Faith Joy & Coffee

“Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel”
– Colossians 1:5 –

Paraguay, a country of friendly people, is located in the heart of South America. However, it is also the only bilingual country iin the region, as Spanish and Guarani are spoken there in practically all of its territory.

Mr. Carlos Antonio López Ynsfrán was the first constitutional president od the nation, but also a figure of great academic and cultural ability. He was elected in 1844 and re-elected three times, remaining in power until 1862. He ruled his country for 18 years and died on September 10, 1862.

He was a great entrepreneur with conquesrs in the judical, administrative, and educational areas. He created more than 300 schools and declared free and compulsory education. He dreamed of the development of his people. One of his most famous phrases was “Schools are the best monuments we can offer to freedom.” Today, the pos-graduate scholarships granted by the government for studies aroad bear the name of Carlos Antonio López, as a tribute to his visionary leadership.

In addition, he worked to give equal opportunities to all citizens and ethnicities. He invested in ethical and moral values, encouraging the formation of families based on marriage and gave them ownership and a source of work, as much with livestock as with agriculture.

When the festivities of Paraguay, in the heart of South America, are commemorated, we will celebrate together, but also take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the higher homeland, which is in Heaven, where the conquests of great leaders will be small before the King of kings and Lord of lords. A land renewed and purified of all sin will be the heart of the whole universe. Celebrate the conquests of the earth, but place your eyes on heaven, a place of living hope and incorruptible inheritance.

“We must bring heaven into our hearts, into the daily life”
(This Day with God, p. 320).

“The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God”
(Evangelism, p. 219).

“Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones!
Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim.
If we can see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed”
(Testimony treasures, vol. 3, p. 257).

“I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound!”
(Review and Herald, November 13, 1913, par. 19).

“We give thanks to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you”
– Colossians 1:3 –

Paul always emphasized the need to pray for one another.

Praying to have dicernment of God’s will, that is, praying to know, to be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s will, to be wise and intelligent.

Praying for power to fulfill God’s will, that is, praying to do, to walk as is worthy  of the Lord, and to please Him in everything.

Praying for netter and more fruits, that is, praying to bear fruit, for better fruits in the life of the one who prays, and for the fruits of new lives brought to Jesus.

Those who will put on the whole armor of God and devote some time every day to meditation and prayer and to the study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming influence upon those around them. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty to God, will be theirs. They will be yearning for purity, for light, for love, for all the graces of heavenly birth (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 112).
When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and more fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then. Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the Spirit of Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it (ibid., p. 161).

“Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed,
and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent
than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then.
Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued
with the Spirit of Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it”

Let us go back to our “First Love…”

“Now that I speak in regard to need,
for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”
– Philippians 4:11 –

He had learned to be content, not in the sense of allowing himself to be content, but in the sense of being enough in himself for Christ was with him. The apostle was not limited to situations. Learning to be content did not mean lack of interset or commitment to progress and growth. It is not the situations that were going to define his temperature; it was Paul who would impose the temperature of the environment.

The thermometer is an instrument used to measure the temperature of the environment around it so that it adapts to its environment. Mercury or alcohol contracts or dilated, marking the cold or heat, doing absolutely nothing to change the things around it. It only has the ability to measure; it does not influence or modify. It is resigned to considering events and circumstances as a simple spectator. Its main virtue and purpose are to inform.

On the other hand, the thermostat is a device that, connected to a source of heat radiators, air conditioners, and so on, has the ability to regulate the temperature automatically, preventing it from going up or down from the appropiate level. In other words, it has the virtue of transforming the temperature of its environment to the necessary level and enough for everything around it to work perfectly. It is not a mere spectator, but an ective protagonist. Its main virtue and purpose are to maintain the temperature or transform the environment.

Many are like the thermometer. They just think, talk, report, and do nothing to chane history.

Many are like the thermostat. They are not subject to the circumstances of the environment; they are always content, self-sufficient in Christ, and instruments to transform the environment.

They are like salt that gives flavor or like light that illuminates the darkness. According to Paul, the thermostat believer is never disturbed or transformed by the world; rather, he or she transforms it, and if necessary, upsets it, always for good.

A well-known writer reffered to these thermostats believers in this way:

Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God… They would have a powerful influence upon the life and character of those around them, which would work as leaven amid the mass of humanity, transforming others through the power of Jesus Christ. Connected with the Source of Power, they would never lose their vital influence, but would even increase in effeciency (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 51).

Like Paul, be a leading, active, and transformative thermostat.

Be a blessing…

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things”
– Philippians 4:8 –

Praying. The apostle was referring to prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Prayer includes worship of God. The plea is the sincere presentation of our problems and needs. Thanksgiving is a token of gratitude. Worshipping requires sincere recognition; pleading needs submission; and giving thanks needs humility.

Daniel was an example of praying, worshipping, pleading, and thanking God. Therefore, even in the lion’s den, he was at peace, while the king, still in the palace, could not sleep.

Thinking. Wrong thoughts produce wrong feelings. Only Christ can lead us to think correctly. If we sow a thought, we reap an action. If we sow an action, we harvest a habit. If we soe a habit, we reap a character.

Paul told us what to think about. About all that is true, that is, what originates in Christ. About all that is noble and just, that is, right and worthy of respect. We cannot allow lies or disrespect to control our minds. In everything, keep yourself pure because a pure heart is one that has pure motivations. The action may seem respectable to us, but the motive has to be pure. Being kind is being attractive.

As Christians we must think of the highest and noblest things of Heaven and not the lowest and most corrupt things of this earth. If there is any virtue, if something praisworthy will motivate us to be better, and if it is worthy of admiration, it is advisable for the other.

Acting. There is no way to separate the outside from the inside. Most of the fruits we harvest are the result of the seeds we sow and the plants we cultivate. It is not enough to fill our heads with knowledge; it is essential to practice, do, and act.

In the Greek school of thought, knowing a chair was being able to define the materials it was made of. I know something if I can describe it.

In the Hebrew school of thought, knowing a chair was only possible if we sat in it and our back and body found rest.

An old pamphlet from a secular institution like the UN said:
“Prayer is the manifestation of love. You can change the world
with your prayers and your resulting action.”

May the Lord bless your thoughts today…

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”
– Philippians 4:6 –

If anyone had reason to worry it was Paul: disagreements in the church of Philippi and, possibly, nearing execution. Thus, he explained how to overcome worries. The word “concern” comes from the root “strangle.” Yes, concerns can strangle us because they stretch us in the opposite direction of hope.

Pastor Daniel Belvedere, a man of God just like Paul, was passionate about preaching the gospel and was an inspirational teacher of evangelism. He put passion “in my veins” for the salvation of people. He said that four things were needed in order to overcome worry:

1. Have an action plan.
2. Live the present wisely, one day at a time.
3. Work with the inevitable.
4. Trust and depend on the Lord.

Many song lyrics that are meaningful were born of human adversity. Lindsay Terry told the story of “One Day at a Time.” Marijohn Wilkin could play the piano by ear at the age of five. When she was fourteen, her father contracted cancer and died three years later. With pain and effort, she cared for her mother and successfully advanced in her university and music studies.

A short time after she got married, her pilot husband was killed during World War II. At the age of thirty-seven, she was one of the leading composers of the country music industry. She remarried, had a son, and wrote more than four hundred songs.

In the midst of acclaim and money, Marijohn stopped attending church and became an alcoholic. She tried to kill herself several times, but God, in His grace, saved her life. At the age of fifty-three, Matijohn wrote her most famous song: “One Day at a Time.” This composition is much more than a song; it is a prayer:

“Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
So for my sake teach me to take
One day at a time.”

This song quickly spread throughout the world. She had returned to the Lord. She was a faithful and happy Christian.

Although each day can bring seemingly insurmountable challenges,
always keep in mind that God will never leave us or abandon us.
Prepare for Heaven by living one day at a time.

Be blessed, my brethren…

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren,
my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved”
– Philippians 4:1 –

In Philippians 4, Paul answered certain tacit questions:

1. What is the secret to victory? Stand fast in the Lord.
2. What attitude should we cultivate even in challenging situations? Rejoice in the Lord always.
3. What is the best way to live our lifestyle? Moderately, uprightly, and gently.
4. There are so many things that worry me. What should I do? Let us not allow worry to burden our lives.
5. I am distressed. What should I do? Pray to God, asking for His peace.
6. I am not sure how to make the best decisions. What should I do? We have to choose whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, whatever is praiseworthy.
7. Sometimes I think about prosperity and also about lack of resources. How should I deal with this? We must learn to live in poverty or in wealth.
8. What should I do with the many good things I have learned? Live and share them with others.

There are relay races in athletics. They are foot races for teams of four or more competitiors in which a runner goes a certain distance and then passes a pipe called a “baton” to the next runner. This continues until the distance of the race is completed.

In the 4×100 race, the men’s world record is held by the Jamaican national team, with a time of 36.84 seconds, achieved at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Each runner must give the baton to the next runner. The baton is a cylindrical bar. It is thirty centimeters long, twelve millimeters wide, and has a minimum weight of fifty grams. It is smooth and hollow. The baton must be given from hand to hand. Carrying the baton is necessary to be able to win the race.

When God saves us, He works a total transformation in us.
He places the baton of our salvation in our hands
so that we may place it in the hands of another.

No one will reach Heaven alone.
Someone handed the baton to us so that we could hand it to someone else.

Let’s be team-players. May the Lord bless you…

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also
eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
– Philippians 3:20 –

The information identified Orlando as a dream city. Among the reasons for the ongoing attraction are Universal Studios, Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, beaches, museums, parks, sport fishing, and adventure sports. Thousands of visitors seek rest and pleasure in some of its entertainments. It takes sixty-seven eight-hour days to take in all the highlights. Of course, visting this city is not something available to everyone.

In contrast, there is another true dream city, and it is available to everyone. When Paul referred to this city, he said that it is where our citizenship is, promised by the One who said He was going to prepare a place for us (see John 14:1-3).

It is a unique city, with foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. It is clean, safe, healthy, perfect, eternal, and available to anyone who believes in Him. The amusement, healthy entertainment, rest, pursuit of knowledge, space and special travel will not be sporadic and only for a few people. Everything will be permanent and for everyone.

That city and dream life are the reason for our hope. We know that, as Aristotle said, “Hope is the dream of a waking man.” This hope is not based on poems, philosophies, or assumptions, but on the sure and powerful word of Jesus.

This citizenship makes us new inhabitants of a new environment. God will restore what Adam and Eve lost. It is the same city that the ancient patriarchs longed for and we wait for according to His promises. All memories and scars of a world of sin will be the wonders of God’s universe.

“And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase” (The Great Controversy, p. 678). A new life, a new city, a new citizenship in the dream city of God: The New Jerusalem.

Are you getting ready? Are you dedicating time, resources,
and commitment? Are you inviting others and encouraging
their decision to make the trip? The dream city is ready,
the visa is approved, the reservation is made, the price is paid,
and the Maker is waiting for us.

God bless you…

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption”
– Ephesians 4:30 –

Paul says to do nothing to “grieve” the Holy Spirit. Summarizing a presentation by Pastor Wilson Endruveit, we will show some habits that jeopardize our redemtion with quoties from Ellen G. White.

1. Inappropiate amusements. “Amusements are doing more to counteract the working of the Holy Spirit than anything else, and the Lord is grieved” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 281).
2. False Christianity. “The Spirit od God is grieved because many are not right in heart and life; their professed faith does not harmonize with their works” (Testemonies to the Church, vol. 4, p. 247).
3. Covetousness. “Ananias and Sapphira grieved the Holy Spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 72).
4. Mistrust in the love of God and His promises. “When we seem to doubt God’s love and distrust His promises we dishonor Himand grieve HIs Holy Spirit” (Steps to Christ, p. 118).
5. Not controlling the imagination. “You have will power, and you should bring it to your aid. You have not done this, but have let your highly wrought imagination control reason” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 310).
6. Fear and complaints. “Jesus is their friend. All heaven is interested in their welfare, and their fear and repining grieve the Holy Spirit” (Gospel Workers, p. 261).
7. Disunion, contention, and selfishness. “The Spirit of God will not abide where there is disunion and contention among believers in the truth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 221).
8. Slacking in observance of Sabbath. “When your temporal circumstances seem to require attention, you violate the fourth commandment without compunction. You make the keeping of God’s law a matter of convenience, obeying or disobeying as your business or inclination indicates. This is not honoring the Sabbath as a sacred institution. You grieve the Spirit of God and dishonor your Redeemer by pursuing this reckless course” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 247).
9. Hardness of heart. “While standing over the dying bed of my husband, I knew that had others borne their part of the burdens, he might have lived. I then pleaded, with agony of soul, that those present might no longer grieve the Spirit of God by their hardness of heart” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 67).

Sometimes we are saddened by what we believe God did or did not do for us.
Today I want to invite you to take care not to grieve God’s heart.

God bless you…

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good
for neccessary edificatoin, that it may impart grace to the hearers”
– Ephesians 4:29 –

In some countries, a popular expression is used: “His tongue must be connected to his foot because every time he speaks, he sticks his foot in his mouth.” This implies that speaking badly is connected to acting badly.

In today’s text, Paul says no corrupt words (i.e. something spoiled, worthless, or smelling bad) should come out of your mouth. Words do not oroginate in the mouth. Jesus Himself said that “out of the abundance of the heart speaks the mouth” (Matt. 12:34). Christ’s grace changes the whole person, even your way of speaking.

The sinner has a closed mouth with regard to God. The believer has an open mouth that praises, testifies, and glorifies God. Paul knew this from his own experience, when he went from speaking threats and deaths against Christians to opening his mouth to clearly proclaim salvation in Christ. We go from rotten words which sicken and kill, to mature words which heal and give life.

Peter was identified as a disciple and had to curse anf utter words to show that he had nothing to do with the crucified one.

There are many who are influenced for good or for evil as a result of everything we express. Considering this, Robert Wong recommends these steps: Think, Observe, Listen, and only after, Speak. We have a mind to think, eyes to observe, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak. Then, and only then, are we in a position to convey something meaningful.

To think is to meditate, pray, and communicate with God. To observe is to be attentive to the things that happen both in the world, and where you live, and their relationship to the prophecies in the Bible. Listening is paying attention to what God says through His Word. This allows us to understand, comprehend, and enables us to speak with meaning and significance. Only then are we able to speak, with substance, science, mind, and heart.

The remedy is that the heart be filled with the love of Christ. Words have power, either for good or evil. Paul states that we should speak in such a way that what we say builds up others.

With Christ, our words can heal rather than hurt, bless instead of curse,
build instead of destroying, and comfort rather than accuse.
Always speak words of life, and connect your heart
with God’s heart and your tongue with your heart.

Be blessed…