Category Archives: Purpose

One purpose

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aGc-pkgjesus_feetI cannot stop but to imagine what that day looked liked. I think of a quiet room, a clear sky and the sun coming up gently on the horizon. His eyes slowly opening and gazing at the magnificent masterpiece in the firmament his father had painted for him. The same way they’d both painted many mornings before. But this morning was different, this morning was crucial. Something unusual was about to happen, something that would reverb in the entire cosmos. As he moved from his resting position, his spirit quickened. This was the day that would start it all. The moment he had been preparing all of his mortal life. It marked the moment that would be written in the hearts of all humankind and change its landscape forever. When his feet finally touched the cold ground, all of the universes trembled. Galaxies were born, and stars started to explode. The oceans roared, the mountains sang. This day, this first step would change it all. And taking a deep breath, he took a bold step and walked out the door towards the Jordan River. This day would be recorded in history as the day his life would start to unfold as never before.

And as the journey took him, he healed the sick and loved the unlovable. He stood up against the oppression and lifted the spirit of the brokenhearted. The passion of his hands was as intense as the compassion in his eyes. He spoke his mind because he knew the hearts. The unexplainable of his deeds was explained by his love.

His love towards those that even hated him made his life not to be his own. And he gave it away. The dawn of that dark Friday crushed the spirit of those who saw his final breath. Everyone thought he had already taken his last final step. His body was entombed, his likeness was sent to be forgotten, or so everyone thought.

But then Sunday morning. In my imagination, I think that meanwhile his body was covered by the cloth, his spirit quickened. Something unusual happened once again, something that resounded in the entire cosmos. It was the day that would seal it all. His eyes started to open, his muscles to flex, his heart to beat and his breath to flutter the cloth covering his mount and filling the room. This time was different, this time there was nothing to prove and nothing to say. And once again as that day began, his mortal body started to erect from a resting state. This felt familiar to him, yet completely different. And as if the entire universe passed in slow motion, his feet approached the ground. Like a movie reel, he saw all the faces of those he loved passing in front of him, and then an earth-shattering sound. His feet had touched once again the cold floor, with a purpose. And taking a deep breath, he took a bold step and walked out the cave towards those he loved.

Two crucial moments, one purpose. Redemption and love were his secret ambition, recorded in history as two steps but one purpose. We were and are that purpose.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2016

Out in the water

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Recently Joel Thomas, Lead Pastor of Northpoint Community Church, shared in a series titled, Choose to lose the following quotes: “Jesus doesn’t hang out in boats, he’s out there in the water” and “”How”, usually follows obedience” @joelt_. These expressions resonated with me. Joel was speaking about the account in Matthew when Peter walked on water. You may or may not believe the story, but in spite of that, there are many principles we can use in our daily lives.

One of them is revealed right where the event itself took place; out in the water. It is our nature to gravitate towards those environments or experiences that we feel comfortable with. Invariably, these choices give us a false sense of control. As amazing the story is, so is the principle I gleaned from Joel’s quotes: In order to achieve the impossible, we need to do the uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to walk out of the place we know into a place we don’t. Just as Peter dared to step out of what he knew was safe (the boat) and moved into a place he knew was not (the water), we need at times to move from the safe to the daring. And it is very uncomfortable, and sometimes scary.

But what is the alternative? What is the story you want to tell? How will you know how far, high or deep you can go if you stay safe? Probably our biggest hesitation lies in the fact that we don’t know if this next step we are taking is misguided. It could also be that we are unsure we have all the facts, making it easier for us to step back and wait. I subscribe to the idea of making good decisions with enough information, but there are times in life that we just have to move boldly towards our calling. This might be that time.

And just as the story has many principles, any daring step will also bring new challenges and new unknowns. But think of this: No one before or after Peter has ever walked on water. What is it you feel called to do that is uncomfortable? Could this be the moment that could define the rest of your life? There may be many things you don’t know how to do, but remember that “how, usually follows obedience”.

If you hear Jesus telling you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”, and “Come” then take that step, because Jesus doesn’t hang out in boats, he’s out there in the water.

You can watch Joel’s message here.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2014
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 Quit!

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There’s a scene from the movie Facing the Giants, in which coach Grant Taylor tells Brock Kelley to do the death crawl with a teammate on his back. The kicker is that he had to do it blindfolded, and the only direction he would received was the voice of the coach, not the sight of his eyes. It is a very inspiring scene. It represents life in many ways, yours and mine. We go through life many times crawling, because that’s the only way we can advance. And we also we find ourselves crawling blindfolded with extra weight over us. A perfect combination for a quitter.

We have all had these seasons in our lives. Moments that make us question everything. Times when our sight is clouded, blindfolded, and we have no direction whatsoever. Times in which we have an extra weight on our backs that pushes us down, reviving the idea of quitting every second. It’s in moments like these that I appreciate the coach Taylor’s of the world. Those that push us harder and inspire us to continue to move forward, even when we can’t see where we are going. That voice that leads us to the end zone, and helps us realize that we can do more, be more, achieve more. That voice that will not accept a no for an answer, and will expect the best of us, no matter what.

We need those voices. We all need from time to time; a firm voice that will acknowledge the pain, the struggle, but in spite of that will inspire and push you to the end zone. Just when Brock says, “its hard”, coach Taylor responds, “I know its hard, but you can do it”. And louder and louder he shouted on, “Don’t quit, Don’t Quit, your very best!”.

The same I tell you today. Don’t Quit. I know its hard, I know you can’t see anything in the horizon, but trust the voice, even if it is your own, that tells you; Don’t quit! Don’t quit on your family, it might be hard, but you have to give your very best! Don’t quit on your passion, I know its frustrating some times, but you have to give your very best!, Don’t quit on your children; there are many disappointments, but they are full of potential and they deserve your very best. Don’t quit on your God, He is the ultimate voice that leads you to the end zone, that pushes you further, beyond your limits, because He knows you can do more.

You can be a coach Taylor to the Brock Kelley’s in your life. Or maybe you feel like Brock, and just want to give up. I know, I’ve been both. Just follow the voice, push hard. If you do I promise you one thing; You will get to the end zone and everyone, even yourself, will be amazed of what you will achieved.

So above all, DON’T QUIT!

Enjoy the clip!

“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, 2014
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A cure against wandering

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Listening to the tunes of Agnus Dei and How Great is our God, I wonder of your majesty and love. You have made me yours, even when I wander through this world and ignore your promptings to my own peril.

In the moments where our soul is sober and clear, questions flow and are inevitable. How can we elevate our thoughts and soul to the stature of whom God wants us to be? How can we honor you with the life you have entrusted us? It is for us to look at my own life and ponder where we are. We should not live a life of the likes of chicken, meddling in the earth and always feeding from the ground, scared of everything and tossed around by even the most minuscule of provocations. We should be living a life of the eagles, soaring high and elevating our lives above the circumstances and hitting it’s target with precision. Why? Why is the pull of this earth so strong in the soul and mind?

I can’t conclude definitely what are the facts that contribute to this, but I know that in part is what we let our lives be fed by. We let distractions, well, distract us. Can this be changed? What do we have to do to make life more focused and significant? What are the pressures that need to be alleviate from our life so the “right” food feeds the soul and mind?

I ponder this myself. I should understand better what is it that makes me act and react the way I do. Why the wandering? Why the unfulfilling pursuits and self flagellating journeys? How can I, in the pursuit of happiness, ignore the inclinations of the world and have the right sight of The Most High? How do I shift from the “I” to the HIM? Can it be done? Can I conquer this fallen state of mind and life? Is there a way where the focus of life runs away from the present state and passing satisfactions to the future prize of eternal joy, rest and fulfillment?

HE is Holy. I am not. He is the Most High, not me. When this heart focuses on him and realizes what he has done for it, it melts and drops. The stance is of adoration and prostration. Can this life be lived with that inner stance everyday? Is it possible to fulfill His purpose in life?

God is faithful, We are not. But we want to be. Knowing that never once He has had left our side is comforting, convicting and humbling just because it has not be reciprocated. Shame is the word that best describes the sentiment. Shame of walking away from the path that was made for us at the cross. Shame is the feeling that comes from a life that has wandered many times over. We question; I question. Can you give us a new heart? Can you change the way we respond to life? Can you respond to us when we plea as David plead? Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. – A pure heart, a steadfast spirit. – If I want something in this life is that. This is where I could dare to put my “I” first. A heart that kneels before the Creator and a spirit that longs nothing else but Him!

A pure heart and a steadfast spirit focussed only on that which HE wants. This is what I want in life. So I ask and pray, for a cure against wandering: A pure heart and a steadfast sprit. You should ask the same.

Ps51.10

“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, 2014
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

A fine-tuning place

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And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 3:17–4:1

The story paints the scene when Jesus had just been baptized by his cousin John the Baptist and the audible voice of God validates to everyone who he was. I don’t know about you but that would be reason enough for me to be emboldened and put a spring in my steps, but obviously I am not Jesus. The scripture tells us a very interesting event that followed; He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and tempted. (Matthew 4:1) In the natural, this might seem very strange and even contradictory but it actually makes a lot of sense. There is a principle hidden here: Nothing substitutes process.

There are times in our lives that we just don’t understand. I mean we receive all the green lights, the approvals and even the support of those dear to us, but then after the euphoria and the emotional high fades, we find ourselves walking alone in a desert place. It is a place that grieves us and antagonizes us constantly and it seems not to end. We don’t understand why if everything seemed right, felt right and looked right we are in a place that is barren and inhospitable.
But if you subscribe to the idea that there are no substitutes for process, you will understand something else also:The wilderness is a prerequisite for the calling. Head knowledge alone does not qualify you, experience does. And even when things look a little dicey right now, this might be the place that will prepare you for your next assignment.

But even if you don’t concur with my beliefs, the principle works in every area of life. Nothing substitutes process. And when you make peace with this, you will see life from a different lens. The question will no longer be why, but what? What is the reason I am going through this? What is it that I have to learn about myself that I cannot discover any other way? What traits in my personality is changing, pruned, modified, strengthen? What is it that I am lacking that this situation is testing me for? Your wilderness situation has the potential to unveil your potential, and that is always a great place to be in.

So even when it might be a hurtful, confusing or dark season of your life, maybe, just maybe this could be the greatest moment for you. Just as the 40 days of testing and temptation that followed, the time in the wilderness became the foundation from which Jesus’s ministry would sprung from.

It is your decision. You can either wither and dry, or you can blossom if the middle of this real or even apparent dry place, it really doesn’t matter which one it is. The wilderness is really a fine-tuning place.

“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 quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Substance is what matters

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For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” This came as a surprise for me. Apparently the apostle Paul was not a very good speaker and he was regarded as unimpressive, yet he wrote more than half of the new testament. What he lacked in presenter skills, presence and verbal abilities, he had more than enough in actions and in his writing ability. He clearly knew what his limits were and even acknowledged it, but that did not deter him in his purpose of life. We should be inspired by this bit of information.

There is a constant comparison race all around us. We all judge and are judged by our outward appearances. A nagging reminder that we should live up to someone else’s expectation and that nothing can be left to chance or someone else will take the lead. The reality is that we all have different levels of abilities and skills, and there will always be someone with better, faster, smarter ones than ours. On the flip side, some will lack in the areas in which we excel. It is not our duty to impress others but to fulfill our purpose. Just as Paul was belittled by those around him, we should expect that in any given point in our lives it will happen to us as well, but that should not deter us from being the man or woman God created us to be. It doesn’t matter what others think of you if you are walking your walk. There will always be people that believe it is their purpose in life to run yours. Don’t let them.

I know many incredible individuals that might lack verbal abilities, but no one can even come close to their focus and purpose. They stumble in a platform but excel in the field, and I admire them. Just as Paul did, words are not necessary when actions are needed. Do your thing. If your gift is writing, write. If it is comforting, comfort, if inspiring, inspire. If you are gifted with public speaking, speak, if it is administration, administer. If instruction, teach, whatever it is your gifted with, don’t argue with those that want to steer you away from your destiny or even take as nothing of significance that which you are doing. But it is imperative that you do. Don’t stay in the sidelines meditating on it or even rationalizing it; you have to do, take action, walk towards your dream. Actions always speak louder.

Paul answered this way; “Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.” Words became substance, and substance is what matters.

“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 quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Be careful who walks with you

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COUPLE-WALKING-ON-A-PATH--001There 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”

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 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.

The morning that started it all

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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.

“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 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.