madefaithfull

Love Sacrifices.

2015-04-03T08:09:00.004-04:00

It is a Good Friday indeed.

Today let us take time to remember the One who turned in His life so we could have ours.
To reflect on the loyalty that took Him to the cross, and the love that kept Him there.

May our hearts never grow tired of giving thanks to a God who chose to draw near and establish intimacy with His creation.

A God who bore our sin so we could taste freedom.
A God whose sacrificial love made way for a promised eternity alongside Him.

Just imagine the amount of love it took Jesus to face death, just to keep His promise!

There truly is nothing He can't finish.

JV

Worth the Cost

2013-08-22T03:22:00.001-04:00

The best will cost you.
Like a cup of coffee from your favorite place, a little pricey, but brewed perfectly every time.
Or the lunch specials from that hole in the wall, with no WiFi but great service.
It's worth the sacrifice because of the guarantee.

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus explains that the way to life is through the narrow gate --- "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

You see, even though the wide path is spacious, convenient, and popular, it leads to destruction.
While the narrow gate is unfrequented, solitary, and difficult.
The narrow gate may not look or feel like the path towards life, but it leads to life...implying that a journey is necessary.

This journey is a life of holiness.

And it will cost you.
Few find this narrow gate because most focus on the sacrifice and not the reward.
Most aren't willing to commit to a life of holiness because they would much rather live within the comforts of their unconfined and uncontrolled perception of godliness; where the measure is "How far can I go and still please God?"
However, true holiness is measured against the standard set by His word, not our preference.
Because a life of holiness is not fit for those seeking convenience, it's for those who are willing to surrender it all for His cause and for His glory.

And it will cost you.
It requires self-denial, and an intentional effort to have our thoughts, words and actions accurately reflect Christ.
The journey towards holiness can be lonely and painful, but He has promised to never leave or forsake us.

Throughout the journey trials will arise, people will come and go, disappointment and discouragement may sink in but...

His grace is abundant and sufficient.
His love is deep and relentless.
And His presence reminds us that He is not as distant as our circumstances and feelings lead us to believe.

For the sake of your future, your marriage, your family, your calling---pursue holiness.
Decide to let go of the fear, guilt, and any addictions attached to the old you.
It's worth the cost because a life spent with Him is our guarantee.
And there's nothing better.

JV

"It's Her." --- Wrap-Up Post

2013-06-04T10:19:00.002-04:00

It's too easy to focus on what you don't have.
On what you haven't accomplished.
On what you haven't seen.
On the missing pieces, and the missing people.
But faith enables you to see things differently.

When I started the "It's Her." series, my intention was to shed light on the underestimated worth us women too often display.
We've allowed our circumstances to distract our gaze.
We've left our hearts unguarded.
And we've let our past haunt us for far too long.
But His grace enables us to see things differently.

The 5 women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ were far from perfect.
They experienced fear, doubts, insecurity and unbelief just like you and I do.
What made the difference is that they chose grace over it all.
And so can you!

Jesus chose to highlight the most scandalous women in his lineage because while most would be ashamed to share these disgraceful moments, He chose to display His grace over them.
He chose to display His strength in their weakness.
He chose to display His relentless love and faithfulness in their lowest moments.
Through the lives of these women, we are reminded why He came.

Ladies --- when He sees you, He sees your best, not your worst.
He sees the woman He gave His all for, just to have a chance at your heart.
Realize that His grace is on display in your life.
And then choose to walk in it.

He didn't need us, but He wanted us enough to say "It's Her."
And that changes everything.

JV

p.s. THANK YOU to all those who have read & supported this blog series. I hope it has blessed you in some kind of way. Thanks for the emails, RT's, Reposts, and written encouragement. I love you guys!

It's Her - Pt. 5

2013-05-31T18:46:00.000-04:00

There are some words that change everything.
Words that linger in your mind long after they've been spoken.
Words that challenge all you've known, all you've planned, all you've envisioned.

One conversation with an angel changed Mary's world.
And the fulfillment of those words have been impacting us ever since.

You see, Mary wasn't the center of attention.
Her humble beginnings wouldn't even begin to measure up to the responsibility she would bear as the Mother of the Messiah.
This unwed teenager, was well on her way to living an ordinary life.
With plans in place to marry Joseph, a hard-working, local carpenter, Mary would follow in the footsteps of tradition.
She would marry, have kids, and raise them to be God-fearing inheritors that would repeat the cycle for generations to come.
However, God's plan included otherwise.

In the first chapter of Luke, verses 26-38 we step into the moment where Mary was visited by an angel with a life-changing message.

Shocked and confused (as any virgin who's being told she's about to be pregnant would be), Mary listens as her purpose unfolds sentence by sentence.

"Don't be afraid, Mary, God has shown you His grace." ---- this was the first response the angel gave to Mary after greeting her as "favored" and "blessed among women".
"She was troubled" when she heard him.

Why? Because I'm sure those weren't words she heard on a daily basis.
I'm sure no one had ever spoken so highly of her before.
She probably even had trouble believing that of herself.
After all, she was just a peasant girl.
Out of all the women in the world, why would God choose her?
He chose her because "Nothing is impossible with God!"

The message was clear.
True love in the flesh would be born.
The long-awaited hope of the world would finally come.
And Mary's womb was chosen to be the carrier of that promise.

The task was overwhelmingly great, yet Mary replies with inspiring words of surrender, "Let it be to me according to your word".

She says "Let it be..." and doesn't even know the uncertainty, the rumors, the hardship, and the struggle she'll have to endure for the sake of the world.

We've all had a Mary moment.
When you hear your purpose but don't fully understand it.
You have tons of questions.
You have fears, insecurities, doubts --- so you question your worth.
After all you've done or haven't done, how and why would He choose you?

Yet that is the perfect set-up.
It's breeding ground for the impossible to happen.
It's when grace steps in and says "You have found favor with God".
Because when our exterior doesn't see it, our interior, our spirit says, "Let it be..."

Let it be according to His will, His purpose, His plan, His way.
Let it be said of you what was said of Mary, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her."

Mary, in spite of her circumstances, chose to believe, obey, and persevere; allowing her to form part in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

And you, in spite of your circumstances, be reminded that:
True love was born for you.
Your long-awaited hope has come.
And YOU have been chosen to be the carrier of His promise.

So, now you can say, "Let it be!"
Because His plan is better than yours.
And with the kind of grace that surpasses your every expectation, fear, and thought of unworthiness, He says "It's Her."

JV

It's Her - Pt. 4

2013-05-02T14:35:00.003-04:00

Her options were limited.
Her hands were tied.
Tragedy chased her.

Judah had 3 eligible yet rebellious sons --- Er, Onan and Shelah.
He arranged for the oldest, Er, to marry Tamar.
But Er was "wicked...and the Lord killed him." [Genesis 38:7]
Next in line was Onan.
His duty was to marry Tamar and give her a son to redeem his brother's name.
But his greed was greater than his honor, "therefore the Lord killed him also." [Genesis 38:10]
Lastly was Shelah.
Judah found him too young for Tamar, although I'm sure the real reason he hesitated to give him to her was out of fear that his youngest (and last heir) would also die with the title of 'fatherless husband'.
So he sent the two-time widow back to her Father's house to wait.

I can only imagine how devastating it was for this young bride to return back to her Father's house, childless and heartbroken.
During a time where a woman's value was defined by the size of her family, the sin of her ex-husbands left her with shame.
And as time passed, the hope for her future didn't look so promising.
So she took matters into her own hands.

If Judah wouldn't give up his son Shelah, then the only option left was him.
Judah owed her a son. An heir to keep the family name alive.
Timing seemed perfect when Judah's wife dies and he leaves on a trip to the city of Timnah.
When Tamar hears this, she changes out of her widow's clothing and disguises herself as a prostitute, in hopes of seducing her father-in-law.
After some negotiation, with Judah's ring, cord, and staff in possession as collateral, her plan works and they sleep together.

3 months pass and Tamar's pregnancy begins to show.
She's accused of being a whore --- according to the law, she should have been home mourning, not out promiscuously scheming for a baby.
So she's sentenced to die.
But the evidence from her one night stand saves her. She had Judah's stuff.
Judah can't possibly kill the woman carrying his heir; and he doesn't.
In fact, with a powerful statement of repentance, he gives credit to Tamar's resilience and says, "She has been more righteous than I..."

You see, although her actions were perverse, her intentions were loyal.
She pushed through her shame, and risked it all to obtain what was rightfully hers.
She lived up to her name, because Tamar means "date palm", a plant that survives the harsh environment of a desert and bears a sweet, nourishing fruit.

Through Tamar, God blessed Judah with twins, Perez and Zerah---restoring the 2 sons he had lost.
Tamar had the willingness to overcome, and that's all God needed to work His plan of redemption in her family.
Her story is a reminder that God's plan never fails.
In spite of our desperate and careless imperfections, He finds a way to abundantly and generously bless us.

Trusting in God's plan for your life means you believe that if He could use a woman's corrupt behavior to bring redemption to an entire generation, why would your life be the exception?
In fact, our lives serve as proof that nothing and no one is out of the reach of His grace.

Through Tamar's bloodline came influential men such as Boaz, King David and Solomon; allowing her to form part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

God has and will always continue to work things together for your benefit.
He is too good to leave you where you are.
His love pursues you, His spirit promises to transform and renew you, and with life altering favor, He says, "It's Her."

JV

It's Her - Pt. 3

2013-05-01T03:15:00.000-04:00

When you compare yourself to someone else, you miss out.
You miss out on the beauty that only you hold.
You overlook the unique qualities that only you possess.
You fail to notice all you've been given, because you're too distracted by what you think you're missing.

2 Samuel 11:1 sets the stage for a royal affair.
Because "...at the time when kings go out to battle..." King David was back at home in Jerusalem, provoking trouble.
On one of his sleepless nights, he catches a glimpse of Bathsheba bathing from his palace rooftop.
He likes what he sees, so he sends for her, even after confirming who she was and who she belonged to.
David wanted to finish what his lustful eyes started.
But before Bathsheba belonged to him, she belonged to Uriah; one of King David's most trusted soldiers.

So the plot thickens...
Bathsheba becomes pregnant and sends the news to David.
Her husband Uriah was away at war, so King David knew he had to do some serious damage control to cover up his adulterous encounter with this woman.
The chapter goes on to describe David's failed attempts at trying to send Uriah home to his wife, just so the pregnancy would look like it was his.
He sends food, he gets him drunk, but nothing is able to break Uriah's loyalty to God, to his King and his mission (at that time, it was custom for a man to not be with his wife during war).
Until finally, David plots against Uriah and has him purposely killed in battle.

After Uriah's death, Bathsheba becomes David's wife.
The baby conceived from their night together ends up dying a few days after birth, but God shows His mercy and blesses them with 4 sons.

I'm sure at one point Bathsheba must have compared herself to King David's other wives --- did she deserve to be barren and out casted like Michal, after she despised David's worship?
[2 Samuel 6:20-23]

Or would she step up, pray her way through, and boldly take her place like Abigail?
[1 Samuel 25:18-31]

However, there was no need for comparison, her story was different.
Her story was a reflection of grace.
Her story was yet another example of what God can do with what most would consider unworthy.

Bathsheba's 4 sons were raised as loyal, God-fearing men, mentored by prophets.
One of them was Solomon, known as the wisest man in Bible history.
And to think, such greatness came from Bathsheba---the woman labeled as scandalous, adulteress, and the cause of King David's greatest sin.

Her redemption continues when her son Solomon, rises to inherit the throne from David.
1 King 2:19 says Solomon rose for her, and bowed when she entered the room.
He even had a throne placed next to him at his right hand, showing her the highest honor.

Bathsheba began as an object of lust, but became a queen and faithful mother; forming part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Don't compare your story to anyone else's.
Don't miss out on the beauty God is pulling out of your experiences.
Don't devalue the uniqueness of your calling, just because you're too busy lusting over the lives of others.
God is doing something in you and through you!
And He is faithful to finish what He starts.

Like Bathsheba, your life is a reminder that God's grace won't allow your past to keep you from your purpose.
He saw you, and chose you anyway.
He believes you are worth it, so He draws you in, and with endless compassion and immeasurable grace says, "It's Her."

JV

It's Her - Pt. 2

2013-04-20T09:06:00.000-04:00

In their eyes, she was dirty.
The talk of the town.
Her bed was familiar to many.
To them, her worth was hidden under countless nights of seductively wrinkled sheets and drunken lies.

But God noticed something different in Rahab.

In His eyes, she was pure.
The only believer in town.
He was familiar with her heart.
To Him, her worth wasn't defined by the shame of her past, but rather the hope of her future.

She hid 2 spies on the roof of her house.
The spies had been sent by their leader, Joshua, to scope out Jericho---the land God had promised they would conquer.
Joshua was 1 of only 3 Israelites that survived the 40 years in the desert in hopes of reaching the promise land.
So that mission was important, and had a purpose.

With one lie, denying where the spies were hidden, Rahab risked it all.

Joshua 2:8-13 is the conversation that took place on the rooftop between her and the spies that night.
She described to them what she had heard about The Lord.
Stories about the signs, wonders, and victories the people of Israel had witnessed God do on their behalf.
And on that rooftop, she confessed "He is God in heaven and on earth" and asked for her, and her family's salvation.

Rahab was the purpose of that mission.
The mission to ensure the salvation of her soul.
Rahab's life, along with her entire family, was spared from the destruction that came to Jericho.
She moved on to a brand new life among the Israelites, the chosen people of God; forming part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

You see, we serve a God that will go to great lengths just to save you.
He's willing to send and redirect missions just to provoke your faith.
He's able to transform your past into a testament of His grace and mercy.
And what you think to be worthless, shameful, and hopeless, is actually a platform for His purpose in your life.

Like Rahab, in Him you are made new.
His plan is to produce in you something beautiful.
So with relentless love and steadfast devotion, God forgives and forgets the old you, heals your heart, takes notice of your faith and says, "It's Her."

JV

It's Her - Pt. 1

2013-04-16T09:29:00.000-04:00

You know that moment when everything seems to be piling up?
When things go from bad, to worse?
But you can't afford to lose it, so you smile and dig for strength.
And in the midst of the chaos, you are somehow reminded of the comforting truth, "there's more."

Ruth knew what this felt like.
A young, immigrant widow, moved by the love she felt for Naomi (her also widowed and son-less mother-in-law), gave up everything she had, and all she knew, in pursuit for more.

With grace and selfless devotion, Ruth worked hard to be strong for Naomi during the darkest season of her life.
And in the middle of what to others seemed hopeless, devastating, and tragic, God honored her.
He blessed her with one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Her new husband, Boaz, a wealthy and influential man with a generous heart, saw Ruth for the treasure she was.
He comes into her life to redeem her from the past.
Ruth 2 describes a conversation between her and Boaz where she questions him, asking why he favored her. Almost saying, "what did I do to deserve this?"

In verses 11-12 Boaz replies,
"I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband...may the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord..."

As the love story between Boaz and Ruth unfolds, there is an underlying message of hope and redemption.

Much like Ruth, you may be experiencing a difficult season in your life, full of setbacks.
Things may not have gone as planned, but there's still hope.
The odds may be against you, but pray anyway.
You may not understand how, when, or why, but keep believing.

There is a God with a plan of redemption for you!
There is a God who wraps Himself around every detail of your life, and reminds you "there's more."
He sees the treasure that you are, which is why the best is yet to come.
He's promised to redeem you from the past.
He's noticed your faithfulness, and your reward is not as far as it seems.

Little did Ruth know that an encounter on a grain field, on a day where she may not have been expecting much, would change the course of her life, and the course of history.
Ruth married Boaz and gave birth to a son named Obed.
Her struggle was transformed into a divine piece of God's plan, as she formed part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.

In the middle of your greatest struggle, believe for more.
Believe for the unexpected.
Because God is always up to more than what we think or see.
His desire is to give you the best.
So He looks past your pain and hurt, prepares you through the process, and with unfailing love says, "It's Her."

JV

SERIES: It's Her.

2013-04-15T00:02:00.002-04:00

I decided to write this series in hopes that you welcome it into your heart as much as I have welcomed it into mine.
Ladies, this series is for you!

It's for the woman wondering what her purpose is.
Or the woman questioning it.
It's for the woman who isn't perfect, or has it all together.
It's for the woman who's faith is being challenged, or who's hope seems dim.
It's for the woman who's circumstances threaten the trust she has placed in God.

So really, it's for all of us.

In the next few posts, I'll be covering 5 women that formed part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Imperfect, yet divinely chosen women, who played a significant role in history and who's strengths and weaknesses we can learn much from.

Too often, as women, we underestimate the impact we have in the kingdom of God.
We lose sight of the power that lies in our gifts.
Our unique and intricate ways of speaking, thinking, and reacting were placed in us on purpose and with purpose.

So I believe that whoever, or whatever is to blame for us thinking or feeling that we are less than what we have been destined to be, is powerless.
I declare that even as you read this series, your hope is restored, your faith is strengthened, and your purpose is made clear.
I pray that God reveals Himself to you in ways you have yet experienced and may you be reminded that you are His.

In spite of your shortcomings, imperfections and past mistakes, you are included in His plan.
He desires to use you.
And with immeasurable grace and love, He defeats all opposition by whispering, "It's her."

JV

Remain Seated

2013-04-03T15:24:00.003-04:00

No one is crazy enough to stand up out of their seat on a roller coaster.
It's too risky.
And if someone is crazy enough to stand up out of their seat on a roller coaster, then perhaps they don't feel anything is at risk. Or, they are just crazy.

I tend to believe that if there's no risk involved, then it's not faith.
If you could do it on your own, think of it on your own, get out of it on your own, then no faith is needed.
Because faith is reserved for those who need the impossible done.

Much like Jairus in Luke 8.
Jairus was the leader of the synagogue. In other words, the most important man in the community.
What we would consider today like the mayor of a city.

The man who appeared to have it all together, came begging for Jesus to come and heal his 12-year old daughter that was dying.
His status, his money, his reputation, meant nothing.
He needed his daughter's healing.
He needed the impossible.

In verse 49 (immediately after Jesus heals the woman with the 12-year blood issue), it says that "While He [Jesus] was still speaking..." a messenger comes from Jairus's house and says "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."

Then verse 50:

"But when Jesus heard this, He answered him saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.""

You are Jairus.
You need the impossible.
You approach Jesus with faith, believing in your heart that only He can do it.
But the enemy interrupts with a word of discouragement, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."

Or he says...
You aren't smart enough.
You don't have enough money.
You aren't brave enough.
You aren't talented enough.
You've made one too many mistakes.

But Jesus says...
"Do not be afraid; only believe"

Believe HIS word. Remain seated.

You're risking too much when you let things like fear, insecurity, and doubt interrupt the truth found in what He has promised.

The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy.
But he's not after your stuff, He's after your word. He's after your promise.
Because he only steals what is worth stealing.

I don't feel it's a coincidence that Jairus's daughter was about 12 years old, and the woman who Jesus healed right before Jairus's daughter, had been struggling with her blood issue for 12 years.
Both were destined, and strategically placed to receive their miracle that day.
But they both had to overcome a lot.
Fear tried to press Jairus's heart, while the crowds pressed the woman reaching for the hem of His garment.
But they still believed.

Allow your faith to not just silence, but dismiss any and all distractions that want to interrupt the work of God in you.
Allow your faith to keep you grounded in His word, believing that He will do everything He has promised.

JV

He'll Remember

2013-03-29T10:39:00.000-04:00

On Good Friday we remember.
We remember what He did and why He did it.
We reflect on the love that led Him to the cross and held Him there.

We remember His blameless life, and His willingness to live it until the end.

We remember His worth.
Matthew 27:37 says "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews."

And with this, we're reminded that what some considered "a charge" was in actuality a declaration of worth.
HE is in fact Jesus! He is THE KING!

Because worth is not defined by opinion, it's defined by truth.
The truth was and will always be--- that Our God, Our King, Our Savior paid the ultimate price with us in mind.
He became love in human form, surrendering His life so we could one day surrender to Him.
Not out of obligation, but out of gratitude.
Not by force, but by choice.

And so today, we choose to remember and honor the sacrifice of the One who gave it all.
We choose to remember because HE remembers that day.
He will never forget what He did because our worship, our gratitude, our adoration are His reminders.

We were worth it. He is worth it.

JV

Interested

2013-03-20T12:52:00.004-04:00

We live in a society that rushes.
One that is moved by convenience.
One that is turned off by anything that makes them wait.
Some blame it on culture, others on human nature, yet many can agree that the best things in life are worth waiting for.

But no one likes the process.
The time "in between".
The time where things don't make sense and may at times even get worse.
The time of questions, doubts, second-guesses and frustrations.
And, the time where our dependence on God matters most.

So, we depend on His word, which promises to see us through.
We depend on His truth, that silences any lying voice of opposition.
We depend on His strength, that is made perfect in our weakness.
We depend on His love, reminding us we weren't meant to do this alone.

You see, dependence on God may not be celebrated as much as independence, but that's just because we've let our fears steer us away from His voice.
We've let our own knowledge disguise the power that lies in surrender.
We've confined our breakthrough to a set of expectations that He's longing to surpass.

So what do we do?
We continue to wait, because our best interest is His only interest.

And through our actions we learn to love the process because we know it's bringing us closer to our promise.
Keep believing, keep praying, keep doing His will.
The process is just as important as the promise...wait for it!

JV

A Better View

2013-02-05T14:51:00.001-05:00

When the fair comes to town one of the first things you notice is the ferris wheel.

It hovers tall above all the other rides, and almost serves as a landmark. A visual display of amusement.

And the view from the top of the ferris wheel is like no other.

Once you've been that high, you see things differently.

Remembering who God is also helps you see things differently.

He's called many things---Provider, Healer, Savior, Redeemer.

As our Redeemer, He's committed to restore us back to our original design.

His relentless love and mercy has the power to transform our ugliest and most difficult situations into a display of His glory.

Our lives are a visual display of His glory.

Because of what He gave, our past is powerless against our promising future.

Don't let your circumstance misinform you.

There's hope.

Your Redeemer has paid the price to make sure of that.

Your Redeemer sees and has planned His best for you.

Your Redeemer is faithful to His word and faithful to you.

Isaiah 44:22 says,

I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Knowing this truth is like sitting at the very top of a ferris wheel, once you've been that high, you see things differently.

See Differently

2012-12-10T13:04:00.003-05:00

One of the most powerful things we can experience is a change in perspective.

Causing things to look completely different.

I often wonder just how limited my perspective is?

How do I see my world versus what my world actually looks like?

Perspective doesn't necessarily cause our world to change, it changes us.

For example, in the case of the famous disciple Peter (formally known as Simon).

In the Greek, Simon means "reed".

A reed by definition is a small, flexible plant that can be easily broken.

But as soon as Jesus met him, He changed his name to Peter, which means "rock".

By definition, a rock is tightly formed and held together minerals; not easily moved or broken.

However Peter's name change didn't change him right away.

In fact, he's guilty of a few shady things.

Displaying attitudes and behaviors that were more reed-like---easily broken and weak.

But Jesus saw him from a rock perspective.

In spite of him doubting he could walk on water, in spite of him confessing loyalty to Jesus only to deny Him three times, in spite of his outburst and insecurities, Jesus never called him Simon because all He saw was Peter.

Peter moved on to preach one of the most influential and powerful sermons in the gospel that got 3,000 people saved at one time! Becoming one of the strongest pillars of the early church and a solid man of God with a memorable legacy.

How impacting can a Christ-like perspective be in our circumstances?

What would happen if we stopped looking at our situation for what it currently is but rather what it has been called to be?

I'm sure gratitude would replace bitterness.

Joy would replace disappointment.

Faith would replace doubt.

Calling things by what they are is obvious. And it also requires no faith.

One of the most powerful things we can experience is a change in perspective.

Especially when the perspective comes from the One who is known to make new things out of nothing.

Yours to Keep

2012-11-01T12:27:00.000-04:00

It's comforting to know there is almost always an alternative.
Another way to say it.
Another way to think about it.
A different approach.

It's comforting to serve a God who can relate.
He doesn't stand in an inpatient state of expectancy, hoping we get it.
He guides us into understanding with faithful intentions and unending love.
That's His approach.

In Luke 8 we find the parable of the sower.
Jesus uses this story as a way to compare what happens when a word from God is spoken to our lives. Breaking down 4 different ways in which the word is received.
He starts off by saying the sower's seed represents the word of God.
When the sower plants the seed, it falls into 4 different places --- the path, the rock, the thorns and good soil.
And in these 4 places, something happens to that seed (the word).

On the path, it was trampled, eaten by birds and didn't bear fruit. Meaning, when we received a word, a promise, or a reminder from God, the enemy came and prevented us from believing it.
How does he do that? Through discouragement, doubt, insecurity. The path is a place of distraction, a place where the word can get stolen if left unguarded.

On the rock, it dried up because it lacked moisture. Meaning, when we received a word, a promise or a reminder from God, it left our life sooner than it had to because we didn't take the time to nurture it. It was growing for awhile, but we stopped meditating on the word, cultivating and applying the word. So it just sat there, dry and fruitless.

On the thorns, it was choked by the other plants, left with no room to grow. Meaning, when we received a word, a promise or a reminder from God, we let worry, anxiety and fear step in and choke the life out of it. Overpowering it's fruitful potential.

But on the good soil, it produced a hundred times more than expected. Meaning, when we received a word, a promise or a reminder from God, we recognized the power it had and did everything we could to not just let it accomplish what it was set out to do but, multiply it's purpose in our lives.

Verse 15 says that the seed that fell on good soil produced fruit because it was preserved.

I don't know about you, but I want to preserve every word, every promise and every reminder God has spoken and will speak over me and mine.

I want my seed to produce fruit.
The kind of fruit that's worth keeping.
The kind of fruit that's worth fighting for.
The kind of fruit that causes others to preserve their own seeds and watch it harvest.

Choose to preserve your seed.
Choose to believe what He has spoken above anything, anyone and everything.

After all, we serve a God that has many different ways of accomplishing His purpose, but in the end it is always accomplished.
Trust Him.
He thinks you're good soil for a reason.

JV

Happily Committed

2012-10-02T14:08:00.001-04:00

I'm convinced that the beauty of an opportunity is found in knowing that something like it will never come again.
Something similar? Possibly.
Something better? Most likely.
But even if it's for that moment, when you're offered an opportunity, it's uniquely yours.

Then of course there's a difference in being given an opportunity and seeking an opportunity.
Yet they both require commitment, because both instances depend on something greater than you.

Psalm 37:5 says, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act."

What's interesting about the context in which the word 'commit' is used here is that it means to "roll away" or "seek occasion".
I personally always thought this verse was asking me to commit as in 'promise'. Where I'm vowing to trust His way more than mine.
And while that's still true, in this verse 'commit' means to push away anything and everything that doesn't allow you to "Commit your way to the Lord" or "Trust Him" or "Let Him act".

Commit means, make room for Him.
It means, create space for Him to dwell in our days, our schedules, our desires, and our hearts.
When we commit to Him, trusting comes easy because we know we're dependent on someone who is greater than us.
When we commit, we're surrendering to His way, which we believe is far better than ours.
And it's in that act of surrender, where we see Him act.

Psalm 37:5 is not a theory, it's a promise.
It's an opportunity, an invitation to see God move on our behalf like never before.

God is committed to us because He always shows up.
And that's why He can be trusted.

It's time to give as good as we're getting with Him.
It's time to roll away those things, those lies, those fears that try so hard to keep us from all He has planned.
It's time to stop talking about being committed and actually seek for ways to stay committed.
To Him and to others.

Because according to Psalm 37:5--- commitment builds trust, which in turn makes room for God to surpass our expectations.

JV

Live Accordingly

2012-09-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

It's normal to remember the good days.
To flashback to those memories you wish could replay in real time.
Remembering is healthy.
What isn't healthy, is convincing ourselves those times were good enough.

Too often in those moments of reminiscing, we allow ourselves to think that we live to re-experience those memories.
So we strive to "be like that again" and work hard towards reshaping our surroundings to reenact those moments that made us feel so good.
The problem with that is that we'll never grow.
We'll constantly be living in the past. Thinking like the past.
We can be thankful for the past, because it's shaped us into who we are now, but God is offering so much more!

The second problem with that mindset is that it's selfish.
We're not called to live for ourselves. We're called to live for God. [Romans 14:8]
Instead of trying to live our life by our own standards and definition of happiness, let's strive to be like Him. To think like Him.
Then we can truly experience a fulfilled life.
A life that honors Him, so in turn we're rewarded with the best He has to give.

The decision to live that life is called pursuing godliness.
And that requires daily sacrifices, a renewed mind, faith, patience, wisdom, among so much more.
It's the decision to train to be a better version of you.
We're advised in 1 Timothy 4:7 that we should "...train ourselves to be godly."
Why? Because it doesn't come easy.
But in order to have the best, we need to let go of what's just "good".

As much as I love the memories I've created with people I care the most about, my future is more exciting.
Let's believe that what God has planned ahead is far better than what we've experienced or left behind.
And then let's live accordingly.

JV

Simple

2012-08-08T12:40:00.000-04:00

I think simplicity is beautiful because it gives the imagination room.
It breeds opportunity.
It allows creativity to work its magic.

As it relates to the Gospel, the simplicity found in His truth is even more beautiful!
Because it gives Him room.
It gives Him the opportunity, as promised, to come through on our behalf.

Hebrews 7:22 serves as proof that God is most definitely for us when it says, "...Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

In this scripture, the Greek word for 'guarantee' is "enguos" which is defined as "security, stability of His promises".
In other words, Jesus became our security.
He became our stability.
He committed to fulfilling His promises over our lives when He became the guarantee.

No need to over complicate this truth.
He has promised to love, guide, and provide us through anything and everything, simply because He knows no other way.

He is God.
He simply and absolutely is.

His love cannot be replaced.
His consistency cannot be matched.
His Word cannot be taken back.

So let's not be influenced to believe otherwise.
Don't let a complicated situation define you or your level of faith.
Take heart knowing that God is for you.

And when the temptation to doubt that truth kicks in, simply remind yourself that He is your guarantee.

JV

Change to Change

2012-06-25T14:47:00.002-04:00

Truth always has an opponent.
That opponent can come in the form of a negative doctor's report, a sarcastic comment from someone you love, or an unexpected financial setback.
Either way, it's an opponent who's mission is to challenge the truth.

The truth is...
God is always present.
He's always faithful.
He's slow to anger and quick to love.
He's patient.
Among many, many other things.
And that will never change. He will never change.

We're the ones that need to change in order to experience change.

And it's not a process that comes easy, or without sacrifice.
It's a process that requires perseverance, faith and genuine commitment.
It's a process that holds the guarantee found in 1 Peter 1:4, that no matter what---our reward, our inheritance is "beyond the reach of change..."
It makes all the difference in the world to know that as we go through life's changes, on our way to becoming more like Him, we'll change but He won't.
And neither will His promises.

We change in our mind so the next time doubt hits, we can easily dismiss it.
We change our lifestyle so we can make time to seek Him more.
We change our speech so our words build rather than destroy.
We change so we can bring change.

Our motivation to change should be fueled by the truth that He doesn't.
And since we want all He has for us, changing to be more like Him is no longer optional.

JV

You're the Man

2012-06-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

Not all men like sports.

Not all men eat too much.

Not all men are bad listeners.

Yes, some are guilty of one or all of the above, but most importantly, men were made in God's image.

They were designed to look like the Creator. And so were women! But men came first.

They were the first ones commissioned with the task of being Christ-like, to mirror Him with their thinking, actions and intentions.

As much grief as the male population has gotten for decades, it will never overpower the truth that they were God's idea.

Dear men...

Own up to that truth.

Walk boldly in the responsibility you've been given to represent Him.

Your life depends on it, and so does everyone who will one day depend on you.

Don't be a leader for the title, be a leader because you love to serve.

Be consistent emotionally, spiritually and physically because you can, and you should.

Don't just lay down your pride, but lay down your whole life, because there is nothing more attractive than a man after God's own heart.

And don't get discouraged or overwhelmed if you feel like you have or are currently missing the mark.

Truth is, being selfless and godly doesn't happen overnight. It requires an intentional and daily effort.

It requires total dependence on the One who proved He believed you could do it, simply because He created, loved and saved you.

Dear men...

When you understand who He's made you to be, you don't settle for less.

You don't conform to society's opinion of you because you know it's not aligned to the truth He's spoken.

When you are aligned to His will, others will follow.

Because when you seek His direction, you're also saying, I was made for more, therefore I will ask, pursue, and give more.

Hopefully our generation will finally understand it's not that there aren't any good men left, they just seem to have misplaced the truth of who they were truly called to be.

And the truth is, you are the man.

Ladies Joint

2012-05-23T12:56:00.000-04:00

We often hear the popular Proverb say "Guard your heart..."
But along with your heart, I say guard your life.

This truth is not only meant to be applied to relationships, where "guarding your heart" means not forgetting who truly has ownership of it. It's recognizing that guarding your life requires wisdom and discernment; accessorized with a fearless attitude and unwavering faith.

Wisdom is found in recognizing that He is everything and you are His reflection.
Discernment is practiced when His voice and opinion is your priority.
So then, there's no room for fear because your hope is stronger.
Anxiety has no place, because your faith reminds you His promises are yours.

Ladies...
Let's not forget that we are blessed with the privilege to be pursued by a God who is crazy about us.
A God who chose, and chooses daily to remind us of the love He has for us.
Remembering our place with Him helps us be better friends, daughters, girlfriends, wives, mothers.
Because remembering our place frees us to to experience a joy that is contagious and the affirmation we long for.

I'm choosing not to conform to the feelings, fears, doubts or insecurities many circumstances suggest.
I'm choosing to be a godly woman, in a culture infiltrated with convenience and lowered standards.
I'm choosing to be selfless even when it feels undeserved.
I'm choosing to give and then give some more.

Because if not now, then when?

We all fall short of what's listed in Proverbs 31, and that's exactly why we need more of Him each day.

Ladies, we're made for so much more. So let's take notice, so others too can notice.

JV

Windows Down

2012-04-25T17:22:00.000-04:00

I love 'windows down' type of weather.
Considering it feels like summer year 'round in Miami, we're grateful for weeks like this.
So we drive with our windows down, save on the AC, and take our jog outside of the gym.
Letting our actions show gratitude.

I was reminded through Luke 15 that gratitude is tied closer to our faith than we too often care to realize.
In this scripture, we have the story of the Prodigal son.
And while I'm sure he felt his share of gratitude when his Dad was gracious enough to take him back in, the father's gratitude was just as inspiring.

This man watched his rebellious youngest walk away, waste his fortune, only to welcome him back in with a feast, simply because he was thankful to see him home.
Thankful that he was alive and had learned his lesson.

I believe what inspired him to be thankful was the realization that he could be.
This father trusted God enough to know that his son's return was genuine, and part of his process, which is why he celebrated.
He celebrated that God had proven Himself faithful once again.
He celebrated that his prayers weren't in vain.

When you're grateful, seeing things from His perspective is the only and best option.
And so gratitude fuels your faith.
Because when your gratitude towards what God has done for you is strong, it also strengthens your trust in Him.

It reminds you that God will be good in the future as he has been in the past.
It encourages you to hold on to His promises because He's faithful enough to keep them.
It keeps you from the cloud of doubt that tends to fog your focus.

Let your actions show gratitude in everything and anything.
Because when you're genuinely grateful, you'll never run out of reasons to give thanks.

JV

And Then What?

2012-04-04T20:43:00.001-04:00

If I let you borrow my car for the day, then letting you borrow a pair of shoes is nothing.
Why?
Because if I would agree to such a risk, something so big as lending you my car, then the risk of letting you borrow my shoes is nothing.
In Latin, that's called a "Fortiori Argument"; when you provide proof of a claim with an already proven, even stronger claim.
Explaining something "with even more certainty"; showing it's "more likely to happen".

For example, God promised Abraham he'd be the father of many nations.
And because of that promise, God also promised him that his wife Sarah would give birth to a son, even at their old age.
It seemed humanly impossible.
And that's why when Sarah overheard the news, she laughed.
In her mind, it was too difficult.
Yet that's the way God wanted it.

The more impossible it seemed, the more room for faith.
The more room there was to prove yet again that if He's been faithful to His promises before, this time around would be no exception.

And in our own lives, regardless of how many times He's proven His faithfulness, we laugh just like Sarah.
We laugh because it seems impossible.
We laugh because the doubts drain out the truth we've held onto.
And we laugh to hide the fear of rejection and dissapointment.

But God is saying, if I did it before I can do it again.
So he uses situations that seem humanly impossible just to grow our faith.
But then what?
The lesson doesn't end when the promise is fulfilled.
The same faith it took to wait for the promise is the same faith we'll need to remind us His plans will always be better than ours.

Once Abraham's son Isaac was born is when his faith was stretched.
Because you don't become the father of many nations overnight.

So after you receive that promotion you've been praying for, after your holding the keys to your new home, after you marry the one you love the most, then what?

Then is when you tell yourself, if He was faithful before, then He'll be faithful again.
With Him, nothing is too difficult to overcome.
If He can grant Abraham & Sarah a child when they were barren, old, and it seemed humanly impossible, then your situation is possible.

He is more than able.
And that's all we need to get by.

JV

Gird Your Mind

2012-03-20T14:48:00.028-04:00

Why is it that whenever there is a chasing scene in a movie, the person being chased is almost always in the most awkward, inconvenient state?

He's been shot.
Or...
She's wearing a designer gown and 4-inch heels.

Yes, it makes for great suspense but it's not so realistic.
I can only hope that if I'm ever being chased, I'm prepared.
That at least I'm wearing my Nike's and my hair is pulled back.

In 1 Peter 1:13, we find a similar analogy that the Apostle Peter uses in one of his letters to the churches. He says to them, "...gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

I love his wording because it's a play on the phrase "gird your loins", which basically meant to pull-up and tie your excess clothing in between your legs, so it would be easier to move around.

In the Roman-era, where the outfit of choice was a long robe or tunic, this phrase made more sense. The loose ends of a tunic could get easily tangled, causing the person to trip and/or fall.

So when Peter says "...gird your minds...", he's saying, be mentally prepared.
Don't entertain thoughts that can cause you to get tangled, trip and fall.
Gird your minds.
Prepare and feed them with the truth.

Because the truth is what protects our mind from running off with itself.
If we're not careful, lies, fears, doubts and the negative influences that surround us, can make us spiritually numb.

That's why what Peter writes next is so important.
He says, "...keep sober in the spirit...", in other words, stop thinking things that desensitize you from the truth.

Avoid thoughts that distort reality.
Avoid thoughts that ignore your value.
Avoid thoughts that question what your faith has already seen.

When are our minds are filled with the truth, we act according to that truth.

The truth says, we are overcomers; so fear is not an option.
The truth says, for Him nothing is too hard; so our faith is solid.
The truth says, we are never alone; so our joy is contagious.

Peter then says, "...fix your hope completely..." or "...set your hope fully..."
Our hope is secure when we're aligned with the truth.
When we're confident of what's been promised.

Then we can look forward to what's ahead; because our minds are made up, and we are convinced that the One who promised is faithful to come through.

JV

Plenty of Room

2012-03-06T15:16:00.018-05:00

If you've ever been to NY City the one thing they aren't lacking is taxis.
There are plenty available 24/7 to get you where you need to go.
And in such a large city, full of jobless New Yorkers, I was surprised to find out that over 90% of taxicab license applicants are born outside of the U.S.

Immigrant applicants in pursuit of the American dream.
Applicants convinced of their potential for more.

In Matthew 9:35-38, we see how to reach our fullest potential.
And it starts by seeing ourselves through the eyes of faith.

Jesus was making his way through the cities and villages, teaching and healing the sick.
Verse 36 says, when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them.
He describes them as sheep without a shepherd.
In other words-- lost, helpless, in need for more.

But what's interesting is that right after he gives this metaphor, in verse 37 he turns to his disciples and says "...the harvest is plentiful..."

In that moment he saw the crowds through the eyes of faith.
He no longer saw their current condition, He saw their future potential.
He saw growth.
He saw greatness.
In his eyes, there was plenty of room for more.

You see, too often we get stuck at that place where we know there's potential, but we can't see it.
We convince ourselves there's no room for more.

We've done too much, said too much, struggled too much.
Those lies replay over and over in our minds; clouding our focus and distracting us from the truth.
But that's where faith comes in and says, "the harvest is plentiful".

Tell yourself the truth today!
There's plenty of room, you just have to believe it first.