math

2007-12-12T07:34:00.001-06:00

Seneca said, The best way to do good to ourselves is to do it to others."

Generosity is not just giving material goods. We must give love, mercy, time and more. Have you noticed that the days you go about angry and upset, it seems as though the rest of the world is angry and upset too. We don't just share money and possessions; we also share attitudes and actions. We will them realize that if we are happy, the rest of the world will treat us positively and with a good attitude. If we show love, we will be loved.

God's math works like this; love, joy and peace multiply when we share them with others. Share with others and you'll see a difference in your life. The whole world will change because you have been generous. It's true, the best way to do good to ourselves is to do it to others.

Generosity

2007-12-11T15:44:00.001-06:00

One of the best ways to enjoy what you have is to give to others. It is better to give than to receive, because he who gives receives.

When one gives with a willing and happy heart they receive joy for having helped others and he who gives, like the one that sows his seeds for a good harvest, is preparing for himself future provision. It's like nature's water cycle. The water falls as rain, waters the plants, passes to the rivers, evaporates and returns to the heavens to fall again as rain.

The cycle of God's blessing is similiar. God gives to us, we share with others, they give thanks to God and God gives to us again.

William Walsh said, "A generous action is its own reward." Try it!

Share the Treasure

2007-11-30T08:19:00.000-06:00

We have received the treasure of a good relationship with God. Nobody can fill the void within us like this intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

In this world the norm is to hide something precious so we will not loose it and so it cannot be stolen. With the treasure of eternal life with God we should not respond that way, instead we should realize there is a great need to share this treasure with all those we can.

Where our treasure is, there we will find our heart. The treasure of God in us is enjoyed most when we share is with others. If our treasure is peace with God, we will do all we can to please our LORD and what most pleases Him is to share this message of peace and intimacy with Him with others. In this way, salvation, God's treasure for us, can be shared with the whole world and together all nations can worship Him.

A Precious Pearl

2007-11-28T08:13:00.000-06:00

We are a precious treasure in God's eyes and to reclaim us - His treasure - and restore our relationship with him, He gave his own life. Now we are responsible for receiving the treasure God wants to give us.

God wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Jesus compared this relationship with his Heavenly Father to a very valuable pearl that a jeweler discovered. The jeweler sold all he had just so he could buy that exceeding excellent pearl.

Paul said that new life in Christ is worth so much that he considered all his personal achievements and human recognitions as trash in comparison to Jesus Christ in his life.

This personal and intimate relationship with God is worth so much that we should be willing to pursue it no matter what the cost.

Treasure

2007-11-26T06:28:00.000-06:00

Treasure is something of great value: monetary, personal or sentimental.

God has treasures. His treasure of greatest value is his Son, Jesus Christ. The life of his Son is his own life. We all value our life because life is the most precious treasure we have.

There is another treasure that God values like he does his own Son... we are that treasure.

How can we be so valuable in God's eyes? Because we are his creation, loved and preferred, the apex of all his creation. And how do we know that God values us so? Because he gave his dear and unique Son, his own life, to rescue and redeem us.

We God's treasure. For this reason, Jesus paid, with his own life, our redemption.

The Ocean of Eternity

2007-11-23T09:59:00.001-06:00

Eternity is difficult to understand, but consider what Maricio Maeterlinck said, "Eternity is the ocean; time is the wave."

Life we live here in the earth is just a wave of time in the rest of the ocean of eternity. We must live for eternity, not passing pleasure.

Our Heavenly father made the temporary and natural. Jesus lived here in the earth so we, his earthly creation, could be with Him for eternity. Placing our faith in the eternal work of Christ in the cross, we choose to serve God and receive His eternal life. We determine our eternity.

Only by pursuing God can we take advantage of our wave of life and enjoy God's ocean of eternity.

Secure your Eternity with God

2007-11-21T08:28:00.001-06:00

Eternity, infinite duration... has been for millenniums the theme of philosophers, theologians and mystics. There is something in man that wants to know what existed before his birth and what will happen after his death. Why? Because God made man according to his image and likeness, He made man with eternity in his soul.

Our Eternal Father wants to enjoy in all his existence a perfect and permanent relation with mankind, ... blessing the apex of creation He had made. For this reason, when the first couple left God, the LORD decided to not leave them eternally separated from Him. When humanity rebelled, God demonstrated His great love by sending Jesus Christ to die for all humanity on the cross.

Put your trust in Jesus Christ. Secure your eternity with God.

Eternity in Our Souls

2007-11-19T09:45:00.000-06:00

In the beginning Jesus Christ was; and he who is Jesus Christ was with God and was God. He was with God from the beginning. Through him, God made all things; nothing that exists was made without him. Jesus was life and this life was the light of all humanity.

God created the heavens and the earth and said: let's make mankind in our image and according to our being... So the LORD formed man from the earth and breathed in his nose the breath of life; and mankind became a living being.

God made mankind according to his image and being; he made mankind with eternity in his soul so he could live forever.

2007-11-18T21:34:00.000-06:00

I'm going to stay young until the day I die old.

Hasta el dia en que me muera bien viejo, voy a mantenerme bien joven.

A Life-style of Worship

2007-11-01T10:36:00.001-06:00

Evening, morning and at noon I will pray; in the early hours of the morning I will seek you; I will bless you all day because is is better to be in your house than to live in the houses of the ungodly.

The Psalms express worship as a way of life. When we worship, we exalt Jesus Christ; we worship with our heart's attitude; a pure heart given to God. We worship Him at all times, in all places and in all situations and circumstances because Christ in the only on worth of our worship; Only Jesus deserves our worship. Worship Him daily, not just on Sundays. Worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Worship flows from the heart of a worshiper; it doesn't matter the place or the hour or the situation.

Let's worship Jesus Christ with all our hearts.

An Attitude of the Heart

2007-10-31T07:55:00.001-06:00

Worship is placing Christ in the important spot of our lives, exalting his merits, serving him and obeying him with all our hearts; it is thinking of Him first. Worship is Christ-centered.

Worshipping God requires an attitude of the heart that is pure and holy, an disposition that is evident when we respond to the desires of God. "With my whole heart... I will glorify your name," is how Psalm 86 says it. We worship when we submit to God; when move with the Holy Spirit. "You will not reject a humble and repentant heart."

Also, when we seek God more than any other thing, we worship Him. The psalmist said, "How I want to be there! I long to be in [God's Presence]. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God.."

True worship comes from the deepest part of our heart and soul.

Psalm 51:17; 84:2 GNB

Jesus is the Center

2007-10-29T14:10:00.000-06:00

"Lord, how should we worship God?" questioned the woman that talked with Jesus. From the creation of the world this has been the question of humanity and Jesus answered it here.

"God is looking for those that worship him in spirit and truth," responded Jesus.

Worship in spirit and truth relates with at least three areas: worship is centered on Jesus, worship is an attitude of the heart and worship is a lifestyle. When we worship, we exalt Jesus, not the song, the style of music or the singer. Christ is our Lord and Savior and only He is worthy of the praise, worship and honor.

Worship always exalts the Name of Jesus!

I Decide to Forgive

2007-10-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of God came to bring good news, comfort the afflicted, announce liberty to the captives, console the sad; give joy instead of morning, songs instead of desperation; to give victory in the LORD and to show His glory.

Forgiveness is the first step towards healing of our memories and remove, affliction, sadness, rejection and heaviness. We forgive by praying like this...

Lord, I confess that I have not love correctly. Instead, I have resentment towards some people and I lack forgiveness in my heart. I repent and I ask that you forgive me for no forgiving others like you forgave me. I come close to you, Lord; help me to completely forgive those that have offended me. Amen

Forgiveness Heals

2007-10-23T23:15:00.000-05:00

Agnes Sanford said, "As we practise the work of forgiveness we discover more and more that forgiveness and healing are one." But, how does forgiveness help us heal the wounds and memories we have?

True forgiveness accelerates the process of forgetting. Fresh memories are... like a color movie, we are the protagonists. As we forgive, the movie changes to black and white, we become observers... Later there is a moment, in which... we stop participating in the movie and there is no pain. The time needed for healing is something very personal... it is a process.

Pain is inevitable for all, but misery is optional. Let's forgive others so we ourselves can be healed.

Forgiveness

2007-10-23T08:04:00.001-05:00

Forgiveness is not keeping bitterness for an offense. You must decide to forgive... it's not an emotion, it is a decision of your will.

The heaviest weight one carries on his shoulders is a bundle of bitterness. Hana More said, "it is cheaper to forgive that carry resentment. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger and the cost of hated." Then, our emotions and feelings change.

Obviously, forgiving in no way changes the past, but it sure does change the future. Through forgiveness of others we receive healing, freedom, peace and forgiveness from God. Now we are not victims; we are free in Christ - and what a great liberty there is in forgiveness. Forgive you offenders. Receive you freedom.

Good Thoughts

2007-10-18T19:15:00.000-05:00

Thoughts not only cause us to sin; they also reveal who we are.

The psalmist said, "search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts." He was willing for God to reveal the tendencies and desires of his soul. "If there is evil in me, show me, LORD."

Examining our thoughts, we know how we are doing. If one is evil, as Jesus mentioned, "from the heart flows evil thoughts: death, adultery, lies, stealing and more." If one is honest, the wiseman said, "the desire of the just is only good."

How important it is to live in peace and victory. Let us live with good thoughts.

Our Worse Enemy

2007-10-17T07:49:00.000-05:00

The Anglican Bishop B. Porteus taught that what we fear to do before men, we should fear to think before God.

Evil thoughts are worse enemies than lions and tigers; because we can get out of their path..., but bad thoughts come in for every side. Like the cup that is full and no more can be poured in, we must keep our heart full of good thoughts, so bad thoughts cannot find a place to enter.

"...Bad thoughts quickly ripen into bad actions; and that if the latter only are forbidden, and the former left free, all morality will soon be at an end."

Above all things... guard your thoughts.

Guard Our Thoughts

2007-10-15T08:18:00.000-05:00

James said we are tempted by our own evil desires that seduce and take captive. From our evil desires, sin is born, and... when it develops, death is born.

Note the process, our evil appetites provoke thoughts that cause us to act and satisfy the desire. Like the bait on the hook attracts the fish, one is seduced to fulfill the evil desires when they meditate on them.

What we think on today is what we are or will soon be. This is why we must guard our thoughts and think only on what is good and pleasing to God. In this manner we can protect ourselves from doing evil and we can overcome evil desires and sin.

Guard our thoughts and hearts. Let's live victorious lives.

Vision - Wind in our Sails

2007-10-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Vision is the reflection of what God wants to do in your life; it is the revelation of a creative idea to your mind so you can bring it to past.

Once you understand the plan God has for your life, you must do it. To His ideas, God adds faith, work and perseverance. Doing is the difference between being a dreamer and a visionary. Action is the difference between somebody with imagination and someone with purpose and destiny. The visionary has an extraordinary imagination. Divine plans and persistent action connect the imagination to your vision and makes it reality.

The idea revealed to you by God is like wind to a sailboat. It is our responsibility to raise the sails of action... for the sailboat of life to arrive in the port of hope, peace and success.

Reflections

2007-10-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

Vision is the reflection of what God wants for your life. It is faith, hope and purpose; it is the creative idea revealed by God for you.

God wants to show you His purpose for your life; and this destiny is deciphered and developed successfully only upon receiving understanding from God. Jeremiah said, "call to me and I will reveal to you great and secret things that you do not know." God reveals to us His purpose for our lives through prayer, meditation, Bible readings, writing ideas that He gives us and obedience to His plan.

Understanding of our future must come from God. He wants to reveal His plan to you. Get close to God and He will give you purpose and a future full of hope.

Reaching the Vision

2007-10-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

"Vision," according to Cesar Castellanos," is a reflection of what God wants to achieve through us." Consider these three ideas: vision is a reflection; it is what God wants to achieve; and it is achieved through us.

Vision is a reflection. A reflection is an imagine of what is real. It's not real, yet it is a representation of reality. Habakkuk said: "write and declare the vision, so the people that read it can run after it." It is important that the vision for your life is clear and understandable. It is your map to a successful future. To have a vision is to have faith; it is to enjoy the complete security of receiving what you are waiting for; it is the evidence of what you cannot see.

To have vision is to have hope of a good future achieving God's plan for you.

One of the Special Pieces of the Whole

2007-10-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

We are all part of a beautiful painting; each person is a piece of the puzzle and each person is necessary for the completeness of the work.

We must live in unity, for the benefit of the others.

We work according to the diverse abilities and personalities we have, in the area that God has placed us, according to the uniqueness He has given us. Like the members of the body sympathize with each other, we must live in the same manner, helping our families and communities, feeling their pain and joy.

Since we are all different, we provide something special to others. We serve each other with humility and Patience. We live in harmony. We protect the peace and demonstrate love. We remember that we are distinct members of one body. The Body of Christ.

We Are All God's Creation

2007-10-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

We have individual talents, different personalities and assorted preferences; this makes us special. We are not all the same. Leaves on a tree are all different; each cloud is unique; every person had their own special and important qualities and, we are all God's creation.

We have different abilities; among us there are musicians, mathematicians and mechanics. Since all receive their talents from the same Holy Spirit, we need each other. We all have our own particular focus: mercy, administration or teaching. And, when Jesus is Lord of all, each one allows us to help others. We live in different manners. Personalities and temperaments are diverse but when we acknowledge that God made us all, we will serve others better.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

God Made You Special

2007-10-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

The world population is six billion six hundred million people and each one is different. There are different colors, heights and sizes with different and special talents, abilities, personalities and temperament, combinations without end.

The plans and destinies of the LORD for each person are special and just for them. He is able to design our lives in a way that is marvelously better than we can even imagine, because the plan of God for our lives is good, perfect and pleasing. We must permit him to control our lives; we must trust in His grace when we do what He asks us to do.

Trust in His plan and power. Live according to the specialness God has made us for.

A Good Reputation

2007-09-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

It's not the big and great things that influence others, it's to good ones. Doing your work well gives you influence with others. Do well in all things... first your relation with God must be maturing more each day; secondly, you must be diligent in completing well your responsibilities in work and study. Thirdly, you must be a person of good reputation.

Being a person of good reputation is being honest and just; it is being responsible and patient, kind and full of love. It is doing all with excellence and a good attitude. It is honor, respect and obey our authorities. It is being a example for others

Seek God first, do your jobs well and guard your reputation; in this way you will be a person of much influence.

Serving Kings

2007-09-26T08:13:00.001-05:00

Socrates said, Let him that moves the world, first move himself. If we are going to be persons of influence we must work well at our jobs. We must move ourselves towards excellence in all we do... in our jobs, studies, chores, yes, in all we do.

Proverbs teaches that the diligent will prosper and govern... he will have influence with others.

Jesus told the story of the faithful and and his boss. The Lord gave him five talents and the faithful man multiplied the to ten. His Lord congratulated him and gave him more responsibility.

If God is first in our life and we do good work at our jobs, we will be persons of influence and greater responsibility; we will serve kings.

The Most Important Thing of All

2007-09-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

He that does good work will be at the king's service and will not have to work for insignificant people. Doing a good job is the secret to having influence.

There are three things we must do will and complete them diligently. We must care for our relation with God Eternal; we mus complete with excellence our jobs and studies; and added to that is maintaining a good testimony. Each area will affect our level of influence in life.

Since Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords we must first protect our relation with Him.

Is Jesus the leader of your life? Come close to God and He will come close to you. The most important thing is that you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your only King and that you do what He asks you to do.

Renewed Minds Lead to Abundant Life

2007-09-21T08:07:00.000-05:00

For eternal life to manifest as abundance here in this world we must have correct priorities, trust in God, a close relation with Him and correct use of the blessings God gives us.

The truth is that we need to renew our mind and change our way of thinking. Renewing our minds refers to changing the old for the new; of giving back the worn out and defeated for the good and current. In our personal lives it is taking off our old manner of thinking and living and aligning ourselves with the wisdom of God that we find in the Bible.

Ask God today for this change of ownership and receive the renovation of thoughts and life. Only in this manner do we develop in our personal relationship with Him and enjoy abundant life.

Free from Sin, Pursued by Life

2007-09-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

Abundant life is living free from sin and in harmony with God and our neighbor. How can we live the abundant life in this world of so many problems and difficulties?

We must place all our faith in God. We trust in him, not in what we do. Prioritize our lives; put God first. We must free ourselves from greed. Our primary goal must be to enjoy a good relationship with God the Father. We need to be content stewards of the blessings we now enjoy. As we use our blessings wisely they multiply and God receives the glory.

When we live uprightly and seek Jesus first, God's blessings and abundant life pursue us.

Abundant Life

2007-09-17T08:55:00.000-05:00

"I have come so you can have life and life in abundance," Jesus said.

Abundant life is having enough for your life and extra so you can help with the needs of other people. This is the eternal life that Jesus offers when he says, "God loved the world so that he gave his only Son so you can have eternal life."

Eternal life starts with life in this present world. We do not have to wait until we die. What we must do is accept the sacrificial work of Christ and make Him our Lord. From that moment we are sons of God living according to the norms of the kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ. Instead of living with the curses of the sinner, enslaved by the Devil, now we live with the blessings of the sons of God. Let's celebrate and enjoy life in abundance.

Light in the World

2007-09-13T22:38:00.001-05:00

The Word of God is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. In the same way, we are light and must light up the paths of this world, giving intelligent counsel in difficult situations. With the wisdom of God we can discern the correct action needed to provide the best answer.

Light is to illuminate, not to hide. Hiding our light, we promote darkness instead of helping others find the truth of God and we ourselves stay in the darkness. To impact our world we must live uprightly; like the lighthouse, we must reveal dangers and guide to safety.

Let's be salt. Let's be light. Let's impact the world we live in.

First in the Salt and Light series: Impacting Society

First in Influence series: The Power of Influence

We are the Salt of the World

2007-09-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

We are the salt of the world. Salt purifies and preserves. Living in this world, we must purify it from evil and preserve it from those that want to harm it. We can do that by being honest in everything we do. Pay our taxes, do not copy in class and be nice to those that mistreat us.

Salt also refers to covenant; in this manner it suggests mutual faithfulness that produces peace. Mark says we should be good like salt: do good and live in peace with all. Our good actions and life-style purify others of their bad attitudes and preserve the peace. Let's make the decision to be salt and seek peace with others. Let's change our world.

Next in series: Light in the World

Impacting Society

2007-09-12T14:39:00.002-05:00

We are the salt of the world. If salt looses its flavor, it cannot recuperate it. It isn't good for anything. For this reason, we must do good and live in peace with others.

We are the light of the world. A city built high on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do we light a lamp to put it under a box; instead, we put it as high as possible so it can light the house. In the same way, we must make sure that our light shines before people, so that they, seeing the good we do, give praise to our Heavenly Father.

God has blessed us and said, "fill the earth and govern it." We must influence the world in which we live.

Next in Salt and Light series: We Are the Salt of the World

People of Positive Influence

2007-09-07T09:27:00.003-05:00

Influence is positive or negative, never neutral.

Margaret Runbeck teaches that one leave all kinds of footprints where ever they walk in life. Some you can see, like your children and your home. Others are invisible, like the impressions one leaves on the lives of other people: One doesn't think of this, but in each place we pass, we leave a mark.

We must choose our friends well because of the influence they have over our lives and the impact they will have in the lives of those that are with us.

Influence never ceases; each act, emotion, look and word influences for good or bad; happiness or sadness, even to the distant end of eternity. Take care. Let's be people of positive influence.

First in series on Influence: The Power of Influence

Next Series, Salt and Light: Impacting Society