To accept or not to accept change By Jose Maldonado
Let's be clear about this: most of the time, change is no fun! It is frequently quite an unsettling pull in our lives. We often resist it, telling ourselves that the disruption of our comfortable routines needs to be avoided. Yet, change is part of our existence whether we like it or not. Sometimes, it may even be a tool in the hands of God, giving us what we didn't even know we needed. Other times, God allows change to accomplish His greater purposes. In the early days of Christianity, change was a driving force. Massive persecution forced Christ-followers to scatter, and in the process, they took the message of Christ to new places, “preaching the word.” Change became a conduit for spreading the gospel amid adversity. This is not what most strategists today would have come up with as a strategic plan for growth. Another example of change is the Bible's account of an abrupt and heart-wrenching change that took place for those who were following John the Baptizer. John's tragic death prompted Jesus to withdraw to a remote place. He needed time to process the grief caused by the pain and abuse that his cousin had suffered. However, in this season of solitude, something extraordinary began to happen. A multitude of John's followers sought Jesus out, drawn by their own grief and longing for someone who could give them hope. Here, we see change in its rawest form—a shift from mourning to seeking relief and hope. Jesus responded by moving compassionately among them, healing their sick, and ministering to their needs. That sad story teaches us that change doesn't always arrive with cheers and applause. Sometimes, it enters our lives as an outrageously heavy burden. I have experienced that kind of pain. I know that feeling sadness, confusion, and loss in the face of change is extremely difficult, but it is okay to feel that way. We ought to take time to process it healthily, just as Jesus did when He retreated to mourn. And during these times, we remind ourselves that God is still at work. We should look at change as a journey, and in our willingness to adapt and trust God's plan, we discover that there is beauty even in the midst of sadness. Some of the changes that come our way are easy to navigate, and other changes are almost unbearable. Regardless of the severity and significance of the change, we must seek God's guidance, ask for His compassion, and be open to the blessings that He may have in store. Change is not the end; it's often the beginning of something new and wonderful. "When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:13-14 NKJV) The Myth of a Divided Nation
by José Maldonado Many media outlets have been telling us that we are a divided nation for some time. Individuals with their own agendas often push this idea, trying to convince us that our differences are too significant to bridge. However, I believe this is not true. We are not a divided nation; we are a community that shares many common values and goals. Despite our different opinions and approaches, we all care deeply about similar vital issues. We want the best for our children and grandchildren. This shared concern transcends political views and personal beliefs. We all want our children to have an education that helps them grow into responsible adults who can contribute to society. We care about our families' health and enjoy access to nutritious food and healthcare to help them thrive. We desire safe neighborhoods where our families can live peacefully and without fear. Whether we are Christians or follow other faiths, we want the freedom to worship how we choose and to be part of supportive communities. The notion that we are divided ignores the fact that our different opinions often arise from a shared goal: creating a healthy and prosperous nation. While we may disagree on how to achieve these goals, our core values are often the same. This unity in what we care about demonstrates our strength as a community. As we move forward in our lives and communities, we must recognize the importance of self-control and awareness. The Bible guides us on how to combat those agendas that seek to divide us. In 2 Peter 1:6, we are reminded that self-control is essential for our growth. It encourages us not to let external narratives dictate our responses. Instead, we can choose how to react and acknowledge our shared humanity. Exercising self-control means deciding how we respond to the messages around us. We have the ability to reject divisive rhetoric and focus on unity. Building a strong nation requires perseverance. We must engage in open conversations, listen to one another, and seek common ground. At the same time, we must filter out messages that aim to create division, regardless of how often they are repeated. Just because something is said repeatedly does not make it true. The idea of division can have serious consequences, especially for our young people. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness and contribute to mental health challenges, becoming a major source of depression among our youth. Such feelings can have devastating effects on our children. We must refuse to allow that narrative to infiltrate our homes. Challenging this viewpoint and reminding ourselves that we are in this together is essential. Let's not allow those with their own agendas to convince us that we are a divided nation. We have much to improve and many challenges to face, but we also share common values and goals. Together, we can work on solutions that benefit everyone, building a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. While our ideas and perspectives may differ, we are united in our commitment to creating a healthy, prosperous nation. Let's embrace our common goals, practice self-control, and move forward with a spirit of unity. Together, we can overcome the idea of division and create a stronger, more connected nation. Embracing the Possibilities
by José Maldonado "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.'" Mark 10:27 When Jesus spoke these powerful words, He wanted us to understand that we have a role to play in the realm of possibilities. The word ‘with’ makes all the difference in this teaching. It creates a partnership, a team approach between us and God. It's about us actively engaging with Him. Jesus did not say, "All things are possible for God." The disciples already knew that. Instead, he wanted them—and us—to see that we have a part to play. It's not just about what God can do; it’s about what we can accomplish with Him. I routinely rely on myself or may choose to seek answers from others, forgetting that God's power is available to me. Jesus instructed His disciples not to depend on human capabilities for what only God can do. His teaching is a challenge for many of us. It tells us to shift our focus from human limitations to divine possibilities. It's a reminder that when we lean on our abilities, we may feel overwhelmed and defeated. But when we trust in God and acknowledge His power, we tap into a limitless source of strength. We all have times when we encounter situations that seem insurmountable. We face dreams that appear out of reach, struggles that overwhelm us, or tasks that seem impossible to accomplish. Yet, with God, the boundaries of what is possible expand. He breaks through the barriers that limit us and empowers us to overcome them. Let us not forget how transformational Jesus' words are: "All things are possible with God." It's a message bigger than an advertisement on a billboard. It consistently stays the same throughout all generations, inviting us to grasp the limitless potential that comes from partnering with the Creator of the universe. We need to start each day by reflecting on the areas where we have relied on our strengths or sought answers from human sources. Of course, there are situations when it makes sense to do so. But we must remember to surrender our limitations and allow God's unlimited strength to free us from them. We’re not alone when we face challenges. With God, the impossible becomes possible. Let’s step forward in faith, knowing His power is at work within us. Embrace the journey of growth and new beginnings, confident that all things are possible with God. What Our Vote Can Do
by Jose Maldonado “But the people refused to listen. ‘No!’ they said. ‘We want a king over us. We want to be like others. We want a king to lead us and fight our battles.’” Samuel, Judge and Prophet. Election season comes around, and getting wrapped up in it is easy. We’re bombarded with campaign promises, hopeful speeches, and political ads that all make it seem like the right leader will solve everything. What are we Christians to do? I know I’ve felt that way—like if we just get the right and godly person in office, they’ll bring us the security, good economy, and peace we’re all looking for. It feels like voting is our chance to fix the world, or at least our corner of it, by picking the best candidate. “If I can just vote for the godly person who will fix our messed up culture.” But, as I was praying recently, I had a realization that’s hard to admit. I’ve been placing more hope in politicians and the voting process than I should. Don’t get me wrong—I love the privilege of voting and the freedom we have in this country. I love that I can voice my opinions, participate in democracy, and make my choice without fear. But somewhere along the way, I let the importance of voting overshadow what is most important. Voting had almost become an idol in my life, something I looked to for answers that only God can truly provide. Thinking about this reminded me of the story of Israel in the older Testament. They went through something similar when they asked for a king. It is as if they were reenacting our presidential election before it even happen. Can we even wrap our heads about the fact that they had God Himself as their leader, but they wanted something different, something that looked more like what other nations had. They told the prophet Samuel, “Give us a king to lead us.” Samuel warned them that a king would take their sons and daughters, demand taxes, and make their lives harder, but they wouldn’t listen. They thought a human king would fix their problems, bring them security, and make life better. Sound familiar? Just like Israel, I sometimes think that the “right” leader will solve everything. But here’s the hard truth: no politician, no matter how great they seem, can truly give us what we’re looking for. Politicians come and go. Policies change. But God’s love, His guidance, and His commandments are constant. They don’t shift with each election cycle or depend on who’s in office. I’ve been shaken and humbled by this realization. As much as I admire certain leaders from the past, like Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela, no one compares to Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the real King, the only one who can truly lead us, protect us, and bring us peace before, during, and after this election. He’s the King who doesn’t just make campaign promises—He fulfills every word He speaks. His reign isn’t for a term; it’s eternal. So as election seasons come and go, I’m learning to keep my focus on the right leader, Jesus Christ. Yes, voting is important, and being an engaged citizen is valuable. As citizens, we have a responsibility to our nation and must fulfill it. But my ultimate hope can’t rest in who wins an election. It has to rest in the King of Kings, the one who truly holds our future. May we all remember to look beyond the temporary promises of politics and place our trust in the One who reigns forever. He’s the leader who won’t let us down, the King who is always faithful, and the only one who can truly meet our deepest needs. Let's make election season a prayer season. We ought to finish this election season not exhausted because of all the propaganda but exhausted because of all of our praying. Pray for evil to be defeated and godliness to be exalted. Can we commit to cover this and all elections in intentional fervent prayer? |
AuthorDr. Lori Maldonado works as a passionate keynote speaker, is the author of several books and is the co-creator of the Teach One to Lead One philosophy. She is an avid spokeswoman for the cause of transforming at-risk youth into responsible citizens. Dr. Lori balances her time between the management of her successful non-profit organization, invitations to speak to audiences throughout the world, and Biblical Coaching. Archives
February 2025
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