The source of our name

Friends,

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

Do you see a son of the Living and Almighty God? If He has called you into His family then that is what you are.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named
Ephesians 3:14-15 [NKJV]

Paul sets the example for us. We are to bow in worship and gratitude that the Lord of heaven and earth has seen fit to name us as His children. We are no longer sons of the enemy. Christ has reconciled us to the Father.

Let us, too, bow in worship and sing His praises!

Be encouraged, Jose

Seeking from the Father

Friends,

We do not often discuss the dark side of holidays. Today, we'll hear all manner of "Father's Day" greetings from television personalities, celebrities, politicians, preachers, friends and perhaps even from colleagues.

But sometimes, those words only serve to remind us of difficult times relating to and with our father. Indeed, no one can wound a boy or girl like their father. Those wounds cut deep and - for some might - never heal.

What I have learned over these years is that the affirmation and unconditional love that I seek is only available through my Father in heaven.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11 [NKJV]

Friends, the love you so desperately desire can be found... but only through Christ. When you come to be adopted in the family of God, you are given the gift of a Father who knows & provides for your every need. He gives Himself wholly and unreservedly, and can truly heal the wounds and the hurt.

Be encouraged, Jose

What every son longs to hear

Friends,

Lately, I've been reminded of the amazing healing that I enjoy because of my relationship with Jesus. I have been adopted into a family ... and I have been granted everything that the sons have received. It is difficult to declare one blessing greater than another. However, these words contain enormous power:

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:17 [NKJV]

These words were spoken over Jesus, and therefore they were spoken over me. My Father is pleased with me. No matter what wounds may have been caused by my natural father ... either through neglect, anger, or selfishness ... I know that I am loved, valued and affirmed by the Lord God in heaven.

Contemplate that for a moment. For if you are my brother or sister in Christ, you too are loved, valued and affirmed.

Be encouraged, Jose

Standing up

Friends,

Every so often, we hear of the blatant persecution of our brothers and sisters around the world. We in the US are blessed with the freedom to come together and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, without interference from government.

But how often do we go to the King with a prayer similar to this ...

For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?
Esther 8:6 [NKJV]

When the Lord called us into His Kingdom, we became citizens of a new, eternal nation. Our countrymen live on every continent, now. We are bound together by the same King, the same Law, the same Redeemer, the same Father. As such, can we possibly ignore their circumstances?

Today, lift them up before the Lord, that they be delivered from persecution and affliction, according to His will.

Be encouraged, Jose

Family Ties

Friends,

There are few people on earth that can cause as much hurt and sorrow as our family. The wounds of a father or mother can take a lifetime to heal. Hurtful words from a son or daughter can devastate a parent. And brothers and sisters seem to know just the thing to say to inflict the most damage in the least amount of time. The natural bonds that exist between family members cannot be denied. They are as real as the sunrise.

But while cannot - nor should not - wish them away, we must put them and keep them in their proper perspective.

Mark 3:35
For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.
[NKJV]

At this point in the Gospel, Jesus is speaking to a multitude of followers, and specifically to His twelve true disciples. And He is speaking to you and me. When He redeemed us, He made us new creations. He not only translated us into the Kingdom of God, He adopted us into His family. We are now sons and daughters of the Most High God. Our obligation to give honor and respect to our parents, children and siblings is never diminished. However our affection and devotion are now directed towards this new, eternal family: to our Father, who reigns from Heaven; to our Savior, who calls Himself our brother and friend; to one another, who are among the least of these.

Sisters and brothers, use this reality to bring healing to your heart. Your everlasting family is here.

Be encouraged, Jose