Category Archives: Life

His words never fail

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by DP

“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37

This day is filled with meaning for many; for some joy and for others not. Life happens to all of us. It is very interesting that on the months leading to this day we celebrate, a young girl, a teenage girl, had not only a visitation of an angel but was confronted with her new reality; she was going to be a mom. I can only imagine how many thoughts went through her mind. What will everyone think? How would she be treated by her family? We can only imagine and probably guess what happened and how she felt. She could have been confused. And as that confusion took place, it was eased by the words of the angel when he said: “For no word from God will ever fail.”

We have the benefit of some hindsight today. We all know how the story unfolded. But Mary, and then Joseph, did not have that vantage. They had to endure life and rely every step on a word given to each of them separately, a word that they were the only ones who witnessed it. The words said to Mary on Luke 1:37 (TNIV), are a clear message for us today. That no matter how grim or difficult your place in life is today, no word from God will ever fail. And when I whisper these words to my soul, I feel that there is hope for me and for you. God made it clear, by giving these words to Mary, that we never forget his promises.

When everything else fails, or seems failing before our eyes, he doesn’t. Knowing this, brightens my day immediately. And it is palpable to know that Jesus himself is called The Word. His mere essence is truth and unmovable reliance of what he says He is and or will do. There are not many in this world you can say, that will always uphold their promises. Even the most noble and respectable people we know, have failed us. So how marvelous it is to know, He will not.

In spite of your personal circumstances, your feelings and above what anyone else says. He will not fail you, ever. His proof comes in the manner of a child, born in a manger that years later would change the destiny of this earth with his life. He would walk on water, heal the sick, defend the poor, resuscitate the dead, defeat sin, death and fear, and will always love you and me, unconditionally.

So on this holiday season and in every season, remember that …, no word from God will ever fail.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2011

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by Biblica®. Used by permission of Biblica®. All rights reserved worldwide.

There’s always something going on

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“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” – Isaiah 55:8

“There’s never nothing going on”. This was an expression said in the movie, Peaceful Warrior, based on a story of an olympian who was involved in an accident and how his mindset changed over time. In a scene, the mentor which had pushed him into the river, replied this to him when he said that there was nothing going on, and that he was to distracted to be aware of his surroundings. This made me think about Isaiah 55:8.

There are times in life when we are waiting for someone to take interest in us, or in our situation. And it seems like the minutes, the hours and days go by and everything and everyone, remains quiet. Nothing exciting is happening. No one calls, no one seems to be concerned. Life seems to be minimized to moments, because that’s what they are, just moments, in which we find ourselves going through trials and situations that clamor for direction. There is apparently nothing going on. What do you do, when you seek a response and all is quiet? What do you do when no matter the efforts that you make, all remains unfazed, unmoved unchanged? Clearly, our human emotions arise as the controlling force for the direction of our lives. And more often than not, we relinquish that control to our own human understanding. And along, all of the consequences that come with that decision.

But if we consider that God has said in his word that his thoughts for us are good and that his thoughts are higher than ours, this silence could mean that He has something better and bigger for you and for me.

Yet the question remains, what do you do when all is silent? There are many things one could do in situations like these. I will definitely agree that a change in our environment can help. Yet, you will never fail if you delve into God’s word, seeking wisdom and counsel and trusting God. The perpetual and practical truths that are memorialized in it’s pages will always comfort, heal, direct, teach and inspire us on every situation.

So when all is quiet, don’t despair. God has something better, bigger and brighter in store for you. You might not see it today, but this could be the best time in your life. If you use your idle, quiet, “uninteresting” time to know yourself and take inventory of your life, something good will come out of it. In the middle of your apparent nothingness, always remember that there’s always something gong on, there are no ordinary moments.

“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.

A message for men

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by DP

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15

“Every man has a battle to fight and a beauty to rescue” These were the words of John Eldredge when he took center stage at a conference I attended in 2004. It was a great and an inspiring message. In the past weeks my family and I saw the movie Courageous which stirred many of the same emotions I felt with John’s exposition a couple of years ago.

Since that moment, I find myself wrestling with the need of “quiet time”, some alone time, and by the same token, in need of “together” time too. An oxymoron, I know, but that is how I felt. “Quiet time” to ponder my thoughts, and “together” time to share my heart with my wife, my son and my daughter. Moments that matter. I feel that time is running faster than It takes for me to accomplish what is in my heart. There is an awakening inside for the greater truths that I should have been living long time ago. And synthesizing John’s talk several years ago; Our story is a story of greatness.

We all have this sense of greatness inside. Of being the redeeming knight, the hero and warrior that stands for truth and crushes evil. The man that stands up to the challenge and knows deep inside the values that need to be uphold, and he does so without second guessing. The sea of thoughts assault the mind and overwhelms the soul, as the search goes on for a verse, a passage or a word that might give it hope, strength, comfort and guidance. We want an answer that will appease the soul and tell it that everything will be ok. That we will be able to fulfill the dreams and desires that are rooted in the heart; greatness.

God created us to feel this way, but more importantly to act this way. It doesn’t matter where in life you are right now, you can step up to the challenge and be the man you were called to be. Wether you have a family or not, fulfill your story. And in order to achieve greatness, there will be need to be violent, to fight and be forceful against the menacing forces that are surrounding those we have been entrusted. That fight will be fought by standing firm on our knees. To stand unafraid of the future, to leave the sidelines and embrace life.

As the theme song for this movie states, “May the watchers become warriors, Let the men of God arise”, we are called to do the same as Joshua boldly spoke to the men of Israel, “…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. So today make it your resolution, wherever you are in life today, to take back what is yours, to boldly proclaim that you will lead and not follow, that you will protect and not fear. That the time of idleness is over and that your legacy will not be the same, because you decided to make a dent in the universe and to finish well.

I completely agree with the song when it states, “The only way you’ll ever stand is on your knees with lifted hands”. Change the world, lead to greatness.

Breathe, Live, Move…

“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 DP, 2011

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

You can hear and purchase this wonderful statement on the song titled “Courageous” by Casting Crowns at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/courageous/id470669414?i=470669416

Not just a basket of roasted grain

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One day Jesse said to David, “Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers.” 1 Samuel 17:17

That morning he woke up as usual, he got dressed and picked his well known tools. He looked at his staff. A rugged stick that had the marks he remembered very well. There were two in particular that bursted like calling out for attention. The staff was still showing some small dried-out stains of blood on them. His mind immediately wandered to that day as he remembered the morning, which quite frankly, was one just like this day, where he had done the same routine.

That day he went on to tend to his fathers flock, it was early, he used his staff to guide the sheep to the pasture. Hours had passed by and he was smiling when he saw the baby sheep playing and following their mothers. His mind started to remember how many times he had carried them, played with them. The tenderness of them draw his heart even more closer. The need for someone to stand up for them, to protect them and show them the way, was an inner force that stirred his soul and made his seemingly unimportant life, important. He already was shunned by his brothers, and in many ways he felt that his father did not had him in the highest regard. So as he saw the sheep, he saw himself. He saw the need for protection, for guidance, and for love. He knew that he had to be the voice for those that had none. And as he saw the sheep playing, a small voice resounded in his heart saying, “This is the way I love you and protect you”. And immediately he understood that God had used the sheep to shape his life. The shunning, the rejection and the affliction that was endured by him, were the vehicles God used to transform his life.

In the myriad of emotions, he caught his breath and with certain conviction in his spirit he took all of these emotions and realizations in. Standing up, there it was; lurking his way was the unthinkable; a lion. In a split second, every muscle in his body readied. His fists clenched, his eyes locked on his target, and like if his feet were leading his soul he began to run towards the beast. He had nothing in his hands but his staff. His spirit was fuel by an unexplainable thrust. And he fought the lion, and killed it. He defended the shunned, the unprotected, the weak and the meek. That day, with his hands filled with blood, he made the first mark in his staff. A mark that would remind him of God’s power and protection.

And returning from this wandering, he got up thinking it would be as usual. But then his father asked him to go see his brothers on the frontline of the battle against the Philistines. So David rose up and went of on to meet his brothers taking with him what he thought was just a basket of roasted grain. But this day staff in hand, he went out to fulfill his destiny.

So be aware, what might look as a mere basket, might be the key to the greatest moment in your life and not just a basket of roasted grain.

“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.

For a higher purpose

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by DP

“They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” – Mark 14:11

We all know this story. The man Jesus had entrusted the finances, was the very one that turned against him. Sadly, it happens very often. It is that sense of unbelief, grief and even emptiness that floods our entire inner being. I am talking about the moment you realize that those you had trusted and confided, have turned their backs on you. You thought you knew someone, and then they reveal their true value. The unbelief and sadness fills your soul because you have realized that the unthinkable has happened, you have been betrayed.

Jesus knew this very well. He had poured out his entire strength and energy to help and uplift one of his own. But the one that betrayed him, also fulfilled a higher purpose in Jesus life. Without the betrayer, we wouldn’t have the cross. And without the cross, there would not be salvation. Pain brought upon a blessing.

You might be going through a similar situation. A spouse, a family member, a co-worker, a business partner or a friend, someone in whom you had poured out your trust into, but has done or said something that has hurt you deeply. These are moments that pound inside of you with pain, sadness, and a sense of emptiness. You might be questioning, why this injustice? And it is only natural to feel that way, but Jesus clearly stated, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” And it is through Him that we can do the same. In these words he affirmed that we would undoubtedly experience, trails. But he also cemented, that through Him, we would be victors in spite of it.

Jesus went even further to say, “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” So if you dwell in the pain, you will never move forward and you will become stagnant and consume yourself. Look at the trial as the step that will thrust you further in life and will help you grow more and more; the betrayal will be transformed into a blessing. The pain will birth new life in you, and you in turn will experience a new sense of purpose and your heart will be free and you will rise to new heights.

We are reminded in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” So this moment in your story might have come to you not to break you but to make you. This moment has come for a higher purpose.

“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 DP, 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.

The miracle is alive

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When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11

This was a very dangerous time in the life of Jesus. He had performed one of the most visible and undeniable miracles of his ministry. One that caught the attention of his enemies and made him a bigger threat to their livelihood. Lazarus was alive because of Jesus. Lazarus was living proof of who Jesus was. Undeniable proof.

The priests decided to take care of the problem and the easiest way to do it was to plot to kill Lazarus. They wanted to silence and bury the shouting evidence of truth; Jesus was the son of God. However, there is no evidence or recording in the bible that they succeeded. The miracle was still alive.

When you are the recipient of God’s favor in your life, be prepared to be threatened for it, to be shunned because of it. When your life exudes greatness, favor and uncommon blessings, know that not everyone will be happy for you. But that is ok, because you can be assured that, “…If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”.

Don’t fret about the naysayers in your life. Those that will never be happy with you blessing, your advancement or your promotion. In many ways be thankful, because if it had not been for your miracle, you would have never known who was for you and against you. Your blessing reveals your friends and your enemies.

So think about it. You might be feeling the pressure and questioning, why? It is quite simple. Greatness is always a threat to mediocrity. Greatness is always a threat to the status quo. Lift your spirit today and set your heart to higher things. Don’t let the pressure fill your heart with fear and walk firmly to your destiny. Proclaim with your life that greatness has been thrust upon you and that you have been made the steward of it. You have been gifted with a miracle. And the greater the miracle, the greater the threat.

No matter what anyone says, how big the threat seems, or how high the noise is, you know deep inside that the miracle in your life, is still alive.

“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.

Sometimes it takes a fight

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by DP

When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. – Joshua 6:20

We are often faced every day with many challenges in or work, our relationships and our dreams. We have this idea that if something is meant to be, it will just happen. I could agree in part with that assumption, without ruling out that there could be always some resistance.

The children of Israel knew that very well. They were promised the land of Canaan which flowed with milk and honey. A land that was the representation of a better life and a brighter future. One would think that after being in the desert for forty years that a respite would come. But upon entering the land, they were confronted with their first challenge, Jericho. They might of thought that as it happened to Jericho, where they just had to march to bring down the walls, every other encounter would be the same. But no, they fought thirty-nine battles in order to conquer their promised land. A new land, a foreign land in which they encountered giants, crossed rivers, and many obstacles they had to overcome.

Such is our life. We might have this preconceived idea that everything will be smooth, and that there will be no disturbance in our path if something is meant to be. And it is true, sometimes it happens that way, and it feels good. But the reality is that sometimes it takes a fight to get your promise. Some of them will be more easily won, but others will be fierce and difficult battles. Encounters that will leave scars and marks in the heart and in the soul. We have to understand that there is a part that must be done by us, as the preacher in Ecclesiastes wrote, ”Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom…”. Things might not come down as you envisioned or thought they would, but we learn, we grow and we obtain experience that will prepare us for our next assignment.

Jesus knew that all to well. He fought for you and me, to give the most high of the sacrifices, his life. It scarred his body, but he won. And because he won, we are victors and not victims. We should not feel sad or discouraged when we find resistance and trouble in our way. I can assure you that character and experience is building up in you. You are being prepared for a higher purpose. Maybe this present trouble, this problem, this resistance, is the event that will unlock the gifts and talents that have been hidden in you. This could be the moment you have been building up for in order to live in your promised land.

So shake off those defeat and demeaning thoughts, and press on. Be prepared, strategize and consult, it is not the time to sit down and wander and have a pity party, it is time of walking and fighting. There’s a reward waiting, there is a brighter and bigger future in sight. And as the children of Israel experienced, it will take a lot of effort, not to mention time, but it will be worth it.

Your blessing is coming, your promise is near, but sometimes it takes a fight.

“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 DP, 2011
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.

Your staff and your sling

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by DP

David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off. – 1 Samuel 17:39 NKJV

This is a very well known story. King David defeated Goliath and his way to greatness became the town’s headlines. We all center in to the part where he throws the stone that hits the giants forehead and makes him fall. An epic moment and a tipping point for David and the people of Israel.

But clearly in the story there is more metaphoric material that will enrich every reader and lover of life. The fact that David was at the right place and at the right time doesn’t underscore the preparation and the history that his life was bringing to the scene. He blurts it out to King Saul, of how he had been in fiery battles with animals when he was tending his fathers sheep, that made him more than capable to confront this mighty opponent.

David must have made quite a compelling argument to the king so he could authorize him to fight. It must have, because on this fight, everything else hanged. In the text we see that, upon agreeing, Saul tells David to put on his royal armor. David did so, but after trying to walk, he refused to wear it to the battle and geared up with all that he had known, his staff and his sling.

How many times have you dressed up to someone else’s expectations? Are you living another person’s dream? Have you spent your time indulging the acceptance of everybody else and neglecting your own life? It is time to dress up with our own gear, to dream your own dreams and to live your life on God’s terms.

We often neglect that God will use who we are and what we have, without the help of anyone else. When we understand that to be the man and the woman we have been called to be, we need not to please anyone, we will find our place and perform our destiny, as David did when he confronted this giant. The text says that he ran to him, something he would not had been able to do if he had Saul’s armor on. When you know who you are and what you are supposed to do, you will shine and excel at the most crucial moment of your life. And your life and those around you will be better for it.

Greatness will be exuded from you, because you dressed up with your staff and your sling.

“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 DP, 2011
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.