Advent 2020 | Day 08

SCRIPTURE:

16 For 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him

John 3:16-17

RECEIVE

Oh the famous John 3:16 verse. This is arguably the most famous verse in the Bible. You saw it on the stands at football games, on the face of football players who wanted to be evangelist, and even in the WWE as Stone Cold Steve Austin sported his Austin 3:16 shirt. (though with a different meaning. Lol Look it up)

For me this verse was the summation of the Christian faith for a long time. I memorized it like everyone else and when all else failed I could lean on this easy to memorize verse. Then one day I looked at it completely different.I remember listening to how God wanted us to be “in the world but not of the world.” I also remember listening to teaching against the “world” and “worldly” culture. I recall lessons about how the world was bad and the church should be influencing the world and not the other way around.

But when I look around at the church and the world, I saw that God’s hand was present in both. Sometimes through the influence of the church and other times in spite of it.I would actually argue that God’s power in some ways has more freedom in the world than it does in the church because the church is always trying to limit God.

Truth is, God doesn’t hate the world. God doesn’t have some kind of vendetta against the world. God loves the world. So when I had this breakthrough in an old reflection, in some ways I wanted to be more worldly than churchy. I wanted to love the world just like God loves the world. And think about the birth of Christ. Jesus wasn’t born in a church. God was born in a manger. In a dirty, stinky manger. He was born on the streets.The first visitation Jesus received was three wise men who studied the stars and eastern religions.God was born in an eclectic world.

I guess that’s why I don’t want to go back to the local church any time soon. I want to be in the world making disciples in settings that aren’t limited by ancient traditions that limit God’s love. I want to be “out there,” in the world with everyone who is not in the church. Plus, it’s a lot more fun!

Advent 2020 | Day 07

SCRIPTURE:

“but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

HOPE

We recently learned that a couple of our family members got COVID. Praise God everyone was ok - but we were scared. The worst case ended up in the ICU room. He’s using a machine to help him breathe but he’s on the up and up. We were finally able to talk to him today. I’ve been wanting to talk to him for a while, not just because he’s a dear family member but because when he first got COVID, he kept telling everyone that he was scared.

And you know me. I always want to give people a pep talk.

I had one all prepared.

But before you hear the pep talk please know that I am also aware that it’s ok to be scared. I am aware that a pep talk is not always the answer. And I am also aware that sometimes the most important thing a person needs is someone to walk through their pain with them by their side. No words, just presence. And I am also aware that this verse is often taken out of context. But a verse that is taken out of context that leads to hope is always right.

But back to my pep talk. Wait one more side note: If you see me in a sad situation, I’m the kind of person who needs a peptalk. Shout out to those [enneagram] 8’s (I think).

Back to the pep talk. You see this particular person who I am talking about is one of the most devoted Christians that I know. He and his family are always in worship, volunteering, always preaching Jesus at people (for better or worse). They are true to the bone West Virginia Christians. And I love them. So when I heard that he was afraid I wanted to tell him:

“Uncle Jeff (that’s his name by the way), do not be afraid! The worst thing that you can do right now is be afraid. Your fear is going to weaken your body and your body needs to be at it’s strongest to battle this virus. Do not be afraid! This is something that you have heard in church all your life. Jesus and the angels constantly tell us to not be afraid. Uncle Jeff, you have been preparing for this moment all your life! You are such a faithful believer and now is the time to lean on your faith more than ever! Do not be afraid! Don’t even be afraid of death! The Bible teaches us that to live is for Christ and to die is for gain. Don’t even be afraid of death!”

I was finally able to talk to him today. I listened to him and I didn’t tell him everything I just wrote up above. I just listened and I prayed for him. My prayer was a more pastoral way of relating the message I wrote above. After my prayer he cried. I really do hope that he was encouraged. Uncle Jeff’s story is what I automatically thought of when I read today’s scripture. What does hope look like for a Christian who is at-risk and is in the ICU for Covid? How does a Christian who is afraid of dying - soar, run, or walk? I think it’s easier said than done.

But what is faith?
Why are we worshipping every Sunday?
Why are we so active in our local church?

Is it not to be built into people who are not afraid? I think so. We just need someone to remind us sometimes. Kindly. Gently. Prayerfully.

May you be wise with your encouragement for yourself and for others.

Advent 2020 | Day 04

SCRIPTURE:

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.

Proverbs 3:27

SERVE

We just arrived in Charlotte, NC to spend a couple of days with Charity’s cousins. We left at 10:30am and arrived at about 10:30pm. It was a long 12 hours, but we are here safe and sound. It’s 40 degrees outside and we can’t wait to spend time with this side of the family. I gotta say that her cousins are some of the nicest people that I have ever met and they are not Christian. They are nicer than a lot of Christians that we have met. Shoot they’re nicer and more thoughtful than me!

The reason why they are nice is because they do the big things and the little things to make us feel special. They have always been great hosts when we stay in their homes. They are patient with us and always seem to have a special zen about them. They are generous with their food and drinks, and they are responsible parents who are great role models. It’s also the little things that they do that remind us how special they are. It’s the way that they go the extra mile that also catches by surprise.

Tonight when we arrived Cruz (and Arie) were so excited because not only did they let us stay in their house, but they bought Arie diapers, set up the guest room for us, but they also got a little gift for Cruz and Arie (Cruz is very excited about opening it up tomorrow). It’s the little things sometimes that’s the big things.

Today’s reflection word is “serve.” I first thought of the servant hearts that Charity’s cousins have. Let’s learn from them. Try and do something unexpected for someone this week. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can be something as small as a phone call or a little gift you got at the convenience store. I’d love to hear what you did to help someone feel special. We will be here for four days and I am confident that I am going to constantly use the words “you didn’t have to do that,” “please let me pay for that,” “thank you for being such great hosts…..”

I see God’s prevenient grace in Charity’s cousins and it’s teaching me about how I can be a better servant to others. Love you guys!

Advent 2020 | Day 03

SCRIPTURE:

Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Psalm 62:1-2

WONDER

What did God teach you when you were a youth? Not when you were a baby. But when you were a youth.

I am guessing here that the Psalmist is referring to the lessons he learned at the age that he remembers learning. Or at least as far as he can remember. What are those lessons?

For David, when he was a youth he learned how to protect his sheep from lions and bears. And those lessons prepared him for the biggest battle of his life. David also learned the lessons that a younger child learns. He was the baby after all. The Bible tells us that David was often overlooked. He was the weakling. But maybe as the weakest in strength, he actually saw God’s hand more than the ones who depended on their own strength.

Truth is that God has been speaking and teaching us throughout our entire lives. We may not understand the lessons while we are going through it but looking back we can see God’s hand in it all.God has been teaching us not only in the church, but also in every area of our life. As a parent and (future parents) we have to be careful. Because our children will learn more from their parents than they will from the church. What are we teaching them? Whatever it is that we are teaching them I hope that they can praise God for the parents they have.

I was asking Charity today to reflect on what she learned as a child. She talked about the hard work that was instilled in her from her grandmother. She talked about the tough lessons she learned at age 18 that was the darkest times of her life. Those lessons taught her enough to move away and seek a different life for herself. She talked about how her grandmother also taught her about the importance of family. There’s lessons in every stage of our life. Lessons that we learn in the darkness that God uses for good. And there’s good lessons we learn that make us even better.

Take some time today and reflect on the lessons you learned as a child if you had a great childhood. Then take some more time to reflect on the lessons that he taught you during the darkest parts of your life. And thank God for it all.

Personally, among many lessons I am thankful for, I’m glad I grew up in Miami. It taught me about culture, languages, passion, and hustle. I’m also thankful for the lessons I learned being raised by a single mom. It makes me want to be the best dad I can be and the best husband I can be. I praise God for the lessons of my youth for better for worse.

They made me the man I am today.

Advent 2020 | Day 02

SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 62:1-2

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2

Salvation

One of the interesting things about David is that before he became a memorable King and leader, he spent a lot of time in the desert. David was often in the desert running away from his enemies.

I remember when I went to Jerusalem sitting in the bus and just seeing desert lands for miles and miles. On one stop we were told that David likely roamed this desert and stayed in the caves to rest. There’s nothing in sight in those deserts. Nothing but Oryx, and salamanders, polecats, gazelles, and foxes. David must of been scared.

What would our prayers sound like in a cave?
What would we write in our journals if we were innocent fugitives escaping the hands of a powerful regime?

For me today’s devotional gave me a new perspective on what prayer is. What if Prayer is not only a time to talk to God, but it’s also a time to remind your soul of who God is. What if prayer is sometimes about talking to yourself to remind yourself that God is going to help you again. What if prayer is a pep-talk for your soul through the power of the Holy Spirit?

I hear David here giving himself a pep talk. Remind himself that God is going to protect him from his enemies. Reminding himself with scripture that God will save him.Today or tomorrow find time to remind yourself of who God is in your life.

Write it down, repeat it to yourself. Believe it. Because it’s true. Or find time to ask yourself, “Why aren’t you finding rest in God?” Find time to see what is making your soul weary. Dig deep. Then ask yourself if you have been shaken by forces that were never meant to take your strength. David says, “I will not be shaken.” Ask yourself what step you can take to be unshakable. It’s going to involve work. Works of Piety and/or Works of Mercy.

Give your soul a pep talk. Remind it of who God is. And try and build an unshakable soul.

Advent 2020 | Day 01 Part II

SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 12:1-9
Mark 10:29-30

Journey [Part II]

When I moved to seminary it was the first time I left home. Some of you left home when you were 18 but I left home after undergrad. It’s just what Spanish people do lol. Truthfully, the only reason I left Miami was because I felt as though God called me to leave. Otherwise I would have probably stayed in Miami.

I had a hard time at first. But I always connected to the story of Abraham. I always read his story and saw it as my own story. I would constantly remind myself that I left my country (Miami is technically another country), my people, and my household because God wanted to bless me.And you know what. Even though there were many moments where I struggled, I look at my life today and I truly feel blessed.

I love living in Orlando. It’s perfect for a family.
I love the church and my friends. I love Wesley. I have a loving wife and kids who WONT LEAVE ME ALONE! (because they love me). And I have a really nice house. I grew up in small apartments in low income neighborhoods so in comparison, my house is like a mansion.

I’m blessed. And so are you.

Especially if you put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. Use this story to remind yourself that God is with you.

If you feel far from home, far from friends, and if you feel like life is changing too fast, read today’s scripture and remind yourself that God is with you every step of the way. Receive the words God spoke to Abraham as your own. Pretend it’s God speaking to you. This scripture kept me sane when I was confused.

If you notice in this scripture one of the first things Abraham faced on his journey was a famine. (verse 10) Interesting. God blesses Abraham, tells him to move to another place, and then a famine. Doesn’t seem like such a blessed life. Well, sometimes life throws famines, pandemics, unemployment…. and in Abrahams case near death experiences. It’s all part of the journey.

When John Wesley died his last words were ,

“The best of all is that God is with us.”

That’s probably what I would tell Abraham during his season escaping a famine. I’d say “Abraham, God is with you even though you’re in a terrible situation. God’s promises will come to fruition in your life. Just stay faithful.” You know something Abraham did not. We know from reading the story that God eventually did bless Abraham. He just needed to stay the course.So stay the course with this mindset. God is with you. God loves you.

God has not asked you to uproot your life to not give you everything in return tenfold. This is another scripture that I would reflect on when I was struggling in seminary. Mark 10:29-30
It’s very similar to today’s reading. Love you guys.

PS
If you are a Bible nerd, notice the similarities between Abraham and Jesus. Both fled to Egypt. Try and notice more similarities. Dig Deeper and ask the question “Why did Jesus experience a similar life to Abraham?” I can write another small devo about that but it’ll be another 2 pages or so. Until tomorrow! Love you guys and please let me know how Wesley can help.

There are three ways we can help.

1. Prayer. Please send us prayer requests.

2. Money. If you need financial assistance please don’t be afraid to reach out!

3. Conversations. Reach out if you need some encouragement!

Advent 2020 | Day 01

SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 12:1-9

Journey

Hello beautiful Wesley people. It sucks that we will be away from each other for so long. I am going to miss you. I also want us to stay connected as much as possible. We are always here for you.

I wanted to try and write a daily devotional through Advent. I got an Advent daily scripture reading from the UMC and a word to focus on for each week. That’s where the title “Journey” came from. This is a two part post. On the second post I am going to expound on the scripture for the day. Read a long with me and share your thoughts.

If you don’t know what Advent is it’s the beginning of the Christian calendar and today is the first day of advent. Advent is also the beginning of Christmas. For more information on Advent go here :

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-know-christian-calendar/

I love the idea of seeing your life in seasons. I think I’ve preached 3-4 “season” sermon series. I love seasons because it’s a reminder that every year has ups and downs.

I love listening to each of you as you prepare for Christmas. I see your moods change. It’s like more people look forward to that seasonal change because it also comes with a mental change.

It’s a dis-orientation or a re-orientation towards the joy of Christ.

Just a side note that I also appreciate the season of Lent. I appreciate lent because we reflect on the pain and suffering Christ endured, and we endure. This seasonal mindset cannot be complete without knowing that pain is part of the journey.

But it’s Christmas! Time to reflect on Hope, Peace, Love and Joy!

So….I say, sing your Christmas songs if it makes you happy! Watch your corny Hallmark movies! lol. Be happy! Let Christmas make you happy. It’s suppose to. After all it’s really the Holy Spirit working through the liturgical calendar that makes you happy. It’s God!

Question of the Day: Are you in the Christmas spirit? What brought it on? Was it a song? A movie?

For me, I felt the Christmas spirit when we decorated our refrigerator. We have these magnets that create Santa Clause and a Snowman. It’s cute. Charity’s idea. When I put those up I slowly started getting in the spirit and next thing you know I put up the elf on the shelf, Christmas lights, and I started singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

”What brought on the Christmas spirit for you?