A New Morning

This will be the last devotional in Puerto Rico. It’s originally written in Spanish, but I’ll translate it in English for you.

“…He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.” (2 Samuel 23:4)

How easy it is to sin! How easy it is to recognize our broken, smeared, “irreparable” humanity! How much is our self-guilt for even the smallest of things! And I’ve been responsible for this.

How it makes us so hard to recognize Christ’s love, even to the unbelievers? I confess: I’ve been responsible. How much (if not, every day), I can see the smallest mistake and stupidity as an excuse for flagellating myself! Like, humbleness would be nothing short of a flagellated back for my fault.

Tough is to shine wherever we are. Easy is to abolish foolishness and cover one at the same time. Only a few recognize the blessing of the new morning, of seeing and saying: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24)”. They are those Heaven hugs, full of opportunity, peace and love. Those have their eyes on the Giver of live, not on their unhealthy sinful nature.

The morning is filled of mercies. Isn’t it beautiful seeing one rise in the summer? And better is having a new morning in the heart, put our eyes on Jesus? Still, the time is there; never has it left.

Sadness is not what I have now; it’s uncertainty. Of believing, of growing, trusting and learning. From hours, times and postponing; from “hello”, “goodbye”, “please”, and “thank you”. Out of that, where are we? ¿What is the morning we have at bay?

And I repeat: I’ve been responsible for it. The wait is incomprehensible; the light in infinity, the time is now. Even though all attacks will happen, we will see a new morning, a new rock that God has put in it. What will it be in the end, you say? Well, the morning I’ve been talking to you! Where is it, if we can’t see it? You don’t have to: It’s in the cross, in your heart. God made us a new morning.

With Everything - Hillsong United

The Last Days: At The Face of the Lamb

Puerto Rico is actually one blessed country.

One of the things noted for is that Lamb on the shield, meaning of St. John the Baptist, for whom the island was named, San Juan de Bautista. (Sometime later, they switched to Puerto Rico and the capital, San Juan.) But that lamb, having that center place on the shield, with the book of Revelation on it…?

The “Isla del Encanto” (or the Island of Enchantment) has come to a spot of progress. In 50 years, how come a country the size of Hawaii’s Big Island reaches into great depths of development? Or how come many have reached Christ in less than the time? One thing and one thing only: God’s grace. (And let’s not forget the heavily-dependant aid from the US, but still, God owns this!)

However, values are losing for two things: God and family. Without both, the rampant society is disintegrating…fast. Deaths are rising, lives are sinking, the economy’s bad, drugs are reaching, and families are ruing (or regretted) even having one. What are we thinking, people!?

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'”. (Jeremiah 6:16)

God knew that Jeremiah would be dealing with an unequivocally tough crowd that couldn’t hear that Jerusalem will be destroyed. But also with a tough self. (We all do.) The only thing to restore our values (I’m not talking about distinct social issues; just values) and free up a sinking world is just to return at the face of the Lamb. That Agnus Dei that died for us unworthy souls has reached today for you and me. Holiness standards, doctrines, and the evermore will come later. But we just have to… return.

I guess it’s time to return to the face of the Lamb. Even me.

The Last Days: From Pole To Pole

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46: 2-3)

We had an amazing weekend from the beach to the mountains. It was just an amazing reminder of how blessed am I that this small island, a little prick on the map, has such beautiful contours and lands. However, this is also a reminder of what we’ll leave… (and here we go again!)

On Saturday, we were going to Guayama, a town in the south of the country with my uncle and cousins. Just as we were heading there, his car’s batteries broke down… twice. To avoid the problem of finding a tow driver while an hour from our homes, we decided to head to the beaches of Naguabo. We went to its seafront to eat fish and empanadillas, and we had a good time. After, there was a small pier. (We went there on Maundy Thursday and Easter, where I took a photo of the sea.) It reminded me of what we’ll leave… UGH! Still, we had a good time.

Sunday was a trip to Orocovis, the center of the Island. This time, I took my trusty notebook and pencil to the trip, so I can muster up some writing for later. We went to Carolina (near San Juan) to pick up some of my dad’s friends and we headed near two hours (with stops) to the city in the mountains. Though curves were tight, the view was impressive. When we reached the city, Papi called one of his friends that live there, so we went to his business in another steep curve. Unexpectedly, we stayed there until dark, soaking in the jíbaro music, beautiful mountains, friendliness and closeness, and good veal and rice! It could be the last… (Joe, don’t do this again!)

All right, I should’ve known better. My musings to point recall nothing but hope, the main reason I keep writing about this. Now I know why I told “…and I won’t be shutting up about it for weeks” or so. But what has become the “last” of everything we know and love should become about the “first” of our new lives.

Just a little weekend to remind me (and prepare me) for the week ahead. It should be (or I pray!) to be as painlessly as possible… or so I thought. This verse really sums up this weekend, as I remembered how blessed I will always be from coming to such an island with that beautiful love. I’m glad to be a Boricua. But more, a son of God, who gave me 15 years (near 16!) to do His will (and plotzing myself along the way!)

Have a blessed day ;)

The Last Days: The One Rest

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12 in different wording)

Really? The Sabbath? The seventh day of the week where the Lord rested His working hand? I really should use one!

This week has become one of concurrent craziness, desperation and movement, and constant “cover where I fail’s”. Now that Saturday’s close, there are more things to do, like going to Yabucoa on Saturday and Orocovis on Sunday. And, yes, the moving is the other crazy thing! Next week will be a week of moving hell, and I’m expecting a lot of tears, laughter and hurry! (Or, that’s just what I would do?)

But one of the things I long for, like everyone, is peace. Just some time to rest in the midst of all my hoopla, out of my life, and just chilling with God. Maybe be in quiet; maybe just… talk about the most mundane of nonsense to Him (I know He will listen), hopes, fears, desires and the occasional forgiveness. For that, He designed Saturday: to lay on rest, on His love.

It has also become one of contention. Does this mean that I should stop doing what I know to just do nothing? (Yay!) It’s been a pseudo-controversy if we have to guard the Fourth Commandment or just rest on His grace. (This reminds me: my best friend is an Adventist, and they keep the Sabbath. They go to church on Saturday.)

If we do keep the Sabbath, wouldn’t that be keeping the Law? Wouldn’t that be tripping with that rock the Jews tripped of frequently? Because the author of Hebrews writes:

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9-11)

So, the Sabbath was just an example of the rest of His grace. No wonder we work every day, and God is still pleased! That rest is the one that God gives by His love and mercy. And anyone can enter to it.

"Therefore let no one act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day--things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." (Collosians 2:16-17)

Which makes me realize: Jesus is the One, the One Rest of all Humankind.

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Since I’ll be with my family, I won’t write nothing this weekend; I will be taking it off. You can check other devotionals, comment, write, do what you want! (Except NO FIGHTS! SHHH!)

The Last Days: The Motions?

The Motions?

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

Matthew West knew what he was talking about. In 2007, he underwent vocal surgery. He couldn’t speak for months, but he has learned many things from God. He then wrote his song, “The Motions”.

How are we guilty of just playing church every day! Are we guilty of playing God like… always! Of doing things routinely! Of going through the motions of religion and faith!

This I know well. One of the things I’ve never wanted to be is a fraud, a Simon the Magician or another boob like that. That’s not me. But, how much do we fall for the trap? Like yesterday. No, nothing big. Just one of those things that happen when you… uh, never mind.

It just made me realize what I am. How I wasn’t aware that one thing, and it’s over? How come I could just… fall for that? (No, I’m not going to tell you!) How can I rebound from it, since I’m a bad one from rebounding? How can God’s grace rest over me, a guilty sinner-worse, a wanting-to-be-guilty sinner?


Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)


The same way: Lord, take over. I know that I’m a fraud, and that I will always sin every day. Don’t let me go through the motions of life and religion. You have forgiven y by the blood of Jesus Christ, and that is more than enough. Let Your Spirit lead my life instead of myself, and send my life to You. Make me stronger every day, and take away all guilt of sin. In Your name I pray, according to Your will… AMEN.

The Last Days: Should I Trust You?

Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor? (Job 39:12)

A striking similarity of human nature is the ability to put our trust in something. Not everything, but in something. Some choose to do this on people, on friends, on plants, on totems… but wiser is to put that trust on God.

Pero, what about those times that you have to say, “Should I trust You” to God? What a pain-staking ordeal! Can that question fall over the lines of doubt, a blind knowledge of His power, or just an “unbeliever thing” to say? Maybe, and maybe.

That kind of doubt is constant in many ways and colors. And we should ask all our doubts, fears and desires for the Lord, as I have said during the past few weeks. But, about using our fears and love for Him to just… sway all things to Jesus? Should I trust Him?

I know that here, I have to keep a degree of secrecy (in which, I’ve failed miserably) to the point of not revealing personal details of myself (failed again!) and not butt my family in the topic (not yet…). But should I trust God that my own family is His? Or that you are blessed? Should I trust that my life is pure and righteous by His grace? (You are rolling eyes right now…) Should I trust that God is the only way out of this world? Should I trust that there is a God beyond our understanding, in which we have to… secede our knowledge to the One we don’t see, but feel and talk to?

“How can I serve an invisible God?” was my question Sunday. Now, the question has changed: “Should I trust that invisible God?” Should I just lay down me-self to Him and just rest in the grace He has promised for us? This doubt can change your life.

Should I trust You, Lord?

The Last Days: Beyond the CW

It’s so unbelievable that we come from different places, different nations, different ages, and different creations. We come from many areas in one world, making it smaller, cozier and stronger.

But there’s one thing that the Internet can’t provide: face-to-face contact. We can express our feelings in pictures, videos, multimedia, even on writing. How can we express ourselves in such unlimited information drive, but so limited amount of contact? And worse: how can God can move his hand beyond these dimensional barriers?

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. (Job 37:5)

As I’ve exposed during the past days, God can do things beyond his reach: time, life, even on the Internet. The Gospel has grown in so many forms, ways, and colors, but it has tried to keep up with one only word: Jesus is Lord.

I’m flattered I’m part of this web of faith. Yes, there are those who spread false prosperity and the false gospel, that’s true, but I try to keep it real on what I think and what God wants. I’m ever blessed to share this with you guys in the race of faith, against all odds, reasons, treasons, running to God, beyond our understanding.

Have a great day ;)

The Last Days: The Lord of Time

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. (Psalm 69:13)

Ah… prayer. The most elemental activity of faith. Just communicating with God, talking, hoping, having faith, swaying oneself to the Lord, connecting, asking, receiving, worshipping… A lot can be done in short time. God is so approachable, on good and in bad. And His Time is His. Let me tell you something that happened shortly…

For the first time in a while, I went to church for prayer. I called the co-pastor (the pastor’s sister-in-law) to pick me up. At 7:10 or so, she parked in front of my house. My sister had the phone, and my sister was on the phone. She waited for at least ten minutes, calling me, and I was getting dressed. She yelled, and I screamed, “Voy!” (“I’m coming!” in Spanish), so I got my seemingly-broken squared button shirt, whitewashed jeans with some grease stuck, and my Nike shoes that didn’t mix with anything.

Of course, I wasn’t cooperating with her (or so I asked). My stupid self-conscious guilt-trip was starting, but lucky she told me that I could learn from my mistakes. As I went to church, got to the altar and bent my knee (I forgot to use antibacterial), I went to pray as best as I can.

But something happened: I forgot my clock and my cell phone, just like the people of Israel forgot to do bread with yeast! Instead of spanking meself for forgetting that, I was wondered with the glory of God: how could He let this mishap so I could forget about time, and just remember about Him, even in the still of worship? The One who sketched eternity in our hearts just wanted me to forget about time, so I could focus on Him and Him only?

Am I flattered! Be glorified, Jesus!

We will NEVER give the time that the Lord deserves. I know that prayer is a sacrifice, but I’ve tried to find conversations with the Lord even while on school (not talking actually), on homework, while on my bed, even while writing (I’ll try that one). But, why Jesus pleases so much on stripping us of time so we can focus and…talk, if He knows everything? He just waits for us to say, “Lord, I need to tell you something”, even if it’s the most mundane of things. Everything is important at His wheel.

Now I know, I hope you too, fellow reader: Jesus is the One, the Lord of Time, the Lord of Lords.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. (Psalm 31:15)

I Should Be Condemned Right Now.

Yesterday I saw the “Tall, Dark and Chicano” stand-up from George Lopez. My dad told me a few Saturdays when he was in Maryland –it was live-, but I didn’t watch it. It was FU-NNY! , especially in the way he referenced Mexican-American lifestyle while growing up. Yes, the language was more than desired, but it really gave a lot of reasons to why Hispanics should stay in America. something resurfaced to my brain: masturbation. (Two-thirds of Christian America should condemn me right now.) Though in the way he referenced it (cochino!) would make anyone cringe (I am oh, so feeling guilty of writing it, even talking about watching George Lopez), it makes me realize its status on Christians. Some see it good, some see it bad. But all have different opinions, and some say it with heated disdain. Why!?

Personally, I don’t think that masturbation is bad, in the right context. I’m a fairly open kind of guy, so I don’t have problems discussing about it. But that’s not the point. This has been on my mental “should-talk/write-about-it-but-don’t-because people-will-ban-me-forever” list since I think that everybody has experienced it by this age, and one would be stupid to not take the facts, lest on a place in which the global demographic is 18-35 or so.

Again, not the point!

If people think that masturbating is not bad, then AMEN! to them. All for Christ! But if people refrain from masturbating for their reasons, then AMEN! to them, too! All for Christ! We should do (or don’t) do all for Jesus Christ, the one that made us free to do choices.

But, why do people cringe at the subject or at tithing, baptism of the Holy Spirit, talking about sex to children, dress, abortion, same-sex marriage, stem cell research, homosexuality in general, animal cruelty, death penalty, Hell, end-times prophecies, keeping the Sabbath, the validity of the Second Amendment, or any other topic without a heated exchange of words? I don't know; but, Paul said this clear:

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. (Romans 14:19-21)

Masturbating can be good, again, within the right context. If you believe it’s wrong, then I won’t do it for you. If you believe its right, then I think for the other one on my side, punto. A pair of data isn’t good nor bad; it’s just data. Same with any activity: TV, sleeping, sex, Internet… WE make it good or bad, that’s the problem. WE make taboos from where they shouldn’t be, mysticism from where they shouldn’t, even the bad from the good. Why? Maybe it’s our own (self-earned) humanity, the one God let us have. We make this world diverse in our own opinions.

Let’s help the weak and the strong, be it you or me. Don’t let anything steal your day, not even the most mundane of topics. Let us think about others, and this goes with me, too. (And this goes with my mental “I’ve-talked-about-it-how-am-I-gonna-break-it-to-dad” list, too!)

Drips of Rain, Drips of Life

As I post this devotional, it is POURING right here in Ceiba. (Ceiba is the town where I live.) A post I wrote on Blogger on June 3 reminded me of the blessings of rain in our lives...

You drench its furrows, and level its ridges; you soften it with showers, and bless its crops. (Psalm 65:10)

I never knew that a sudden rain would be so enlightening to me. (No, not in that way...)

I went to school to do some paperwork for my sister's university. I went to the office, checked someone, and left. Suddenly, as I said hi to the guardwoman, a sudden rain came by. (NOTE: In Puerto Rico, it rains EVERY YEAR. Now that we're in the hurricane season, it means that the rains come more frequent.)

I put the papers on my shirt and paced along, but I stepped out on an empty cafeteria. There's a home close, so there were music sheets and magazines and a chair. (Was I tresspassing?) Yet, I called home, saying that it was raining, and I'll get home later. But, the rain is soothing, as you know. While I waited for the rain to stand, I saw those drips of rain form in the road. When it did, I couldn't hesitate in running back to my home, close to my school.

What does it mean, you ask? We are so blessed to have water in these parts of the world. We are even blessed to have living water, living peace, living grace. And, also, our lives are like drips of water. They fall out of the clouds, and they hit the ground with great strength and vigor.

Thank God that His living water (John 7:38) is our Spirit that gives us life and holiness. Also, those drops can mean His wisdom falling over to us (Deut. 31:1-3), like rain. Those drops can also mean rains of blessing and fruit (2 Kings 3:16-17). In any way, water is associated with blessings, the Spirit, and life. What will happen if that water didn't exist?

The Last Days: You'll Come

The moving to America has become one of the most enduring experiences ever. Writing in this blog became a great blessing, and I hope it is for many of you. Just thinking about hope and uncertainty and grace and waiting for an answer… bit by bit, my life is turning to become a mystery in the stars.

The fact that moving is close to done is not only an end to a period in my life, in which 15 years God spent in the making. It is the beginning of a whole new one, in which His grace will be experienced to the evermore.

Joseph knew what he was talking about in his last words before his death:

Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." (Genesis 50:24)

Four-score years later, God freed them while using Moses as His vessel. Amidst the trials, persecutions, moans, groans, and foes they had to face, it took forty years for them to reach Canaan, the land of abundant milk and honey. God came to His aid… just in time.

With my father reaching here, our days are counted, and we are still to live a normal life. I will go to sleep, minding that this not only one day that has passed: it’s another day that is buried forever in time. I will wake up tomorrow (or so I will pray to the Lord) to see something different, to make my world shine unparalleled as I did (or didn’t!) today. In any way, God will come to my aid, be it hurricanes, tornados, gay porn troubles, scandals, lies, sins, aids or more, nothing will ever take me away from the Rock in which I live my life, Jesus Christ.

Lord, You know more about my future. As I embark on a whole new journey, I am pleased to share this with my friends here. Bless them, as you have blessed my family to this time, as You have done with everyone for the ages. Forgive all my sins and misdemeanors, as so for my enemies and friends. Let us know Your presence in every way of life, and don’t let us stray away from You. Thank You for these years in my beautiful land. Will we return? You’ll know, and You’ll come for us. In Your name is everything, according to Your will… AMEN.

Que Dios les bendiga, may God bless you,

José E.

The Last Days: The One Unseen

“How could I serve an invisible God?”

That was the question that I couldn’t fathom. And I’ll never will.

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. (John 1:18)

It has ever been in the heart of the human to realize that there is something bigger than them. Someone who created the world, the moon, the stars, the land, themselves… most adapted them as many gods, of the moon, stars, land, and themselves. They have created myths, totem poles, dances, folk tales, stories, languages, and many other things that have gone on to loss in our culture, except on some pockets in the world.

They never knew there was just one God that made all. They knew Someone or Something created it, yes, but in the image of all, not of One (Romans 1:20-23). Just as we never knew there was something who could let us out of our problems, along there came a Savior on our way.

Which returns me to my question: “How could I serve an invisible God”? The God that created the earth, moon, sky, stars, animals, plants, and ourselves? The one that is worshipped to the ends of the earth? The one in which people have died for many centuries? The one whom I write this blog-evotional every day? The one who sent His son to the cross?

Wait a second… That God unseen, the one many people fight for became man, touching our limited 4-dimensional world. John 3:13 says: “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” And what made the difference?

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)

Now I know why I serve an invisible God. My sin made me a paralytic. But Jesus changed that. Jesus is the One, the One unseen for us, but revealed to those who believe in His name.

The Last Days: Back Again, And It's Done! (II)

"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." (John 16:16)

Now I (partially) get it. In a little while, God will leave, and He’ll come back again. This is what Jesus told the disciples that. He is risen, He’ll return again. The hope is on us!

My dad returned to Puerto Rico last night. I am so thankful of that, but I can’t believe it! It was a pinch-me moment just to see my dad talking in the sofa again. Of course, the battle of uncertainty popped in: How will we adjust to these last two weeks, or at least spend it without a yelling for stupidity? What are the things to do, what we have to take? Two weeks is too much for me to wait. (Tell it to the one who waited four months to see his father again!)

Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" (John 16:17)

This is the battle of uncertainty, and we’re still facing it. The countdown is on, and we have to get everything ready before September. I on the other hand, have to keep doing things, and do them again. This is the irony of life.

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 16:19-23)

When Jesus resurrected, He sent them the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, His return, in Spirit and in truth. So does when He comes back again. I don’t know how it will be: secret, powerful, or what. The only thing I do know: He’ll come back again, and punto. I don’t know, but I want to be with Him for eternity!

When I saw Papi, it reminded me of this fact. Papi was four months away with us, and now we’re with him. It wasn’t that much of an emotional encounter we thought of, but it was at least a warm hug of love and hope we longed for.

I guess this is what awaits me in Heaven.

Papi's Back.

Papi's back from the States. It's been over 4 months since he left.

Alas, the countdown has begun, and we should leave shortly. Sad, but happy at the same time.

I'll leave on with this song, "Forever". Think of it, I'll tell ya why tomorrow.

With my father’s incoming return, an egg-tastic week, and another incoming protest in the school, next week is promised to be a smorgasbord of crazy! Now, there has only been one remedy for my sanity and only one at all: Jesus Christ.

I will devote myself to writing about the last days of moving to Puerto Rico and the incoming adventure to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. Now, let’s start with the smorgasbords!

It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (Deuteronomy 30: 12-14)

Let’s talk about the smorgasbord, that Swedish buffet that’s an all-you-can-eat wonder while talking with blondes and dancing to ABBA. (Well, sorry! That’s the stereotype!) However, that smorgasbord is just a small style of buffets. Go to Sizzler, Golden Corral, Ponderosa or Bonanza (in my land), and you’ll see salad bars, meats, and others in your land. Yes, you have to pay for that all-you-can-eat blessing that God gave us, but you don’t have to order it a-la-carte (unless you want to), or any other thing. You have a wide range of combinations incalculable to the human brain. On. The. Palm. Of. Your. Stomach.

(I’m getting hungry. I guess that’s the idea!)

Moses told that if one repented and decided to return to God on its ways, God will bless them for their obedience and return them to their land. Amongst other things, Moses was clear: there’s no reason to obey the Word if it’s not on the north, south, east or west: it’s near your face, your heart, your soul, your mind, and your spirit.

And Paul goes near to explaining: “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:12-13) THAT is the smorgasbord of crazy that one can’t understand. Crazy for us, but so sane and perfect for God, for the one who created it so we can enjoy.

Buen provecho!

Hope You'll Return: Back Again, And It's Done!

In all of the ages, no hope or event has come so predicted, so unreachable, so… unthinkable, that it is certain will happen sooner than we think of: the return of Christ and the consummation of the ages.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (Matthew 24:32-34)

Summer has become a myriad of expectations. Even so, there was only one problem: we didn’t know when Papi was gonna come home! It is nerve-wracking! But now, I was informed when he would come. The problem is on not knowing; it’s on knowing and thinking that you can’t do anything about it!

I have always related his return with my celestial Father’s return. What will it be? I’ve even though what will it be if I stayed –left behind!-, or how the world will be (no, thank you. I have no interest in seeing Left Behind: The Movie.) But I have also thought about how will Heaven be, ho we'll ge there, how will my family be with me... How will people from all ages fly above Jupiter, Saturn, to the dark bank of space, to reach to Jesus’ hands for all eternity? How will the worship be? (Have I talked about this earlier?)

The return of Christ has become a hope of life for Christians and dismay for skeptics. However, and I am a stern believer that these end-time topics should be preached and studied carefully and prayerfully, starting on this one. This can be easily used for scaremongering, and it should always be checked up by the Bible.

One point is, one point has: Jesus is coming again, punto y punto. It’s easy to condemn everyone to Hell, if one is worse. It’s easy to go in-your-face and say “Jesus is coming, are you ready?” to everyone on Times Square. (Good technique, though.) It’s also easy to put up the long list of those who go to Hell by default. But the only condition to be with Christ in His return is… to believe. Believe that Jesus is Lord, and He will change me in His Holiness, by His grace and by faith only. And that, no matter how sinful we are (don’t keep doing sin, you have to repent from it), you’ll always turn your eyes upon Jesus for EVERYTHING.

Writing this post means a lot to me. Knowing that my dad’s coming soon gave me hope and partial anxiety (haha). But learning that His return is soon can give me a slight scare, but for the long haul, the hope of being with the Lord of Ages, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Savior, the Best Friend, Adonai, worthy of all praise, for the centuries… AMEN.

The Rock Who Won't Budge

(This post follows continuity with yesterday's post, "The One Who Leads Me".)

It’s impossible to believe that the “Isla del Encanto” that has recognized Puerto Rico to the evermore (yeah, it’s my favorite word:)) is losing its sheen day after day. It’s sad that the society is crumbling right before my eyes, but it has to happen, no matter how reluctant I am to the reality. Meanwhile, I’ve realized that going back to school has become a bittersweet activity. (It’s compulsory to go to school until 16 years old or so.) Now that the classes have commenced, waking up to the notion that I’ll leave school soon –and sooner, in fact- has become a drag for me. When is the time? God only knows.

I’m also having a little crisis of my own: I don’t know who to leave in charge of the confra! (For those newcomers, the confra is a worship/Bible session in schools in Puerto Rico. They are rarely held today.) The person I wanted to pick for the confra hasn’t come to school yet, and I’m getting desperate! Please, put that in prayer with me, it’s EXCRUCIATING! And my prayer life has had a bit of a problem with the adjustments. Since my sister is not going to the university as planned, she’s staying up late, and I try to go to bed by midnight. (I don’t know: why night is the best time to pray?) Also, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my MySpace blog, which I have to do some updates, and keep this one in check. This, mixed in with the knowledge that the apartment Papi got has been refurbished, it’s no time at all that we can leave. This is getting crazy!

Oy! What can I do!?

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead
me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:2)

In this side of the world, sin has become an easy task to do, even more than breathing in itself. (But that’s not the topic!) So does burdening oneself, throwing God away and leaving one vulnerable to the devil’s attacks and one’s attempts at destroying life. When David was calling to God, he was calling to stay at the rock and not drift himself to death. Now, we lead to the cross that God put us up to remember His mercies and glories. God won’t drift me or my family away in this crazy time, so what more can I ask for? What can I say when Jesus Christ died for my inability to pay, even with the ultimate lamb? The One that will keep us in His hands, pick the leaders before He made creation, let schools start at a later time, and makes us leave from the country I was born and raised in?

That’s the one I will lead me to: Jesus, the rock that won’t budge.
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Here’s the chorus of “Lead Me to the Cross”, from Hillsong United, which prompted me to do this devotional.

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

Hope You'll Return: The One Who Leads Me

I wrote this devotional yesterday. I’m glad to share it with you!
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As I laid in my white polo shirt and jeans (the polo being worn by my sister last year in 12th grade), I took a photo of it. This was a reminder of the last time I would lay out clothes on Puerto Rico… maybe, for now. I also looked up the door to the empty street, with cars zooming by. School is tomorrow, ecstatic to start.

But, what about my friends? Teachers? “Enemies”? The confraternity youth club that God let me open to the school again? (I was to lead this until I graduate on May 2011.) Looking up the door meant sadness, the sacrifice of going where God wanted me –nay, my family- to the evermore, into a place we have never known. Maybe like Abraham?

God’s words were true in John 21:18, when Jesus spoke to Peter:

…“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (John 21:18, emphasis mine)

When I decided to turn up all that I know for God, I gave something more important than my life: my heart, where our will is led for. Knowing that my sin was off and that God is the only way (John 14:6), I also knew that my life wasn’t mine, but His.

Straddling with the concept of surrender is very, very hard to deal with, especially on a culture where “self” is glorified (I know, I’m guilty of it.). Some times, we’re just going to have to chip off the “self” part (and I’ll work on that!) and say, “I can’t do this on my own!” to the Lord who’s watching, because we realize that everything is subject to His will, and everything has time in place. And that we still make choices, but we abide them by Him.

Sooner or later, we’ll be too old, injured, sick or crazy to take care of ourselves. Our family will have to be in charge of us, and many more aspect of our own lives. Same thing here: sooner or later, we’ll not head our lives over ourselves, but God will head them for us. Giving up that will doesn’t need to be a crazy, amped-up experience (sometimes, it is ), but it’s also a life-long process; a surrender for life.

Be it at school, home, church, or daily life… Jesus is the only One who leads me. And I’m proud of that.

A Mango in Your Car...

Yesterday I saw a disturbing thing.

I was heading home from church with my cousin’s sister, and some of my big cousins. We were talking about school with the radio on, especially since we start tomorrow Tuesday here in Puerto Rico. We are in summer, as you know. The August heat is coming unbearable to those who don’t know about it, but it’s also time for the quenepas and the mangos to grow in abundance. And in many cases, it can become dangerous!

I will tell you why right now. While we were talking, a mango suddenly fell to the window car! In the middle of the glass! We were… in shock! I don’t know what happened. A little bit more, and the glass could break. Heck, heat can make the glass implode to the outside! We were praying, we went back to the church, and we went back.

I thank the Lord that by His grace nothing happened. (And I’ve got glasses!) But I do find this comforting in a weird, disturbing way…

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the
ground apart from the will of your Father. (Matthew 10:29)

The word fall means pipto in Greek. It has meanings, but I have found something interesting: “to be thrust down”. So the Lord let the mango fall down to the glass while we were just there, no coincidence. This is what Jesus told to the 70 disciples when He commanded them to preach throughout Israel –and Israel only. He knows that His will was in everything, even letting a mango fall over one’s car. Thank the Lord He let us show His everlasting mercies on us, even in the weirdest of ways.

Too bad I don’t like mangos that much.

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Though schools start classes today, schools in Ceiba will open tomorrow, Tuesday. So I won’t post tomorrow, I’ll take it off. But you can check out these and more devotionals on my sig AND on my page here on the Commonwealth.

The Evermore Generation

It’s no time school can start, but there will be certain delays due to the swine flu condition in Puerto Rico. However, I’m still here, writing my musings into Scripture to the “evermore” generation.

Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen.
(Psalm 89:52, KVJ, emphasis mine.)

I have always been fascinated by the heart of worship. Just lifting your hands and your soul, soaking in the presence of God, meditating, whispering, in silence, even moving oneself to the pace of music, believing with faith that our worship will be received by God. What a beautiful experience of connection to the master!

As you know, I love Hillsong, Parachute, Planetshakers (and everything that comes from the South Pacific!) and others, but what knocks me is who comes not to a concert, but to worship. Not to get their voices recorded on CD in July and August, not to get their faces imprinted on DVD, not to get them on YouTube (they can post, that’s their problem), but just… as a church to worship. With all they have. With the clothes on their backs and their spirits on hand, God receives them with a heart of humility.

Yes, the spirit of idolatry can come not there, but everywhere, I know. But that’s not the focus. God only wants us to worship Him to the evermore. Forever, and always, to the future. And as the evermore generation, we have to use all we got to bring the world to the Master’s knees. It’s our time to tear down the walls of worship and change what we know.

Let us worship to the evermore, because or voices won’t be recorded on CD’s, but on Jesus’ heart… to the future, forever.

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Here is the chorus of Planetshakers’ “Evermore”, which prompted me to write this devotional.

You are my God my life my all
And I live for You alone
I am Yours evermore
Heaven and earth will shout Your praise

The wonder of Your name

I'll proclaim evermore

The Yoke of Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25, 27)

Worrying is the most human of things.

I have had the knack of trying to live like an adult, taking responsibilities I shouldn’t have in the first place. First of all: I’m a teenager, going to 16 in September. Knowing that I think differently than what most think (nothing personal), it can be a drag to try to stop people from doing what they want to do, be it the most bad of things.

Last night was kinda tough. Waking up at about 6 in the morning, I had a youth group service in church to attend. After 10:30 PM, it was crazy! I ended up nearly crying by Crystal Shawanda’s “You Can Let Go” on YouTube because of details too personal tell at nearly 4 in the morning. I even missed the Sotomayor swearing-in!

Being a Christian –and young-, it’s kinda hard to get the fact that there’s no reason to have the yokes of other people. (I’m cut out to be a pastor someday.) I don’t have to get the cross of my 17-year-old sister, my mom and my dad (who’s still in Maryland), knowing that I have to worry for MY OWN STUFF. Then, what’s for me to worry?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."(Matthew 10: 28-30)

This is what I’m supposed to do. Cling out all my fears, my hopes, my desires, my family’s love, all in Him, Jesus Christ. Then why do I cling with it? Have I not trusted the Lord that gave me life, salvation, family and food? Have I not seeked Him as I’m supposed to?

Or is it that I need to stop stepping down their lives and just focus on myself? Just focus on my separate life, instead of stalking them to do good, not bad? Shouldn’t I let them decide how they want to live?

Lord, let me realize that they should live their own life; I should live mine, and nothing more. Let the yoke of my surrender come to You. I put my family in Your arms, be glorified in Your name… AMEN.

Hope You'll Return: My Last Summer: Grace and Nothing More

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and
winter, day and night will never cease." (Genesis 8:22)

Usually in summer, Mami would have a pool ready by late May. We would’ve stayed up late, and many things would follow. We’d go to many places around the island (or outside, like when we went to Florida in 2006 and 2008), and Papi would put up fights on Pay-Per-View on Saturdays. Like in Christmas, the kitchen would never be alone, not on weekends! The sun would shine as early as 5:00 am and as late as 8:00 pm. This would be my summer, amongst other things.

Unfortunately, this has not been the case. This summer has been marked by waiting, and waiting, and waiting. We haven’t done something more interesting, rather than eating, watching TV, going to the local store, to the computer, staying up late, going to church, and sleeping. I haven’t left the town in a month! Boy, am I desperate!

Well, it has played off, you know! Every day, we are now closer and closer to see my father back, and to go to America for the third (and first) time. We’re seeing a light, and it’s getting brighter every time we see it. With a house, with furniture, what remains is to see my dad’s hug again for the first time in months. Oh, what beautiful hope!

I know that the only thing that I talk about this blog is about grace and nothing more. And (as I said), it’s not only about the privilege of going to live to the most powerful country on Earth. It’s that we’ll be part of a dream God is giving to us. What blessings are those in store!

God told Noah that He will never destroy living creatures again, He also told this: as long as this Earth spinning, God will still let the seasons pass, the food will grow, and the love will still flow. (I was gonna put money in, but I think that’ll stop soon.) As long as we shall live, these blessings will flow, but all is worthless without love. God loves us so much, Jesus kept sure that the balance will continue.

God is good, holy, and… occasionally summerful (hehehe).

Make Me Complete, Lord

...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 1:6)

I’ve never straddled with the concept of surrender more than now. Especially to give up everything I have to God: my attitude, annoying habits, my constant stupid remarks, my pushy connections…

WHOA! As you know, we’ll never finish our lists of things we have to change (especially our own!) How do I give surrender to the God whom I accepted when He came to my life back in December 9, 2007? How can I say, “Lord, I will stop all I am, for you”? How comfortable will it be to not give up piece by piece of what I am, if He wants it all? Will that be enough?

Now I find an exhilarating response: my self-consciousness will never win me a “most penitent” crown in Heaven. That surrender I always looked on as a requirement for a successful Christian life was already done... on the cross! All that I have to do is… believe! No Hell can have my heart; I’m already Jesus’ best friend.

That surrender that I couldn’t understand began with that profession of love: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Father and Son showed their completeness on that day. And you can have that privilege, too.

The God of Experiences

Congratulations to my dad, that it's his birthday! Te quiero mucho, even though you're far!

Meanwhile, let's go to the Word...
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The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19: 11-13)

Here is Paul. He was thrown to the floor by God and God Himself on a split-second. Job lost everything he had, tested and trialed, to receive double at the end. Abraham had experiences that only the faith and grace of God could've given to him to do. Jesus became the Ultimate Experience for the world, dying on Calvary's cross. This, my friend, is the trail of... experience.
I use this verse as a reference to something I will explain. What?

As a Christian, namely a Pentecostal -I've confirmed this many times-, you (somewhat) get used to the craziness that can be a normal service. As pragmatic as that sentence may look like, I’ve also been hammered constantly with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the tithing and the constant seeking for an experience to change one’s life.

But what is, that experience? A near-life death situation? A strange Pentecostal infilling experience? Dancing around and around? A shattering, breaking, surrendering portion of your life? Maybe, maybe, maybe, and… maybe.

God can be experienced by these out-of-the-top ways. But God can be also experienced… around the earth. In nature, in family, in the smiles of the children, in treating the elderly, in reaching a goal, in going to school, in church, while working, on TV (depending what you’re seeing), in prayer, in worship…

God doesn’t need to work twice, but He does that because He loves us. Something we can’t comprehend is, how does a God we don’t see show Himself like that to some? This is held up as a standard that shouldn’t be in. Devout Christians have spent many a lifetime without a strong-holding experience, and they have served Him to the fullest. God loves to give us those experiences, but He also moves in the quietness of the rushing life.

Let God be manifest in your life. Let His experiences –be it big or small- ponder over His goodness and powerfulness.

Hope You'll Return: What Am I, What Are We?

Oh, have I asked that question millions of times. (And, you too, fellow reader!)

As you know by now, I live in the east coast of Puerto Rico, beautiful land and beaches. The Yunque is close to us. I’m about an hour away from the capital, San Juan. And I always feel really blessed to be here. We’re bathed by the Caribbean Sea. Vieques and Culebra lay close to the Big Island. The Vieques Channel separates us from them. The Virgin Islands are located here. We have a strategic geographical position unparalleled in our world. What blessings of living near the ocean! I am really happy to be a Boricua.

As you may know by now also, I’m moving to Annapolis possibly by fall. Reuniting with my father and my uncle thrills me with hope! I fairly imagine what I can (or can’t!) do when I get there. This is one of the things I have never expected to do… ever!

But, uncertainty will always rest: How will they view me? How will I view them? Will they think I’ll cut them off? Will I (or should I) be rude? How can I let them know you can’t play with me? This, coupled with the seemingly liberal American lifestyle people can have, and the numerous “Sanbalats, Tobías e Idolos” (which my abuela –or grandmother- told me there would be), and the fact that public school has many a thing that should be desired, and my inadequacy of saying something coherent in 24 hours…

I’ll never finish the list.

As you may also know, I have pointed many a failure in my character. I have shredded myself in pieces over things that look glib or superficially stupid. But now I know:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

That’s what we are. Be what they see of me, view me, I cut them off (I shouldn’t let that happen), I’m not rude, I can’t be toyed with (firmly, and with love), be in a liberal place, surrounded by idols, and public school can’t live up to its standards, my place in God will never change.

And you can be in it, too.

Taking a Break...

I love to write, but I need a break sometimes!

This blog has become a blessing to me, but it's kinda tough being limited to write only one or two posts while sharing the computer with my sis and my mom!

I'll take a pass from blogging today. You're free to check up past devotionals, please comment! ;)

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my Monday for now. I'll bring a new one later, or when I call off break That's me, a blogaholic!

Here's one of my favorite songs, Jason Upton's "In Your Presence". Admit it, you like the song!

The Ethereal Presence of God!

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your
presence, O LORD. (Psalm 89:15)

Honest: I wasn't planning to write today. I wanted to take a break.

But, something so pivotal, so... ethereal... so... special that can't be describes by words flood my mind. I wanted to take a break from writing (it is Sunday), but I can't. (I love writing!) It is the presence of God.

From the warmest embrace, to the wind that flows, God reminds us that He is here, and He will never leave. Even from the weirdest works, He is in us, and we are in Him, just as Christ promised.

Writing about this is as hard as understanding it, or even feeling it. God can be moved in many ways, many ages, many places. But how? He doesn't need to work the same thing twice. But, it can bring peace, healing, love, and help in the most needed.

Let us seek His presence in our lives... Wait! We already have His presence in us! Well, then, let us make a relationship with God in His presence. Let our worship seek His approval and grace, and our lives be worthy of Him.

Hope You'll Return: Where Things Are Never Expected

(This posts follows continuity with today's earlier post, A Fool's (Fill in the Blank Here), and another post, Where Time Can't Be Rushed.)

With the reality that my dad has now reached Annapolis, I certainly know that my days in Puerto Rico are counted. We still don't know when we are leaving, but it must be sometime soon. But leaving Puerto Rico leaves a new order in my dreams, goals, and perceptions. God's waiting has let me know his love and grace.

The thought of leaving is not the only thing running down my mind. I have never expected to become a... missionary!? On my school, AND my own computer!?

I had something called a "confra", or a confraternity in the school I studied in 10th grade. People from school reunite, and worship and speak of the Word accordingly. There was always one, until a few years ago. And how could God use a freshman to open up that door to the Gospel to the school... AGAIN!? I never expected to become the leader of a school worship session. I could count to many people going there. I had plans for next semester. But, now that I'm leaving, what am I gonna do with it?

I also have never expected to write a blog. For many people to support these devotionals written by a 15-year-old (I'm 16 in September), it's many to praise the Lord for it. Drawing from many experiences, I believe the Lord has used them for good, and for mutual help on this journey. Now I check the Commonwealth page about 10 times a day! (No kidding! I don't keep count!). Now I know why Paul told Timothy:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for
the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

For more ridiculed, foolish, stupid, egotistical, fanatistical, asinine, and shleppy I've been, made, and acted for, God is still working His work in me. And in that, I am content.

What's the adventure I'll get when I touch American soil? To be honest, I don't know. But there is till one hope: Jesus is the one, where things are never expected.

A Fool (Fill In the Blank)

Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? (Psalm 94:8)


Ouch! How much it hurts!

Here I go again, throwing the complaint card to you. But, it hurts when you get called a tonto (or a fool, in Spanish), when you unknowingly act like one in front of people. How much stupid things I've said in front of people, in front of my family, in front of myself? How much the inadequacy of shutting up or becoming a shlep affect me from being one? I will never be wise enough to counter what I've already dug.

I am developing remorse for everything stupid I've said (and I've lost count!) in these seven months alone.

Lo and behold, I'm a human.

Just as I pray, "cover where I fail", I will look to God for help on this area. Being funny is not that bad, but just acting like a total shlep with what I say will just cause me trouble anywhere. Even with myself. I have faith that God will help me make wise decisions, especially with what I say.

I know that I'll never be wise enough to say nothing foolish, but at least... it's a start.