As I get ready to watch my "Sunday night" movie with Areli in our favorite couch, I just want to share some thoughts and heart felt desires...
1. I love church! I cannot say it enough. I'm so privileged to preach, teach and speak into the lives of people throughout the week in classroom environements. But church goes beyond comprehension. I enjoy every single moment in the life of our church, even those challenging and difficult stages. I simply love Church!
2. Every single Sunday God gives me the opportunity to preach His eternal Word. To feel and experience the everlasting message of salvation come out, through the Holy Spirit, of my mouth, mind and heart excites me deeply. Today, I got so see people respond to the message of Christ. It never gets old.
3. Josue, my almost 10 year old boy, is becoming a ferocious and passionate lover of prayer and meditation. His prayers constantly impress my heart, challenge my spirit and uplift my desire to grow with him in the image of Christ. Josue loves Jesus, that I know.
4. Areli has begun her Master of Education through Wayland Baptist University. I love this woman. I can't wait to walk with her through this new pilgrimage and amazing journey. Many of you will never understand what it means for two Mexican-Nationals, non-native English speakers (Areli & I) to have the privilege to study with some of the finniest academicians in our generation. Thank you, Jesus!
5. Today, in our yearly Bible reading, I started Deuteronomy. I have a feeling this book is going to mess me up, again! I love leadership, I love Moses ability to set the foundation for what it will become a world power in its time. God's drive for His people simply overwhelms me. I'm love with the Scriptures.
6. Now, time to watch Sunday movie with my lady :-)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, July 9, 2011
After 14 years of marriage
1. Marriage isn't about marrying the right person, but doing the right thing.
2. Areli can't complete me, only Christ can complete me.
3. Marriage isn't about feelings but building a life together.
4. There aren't soulmmates in life. My wife is my soulmmate!
5. Marriage will make you or break you in life.
6. You marry her family.
7. The purpose of marriage is ONENESS - God either sees both of us or He sees neither one of us.
8. As long as I consider divorce as an option, Areli and I won't make it.
9. We've made a commitment to NEVER use the word Divorce in our marriage, no matter what!
10. Marriage is a covenant - not a contract!
11. I will have an affair with Areli, constantly :-)
12. The best gift I can give to Sarai, Rebecca & Josue is a healthy marriage.
13. Having God #1, Areli #2 and Kids #3 - doesn't mean I'm negleting my children.
14. I'm committed to fall in love with Areli over and over again!
15. I want to grow old with Areli
16. Calling and ministry are a lot easier to carry and fulfill when Areli is your wife!
17. At age 38, nothing compares in life to wake up besides Areli every morning!
18. I treat Areli the way I pray Josue will treat his wife, one day.
19. Areli allows me to treat her the way Sarai & Becky will, one DISTANT day, allow their husbands to treat them.
20. If I can do it all over again, I will choose Areli every time.
2. Areli can't complete me, only Christ can complete me.
3. Marriage isn't about feelings but building a life together.
4. There aren't soulmmates in life. My wife is my soulmmate!
5. Marriage will make you or break you in life.
6. You marry her family.
7. The purpose of marriage is ONENESS - God either sees both of us or He sees neither one of us.
8. As long as I consider divorce as an option, Areli and I won't make it.
9. We've made a commitment to NEVER use the word Divorce in our marriage, no matter what!
10. Marriage is a covenant - not a contract!
11. I will have an affair with Areli, constantly :-)
12. The best gift I can give to Sarai, Rebecca & Josue is a healthy marriage.
13. Having God #1, Areli #2 and Kids #3 - doesn't mean I'm negleting my children.
14. I'm committed to fall in love with Areli over and over again!
15. I want to grow old with Areli
16. Calling and ministry are a lot easier to carry and fulfill when Areli is your wife!
17. At age 38, nothing compares in life to wake up besides Areli every morning!
18. I treat Areli the way I pray Josue will treat his wife, one day.
19. Areli allows me to treat her the way Sarai & Becky will, one DISTANT day, allow their husbands to treat them.
20. If I can do it all over again, I will choose Areli every time.
Monday, April 11, 2011
¿Qué hacer en momentos tan caóticos?
Lejos estoy de saber lo que es sufrimiento, nunca podre compararme con lo que mis hermanos viven diariamente en mi país natal, mi hermoso México. Desde llamadas por teléfono, correos electrónicos, contacto personal y conversaciones ocacionales; no puedo negar que mi corazón se encuentra debastado con todo lo que soy informado de lo que sucede momento a momento en la vida de millones de personas através del crimen organizado.
Decir que nuestra generación cambia rápidamente y a un paso sumamente acelerado es como si nos sorprendieramos que el precio de la gasolina aumenta en cuestión de horas, no creo que haya alguien que niege esta realidad. A la misma vez, en momentos como estos la tendencia de toda persona es enfocarse en los cambios (buenos o malos) y olvidar, lo que personalmente creo es, la razón de tales cambios. Esta mañana leí de John C. Maxwell que la "adversidad causa a algunos quebrantarse y a otros el romper estadísticas." Por lo tanto la pregunta sería, ¿que diferencía los primeros hombres del segundo grupo?
La nación de Israel se encontraba, en 2o de Samuel 12-13, en una encrucijada en liderazgo, adversidad y la edificación del futuro. Estos capítulos narran situaciones de corrupción en el gobierno, temor y confución espiritual a nivel nación. ¿Cómo es que entonces para cuando Salomón toma el gobierno de Israel, la nación se encuentra en la cúspide de la historia universal? He aquí algunos principios:
1. David, el padre de Salomón, aunque lejos de ser perfecto y reflejar en su totalidad un corazón conforme al corazón de Dios; fué un lider debajo de autoridad en lugar de simplemente reguir con autoridad. El profeta Natán amonesta a David en momentos en que las creencias o doctrinas de David no eran expresadas en sus acciones. La restauración de David ante Dios es tan importante como lo que produce tal restauración. Afirmando que todos, sin excepción, ejercemos liderazgo en la vida; ¿eres un lider debajo de autoridad ó un lider con autoridad?
2. David entiende que si lo que le llevo a su miseria fué, en parte, el dejar que sus emociones gobernaran su vida; el decide restaurar su relación con Dios, familia y su vida no através de sus emociones sino incluyendo sus emociones. No podemos seguir usando las mismas herramientas que nos llevaron a nuestra condición actual de necesidad y esperar resultados diferentes. David experimenta-ARREPENTIMIENTO- lo cual es: un cambio de mentalidad y un cambio de actitud.
3. David aprende que Dios-a sus hijos solo los disciplina en lugar de castigarlos. Aunque en medio del dolor no entedemos la diferencia enter ambos conceptos, David dá evidencia de su arrpentimiento al verle confrontar la adversidad y disfuncionalidad familiar cuando se encontraban en su máxima expresión: Desde un bebé que muere en sus brazos-producto de su adulterio- el ver a su própio hijo violar a su hermana y finalmente ver a otro hijo asesinar a su propio hermano.
David aprendió simplemente a hacer lo correcto en la vida, 2o de Samuel 13:39 dice que "el rey David deseaba ver a Absalón; pues ya estaba consolado acerca de Amnón, que habia muerto." Mi oración esta mañana es que como seguidores de Cristo y al confiar en El, veamos nuestro caos presente como una oportunidad de imitar la vida del Rey de Israel al aprender a hacer lo correcto en la vida.
Decir que nuestra generación cambia rápidamente y a un paso sumamente acelerado es como si nos sorprendieramos que el precio de la gasolina aumenta en cuestión de horas, no creo que haya alguien que niege esta realidad. A la misma vez, en momentos como estos la tendencia de toda persona es enfocarse en los cambios (buenos o malos) y olvidar, lo que personalmente creo es, la razón de tales cambios. Esta mañana leí de John C. Maxwell que la "adversidad causa a algunos quebrantarse y a otros el romper estadísticas." Por lo tanto la pregunta sería, ¿que diferencía los primeros hombres del segundo grupo?
La nación de Israel se encontraba, en 2o de Samuel 12-13, en una encrucijada en liderazgo, adversidad y la edificación del futuro. Estos capítulos narran situaciones de corrupción en el gobierno, temor y confución espiritual a nivel nación. ¿Cómo es que entonces para cuando Salomón toma el gobierno de Israel, la nación se encuentra en la cúspide de la historia universal? He aquí algunos principios:
1. David, el padre de Salomón, aunque lejos de ser perfecto y reflejar en su totalidad un corazón conforme al corazón de Dios; fué un lider debajo de autoridad en lugar de simplemente reguir con autoridad. El profeta Natán amonesta a David en momentos en que las creencias o doctrinas de David no eran expresadas en sus acciones. La restauración de David ante Dios es tan importante como lo que produce tal restauración. Afirmando que todos, sin excepción, ejercemos liderazgo en la vida; ¿eres un lider debajo de autoridad ó un lider con autoridad?
2. David entiende que si lo que le llevo a su miseria fué, en parte, el dejar que sus emociones gobernaran su vida; el decide restaurar su relación con Dios, familia y su vida no através de sus emociones sino incluyendo sus emociones. No podemos seguir usando las mismas herramientas que nos llevaron a nuestra condición actual de necesidad y esperar resultados diferentes. David experimenta-ARREPENTIMIENTO- lo cual es: un cambio de mentalidad y un cambio de actitud.
3. David aprende que Dios-a sus hijos solo los disciplina en lugar de castigarlos. Aunque en medio del dolor no entedemos la diferencia enter ambos conceptos, David dá evidencia de su arrpentimiento al verle confrontar la adversidad y disfuncionalidad familiar cuando se encontraban en su máxima expresión: Desde un bebé que muere en sus brazos-producto de su adulterio- el ver a su própio hijo violar a su hermana y finalmente ver a otro hijo asesinar a su propio hermano.
David aprendió simplemente a hacer lo correcto en la vida, 2o de Samuel 13:39 dice que "el rey David deseaba ver a Absalón; pues ya estaba consolado acerca de Amnón, que habia muerto." Mi oración esta mañana es que como seguidores de Cristo y al confiar en El, veamos nuestro caos presente como una oportunidad de imitar la vida del Rey de Israel al aprender a hacer lo correcto en la vida.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Is love really worth dying for?
Many believe that pain is the absence of love, comfort and happiness. To see a loved one depart to an eternity with Christ, to let go of your High School class after graduation, to experience the empty-nest syndrome after seeing your kids going out to college or getting marry are some of the many examples to affirm that pain isn't necessary a negative thing in life.
I'm more than convinced that in this life you grow not only by addition (positive experiences in life), but also by subtraction (not so positive experiences in life). As a generation, we don't even know where to begin the conversation when it comes to pain and suffering. Our world is radically experiencing some of the most challenging realities in the history of human kind. Yet, would it be possible that God is allowing some of the most painful realities from personal to global encounters to recapture the humanity that got lost in the journey of life?
I'm far away to proclaim that I know what pain and suffering is in life. Thus, God has awaken, through His Spirit, an undeniable reality and ability to cry and weep with those who cry and weep around me. People I grew up with in my early years have been recently affected by the reality of organize crime in Mexico. Families that I learned to love and embrace are now incomplete due to unnecessary suffering, pain and agony. I don't know the answer to our current suffering. I get the impression that most of it is self-inflicted: humans abusing humans.
1 Samuel 19-20 reminds us the two ways suffering and pain can be faced even today: (1) by focusing on who and what creates suffering, pain, desperation, etc. Thus simply digs us deeper into the reality of our misery and what it looks irreversible or (2) we can also be proactive and understand that maybe, from the moment we decided to love, pain and suffering unavoidably join the experience of giving one-self in love to others through relationships.
It seems that David had no control of Saul's hatred and determination to kill the former shepherd boy. In the midst of his desperate situation, David decides to focus and rely on the love and protection of Jonathan. The deeper the hatred from Jonathan's father, Soul, the deeper David trusts and loves Jonathan - even beyond what is expected in a relationship. Could it be possible that our current pain and suffering has moved beyond the physical and emotional part of our lives that has literally taken and stolen our ability to love and trust God and others?
May the God who loved us so much to the point of death, and death on a cross revive and restore our humanity so we can learn to love like David and Jonathan...even if our lives are at risk.
I'm more than convinced that in this life you grow not only by addition (positive experiences in life), but also by subtraction (not so positive experiences in life). As a generation, we don't even know where to begin the conversation when it comes to pain and suffering. Our world is radically experiencing some of the most challenging realities in the history of human kind. Yet, would it be possible that God is allowing some of the most painful realities from personal to global encounters to recapture the humanity that got lost in the journey of life?
I'm far away to proclaim that I know what pain and suffering is in life. Thus, God has awaken, through His Spirit, an undeniable reality and ability to cry and weep with those who cry and weep around me. People I grew up with in my early years have been recently affected by the reality of organize crime in Mexico. Families that I learned to love and embrace are now incomplete due to unnecessary suffering, pain and agony. I don't know the answer to our current suffering. I get the impression that most of it is self-inflicted: humans abusing humans.
1 Samuel 19-20 reminds us the two ways suffering and pain can be faced even today: (1) by focusing on who and what creates suffering, pain, desperation, etc. Thus simply digs us deeper into the reality of our misery and what it looks irreversible or (2) we can also be proactive and understand that maybe, from the moment we decided to love, pain and suffering unavoidably join the experience of giving one-self in love to others through relationships.
It seems that David had no control of Saul's hatred and determination to kill the former shepherd boy. In the midst of his desperate situation, David decides to focus and rely on the love and protection of Jonathan. The deeper the hatred from Jonathan's father, Soul, the deeper David trusts and loves Jonathan - even beyond what is expected in a relationship. Could it be possible that our current pain and suffering has moved beyond the physical and emotional part of our lives that has literally taken and stolen our ability to love and trust God and others?
May the God who loved us so much to the point of death, and death on a cross revive and restore our humanity so we can learn to love like David and Jonathan...even if our lives are at risk.
Monday, March 28, 2011
La Biblia vs. Páginas de la Sección Amarilla
Cuando vemos la Biblia como las páginas de la sección amarilla del directorio telefónico, donde simplemente vamos a "buscar" ayuda a nuestros problemas; empezamos a caer en el juego de solamente reaccionar a los sucesos de la vida. Desde el principio de la creación, la imagen de Dios fué implantada en la escencia del ser humano, la cual nos dá la habilidad de crear, soñar, emprender y desatar el potencial que yá habita en nosotros. Esto es lo que nos hace diferentes del resto de la creación, nos separa de la vida monótona y predecible que todo ser humano lucha por evitar.
La vida de Ana, en 1o de Samuel, nos dá una pauta a seguir y nos ayuda a ver a Dios y su Palabra como lo que son, una historia de amor en la que el ser humano es invitado a participar y a permitir que su Espíritu Santo, através del ejemplo e influencia de Su Hijo Cristo, usen cada circunstancia para gloria de Aquel que se deleita en mostrar su voluntad deacuerdo a la medida en que anhelamos su Persona.
1. Independintemente de nuestra circumstancia actual, solo Dios tiene la habilidad de transformar nuestra tragedia en algo hermoso. No es tanto que Dios apruebe u origine nuestras calamidades, sino que Dios no está limitado a los sucesos de nuestra vida (buenos o malos). Obviamente, es mucho más fácil asimilar y experimentar este principio si lo aprendemos y practicamos antes que sea necesario. Ejercitar la fe es crucial en este punto, de tal manera, que al ver a Ana reaccionar en su desesperación - no es otra cosa más que lo que de antemano yá ella hacía como estilo de vida...pactar con Dios.
2. Aún cuando la situación "imposible" de Ana cambió, tal parece que el preámbulo de su embarazo fué el producto de una transformación interna en ella antes de que Dios hiciera el milagro. Es por eso que incistimos en afirmar que la oración no es para cambiar el parecer de Dios por lo que se intercede, sino para cambiar la escencia del que ora a Dios.
3. No creo que tenga que hacerle mucha propaganda a Samuel, pues se convierte en uno de los pilares de la formación del pueblo de Israel y la historia del Antiguo Testamento. Su legado vá mucho más hayá de lo que el pudo haber imaginado. El impacto de este profeta, sacerdote y juez refleja más la influencia de su madre y su hogar, que el de su propio esfuerzo. Cuando vemos la Biblia como esa historia donde somos invitados, descubrimos que Dios se manifiesta con más fluidés al vivir en comunidad que con una actitud y mentalidad individualista. La pregunta es, ¿Quiénes son tus mentores, que libros estás leyendo a quien escuchas ó estudias?
4. La sumisión de Samuel a un líder religioso (Elí) que había fallado en el gobierno de su hogar no es casualidad. El punto es que nuestra escencia y carácter simpre saldrán a flote cuando son probados y retados en circunstancias difíciles. Samuel pudo haber hecho muchas excusas legítimas por que no someterse al liderazgo de Elí, más sin embargo, encontramos un patrón constante de obediencia, fidelidad y entrega. No solo a Dios, sino a aquel a quien Dios había establecido como líder. La Biblia nos comisiona como líderes en la medida en que crecemos como seguidores.
Al inicar esta semana de múltiples ocupaciones quiero recordarte que la historia de tu vida es tan importante y crucial en nuestros tiempos como lo fué la de Samuel, Elí y Ana. Casualidad, suerte ó destino son palabras típicas del vocabulario de aquellos que creen y viven sin responsabilisarse de sus hecho y acciones. Es en la medida en que entretejamos y sometamos nuestras vidas con el Dios que de día y de noche se deleita en ser parte de el peregrinaje de nuestro caminar, que descubriremos la dirección de su escribir en las tablas de nuestro corazón através de su Espíritu Santo.
Vidal
La vida de Ana, en 1o de Samuel, nos dá una pauta a seguir y nos ayuda a ver a Dios y su Palabra como lo que son, una historia de amor en la que el ser humano es invitado a participar y a permitir que su Espíritu Santo, através del ejemplo e influencia de Su Hijo Cristo, usen cada circunstancia para gloria de Aquel que se deleita en mostrar su voluntad deacuerdo a la medida en que anhelamos su Persona.
1. Independintemente de nuestra circumstancia actual, solo Dios tiene la habilidad de transformar nuestra tragedia en algo hermoso. No es tanto que Dios apruebe u origine nuestras calamidades, sino que Dios no está limitado a los sucesos de nuestra vida (buenos o malos). Obviamente, es mucho más fácil asimilar y experimentar este principio si lo aprendemos y practicamos antes que sea necesario. Ejercitar la fe es crucial en este punto, de tal manera, que al ver a Ana reaccionar en su desesperación - no es otra cosa más que lo que de antemano yá ella hacía como estilo de vida...pactar con Dios.
2. Aún cuando la situación "imposible" de Ana cambió, tal parece que el preámbulo de su embarazo fué el producto de una transformación interna en ella antes de que Dios hiciera el milagro. Es por eso que incistimos en afirmar que la oración no es para cambiar el parecer de Dios por lo que se intercede, sino para cambiar la escencia del que ora a Dios.
3. No creo que tenga que hacerle mucha propaganda a Samuel, pues se convierte en uno de los pilares de la formación del pueblo de Israel y la historia del Antiguo Testamento. Su legado vá mucho más hayá de lo que el pudo haber imaginado. El impacto de este profeta, sacerdote y juez refleja más la influencia de su madre y su hogar, que el de su propio esfuerzo. Cuando vemos la Biblia como esa historia donde somos invitados, descubrimos que Dios se manifiesta con más fluidés al vivir en comunidad que con una actitud y mentalidad individualista. La pregunta es, ¿Quiénes son tus mentores, que libros estás leyendo a quien escuchas ó estudias?
4. La sumisión de Samuel a un líder religioso (Elí) que había fallado en el gobierno de su hogar no es casualidad. El punto es que nuestra escencia y carácter simpre saldrán a flote cuando son probados y retados en circunstancias difíciles. Samuel pudo haber hecho muchas excusas legítimas por que no someterse al liderazgo de Elí, más sin embargo, encontramos un patrón constante de obediencia, fidelidad y entrega. No solo a Dios, sino a aquel a quien Dios había establecido como líder. La Biblia nos comisiona como líderes en la medida en que crecemos como seguidores.
Al inicar esta semana de múltiples ocupaciones quiero recordarte que la historia de tu vida es tan importante y crucial en nuestros tiempos como lo fué la de Samuel, Elí y Ana. Casualidad, suerte ó destino son palabras típicas del vocabulario de aquellos que creen y viven sin responsabilisarse de sus hecho y acciones. Es en la medida en que entretejamos y sometamos nuestras vidas con el Dios que de día y de noche se deleita en ser parte de el peregrinaje de nuestro caminar, que descubriremos la dirección de su escribir en las tablas de nuestro corazón através de su Espíritu Santo.
Vidal
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday Experience & rest of the week / Experiencia de Domingo & resto de la semana
1. Every time I have an opportunity to take time off from daily duties and actually get away from office, home and weekly activities-I always return, not only refresh, but eager to communicate God's message. Sunday was one of those days as we continue our "Passion Series" on the 7 words of Jesus from the cross. I've spent time this morning praying for our spiritual community as I asked them yesterday to seriously open up their hearts to the message by learning the principle of LOVE & SUFFERING.
2. I've been doing vocational ministry for more than 20 years, serving in many churches with many people in a variety of areas; but seeing my first-born taking an active role in leading, serving and participating in the body of Christ goes beyond anything I've seen or experienced before. God is so faithful and our investment through parenting and relationships is actually paying off. The best is yet to come!
3. Traveling to Corpus over Spring Break wasn't only refreshing and fun but it also reaffirming as we travel through places and locations where 6 years ago, The Journey became a dream and later a huge step of faith. Have I mentioned how faithful God really is? Seriously, if you aren't living and trying goals that require a God intervention, I'm not sure you are dreaming with God.
4. Here's last Sunday's Video "Journey vs. Destination" Part 2 of Easter Series "The Passion"
5. I can feel the pressure of such a busy and exciting week. My personal and daily schedule is challenging every week, yet I enjoy every opportunity God opens up to serve Him and others.
Monday:
Areli is leading a ladies gathering tonight @ 7 pm at our home. Always fun to see a bunch of ladies together doing life-on-life Bible digging.
Tuesday:
I teach 3 ministry courses for Wayland Baptist University on Tuesday, 1 in Weslaco @1:30 pm and 2 in Brownsville (6pm & 7:30pm)
Wednesday:
I will teach on Colossians on Wednesday (Spanish) at our church, as we continue our "Enough" series.
Thursday:
I'm excited to host a men's gathering at our home on Thursday. Food is going to be good. We're launching a new Bible Study material "The Case for Christ"
Friday:
Date-Night w/my Bride :-)
Saturday:
Teach 2 Ministry Courses, for Church leaders and Pastors, in San Juan (10 am & 11:30 am)
Confraternidad (Youth Community Gathering) in Brownsville invited me to speak at their Saturday event @ 4pm-always love to speak to Millennials.
Hope your week goes well!
2. I've been doing vocational ministry for more than 20 years, serving in many churches with many people in a variety of areas; but seeing my first-born taking an active role in leading, serving and participating in the body of Christ goes beyond anything I've seen or experienced before. God is so faithful and our investment through parenting and relationships is actually paying off. The best is yet to come!
3. Traveling to Corpus over Spring Break wasn't only refreshing and fun but it also reaffirming as we travel through places and locations where 6 years ago, The Journey became a dream and later a huge step of faith. Have I mentioned how faithful God really is? Seriously, if you aren't living and trying goals that require a God intervention, I'm not sure you are dreaming with God.
4. Here's last Sunday's Video "Journey vs. Destination" Part 2 of Easter Series "The Passion"
5. I can feel the pressure of such a busy and exciting week. My personal and daily schedule is challenging every week, yet I enjoy every opportunity God opens up to serve Him and others.
Monday:
Areli is leading a ladies gathering tonight @ 7 pm at our home. Always fun to see a bunch of ladies together doing life-on-life Bible digging.
Tuesday:
I teach 3 ministry courses for Wayland Baptist University on Tuesday, 1 in Weslaco @1:30 pm and 2 in Brownsville (6pm & 7:30pm)
Wednesday:
I will teach on Colossians on Wednesday (Spanish) at our church, as we continue our "Enough" series.
Thursday:
I'm excited to host a men's gathering at our home on Thursday. Food is going to be good. We're launching a new Bible Study material "The Case for Christ"
Friday:
Date-Night w/my Bride :-)
Saturday:
Teach 2 Ministry Courses, for Church leaders and Pastors, in San Juan (10 am & 11:30 am)
Confraternidad (Youth Community Gathering) in Brownsville invited me to speak at their Saturday event @ 4pm-always love to speak to Millennials.
Hope your week goes well!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday Thoughts / Pensamientos del Domingo
Reflecting on an amazing Sunday:
1. I cannot, literally, get over Sunday worship experience. It was intense, violent and radical. God is doing something dangerous in our midst. We are finally getting in the game with God. Our faith community is awakening to a new era. Church has become a different experience. Lives are being transformed. Jesus is ALIVE.
2. Very few things excite me more than the Easter season. Although we are still 2 months away from it, our brand new 7 week series - "The Passion" - began yesterday with our first conversation "Counterfeit" People are responding to the gospel of salvation as the message of Faith-Hope and Love is presented over the next 2 months. Each week I will be introducing a "word" or "sentence" of Jesus' last 7 words on the cross. Love to see you guys join!
3. Have I mentioned how amazing is our worship week-in and week-out? Lord, have mercy-it is off the hook!!! God has blessed our community with an amazing group of worshippers who give out their lives before the presence of God. Seriously, if you haven't experienced worship with us, you really need to make it happen this Sunday!
4. I'm on my 3rd week of "The Pentateuch" for Wayland Baptist University class. I'm in love with teaching that I can't resist any invitations to teach from Seminaries and Universities. I'm so privileged to speak in 3 different cities and 3 different sites to 87 Pastors, church leaders and business leaders every week. Please pray for me, as the beautiful story and narratives of the Hebrew people unfold in front of our generation and transforms the hearts of many through community and learning.
5. Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be a very special day. I will be speaking @ STYLN - (South Texas Youth Leaders Network) I will be conversing on the topic of HOW TO AVOID BURN OUT! I'm basically sharing my story...and telling them "Don't do what I did" :-) I will be challenging 60+ youth pastors and leaders from all across the valley on the issue of "Vision" - Please, pray for me...that I would make much of Jesus!
6. Areli and I will be having lunch with Saraí-my 7th grader-on Wednesday @ noon. I'm looking forward to converse and love on my first-born. I love to be Areli's husband and privileged to be Saraí, Becky and Josué dad!
Bendiciones!
1. I cannot, literally, get over Sunday worship experience. It was intense, violent and radical. God is doing something dangerous in our midst. We are finally getting in the game with God. Our faith community is awakening to a new era. Church has become a different experience. Lives are being transformed. Jesus is ALIVE.
2. Very few things excite me more than the Easter season. Although we are still 2 months away from it, our brand new 7 week series - "The Passion" - began yesterday with our first conversation "Counterfeit" People are responding to the gospel of salvation as the message of Faith-Hope and Love is presented over the next 2 months. Each week I will be introducing a "word" or "sentence" of Jesus' last 7 words on the cross. Love to see you guys join!
3. Have I mentioned how amazing is our worship week-in and week-out? Lord, have mercy-it is off the hook!!! God has blessed our community with an amazing group of worshippers who give out their lives before the presence of God. Seriously, if you haven't experienced worship with us, you really need to make it happen this Sunday!
4. I'm on my 3rd week of "The Pentateuch" for Wayland Baptist University class. I'm in love with teaching that I can't resist any invitations to teach from Seminaries and Universities. I'm so privileged to speak in 3 different cities and 3 different sites to 87 Pastors, church leaders and business leaders every week. Please pray for me, as the beautiful story and narratives of the Hebrew people unfold in front of our generation and transforms the hearts of many through community and learning.
5. Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be a very special day. I will be speaking @ STYLN - (South Texas Youth Leaders Network) I will be conversing on the topic of HOW TO AVOID BURN OUT! I'm basically sharing my story...and telling them "Don't do what I did" :-) I will be challenging 60+ youth pastors and leaders from all across the valley on the issue of "Vision" - Please, pray for me...that I would make much of Jesus!
6. Areli and I will be having lunch with Saraí-my 7th grader-on Wednesday @ noon. I'm looking forward to converse and love on my first-born. I love to be Areli's husband and privileged to be Saraí, Becky and Josué dad!
Bendiciones!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday Thoughts / Pensamientos del Domingo
A few thoughts after a very good Sunday / Algunos pensamientos después de un excelente Domingo:
1. God never stops to amaze me, what a privilige it really is to simply be a part of what He is doing in our generation. I love His church. What an opportunity to join Him in His mission. I'm more than convience that the best is yet to come.
Dios nunca deja de maravillarme, que privilegio es el simplemente ser parte de nuestra generación. Amo su Iglesia. Que oportunidad tan grande de poder unirme a Su Misión. Estoy completamente convencido que lo mejor está por venir.
2. Saraí, my first-born-child, played the keyboard tonight during our church-wide service @ worship time, along with other youth. I don't know if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight, I'm so overwhelmed seeing my baby girl, at age 12, unleashing her passion and commitment to her Lord and Savior. I'm a very blessed father, that's all I have to say about that!
Saraí, mi hija mayor, tocó el teclado esta noche durante nuestra reunión de adoración en el tiempo de la alabanza, junto a su grupo de alabanza juvenil. No se si pueda dormir esta noche, estoy completamente emocionado al ver a mi niña, a la edad de 12 años, despertar y lanzar su potencial y compromiso a su Señor y Salvador. Soy un padre muy bendecido, es todo lo que puedo decir al respecto!
3. When God leads your church, anticipation, excitment and miracles constantly take place. Speaking on Jesus' Second Coming is never easy, yet our community needs to affirm the whole counsel of God when it comes to Jesus' Return. I went to bed Saturday night until 3am, got up at 6am Sunday morning, not being able to contain the message God gave me throughout this past week on the End of Times. Here is the link to my Sunday Conversation Video, "Mind Changers"
Cuando Dios conduce tu iglesia, anticipación, unidad y milagros constantemente toman lugar. El habar de la Segunda Venida de Cristo nunca es fácil, pero nuestra comunidad necesita afirmar el consejo completo de Dios con respecto al tema. Me acoste hasta las 3 am el Sábado por la noche, y me desperté a las 6 am el Domingo muy temprano al no poder contener el mensaje dentro de mi que Dios había puesto en mi corazón esta semana en el Final de los Tiempos. Aquí está la conección al Video de la Conversación en Inglés, "Cambiadores de Planes"
4. I'm extremely blessed to serve @ church along-side a group of people who not only love Christ, but are also gifted for the task at hand. Today's morning worship experience was really good. As a communicator, it is a lot easier to speak after a group of gifted worshippers leads our congregation week-in and week-out. Our church leaders grow everyday, the future looks exciting. My prayer and heart's desire is for my three children to return home and visit Areli and I at our church when they go off to college.
Dios me ha bendecido grandemente al permitirme servir en una Iglesia donde sus líderes no solo aman a Cristo, sino que también están capacitados para la taréa. La experiencia de adoración de esta mañana fué bastante buena. Como comunicador, es mucho más fácil el presentar el mensaje de salvación después de que un grupo de adoraradores talentosos nos diriguen cada Domingo y cada semana. Nuestros líderes crecen cada día, el futuro se percibe emocionante. Mi oración y el deseo de mi corazón es que mi tres hijos cuando salgan de nuestro hogar no solo regresen a visitarnos a Areli y a mí, sino también a nuestra iglesia.
5. Got to eat lunch with a special family today. Fellowship was great, amaze to see what God is doing in their lives. I still remember when we first met them, without hope, love and faith. Jesus is still in the business of miracles, YES! He is!!!
6. I'm beginning a brand new series on Sunday, March 6 that will last about 7-8 weeks on the 7 Final Words of Jesus on the Cross. Nothing like exhalting the One who gave His life so we can move from death to life. I can feel it, it's going to be a life-changing experience for many!
7. Pray for me, I get to speak to 65 people (pastors & church leaders) on a weekly basis through Ministry College Courses that I teach in 3 different cities & locations: San Juan, Weslaco & Brownsville. I feel the responsability and burden to communicate eternal & very practical principles to many people who literally are serving in 11 churches valley-wide. This week is going to be special, I sense it!
1. God never stops to amaze me, what a privilige it really is to simply be a part of what He is doing in our generation. I love His church. What an opportunity to join Him in His mission. I'm more than convience that the best is yet to come.
Dios nunca deja de maravillarme, que privilegio es el simplemente ser parte de nuestra generación. Amo su Iglesia. Que oportunidad tan grande de poder unirme a Su Misión. Estoy completamente convencido que lo mejor está por venir.
2. Saraí, my first-born-child, played the keyboard tonight during our church-wide service @ worship time, along with other youth. I don't know if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight, I'm so overwhelmed seeing my baby girl, at age 12, unleashing her passion and commitment to her Lord and Savior. I'm a very blessed father, that's all I have to say about that!
Saraí, mi hija mayor, tocó el teclado esta noche durante nuestra reunión de adoración en el tiempo de la alabanza, junto a su grupo de alabanza juvenil. No se si pueda dormir esta noche, estoy completamente emocionado al ver a mi niña, a la edad de 12 años, despertar y lanzar su potencial y compromiso a su Señor y Salvador. Soy un padre muy bendecido, es todo lo que puedo decir al respecto!
3. When God leads your church, anticipation, excitment and miracles constantly take place. Speaking on Jesus' Second Coming is never easy, yet our community needs to affirm the whole counsel of God when it comes to Jesus' Return. I went to bed Saturday night until 3am, got up at 6am Sunday morning, not being able to contain the message God gave me throughout this past week on the End of Times. Here is the link to my Sunday Conversation Video, "Mind Changers"
Cuando Dios conduce tu iglesia, anticipación, unidad y milagros constantemente toman lugar. El habar de la Segunda Venida de Cristo nunca es fácil, pero nuestra comunidad necesita afirmar el consejo completo de Dios con respecto al tema. Me acoste hasta las 3 am el Sábado por la noche, y me desperté a las 6 am el Domingo muy temprano al no poder contener el mensaje dentro de mi que Dios había puesto en mi corazón esta semana en el Final de los Tiempos. Aquí está la conección al Video de la Conversación en Inglés, "Cambiadores de Planes"
4. I'm extremely blessed to serve @ church along-side a group of people who not only love Christ, but are also gifted for the task at hand. Today's morning worship experience was really good. As a communicator, it is a lot easier to speak after a group of gifted worshippers leads our congregation week-in and week-out. Our church leaders grow everyday, the future looks exciting. My prayer and heart's desire is for my three children to return home and visit Areli and I at our church when they go off to college.
Dios me ha bendecido grandemente al permitirme servir en una Iglesia donde sus líderes no solo aman a Cristo, sino que también están capacitados para la taréa. La experiencia de adoración de esta mañana fué bastante buena. Como comunicador, es mucho más fácil el presentar el mensaje de salvación después de que un grupo de adoraradores talentosos nos diriguen cada Domingo y cada semana. Nuestros líderes crecen cada día, el futuro se percibe emocionante. Mi oración y el deseo de mi corazón es que mi tres hijos cuando salgan de nuestro hogar no solo regresen a visitarnos a Areli y a mí, sino también a nuestra iglesia.
5. Got to eat lunch with a special family today. Fellowship was great, amaze to see what God is doing in their lives. I still remember when we first met them, without hope, love and faith. Jesus is still in the business of miracles, YES! He is!!!
6. I'm beginning a brand new series on Sunday, March 6 that will last about 7-8 weeks on the 7 Final Words of Jesus on the Cross. Nothing like exhalting the One who gave His life so we can move from death to life. I can feel it, it's going to be a life-changing experience for many!
7. Pray for me, I get to speak to 65 people (pastors & church leaders) on a weekly basis through Ministry College Courses that I teach in 3 different cities & locations: San Juan, Weslaco & Brownsville. I feel the responsability and burden to communicate eternal & very practical principles to many people who literally are serving in 11 churches valley-wide. This week is going to be special, I sense it!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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