Be careful who walks with you

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

COUPLE-WALKING-ON-A-PATH--001 There is no explanation (at least none that I found) that would explain why the children of Israel let foreigners leave Egypt with them. There are many theories. That they were probably slaves from other races or even egyptians that decided to walk out with the Israelites after seeing all of the plagues that had come to the land. The matter of the fact is, that they are called the rabble. This is a strong word. It denotes the mindset and a set of customs of people considered among other things, trouble makers, mob, inciters, complainers, people considered socially inferior, in short the crowd you would usually avoid.

We do not know why the people of Israel and for that reason Moses himself let them tag along. Maybe they already had ties with the israelites or it might be convenient for the israelites themselves to use a helping hand with all the treasures they were leaving with, who knows. But what is clear by the events that followed was that these inserts knew nothing about the God of Israel. They wanted the blessing of the chosen but remained distant to the God that chose them. They wanted blessing and protection without commitment. They were convenience travelers and emotional journeymen. When the provision of manna had been steady and sustainable, they started to complain that they had not eaten meat. – The rabble with them began to crave other food,a and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” –

The dissatisfaction sprouted from a shallow soul and a lack of character, direction and of convictions. The first sign of unmet physical needs, was enough to stir up a complaining tongue. In spite of all they had seen, this was even expected from them. They saw the signs of the Liberator but did not know Him. They had benefit from the exodus from slavery, but ignored to bring to heart the One who freed them. The miracles were convenient, but the commitment was not. And the story develops in a way that we see those that believed were now doubting. Those that had first proclaimed were now withdrawing, and all because of those they associated with. The associations we permit in our lives will determine the outcome of it. Bad associations are often long distractions.

Who do you associate with? Are they trouble makers, inciters and complainers? Are those that walk with you in life, lack the commitment to walk along no matter the circumstance? The people of Israel followed the route of less resistance, just because their companions incited them. And they were punished for it. They fell prey to the negative comments of those that were not branded with the vision of a promised land. Furthermore, they knew not the Vision Maker. So in any endeavor that you set your course to, be watchful of those that tag along. There are many you can do nothing about. But they’re some you can choose not to invite to the journey that you will embark in. Don’t settle for less or sacrifice peace for advancement, or temporary comfort. Your life and your purpose is too important to sabotage it with a forty year interruption, just because you were not intentional of who you would permit in your path.

As Jeff Henderson once said, “The people that you listen to, are a preview of the future you.” So mi advice would be, be careful who walks with you.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2013
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International® Version TNIV®. Copyright 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.

A fact? No! An opinion

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“Impossible is not a fact, it’s an opinion” – People of the second chance

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

There’s something about nothing

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

Nothing_512_512

It was a physically draining pain. Her body was aching and her spirit was tired. Twelve years had past already and there was no sign of anything getting any better. To top it off, there was no more money left, it was all gone. There was no doctor that could help her, and since she was now broke, the desperation grew bigger and bigger while her hopes dwindled down even further. Her physical condition meant that she was ceremonially unclean in her culture. To better say it, she was an outcast because of her illness and it made no difference to the religious leaders, whether she’d had financial resources or not.

Who knows what she was thinking. In her last attempt to get healed she would do whatever was necessary, even public ridicule. At this point there was no other option. There was nothing more left. And as her frail body and even more broken spirit made her way to the road, she gasped when she saw the multitude. “How will I get to Him?” she said to herself. But in that same moment of an apparent disillusion, an even greater hope emerged in her spirit. A determined woman with an unexplainable faith made her way through the crowd. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

And as she was shoved back by those in front of her, determination grew in her soul. As the path continued to narrow in front of her eyes, faith created a highway for her to cruise. She was not deterred by what she saw or felt, the promise of a healed body and for the same means, a healed soul was bigger than the obstacles in front. Her condition was nothingness but she was walking towards the One who fills everything.

The women in the story not only got healed instantly, but Jesus himself felt it. It was that evident that he stopped and asked, “Who had touched him?”, virtue had come out of him. When your faith is in the right place and you’re down to your last effort or your last cent, there is something about nothing that moves the hand of God. You might be facing a similar circumstance. A broken body, a financial disaster, a disrupted relationship or even shattered dreams. What you see in front of you is just closed doors and many obstacles that even those that are around you are telling you, stop and take another route. They have lost hope in the name of reality. But just as this woman faced the unavoidable obstacles in from of her, you can do the same. When reality tells you, “those doors are closed, there is a wall in front”, faith screams, “I will open doors or make them if I need to.”

Regain a new hope, walk towards that which seems impenetrable. The One that has the virtue to change everything is waiting. You might hear those same words this woman received, “…your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

Remember, there is something about nothing, that moves the hand of God.

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.

Do good

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

do good

Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 2 Samuel 9:5

This is an amazing story. Every time I read it the scene itself takes many forms in my mind, and the story itself has many teachings. One thing is for sure, the redemptive nature of the entire account could be worth a movie by itself. Mephibosheth, was King Saul’s grandson. The same king that persecuted David because he was jealous and wanted to kill him. Yet we see David here even after Saul had died, purposely and intentionally looking for ways to honor the king, even after his death.

Mephibosheth was crippled since his childhood. Upon hearing the news of the death of King Saul and of his son Jonathan (Mephibosheth’s father), his nurse fled with him fearing for their lives. In the process, he fell and crippled both of his feet; he was only five years old and yet he was marked for the rest of his life. He was also forgotten and left in a barren land. Years after, David had reign as king of Israel and continued to look for ways to honor the pact he had done with Jonathan which takes us here we in the middle of this scene. The story continues to narrate how David returned to Mephibosheth all of the land and possessions that were originally of his father Jonathan. He was completely vindicated and restored.

But this story illustrates something more relevant to our times. When fathers are absent, children are crippled in many ways and they are unable to walk correctly in life, just as it happened to Mephibosheth. When something as fundamental as the fatherhood is interrupted, everything else comes crumbling down. We cannot prevent the absence of a father due to death, just like this story, but we can prevent the absence of fathers due to life distractions. When we chase the wind, this endless pursuit of temporal recognition comes at the expense of an eternal impact; we are crippling our children and therefore our society at large.

It is painful to mend the self esteem and the heart of child that has been rejected and forgotten. As a father, I am especially convicted of this. There is no one else in this earth that can make a bigger impact in the lives of my children than me. I don’t want them to walk in life emotionally crippled. Even when I know I have made mistakes along the way, I am reminded that as David’s actions were redemptive in the life of Mephibosheth, I need to be mindful and be present in the lives of my children so they are thrusted into their God given destiny.

How many children have been given a plight in life that would never compare to the one we live? What are we doing to change that? It is so easy for us to make a change through organizations such as Compassion International, World Vision and many more. And yet we find excuses not to do good. I know I did. Maybe not intentionally, but I did. If anything is stopping you to make a small change, you are making an excuse. David, even after Jonathan’s death, found a way o do good and he did it exceedingly abundantly more. He invited Mephibosheth to eat with him at his table from that day on. The interesting fact is that David didn’t had to do any of that, but he did anyway. You and I might not be able to invite to our table children’s around the world, but we can help others to do so where they live.

At the end of the day, it is not so much as how nice, articulate or excellently you can present an idea that matters. Help a neighbor, a widow, an elder, a charity in your community, a coworker. What matters most is what you do. In the end the real currency of “doing” versus “saying” is what makes this world better. So decide what to do. I would suggest you do good.

“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, 2013
“Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

All in one

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure.” – John Locke

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

The morning that started it all

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

jesus_feet

As he opened his eyes in the morning, he knew that what would happen next would be recorded in history. Getting dressed today had a new meaning. As He carefully grabbed his garments and clothed himself He glanced at his sandals and put them on. The steps He was about to take had a new direction. So He sat on his cot, meditating, praying, longing. His heart revved up more than normal as this day marked a point of no return. The beginning of everything and the fulfillment of a plan that was devised the moment it all had gone wrong, and He was ready.

What would start outwardly today to the world, He had prepared for all of his life. Today, his first step echoed in heaven as it marked the time in which the quest to destroy evil forever had begun. His footsteps reverb far beyond time and space, and it all was starting today. Inside, a tsunami was gaining strength and with insurmountable violence it was moving ashore, and yet He was calm. Today, He would start this journey towards the Jordan River, the same way He would end it, on his way to Golgotha; alone. No one else could walk these paths for Him.

Just as many other days, no one suspected anything when they saw him walking. He looked at familiar faces, loving them as He had done all along, but knowing that this journey today was different. As his footsteps pierced the silence of heaven, God stood up and looked down, smiling and tearful all at the same time. His Son would embark in the most significant journey of all. He was eager to pronounce those unforgettable words, that a proud Father would say. “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

That day, a dent in the universe began and it was finished at calvary for you and for me three and a half years later. It transformed the entire human race thereafter. Jesus never left more than twenty-five miles away from his home, but He reached the entire world with his words. Just as Jesus walked decidedly towards his destiny, you and I need to decide to walk in the direction of our purpose.

What is stoping you? What is it that you fear? You know deep down inside, that the reason you are here is bigger than the circumstances that you are facing today. So take courage and take that first step. Outwardly, it might seem as a normal day, but perhaps you might also have a tsunami building inside of you and it is moving with great force towards the shore. Every step you take is echoing in the realms of heaven, because you decided to walk in the direction of your calling. This could be the morning that will start it all.

The God of the valley

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

Wicklow Mountains Valley And Clouds

Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: The Arameans have said, ‘The Lord is a god of the hills and not of the plains.’ So I will defeat this vast army for you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” 1 Kings 20:28

There is something about mountaintops that energizes us. We see it all the time in movies, television and advertisements. They symbolize a place of strength, success or achievement. We have this mental picture that translates into our soul and emotions that if we are to be somewhere, the mountaintop or the high ground is the place to be; literally or figuratively. A big sale, a milestone conquered, a new job, good news, the highlight of the day, the week, the month or the year. These are the times when we want to high five everyone, shout out and jump. We feel good, we are at a high point, and if it depended on us, we would stay there everyday. Anything else that comes our way just doesn’t seem right. But the truth is that we all experience the low points in our lives, and it is not a matter of “if” they’ll happen, but “when”.

And it is understandable that when we see the high points in someone else’s life, we think that they have it all figured out. We see their lives as a continual mountaintop journey. We jump to the conclusion that there is an advantage that we do not have and therefore they are in the high points, and we are in the valley. The Arameans thought the same about the children of Israel. Israel, in their eyes was successful just because they had the high ground in the battlefield and because of that, in their eyes God was a god of high places, a god of the hills. Clearly, they thought that they would make the war fair and advantageous for them, if they fought it in the valley. If you want to win a battle, it clearly doesn’t hurt to have a high point with an advantage view of the entire landscape. But the battles in the valleys are inevitable.

Many times we are so consumed with everyday struggles that when we find ourselves alone, we question where is God. It is possible that you are facing right now a circumstance that makes you feel lost and you might even think that this battle is a never-ending valley; that God is not there with you. But just as the king in this story was told, God is also the God of the valleys. In the moments when we think all is lost and that all of the odds are against us and that the valley we are in seems to blur the horizon and the mountaintop is nowhere to be seen, God tells us, “Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

He is in the valley of your struggle with poor health. He is in the valley of your financial challenges. He is in the valley of a broken heart. He is in the valley of unemployment. He is in the valley of an uncertain future. He is in the valley of broken dreams. He is in the valley of family distress. He is in the valley of loneliness. He is in the valley of shadow and death, and He is loudly saying that not in the mountaintop, but in these valley’s “…you will know that I am the Lord.”

In order to get to the mountaintop, you have to go through the valley. The good news is that God is the God of the mountaintop, but He also is the God of the valleys.

Spiritual promotions

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“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”

BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE boldly

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