Tag Archives: Life

…depart to the other side

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And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Matthew 8:18

How amazing it is to know that if He said to depart to the other side, He knows we will get there. Jesus gave the command. It was not a suggestion, much less a question, a command. If you read carefully the scripture, He was also the first on the boat, and then His disciples followed him.

We see all of the turmoil around us and we consciously rationalize, I’m not going that way. But deep down inside His voice is saying, “depart to the other side”. We know it, but we are afraid, we feel uncertain and uncomfortable. Haven’t you noticed that He is the first one on the boat? Jesus knew that a storm was on the horizon, and maybe his disciples saw the sky and realized, it’s going to get ugly. Nevertheless, Jesus was the first on-board. His power over everything was later manifested in the middle of the storm.

What is it today that is depriving your sleep? What has surrounded you that keeps you unease? Are you concerned about the future, the what ifs’ of life. Those situations and mental outcomes that we create and dread so much. He is already in the boat. He knows your condition, He knows what you are lacking, wanting, needing. He knows. In middle of the situation we often don’t see Him. We just see the waves. We just see ourselves, alone. Our hearts fill with fear of the unknown.

His command is to -depart to the other side-. And if He said it, we believe it and that settles it. He intends and will perform his word. His thoughts for you are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. He is already in the boat. He is waiting for you to get in and start sailing. Yes, a storm might be in the horizon, a difficult situation is probably around the corner, or maybe you are already in one, but the good news is that He is in the boat, and more importantly, He said to depart to the other side.

Don’t fear, He will arise in middle of the storm and rebuke the wind and the sea. Remember, He said, “depart to the other side”

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2008

Polish your shoes

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by DP

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. Romans 8:28

This morning after mi kids left for school and I was left home to tend to the morning chores that I have to do (or sometimes impose myself to do), I went to my closet to dress up for work. I selected a suit, a shirt, tie, belt and of course my shoes. Then it hit me. These are very nice, comfortable shoes but they didn’t look particularly clean. So even when I don’t like to do it I headed to clean and polish them. This is a process I don’t like, because you get your hands dirty and sticky and after you finish you have to wash your hands very thoroughly so the wax is removed.

Obviously, I am not a professional at doing this, but I do make sure that everything is clean and polished. This is my process: I start by using a coarse brush to wipe clean the entire shoe. Then I select the polishing wax and apply it either by hand or by a smaller brush that is able to penetrate the most intricate places of the shoe, around the sole and between the laces. I let it to dry a little and start brushing out the excess with the same brush I started with. It makes me feel good when I start to see the luster coming out. But there is still more to do. This luster is still a little dull. For that I have another brush, that has more softer and gentle bristles that when applied to the shoe more luster is revealed. This is a brush I like to use, because it reveals the nicer shoe that I was looking for. I also use a cloth, that will polish even further what the brush had already treated and left behind.

While I was doing this, I started to think how God polishes our character every day, if we let Him. You see, a decision needs to be made. That is, the realization that you need cleaning and polishing. And after that, heading to a place or towards the circumstance that will start that process. Once there, if one is to dirty and dull, a coarse brush will do the first job of cleaning and preparing the surface, then you will receive that what is missing, that which will polish you life. Once that is applied the excesses are removed and the luster starts to be revealed. After that only finishing touches and maintenance would be the only thing needed.

Decide today to head out to the polishing pit. Decide today to maintain your life in absolute luster. And even when situations appear to be very coarse and hurtful in your life and you might not understand them, it may be that God will use them to clean and polish you. It may be the only way that the luster of your life will be revealed to the world and make the best impression ever. Maybe God is using this circumstance, this uncomfortable moment to turn around your life and make it shine like never before. It all starts with one decision that only you can make. So go ahead, polish your shoes.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2010

From a mistake to a miracle

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by DP

The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” Joshua 10:8

Joshua had been instructed to eliminate all of the enemies of Israel. He had done so in Jericho, and the city of Ai, but he made a promise to spare the life of the Gibeonites. Most likely they would be the next in line for defeat as these other cities. That is why when the people of Gibeon heard of this, they resorted to a ruse. They would disguise themselves as inhabitants from a distant city, with worn out clothing and moldy bread. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. Joshua did not seek God’s will on this matter and compromised himself and the nation. When the neighboring cities heard of this alliance, and army was assembled to attack Gibeon. But because of their oath, now Israel had to protect them.

Even when Joshua had not consulted God for this decision, which clearly had a binding effect, God performed a miracle that day; the sun stood still for an entire day. Joshua was in this situation because of a bad decision he had made, a mistake. Nevertheless, God acted on his behalf and heard his prayer.

You might be questioning every single decision you have made and every single action done in the past that caused you to be in the situation you are in today. It might feel that there is no use to ask God for direction because it was you who blew it, and you pound and accuse yourself. You even have these solo conversations in your car, asking why could I be so naive? Why didn’t I see this? Why did I trust? Question after question that is only making a bad situation make you feel worst and you translate this failure to make it your identity. Failure does not define you. Failure is an event, never a person.

Stop demeaning yourself. Stop questioning why you did or did not do or say something. Shake off those accusing voices from your life and press on. The past cannot be change, but the future is waiting to be transformed by you. You can go around and around the same issue for the rest of your life, or do something about it. You can continue complaining or lift yourself up and change your life.

Thats what Joshua did. He marched all the way to the battle. He was in it because of a mistake he had made, but he marched on to win the battle, and in doing so a great miracle unfolded. The sun stood still. So could be with you. If you rise up and march on, God can turn things around in your life even if your predicament has been caused by you. God can change everything around if you believe. You will see your life unfold from a mistake to a miracle.

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© Copyright DP, 2011

You have come for such a time like this

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by DP

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such time as this? Esther 4:14

Esther was an orphan, a captive in king Ahasueurs kingdom, raised by Mordecai as a daughter. When Vasti, the queen, didn’t want to come before the king, he decreed that another woman should take her place as queen. All virgins in the province were gathered, Esther was among them, a jew and she found favor in the eyes of all. Her preparation took a whole year, before she was selected by the king to be the new queen.

Haman which had lot’s of influence with the king, plotted and crafted a plan to destroy all of the jews since he hated Mordecai. His plan was made known to Esther by Mordecai and he reminded her that it might be that a time like this, she was risen to power.

Ever wonder why you are were you are now? Do you constantly long to be in a different place? Or do you wish you’d rather have someone else’s circumstances? We need to acknowledge that God has appointed us to the be were we are, to perform with excellence in this place. Be assured that this is your mission. God does not give you blessings just for the sake of it, He always has a plan, a greater plan. The place that you are in, is a place in which God will do great things, through you. You might not understand it right now, but at the appointed time, you will step up to the plate and be a blessing. We usually want to do things in our own time, but it might be that you are in the time of preparation right now. Learn, get prepared, the time is near.

Esther, came from being an orphan, a captive, to become the queen. She understood were and why she had what she had, and recognized that God himself had appointed and made her rise above all. She found favor, and favor violates every human perception. So, don’t look at where you are now, look at where God wants to take you.

Who knows, you may have come for such a time like this.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2006

Growing!

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by DP

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:52

Jesus prompted a search for him after Joseph and Mary had left him behind in Jerusalem. He was only 12 years old. Three days he went missing until finally they found him in the temple, where he said those famous words, “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49. After this nothing else is known about Jesus until he is 30 years of age. Eighteen years of silence, or where they?

A very successful and talented friend, which by the way has impacted thousands of people this year alone, told me that he was at a meeting where he saw some old acquaintances. When they greeted him they asked, “What have you been doing? It seems that we haven’t heard or seen anything from you lately. You have been silent”. My friend, very politely replied, “I have been doing a couple of things,” and he changed the subject knowing deep down inside that he has been fulfilling his purpose and his calling.

When we spoke about it, I reminded him about the “apparent” silent times in our lives, and how the perception of those around us will try to sidetrack and discourage us from our vision and our mission. I asked him, Do you know what happened between the years 2 to 12 and from 12 to 30 of Jesus life? These were silent years. Years where we know little or nothing about Him. In those silent years, Jesus grew.

You might be going through rough and unexplainable times. You might wonder if the problem or the issue is you. It might be, but it might also be that during these silent or quiet days, months and even years, God is helping you do one thing; to grow. Every process, every change is poised to make us grow and to let God do great and wonderful things in us. It might not be clear today, but you will see it in due time: You are growing.

Maybe we view these times as waisted because there is no exposure or busyness. But if we appreciate these years and we look intently, we will grow to our biggest potential and discover God’s work in us. We will be prepared for our assignment. Because all God’s work is handcrafted, never mass-produced.

So remember, when your are presented with discouragement or doubt, whisper to yourself, “It’s not stagnation, It’s growth!”.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2011

What is written in your Staff?

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by DP

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:40

Ever wonder why David took his staff with him to fight Goliath? Why did he need a stick, when he was going to use the sling and the stones? Was he just keeping his options open? One would argue that he had thought, “If the rocks don’t work, I’ll use the staff”.

It is my understanding that the staff was not only a walking stick, but it was also used as a reminder of all of the wonders and blessings of God. You see, if there was no other place to write on, they carved on the staff. David, I can imagine, could had carved on his staff the day he killed the lion, the day he killed the bear while watching the flock. So David went running towards the giant, with all of the deliverance’s of God written in his staff and he was armed with all of God’s past blessings, as reminders of His power and deliverance that day.

There is a lot of power in our thoughts, so take time to write all of God’s blessings in your life. Carve your heart with His word and when the giant comes menacing, you will remember what He has done in the past and say, “You come to me with a sword, with spear, and with javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you” (v45-46) Don’t bring to memory failures. If He supplied in the past, He will continue to do so today. If He healed you in the past, He can certainly do it in the present and in the future.

So take your staff, pick up your stones, ready your sling, and run towards the giant! Great deliverance awaits to those that remember his blessings. I ask you this question: What is written in your Staff?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2006

Water in the Valley

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by DP

For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink‘. 2 Kings 3:17

Three kings made a pact to fight against the Moabites. They had to cross a desert, and after seven days of walking, found themselves without water. Can you imagine a huge army in the desert without water? Needless to say, they cried out for an answer, and the kings themselves went to see a prophet, Elisha. The answer they received was extraordinaire!

How often we are in situations that are similar to the desert, and when we think that things can’t go more wrong, they do! Do we negate our beliefs, our Father, our Lord? Do we desperately focus our attention to the lack of resources, ideas, health, or even friends? In verse 18 the scripture says, ‘And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD;’

Why do you look at your circumstances? Don’t you realize that this is a simple matter in his sight? Can’t you see that you serve the Almighty God?  He wants to do extraordinary things in you and through you, so that your dependence in Him grows stronger and stronger. You will see His amazing deliverance, when you praise Him, act in obedience, and give Him your personal offering. You will realize that this is a simple matter for God and you will then see, Water in the Valley. 

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright DP, 2006

Whom shall I fear?

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The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

This is a bold declaration of the confidence King David had in God. My attention goes particularly to the declaration that the Lord is his light and his salvation and the strength of his life. Guidance, rest, confidence, endurance, are many of the attributes that these words might mean to any particular situation. But one should not ignore that light is necessary in the dark.

So this affirmation that King David was voicing was done from a dark place in his life, or from the experience of a dark place. Not a desirable place to be. It should also tell us that these times will certainly come upon us. And it is in that particular moment or season of our existence, that guidance is most precious. So the question is, who or what is guiding you? Are the situations of your daily ordinariness dictating your path? Are you walking in life like if you were feeling your way around in the dark? We all have had moments or even seasons like these. These moments instill upon us fear, anguish and sometimes desperation of the unknown. These are very vulnerable moments.

Are you in a dark place? Today the affirmation that He is your light and your salvation, and the strength of your life should flourish from your heart. Amidst of the situation that you may be confronting today, He will guide and strengthen you to walk with a firm path, even in this dark moment. It is not time to develop your own strategies, solutions and answers. Probably you are in this place know, because you did it your way. Or maybe not, because we all experience dark places in our lives at some point and those situations will make us grow. Nevertheless, it is time to seek Him and ask that His light be upon you. To guide you, to assure you. His light will shine out of darkness, and you will be afraid of no one because you are founded in firm ground.

He has given us authority over all things through Jesus, and even when you might feel extremely vulnerable today, He is your light, He is your salvation, He is the strength of your life. He is El Shaddai, The God that is more that enough. He is your more than enough. It is this truth that makes us affirm in a bold manner: WHOM SHALL I FEAR? OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”