More Verb

Venezuela, Patria Querida

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:52:00 +0000

I live with my in-laws, all Cuban if I may add. They legally came to the US about 16 years ago. They still have most of their family in Cuba. They know first hand what communism is. My father in law spent all his childhood and adolescence in the military schools there. He knows how communism works. His father was the captain of Fidel's ship for years. He know lives in US. He also knows exactly what communism is.

It's amazing that for several years now, I've heard step by step how communism works and how it's being played out in Venezuela. It's as if my family tells me things before they happen...because they've seen it all their life.

While those in power tell the people that they need to suffer a little longer for the "revolution", they will always wait a little longer. Meanwhile in power they will lack absolutely nothing; Meanwhile the families of those in power will have and do as they wish; Meanwhile the resources of the people will be put at the feet of those in power. When it runs out, they borrow and bring debt to the country while they will still have all they want. This is why "revolutions" don't end. Those in power will kill their own if necessary to keep it running. If you don't agree, then you're a danger to the movement and will be called enemy of the state. Remember all those christian pastors that were incarcerated? Enemy's of the state. They understood what real freedom meant through the Word and became enemy's of those who thought differently.

Now that Cuba has a fresh supply of oil coming from Venezuela, they are thrilled to keep the "revolution" moving forward. Why did they send people to help with the elections? Some things seem to obvious.

The sad thing about all this is the people. Not only in Venezuela but in Cuba and in every nation that believes this "revolution". People, brothers, neighbors, become victims of themselves. Those in power laugh, while brothers spill their blood. It's not those behind the police and the army who die, it's the pregnant women who want freedom for their unborn children; the fathers who will do whatever they can to protect the future of their families.

I'm not one for getting into politics. But the situation in Venezuela has made me want to be in the know. Maybe it's because my father, brother, sister, cousins, uncles, friends, brothers and sisters live there? Maybe it's because remembering the Venezuela of my childhood has made me wonder where it went? The richest country in the continent, now one of the poorest. A respected country at one point, now a country where politicians throw insults to anyone they wish.

Although, historically we know that "revolutions" don't end, they fall, I pray that God's grace and mercy may cover every citizen in Venezuela. That peace may overwhelm the hearts and that justice may prevail. From those in power to the most innocent. At the same time, we continue to pray for the US as it also faces many difficult situations as we saw with yesterday's bombings in Boston.

No Greater Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:35:00 +0000

Parenting is a difficult task. Imperfect people trying to bring up children sounds like failure from the start. Constantly give a good example and it takes forever to stick. But mess up once and kids pick it up effortlessly.

There is one thing that makes it all worth it though, when your children are walking in the truth. As 3 John 4 says, there is "no greater joy". No personal accomplishment compares to the accomplishment of having your children fear God and follow in His footsteps.

This also applies to spiritual children. People that you share the Gospel, that respond to Jesus. You disciple them, you give them an example of what it means to be like Christ. When you see them growing and walking in the truth, when you see them correcting their path, making better decisions for themselves, when you see them genuinely seeking the Lord, there is no greater joy.

Not because you have done anything worthy, but because God has, in some way, used you as an instrument to bless others. There is no greater joy and immense responsibility to be part of what God can do and wants to do in all people. There is no greater evidence of God's power then in a life transformed. We have such an amazing opportunity to witness God's power, but we must take on the task making disciples of all men, including our own children.

The Blame Game

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:21:00 +0000

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:13-15

One thing people have to remember is that God and sin don't mix. Scripture clearly explains that it is impossible for God to even look at sin because of His perfect, sinless nature. Sin began in us because of the free will God gave. Adam chose to disobey ignoring Gods command.

Here's the irony in all of this; Even though God reveals his perfect nature and explains our fallen nature, we still try to take blame off us and blame God for the sin in us. It makes no sense. When you repeat an obvious lie, the more likely you'll en up believing it.

God cannot tempt us with evil; it's not that He won't, the fact is that He CAN'T, because doing so is to go against Himself.

When we start eliminating absolutes, we end up walking like the blind; If we do something bad in the eyes of the world, we find a way to blame God for it. If we collectively do something bad, we just call it acceptable and call anyone else "close minded".

Take God out of the picture and you're left in the dark. If you chose this path, don't come back blaming God because you can't see. Remember that while sin has the goal of bringing death, God's sent His Son to give us life.

Profound Evidence

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:58:00 +0000

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:11-12

Loving others should be a priority in the lives of Christians. We constantly find passages reminding us of this. Specially when Jesus goes as specific as to love our enemies. Why does this seem so difficult to do?

Loving others is not for our sake. We are called to imitate Christ and it's not natural to our fallen nature. But just as Christ loved us we ought to love one another. This isn't a question of "how I feel" about someone. It's a question of obedience.

I've heard countless times of people saying "I'm not going to be a hypocrite, I'm not going to love someone when I don't". Love is not a selfish emotion. On the contrary, It's a deliberate decision to obey that initially goes against our selfish desires; we would rather pay evil for evil.

A couple of things that occur when we love:

We imitate Christ who loved us in spite of us.
It's a profound evidence that we know God. If we can't love someone, then we don't know God (1 John 4:19)
God's supernatural power is in us. Because loving our neighbors is unnatural, when we love we are doing something "super" or "over" our natural desires.
Loving others an assurance of the divine inhabitation. His Spirit dwells in us.

Stop Talking!

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0000

It is said that people forget up to 90% of what they hear from someone within the first two weeks. The irony with this is that we sure like to talk. Christians like to talk a lot. But even Scripture tells us to take a different approach in life. 1 John 3:18 says "let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth".

Actions speak louder and leave a longer mark in people. The question is what mark do we want to leave? I love this passage because it is preceded with this: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need bu has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 Peter 3:17).

We will come up with so many excuses as to why not help someone in need. We think that people in need have to guarantee that what we "so graciously" give should be used how we think it should be used. We talk and talk but the truth is this, we are selfish.

We are called to love, not by words but with actions. Peter says in 5:3 says that if we love God we should obey his commandments (action). Talk is cheap. You want to leave a mark, love others by doing something for them.

Here are some things that can help:

Plan ahead. If we know we are to have pity and help those in need, plan on it. Put it in your budget. Ever since I heard this idea I created an emergency saving account. This money is specifically to help others.
Don't ask so many questions. The last thing our flesh wants to do is love others. We are selfish by nature and by questioning whether to help or not, we're just looking for excuses.
Keep your eyes open. My Experience With God discipleship points out that when we see a need, it's an invitation from God to fulfill it. If you see it, pursue it.
Stop counting. When you give, "...do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" Matthew 6:3.
Love until it hurts, then love some more. Remember that it is better to give. We are blessed so we can bless.

"Inexpressible and Glorious"

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:58:00 +0000

In 1 Peter 1:9 we find that these are two words that express the joy that comes with knowing that we have received "the goal of our faith"; that is, the salvation of our souls. The uncertainty of not knowing what's beyond death is resolved through the understanding that God has an eternity in store. More than that, we can be assured that our faith in Christ is not an end in itself; it is a God given gift that secures our existence in Christ Jesus.

What brings us pleasure? What brings us satisfaction? There may be temporary things that bring momentary happiness, but nothing will ever bring the inexpressible and glorious joy that comes from knowing Christ as personal Lord and Savior. What is more important than to have joy, to have complete peace with God; the Creator; the Judge; the Sovereign King. As the psalmist said "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (73:25). Think about it, what other thing matters as much as your eternal security in Christ?

Eternity gives us perspective while on this earth. Peace with God through Christ is the only thing that matters. In the fall, Adam and Eve hid from God after their disobedience. Peace was broken not by God, who was out seeking them, but by Adam and Eve who had sinned. Because God wants us to be at peace he provided a way for us to find it through Christ; He is the only way.

Our peace with God is the only thing that matters. When we find it, we realize that there is no words that can ever express the joy it brings. Not only because we are secure in Him, but because we don't need to hide anymore.

Jude's Warning

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:22:00 +0000

We must remember that the same perfect, just and holy God that warned against sin; who's limit was seen by the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; is the same God that today is patiently showing His mercy towards us. Jude continues a warning found in 1 Peter and is particularly focused on pointing out that God is not placing a blind eye on the actions of false teachers.

Working with youth I have found to realize that as long as anyone is in a higher place of authority, they become a model; example or teacher to the lesser. I used to remind the young adults about this. Eyes are always looking whether you like it or not. The younger will always look up to the older no matter what. They will judge, imitate and follow them as long as they are seen as examples; whether good or bad.

This is true of public figures. We see a generation whose role models are found in the movie and music industry; many of whom are regarded as worthy for how much they have and not for what they stand for. Yet, what they believe is influenced upon those who admire them, for the simple fact that they might one day obtain similar status.

Those in power also have a profound effect when it comes to moral issues. When a person in such position makes public moral declarations, beware, because if he/she does not have the ultimate Authority, the Word of God, as his/her guide, you will be bringing much condemnation to those who chose no other example to follow.

1 Peter 2:11-12 speaks to Christians everywhere, and while many public figures will speak based on personal gain, Christians must remember that we speak on Christ's behalf, and therefore must make sure we speak the Word clearly. Knowing that it is not popular. Knowing that the majority will reject it.

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

The Best Defense Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:20:00 +0000

Sometimes we don't realize that when praying for a certain temptation or sin in our life, we continue to reinforce it. I remember Rick Warren saying that the best way to resist temptation is not to pray about it, but to refocus your attention on something else.

My pastor talked about a technique he uses when temptation hits. It's based off Ephesians 6; When you are tempted, pray for a saint.

The second half of this chapter talks about the Armor of God. Can you imagine being ready for battle, dressed for the occasion and once you face your enemy all you do is protect yourself and run? Sounds illogical right? We don't only defend the attacks, but we fight back! That's exactly what this passage means.

The best defense is an offense. We can't score while on defense. We must put on the armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes; because we're in a struggle; because it's a fight and we have the weapons to fight back. This is how we fight: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Eph. 6:18).

What happens when we refocus our attention and pray for someone?

We're resisting the attacks, and the devil will flee; The devil will realize that when he tempts you, you'll pray more. So why would he continue to tempt you?
We're lifting someone else before God. The focus is off us and onto someone else that may need our prayers.
We're using our time wisely, instead of moping around and resisting the temptations.
We're in the offensive, making use of the purpose of the armor of God.
We grow in faith and can move onto greater things.
We are examples of purity and holiness. We are running the path set for us.

When Jesus returned to his disciples from praying while in Gethsemane (Matthew 27), he said to them in verse 41: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Jesus suggests that the best way to fight temptation is prayer.

Scripture says that we don't know how to pray. Specially when we're so focused on ourselves. But when we pray we must take the correct approach. Not only to pray for God's will to be done, but to pray with understanding that it is the best attack against temptation.

Who to pray for is no biggie. Who in your life needs prayer? It may be a son, friend, spouse, family member or co-worker. It may be your pastor. Think of someone that will be your focus of prayer for the next month. Find out what you can about their situation and any time temptation hits, lift them up before God.

Lean Not On Your Own Prudence

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:51:00 +0000

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

The foolish thing is to thing that we have all the information we need to make smart decisions. The truth is that "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22). Another word that can be used for "understanding" in this passage is "prudence".

Here's a quick definition that I found online:

Careful management; economy.
Synonyms: discretion, foresight, forethought, circumspection
These nouns refer to the exercise of good judgment, common sense, and even caution, especially in the
conduct of practical matters.

The Word tells us that we must place our trust in the Lord with all our heart then sorta gives us the reason why; because we tend to lean more on our own prudence, discretion or "good" judgement. In not just small matters, but in all matters we must trust in the Lord for guidance.

The world seems to be moving further and further away from this. The age of knowledge and personal interpretation is increasing; what seemed to go against all common sense, is now considered common, even if it lacks any sense. Eliminate God and you will eliminate moral and ethical absolutes. Everything becomes relative. When everything becomes relative, then no ones wrong...except God's Word and anyone who wants to live according to it.

So then, why are we warned against our own prudence? If it lacks the permanent guidance of Christ's Lordship above all, then we are doomed. Sin will not let us see clearly. to the point that we blame a good God for all of the hardships and suffering that we cause, and logically think that the best solution to our problems is walking away from Him.

As Christians we are to resist the common response to all things and persistently seek God's guidance. Because something seems right doesn't make it so unless God's Word says it so. That's how we are to live.

Your Heart Walking Around

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 04:40:00 +0000

When President +Barack Obama spoke at Newtown, Connecticut he mentioned a quote by Elizabeth Stone that says: "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” When I heard this I couldn't agree more.

It's incredible how a child changes your life. Thinking about these parents that had their babies taken away by a madman, it's impossible to imagine what they are going through. When I heard this quote it also made me think about how God the Father had to feel for Jesus, His only Son. If we go to Scripture we are presented with a clear understanding of God as a Father and Jesus as His Son. And while Jesus endured a painful death, God the Father had to endure pain, while at the same time fulfill His holy demands through that death.

We don't look at Jesus' death from that perspective. Yes, Jesus being God/man suffered. But so did God the Father. We see Mary as Jesus' earthly mother suffer and imagine her pain. We need to remember that the heavenly Father also was witness. This definitely makes me understand even more the immense love God has for us.

I hope this makes you appreciate Jesus more.

We Are Justified

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:29:00 +0000

One of the most amazing things about God's work through Jesus is the fact that, because of Christ and our faith in Him, God now sees us clean. The act of the Cross was not only to make a perfect sacrifice for humanity, but through faith in Christ us sinners can now be seen pure and without fault before God. Simply put, God sees Christ in us who have believed in Him.

This is what "Justification" means in essence; "[God] has reconciled you by Christ's physical body though death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." (Colossians 1:22). It's a mystery that God has made available to anyone who believes in his One and only Son, Jesus.

Particularly, I love the two phrases that are used to express our new condition: "without blemish" and "free from accusation"; Because of Christ in us God sees us perfect and clean, as He always intended. We continue to see ourselves with fault and error, but God doesn't. That is a mystery hard to comprehend.

We are also free from blame or accusation; We like pointing fingers and blaming others for our mistakes, yet deep down we know we are not perfect at all. We too have things worthy of blame. Yet, God no longer sees us that way. The only person that knows every single though and detail of our life, is precisely the one who will never accuse you of wrongdoing, because of Christ.

Christ did not just die to help us get to heaven, he has done so much more. He has completely wiped away the sin in us and is constantly proving this by entrusting us with sharing this precious message of reconciliation with others. He has empowered us and reassured us that he has overcome the world, and that he will be with us always.

Next time you look in the mirror remember that you are no longer who you used to be. Learn to see yourself as God see you, and live according to that.

The Biggest Lie Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Last Sunday my pastor asked a question that had people thinking, "What is worse, an Atheist or a Christian that is not living for Christ?" It doesn't take much to realize the answer to this question. We want to say the "Atheist" but we know the truth. But why aren't Christians more devoted to following and living for Christ?

Although there may be many reasons I feel there is one that outshines others. I believe many Christians prefer to go to Church, tithe, give, and go about their business out of guilt or shame for their past. There is always this feeling of "I'm not good enough" or "You don't know what I've done" that makes people think that staying in the background is all they can do.

I think that the Devil has played this card very well among Christians. The truth is that we've all made our share of mistakes. We've all fallen down time after time. The question is: Why aren't you on your feet? Even though Paul will not hesitate to share his accomplishments "in the flesh", he will not forget to mention how he "considers them rubbish" as well. He also points out how he also committed some of the greatest atrocities against Christians themselves. But Paul didn't beat himself and choose to stand in the sidelines because of his "history".

"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).

We can't change the past, but we can determine our obedience to Christ today as we move into the future. The same God that called you is the same God that knows your past and was willing to send His Son to die for your sins, give you a new life and use you. Even if you've failed after knowing Him, get back on your feet and run like never before.

One day we will see God face to face. What will be our excuse then? Finish strong and prove to the world that His endless mercy and love endures forever.

Live No More

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:25:00 +0000

I find that in Philippians 1, as Paul is speaking from prison, he is presenting one of the clearest examples of what it means to die to oneself. His words naturally come out to be selfless and help to encourage the Church which is in much better situation than his. It's in this chapter that Christians find one of the biggest challenges in their walk with Christ.

Because of his preaching and defense of the Gospel he has been put in chains. From prison he writes the following: "...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel...Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly" (v.v. 12-14). Later on he asks prayer so that he "will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (v.v. 20-21).

Where is the source of this courage? Christ exalted. John Piper describes this lifestyle of courage by this statement: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him".

When we read passages like these we may feel challenged, overwhelmed or encouraged. But as Christians something has to happen, we cannot stay the same. Especially when, even today, there are brothers and sisters that continue to encourage us as they are in similar situations as Paul once was. To die to oneself is not a choice, it's a required step to be able to take up our own cross and follow Christ.

The Only Thing That Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:41:00 +0000

Religion has been around ever since man has been around. In essence, religion is anything man does to try to please or get close to God. The Devil has used religion to fool people for centuries in to thinking that they are ok with God. But religion was exactly what Jesus came to eliminate with his sacrifice.

Scripture says that when Jesus died the veil of the temple tore in half. Because of His death we now have access to God's presence through Jesus. No other intermediary is needed, no rituals will get us close to God. A personal relationship through Faith in Jesus is now available.

To some believers this still doesn't make sense. Our flesh always is trying to have us "do things" to make us "feel" like we're the ones getting closer to God. Paul calls this "outwardly impressions". We want others to see how "spiritual" we are by what we do.

But there is something that needs to happen that we cannot do, be born again. Galatians 6:15 says "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything: what counts is a new creation". Circumcision is like religion. It makes us feel better about ourselves and it can give a pretty good impression to others. But only God can make a new creation. This is the only thing that matters.

There is conflict between religion and being a new creation. For religion to prevail you cannot die. But to be a new creation you must first die to yourself. Religion says "I need to do this", a new creation says "look at what Jesus did". Religion says "look at me", a new creation says "look at Jesus". Religion says "I need to do more", a new creation says "Jesus paid it all".

The only thing that matters is precisely the thing that only God is able to do through Jesus.

What Do You Do With This?

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:31:00 +0000

What do you do when you run into something that speaks to you directly? There's no way around it, nothing to justify yourself with. The only thing you can do is pretend like you've never read it, or admit you're in trouble.

Sometimes I feel like this when I run into verses like Galatians 5:22-23. This verse is well known because it lists "the fruit of the Spirit". Let me refresh you memory: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".

We know by now that these are not "fruits" of the Spirit, instead a fruit that contains all these characteristics. I'm sure we can all admit having some of these but when asked, why not all, we respond something like "that's just not who I am". I will admit that there are days when it seems like there is no fruit around. But God has not intended to manifest this fruit through the Spirit in the lives of his children in a sporadic manner.

Paul tells us why we CAN live by the Spirit; why we CAN manifest this fruit. In the following verses he says: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.".

Here's a couple of things to understand it better:
1. We belong to Christ by making Him our Lord and Savior.
2. When we accept Christ by faith we too die to ourselves and resurrect to a new life in Christ.
3. In Christ we now are free from the bondage of sin, and now are slaves to righteousness.

So what do we do with verses like this? We are either saying we're not living by the Spirit because we chose to go back to the sinful nature and prefer to be slaves to sin. Or, we recognize that we are free indeed and can overcome the habits we once were unable to defeat. Therefore we need to do it.

Something has to happen when we read verses like this. Those that are in Christ are free indeed. It's not that we can't change, we can. We must.

What Is Your Profession?

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Whatch this clip from the movie 300. This is a classic scene that defines the profession of the Spartans as warriors because they are completely dedicated to that. They don't have any other profession and King Leonidas demonstrates that, although the number of his soldiers are less, he has more real soldiers than Daxon.

Here is my point: Mathew 28 calls us to make disciples of Christ. But to make disciples we must be one first. When we come to Christ we are called to be disciples, and not only seek the salvation that he offers; the latter comes when we chose the first. A disciple is a follower of Christ, someone who learns and follows the footsteps of Christ. I think 1 John 2:6 defines this the best way: "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He".

Have you asked yourself the following:
Am I a disciple of Christ? Do I try to walk as He walked?
Would Christ consider me His disciple?
Does my life define what it means to be a real disciple? My time?

We may have different professions in life. Being a disciple doesn't affect the profession we have. But, if we are not clear of what it means to be a disciple, our profession could take priority and overshadow the true calling God has for us.

Before any profession or dream, we must be clear that we are called to be disciples of Christ. Being His disciples will help us stay focused on making disciples wherever our profession takes us.

Live By Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:18:00 +0000

When I think about living by faith I imagine being in moments in my life where there is no logical way to continue. But then you chose to believe that God has a way and acting on it. Like Moses when he standing at the edge of the cliff seeing the sea, looking back and seeing Pharaoh's army, all while the people of Israel were questioning his efforts. To add to the apparent difficulties, his prayer is stopped by God who commands him to extend his arm (to act).

This is how I define "to live by faith". To prove my faith in God by acting when there is nothing left to do; It's asking God to provide because we have mouths to feed when we have nothing; It's knocking on doors to talk a bout Jesus to strangers in spite of rejection; It's tithing and giving to others although you financial situation is severe; It's viewing life from God's perspective and not from our limited human perspective.

Paul says "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

We can't forget that if we put our faith and trust in Christ as our personal Savior, we no longer live. Can we examine ourselves and agree with this? Does Christ live in us? Or does He live in us just in those moments when we have no other choice but to depend on Him? Why does God allow our finances to weaken, or doors to close? Is it maybe to teach us what it means to live by faith? Because we're supposed to if we were crucified with Christ.

We can't forget that the end result is that we will live by faith at all times; That we don't need consider the circumstances surrounding us to determine if we will live by faith today. We must understand that we have a loving God who gave himself up for us so that by faith we can live, serve and obey him. Living by faith will allow others to find His love and glorify Christ in our lives. There's no need to wait, we are called to live by faith at all times and in all circumstances, no matter how small they may be.

Spies

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:54:00 +0000

We typically think of a spy as someone who seeks to obtain information that is secret without the permission of the holder of the information. There are tons of movies that depict such behaviors. We think of famous movies like "James Bond" and "Mission Impossible" and clearly see the role of spies, even though Hollywood makes them look like "super humans".

Paul uses the term spies when speaking to the Galatians in chapter 2. But it's interesting that his definition doesn't involve a clandestine operation to seek information, instead he presents it as someone putting false information in; something like "Inception".

The verse says "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves" (Gal. 2:4).

I would totally agree with the spies if they were operating to find out how they could find freedom in Christ, but unfortunately these spies are seeking the opposite. There are people, even today, willing to do anything just so others can't be happy, fulfilled, or free. But that's another blog entry. I want to focus on the part "to make us slaves".

It doesn't always come from false brothers, but from the many different voices surrounding us; Voices that tell us that life is about us, not about others. Voices that tell us that we need to seek our own benefit, our own plans, the "American Dream", that this is "indeed" is what living an abundant life means.

Have we wondered how much of our life is focused on obeying Christ and fulfilling His purpose in us? Have we thought about how we are leading our families to be Christ-centered families? Have we decided to trust God with our all our heart and trust that He has a plan for us and our families?

The reason I ask is because, if we're still struggling with these questions and we know we're still "missing the point", maybe it's because we've allowed people, ideas, thoughts, situations, to enter as "spies" and we haven't even realized it. Because that's the point of the spy, to be present without you realizing it. What we need to realize is that the less we seek him, the more enslaved to the things of this world we are. But the more we trust God and seek his righteousness, the less enslaved we are. It's not difficult to understand this, but it's incredibly hard to admit.

When we seek Him more we will see just how much is trying to hold us back.

The Secret Service

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:07:00 +0000

One of the original functions of the Secret Service was the prevention and investigating of counterfeiting of United States currency. This has always been a problem and, although today the Secret Service is mostly known for protecting the president and family, they still focus on this crime as well as other agencies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secret_Service).

If you work as a teller in a bank, you are trained to identify counterfeit currency. Training is not as complicated as it may seem even though there may be many forms of creating false currency. Tellers are trained by using real currency. They study this currency so well that when the they run into something that is not familiar, they can easily identify the false currency.

This same principle is what Paul is teaching to the Galatian believers. Their problem, a false gospel that is being taught by deceivers. Paul is amazed at how easily some believers are deserting the true Gospel for a watered down gospel which he calls "no gospel at all" (v.7).

Paul presents the principle mentioned above within this warning: "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" (v.9). These believers have accepted the true Gospel; the gospel taught by Paul; The gospel of Jesus Christ. Although they have accepted this gospel, some are now walking away because they are being fooled to believe something different.

Scripture tells us that there will always be those who try to fool the chosen; False teachers; wolves among the sheep. Truly, it will be impossible to point out and identify every one of these. But Paul reminds us that we already have God's Revelation in the Scriptures; that we have indeed received the true Gospel. So to be firm in this gospel we need to study it so well that when we run into something remotely different, we will easily identify its falseness.

We must spend time in the Scriptures everyday. It is not only food for our soul; It not only guides our path in this life; It not only is God's love letter to us; It is the gospel. A Bible study once a week or listening to sermon is not enough. We must learn to filter everything we hear and read through the Scriptures.

The veil is broken. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Let us not repeat the same history these first believers were choosing, instead may we live each day as the Scriptures say: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2).

Sincere

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:57:00 +0000

I once heard that the word "sincere" comes from the Latin "sin-cera", which means "without wax". According to the story, the word came about from the selling of vases made of clay. Of course there would be those who would always try to cheat the customers, so they would use wax to put broken vases back together and try to sell them like those of high value. Those customers that knew better would place candles inside the vases exposing the cracks that, without the candle, would otherwise go unnoticed.

Any time we share Christ with someone, and do it with sincerity, we are doing it as people sent by God himself. That's pretty huge. We are not representing our own interests or promoting our own fame, but we represent God and are promoting the Almighty. We should realize how incredible this is. We are sent by God. From full time pastors/preachers, teachers and cell group leaders, to Christians giving testimony and sharing Christ in their workplace, we all have been sent by God.

But not all are sent. Unfortunately there are those that are not sincere. They have hidden agendas that God already knows about. For instance, Paul writes "Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God" (2 Corinthians 2:17). These are people that choose to manipulate the Word of God for their own benefit and cheat those they sharing it with. Instead of being instruments of God they become instruments of the Enemy.

I believe God desires all His children to know that they are sent by God. But understanding this means that every word we speak, at every location and in every moment, it is for His glory alone and must be done with sincerity. We represent God. Remember that the only two people that know your motivations are exactly the two people that are required to know; you and God.

May our hearts and minds be clear about this. May our motivations always flow from the desire to exalt His name alone. May we always remember that we are just instruments in His hands.

Where's Your Heart?

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:03:00 +0000

As Paul writes to the Church in Corinth we can assume the Word is also speaking to the Church today. Do you agree? If so, check out this message from Paul: "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

I don't know how you feel about this verse but if we evaluate our lives we might be in trouble here. If we are caught up in the things of this world; worried about our commodity, dreams, plans, business, possessions, our desires; more than God's plan for our lives, and still call ourselves followers of Christ...well, we need to figure out who's being fooled. We forget that we must live in the light of eternity and that this life is short, temporary in comparison; that we need to keep our eyes on the things from above.

The Bible tells us "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" Matthew 6:21. Someone said it this way, we love the things we spend our time on. We are not of this world, we are just passengers on a mission. Yet if we look at our schedule, our daily routine, our long term goals, our finances, who do we look like? Do we look anything like Jesus? The labor in the Lord is not in vain, everything else is.

Let's not make of our job or plans something in vain. We must wake up each day with a purpose, with a mission; to be used by God and be light where we are.

Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:14:00 +0000

While in Paraguay this past week (view album), we were heading back to the hotel and noticed lady carrying a small baby. Clinging to her leg was also a small barefooted boy, he couldn't have been more than a year and a half. Around them I counted 3 older siblings, no more than 5 years old. Finally, ahead of them was the oldest of the sons, with two more kids with him. He wasn't more than 9 years old. All these children walking the streets, barefooted, dirty, growing up in the streets of Ciudad del Este; Staying with mom all day while she tries to find money for food.

As I looked at her and tears began building up in my eyes, I couldn't help but to think how those could be my kids. My daughter, now two and a half, is just as old as some of those kids. This question came to my mind, "who says my family, my kids are more important?" To me they are, but to God?

One of my conclusions about this experience is this: We don't know how to pray. Everyday our prayers keep flowing from our selfish desires, and we try to justify our petitions simply because we think we deserve them. We don't. We need a better perspective.

We pray for God to bless us, haven't we been blessed beyond measure?
We ask for material things like our lives depended on it, and I wonder what God thinks of this; or if our prayers are even heard. We really don't know what needs are.

When I see a woman walking the streets with her infants literally looking to survive; when I meet a man with cancer with two young boys seeking to serve God, hoping to prepare them into godly men just in time before the cancer kills him; when I hear that these same youth eat once or twice a day every day, I know for a fact that I don't know how to pray.

I am ashamed to have asked God for anything material, when there is someone that doesn't even have bread to eat. I am ashamed because I am the Church, I am the one called to "love my neighbor as myself"; I am the one Scripture says "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" 1 John 3:17; I am one that must prove my faith with works and not just words.

Yet we know what God says. We know we are blessed to bless others. God allowed us to grow up in this country, to be born in the family's we have. All we have is because of Him. We are given to be a blessing to others.

Blind and in the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:38:00 +0000

Sometimes I've wondered what it would be like to be blind. I'm sure it's not like when I try to get to bed without turning on any lights at night. I mean, even with my wife's cell phone light on, I try my best for my eyes to adapt to that little light. After a few seconds, I manage and using touch and very slow walking I manage to get around.

Today I am reading Romans 3 and I started thinking about this because of Paul's message in reference to the law and to righteousness. Paul is clearing up the purpose of the law and how we cannot boast on how we obey it. Instead he explains that all who live under it have nothing to say. We all fall short of it. As long as we are trying to pretend we are "good" in obeying it we're not understanding it's purpose. Instead we should realize that it's purpose is to help us "become conscious of sin" (3:20).

But what if we don't even care about our condition? Our sin? It's like a man who is blind and in darkness. I think he wouldn't be worried too much. Frankly even if light surrounded him, he still wouldn't know the difference. Much less care.

Blindness is like the sin that is in us, it's in our nature. We can't see God and we don't care about our condition. We live in darkness and it doesn't bother us, we get used to it. Even when light surrounds us, we choose to ignore it because we're content. Some would go far enough to simply deny the existence of light at all since as blind they can't recognize the difference anyway.

But when our eyes are opened we recognize that there is a standard of right and wrong (the Law). We realize that we are surrounded by darkness. Even though we still are in darkness, we may start thinking that we can do well on our own. We may compare ourselves with others and think we are better off. We know when we do wrong, but we rationalize and boast at any of the good things we do.

But what happens when the we see and are surrounded by light? We recognize our condition. We can see the details in our life that need cleaning and we realize that there is no way we can do this on our own. While in darkness we though we were ok, we could adapt to the poor light and manage to move around. We could boast. But now that we see, we know we are in trouble.

Paul says the law helps us recognize our sin. But then explains that only through faith in Jesus Christ we are justified and can live in righteousness. In other words, we can actually be cleansed, see the path to follow and know where were going. Opposite to when we were blind and in darkness. Verse 24 says "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus", this is what God offers. We stop thinking we could fulfill the law, and now we realize through the law we can't and that God has provided the means to those who believe in his Son.

But do we ignore the law now that we are freely justified? Paul says no, "we uphold the law". In other words we abide by it. When before as blind and in darkness we tried climbing the law as if it was a ladder to justification, we understood that it was to help us realize our condition. Now as justified by faith in Jesus, the law helps us live in righteousness like a train follows its track, pointing us to live like Jesus.

Take Courage!

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:32:00 +0000

In the toughest moments of our life we want to listen to words like this, "take courage!" But the significance and the weight is greatly determined by whom these words come from. For example, if my son has a fever as a father I get worried. Specially if hours pass after I've given him medicine, and his fever remains. Someone could tell me "don't worry, kids get fevers all the time". But that wouldn't make me stop worrying. Yet if I call the doctor, answer some questions and have him respond "he'll be ok", that gives me greater comfort because of who he is.

Imagine being in Paul's situation. Some Jews are out for blood. They've plotted to kill him for no apparent reason. All Paul has done is preach the Gospel. Yet his message has not been accepted by some of these men and they refuse to leave tradition aside. Paul knows they are out to get him, and although he has been imprisoned until his trial, he knows God has a plan.

Before going to Jerusalem Paul was warned by his friends not to go because he would surely die there. But Paul, convinced of his mission was willing to take that risk. Now Paul is living exactly what his friends warned. It seems that his mission will be cut short and he will not leave Jerusalem alive. But God speaks to him in Acts 23:11 and says, "Take courage!" God reminds Paul that his mission includes testifying in Rome.

From this moment on through the rest of the book of Acts, we see a Paul that is so confident that even at one time he says "If however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die" (Acts 25:11). Paul believes God's purpose for him. After years imprisoned awaiting trial, he presents his case to Felix, then Festus, and finally Agrippa who has no choice but to send him to Rome to be given a chance to appeal directly to Ceasar; Even when no fault deserving death was still found in him. But Paul wasn't looking to be freed, but he was looking for his opportunity to fulfill his purpose.

Paul's ship faces a storm and Paul is confident enough to tell all aboard that they would not die. They survive a shipwreck and land on the island of Malta, he's bitten by a viper snake and no ill effects occur. While still waiting years pass and Paul is used greatly while preaching in Rome.

Now I wonder...What if God hadn't said "Take courage!"

What about us? What holds us back? We're to share the good news to everyone. We will be rejected, but not nearly as close to how Paul was rejected. No one that claims to follow Christ is exempt from this call, from this mission. Is it that we are scared of rejection? I could understand if Jesus had not said anything to encourage us. But he did.

Did he not say that he had all authority in heaven, earth, under the earth, and we should go and make disciples? Did he not say to not fear for he has overcome the world? Did he not say that he would send the Counselor to be with us? Did he not say that greater is he that is in us that the one that is in the world? Does he not tell us to take courage?

The problem doesn't lie on what we believe he said. It lies on how we live in response to what he says.

Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Ludwing Villamizar) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:12:00 +0000

I once heard the phrase "we need to become the Devils #1 enemy". This is obviously implying a complete surrender and obedience to God; our life should make an impact in the lives of others so that our Enemy knows who we are. If we are no threat to his plans, then we are not making a positive impact for the Kingdom of God.

Two years. That's how much time it took for Paul to make known the word of the Lord known in the province of Asia. Yes, people knew who Paul was, but Paul was more interested in letting people know who Christ was. Some wanted to be like Paul and tried to imitate him. But it turned out a painful experience.

In the following verses we see some men who tried to cast out evil spirits just as Paul did. Maybe they just wanted the fame or the power, but whatever the motive, it didn't work out too well for them. The evil spirit speaks to them and says "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then he proceeded to give them the beating of their life.

To be on the Devils Most Wanted List doesn't require popularity. It requires obedience to the Word. While the Enemy's goal is to keep people from seeing Jesus, our job is to show Jesus to as many people as we can. As long as we make this the goal of our lives, our name will be considered for the Most Wanted List.

Sadly, if you don't care much about being on this list; if you are focused on your own goals and achievements; if the desire of your heart is not God's desire for you, you need not to worry so much about being a threat to the Enemy's plans. But at the same time you won't be making much of an impact for the Kingdom of God either.

I am reminded of this phrase by Rick Warren "Life, it's not about you, it's about God". How much impact are you making today?