“Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces.
Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.” —Matthew Henry
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
We all remember what we were doing and where we were when important events in our lifetime have occurred. Those events in one way or the other shaped our opinions, our feelings or even our lives. We hear about stories of life change, for better or worse in events, public or private that shape us in a certain way.
So was that day our savior was born. I am amazed that the greatest story of all, the greatest moment in history was reserved to be witnessed by the most undeserving people according to men. They were ceremonially unclean because they often had to touch dead animals, and were cast as unworthy by the religious leaders of the time. Shepherds were the first to witness the born baby Jesus. That morning everything was different. That morning the Creator of the universe choose unsuspected men to witness the most expected sight of all.
Can you imagine? How incredible this sight must have been. They probably had seen many baby’s in their lifetimes, but this one was certainly matchless. The Redeemer of all things had just been born, and even when their own personal circumstances might have not changed in that moment, their hearts and lives I am certain, did.
When has the birth of a child be announced to men by angels in the middle of the night. I think of theses things and I get all teared up. How did these shepherds felt? How did the Angels themselves feet? Of all places and people, God himself choose to reveal his Son first to the meek and the simple, not a sign of meekness, but one of mightiness. I am lost for words as the story of Jesus unfolds and is described for us in the pages of the Bible. A simple event, that transcends understanding. The meaning to mankind was yet to be revealed.
How would every angle of the story be? I would like to sit down and hear each of the shepherds perspective and hear the from them how this experience branded their hearts. What about Joseph, and certainly Mary? How did the kings of middle east feel once they presented their offerings to the King of Kings? That must have been a sight in itself! The experience changed the destiny of who they were and what they were doing.
I do remember the day, the moment and the circumstances I was when I heard the greatest story of all. But unlike the shepherds, I had an advantage, I heard the complete story because it had already been fulfilled. Jesus had been born, dead on a cross and risen from the grave for my sins. The story of the birth was the beginning of the tipping point in history, yours and mine. I remember where I was and what I did. That day, as I offered my heart to the Redeemer of all things, I was also born to a new life; I was forgiven.
The shepherds saw the most amazing sight and knew it was different. Right there it was announced the purpose of the birth of this baby, to redeem the world from sin. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”. When I heard the most amazing story of all my life was different. You can do the same today, and I can assure you that you will remember forever the place, the day and circumstances you were, this day.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Han sido quince años, y parece ser que sólo unos pocos días han pasado. Aún recuerdo como si se tratara de hace sólo un momento. La carita mojada que se me presentó ese día. Y los ojos que me miraban, me cautivaron de inmediato, me atrajeron. Yo no sabía qué hacer. Quiero decir, él se veía tan pequeño y tan frágil, así que le di un beso en la frente y le dije: “Dios te bendiga hijo, bienvenido a la vida”. Mientras era llevado de vuelta a la guardería, me eché a llorar, me sobrecogieron tantas emociones, ¡Acababa de tener un hijo, me había convertido en padre!
Eso fue hace quince años hoy. Todavía le beso la frente, todos los días. Me siento orgulloso de él, y no puedo esperar a ver lo que Dios hará en y a través de él. Quince años, parece mucho, pero es tan poco tiempo. La vida es un parpadeo y debes abrazar cada momento y a los que te rodean.
Feliz cumpleaños Alex! Te amo con todo mi corazón, y eso nunca va a cambiar. Tú lo sabes muy bien, Tú y yo nacimos el mismo día, tu naciste a la vida y yo nací a la aventura de ser papá. Y no cambiaría eso por nada.
It’s been fifteen years, and seems like just a few days have past. I still remember as if it was just a moment ago. The small wet face that was presented to me that day. And the eyes that looked at me, and I was immediately captivated, drawn. I didn’t know what to do. I mean, he seemed so small and fragile, so I kissed his forehead and said “God bless you son, welcome to life!”. As he was taken back to the nursery, I started to cry as many emotions overcame me, I had a son, I had become a father!
That was fifteen years ago today. I still kiss his forehead, everyday. I am proud of him, and I can’t wait to see what God will do in and through him. Fifteen years, it seems a lot, but it’s so little time. Life is a flicker and you should embrace every moment and those around you.
Happy birthday Alex! I love you with all my heart, and that will never change. You know it very well; You and I were born the same day, you were born to life and I was born to the adventure of being a father. And I wouldn’t change that for anything.
It was a normal morning for me or so I thought. I was eager to meet with my client and show how the new plan would work. I was tired, I had driven for almost an hour. Then, in the moments when I was greeted and accompanied to the office, the news broke on the TV. Something terrible had happened. I immediately saw the images, I saw the chaos, I saw something I never thought I would see. I had been there just a couple of months before, with my wife and my two children ages 2 and 3.
I was perplexed. I was paralyzed and shaken. The meeting was called off. I then went off to my car and called my wife. I was crying. My words to her where, “did you see that? It fell”. She was crying on the other end of the phone and told me, “the other one fell too”. My entire being was overcome by fear, insecurity and doubt. My first expression was, “I can’t bring any more children to this world. This world is too sick, mean, and dangerous”. I was 1,601 miles from where it happened, but the effect of the moment felt very near. That day I had to talk to my clients since they would be directly affected by this. At the office, everyone was shocked and looking for any type of direction.
Later in the morning I went home and hugged my wife, my son and my daughter. Then I realized that as dumbfounded as I was, there were others that were unconsolable, lost and in total despair. Many horrific stories were surfacing hour after hour. So as time passed and I continued to digest what had happened, a still small voice resounded in my soul. It said, “Do not be afraid”. I Then remembered the words of Jesus when he said …But take heart, because I have overcome the world. He had foretold us that for this and any other trial and sorrow that we would confront, he had overcome it already. It was through Him, that we would be strong and we would find peace.
Maybe you are just like me, and will never be able comprehend completely why these events occurred, nor how deeply it has and will touch many for generations to come. Or on the contrary, you have been directly impacted by the events on September 11, 2001 and you know the impact it has taken on your life and of those around you. In any case, one thing is certain, we will never forget the events of that day and those that lost their lives. But that day many lives were also brought to life, I remember what someone once said, “children are the way God says that this world must go on, there is hope in the future”.
The story has a myriad of angles, perspectives, opinions and emotions. So today as we honor those that where lost, and reflect on these events, many different things will come to heart again. But be comforted to know that you should not be fearful of the future and for those that you love, because He overcame this world, so we would have peace.
Take heart, do not be afraid.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2011
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
While speaking with a friend the conversation rapidly veered to current events in his life. And a question came up. An honest question. “How do you manage yourself when what you see does not align with what you believe?” What he was really asking was along the lines of: Have you ever been in this situation? Is it even “christian like” to feel this way? Am I doing something wrong? Is this even real? Is it right for me to feel this way? I know you have made these questions many times.
This undoubtedly makes me think about two important concepts: character and conviction. For 30 years, I have tried to live a life that will reflect my convictions; my character has followed suit. And time after time, event after event, I have always been tested on my character and in my convictions. And just as my friend questioned his circumstances, so have I. It is an everyday theme. Sometimes it is very easy, but sometimes the picture is not all too clear. Sometimes I’ve conquered and sometimes I’ve been defeated.
We live in a world that is constantly pushing the limits and questioning everything that we stand for. It is simpler to live by emotions than to live by conviction. Living by emotions, and letting the environment and circumstances dictate our path is simpler, not easier. The emotion will always question your conviction, and assault your character, and it will do it almost every time, subtlely. You know in things like, a broken down car twice in a week. Or visit to the hospital for the third time in the month with your children, all the while when you have determined in your heart to believe the promises you have read. Or… you get the point, life.
Life happens and we need help. Emotions won’t do it, conviction and character will. The conviction that God’s word is true and the character to be obedient to what He says. So every time I’m confronted with my own humanity, I remember the words that Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” So I press on and believe that every thing around me will pass, will change and will end, but His Words will remain. And I find comfort that even when I might not understand all that is going on around me, His Word gives me guidance and hope, that no matter what my eyes might see, the promises and truths penned in the good book are more real than what I see. It’s a struggle for all of us, but it can be done. The one that gave us his word as an anchor, also said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And having this conviction that yes troubles are real, but final victory is inevitable is a conviction that I am willing to live for. And through this journey many things will happen, but the important one is that convictions are strengthen and our character is developed. In the end, emotions wither and die, convictions and character blossom and bring life.
The journey is all about the process. Embrace your convictions, develop your character and accept no substitutions.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
What will you story say at the end? Is your story worth saying? I make myself these questions everyday. Is it because of how I see myself in the story? Do I have an “ordinary” life and reading about all of the other extraordinary ones, creates an angst in my chest of, not being “there” or having “it” (whatever any of those mean). I think about the end, a lot. I think of how my actions today will impact the lasting memory of my likeness in the minds and hearts of those I love. Will my life reflect greatness? Will my actions exude my highest and most noble thinking? I hope so. In fact, I pray so. What will my story say to those that will remain? What is my story saying now? This really gets to me.
Recently I attended a mens group called Seven, that met for seven weeks at seven in the morning on Fridays. We explored the seven questions that rattle the minds of most men. Great conversations and even better community. The theme that really got to me was that of leaving a legacy; finishing well. How will I be remembered? How will my wife, my son and my daughter be impacted in the days, the months and the years to come? What will my grandchildren say about me? More importantly, what will God say about me?
I am a big fan of movies that depict true stories. I feel attracted to them when I can relate to many of those to whom it happened to. But if you are like me, what really stirs my heart are the endings. The underdog finishing on top, or the dejected changing his or her ways, or the stories of how the human resilience conquers the most difficult situations; epic endings. Maybe I feel attracted to them because I wonder if my story will be memorialized as those that have made it to film, not because of fame or fortune, but because of the inspiration it can bring to generations to come. Will my story inspire someone else to achieve the impossible? Will my life change the course of someone else’s story? Can I make a difference for the world to see? Will my story be epic? Have you made yourself these questions, or is it only me? For some of us, when we look at our present life we recognize that by our standards, we are not living an epic tale. And we question our existence, over and over again. I don’t know the answers to any of the questions I have made and are still making to myself. But I know they will be answered in due time.
So I have resolved that until those answers come, when I’m faced with impossibilities, I will continue to believe that all things are possible. When i feel discouraged, I will continue to inspire and be inspired. When I’m talked down and demeaned by others, I will continue to think like an eagle when everyone else around me is not. When handed the worst, I will continue to expect the best. When all seems at a lost and at a dead end, I will continue to trust that God has a plan for my life and for those I have been entrusted with. A bigger, greater, brighter, stronger and more wonderful plan than what I can possibly imagine. When faced with small minded people that want to water down my existence, I will continue to dream BIG because I serve an unmeasurable God. When wronged by someone I consider a friend, I will continue to believe in friendship, because it is the face of kindness in the world. When there is no clear path, I will continue to live my life based on the possibilities, because living by fact alone ignores any faith and greatness. If times are scarce, I will continue to give even when all is taken from me. If shunned by the world, I will continue to love. If I fall, I will brush off the dirt, clean my wounds and get up every time. When faced with injustice, I will continue to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves. If I’m left as forgotten, I will continue to remember those in need even when nobody else acknowledges me. And by doing all of this, I trust, I hope and I pray that I will be able to answer many of my questions and dilemmas. Maybe you should do the same.
I long for the day when I bow before the Almighty and lay my crown at his feet and say, “Lord, I made it. There were times when I thought I would fail, but I made it”. That day, that glorious day, I will know that I finished well.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Have you seen public figures do charity work and deeds just to be seen? This is a broad generalization and I know that it is does not describe everyone, but we see politicians, celebrities, executives and yes even clergy, appear in front of cameras of photo shoots supporting a cause, just to be seen. We are moved to admire them, not because of the good they are doing, but because sometimes we cannot reconcile seeing someone of their position, doing something “so honorable”. It just doesn’t click somehow and yet it attracts us.
Truth is that there is something more profound happening in us. We often want to be admired as those we are watching, are. We like the attention, the adulation and the admiration. We want to become a role model, but for what? When I read what Jesus said in Matthew 6:1, it made me examine myself. I am guilty of doing many times exactly what Jesus is saying not to do. What were my intentions? Do I really want to do good because I want to worship the Lord with my life or because I silently want the worship of people? Have you been there? Have you tried to use your platform, position or influence to further your cause and not that of the ONE that gave you the position you have?
It takes a lot of profound thinking and introspection to realize that our well meant deeds, sometimes were not birthed from the most pure intentions. And it is obvious that many of us don’t have the public platform that others have and we might dismiss this by saying, “Well, I’m just a simple individual, that does not describe me”. But in reality it does, and you know it. We can do things nobody knows about, all good deeds, but secretly we expect the admiration of those that benefit from our action or our words. Things like, Why did you forgive? To be politically correct, or to genuinely mend a relationship? Check your social media posts. What are they saying? Why are you saying them? Are they truly an expression of a grateful heart or an attempt to further your own agenda, business or status? Are they a false pose of your true intentions? I know these are strong words, but they are necessary.
The reason Jesus brought it up was because he saw it. He knew all to well that we are so impatient and we want immediate gratification so we hide behind actions that we believe will accelerate it. When we open the door for adulation or self serving, we open the door to an empty room. A room that will fill our ego but empty our hearts. The writer of Proverbs said it well; “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”, and guarding our hearts from self serving intentions, will definitely be rewarded in due time. It is a matter of trust.
I want God’s blessings in the life of those I love and in mine also. Rewards of men can and will dissipate easily. So I pray that my intentions are pure and that I can be found worthy of his goodness and mercy in my lifetime. I pray that I can guard my heart and I pray, that your prayer will be the same. Because life is a flicker and it is too precious to be spent in the empty room of false intentions. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the next time, What’s the intention? Guard your heart, make your life count. It will not always be easy, but you will see how the door of an immeasurable life will open before you.
“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”
Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”
© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE boldly 