Wilderness…

Dear Reader,

What does it mean to die to self? We hear this term in the Christian faith a lot. It’s so much deeper than just the mere letting go of our desires. Deeper than just saying, “Ok, I will go where You lead me, Lord.” Most of us say these things, but few of us actually go through the process of pressing in and dying to ourselves (which I believe is a daily process as believers). We don’t truly seek the Lord and say Yes to entering the wilderness. To actually make a conscious decision to step out of what we know and step into the unknowing of His presence. I have recently been faced with this kind of decision and have been sitting on it for some time. Evaluating what that may look like for me and possibly others. I can say from personal experience, it is extremely gut-wrenching and painful yet wonderful and exciting all at the same time. However, it may look or even feel, I have this nudge/urge to go into that wilderness and allow myself to experience brokenness, to hopefully have more of HIM. It’s so easy for us to talk about it, to preach the depths of it, but if you are like me, and I’m praying that you are. We want to go beyond words, beyond mere expressions and flippant cliches. We want to truly experience the fullness of God in such a way that even just thinking about entering the wilderness with HIM drives us to fear and intrigue at the same time. 

As I sit here and type all this, I’m reminded of Moses when he was called to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. He was pulled away from his people. He went up the mountain alone, at first to just pray, but then He was encountered by God himself, then He began to go to the mountain to seek answers from God. He spent so much time in that mountain that when he came back down, he was different. His countenance had changed. He walked with authority. His heart began to break for the things that broke God's heart. He began to see things from the Lord’s eyes. It vexed him! 

So I to want to enter into that wilderness to pray and to be encountered by God. To find what would resemble the burning bush in my day, like Moses did.  I want to chase after Jesus, the same way Elisha followed Elijah. He wouldn’t leave him alone, then dared to say that he wanted a double portion of what Elijah had. Interestingly enough, Jesus said to the disciples that we would do more than He ever did when He was on the earth, by the assistance of the Holy Spirit.  So where is that? Why do we only see rare instances of this power? 

Understand what I’m NOT saying. What I’m not saying is I’m seeking to be powerful. What I’m not saying is I want to be in a position of power. Hear me clearly with what I am saying. I’m saying that I want to be a witness of HIS power. I want to be in a position of humbleness to His power. To be in awe of what He does. To be so consumed in His presence that I don’t recognize even my own countenance. 

Are we truly willing to be so vulnerable with Him that we just let go of ourselves to find HIM? Not just by mere words or cliché, but a life fully surrendered to Him. To be beside ourselves to enter the wilderness with joy because we know that in that wilderness we encounter Jesus. 

Something even more intimate is to know that Jesus himself went into the wilderness, on a few occasions, to be alone with the Father. To pour out His heart, but because of His sacrifice, we too get to go into the wilderness, and be encountered with Jesus himself. That should bring us joy, but we are so afraid of letting go of what we think is “who we are” that we have fear of losing whatever we were told, or brought up to believe about ourselves. 

I do believe it’s time to enter the wilderness! 

Food for Thought:  

Luke 5:16 "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray"

Exodus 34:29 "...that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him..."

Osbert Maldonado

IN-TO-ME-SEE (INTIMACY)

 

Dear Reader,

 

What is intimacy in the Lord? 

I just learned of a new way to see intimacy as IN-TO-ME-SEE. 

How deep do we allow others to see us? Thinking about the deep connections with family or friends, how can this relate to our intimacy with the Lord? Can we truly give HIM all of ourselves, unapologetically? 

Thinking about my own journey with allowing myself to be vulnerable with my close family and friends, this definitely has proven to be a very difficult task. Allowing myself to give space for people to speak into my life, in areas that were painful, or even intimate personal things. I was so guarded. I didn’t want any one to “know me” but at the same time, I wanted to be known, to be seen. This was such a conflicting feeling and desire. I wanted my loved ones to know me for me, to be able to know my habits, call me out if I came out of character, or to encourage me when they saw me going down a negative spiral. Even as I write this I can tell you that I still have a lot of opening up to do. 

Going deeper into my thoughts on this, I have to acknowledge and poise to question; How does this same blockage affect my relationship with God. How deep do I really want to go with HIM. How much do I really want HIM to see and know about me? Sounds kind of silly, since HE is God and HE knows everything, but the fact remains that HE is a loving God. HE wants us to be able to know HIM and to do that we need to spend intimate time with HIM. We can see this in Exodus 33 when Moses goes into the tabernacle and the Lord comes to worship with Moses. 

I’ve had many moments where I would pray to God and say “I want to know YOU, I want YOU to know me”. However there were and honestly speaking still are areas where I can allow myself to be open about with HIM. The wonderful thing about all of this is that it’s not a race, but a marathon. Not a destination but an exhilarating journey.  

Have you allowed yourself to be vulnerable with family, friends or even God? Have you truly opened yourself up for correction, growth, accountability or just plain authenticity? 

What is one thing that you can open up about? What is one thing you can say “Hey, I’m going to trust YOU, LORD in this one area” and allow HIM to show you that HE can be trusted with that pain or deep dark secret? Who in your life can you see yourself giving a shot at trusting? 

Give it a shot, you just might be surprised at the result. I learned this simple but profound truth: “YOU CAN’T TRUST, IF YOU DON’T TRUST” In other words, if you don’t try and trust you will always have trouble trusting. Some even say “you can’t trust someone who doesn’t trust you”. Give it a go! Let me know how it goes…

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: EXODUS 33 

“And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭33‬:‭9‬, ‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Osbert Maldonado

Thankfulness

 

Dear Reader, 

As we draw closer to the end of this year we are forced in a way to take a look back at the year and begin to evaluate ourselves, our successes, and even our failures.  

I know that for some, this time of the year is the most enjoyable time and we look forward to being with family and friends, eating, sharing, laughing, and just having a great time. I mean who doesn't enjoy good food and great company, right? 

As I sit here doing the same thing as mentioned above, I can't help but look back and evaluate my year. I also think about some family and friends that are not in the picture. It's so easy to get lost and consumed by what is lost, to fall into the grips of sadness as we think about those loved ones who are not around or even that business venture that fell through causing us to feel like we failed. It's so easy to become bitter or even angry during these special times. 

I would like to offer you a different perspective. You see, as I sit here alongside you thinking about the same things as you are right now, I can't help but feel overwhelmed and even somewhat emotional.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it states: 

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 

I know some of you are probably thinking how can I give thanks when I lost so much. How can I be thankful when I failed? Hey listen, I have been there as well. It is not easy to be in a state of thanksgiving, however, it's something we can do. 

As I have been on this journey this past month or so, just thinking about what it actually means to be thankful. I have discovered that when we begin to shift our focus from inward to upward, the thankfulness just begins to pour out. 

For that person that lost someone special in your life when you begin to look upward, you will find that we didn't lose that special person, the memories and special moments live on in our hearts. We can begin to be thankful for those moments that we did have. The feeling of sadness begins to lift away as joy fills you up. 

For that person that feels like a failure because that business venture fell through. As you look upward you will see that maybe it wasn't a failure, but more so an experience that you have under your belt to try again and do things a bit differently. That experience will forever be with you and it help to guide you on your next attempt. 

Let us look upwards and give thanks in all our circumstances even when it is difficult. Let us turn our eyes away from ourselves and turn them to a God who loves us. He loves us so much that he sent His son Jesus Christ to come onto this earth and He laid his life on a cross so that we can live a life filled with grace and thankfulness. 

So on this day of thanksgiving, let us be thankful for all we have been given and all that has been taken away, so we have room for more.  I am thankful for each and every one of you who will and have read this blog or followed me on social media and those who have supported me along the way. 

Food for thought: 

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind" 

- Psalm 107:21

  Osbert Maldonado

SET UP or SET BACK

Dear Reader, 

WOW! It has been one month since my last blog. Time surely does fly and a lot happens in a month.  So this past month, I went from living in a cute apartment with my beautiful bride to living with my in-laws to save and get a house in the next two years or so. That's the plan at least. 

On top of that, I also found myself at a new job. This is going to be fun. 

You know sometimes God allows things to happen in our lives not because He's a mean god, but because He loves us.  Allow me to explain...

I have learned over the years that situations can either be your downfall/crutch or it can be your stepping stone/freedom. What makes the greatest difference is our outlook on the very situation that we are having. 

Let me use my recent loss of a job that I thought was going to be a career as my example. I did speak on it a couple blogs ago. It's called "In Who Do We Trust".  You see, when this sudden change happened I could have sat in my despair. I could have used this situation as my setback. I didn't know how I was going to provide for my family. I didn't know how I could possibly get out of debt, save for my own house, and so on. 

This setback, had I chosen to sit in the despair, would have destroyed me and my relationship. How? I'm sure some of you are thinking. Well if I had chosen to allow this situation to set me back. I wouldn't be the husband I vowed to be. I wouldn't be the man of God I claimed to be. I would have been overcome by guilt, shame, and complete defeat.  

I chose though to use my situation as a setup for God to use me, work in me, and bless me. I chose to see God through all of this. Now, because of all this, I have been able to work on other things with my time. I have been able to become stronger. "I lean not on my own understanding..." 

During this setup time, I feel closer to God. I feel there is so much more to do. 

Allow God to use your setback as your setup. You may not know all things, or what the plans are but the word of God is clear...God is for you and me. He loves us so much that He refuses to leave us the same. He accepts us where we are at, but He loves us too much to leave us there.  

What are you going to do when your storm comes? Use it as a setback or as a divine setup?  

Food for thought: 

"Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled on me; All day long the adversary oppresses and torments me...Read the whole chapter here.

 Osbert Maldonado

Just Let It Go!

Dear Reader, 

Recently, I was organizing my closet, and this venture was not something I enjoyed doing. You see, organizing was more so cleaning out my closet and the necessity to get rid of some clothes that, well, were a bit tight. Yeah, you read that right...I gained some weight during these last few months. As with most things in my life, God speaks to me through the little things. 

So what were my options here? I could easily get myself in a major depression because I'm a little more rounder than I'd like to be, or I could do something about it, and thank God that I was able to have food on my table to make me plumpy (LOL) 

I began to try on some shirts...and nope, in the bag it goes. Some pants...nope, in the bag. At this moment, I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. Quickly realizing the feeling, I sat down on the edge of my bed, took a second, and asked myself, why am I getting so overwhelmed with letting go of clothes?

As I sat there looking within myself and questioning, I began to hear the answers. You see, God was showing me that I had some emotional connection to these clothes. Why? Well, because most of the clothes I had to get rid of were given to me. Letting it go, somehow translated to letting the persons that gifted me the clothes, down, as if somehow they would get upset, disappointed, or feel as if I didn't care about the gift they gave me. I'm not talking about something that was given to me like, yesterday. I mean, I had some of these clothes for over 5 years! 

I had to detach myself from that false thinking. Mostly because, well, it's wrong thinking. However, the other reality is, how is that person or persons going to know I got rid of it unless they ask me about it?  Obviously, that can happen, but the lie that they would feel disappointed or upset with me because I gained weight and couldn't wear it, is far from the truth. Let's face the reality. The fact is, that some of the shirts had some moth-bite holes, or I wore them so much that they were worn out. 

This made me think about relationships and connections to other things that can be unhealthy. How often do we hold onto someone because we don't want to hurt them, disappoint them, or make them upset? Meanwhile, those same persons aren't thinking the same way. Now hear me clearly! 

I am not saying "eye for an eye". I'm just pointing out that we sometimes hold onto toxic relationships without thinking about how the relationship is affecting us personally. 

Personally, yes, in my experience I've had to do this on a few occasions. I've had to let go of people who were not emotionally, or mentally healthy in my life. 

This was the revelation that came to me from God: 

"You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15for the Lord your God who is among you is a See note 4:24.jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled and burn against you, and He will destroy you from the face of the earth." Deuteronomy 6:14-15

You see, the moment that we put so much weight on people, and put them in our lives above God, they immediately become your God. I can go super deep on this, however, I'll leave this right here for you to think on it. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"You shall have no other gods before Me 4“You shall not make for yourself any idol, or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth [as an object to worship]. 5You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely mine], visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers on the children [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing graciousness and steadfast lovingkindness to thousands [of generations] of those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:3-6

God does not tolerate the transfer of the honor and worship that is due Him to any other being or object.

   Osbert Maldonado

What Did You Pick Up?

Original image - Copyright: (c) Thisisdon | Dreamstime.com

Dear Reader, 

It has been a month since I last wrote. There has been a lot of different things going on taking up a lot of my time. Needless to say, here I am taking some time to write and share. I have had something in my heart for some time and it's been a bit of a journey. 

This journey has caused me to self-reflect and ask myself the same question I am about to impose on you. 

WHAT DID YOU PICK UP?

How did I come up with such a forthright question? Well, that is what I am going to get into.  So let us dive right in...

To begin we need to reference 2 Kings 2:13-14 

"He picked up the mantle of Elijah that fell off him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he too had struck the waters, they divided this way and that, and Elisha crossed over."

Here we see that Elijah drops his mantle (coat) and Elisha PICKED IT UP. Not only did he pick it up, but he used it, he wore it (I'm adding my own thought here), and he claimed it as his own. For so long I was sitting on how Elijah never gave Elisha the mantle.

Here is where I started to begin my self-reflection and ask myself "What did I pick up?". In my journey, meaning my life, I have picked up a lot of things that I'm not proud of. I picked up such things: pride, labels, false identity, and a slew of other things that had it not been for Jesus, I would not be here writing this blog.

Now after an amazing day in December of 2017, I picked up something that changed my whole life...

Digging deeper into this story I discovered something, something amazing. Let's go back a book to

1 Kings 19:19 

"So Elijah departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his mantle (coat) on him."

Did you catch it? Just like that hidden in plain sight, Elijah gave Elisha his mantle. 

Now I pose this question to you: 

WHAT DID YOU PICK UP? 

What was it that was given to you that you have claimed to be your truth? What habit do you have that you think you can't stop or let go of? What false identity are you living in? 

In this referenced story Elijah asks Elisha what can he give to him before being taken up to heaven. Elisha's reply was he wanted a double portion of what Elijah had. 

Let me encourage you right now!  God has placed something on you that is great. You have a purpose placed on you that is always under attack by the enemy. Allow God to give you a double portion. Allow God to show you, who you are in Him. Allow Him to show you how he sees you. 

PICK UP YOUR PURPOSE!

  Osbert Maldonado

Though You Looking Your Not Seeing

Dear Reader, 

It has been a busy few weeks. I want to share with you a poem that I had to write in High School. I don't remember the actual assignment per se, however, this poem was the result. The interesting thing about this poem is not the power of the words, but instead, hmmm well why don't you tell me? 

Though You Looking Your Not Seeing

A LOOK AT ME...

You stood there and asked me to write a page and let it come out of me.

Then you said that it will be true. 

But how true can I be? Who is me, really? 

Let's see how I can bring me to a reality,

For you to see me as I see myself at this point in time. 

So many changes have occurred that my mind is all blurred. 

But attempt do I, to clear this from mine eye. 

Insecure and afraid, mute by choice, 

Though at times I wish I was more invisible to their demeaning eye. 

Held back, not able to move forward, not even able to grow! 

A young boy slammed into himself, sheltered and confused. 

Dare he, no, I come out, rub my, his eye and see that reality, that I, us, and we are free? 

How free am I really that years passed and still feel the pain from when I was only in grade three? 

Having trusted and believed in a Man I can't see, I opened up my most deep inner part of me.

But to then after so long believing I was free, he came and captured me. Who is He you ask? 

Well, quite simply that same one that had me, him, us, in a box. 

Such a plan to keep me from knowing me, can this really be me, insecure, afraid, lost, and lonely? 

NO! 

By no means! 

I am not he and he truly isn't me. 

I am strong, secure, assured!

A product of time itself revealing true self. 

Through the abuse, hurt and pain I was able to rise and bloom! 

I stand here a new creation, a new form of self! 

A transformation, only capable of being made through His hands, His ways! 

Nonetheless, I am FREE!

Open your eyes and notice that I am not what you initially see, 

In order to really see me through mine eyes, come over to my side. 

I am more than just a product of your eyes!

  Osbert Maldonado

P.S.  I have my own MMCL apparel line, campaign ending soon, don't wait, they will be sold out soon.

Be Still...Don't Stay Still

Dear Reader, 

Since my last post, I obviously had a lot of time on my hands. Time, that I could have used to be super productive or super lazy.  Having "free" time can be a good thing but also can turn out to be a bad thing. When you have free time, this is when the enemy likes to mess with you the most. This is where you have the opportunity to make a choice. 

Do I work on this or that? Do I not work and just lay around relaxing, I mean, I do deserve it right? I normally don't have "me" time. These are just some of the things that have crossed my mind since I have been on my involuntary vacation. 

Psalm 46:10 states: "Be still and know that I am God..." What does that even mean? Do I just do nothing all? NO definitely not. This verse has been with me for some time. 

Be still, but God how am I supposed to take care of my family? BE STILL!  How am I going to get out of this situation? BE STILL!  The deadline is coming up and I have no way of...BE STILL, BE STILL, BE STILL!!!

You see being still doesn't mean to stay still. Being still means to trust in God.  To know that whatever it is you are going through, you trust that He will see you through it. Being still means to not panic, to trust that God has the solution. 

Being still is about TRUST! 

We still should go and do what we can.  You need an income, apply for work.  You have a serious situation that needs solutions, ask for help.  All while being at peace with your knowing that He is God and you will be alright.

I want to encourage you today. Be still...Be at peace...know that you know...He is God.  He was with you for it, He will be with you during it, and He is there waiting for you after it. 

Food for thought: 

Proverbs 3:1-35 

My son, do not forget my teaching but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

I shared on Psalm 46:10 at a men's group. The video is uploaded to my youtube account.

 Osbert Maldonado

WELFARE

 

Dear Reader, 

I recently read this passage, and it caused me to think about our current mindset. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

As you can see, I bolded "Welfare". What did I think about when I saw that one word?  Well, first I thought about how if you are ON welfare, most of the time it is backed by a series of negative thoughts. Thoughts that are defeating.  

Allow me for one moment to change this thought. You see, I looked up the word in the dictionary on my trusty phone. Take a look: 

Welfare: The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group

You see, I was hit so strongly with how our society has changed this word. When you're on welfare, it means that you are getting assistance from taxpayers' hard-earned money, which the government facilitates. 

However, when you are trusting in God...He has "plans for welfare". Does this mean we should be on welfare?  😬  NO, obviously! It means that He cares for our well-being. 

Yes, now this sounds about right. How often are words taken out of context? Think about that last text argument you had. How did you feel when you read it? Was it taken to a whole different level? Did you read and re-read the text? (I've done that so many times) 

However, if we can just take a step back and think about it for a second. Welfare was intended to mean you care for someone other than yourself. You care for that person's well-being. You want the best for them. You want to see them happy. You want to see them achieve their full potential, to realize their dreams. 

God wants the same for us. He wants to see us free and to trust in Him. Why? Well, that's easy. He loves us. He can see the end of the road, while we can only see what is before us, and sadly, what is behind us. 

Keep your focus on God. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 suggests, He has good things planned out for us; we just need to choose, if we are going to trust in His word and have faith, or just take the easy way out and choose to stay with our negative welfare mindset. 

Food for thought: 

"So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest—the promised land] because of unbelief and an unwillingness to trust in God." Hebrews 3:19 (AMP) 

 Osbert Maldonado

In Who Do We Trust?

Dear Reader, 

How often do we put our trust in the wrong thing or wrong person? Then when we do, we get hurt, we get burned, or we get angry, at the thing/person, or at ourselves. 

Well, this last week, I lost my job, due to the company downsizing. This news came out of nowhere and I was immediately struck with sadness, fear, anxiety, and a thing called a panic attack. 

Thankfully my wife was there when this all happened, and she helped me get out of the panic attack. This is a real thing. I also had 2 of my best friends who stepped up to the plate and immediately prayed for me. 

Panic attack: Sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety and physical symptoms, based on a perceived threat rather than imminent danger.

After I was able to hear things clearly, I began to pray. Sometimes we need to clear out the clutter, the noise, the distractions around us before we can actually hear from God. The goal for us is to be able to hear from God in any situation. We can develop that communication by spending time with Him and spending time in His word. 

So back to my story. As I began to pray and just pour out all my fears and emotions, I heard deep in my spirit: "Are you not worth more than the birds of the air?" 

"HUH?" Wait this is true! Suddenly, this unexplainable joy came over me and I began to laugh. I was laughing so much that I forgot about my fear. I quickly realized that I do not put my trust in this world to supply my needs. 

Psalm 73:28 (AMP) states: "But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, That I may tell of all Your works".

I can honestly say that since that moment, I have no fear. I am thankful and I trust that all will fall into place.  

I hope that this lesson I learned can be of inspiration to you. Don't give up! 

Food for thought: 

“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:26 Amp

 Osbert Maldonado