Being children has its advantages. When we were kids we did not have to worry about anything except probably our games. We did not have to worry about what we would eat, what we would wear, the house payment, or anything like this because our parents were responsible for supplying all our needs.
This is no longer truth when we grow up, for what was our parents’ responsibility is now ours. We stopped depending on our parents and started to depend on ourselves; we become self-sufficient. This is law of life.
The problem is that self-sufficiency often leads to anxiety. We want to control everything, and when we fail, this leads to stress and emotional illnesses. God wants us to be responsible, but does not want us to be anxious.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
This is great promise, but I have to admit that for those who like to have control over everything it is not easy to wait and much less to receive peace. It was definitely easier when we were kids. This is why Jesus said we must become like children.
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 18:3
Only by trusting God the same way that children trust their parents we can truly take possession of the promises that God gave us in His word. God does not want us to be like children in our thinking (1 Corinthians 14:20), but rather to be like children in terms of the relationship and dependency they have with their parents. We see this clearly in the model prayer that Jesus gave us, teaching us that we shall not approach God as “our God” but rather as “Our Father” (our relationship with him). This is also clearly seen in the same prayer when we are taught to pray “Give us this day our daily bread” (our dependence of him).
Although we are expected to stop being dependent on our parents, we can never stop our dependence on our Heavenly Father. The world we are living in is not easy, but we know that no matter happens the children of God have their victory secured.
In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the word. – John 16:33
We must decide whether to continue living our lives at the mercy of stress or if we want to live trusting our Heavenly Father. Let us seek God as children trust their parents, and let us learn to depend on Him: He will take care of us.
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. – Matthew 7:24-27
Building a house on sand is foolish. Whoever builds a house on sand knows that sooner or later its foundation will cede, and the result will be chaos. No one who is mentally sane will try that. However, we can clearly see that our society is constantly building on sand.
We work hard. We have more money. We have more and better things; what we need and even what we don’t need. But we have no time to enjoy family or possessions. Too many sacrifices and no time to enjoy life. This is building on sand.
We put our hope on the elected officials. But even if they have good intentions, the truth is that placing our trust in them is like building on sand. We have trusted the economy, but we realize that it is like an air balloon which is deflating, and though it is re-inflated it has so many leaks that there is no way to stop the process. Once again, this is like building on sand. We rely on religious leaders, but we have seen how many of those who are supposed to set an example fail to give a positive witness. We keep building on sand.
We have been blessed by God, but we have placed our hope in the blessings when we shall have placed our hope in the God who has blessed us. This is still building on sand.
Is there no hope? There is, but not in the worldly things. Everything in this world is temporary and should have never been our foundation for hope.
The global situation that we are experiencing should serve as a warning for us to put our hope in God alone and not in what He has given us or what we have achieved. Only after we are able to understand this truth, and begin living according to it, we will be building on the rock.
Let’s not be foolish, let’s hear the word of God and live according to it. Only then we will be building our future on a solid foundation; on the eternal rock: Jesus.
There is no doubt: we are living in difficult times.
Violent deaths. Violence against women, children and the elderly. Governments oppressing their people. Sexual immorality. Child sexual exploitation. The rich getting richer and the poor poorer. Unemployment out of control. Economic problems worldwide. Even nature is affected by our actions.
There seems to be no solution. And if there is some relief it appears to be temporary. Any solutions are like illusions.
If we get carried away by what we see we can lose our hope. We can’t even put our hopes in good times, because these are short-lived.
But those who have known Jesus know that our hope is not set on what we see or hear but what Jesus did for us and His promises to us.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. – John 14:6
This truth helps us to give hope to a world where there is none. Maybe we can’t change the world, but if we follow the example of Jesus, we can positively affect those around us.
Let’s do our best, not just sharing words of hope with others, but living like Jesus: doing good, blessing, helping, forgiving, sharing with the needy, having pity on those suffering, opening doors and not closing them.
The times we live are difficult but,
- Do not forget that there is only one way: Jesus
- Do not forget that there is only one truth: Jesus
- Do not forget that only Jesus can give us live.
Do not forget. Jesus is hope come true.
Tags: difficulties, hope, Jesus
In the series “The Lord of the Rings” hobbits were entrusted to a task that represented the salvation of their world. Although these were the only beings without any special skills, these were the only ones who could carry out this mission.
In the movie “The Two Towers” there is a scene where the hobbits are going through a valley full of dead people. At one point it seemed that this would be the end of their journey. But this place was not their destiny, but only a point in their journey to their purpose. Although it seems that they were alone, the reality is that many other characters in other places were fighting in support of the same mission, so they were never alone.
In our last teaching we talked about the valleys of the shadow of death, and how important it is to go through them at different times during our lives. But just like the hobbits in ”Lord of the Rings,” though it may seem otherwise, the reality is that we are never alone. There were beings with special powers that fought for them. We have angels that watch over us:
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
If that is not enough let me tell you that Jesus promised to always be with us.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20
Perhaps the valley of death you are going through make you think you are at the end of your journey. Or perhaps you think your burden is very difficult to carry, or you’re not qualified, and do not have the strength to keep going. But if you put your life in Jesus’ hands, keep going knowing that you will never be alone, and He will guide you towards your true destiny: abundant and eternal life.
Tags: Jesus, Loneliness
We all go through situations in our lives where we feel we’re going through the valley of the shadow of death. Those are times when we think that the current situation has no solution and we feel like it is the end.
Psalms 23 verse 4 says:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
When we put our faith in God there is no reason to fear when we are going through our valleys of shadow death. The first reason is that He is with us. The second reason is that though our physical eyes see only death in the valley, we must open our spiritual eyes to see that when we walk with our Lord what seems to be death is only “shadows” because there is no death for those who are with the giver of life.
Another aspect we need to remember about the valleys of the shadow of death is that they are needed. Yes, the valleys of the shadow of death are needed to strengthen our faith. We all like to live in the hills: the high place where everything is blessing and joy. But because of our sinful nature, after being for a while on the hills, we forget that the only reason we are there is because of Jesus. We think that we are there because of our own ability and because we deserve it. When we get to this point we cannot appreciate the hills and need to descend to the valley again.
Upon returning to the valley we realize that our efforts produce no life, but only death. That is when by God’s mercy we remember the blessings we received when we were on the hills, we lift our eyes to the hills (Psalm 121:1), and ask God for help. By recognizing our situation and that only God can help us, the presence of Jesus becomes latent, and death turns into mere shadows, helping us climb our way back to the hills.
If you’re going through a valley of death I invite you to lift your eyes to God, ask for His help. He will turn your death into shadows, and take you by the hand to his place of blessing.
Who likes to humble himself? Who likes to beat down his pride? To humble yourself is a very difficult concept to accept. However, the Bible teaches us that humbling ourselves before God will eventually lead to our exaltation.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time – 1 Peter 5:6
What does it mean to humble ourselves under the hand of God? It is to live our lives in obedience to God, even if it means setting aside our pride.
Among other things it includes:
- Loving our enemies – Matthew 5:44
- Turn the other cheek – Matthew 5:39
- Forgiving those who sin against us – Mark 11:25
- Not avenging ourselves – Romans 12:19
None of these are easy, because our natural tendency is to try to repair any damage to our person almost immediately. I think that humbling ourselves is against human nature.
What God is asking from us is not arbitrary, since he experienced the benefits of obedience.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:5-11
To humble ourselves under God’s hand is not to conform to the pattern of this world, and to test and approve what God’s will is (Romans 12:2). It is to let Christ to be revealed in our lives allowing our imperfect nature to be transformed by His perfection. It is to acknowledge that nothing on earth compares to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). It is to begin living eternity now.
It is worth to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.
Tags: exaltation, humble yourself, Obedience
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 1:1-2
Vanity is something useless, incomplete, hollow, empty, brief, and without foundation. That is how King Salomon defined his life; a man who did not only have wealth and fame (1 Kings 3:13), but is considered the wisest man that ever lived (1 Kings 3:12).
Solomon had the ability to enjoy life and do the right things, but didn’t lived his life according to his ability.
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure… Then I looked … and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
Towards the end of his life Solomon realized that he had not benefited from what had achieved, and that the true value of life lies in seeking God.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Why Solomon’s wisdom did not help him?
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. – Psalm 111:10
We can say that Solomon stopped fearing God and began to live la “vida loca”, which means living life doing what you want, as you want and when you want, regardless of God’s will.
Like Solomon, many people achieve fame, wealth and / or power and still fail to achieve happiness.
How should we live our life?
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
Jesus didn’t give his life so we could live la “vida loca”, but an abundant life: a life that brings more life, and no condemnation.
God expects us to live our lives obeying His commandments (Love the Lord your God … love your neighbor as yourself. “- Matthew 22:37-39) and doing His work (created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them – Ephesians 2:10)
Every one decides how to live their life. But the decision is not without consequences. We can live la “vida loca”, but …
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. – Matthew 16:26
How do you want to live your life? Is it the same way Solomon did? Your answer should be based on how you want to spend eternity?
It’s time to live your life, not “loca”, but a according to God’s purpose.
Tags: Abundant life, eternal life, living la vida loca, vanity
Recently I came across a Bible verse that though simple got me thinking.
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13
The apostles Peter and John had been arrested for preaching the gospel. After spending a night in jail the apostles were questioned by the religious leaders to whom they spoke openly about Jesus Christ. As a result, religious leaders acknowledged that they had been with Jesus.
I would like to know who others see in me when I go through different situations in my life:
- When I’m sick
- When somebody lies about me
- When I am treated with injustice
- When finances are bad
- When someone treats me badly
- When I’m going through a difficult time
- When someone shares his/her problem
- When I have the opportunity to help someone
- In every moment of my life
My goal is that in every situation of my life people can recognize that I have been with Jesus.
How about you?
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” – Psalms 14:1
Every day more people claim that God does not exist, whether they say it directly or imply it by rejecting the authority of the Word of God.
It is possible that those who think like that might have come to this conclusion for several reasons:
- Due to a disease (personal or of a family member)
- Due to the death of a family member
- Due to financial problems
- Because things are not happening as expected
- Because they do not want to submit their lives to obedience to a supreme being
- Etc.
The truth is that what we think about God does not change the reality of his existence. Observing the nature provides us with enough evidence to conclude that there is a God.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
I invite you to observe and meditate on the following:
- The majesty of the sky and the stars
- The harmony in nature adjustments to seasonal changes
- The development of a baby in his mother’s womb
- The perfection in the mechanics of the human body
And if even with the corruption of this world we can see the greatness of creation, how much more wonderful be the things that God has promised for eternal life?
After witnessing these and other examples, how is it possible that someone could say that there is no God?
Whatever the reason you might have to think there is no God, I invite you to observe the creation and allow your heart to be enlightened by the wonders of God.
Tags: creation, does God exist, God
Have you ever received an invitation with RSVP required? RSVP is a request to respond to the invited person. It derives from the French phrase répondez s’il vous plaît, which means “Please respond.”
We can receive a request for RSVP on invitations to weddings, birthdays and other events. But more important, we have an RSVP request to renew our relationship with God, for an abundant life, and for eternal life.
It is clear that the message of salvation applies to everyone: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). But this benefit does not apply until we respond to the invitation.
Responding to an invitation allows the person that send the invitation to have the opportunity to prepare the event so each guest can receive adequate attention during the event. Jesus is preparing a place for those who have accepted his invitation.
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2
While He is preparing a place for us he keeps his invitation open to those who have not yet accepted, and as a reminder for those who have already accepted.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. – Revelations 3:20
Every day we receive several invitations some of which have the effect of making us forget the commitment that we had with Jesus. Therefore it is necessary to decide to accept His invitation every day.
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. – John 14:23-24
Every day we need to respond to His love, which is demonstrated by obedience to His word. It is our response to obey His word that allows His presence in our lives.
When we receive conflicting invitations we have to decide which is most important so to know which one to accept.
- There is no greater love than the love God gives us
- There is no better way to live your life that in God
- There is nothing more durable than eternal life
… There is no most important invitation than the invitation to accept Jesus.
We can only be with Jesus if we accept His invitation. Do not delay your response. Please RSVP.
