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Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11).
King Solomon paints for us a picture of what a God-given and God-honoring woman looks like. Read the rest of the chapter to grasp just how special this type of woman is. I have a wife fitting those descriptions. God has equipped men and women with certain gifts and capabilities meant to enhance a marriage and to thrust it forward to where He wants us to be at. However, such a woman isn’t to be seen as a threat but rather as a compliment to the relationship.
Truth be told, few men can compare to what she can do, and some men, including God-fearing ones, don’t believe in her abilities. Many have a small vision of what such-type woman should be doing for her husband. Some, think women only belong in the house and that their gifts are just a waste of time because they will not allow them (the women) to fulfill their call. Granted, it isn’t easy, but there have been plenty of times when my wife’s intuition, knowledge, and skills have been “on target” whereas, I’ve been clueless. Whoever said that behind every great man, there’s a special woman, is correct.
Here’s a shout-out to all the women fitting God’s description of a “lady after God’s heart.” Thanks for honoring God with your lives. Thanks for tuning in to His ways, His mind, His direction and in the process, complimenting your spouse. To you, as well as to my wife, here’s wishing you A Happy Mother’s Day!
You are extremely special!
God Bless,
Sam

I remember being 3-4 years old and my mom holding my hand and looking at my small fingers and telling me my fingers were like small French fries. I looked at them trying to make the comparison. Ever since I’ve always looked at small fingers in the same way. Interestingly, we both love fries!
When I was 4, some Friday nights were CHILLER-THRILLER nights. Mom had my three cousins, Elsie-whom I haven’t seen in 48 years, and whose birthday will be tomorrow, Curie, and Patty, along with my brother and me watching the scary-monster movies. We’d have chips or Jiffy popcorn while the ugly creatures played out their scenes. Every time something scary was about to happen, the girls would scream and mom always looked to the side and covered her face. She usually said, “Ooofff.” She still does, and says the same thing at 84! Mind you, back in the very early 60s movies weren’t gross or extremely scary. Most scary scenes consisted of shadows showing what might take place. Nevertheless, it spooked us. One movie I remember was Attack of the 50-foot Woman who I think came from a spaceship.
One day in the second grade, we made ashtrays out of clam shells, I guess for Father’s Day. Mine was reddish. I guess I didn’t finish painting mine because I went home knowing exactly what to do. I took my mom’s red nail polish and applied some. It looked exactly as it should, and no one would know I finished it at home—or so I thought! As soon as mom walked in the door, she asked, “What’s that smell?” I think I had to confess.
One time, we were at a doctor’s office and I had gotten a shot. I was crying a lot. To comfort me, mom told me she’d buy me a cake at Antionette’s which was the restaurant on the ground floor of our building. I said Ok. As we walked on, I stopped crying, but I was surely thinking of that cake! As we were right in front of the store, I pulled on mom. My actions were saying, “Umm, aren’t you forgetting something?” I said, “Where’s my cake?!” She said, “Oh, but since you stopped crying…” I said, “Hey, I’ll start crying right now, if that’s what it’ll take to get my cake!” She said, “Ok, OK” and happily I went for my cake, which was either the large 4-5” deep chocolate Ring Ding, or the three Yankee Doodle cakes. They were worth every penny of the .10 paid, as well as every tear shed on this occasion.
In general, moms are always there for us. I’m sure they could tell us long-forgotten stories we’ve overlooked or no longer remember. This past year saw a lot of moms leave this world due to COVID. Perhaps you lost your mom, your grandma, or an older sister that was like a mom to you. My heart goes out to all of you. Life will never be the same when mom is gone. Treasure those memories that you have held dear to your heart. Cherish the good moments together as well as those of hardship. Maybe you’re still caring for your mom. May God strengthen you on the path you’re on. Honor her as the special person God placed in your life to raise you.
God has always loved His children and cared for us like a hen looking after her chicks (Matthew 23:37).
Let your mom know how much you love her and appreciate her. If you need to forgive, then please do so. It’s God’s one conditional commandment: “Honor your father and your mother that you may live long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20;12 NIV).

Ever gotten lost? In general, my wife and I are quite opposites to other couples when it comes to a few things. When I’m driving, I’m the one who prefers to stop and ask for directions while my wife just wants to continue going in circles until we ‘figure it out.’ At least, we’ll know for the next time, she’ll say. I guess that means we’ll get lost again!
And in respect to getting lost, that’s me again! But, getting lost isn’t limited only to driving. My ‘skills’ really shine when watching movies! My wife says I turn a 2-hour movie into 3 hours…maybe she’s being nice! Years ago, we used to have our “Blockbuster Nights’ on Fridays. The kids would tell me nice things such as, “Now don’t get lost, Papi!” and, “No more questions!” But of course, I was helpless. The “nice” things would eventually include, “Don’t let Papi get a hold of the remote!” I remember one time as being the best! The kids slipped the VHS tape into the player and proceeded to warn me. The lights went out, everyone was quiet amidst a few giggles, they held their breaths, and after feeling secured and just before pressing the Play button, I said, “Wait!!!” Our youngest turned around laughing uncontrollably! and said, “Bendito, Papi, the movie hasn’t even started and you’re already lost??!!” I just had a question!! I miss those good times…I’m sure my wife does too, since there’s no one but her to answer me or put me back on track!
Getting lost is a reality to lots of us. Amongst the worst is getting some place early only to learn that we’ve arrived at the wrong place and then scramble out only to arrive late at the right place anyway, ugh!
I’m sure you’ve seen the signs, “Don’t follow me, I’m lost.” Makes sense. God wants us on the right paths. He understands getting lost. He even understands being lost. The former refers to an accident or mistake, or somewhat intentional (to make corrections for future attempts). However, the latter refers to a state or condition. Knowing that humanity was lost as result of sin during the fall of man, God made a Way to put us back on track. Like viewing a maze from a helicopter, God knows where in a maze we are. He knows which paths we’re taking. He knows which will lead us to dead ends as well as which will lead us out.
Even before the fall of man, God had made a way for all of us. He sent His Son Jesus to show us the Way. Jesus is The Way. He’s the Way to the Father (John 14:6). He’s the Way to eternal life. He’s the Way to forgiveness. Jesus can detour you. He can change your life’s course and place you on the road to His heart. He can place you on the path to His house. He will direct you to streets of gold via His GPS (God’s Perfect Spirit).
Whether you get lost on trains, buses, driving, or in movies or following a story, God is the best there is in the realm of Lost and Found. Stop. Take a Right. Ask God for directions. Get on track. The Holy Spirit is your remote; He will guide your steps.
God Bless!
Sam

Many times, riding my bike I found one of my tires to have suffered a slow-leak or a flat. With an empty tire, you can’t get far. Many times, I had to walk miles to get home if my patches didn’t work or something else occurred.
Sometimes, cars run out of gas-leaving one on foot. Or, we can get so exhausted from work that we feel like we’re running on empty. Most of the time empty isn’t a good thing. However, it can be. Jesus emptied Himself to become human like us. It means, He put aside His glory, His riches, His power, His Godly attributes to take on a human nature. Though equal to God, He laid it all aside, temporarily, for us.
All world religions have rites or rituals as well as traditions that set them apart from others. However great they may be, the leader or leaders they represent, are all dead in their graves or will be. Jesus is the only One whose tomb is EMPTY! Empty because after completing His redemptive work-taking upon Himself the sins of the world, He pleased the Father by satisfying the greatest demand of all time-a perfect sacrifice. No animal or animal’s blood could accomplish that because it was tainted.
Only the perfect Lamb of God-Jesus, could shed perfect blood for all mankind, for all time. And so to this day His tomb remains empty. Empty because on the third day He rose to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God for all eternity. Only Jesus can make that claim. Only in Christ can you find forgiveness. Only in Him can you find everlasting life. Only in Christ can you empty yourself and be filled with Him. An empty tomb can translate to an overflowing heart. An empty tomb means there is nothing else to add to the story, or to the Gospel. We’ve heard the saying, “He’s full of himself.” Hence, only when we’re empty of ourselves can God fill us.

Happy Resurrection Day!

God Bless,

Sam

We all generally know from watching movies that someone blamed for a crime or an act of violence is innocent until proven guilty. We tend to want and demand justice. We decry vindication. We want our day in court. When we see justice served, we agree, we applaud, we rejoice. But sometimes, justice isn’t what’s needed. What if the tables were turned? What if we’re guilty until proven innocent? Today, we celebrate what many allude to as Good Friday, though lots of evidence proves it should really be Good Wednesday-but that’ll get discussed another day.
As a little kid growing up, I wondered why my mom would tell us, “Today you can’t make any noise, say any bad words, can’t yell, can’t hammer, etc.” Then I learned it had to do with Jesus’ sufferings on the cross. From as far back as our ancestors go, Adam & Eve, we are all guilty of sin. We’re born into sin. We have no choice. Regardless of what we do, sin is always present. Nothing we do can change that. Only One Person changed our destiny: Jesus. God became man to pay the price for our sins. It was a price no human could pay. He reconciled us to God. People often get sidetracked shifting their focus to unimportant matters such as whether the Jews or Romans got Jesus crucified. The answer is both, and neither. While both groups were involved, neither was needed to accomplish His crucifixion. It was His love for us that held him to the cross. It wasn’t the nails fastening Him to that tree, but His commitment to reconnect us with the Father that spiked Him there until His death.
We have all been guilty of His death. Though unborn at the time, we had a part in it. Our sins took Him there. But you don’t have to carry your burden of guilt! You don’t need to live in chains of depression. Many people today want to end their lives because they’re caught in a cycle of guilt, pain, or remorse. You don’t need to kick yourself for the things you can’t help or control. Your freedom from sin is as close as a breath away. It’s as close as arriving today. In fact, it’s as close as happening right now.
This very instant whether you’re sitting down, happen to be on your knees, or are flat-out on your face, you can cry out to God in sincerity.

1.Tell Him you’re sorry for your sins. Don’t justify yourself.

2. Ask for His forgiveness.

3. Ask Him to remove your sins.

4. Ask Him to come into your heart and take up residence.
Jesus will do just that. He will remove your sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He will cast them into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19). That means He will not remember them anymore-and neither should you. He will write your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev.3:5 and 21:27). You will have eternal life! When you leave this earth, you’ll go to heaven and will meet Him!
You will no longer be under the yoke of sin. You’ll be free! You’ll be proven innocent in God’s court of law due to the blood Jesus shed when crucified at Calvary for your sins.
TAP, TAP, TAP! (Gavel coming down) Verdict: Innocent! Outstanding sin-debt=PAID IN FULL! Conclusion: Free of Sin!

God Bless!

Sam

Humanity sins daily as well as in every waking moment.  You may have cleansed yourself from your old ways.  You may have cut ties with enticing love-things that choke your breath; relationships or habits that drain your life.  You may have even committed your life to God, or may have recommitted yourself to His ways, only to end up back in a pit.  All in all, “We gotta get right back to where we started from” (Maxine Nightingale).

Regardless of how many times we may fall in the mire, God is standing nearby with a towel in hand willing to wipe us off and cleanse us with His love.  You see, His blood shed at Calvary, has washed you clean.  He’ll extend His hand to help you out of the pit, but you’ve got to reach out and grab it.  See, God’s love isn’t based on chocolates, sexy outfits or even red hearts.  His love is based on His sweetness.  It’s based on what’s in His heart for you: to return you wholly and holy to His Father.  His love, like His heart, cannot be found at a local store.  No one can price a life.  It’s priceless.  No one can put a price on your worth.  You’re beyond worth.  You’re beyond any number or figure that someone at an auction can spit out for your soul.  His love is unconditional, meaning that nothing you do whether good or bad will change how He feels about you.  His love for you is based on His desire to love you and to welcome you into His family.  Of course, we can choose not to accept Him.  We can choose not to reciprocate His love.  We can wash our hands and scoff at the thought that He loves us.  He’ll continue loving you; but you will reap the consequence of that choice.  “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:33).

 A belated

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sam

Ever done something good, maybe even really good, and thought others would be proud of you?  Surely, someone’s bound to pat you on the back, right? I mean, after all the sweat and hustle, how can they not appreciate your hard work?

Let’s visit Jesus on His journey near the Sea of Galilee with His disciples to the country of Gergesenes.  They got off the boat and something caught Jesus’ attention.  From afar off, He saw two people that were demon possessed.  They came out of the tombs being exceedingly fierce.  They never allowed anyone to get past them.   They shouted at Jesus, “What have we to do with you, Son of God? Are you come here to torment us before the time?” It’s interesting that today, so many people don’t believe in Jesus or in His deity, yet, here are demons acknowledging Him as the Son of God just by seeing Him.

 They saw a herd of swine in the distance and begged Jesus to allow them to go into them-should He cast them out.  Jesus granted their wish. They left the men, entered the swine, which caused them to run violently into the sea drowning them all.

The keepers of the herd, upon seeing all that happened, ran to the city and told everyone what they had witnessed to the two men possessed by the devils.  I’m sure it was a sight to see and a spectacular event to encounter: Screeching demons begging Jesus not to torment them, followed by their release from the men and then entering the herd of swine (Matthew 8:28-33).

Let’s tune in to what happened.  Let’s pretend a news reporter was on hand. Hear his words:

“Unbelievable!!! No one has ever been able to get past these two demon-possessed men! And here entered Jesus without a hint of fright!  Witnesses claim the demons begged him not to torment them! Can you believe that?!  Let’s speak to one of the witnesses! Sir, sir, can you tell us, what happened then?”  (Witness): “Good morning! Well, here we were tending to our swine when we heard these screeching sounds coming from those two men right there (points to the distance). It happened right after they encountered that man-Jesus.  It seems, the possessed men were dispossessed (exorcised) from the demons that daily terrorized them and this region.  They were like, disarmed!  Suddenly, our herds just went wild, I mean WILD with a thunderous clap of hoofs storming by!”                                              

“They ran violently down that steep slope right down there (he points again).  After more screeching sounds, not one swine came out alive!”  (Reporter): “Tell us, and then what happened?”  (Witness): “Well, me and my buddies ran as fast as our legs could carry us into the city (looky-my-feet) to inform everyone what great and unheard-of events had taken place today.  I don’t think we have ever witnessed such news!”

(Reporter): “To you out there tuning in at this very moment from the comfort of your home, your tent, or your camel, I’m seeing what appears to be the entire city coming out right now!!  We’ve heard some amazing stories about this man, Jesus!  How he’s healed the sick, has given sight to some and has made the cripple walk. This is pretty awesome, I mean, without ointments or trickery!  Let’s see how they express their gratitude to him!  I’m sure they’ll present him with some sort of token for his act of bravery! Maybe even a dinner-invite at one of their home, or a chicken, or little piggy.  I mean, two men released of their demonic chains after, who-knows-how-long! No one has ever done such heroic acts!!! 

“Sir, sir!  Are you leading this group?”  “Yes sir, I am!” said this gruffy-looking fellow. Where is this Jesus man?” he asked. “Right over there, sir” I tell him; I don’t see any chicks…

(Leader): “Look Jesus, we think you should leave our territory, in fact, I’m begging you to scram, to hit the road with your followers, to skedaddle at once!”

(Reporter): “What??!!” “Are they nuts?”  This man is an amazing man! He has the hands of God! He’s like no other!  I’d love for him do some miracles at my place! Hey, Jesus…wait up…” Putting his pad and pencil away he says…
“Well, there you have it folks, LIVE, On-The-Spot from Gergesenes, we’re outta-here!” “This is W-A-Q-U-I NEWS- where the unbelievable happens, and believe you me, this is unbelievable!”

Yes, Satan has been dethroned and dismissed from our lives once we yield ourselves to God. In fact, Jesus defeated him at the cross and made a spectacle of him.  However, he will continue taunting; especially, if we don’t know it.

(Matthew 8:34reads: “When they saw him, they implored him to leave their region”).  The multitude asked Jesus to leave their land.

If you’ve been overlooked, overworked, underappreciated, misunderstood, sidelined, etc. don’t feel bad. Jesus understands.  This city preferred their swine over the healing and miraculous-working hands of Jesus.  He wasn’t welcome.

And so, we can miss God right in our midst.                                                             It’s easy to overlook the extraordinary work of God in our lives.  He oftentimes challenges us in our walk with Him.  He draws us in our pursuit, yet, we may not know how to react. Maybe we need to learn to recognize God-at-work in our day-to-day living.  We can’t afford to push Him into a corner, or worse, ask Him to leave our premises.  He will comply with our demands. Let’s allow Him the room He needs to work His miracles.  Let’s allow Him into our living rooms and kitchens for a meal as we thank Him for our deliverance and our salvation.  Let’s treasure those moments.

“Lay not up treasures for yourselves upon earth…But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

God Bless!
Sam

Psssttt! You, yeah you! Come here! Sshhh…! I want to show you something. First, let me cue you in on a little secret some of us know.  Most of us can relate to our homes, whether large, small, modest, extravagant, etc. It’s where we feel most comfortable at. Homes make us drop our worries, plop up our feet, relax and watch TV, read a book, or a blog…It’s where we can be ourselves, it’s where the real me is most evident.

 I want to show you something you’ve never seen before.  Try any TV channel you’d like, or surf the internet, and you’ll never find anything that’ll come remotely close to it.  Ready?  Grab your binoculars, your cellphone or camera, pen, paper, and let’s head out.  

We’re going to climb that mountain.  Almost there, just a little bit more.  Here we are!  Quietly, tiptoe right here and look over there.  Can you see that wall?  See how great and high it is?! Do you see those gates?  Those are the pearly gates.  There are twelve gates having twelve angels. I sure would love to see at least one of those angels! YEAH!!  Sshhh…!  There are names written on each gate which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.  There are three gates on each side.  The wall of the city has twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The city measures approximately 1500 miles wide x 1500 miles long on each side including 1500 miles in height!  Its wall is about 200 feet high!! WOW!  The building of the wall is made of jasper.  The city itself is pure gold like clear glass!  Can you imagine living in there?  The foundations are of precious stones.  Can you see them glistening from here?! Wow! Get a load of them! Let’s see if we can identify them: I see Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald…What do you see?  I see Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrrysolite, Beryl… I can’t see the rest.  Let me try again….Topaz, Chrysoprasus, Jacinth, and Amethyst!!  Amazing!!

The twelve gates are made of twelve pearls (Revelation 21:9-23)!!

Dude, there are no synthetic materials here!  No cheap hand-me-downs!  Everything is genuine; the real deal!

If only we could get close enough to see inside…I’ll be pleased with just a glimpse right now…

The street of the city is of pure gold (Revelation 21:21)!! Can you imagine riding bike there?  Dude, or roller-blading! I wonder if they’ll let us! That’s like, the first question to ask when I get in there!  For sure!!

Come, right here, behind this rock.  There’s no temple in there.  I can see how bright it is! There are no lights, I see no sun, no moon…It seems God’s glory and the Lamb’s light are what’s shining all around! Wow!!  No mo’ light bulbs to change!! …And power will never go out!!

I hear there’ll be no more crying, no more sick people, no crime, no evil, no liars, nothing that works evil in there, and no more death (Revelation 21:4)!  Man, wouldn’t you love to live there? YEAH!!  But how?  I see angels all around guarding this place.  Ahh! Let me show you how!

Place your trust in Jesus, for “Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Once saved, and on His list, the Lamb’s book of life, you’ll be more than pleased to know He’s working on your house!  Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.  If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2,3).

Friend, are you ready to move in? Waste no time!  There’s no   l-o-n-g waiting list either.  This very moment you can invite Him into your heart and your name will be there!  Think of all the beautiful things beyond those gates!  Yep, the gates alone are spectacular!  Tell all your friends about it!  Plus, you’ll never be alone cause God and Lamb (Jesus) will reside there and we’ll have around-the-clock access to Him!

Next time, I’ll show you a glimpse of the inside!  Can’t wait!!

I’m ready for my forever log cabin/timber frame home! I’ll be decorating for a long, long time 😉!

God Bless!
Sam

My Apologies for the appearance of part 2 of Lord of The Rings!

In its draft setup, it appears in a correct format. However, every time I edit and post it, It shows up convoluted. After technical help, it still stays the same. Sorry! May you enjoy it!

God Bless,

Sam

In continuation of the Lord of the Rings, please review the first 10 rings discussed in my last blog!

Our first identification with Christ as our Savior is a desire to be like Him and a willingness to share in His sufferings. The higher calling of God is a bid to lay our lives for Him.   

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer shares in his book, The Cost of Discipleship, page 99:

“The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world.  It is that dying of the old man which is the result of his encounter with Christ.  As we embark upon discipleship, we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death-we give over our lives to death. Thus, it begins; the cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ.  When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”

The other Rings:

11. Empowering-The Holy Spirit will empower us for the tasks God lays ahead of us. Acts 1:8a reads: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…

12. Outpouring-He will pour out The Holy Spirit upon you for direction, comfort, and confirmation. “for I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants” (Isaiah44:3).

13. Ministering-When we feel alone or like we can’t go any further, God’s ministering angles will strengthen us. “Are not angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

14. Sharing-The early church shared with others having all things in common. Can’t be greedy. Acts 2:44 reads: And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

15. Preferring-Put others before you. Consider them as valuable creations of God.  We’re all made in His image. Romans 12:10 Have kindly affection one for the other with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another;

16. Rendering-Give to God what is His and to man what belongs to him. God is not man. We need to know how to separate the two. Matthew 22:21 Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

17. Covering-Don’t hide behind lies or false teachings. If there’s sin in your life, rid it! Proverbs 28:13 reads:  He who covers his sins shall not prosper. But whoever   confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

18. Appearing-We are to love His appearing! We’re to pray for God to return quickly and take us home to ever be with Him. The AMP reads: In the future there is reserved for me the (victor’s) crown of righteousness(for being right with God and doing right), which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award me on that (great) day-and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.

19. Decluttering-We’re told to set aside all sin that easily besets us. Let’s declutter our minds of things that sap our energy. Hebrews 12:1 reads: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that do easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The ‘Ring’ leading all other rings, the one behind our reason for living; the one that causes men to lay their lives for God’s purposes, is

20. Restoring-The crowning glory in our walk with Christ, suffering, and enduring shame, is for the sole purpose He has had behind our redemption: to restore us to the Father. We’re on a journey with Him with unforeseen challenges and with the ultimate goal being to heal a broken relationship with God which manmade religion can never heal.  Only Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection could mend that relationship.  Why? Because only a sinless person could lay His life for all humanity (God became man not through a regular birth).  He became you and me-billions of times over. That is, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now, being made righteous through Christ

 we can stand before God as clean and as able to fellowship with Him.

 May we have a great year growing in Him as we wear His rings.

God Bless,

Sam