Category Archives: Purpose

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”

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© 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”

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© 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.

The spirit of the avenger

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When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. – John 11:33

Avenger: someone who takes vengeance. This is a term we usually hear in action packed movies. It usually brings to mind the rouge and unrestrained man that continues his hatred filled agenda and his passionate pursuit of revenge. We portray scenes of blood thirsty vigilantes taking the justice in their own hands. But in this passage we see a different picture.

Jesus had delayed his arrival to Bethany, knowing that Lazarus was sick. In those moments of delay, I can imagine his heart pounding faster and faster. He loved this family, they were his friends and were very dear to his heart, and to wait patiently was a hard task to undertake. And as he obeyed God’s direction, the expectations began to grow inside. His was cool, calm and collected. But inside, something was happening, a spiritual tsunami was developing within him. The most inner fibers of his nature flourished to the skin of his being. There was hurt, sadness, and weeping all around. Then, it became real, clear and present, his enemy was before him. Death had challenged Life.

It is very difficult to understand the emotions and feelings Jesus had at that time. He was being faced with a very personal situation. He became troubled, and anger started to well up within him. A sense of justice and unconformity of the human condition, became a fuel that ignited his passion for redemption. I can imagine that every scene around him blurred as he walked unfazed toward the tomb. His mental stage was clear; death had to be stopped, suffering had to end and joy had to return. Nothing and no one, would stop him now, it was very personal, it was very real.

So He wept. He felt the same emotions you and I feel when someone is lost. When this life gets to us and we question every single belief we have and have ever considered. He went through the motions that you and I have traveled many times. But he remained and he conquered.

And then came those timeless words, “Lazarus, come out!”. Life had emerged in center stage and death recoiled at the sound of his vocal wave. Justice, life, and transformation had prevailed.

The same sense of purpose might be lingering inside of you. And it might come in the most unexpected way. It will appear in the midst of a very troubling time in your life. But it is probably that in that time in which you are most pressed and confused, that will thrust you into you calling and your destiny. Not to perform your own justice, but that of the One who knows all and loves all. A sense of destiny and purpose that will mark a new beginning for many, in the very middle of apparent chaos and confusion.

So your current situation can make you or break you, it is your decision. If you put your trust in God, believe his promises and abide in Him, it will be clear to you and to all, that your spirit has been stirred and everything around you will be transformed. Even those impossible and dead situations that you confront, because you have been infused with the spirit of the avenger.

“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

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”

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

Run your race

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“This isn’t about going back. This is about life being ahead of you and you run at it. Because you never know how far you can go unless you run.” – Helen Bates “Penny” Chenery Tweedy (bred and raced Secretariat)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” – Romans 12:1

“Breathe expectantly, Live confidently and Move boldly”

See the movie clip here

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.

A hope and a future

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by DP

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

In the movie, Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Reepicheep a little mouse, tells Eustace, the boy converted to dragon, that his current state was happening to him, so he could fulfill his destiny; “Extraordinary things only happen to extraordinary people. Maybe it’s a sign that you have an extraordinary destiny. Something greater than you can have ever imagined.” he said. His countenance was not feeling that extraordinary at that time, but he ultimately saved the day.

We all have situations that don’t make sense and our days start to come too slow and seem to end without a hope in hand. But it might be that these things are not happening to you, but more likely they are happening for you. In the midst of the storm, the conflict, and the uncertainty, it is only natural that you will feel uneasy, but this moment in time could be the your defining moment. It can break you or you can choose to break it. You can choose to learn and to grow. You can choose to despair or to hope.

I know, it is easier said than done. But in reality what is the alternative? You can choose to stay where you are and not take hold of God’s promises in your life. You can choose not to forgive, to live in the past and not realign your way of thinking. What will happen is that days will become weeks, weeks will become months and months will become years and you will be in the same place you are today. And If you get the epiphany, to the point that you realize that time has gone by, you will then see that you have just repeated one day, one week, one month or one year, many times over.

But that is not God’s plan for your life. He wants you to thrive and to become all that he has planted in your life for you to become. Those dreams, visions, ideas will come forth and change your life and all of those around you. He wants you to achieve your full potential. A life full of hope, a life filled with His love, direction and purpose. It’s your choice today; make it happen.

God’s plans for your life are good. He has given you a hope and a future.

“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.

Out of the cave

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by DP

David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down. 1 Samuel 24:8

David knew that his calling was to be the king of Israel. At the time he was running for his life along with the men that composed his army. Seeing that Saul was near, they decided to enter a cave and hide. Amazingly, Saul entered this cave alone to relieve himself without knowing that David and his men where there. What a spectacular moment in which David could coup the government, or as his men suggested, kill the king and fulfill his calling. Nevertheless, he restrained himself, and waited. After Saul exited the cave, David emerged behind him, and called him.

This story holds more substance that what is being considered here, but when one reads, David’s first instinct was to take cover and hide; he had actually refuged before in other caves before. He thought that being in the cave gave him the sense of security and it also provided with the opportunity to fulfill his call comfortably. So why he did not take advantage? What was the problem with that?

We all have situations in which we run into caves and hide. There are situations, in which in fact we have to look for a safe place to be and wait. But more often than not, we stay in the cave and don’t come out. We hide in our fears and remain in the dark, we hinder the opportunity of seeing God’s hand in our lives because we stay hidden. Sometimes we even try to fulfill our calling in the dark, not trusting God to do exceedingly and abundantly in our lives. David confronted his situation, out of the cave and in broad daylight.

It’s time to stop running, to stop hiding, to get out of that cave and to leave behind the past, the hurts, the scars and confront your fears in broad daylight. Humble yourself in His presence and then, and only then God’s calling for your life will come to pass. If God said it, it will come to pass, and it will not be hidden.

God is calling you today, out of the cave.

“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, 2006