Hermosa Luisa Fernanda

 

Our Daily Strength

Are We Small Yet?

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 NASB

In Philippians 2:3-11, Paul tells us that we need to stop living to advance ourselves and our own interests and instead start considering others as more important than ourselves. In fact, he says that we should do nothing from “empty conceit”—which literally means the puffing up of our nothingness. I love the graphic picture in that thought. No matter how big you puff up a zero, it’s still a zero!
And then he points us to Jesus who didn’t consider His “big” standing in heaven a thing to hang on to, but rather He humbled Himself to care for our interests by becoming obedient to death on the cross. Think of that! Jesus thought of us and our needs as being more important than His own! He made Himself small that we by His abundant mercy might become big in the riches of His grace.
Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus!
Are you small yet?
YOUR JOURNEY…

• What would it take for you to have the mind of Jesus by being more concerned about others’ needs and interests than your own? Who could be an object of this change in your life?
• Read 1 Peter 5:5-7 and honestly ask yourself if there is pride in your life. What does God think of proud people?
• What are some ways that you can humble yourself? Are you willing to wait for Him to exalt you?

What is your greatest gift?

Yesterday my granddaughter was looking at all the diplomas in my home offices.  These were her father's diplomas, and her aunt's diplomas and her grandmother's diplomas and other various awards that we have saved over the years.  At the very top was one lone diploma that belonged to her Tata, and she asked me why there weren't more awards for me.  I thought of the many answers that I could have said to her, but the first one that came to mind was the greatest award that anyone man could have, and that was being a son of God.  


I explained to her that the day when I accepted Jesus into my heart was one of the most wonderful days in my life.  He changed my life for the better and there is nothing that He would not do for me nor I for Him.  I also reminded her that all of my family, her Nana, and all her aunts and uncles and cousins were a blessing to me and to her.  I also told her that when God gave me my little granddaughter, and my two grandsons, he gave me the best award ever.  But he also told me that I would need to take care of these beautiful gifts and teach them all to love Jesus as Jesus loves us.


Thank you for these gifts.  Thank you Jesus.

Spent the day with My Grandaughter

Today was a wonderful day with my lovely Luisa.  We saw a movie about Jesus and she asked a lot of questions about his death and resurrection.  She learned about Easter, without the rabbit.  It is a wonderful feeling to have such a young child ask the questions that matter,  and be able to understand them as explained by her grandfather.

Be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever (1 Chr. 28:8). If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8 NIV). 


May we always seek to take care of our children and our relatives who need us.  I myself find it very difficult to help my family, especially my elderly aunt who needs and wants our love and attention; however, I said difficult but not impossible.  May the Lord give me wisdom and strength to do whatever he wants me to do, as I know it is the right thing. 


“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.” Philippians 1:9-10

From Our Daily Bread

I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13

In the first century, a group of believers in Thessalonica were afraid that their believing loved ones who had died were gone forever and would miss out on the second coming of Christ. For that reason, Paul wrote, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). Paul’s words of comfort were intended to soften their fears by giving them the right information, which made all the difference in the world. While grieving their loss, they could still have hope of a coming reunion with those who were in Christ.




In seasons of loss, we too can find comfort and hope because the Bible has given us the right information. — Bill Crowder



He’s coming back! The dead shall rise,

Caught up to meet Him in the skies.

Upon that hope my soul relies;

He’s coming back! —Sherbert



Death is not a period—it’s only a comma.

Chelsea King

Today Chelsea King's body was found and, although I did not know her, I feel horrible sadness for her parents and all our prayers go out to them tonight and always. How do you offer comfort, how can we say that we feel their pain, when I can't imagine how horrible that pain is. Having run those trails myself, I can remember the beauty of the lake and all the beautiful people that enjoyed the runs, I don't know if I can run that again. I need to take every opportunity to enjoy my children and grandchildren and the time that I share with my wife. Please always be careful when going out alone, better yet always go out in pairs. Also enjoy the sounds of nature and get rid of the i-pod so that you can be aware of your surroundings. God is great, let's pray for wisdom and understanding. I am going to have a tough time with forgiveness.

Felicito mucho a los Pastores Waldo y Leoni Garza, los nuevos Pastores de la Iglesia La Vid en Chula Vista. Mis respetos para esta pareja, siempre han demostrado un genuino amor por el Senor y gran deseo para servirle sin quejarse. Les deseo lo mejor sabiendo de ante mano que no es coincidencia que nuestro Senor los haya escojido para liderar esta nueva iglesia.