Tag Archives: joy

Improper

06 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

CONQUERING GREED-1
CONQUERING GREED
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:17 Version CEV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A9-10%2C1+Timothy+6%3A17&version=CEV

As Christians, we are challenged to live a simple lifestyle. This principle applies the same way, to a worker who dreams of having his own house, as to a very successful businessman.

The Bible warns that “You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:17-18)

The important thing is not the amount of goods that pass through our hands, but the meaning that those assets have for our lives and the way that we manage them before God.

The Christian enjoys the goods that the Lord has given him. However, he does not put his heart and trust in them. He does not cheat or oppress anyone, or lose sleep over profits and the accumulation of wealth or the loss of these. He does not want to get rich, not dependent on lotteries, gambling or the money earned without honest work.

Finally the Christian pays his taxes to the government, thus fulfilling the mandate of Jesus when he said: “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25)

The Christian knows very well what God says: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1Timothy 6:9-10)

A Bible writer clearly tells us, “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. (Ephesians 5:3)

Greed must be absent from our homes, because people are much more important than goods; and joy, peace and eternal life cannot be bought with money.

Ildefonso Torres

Happy Forever?

02 Wednesday Mar 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shelter Final
THE SHELTER
Today’s Reading: Psalm 46:1-7 Version NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46%3A1-7&version=NIV

At weddings, we hear this phrase, “Happy forever!” Later, however, the reality of every day upsurge; and with them, attempts to change the other person. As you cannot change a person, without destroying their personality or willpower, it only remains to sigh: “Ah, it was good when I was single!”

Given the problems of life, marital or of any other nature, it does not make any sense to say: “If I had not married!” “If my husband or wife was someone else”!

The woman or man you married is what he or she is. Unless he or she dies, unless there is a separation, you will continue next to each other. You need to do something, react and strive to understand and love this person as she or he is.

If after so much discord and so many fights in your marriage not even a little bit of love is left, have the humility to ask God for forgiveness and grace to start all over again.

God is more interested in your life and the stability of your marriage, than you think. He is the source of love, joy and life. God is your shelter and strength.

Ildefonso Torres

Joined Together

16 Tuesday Feb 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

File Feb 16, 10 41 21 PM
Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:28-33; Matthew 19:6 Version ESV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A28-33%3B+Matthew+19%3A6&version=ESV

Marriage is consummated, is completed in the sexual union. However, marriage goes beyond physical union. Marriage includes all other areas of life: social, mental and spiritual.

They are married! From now on, even though they are two different persons, it is as if they were one person, one flesh.

To love your wife is like loving your own body, says the Bible. There are no straight words like these to describe the union between a man and a woman, and that is done through marriage. They describe the union and leave a warning: The body needs warmth, tenderness and resents abuse!

There is a lot of sexual depravity and depravity of character in our society; this generates anxiety, emptiness, and loneliness. Unfortunately, there is selfishness, fights and separations between spouses; they always leave behind a trail of suffering and distress. However, nothing can destroy or obscure the union between a man and a woman who was made before God and with his blessing. Such a union brings life, joy, sincerity, comfort and is the basis of society. What God has joined together, no human being will be able to destroy.

Ildefonso Torres

Transformation

11 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Tolerance of Jesus Final
Today’s Reading: Colossians 3:12 Version ESV

If you are accustomed to say, “I cannot stand that person!” maybe you are suffering from an intolerance disorder. Be careful, because the feeling of intolerance is the result of a lack of love and ability to forgive.

When we begin to judge others, we risk losing the sense of justice, peace and joy. Assuming false attitudes of love and forgiveness, does not solve the problem. To disguise our tendency for intrigues and confusions will only sprout roots of bitterness and develop trees of dullness and weariness.

Every day we find ourselves in a number of situations that require patience and understanding. As Christians, our attitudes should transpire kindness, humility, patience and gentleness.

Every day we must face evil with good. However, doing good, when we are paid with evil, always brings about criticism and humiliation in a society where profits and compensations are thought of as the norm.

It is good to remember that the only profit or advantage that we should seek is a peaceful heart, a clear conscience, the joy of doing the will of God. With Jesus we learn the way of tolerance and transform the difficulties and aggression of life into opportunities to live, to forgive and to love our fellow man.

Ildefonso Torres

Food

01 Monday Feb 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Jesus Brea of Life Final
Today’s Reading: John 6:27 Version NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A27&version=NIV

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.”

How should we interpret these words of our Lord Jesus Christ? If Jesus were with the people every day, multiplying loaves of bread and fish, then no one will need to worry, or work. There is something we know very well: Jesus always worked and did not send anyone to sit back and wait for the bread to fall from the sky.

To work is one thing and to remain anxiously fighting for bread every day as if life were hardly a material thing is quite another. Jesus was right. You cannot work only to feed the body, we must also nourish our spirits and regenerate our spiritual energies. You need to think about a life that is divided between love, kindness, joy and then extends for all eternity.

Jesus is the bread of life; however, there are many people living in a real spiritual poverty, a meaningless, useless, sad and selfish life.

Jesus is our food, because food means life. With him we will overcome our most difficult trials. With him we will develop spiritual maturity. With Jesus and in Jesus, we have the strength to spread love, peace, joy, kindness.

That bread is worth fighting for!

Ildefonso Torres

The Bible

29 Friday Jan 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Read the Bible Final
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3%3A16-17

There is something that makes this message different from others. We’re not trying to sell you anything; we just want to open doors. Yes, doors of forgiveness, happiness, salvation, life and love. The problem is that we don’t have a lot of space or time to bring to you a complete message.

It would be nice to elaborate more about this subject. Life is precious when we live in harmony with the laws established by our Creator. We like to spend our time talking about the only way we have for happiness. This is the way; a personal relationship with the One who has given us life.

We do not have much space and time for this short message, but you can find in the Bible the answer to the most important issues of your life. The Bible opens the door to happiness, security, salvation, life and love.

Perhaps you have already been tempted to read the Bible and found it very complicated. Try again. However, before you read, pray to God. It is very simple. For example you can say something like, “Lord, open my heart to understand your Holy Word!” Do it! The relief, the peace, the joy, the forgiveness that you need is at your disposition now.

Read the Bible!

Commandment

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

The Great Commandment Final
Today’s Reading: Mark 12:30-31 Version NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A30-31&version=NIV

The word commandment always brings the idea of obedience, discipline and a search for the right behavior. However, speaking of “commandments” Jesus refers to the beginning of life and makes an invitation to heed his advice, finding in them joy, peace and personal satisfaction. This is the law of love; not to oppress anyone, on the contrary, it generates life, understanding and happiness.

Love your neighbor as yourself; it is the commandment of Jesus. It is an invitation that challenges us to abandon our individualism to participate in the lives of others through acts of kindness, love and tenderness.

We must pay attention to the people around us, because many need our help. We need more than ever to stop being self-centered, only worrying about our stuff.

It’s time to change. It is necessary to pay more attention to the events around us, because sometimes, we are bearers of the only solution to the problems of other people. Love is not just a feeling but also action. Jesus invites us to act!

Ildefonso Torres

We Shall Not Want!

11 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shepherding of Jesus Final
Today’s Reading: Philippians 4:13, Psalm 23:1 Version KJV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13%2C+Psalm+23%3A1&version=KJV

The moments of difficulties and sadness make us forget the hours of joy. If we stop to think, we could easily see the times of joy in our lives.

We must not forget the times of joy, satisfaction and peace. But to tell the truth, the undesirable friend of sorrow, insist on staying and joining us.

If you think we are abandoned, take heart. In this day of realities and feelings, there is a very important person who joins us with much interest and care: Jesus Christ! He is always at our side. Jesus gave his life for us and now is present in us. His presence fills us with the confidence we need to overcome obstacles. You can face anything with the strength that Christ gives.

When suffering overwhelms us, Jesus accompanies us with love and understanding. He knows all things and knows our suffering. In obedience, we received approval; in sickness, his care; in rebellion, his reproach; in experience, his instruction.

Jesus is our Shepherd, and “we shall not want!”

Ildefonso Torres

Fountain

05 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

The Spring of Jesus
Today’s Reading: John 7:37-39 Version CEV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A37-39&version=CEV

Imagine a natural fountain, where crystal waters flow and roll downhill with thunder and beauty. Many, when they see a fountain like this, stop to appreciate its beauty and test its waters.

When our thirst is spiritual, the only source able to satisfy us is Jesus. Jesus is the source of living waters. If we drink from that source, from within us will flow rivers of living water.

The experience of life is always difficult, full of problems, and dry roads. Our heart cries out for peace, security, food and life. And those things, only Jesus can give to us.

Today life can be very different for you. To approach Jesus, the fountain of living waters, have faith. Bow your head and let the Spirit of God take possession of your heart, your body, and your mind.

Today ask God, with a sincere heart, for the water of life, and leave behind the desert of selfishness, evil, anger; and live!

Come to live a life as useful and attractive as a crystal water fountain! Become, in this world, an oasis of peace, joy and life!

Ildefonso Torres

Compassion

04 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by in Daily Message

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Compassion of Jesus
Today’s Reading: Matthew 28:20 Version CEV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A20&version=CEV

When suffering knocks at our door, enthusiasm and joy of living go out the window. This is how thousands of people live. But this does not have to happen to those who know Jesus through an experience of personal salvation.

With Jesus, suffering faces hope and certainty. Without Jesus and without hope life is nothing more than fatigue and afflictions; and any small problem becomes a mountain of difficulties. Daily, Jesus places himself at our side. He knows our steps and guides us to the safe path. Jesus clears up our ideas and leads us with a firm hand.

If any one of our children screams for help, we leave everything and run to his rescue. It is no different with Jesus, who gave his life for us. His presence at our side is guaranteed. He said: “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Life can be much more than a sea of tears. Jesus is our source of joy and peace.

Ildefonso Torres