Love me tender...

Another year, another celebration of love. Once more the calendar marks February 14th- Valentine's day.

My lips, softly and tenderly kissed my loved ones this morning, wishing them a blessed day, as they awoke. I made sure they enjoyed a warm breakfast, before heading out in the bitter cold to face another work day.

Now, alone with my thoughts in the refuge of our home, I reflect on the moments and days gone by... the blessings, the challenges, the difficult situations I've encountered along the way and the resolutions to be more loving, more like Jesus. I reflect on the many instances I've not accomplished my goal, and the countless times I've faltered. The scene is not as bright as it ought.

In the wee hours of the morning I spoke to my friend, Jesus.
—Oh, how I wish to be more like you!—I whispered.
—I'm willing to help!
—Please do, Lord! I need you desperately or I'll fail.

Ever felt like you try and you try but you fail? If so, you get the picture.

I ponder the countless hearts that are out there... in the cold winter of their life, longing for love and tenderness, hungering compassion, searching for a helping hand, for a word of hope. I'm sure you've noticed them too. It seems unfair to learn about so many in dire need of the bare necessities of life. Multitudes are homeless; others face illnesses. Some have no hope for a better future. While you and I might not be able to change the lives of many, I'm certain that, by the grace of God, I can help at least some.

Each time I treat others with respect and dignity, each time I pronounce an encouraging word, every time I give the best of me to those I encounter on my path, I'll be spreading love, and joy and cheer and hope. The words of the Master and Savior, the Author of love, come to my mind: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'-Matthew 25:40.

—Love me tender, my child. Love me tender... —I hear him reply.

So, all I need to do is love Jesus, love him with all my heart, mind and soul! For when I do, I'll see him in each person too: in the children, the young, the adults, the elderly, in the needy, the accomplished, the survivor, the struggling one, the friends and the unfriendly, the caring and the cold, in those who love me, and in those who've wronged me...

May I see Jesus in every person crossing my path today, for only then will I have accomplished the task and learned to love the way you do, dear Jesus, I pray. For then, each day, we'll truly have a happy Valentine's day!

My "To-do" list

Have you ever found yourself burdened and short of time to accomplish your tasks? I surely have! Seems like the days get shorter and shorter by the minute! And it has nothing to do with the daylight savings change-of-time or winter itself... In Matthew 24, as Jesus described the signs of his second coming to his friends, he warned them about the days becoming shorter for the sake of those who love him: “If the time had not been made short, no life would have been saved. Because of God's people the time will be made short”- Matthew 24:22, New Life Version.

And the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “So be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish. Make the best use of your time. These are sinful days. Do not be foolish. Understand what the Lord wants you to do”-Ephesians 5:5-17, New Life Version.

Balancing full-time office work, a ministry, church responsibilities and household responsibilities, I've found myself in the need of making a To-do-list in order to use time wisely and accomplish the most urgent tasks in my super busy day. But I find that spending time with my Creator early in the day, enables me to accomplish far more than other days, regardless of the challenges I face. So "Devotional time" remains #1 on my list. Even thou I consider it more of a privilege than a task, scheduling time for it keeps me on track and eases my day. It surely works wonders!No matter what is on my "To-do" list today, setting time aside for my Creator and friend gives me the cutting edge! I invite you to try it! It may save your day too!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006-11-15

Its all about Love

Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited, or proud"-

I Corinthians 13:6


Love is beautiful. Despite all the troubles around us, love makes life worth living. So let us be instruments of kindness, warriors of love to all those around us! Are you up to the challenge?

Instrument of kindness, warrior of love

To love one another,

to not hold a grudge,

to help those who need us,

to ease someone's pain,

to share the burdens,

to sing a sweet tune,

to make someone happy

to lighten the load...

to share the successes,

to cry with the sad,

to make a child happy,

to point to the stars,

to heal those life wounded

and help mend a heart

to "be there" when needed

and to understand,

is all in the big plan

that God, in His grace,

set out for this nation,

and beautiful land.

But many have wandered

away from His Word,

ignoring His calling

to love and prosper.

So many are needing

a kind word or two...

And many now wander

in darkness and pain.

Won't you let your light shine

and let your love flow

to others in kindness,

and a helping hand?

Be patient, be loving.

Treat others with care.

The joy that you now spread

will come back again.

Reach out to your neighbor,

for you never know

the time when you'll need him

and knock at his door.

Refuse not your kindness

to strangers or poor

for by helping others

you're helping the Lord.

If love makes the world sing

and love heals the heart

rejoice in the blessing

that you may impart

by loving your neighbor

as you love yourself,

for you' re making this earth

a much better place.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006

A Blessing Renewed

There is a blessing in each new day. It's revitalizing to go out early in the morning and breath in the fresh air of a brand new day. A new day brings the sense of new opportunities, leaving behind the frustrations of the days gone by. No matter how succesful or unsuccesful yesterday was, today I am given a new opportunity in life to reach new goals, to do a better job, to serve others with all my heart and to walk closer to the Lord. Thou I can certainly look back and learn from the past, I can certainly look ahead with optimism and make the most of the blessing of a new day.

The apostle Paul reminds us of this blessing in 2 Corinthians 5:17-"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".

Now that I've been given a New Year, I am thankful for the renewed blessing it brings. I'd like to breath in the fresh air of the Holy Spirit, that my life will be revitalized and empowered to serve the Lord in a way that glorifies His name. By the grace of God, I aim to be a new creature, one who walks the path ahead hand in hand with Christ, one who'se priority is the will of God, one who'll allow the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose in me.

Thank you, Lord for the blessing of a New Year! Together, You and I can make the most of this renewed blessing!
©2006-01 Rhodi Alers de López

A New Year's Prayer

A New Year’s Prayer

As the twinkling lights of Christmas trees
Around us begin to dim
May Jesus Christ, the Light of the world,
Shine bright, in our hearts, within;
Bringing every day of the New Year
Love and peace, ever flowing.

May we treat all with understanding,
With compassion and respect.
Then every day will be a blessing
For ourselves and for the rest.
Oh, dear Jesus, please, make it happen…
Make this New Year just the best!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2003

“Thanksgiving”

What is “Thanksgiving? Is it merely one day each year in which we gather with family and friends to eat, drink and celebrate the pilgrims’ arrival from England to the coasts of Massachusetts, USA and their survival? Is it the day in which we show our gratitude to God? What are we teaching our children and those around us regarding such celebration?

The Word of God bids us be thankful. Are we showing gratitude towards God and those around us? Gratitude isn’t something we express in a day set by men. It isn’t something we do by requirement or obligation. Gratitude is a s spontaneous expression from the heart towards our benefactor. For those who know the Lord and follow his steps, thanksgiving is a way of life, because they recognize the mercies of God Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer. From a heart, humbled by so many undeserving favors, springs gratitude’s sweet aroma and, like the psalmist he exclaims: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”(Psalm 103:2).

Psalms 26:6-7 reads: “I will wash my hands to show I am innocent and march in worship around your altar, I sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell of all your wonderful deeds”. According to the psalmist, “thanksgiving” is to testify, express gratitude to God for every one of his favors. Psalm 100:4 invites us to come to the house of the Lord and express our gratitude: “Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him”. Let us express our thankfulness to God with our voices, giving testimony. Let us sing hymns of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord (Psalms 13:6, 96:2, 105:2). Let us express gratitude in prayer (Colossians 4:2). Let us express gratitude in sharing what we have received with those who are needy, which “causes through us thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11, 12).

In I Thessalonians 5:18, Paul admonishes us: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. Let us be thankful, not only for our earthly possessions, but for our salvation, God’s priceless gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). Let us be thankful to God for those around us (1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16). Let us be thankful for the victory he has promised (1 Corinthians 15:57). And let us be thankful with every one. May we learn from Christ, the King of the Universe, who always showed gratitude to his heavenly Father. While learning to be thankful and expressing gratitude, we are getting ready to, one day very soon, thank our loving Savior, face to face, for each and every one of his precious blessings.

My prayer for today:
Dear heavenly Father: I praise you and thank you for your countless blessings and the loving way you care for me. Give me an attitude of spontaneous thanksgiving towards you and with those around me. Help me notice the many reasons I should be thankful for. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 1999- translated 2004.

What motivates Michael Phelps and other great athletes?

Paul recalled the Olympiads when he wrote: “Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” 1 Corinthians 9: 24, 25.

Athletes put forth a great deal of effort and discipline to keep their bodies in shape and train for the competition. Endurance and perseverance go hand in hand with these. It takes commitment to carry on, overcoming the obstacles in the way. When not so motivated, focusing on their goal surely ignites the spark of energy that takes them through the rigorous training.

Whether or not an athlete wins gold, silver, bronze, or no medal at all, they’re on a quest for excellence. They are committed to do their best. To win one gold medal is an achievement in itself. But American athlete Michael Phelps won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals in the 28th Olympiads, the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. What an achievement! He has definitely represented well our country and brought more attention to the swimming sport!

A young lady, Kirsty Coventry, won gold, silver and bronze medals representing Zimbabwe. Another great Olympian, Justin Gatlin, saw his dream come true by conquering the 100 meter final race in 9.85 seconds. He is now considered the fastest man in the world. It’s awesome to see these and so many other fine athletes give their best under so much pressure!

Their example of commitment, perseverance and focusing is worth imitating in our daily lives. And I ponder: Am I doing the best I can sometimes or always? Do I try harder because of the recognition anticipated after a big accomplishment or is my quest for excellence obvious even in the smallest, unnoticed tasks? In everything I do, I want to do my best. The prize of doing each task to the best of my abilities might not be a gold, silver or bronze medal, but there’s great satisfaction in a job well done.

Another thought strikes my mind: Regardless of our physical abilities we too are all athletes, competitors in the Olympiads that decide our eternal future. There is a goal most worthy of our commitment and daily focus: Heaven; and a reward more enticing than gold itself: the crown of eternal life.

In this race, we are called to bring attention to Jesus Christ, not ourselves. Are we on a quest for excellence in our walk with the Lord? Are we focused and motivated? Are we persevering or wavering before the obstacles? Each trial endured will strengthen us and make us fit to reach our goal. Our heavenly coach is right by our side each step of the way. His grace made provisions to ensure our own victory and he did not give up, even under the pressure of death. We must not give up! We must focus!

The Apostle Paul’s advice is: “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds unto us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12: 1, 2). When facing trials and difficulties our coach’s words bring encouragement: “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Michael Phelps’ name is forever linked with great swimming. I'd like my name to be forever linked to Jesus Christ. It took commitment, effort, patience, great discipline and sacrifices for Michael Phelps and all the other athletes to get to Athens and compete. In the end it is well worth it! It comforts me to know that when we get to heaven we will not have to compete. There will not be one prize better than the other or competitors without a crown. And the trials and sorrows endured will be dimmed by the glory and splendor of heaven and the joy of living with our father. Will you be counted with the achievers? Will your name be forever linked with Jesus? Victory awaits! Are you running to win?

I long to see Jesus face to face, thank him personally for what he's done for me and feel his loving embrace! He is my motivation to run and win!

My Prayer

Dear Jesus: Please, help me represent well The Kingdom of Heaven. Help me stay focused and run to win, and bring glory to your precious name. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

"Be Still"- A sweet reminder

“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10.

As a woman, I consider it a privilege to be a mom. Have you seen the energy the kids have? They can go on and on for the longest time, without realizing they need some kind of rest. Many a parent has told a child: “Please, be still.” It’s the plea of parents all over the world. But mom… why? -is their usual whine. Parents know best! We understand it is beneficial for kids to stop for a while and be calm; not because activity isn’t good, but because we all need some time to relax, to recuperate from the strenuous activities that wear us down.

Our father knows what is best too. He knows how much we need solitude and rest, even when we are not willing to recognize it. In the constant hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our heavenly Father calls for us to be still: He calls us to be still, that we may know him better and understand that he is in control. He calls us to sit at his feet and listen to his words of wisdom and encouragement. He invites us to be still and rest in him, to rely on him and to trust him. He asks us to be still to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives; be still, that we may praise him and exalt his name.

Bring unto him your concerns, worries, your questions without answers, your needs or anything that troubles you. Accept his invitation to be still and trust him. You will see that he, lovingly, cares for you in a very special way. Alone, in the stillness of God’s presence, you will get to know him so well, that your doubts and worries will vanish. In the stillness of his presence you will be safe from the troubles around you. Be still and know that God is with you. The Captain of the heavenly host is on your side. He is your refuge. Praise him in the stillness of his presence and your life will be renewed and strengthened. Give honor and glory to his name and testify that he is Lord! Your life will never be the same, for the Lord is your God. He knows you and you know him.

“Be still and know that I am God…” what a sweet reminder of his loving care for me!

My prayer: Thank you, dear Father, for loving me and reminding me to take time to know you better each day. Thank you for reminding me that you are in control of my life. All my cares I leave in your hands. You are my refuge, my Savior, my God and I praise your name. Amen

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

Just a note of praise!

“The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live in it are his” Psalm 24:1 (Good News Bible- Today’s English Version).

How often do we stop and meditate about this truth? Do we realize that we exist only because God chose to create us? We are not here today as a result of evolution. Our heavenly Father created the universe. This earth was designed with humankind in mind. It was lovingly prepared step by step. When everything we needed was in place he, fearfully and wonderfully, created man.

Life itself is a wonderful gift that we enjoy without stopping to consider. He provides shelter, food, work, friends, our abilities and so much more! He gives us all we have. Yet, many times, we choose to live as ungrateful children, who think they don’t owe much to their parents. We often fail to acknowledge God’s involvement in our everyday life and don’t recognize his many blessings.

The psalmist reminds us: “Praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is” (Psalm 103:1-2). Only when we fully understand and recognize that all we have comes from our heavenly Father’s hand, will we be able to, wholeheartedly, praise him as he deserves. So, praise the Lord with a cheerful heart! His blessings are without end.

Prayer and Praise:
Father, today I want to praise you! Thank you for creating me and giving me life. I understand that all I have is a gift from you. Above all, I thank you for the privilege of knowing YOU and the salvation you provided through Jesus Christ. I thank you for the Bible, the Living Word, which helps us know you better.

Although I am so undeserving, every morning you renew your many blessings upon me. And I praise you with all my heart. Help me to be aware each day of your kindness and share it with others for the glory of your name. Give me a thankful heart I pray, precious Lord. Amen.

©Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

A Basket of Praise-2

“Delight yourself also in the Lord: and he shall give you the desires of your heart”. Psalm 37:4

Have you started making a list of blessings or reasons to be thankful and praise God for? How long is it? Do you find yourself constantly adding to it? As we realize God’s never-ending blessings, we learn to praise him more and request less. As we praise our heavenly Father, we make ourselves fully aware of his greatness, his power, his love and kindness.

Now, Matthew assures us that God already knows our needs before we ask him (Mat. 6:8, 32). So, what about the Prayer Request Basket? Is there really a need for it? Why does God invite us to ask, seek and knock? (Mat. 7:7-8). By asking, waiting and having our request fulfilled, we learn to trust God day by day. That, in turn, will cause us to praise and thank him even more. And on goes the cycle of praise!

Now, remember: God invites us to ask! That is why he gave us so many promises. He wants us to ask and trust that he will answer! But he also reminds us to be thankful and not take his many blessings for granted!

While the praise basket gets heavier, the request basket seems to get lighter! How is this accomplished? We learn to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We trust Him to supply all our needs (Mat. 6: 33). Our priorities are now in order and our main concern is to please our Father. He takes care of your request basket for he knows your needs. He will give you the desires of your heart! Not because you praise him, but because you surrendered to him in praise and thanksgiving. You chose to trust him and he is a trustworthy, loving and wonderful Father.

How do your baskets look today? Are you “delighting yourself in the Lord”? Consider his wonders and rejoice in his goodness. Fill your basket with praise and thanksgiving for God is good!

My prayer: Father, I worship and surrender myself unto thee. I praise you and exalt your holy name. I thank you for all the wonderful things that you have done and what still is to come. Help me be an instrument of praise unto your name. This I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

©Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

A Basket of Praise-1

“How good it is to give thanks to you, O lord, to sing in your honor, O Most High God, to proclaim your constant love every morning and your faithfulness every night”. Psalm 92:1, 2.

An old legend says that one day God gave an angel two beautiful baskets. One basket was to be filled with prayer requests of his children on earth; the other, with their gratitude. At the end of the day the basket of requests was full to the brim, heavy with requests. Not so with the other basket. This one was light, with only a few notes of thanksgiving and praise. Needless to say, our heavenly Father was greatly disappointed. So many blessings he bestows upon us, yet, we are slow to recognize and thank him for them.

The book of Psalms is full of invitations to praise and thank our Lord! Why the constant reminder? We often overlook God’s many blessings to us. When we take time each morning to rejoice and praise the Lord, He will open our eyes to the wonders of his love. We will constantly have a reason to be thankful and praise God! Our basket of praise will be filled with beautiful notes of thanksgiving, and sweet tunes of praise, giving God honor and glory for the wonderful things He has done!

Do you have a prayer journal? Why not have a praise journal? In the evening, why not take some time to meditate in his goodness? Take note of how God cared and provided for you this day, how faithful he is. Your basket of praise will soon be overflowing.

My Prayer: “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth will make known thy praise” Psalm 51:15.
(To be continued)

© Copyright Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

Wrinkles Away!

“… In order to present the church to himself in all its beauty- pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle, or any other imperfection”. Ephesians 5:27

Ironing… on a hot summer day? I wished not! But there I was, with a load of sparkling clean shirts before me, waiting to be ironed. My husband and sons needed their shirts ready, as we were to attend church early, the next morning. So without giving it much thought, I tackled the task. One by one, I carefully ironed the shirts; using steam as necessary, to smooth even the tiniest wrinkles away. Then, I hung them neatly in a rack. While I too was partaking of the heat and steam applied to the garments, I knew my family was worth it!

As I reached for a white shirt, carefully arranging it on the ironing board, I thought about our own spiritual garments. They certainly have been washed in the blood of the Lamb; for we have invited Jesus into our hearts and accepted His sacrifice in atonement for our transgressions. But that is only the beginning of our preparation. In order to be ready for his second coming, our garments must also be ironed; our characters, transformed.

Therefore, with the iron of the Holy Spirit, and through the heat and steam of trials, God carefully soothes away each and every wrinkle that our character might have. Diligently, he is preparing us for His kingdom. Every time heat is applied, a wrinkle is smoothed away. Each trial and heartache that we withstand says how important we are to our heavenly Father. He calls us to be “perfect- just as our Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:38).

Jesus himself holds the iron in his hand. He too is partaking of the heat, so that you and I can be ready, pure and faultless, without a wrinkle or any other imperfection!

Next time you feel the heat of trials or tribulation, praise God. Cry: "Yes, Lord… smooth all my wrinkles away!"

My prayer: Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, which prepares my character for your kingdom. Please help me, trustingly, endure the heat while you smooth all my wrinkles away! Amen

© Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

In the Garden

“Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said, in Hebrew, “Raboni!” (This means “Teacher.”) John 20:16

I woke up tired and worried one morning, after a long, sleepless night. I said a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the new day and the opportunity to serve Him. Having a positive attitude and singing praises to God while doing chores helped. But my heart was aching, burdened with questions without answers, longing for assurance that the Lord was in control of each member of my family. My husband’s words were no comfort. When my family left, I sought refuge in my Friend. At last, alone with Him, I needed not be strong anymore. So I knelt, wept and poured my soul before Him.

Mary was anguished. Tears streamed down her cheeks; her heart broken by the death of her Master. And now… his body was not in the grave! Immersed in her sorrow, she was unable to recognize the voice she heard. “It must be the gardener”, she thought. Mary was in the very presence of Jesus, without perceiving it! But Christ, who notices every teardrop and understands the longings of our hearts, saw her anguish and suffering. He spoke and called her name! When Mary realized she was in the presence of her beloved Master everything changed. He turned her tears into joy and new hope.

Like Mary, often times and for many reasons, comfortless, we cry. Although in the presence of our Master, our soul groans in pain and suffering. But the moment when we hear his voice and listen to his words he fills our heart with peace, assurance and joy! There is power in His words!

That morning, in the midst of my tears, wonderful promises from God’s Word came to me, bringing the much needed assurance of his guidance. I lay all my burdens in his hands and felt great comfort and peace.

If in the midst of sorrow we learn to listen to His voice, everything will change. We have a loving Savior who weeps with us. But also offers us his grace, his strength and his peace. Even when we don’t perceive him, He is always by our side. Every day he calls our name, longing to comfort us. No matter the reason for our sorrow and anguish, when we seek Him in the garden He wipes our tears. What a wonderful Savior!

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for You are my Comfort in time of need! May I seek you in the garden at the start of every day so that we may walk hand in hand along life's narrow way. Amen
© Copyright Rhodi Alers de López, 2003