Author: admin

We all know what it’s like to be thirsty or “Dying of thirst” as some of us say. Our lips dry up and parch.  Being thirsty can cause us to ingest liquids not necessarily healthy for us.  In our lives, we can even “drink” from wrong sources.

We can also get “thirsty,” spiritually-speaking. This is something seen everywhere worldwide.  There’s a thirst from within that yearns to be quenched.  Unfortunately, millions turn to “unhealthy” alternatives which can never satisfy.

King David, feeling alienated from God at a particular moment, wrote: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1 ESV).

So, why are people thirsty?   Too many things to drink, too many options, but only ONE source, Jesus!  I once saw a TV script that went something like this:

 Clerk: “What’ll you have with that?”

Client: “I’ll have a Cola.”

Clerk: “Will that be a Pepsi or a Coke?”

Client: “I’ll have a coke.”

Client: Will that be a Coca-Cola or an Un-cola?

Client: “Cola.”

Clerk: “Will that be large, medium, or small?”

Client: “Medium.”

Clerk: “Will that be a bottle or a can?”
Client: “Bottle.”

Clerk:  Will that be regular, un-sweetened or diet?

Client (Frustrated): “Regular!”

Clerk: “To stay or to go?”

Client: “Jeeze!! Just give me something to drink!!”

We have to drink Jesus’ Living Waters; He serves us all in every way!

“For my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed themselves cisterns-broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13).

Have you forsaken God these days? Are you into humanism, psychology, mythology, and a host of other “cisterns” that leave you dry?  Are you drinking from fountains that temporarily satisfy but leave you thirsty next day?  Stop searching around dry areas for this precious source!  Drink from the fountain of youth! Only Jesus offers Living Waters!  He alone quenches our thirst. Just what does that mean?  From beliefs in self-improvement organizations, self-aggrandizements, self-empowering movements; and religions, nothing out there can fill spiritual emptiness with still waters.  Only Christ can.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, “Rivers of living waters will flow from within them” (John 7:38).

Even in the wilderness Israel sang: “Spring up, O well-Sing to it” (Numbers 21:17).  Yep, no matter where you are in life, Jesus, the source of Living Waters, is there.  I’ll drink to that.

Drink up!

Sam

Everyone’s intrigued with giants.  People wonder what it’s like to be way-up there.  The Bible mentions several giants and people can’t get enough about them.  Of course, you’ll always have people who’ll claim to have new and fresh info.  It’s almost as if they were first-hand witnesses!  There’s stuff we know and stuff we can research.  Nevertheless, it’s pretty interesting to learn about people that were over 9 ft tall, even close to 16’ and taller, but, there’s a different giant that people miss.

God’s chosen people, fought many wars and defeated many kings and nations.  Yet, like many people-groups before and after them, some of the giants we face, are within us.  Nevertheless, we can conquer them too with God’s help. Who is this other giant?

Sometimes in cartoons, we’ll see a small ant or animal send a larger critter running for their lives, thinking “I showed him.” But then we realize that behind them there was a larger animal scaring off the enemy.  That’s what happened with God’s people when they went against their enemies.

“It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them” (Psalm 44:3).

God was behind the scenes fighting for His people.  Another verse in Jeremiah 20:11(JUB) reads: But the LORD is with me as a powerful giant; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper; they shall have everlasting confusion which shall never be forgotten.”

While most versions omit “Giant,”  and say “Powerful warrior,” the Spanish version, Reina Valera, doesn’t. Check this out:

“Mas Jehová está conmigo como poderoso gigante; por tanto, los que me persiguen tropezarán, y no prevalecerán; serán avergonzados en gran manera, porque no prosperarán; tendrán perpetua confusión que jamás será olvidada.”

The giant above all giants, Jehovah God, shall always fight on our behalf. This giant will never be defeated and will never perish.  You’ll never once read, “ATTENTION! God lost the battle at…” or that He was chased away…It’ll never happen!

So, besides our obedience and trust in Him, we’re to remember He’s the ONE fighting our battles.

God Bless!
Sam

If a song were to be selected as theme of the 2020 decade, I would go 100% for the Temptation’s Ball of Confusion.  Check out these random lyrics:

“Ball of confusion Oh yeah, that’s what the world is today, Woo, hey, hey…So round and around and around we go, Where the world’s headed, nobody knows…Fear in the air, tension everywhere…”

From rise in crime, to teen and preteen suicides, the world has gone nuts; yet, we’re living in it.  How do we keep our sanity? You do, still have it, right?  I know, it’s hard.  It’s preferable to sing the song because we like it than because we’re part of it.

One main reason for the chaos is that people lack discipline, self-discipline. People are out of control. Mayhem is rampant. We can’t account for others, but if we’re under control, it’s a start.  The more people controlling their anger, injustices, home-problems, etc., the more control we’ll see around us.

So, what’s the key? One of the biggest takeovers happened in silence. Can you imagine in today’s “yell-at-the-top-of-your-lungs” protests, conquering an enemy’s city without saying a word?

Joshua was to take over the city of Jericho. Easy strategy from God: Joshua’s army was to march around it once a day for six days in SILENCE! Then, skedaddle. On the seventh day, they marched around it seven times, again in silence! But at the trumpet sound, they shouted.  The miracle was not in taking over the city, but that “The walls fell down flat” not crumbling over (Joshua 6:1-20); denoting, God’s intervention, and not man’s work.

We’re not called to control a city, but rather to control our lives.  God sees a lack of self-discipline, similar to a chaotic city.

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28).

God Bless!

Sam

Back in the 70s, David Holmes sang “I’ve got a nickel; I’ve got a nickel shiny and new…” I remember having shiny new nickels, they looked so good, I didn’t want to spend them!  If you’ve ever had something new and shiny like a bike, motorcycle, car, etc. you’ve wanted to protect it.  You clean it and buff it endlessly.  God has meant for His bride, the church, to shine brightly in the midst of a darkened world.

In the midst of conflict, natural disasters, turmoil, and unending hardship, the body of Christ rises to the occasion contributing with their God-given gifts.  As we cook, deliver food, goods, clothing, build shelters, provide counsel, insight, sing, embrace, or provide a myriad of other helpful gestures, we are glorifying God and lifting up Jesus through our selfless deeds.

Around the world, as chaos ensues, the body of Christ is quick to stand to its feet to assist his fellow man without seeking recognition, and thereby bring glory and honor to God.  Satan uses tumultuous situations around us to wreak havoc and to show the world that God doesn’t exist, but without saying a word, the Word, Jesus, is exemplified by our caring acts in a hurting world. As we honor our fellow man, we honor God. In doing so, we shine brightly and speak loudly without uttering a word.

God Bless!               

Sam

Back when I was 7, there lived a girl of about 14-15 who lived with her family across our building.  One day she asked my father if I could join them on a trip to Coney Island. Approved, I wore dark pants and I think a light blue shirt.  She brought along a nephew similar in age to me and happened to be wearing the same outfit!  We were like brothers on that trip. At Coney Island, cowboy hats were bought for us.

We enjoyed similar rides and activities-except one.  At one point, I went on a small roller coaster ride without him.  When the operator saw me, he said, “I see you’re a cowboy, that means you like to go fast.” Boy, I wanted to take off that hat so fast! My insides were saying “NO!”  But, round and round and up and down I went.  Got off and never ever went on roller coasters again-until our daughter tricked us into one a few years ago! 

Have you had your share of life’s up and downs?  Been roller-coasting for some time now?  Have you wanted to take off that “hat” for some time and yelled “NO!” every time another trial shows up? I can relate!  God understands!  Do you want a fresh beginning?  Need new direction?  Let’s learn a few things from God.

With the start of a new year, we want to live it up making sure not to miss anything.  We want to grab ahold of life.  We want to accomplish our dreams and pursue new heights.

Generally, our plans, dreams, and aspirations differ from God’s plans for us.  Our best bet is to line up ours with His.  Since He’s Jehovah-El Hay, the Living God, He challenges us to live life to the fullest. The first step to living for Him is to die to ourselves.  Only when we die can we fully allow God to live through us.  After death, we need to be buried with Him; that is, put sin to death in us.  How? Don’t practice it!  Sin is crucified in us through our spiritual death because Christ took it to the cross for us. We need to be sure the “Old Man” in us will not rise again.  Through His resurrection, we too share in it by rising from the dead!

Our next step is to share in His sufferings and truly identify with His meaning of life.  Life will have more meaning when we realize we no longer live, but Christ lives through us (Galatians 2:20).

Desire a better life? Die to self, lead others to death also, and to life through Jesus Christ, El-Hay; The Living God.

Happy New Year!
Sam

Originally shared with our church on January 20, 2005

Ever receive a blank check to cover losses or meet a need? Neither have I!  But some people have received such a blessing.  Imagine, being trusted to honestly write-in an amount required to cover the cost of a need this Christmas. God knows your needs as well as mine.  He’s made out a blank check with your name on it.  The amount, though, is one only He could pay. Knowing you need a Savior, Jesus paid full price for sin: by dying on a cross, and taking upon Himself the burden of our sins.

He not only bore the pain, shame, and suffering. He became a curse in our place. There are thousands of people living in shame either for things they’ve done, haven’t done, or for having been falsely accused.  So great is the shame, that many can’t face life anymore and sadly, so sadly, many have taken their lives.  Jesus took our shame upon Himself.  He knows what that’s like.  Upon the cross, the Holy God became sin that we might become His sons and daughters. He took upon Himself our unrighteousness that we might become righteous.

Oh, I know, to many, Christmas is way-past; by almost two weeks.  However, when Christ is in our hearts, we have a perpetual Christmas season because Jesus is born not in a manger, but into our hearts. But though the holiday is over, His blank check offer is still under the tree of your heart.

Like a Christmas gift, unwrap it, open it, receive it and deposit it in your life’s account. “Cha-ching!” Get direct deposit!  Jesus will reside within you, and while it won’t snow inside, you’ll still have a “white Christmas” cause – “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18)!

God Bless!

Sam

Happy New Year!  For about two decades now my wife and I fall asleep way-before midnight on New Year’s Eve.  We wake up to a new day, new month, a new year, and welcome it.  I like fireworks, but that’s not usually the case in Puerto Rico where “celebrations” begin early, about 6p.m. Here, it’s a bunch of noise where small cars (usually stolen), are revved up on and on and their drivers burn rubber on the streets.  Usually, the cars themselves are later found burnt.  Besides the roar of the cars, there are shots fired in the air in rapid succession.  These are practices known to the police-they grew up on this island, so they know.  But nothing is done about it.  I’m so glad we’re in the mountains about ¼ mile from the main road.  If it’s loud up here, imagine those near where it’s happening.

Last night, there were a few fireworks but mostly M-80 bombs; thunderous claps that rattled you in your chair.  Before 11pm, I was drifting off to sleep and heard a few of those noisy booms go off.  But soon my snoring was louder than those M-80s!  I drifted off to la-la-land and heard nothing more.

This new year we look forward to great promises from God.  He’s always seated on His throne-meaning, He’s in charge and in control of everything.  “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20NKJV).  They’re also conditional. They’re true to those who serve Him and have their sins forgiven and their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).  While we look for His return, we enjoy His presence in our lives.  But if you don’t know Him as savior yet, don’t put it off another day! Soon, there will be a thunderous clap heard worldwide which will not consist of fireworks, but of something greater; even dreadful.  Please be ready before that day!  If you’re snoring louder than what’s happening around you, “Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light” (Ephesians 5:14 AMPC).

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; and then the heavens will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the[material] elements will be destroyed with immense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).

Let’s make 2026 the year we commit or recommit our lives to Him that we may serve Him whole-heartedly and be ready for His soon return.

Happy New Year!

Sam

Recommended Song: People Get Ready Crystal Lewis

Christmas décor is great and beautiful.  The reds and greens, the twinkling lights and the quaint villages make for beautiful and dreamy nostalgia.  Wrapped gifts under a tree beckon us to keep warm and share in gift-giving with loved ones.

A touch of snow, or should I say, a blizzard of it, can be reminiscent of Christmases long-gone.  We might get excited over Santa and his reindeer and his elves.  As beautiful as that can be, I’ve yet to see people touched emotionally over those characters.  Touched, not because they want to sit on his lap for a gift, but touched to where they feel his presence over their lives. Touched, to where there’s conviction in their lives.  Santa and his crew can bring me joy, but can’t change my life internally.  

Christmas is about God stepping into humanity through His Son, Jesus.  We can watch a child sing, paint, or play an instrument for God’s glory, and we are touched because we feel God’s presence in our midst and know He alone can do such wonderful things.

 The color red, representing His blood, was shed for our sins and transgressions against God.  Green, like Evergreens, remind us His love is forever; our redemption is eternal.  Are you waiting for a white Christmas?  Today, you can have you your “red-stained,” sinful life made white through His shed blood on Calvary just for you. “Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah1:18).

The lovely quaint little town you might dream of, might just be waiting for you in God’s heavenly place.  He does know our likes and desires.

Today, worship Jesus for being the true reason behind Christmas. Thank Him for gifting Himself to you.  The baby in the manger came to give His life for us.  How precious His desire to come to us in the most lovely and helpless way: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, dependent upon us to care for Him. 

This Christmas, unwrap and accept His gift for you!  In turn, give the gift of joy and love to others.  Merry Christmas!

Sam

Mom

*Granddaughter, wife and daughters

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, one of the signs that Christmas was fast approaching, besides the cold days spent gift-shopping with my parents, and besides the rising aromas of typical foods such as “pasteles” with its rich ingredients like Yautia, green bananas, pumpkin, salt, annatto, smoked ham, pork, raisins, sofrito (stir-fry), and chickpeas, was having nice outfits to wear.  If you had cousins, brothers, etc. living nearby, everyone dressed up in presentable fashion.  It being a special day, Christmas required feeling good about yourself. “Don’t get dirty” our parents constantly admonished.

Of course, the real good outfits were saved for New Year’s Day.  That’s when everyone spiffed up.  Christmas outfits paled in comparison because the real, fashionable items were the best we’d get and wear.

 If you haven’t anything to wear this Christmas, don’t fret! God has answers for you!  “Answers?” you ask. “I need clothing!” you might say.  Well, God’s definition of clothing and ours might differ.  Read what God tells us:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

Whether you’re clothing is new or not, if you dress the way God wants us to, you’ll not have a problem!  Don His attire and you’ll be sparkling, shiny, and more than spiffed up to be welcomed everywhere you go!  Whatever store you walk into, compassion and kindness towards others is clearly recognized.  Donning humility, gentleness and patience, are outfits desired by many observers!  “My, how patient she is!” some will marvel. “I loved the way he was gentle towards the elderly couple as they tried to figure out their bearings” others will say.  Yep, dress with God’s outfits, and you’ll have plenty to wear not only this Christmas, but all year long! Not all gifts will be found under a tree; Jesus’ gift of salvation hung on a tree! “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on a tree” (1Peter 2:24).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sam

During our Christmases, I would place about 35-47 gifts under our tree. While almost all were wrapped, and a few were in gift bags, none of them were labeled!  Each one, though, was for an intended person. They weren’t generic as suitable for anyone.  Why no labels?  Well, as I wrote last year (Dec. 26, 2024 The Mouse In The House), we had a mousy of a daughter who’d crawl under the tree (well into her teen years!) to count them and spy out the names. 

Everyone was clueless!  “Would I be receiving something this year?”  “What’s mine?” the kids wondered. I relied on my good memory and wrapping tactics to know exactly what was for whom.  Little mousey sniffed her way around the tree but never got the cheese!  Once or twice, I did get confuse on a gift or two, but for the most part, I was spot on.

This Christmas, there might be an unlabeled gift under your tree…Hmmm….A mystery gift.  The mysterious gift has a sender: Jesus.  Under the cross (or tree), Jesus has a gift intended just for you.  His gifts are wrapped with care.  They’re gifts of Salvation wrapped in peace and joy.  The gift has an intended receiver, you!  He wants you to receive it, unwrap it, acknowledge its contents, and accept it. Go ahead, open it!  Within, you’ll find forgiveness and acceptance!  You’ll find love because He loves you more than you’ll ever know!  It’s the most expensive gift you’ll ever get in your life!  It cost Christ His life!  He sacrificed it for your salvation!  It includes a lifetime membership to eternal life!  So, go ahead, grab it now before Mousy-girl goes for it!

“And the angel said unto her, Do not be afraid, Mary: for you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33).

Merry Christmas!
Sam