Category Archives: Promises

The God of the valley

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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.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2013

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.

Let your feelings catch up later

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Have you ever had one of those days? The ones that start with a “no” and even when it has not ended yet, you think that it will end the same way? They are very interesting days to say the least. I had one not so long ago, and those that know me well, know that the word “No,” does not resonate well with me.

Every time I am confronted with this I react in a many ways, the most persistent one is me being more resolved, sometimes a synonym in my language, to be more stubborn. What drives this in me? Why do I react this way? Often times I get confused when any opposing situation comes my way. How should I react? What should I say? Should I try harder or let it go? Should I take a different route or state my case more vigorously? What do you do when your daughter or son gets home and says, “I didn’t make the team,” or “I failed the test I studied so hard for”. Or your spouse comes and tells you, “the banker said, that our application was denied”. Day’s, weeks, months or even years of No’s, can definitely become very unsettling and discouraging.

Recently I read a phrase that said: “Trust God completely and let your feelings catch up later”. This is so true. We tend to react on the basis of what we feel and comprehend with our natural senses. That’s the way God created us so we could perceive the world around us. But Paul tells us in the letter to the corinthians a new paradigm; walk by faith and not by sight; believing not by seeing is the key. It’s hard sometimes, because we have conditioned ourselves to regard as true only those things we can prove, see or touch. We often sustain these arguments by statements, like “I have to be a good steward,” “it is a good example to be an example”, and many more. And yes, these statements are true and I don’t mean or imply to minimize the importance of them, all the contrary, but what I am saying is that we should have the kind of faith that amazes God. Wholehearted faith in God’s word for us.

Every promise, every word, every direction his word gives us is true, dependable and strong, regardless of where we are or what we are facing. I know, I have no idea what you are going through, and it’s true, no one can process the events in your life the same way you do. But what I can say is that I have experienced the days, the weeks the months and even the years of “No’s” in my life. And it is in those moments that the only sustainable, dependable place for me and my family has been God’s word and promises.

Call me childish or even ignorant if you will, but we have decided to have the kind of faith that would amaze even God. Believing in those things we cannot see and trusting that everything that has been created, even our own senses, will catch up later. I encourage you to do the same. It’s ok to acknowledge that you are not there yet. But get up and admit it to Him and ask in prayer for greater faith, that’s the first step to greatness.

His promises are true, His word is real so we have decide to walk by faith and let our feelings catch up later. You can do the same.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© 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.

While we wait

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Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 NLT

A friend of mine who had recently relocated to another country, was seeking for a job in order to also relocate his family. Being alone for some time and going from job interview to job interview with no results to show, had started to make his uneasiness grow. Not that he had been idle, in fact he was getting up early every day and doing his part. He had made a plan and put it to action, counted his resources, and made provision. For him, this was a move like no other one he had done before. Him moving was not prompted by his desire, but he was certain that it was directed by The Master. He had a promise, and God always fulfills his promises.

So why he had not seen any results? No offers, no glimmer of hope. While he was being faithful and waited, his available resources were being depleted. He had calculated the time it would take exhaust them, and that time was close. And then his wife told him that she was also “all in”, and went on to quit her job and told him so. God had given them a promise and she believed it.

One of those “waiting days”, we had the chance to chat early in the morning and this issue came up. We exchanged some comments and then he said, “I’m waiting, waiting”. I could sense some frustration about the process in his comments, so I reminded him about this scripture, “…as we wait patiently…”.

Paul exhorted the Romans as to how to live and care for those that were among them. Had been telling them how to conduct themselves and why and apparently there were some among them that had been having some trouble and their patience was running slim when it came to considering their brothers and encouraging them. Then this verse comes in the middle of all his instructions and summarizes his teaching and seals the truth about God’s character. God cannot die, lie, be fooled or stop loving us.

Everything that is written in the scriptures is there to give us hope and encouragement, while we wait for the promises of God to be fulfilled in our life and on the lives of those around us. Paul with this verse is stating that the promises of God are not to be doubted or questioned, but to be expected. We live on promises not explanations. Just as the romans had troubles, tribulations and issues, we have our share of situations, but no situation will ever be as tangible as promise made by God.

Back to my friend. Just a couple of days later he received not one, but several job offers at the same time, and his problem now was to decide which one to accept. At the time of this writing, his family is traveling to meet him, their promise came to pass and their new journey begins.

Do not despair, do not be anxious, his promises are true and while we wait we should delve into his word to be filled with hope, encouragement and instruction. They were written long time ago to prepare you for your next assignment, and the process will help you grow into the man and women that God intended you to be. And all of this will happen, while we wait.

“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.

Look at the rainbow

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I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. – Genesis 9:13
The great flood. We have all heard the story one way or the other. We learned how Noah built the ark and preached to men about the flood that was coming and how he was ignored and even rejected. Then after many years the day came when clouds started to form and drops of rain began to fall. Soon those drops became streams and every living creature on earth, perished. Only those in the ark survived.

What was it like inside the ark all of those months? What were their reaction when the water receded and they were able to come out on the top of a mountain? What were the conversations? We just can make conjectures. But one thing is certain, God made a covenant with Noah that he would not destroy the world with water again. It was understandable, after all they had been through. I can imagine what they could have been thinking if it rained again. How vulnerable they must of felt. But God knew best. But why a rainbow? What was it so significant about it? Why would He used something that was never seen before and call it a rainbow?

The word used in the Hebrew in this portion for the word bow is “qesheth/keh·sheth/“ which translates as the bow used by a warrior. So what God was telling Noah was that He was hanging his “weapon” in the sky and would not destroy the earth anymore with it. But his covenant needed to be visible so you and I would be reminded not only of this covenant, but of the faithfulness of God. He knows our propensity for do wrong, but in spite of that, He has promised that as long as this earth remains, planting and harvest, cold an heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.

You might be going through a flood of trials. You look around and the only thing you see is waves of uncertainty. So if you are in the middle of a storm that feels is going on for days, months, and even years, remember that He has hanged his warrior’s bow in the sky and has decided to love you and not destroy you. The water will recede and your ark will be anchored on high ground, and that is an advantageous place to be, because you will see everything renewed.

His promises are true and will forever be present for you and for me. Need any proof? Just look at the rainbow.

“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.

Surrounded

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Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. – Psalm 125:1-2

As I searched information about Mount Zion, the Mount of God, many amazing facts came alive. For example, it is really three peaks of almost equal height which form the mount. Many significant events happened here also such as the Transfiguration of Jesus, the declaration that his church would be edified over “this rock”, meaning himself and many more.

But Mount Zion is much more than a piece of land. It is a visual reminder to us of the faithfulness of God. Because when we look at a mountain, we have this mental picture that it is unmovable, strong. Wind, water and the elements will make its mark on the face of the Mount over time so the landscape might change, but the foundations will never be removed.

Such is our life, as the elements we endure every day will change us and leave its mark in us, but if we trust the Lord we will endure them. It is in our trust (the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something) in Him, that hinges this promise. He will surround us and guard us. From time to time, some of the “elements” in life might get to us, but we will not be defeated. When we are insufficient, He is sufficient. When we are weak, He is strong. When we are fearful, He is courageous. When we are inconsistent, He is constant. When we are unlovable, He loves us to the end. When we are shunned, He opens his arms. When we are dead, He gives us life. And when we are threatened, He surrounds us both now and forever.

Yes, there is always lessons to be learned by our own mistakes that will help us everyday. It may be that these mistakes had put you in a place you would rather not be and today you might feel you have been sieged to the point of defeat. But remember that those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever, so when we trust in His Word we can be confident that it is firm, because every word God has given will always come to pass.

Don’t fret, He is near and he is with you. And when you are under attack, he has you both now and forever, Surrounded.

“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.

Keep walking, step by step

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“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’” Exodus 6:6-8

What were they thinking and feeling? One can imagine that as they walked out through the streets of Egypt, mixed emotions raced in their heads, hearts and souls. This marked the ending of slavery, peril and hard punishing work. Their eyes could not believe they were leaving the land of Egypt, with treasures never dreamed of, and moving to a land never seen. Was this real? Could this be possible? Where they doing the right thing? This was so new to them. They had only experienced slavery and the hardship, since they had all had been born into it. Making bricks out of straw and clay was the task they had to endure up to this day, every day, so anything aside of that, was new.

But in spite of their emotions, fears and doubts, they kept walking. The dream was greater than the fear. With very step they took the towering pyramids looked smaller, and the hope in their hearts for freedom larger and larger. God’s promise was being unfolded in front of their eyes; He was redeeming them with a powerful arm and great acts of judgement. And so they kept walking into the land God had promised. A land they had not seen, but God had promised. And they knew the promise was true.

You might be feeling quite the same as the children of Israel felt. Your soul brims with expectation, a new land will come in sight soon. Something yearned for many years and obscured by the commonality of life. Shunned by the trivialities of everyday, but today, is the day. The day you will walk out of that prison made by your own thoughts. It is the day your will become free and will walk right in front of those that had oppressed you for many years. Your path might be unknown, but it will be free of straws and clay. It will be filled with provision, direction and new experiences. A place that will free you from bondage, a place that will stretch your mind and your gifts. A place where goodness and mercy will follow you. A place that will change you and in turn, you will change the world.

Many emotions might be racing inside of you. And you might hesitate to take the next step; they are many unknown variables and many uncertain outcomes. But, what is the alternative? To do nothing? To be paralyzed by the looming fear of a threat that might not be even real? There is no guarantee of what you might confront, and you might be walking into a greater challenge, but for an even greater reward. No more straw nor bricks, but a promise of a new life. A land that flows with milk and honey. A plentiful place.

Keep walking, step by step.

“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.

Don’t be anxious

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by DP

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6

Restlessness: That feeling of asphyxiating anxiety that seems not to end. Marked by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest; Not able to rest, relax, or be still. It is an overwhelming feeling that takes over your entire body and mental functions and seems to overpower every inch of our being. It happens, sometimes more than we want to admit. And in silence we are prisoners of our own thoughts and an easy prey to our circumstances. We need structure, guidance and wisdom.

Paul, had his share of these feelings. At the time of writing this letter to the Philippians, he was in house arrest for two years. A situation that limited his mobility, his contact with the world and to the naked eye, the influence he could have. But from there he wrote this letter where he instilled among other things the importance of being cool, calm, and collected and changed the world. He clearly stated, Do not be anxious about anything, and anything means anything.

One might say, yeah it’s easier said than done, but Paul was talking about his own experience and sharing with the Philippians the way to overcome. We are presented with many choices every day. Sometimes choices that are imposed upon us and we must decide. The counsel is that in every situation we should present them in prayer and with thanksgiving to our God. We are reminded that, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” , so our trust should remain in His promises.

And it all comes down precisely to that, trust. We can easily be distracted by what surrounds and by what happens to us daily. The unexpected phone call, or reaction, a poor choice of words, and many other exogenous events that tend to rattle our trust in God’s promises. So when you are presented again with anxiety, restlessness and you start to feel overpowered, remember the words said the Paul; Do not be anxious about anything and remember that God’s plans for your life are good and bright and wonderful. Jesus made it clear that he had overcame every situation for us and that nothing would harm us.

Every situation has the capacity to promote you to a better place. Be cool, calm and collected, trust God and don’t be anxious.

“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.