Tag Archives: English

The valley or the mountain?

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by DP

Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. Genesis 13:11-12 NLT

Abram and Lot had a situation that needed an immediate decision. Their flocks and family had grown so much that they were interfering with each other. Space and food were the prime assets and there was not much of it to sustain both families. So Abram gave Lot a choice; the valley or the mountain. Lot chose the Jordan Valley, a place that was plentiful and sustainable to the immediate sight. But this place was also close to Sodom, a place full of sin and perversion and as the story unfolds, near to destruction.

Lot had became wealthy because of Abram and in spite of that, he chose what appeared to be the best land for himself. So don’t be surprised that when you help someone, or they even become better financially, emotionally, or relationally that this might also happen. They will chose, if given the opportunity the best for themselves.

But Abram was shown the mountaintop. A place that from the valley could not be seen clearly. A place that would seem difficult to get over, but it was the place where he would see much further, clearer and better. From this place God gave Abram a legacy and a promise that is still alive today.

When we are faced with decisions, we should always take the “high road”. It is usually the most difficult choice and often not necessarily fair from our point of view. Even if the decision is taken for us, we should always take the high place and be still , because your mountaintop is near. Your faithfulness will move God to honor you.

Look at your situation or dilemma with a different perspective. You might be seeing the valley as the “big” prize. God may be allowing this moment of apparent injustice and ungratefulness to show you the way to your mountaintop. From there, your vision, your mission and you calling with sprung forth a legendary legacy that will impact your generation and the future ones to come. If a valley is taken from you, a mountaintop is in store for you.

So what will you chose today, the valley or the mountain?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2010

It is Cancelled!

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by DP

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. Mathew 18:27

A dear friend was telling me how grateful he felt, especially these days. He is a businessman, that as many of us, has had his share of ups and downs. In a recent venture, he got into pretty difficult times, not because he didn’t know what he was doing, but because everything, and I mean everything came to a halt. Permits, referrals, inspections, income, all stopped. In this new place that he rented, he owed literally thousands of dollars, not because of poor stewardship, but because not being to operate on time due to circumstances completely out of his control. When he spoke to the landlord, expressing his eagerness to start getting up to date in his payments, since he recently was able open, she told him: “I am very happy that you are able to start, I know of your troubles, and I have been praying for you, so you can start this month, but you will start in zero, you owe me nothing”.

Wow!, this amazing story reminds me of how our debts have been forgiven. Jesus died on the cross for us and took all of our iniquities and forgave us. He made us anew, He cancelled our all of our debts and gave us a fresh start, and He didn’t had to do it. It also makes me search my heart to see if I need to forgive and cancel someone else’s debt. It might be a debt of money, but more importantly a debt of love or forgiveness.

Has someone hurt you, wronged you? Is there someone that you struggle to forgive when you see or think about? The scar in you life might be so great that it can’t be missed. It is a constant reminder of a painful and difficult time in your life. Time that you might be even going through right now. You can continue living your life with that feeling haunting you, or you can decide to be free. You can choose to forgive, you can choose to cancel the debt, even when you don’t have to.

Search your heart, seek the Lord and read His Word. You might be the one receiving a miracle today or even better, someone will hear your voice saying; It is Cancelled!

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2006

The old story is the only story

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by DP

We all like and want new and improved, of everything. The freshness of something different always catches our attention, but I would submit to you this thought: The old story is the only story. Salomon said it in the book of Ecclesiastes, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”. But as we continue to pursue the next best thing, or keep up with the latest trend, we find ourselves in an endless race of nothingness.

We believe that if we create a trend, a movement or even a brand we are redefining how things are done. And I have to concede that things today are done different and that we have been able to create many improvements. The way we approach business, the way we raise our family, the way we even do church has changed and in many ways and in doing so, we have found many new ways of doing practically everything. But when we go deep, there is really nothing new.

That brings me to the central theme of this conversation: The old story is still, the only story. The story of forgiveness, sacrifice and empowerment that was performed at Calvary, is the only story. Today we live in an extremely visual generation, in all that we talk, express and share. There are so many choices that we can literally be overwhelmed. And what about our choices of churches, we can sit everyday and even depending on our mood, we could choose what church to watch over the internet, or even go to. But the story is still the same; He loved us in such a way, that he gave his only son for our sins, no matter what they are. And to accept this sacrifice and surrender our lives to him, is the point of the story.

You see, it really doesn’t matter the form, the style, the mood or the place, Jesus sacrifice can clean you of your sins today, if you surrender. You will be made new. He is able, He is waiting and He has done all that is necessary so you could have life, and life abundantly. The form you might be hearing the story could be different, but the essence of the story is the same. You could go around and around trying many other “stories” and still continue to feel empty and lost. This is the story: He loved you so much, that he gave it all and that is why the old story is still the only story.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2011

He (God) does not play dice

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by DP

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Albert Einstein, indisputably, one of the greatest minds ever existed, created the theory of relativity and many other great achievements, but even a privileged mind like his understood a fundamental principle. God is not a random God. Einstein said, “I am convinced that He (God) does not play dice.” He does not do anything randomly.

A scientific mind that was constantly accustomed to question everything in his path to validate or to reject it in the pursuit of the truth. Yet when confronted with evidence that he had observed, his conclusion was that there was no randomness to God’s work. We are not a coincidence or the product of random events, we were created for a purpose and by a God that leaves nothing to chance. We are his masterpiece.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2011

If he said it, He will do it!

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by DP

I will call a swift bird of prey from the east—a leader from a distant land to come and do my bidding. I have said what I would do, and I will do it. Isaiah 46:11

God through the prophet Isaiah was preparing the children of Israel for their deliverance from captivity. He was telling them not to be afraid from the idols that were in Babylon, and even warned them not to make any of their own, he didn’t need any help. These idols would not obstruct or impede in any way their deliverance. He brought to their memory and called upon the promises that God had given and already done on their behalf. He called them to trust in the power of the Lord, for his power was unquestioned. He will deliver on his promises and in spite of the unbelief of man, He would do what he said he would.

What an amazing declaration! It says that a bird of prey will be called by Him. It states that He will even use those situations we believe are bad to accomplish what he has promised. He will awaken someone half away around the world to perform his assignment, on our behalf. He will use you, yes you, to accomplish his will in ways that will amaze everyone. So it doesn’t matter where in the world you are right now. If he said it, he will do it. It doesn’t matter that your name is not recognized by the masses, or even acknowledge by those close to you. If he said it, he will do it. It doesn’t matter if you serve in high places or your present assignment is meager in the eyes of people. If he said it, he will do it. It doesn’t matter if you are the underdog, if he said it, he will do it. It doesn’t matter if you are oppressed and shunned by all. If he said it, he will do it. It doesn’t matter if this is the eleventh hour and all of the circumstances are against you and everything hangs on this moment, if he said it, he will do it.

Is this the end of your resources? Do you think that the promise that has been hanging in your heart will not come to pass? Let me tell you that what he said he will do, he will do it. It is not a promise made by a man, by an institution. It is made by Almighty God himself, and on verse 5, he asks the question; “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?, and on verse 9 He states “for I alone am God! I am God and there is none like me” He will perform, period. If he said it, he will do it. We don’t have to second guess him or analyze everything, we just need to trust Him.

You might not see things aligned the way you thought they would this very moment but don’t be discouraged, be certain of this today; If he said it, he will do it!

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2010
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.

Who can ever be against us?

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by DP

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Paul was writing to the Romans, and in this chapter he punctuates how to live in the spirit. He made contrasts of his own life, stating that the afflictions of the present time are not comparable to glory to come, which will manifest in due time. A contrast filled chapter. A sobering recount of the true situations of this life and our human condition. But in spite of that, and in spite of recognizing our flaws and afflictions, Paul makes a statement: Who can ever be against us?

This to me is an expression with an attitude. If God is for us who or what can stand against us? There is nothing that could stop us moving forward. There is no circumstance that will slow us down. Neither sickness nor lack, neither tribulation nor anguish, neither the present time nor the times to come, neither the high nor the profound nor any other created thing will separate us from God. Nothing will stop us from fulfilling our destiny.

Are you being stalled? Are you in a crossroad? Is your purpose being questioned and attacked? Is your dream being ridiculed by your resources? Be certain today, that nothing will ever stop you if our God is for you. He turned water into wine, he stood up to the scribes and pharisees, resurrected Lazarus from the dead, he conquered sickness and opened the eyes of the blind. He conquered death, sin and fear, so who could ever in it’s right mind even think to stop us? Shout it out loud, WHO?

In the book of Psalms 8:5, there is a declaration that says that we were created a little lower than Elohim. In essence a little lower than himself. Elohim means “the uncalculated power of God”. So why have we chosen to live a lesser life? If he has created us to his image, why would we be afraid to dream Big, to dare to do what He has birthed in our hearts to do? To go to places no one else has gone before, to do what has not been done before. If he said it, if he birthed it in your heart, who can ever be against? Even when you feel that your life is over, that the possibilities for you are slim to nil, don’t count yourself out, if God is for you, who can stand against you?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2010

You can hear and purchase this wonderful statement on the song titled “Our God” by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman on http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/and-if-our-god-is-for-us-deluxe/id399909224

Within your reach!

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by DP

He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and killed a thousand men with it. Judges 15:15

Samson had been tied up with two new ropes, after he had taken revenge over what the Philistines had done. They had killed his father in law and his wife, although these events unfolded after Samson himself had provoked this retaliation. He had burned their crops and villages. Chaos created more chaos, uneasiness more uneasiness.

To avoid a mayor retaliation he was taken over to the Philistines by his own people. The story says that after they started shouting in signal of victory, the ropes that were bounding him became like nothing. And he used a fresh jawbone of a donkey that he spotted on the road and was within his reach and with it killed a thousand men. A moment of certain failure, became a moment of great victory. This story tells us that everything that you need is within reach.

We may not be facing the situation as Samson was, he was bound by physical ropes and being marched to be handed over to his enemies by his own people. But you might be bound with many other ropes. Depression, anguish, financial lack, divorce, sickness, a legal proceeding, betrayal by your own and many others that might be marching you down to what might seem a definite failure. You might even feel, that this chaos and this uneasiness was provoked or created by you. Even when your situation appears that there is no way out, God’s word reminds today that what you need to be free, is within your reach.

Everything you need to fulfill your destiny is within reach. He gives us a seed to plant or an idea to harvest. Look around intently, see with His eyes, and you will find that jawbone, that resource, that idea, that encouraging word that will thrust you to a new experience, a new season in your life. What seems to be a life threatening situation, will become a life changing experience, not only for you but for all that are watching. This moment is made to change your path, to change your legacy in a way that will surprise your enemies and will glorify the Lord Almighty. What seems to be certain defeat, it becomes an opportunity. Opportunity to let God be glorified, and work in and through you.

How good is to have a God that uses what seems small and insignificant, much more abundantly than we ask or think. Use whatever he has given you, but use it with His strength, not yours. All odds against you will be defeated and your life will never be the same, because everything you need is within reach.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2010

And suddenly…

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And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting; Acts 2:2

This word has been resounding in my spirit for quite some time. It is specially important to me since this portion of the scripture was the one that was read and studied the day my life was surrendered to Him, some twenty-five plus years ago (March 27, 1981). Suddenly, in an instant, without delay, right now, suddenly!

They were gathered in one accord when suddenly a rushing mighty wind came and filled everything. It permeated the place. There was no emptiness. It came announced by a sound from heaven, so everyone there would recognized that this sign was no ordinary one, it was certainly a supernatural experience.

When we are puzzled as to how, when, why things will happen, then God suddenly…Many men and women have experienced the suddenly’s of God. Moses was between the Red Sea and pharos army, surely a death trap, when suddenly the sea was parted and they walked thru dry land. Ruth a moabite in a land that was not her own, became the wife of an important man and part of Jesus genealogy, when suddenly Boaz sighted her. Joseph interpreted a dream and then suddenly became second in command right from the depths of the dungeons. David confronted Goliath only with a sling and five stones, when suddenly he defeated the giant. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle a jew in a foreign land was about to be killed by Aman’s hand, when suddenly the king ordered this same Aman to honor him in front of all of the people. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were thrown into the fiery furnace, when suddenly a forth man like the Son of God, came and made them loose. Daniel was thrown into the lions den, when suddenly an angel came and closed their mouths. Peter had not caught nothing all night then Jesus told him to throw his nets on the other side and suddenly the one net he threw was so full that it was breaking. And the list goes on and on.

It stirs my spirit that we serve a powerful and mighty God that suddenly changes everything for His glory and sometimes we don’t realize it. So don’t be discouraged as what you see with your physical eyes, you serve the God that acts suddenly. He can change every circumstance in an instant. He has the authority, He has the power.

Remember, it will not be slowly, it will be SUDDENLY!

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2008