Perilous Presumptions

Have you ever assumed something was true, but later found out that it wasn't true? I have, and I have to say that it has happened to me more times than I'd like to admit. Growing up, my poor self-image and insecurities fueled my misunderstanding of other people's motives. I became overly sensitive and easily offended. Knowing who I am in Christ has revolutionized my perspective on life. What others think about me does not dictate who I am; who I am is dictated by what God says about me. That goes for all of us.

Misunderstanding other peoples' motives can be dangerous. It fractures families, finishes friendships, wages wars, and isolates individuals. 

Last month I shared about Naaman's servant girl who offered valuable information that led to Naaman's healing. Her life must have turned upside down when she was taken away. Despite what happened to her, she decided to not live as a victim. She knew the value of Living Victoriously in an Upside Down Life.

The King of Syria sent his Military Captain Naaman to the King of Israel asking for him to heal his servant. The King of Israel, Joram at the time, became furious. He assumed that the King of Syria was setting him up for failure and was looking for an opportunity to accuse and take advantage of Joram. Joram assumed the King of Syria's intentions were of war and deception. He said, "What!?! Am I God, to kill and to make alive?...I see how he seeketh a quarrel against me." 

Elisha heard about what was going on and intervened. Otherwise, this story could have taken a very different turn. Who knows what could have happened? Elisha "delivered" the King of his perilous presumption and provided understanding and healing. 

I am so thankful that Christ intervened on our behalf. He provides forgiveness and healing. When we listen to Him, He will help us see things from a proper truthful perspective. If we receive the correction with humility, we will begin to understand the truth, be able to forgive, and be healed emotionally.

Think of how many families that didn't need to be fractured. Think of how many friendships were not meant to be finished. Think of the wars that didn't need to be waged. Think of the Individuals who have Isolated themselves into loneliness. We live in a fallen world and because of that, we find ourselves in these situations. Jesus is the Answer.

Are you someone who assumes others have wrong motives towards you? Are you easily offended by what others say? The next time we assume something about someone, let's take it to Jesus first. The Prophet Elisha came to the King of Israel; Jesus came to us.

Granted, there are people who do have selfish ambitions and only think of themselves, but the Perilous Presumptions will cause us to incorrectly believe that about everyone and become overly sensitive and easily offended...I know, I've been there.

Maybe this concept is foreign to you. Praise the Lord! But, it is real for many people. My prayer is that those who do have these Perilous Presumptions would be able to humbly recognize it and seek the Lord for help.

If you have been offended by anything in this post, I would urge you to honestly consider yourself in this area. You are loved! God has such a great plan for your life! He thinks so highly of you and always wants the best for you.

I'm so glad that God is Love and He loves us. That truth makes the idea of Perilous Presumptions seem silly. 

Pastors' Perspectives 2026-2

These are bi-annual updates through the eyes of the Cofradía United Pastors. Here they share what is going on in their ministries, needs they may have, and prayer requests. Thank you for your partnership with this ministry. Your contributions help them to succeed. To make a special donation to one or more, please follow the instructions here, and if you would like to send them a note, please feel free to do so here.

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Pastor Gregorio (Goyo) Hernández

Lead Pastor of Centro Cristiano la Cofradía United

Cofradia de Cuyutlán, Nayarit

Report: 6.25.26

Hello friends,

I'm glad to greet you.

I want to share with you that my wife recently passed away after three years of fighting a terminal illness. It was a very difficult time, but through the prayers and support of God and our friends, we were able to go through this situation. Throughout this journey, we saw God's miracles manifested in many ways.

I will be brief about what happened because I would not be able to tell you everything.

At first, she was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, after an inguinal lymph node that had been removed was examined. She was then treated by a hematologist who specializes in blood disorders. After many tests, they discovered that she actually had malignant melanoma. A CT scan revealed a tumor that had never been detected before. It was treated surgically, removed, and analyzed again, but the results were not good.

After the surgery, the doctor spoke with me and said that someone would need to tell her that this type of cancer was very aggressive. I asked him how much time she had left, and he told me that she had about five months to live.

Throughout all of this, despite everything, I kept my faith in God. I believed Gods' promises more than what the doctors were saying, although we continued to follow all of their instructions. Of course, there were times when doubt came upon me. But glory to God, those five months the doctor predicted became almost three years of life. I truly believe God performed a wonderful miracle by giving my wife nearly three additional years. During that time, she was able to enjoy watching our grandsons and granddaughters grow.

She passed away on May 14 at 9:30 a.m. A little earlier that morning, I anointed her body and hair with oil. She looked so beautiful, and her face became peaceful and full of a smile. Glory to God for the miracle of life.

Financially, we ended up with a very large deficit, but thank God we have come through victoriously in Christ.

Regarding the ministry, we continue our Tuesday Bible study at 4:30 p.m., using The War Is Over by Andrew Wommack. We are seeing very encouraging results, especially in the development of our leaders.

Another ministry I began is teaching music. I first started with a young man named Francisco, who is now ministering during our Sunday services. I am also teaching two young youth girls. One may soon begin participating with the church worship group, and the other is also looking forward to serving. We meet on Mondays and Fridays at 4:30 p.m., and afterward we study The New You and the Holy Spirit.

In November, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th, we will be offering the Grace Course by Neil T. Anderson.

Thank you very much for your continued support of the ministry and for your faithful prayers.

 

Pastor Gregorio Hernández 

 

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Pastors Horacio Garzón and María

Indigenous Ministries

Centro Cristiano Arrayanes Facilitators

Cofradia de Cuyutlán, Nayarit

Report: 6.2.26

Dear beloved brothers,

It is always a pleasure to write to you and express my warmest greetings. I pray that when you read this letter, you are enjoying good health. Thank God, we are doing well.

Beloved brothers, thank you for keeping us in your prayers and for your faithful financial support in helping provide for our needs. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and for the love you have shown us. I thank God for working in your hearts through His Word and inspiring such kindness. Thank you, dear brothers.

I am happy to share with you that we recently celebrated 15 years since moving into our new congregation building. Thank God, it is larger and better equipped than our previous location. Even more important, the pastors have come together in unity, forming a strong brotherhood that is committed to working together to share Christ and His Word with new believers.

At this time, I spend much of my time caring for my wife, María, due to some health limitations she is experiencing. We trust that, according to God's will, she will recover. In the meantime, God gives me the patience and strength to care for her with joy and love, which is my privilege in Christ.

I also devote time to caring for my mother. Because of her age, she has become more affected by loneliness, especially after the recent passing of her last surviving brother. I try to spend time with her, serving her needs and encouraging her with God's Word.

Beloved brothers, María and Kenya send you their warm greetings. I continue praying that God will use Kenya as she serves others through her nursing profession, blessing many people with the gifts He has given her.

Thank you again, dear brothers, for your love, prayers, and faithful support. Please extend our greetings to everyone.

May God bless you richly, and until next time.

HORACIO GARZÓN OROZCO

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Pastor Amado Verdin and Lourdes

Lead Pastors of Casa de Oración, La Hermosa

Director of Restoration Center, El Faro de Esperanza

Rosamorada, Nayarit

Report: 6.25.26

Pastor Amado has shared a general report of his ministry for you by video this month...

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Pastors Ruben Perez and Karla Valeria 

Lead Pastors of Community of Wonder

Church Plant Pastor in Mazatan, Nayarit

Las Varas, Nayarit

Most Recent Report: 6.16.25

Hello, and blessings to you all.
 
We are Iglesia Comunidad de Asombro (Community of Wonder Church). We have been experiencing these last 6 months the power and the grace of God in our lives with the full recovery of our two sons who had cancer; God has totally healed them. 

My wife Karla and I share the word in Mazatan, Mesillas, and in our local congregation in Las Varas with the conviction that God has shown us His faithfulness in these times of personal anguish. This has brought us to depend solely on God in everything we do. 

Our outreaches in Mazatlán and Mesillas along with our local congregation in Las Varas have also been experiencing the power of the Word as it restores and changes lives. We all have seen evidence that the Word has power and transforms hearts. I believe there is still a lot to do and that this has barely started, but this work will He perfect in us. Although it has not been easy, the victory is ours. We have understood that God always takes care of those who believe in Him and He has upheld our lives every day teaching us that if we put Him first, all things work in our favor because God is faithful. 

We are pastors Ruben and Karla. From the Las Varas, Nayarit. We thank you for your friendship and prayers. Thanks for your unconditional support!! 

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Pastors Jimmy Orozco and Perla

Casa de Gracia (House of Grace)

Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit

Report: 6.27.26

Casa De Gracia (House of Grace) Report

 

 

Our family continues to grow in the knowledge of Christ each day. My wife, our children, and I are committed to knowing Him more, and that relationship brings us true fulfillment.

Over the past six months, our congregation has grown stronger and become more established in God's grace and love.

We celebrated our first anniversary, and we were blessed to have our pastors, Steve and Geña Silberman, join us. It was a very special and memorable time!

We have also welcomed several new people who are hungry for God's Word. It has been a joy to receive them with love and serve them as they grow in their faith.

Our worship ministry has also grown, with a strong team coming together to serve in all of our ministry activities.

 

We continue with our PRIMICIA plan, gathering Monday through Friday at 6:00 a.m. to listen to Scripture together and allow the Holy Spirit to nourish us through God's Word. So far, we have listened to the Bible from Genesis through Ezekiel.

We also began our Freedom in Christ discipleship course. Our church members and new attendees are learning about their identity in Christ, and we are currently on Session 5. God is truly at work!

 

This month, we will also be hosting an outdoor movie night as an outreach event to invite new people from our community.

 

Finally, we continue to pray for God's provision of land or a permanent building for our church. We know our Heavenly Father already has the perfect place prepared, and we trust that He will provide it in His perfect timing.

 

Pastor Jimmy and Perla

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Pastors Rodrigo Romero and Annel

Cordero y Leon

Culiacán, Sinaloa

La Cruz, Sinaloa

Report: 6.27.26

Greetings to everyone reading this report.

We are Pastors Rodrigo Romero and Annel Sánchez. We are approaching our tenth year of a blessed marriage and continue to pray with hope for the opportunity to become parents. Since our youth, we have served the Lord with joy and dedication.

For the past six years, we have pastored in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, and for more than a year we have also been leading a church called Cordero y León (Lion and the Lamb) in La Cruz, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Throughout these years, we have shared the Gospel in different areas of the city of Culiacán. One of our primary ministries has been serving in local hospitals by providing food and drinks to patients and their families, while also praying with them and sharing the message of the Gospel.

Each year, we organize a mission trip to the mountains of Nayarit, where we minister in an Indigenous community called Cuare. Many of the people there had never heard the message of Jesus before. During these trips, we provide clothing, food, toys and candy for the children, as well as medical care and medications.

Our vision is to plant churches in the major cities of the state of Sinaloa. From these churches, we desire to raise up leaders and missionaries who will go on to plant congregations in the surrounding towns, so that the entire state may be reached with the Gospel.

Just over a year ago, we planted another Cordero y León church in La Cruz, Sinaloa. We have been amazed by God's grace as He continues to bless this new congregation. We have had the privilege of ministering to believers who had been away from church for many years, as well as new believers who have come to faith through the preaching of God's Word. We believe this new mission will continue to grow in the months ahead.

 

We are grateful to have the opportunity to meet in a building that has been generously made available to us. At the same time, we continue to work and pray for the provision of a permanent church building.

We are confident in the mission God has given His Church. Therefore, we will continue joyfully preaching the Gospel in every season and at every opportunity. There is never a wrong time for people to come to know Jesus.

Every area of ministry—including our children's ministry, youth ministry, marriage events, and women's coffee gatherings—is centered on evangelism. We are currently in our church's "Evangelism and Outreach" planning season, during which every activity is intentionally focused on reaching people who have never attended church before.

Each month, we also prepare and distribute food and hygiene packages to families in need within our community.

For the past six years, we have been part of Cofradía United. We are deeply thankful to have mentors and a church family who continually bless us with their love, encouragement, support, and wise counsel.

We have great expectations for what God has planned, and we pray that we will faithfully fulfill His purposes. Serving Christ is our life's calling.

Thank you for partnering with us. The Cordero y León congregation is here to serve you in whatever the Gospel calls us to do together. (2 Timothy 4:1–8)

Mission

To take the Gospel to the ends of the earth by planting, strengthening, and preserving the Church of Christ—for the glory of God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Vision

To establish churches in the largest cities of the state, equipping missionaries who will go out from those congregations to preach the Gospel in the surrounding towns, so that the message of Christ is proclaimed throughout the entire region.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each one of you.

Blessings!

Cordero y León Culiacán:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080729973184 

https://www.instagram.com/corderoyleoncln?igsh=bDYwc3lpN2tva2N3
Cordero y León La Cruz:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575636399389
https://www.instagram.com/corderoyleonlacruz?igsh=MXZzZndvOW9wemRibA

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Pastors Ramon Ruíz and Zaida

Iglesia Libertad en Cristo

Tamarindo, Nayarit

Report: 6.25.26

During these past six months, we received financial support to begin the construction of restroom facilities. Together with the members of the church, we cleared and leveled the land where the construction would take place, preparing it for the project. We then began the construction by laying the foundation and installing the plumbing for the water supply and drainage system.

Our vision continues to be the construction of a church building where we can gather for worship services. We trust that God will continue to touch hearts and provide the financial support needed to complete this work for His glory.

In the ministry, we continue faithfully serving the Lord by sharing His Word, evangelizing in surrounding communities, and holding weekly Bible studies.

On a personal level, I have been strengthened by God and have received tremendous emotional, moral, and spiritual support from my leaders. In February, we attended a pastors' retreat, which was a great blessing. It was a time of encouragement, biblical teaching, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this ministry report. May God richly bless you, multiply His blessings in your life, and continue to touch the hearts of all those who faithfully support His work.

 

Pastor Ramon Ruiz 

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2025 Ministry Updates

If you have missed any of our updates, please click on the different months below to access them.

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

Thank you so much for your partnership with us as we Raise Up Leaders in Rural Mexico TOGETHER!

If you have not had the opportunity to join us, please pray about getting involved by:

• Giving to Cofradia Ministries
• Giving to the Silberman's Personal Budget
• Short or long-term missions trips (contact us for details)
• Prayer

Thank you so much!

Matilde "Mati" Espinoza de Hernández

Matilde "Mati' Espinoza de Hernández

October 12, 1963 - May 14, 2026 

 

On the morning of May 14, 2026, Mati went to be with the Lord and is in the arms of her Savior now. Just moments before she passed, Pastor Goyo sensed the Lord telling him to go and anoint her whole body. As he did, he prayed for her and said her face and hair shined brightly and she had a smile on her face. He left the room and after receiving a phone call from a friend, he went back in and noticed that she was no longer there.

 

Mati and Pastor Goyo were very quiet about any details, and at her request, no one new what was really going on. A little over three years ago, doctors diagnosed her with cancer and gave her only five months to live. We believe prayer helped her make it for three years!

 

During the past couple of months, her health began to go downhill quickly. After spending most of April in the hospital and returning for a few days in May, Pastor Goyo brought her home at her request and she passed just a few days later. The doctors said they could keep doing things, but when asked if those things would help, the answer was no. She was ready and everyone was at peace.

 

She leaves behind her husband, Pastor Goyo, four grown married boys Jesús, Ricardo, Julio, and Goyito. Also, four granddaughters and two grandsons.

 

Over 20 years ago, the Lord gave Mati a vision for children to have an opportunity to eat breakfast before they went to school. An obvious need for many children. This vision came alive in 2020 with the help of House of Hope Ministries and is now known as our "Cofradía Kitchen".

 

Mati was a polite blessing and fun to be with. She will be missed.

 

Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Goyo and the Hernández family. Pastor Goyo is doing well.

Living Victoriously in an Upside Down Life

In 2 Kings 5 is the story about a very respected and honorable military captain to the King of Syria named Naaman. He was an extremely valiant warrior, but he had leprosy. In one of his victories over Israel that the Lord gave him (v.1), he kidnapped a young girl from Israel to be a slave to his wife.

 

Through that young slave girl, Naaman found his healing and freedom. If you read and meditate on the whole story, you will find plenty to learn. It always amazes me how much the Bible can teach us, but we just look over it superficially and call it reading. I have had that experience, but since I started to read, meditate, pray, and constantly think about the passages I read, the Lord has shown me so many things. 

 

For example, in this passage you'll find topics such as: a good reputation, sharing your faith (in the New Testament, we call that evangelism), misunderstandings, pride, prejudices, faith in action that produces healing, humility, lying, selfishness, greed, judgement, supernatural knowledge, and a focus on the One who gave us life in the first place, God.

 

Although all of these topics are very interesting and I could probably write about each one, none of them would even be in the Bible through this story if it weren't for the young slave girl. If she had not spoken up, we would have probably never heard of Naaman; he would have died a leper.

 

The life of that young slave girl had to have been a difficult one. We know nothing about her parents, but can you imagine what went through their minds when their daughter was taken from them? Heartbreaking to say the least! She was stripped from her parents, from her homeland, from her community, from the comfort of home to a place that, in her mind, was the enemy camp. Yet, though her life turned upside down, she held on to her faith. Her faith in Almighty God. She knew about Elisha the Prophet; she knew he could heal her master.

 

What an amazing picture of someone who was forced to live in a situation for which she did not ask. Instead of feeling sorry for herself and living a life as a "victim", she decided to live a life from a victorious position. She knew the Truth and where to find it. She had God-given compassion for the very one who kidnapped her.

 

A lot of our problems can be resolved when we change the way we think. Jesus said, "The Truth will make you free" (John 8:32). We just need to know what that Truth is.

 

It does not matter what we've gone through. Some of us may have gone through worse situations, but we can still take the position of being victorious. If you have made Jesus Lord of your life, you are victorious (Romans 8:37). You can live a victorious life if you make Him Lord. This doesn't mean everything is going to turn out perfectly, but in the imperfections of life, we can trust in Him because He said he would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

 

You can Live Victoriously in an Upside Down Life. You never know the impact of a Word the Lord can speak through you.

"What is Pentecost?" by Javan Smith

 

While we were in Colorado, I had the privilege of sitting down over coffee with one of Emma's teachers who has become a good friend. He teaches on the Old Testament and since I was about to preach about Pentecost the next Sunday, I wanted to pick his brain about the relationship of Pentecost in the Old Testament.

 

He recently wrote about Pentecost and I asked his permission to share it in our message. These photos are what he posted as well. Enjoy what he wrote...

 

What is Pentecost?

Fifty days after Passover, is the biblical feast known as Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks). Through Church history, Shavuot has commonly been called “Pentecost,” a name derived from the Greek word for “fiftieth.” Because most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, rather than the lunar Hebrew calendar, churches observe “Pentecost Sunday” on a day that may not correspond with the biblical Feast of Shavuot, but regardless of what some scholars may argue, Pentecost and Shavuot are the same holiday.

Of the seven feasts of Israel, Pentecost is the final spring feast. Four feasts occur during the Spring and three occur during the Fall. When studied as a complete panorama, the seven feasts tell the story of the betrothal and marriage of the Messiah with His Bride. In the four spring feasts, we see a portrayal of the betrothal or ‘kiddushin.’ At the betrothal stage, the bridegroom offers the cup of wine to his beloved, and she has the choice of whether to accept. Once she accepts, then the marriage contract, known as the ‘ketubah’ is drawn up, specifying the bride price, or “mohar.” Yeshua the Messiah fulfilled the four spring feasts in His first coming, when He came as the suffering servant. In the first Pentecost that followed His crucifixion, Jesus sent the bride price (“mohar”) of the Holy Spirit, whom Ephesians 1:13-14 refers to as the down payment of our promised redemption.

During Passover, the Lord offered the cup of wine, revealing His intent to betroth us to Himself. Recall that the very first Passover was the night that the Lord led the armies of Israel out of Egypt. Most scholars believe that the Law was given at Mt. Sinai fifty days after the very first Passover, which would have been the very first Feast of Shavuot. In a sense, the Law represented the marriage contract (the ketubah) between the Lord and His Bride. Of course, Israel broke the marriage contract (see Jeremiah 31:32), but when Jesus came, He paid the price of the broken contract. In fact, when He was in the wilderness, He responded to each temptation by saying “it is written.” The Hebrew word for “marriage contract” (“ketubah”) literally means “written.” Though the New Testament is recorded in Greek, Jesus would have spoken Aramaic or Hebrew, and the word that He would have used to say “it is written” would have been a direct reference to the marriage contract that was given at the first Shavuot, namely the Law. Even though the bride had broken the contract, the Bridegroom came to keep that which had been “written.”

Pentecost represents a season of waiting. After Passover, the people of God are to count fifty days, from barley harvest to wheat harvest. Recall that the Holy Spirit came “when the Day of Pentecost had fully come,” according to Acts 2:1-4. Why did it happen when Pentecost had fully come? Fulfillment of the Promise had to happen on the fiftieth day, corresponding to the time frame God had prearranged millennia earlier. Between the Resurrection and the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit, what did Jesus instruct His disciples to do? He told them to wait! (see Luke 24:49). Sometimes, waiting can seem maddening, but we know that He is working in the waiting.

Befitting to the theme of waiting, the story of Ruth is generally associated with the holiday of Shavuot. Orthodox Jews traditionally read the Book of Ruth during the Shavuot season. Ruth’s redemptive story is a story of waiting, trusting that her redeemer was working on her behalf. From the time of barley harvest, corresponding to Passover, to the time of wheat harvest, corresponding to Pentecost, Ruth patiently continued to glean in the field of Boaz. After waiting for nearly seven weeks, she received an instruction from her mother-in-law, Naomi. What was that instruction? Essentially, Naomi instructed her to wait some more! In Ruth 3:18, Naomi told Ruth, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” Meanwhile, while Ruth waited, Boaz was acting as her kinsman-redeemer, working out the details of her redemption!

And so, as Pentecost season is upon us, we are reminded that we are in a time of waiting. Our season of waiting is not a time to sit idle, just as Ruth continued to serve in the field while she waited. Likewise, we remain about the King’s business while we await the return of our Redeemer. The three fall feasts which are yet to be fulfilled remind us of the reason why we are waiting. During the three fall feasts, namely the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles, we look ahead to the wedding phase of our marriage to the Messiah, known in Hebrew as the “nissuin.” One day the trumpet will sound, and He will carry away His Bride to dwell with Him in His Tabernacle! For this reason, the Fall Feasts symbolize the phase of when He will marry us once and for all and carry us away to abide with Him eternally. The etymology of the “nissuin” phase comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “lift away” or to “carry away.” Praise the Lord!

So let us wait for Him, and let us be about the King’s business as we wait. Whether you observe Pentecost according to the Gregorian calendar or the Hebrew calendar, or whether you have never observed the feast at all, remember to thank Him for the marriage contract that He upheld for you and the down payment of the Holy Spirit that He gave to you as a bride price. Most importantly, remember to look up, for your redemption draws nigh!

 

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If you would like more information about Javan, he and his wife have a ministry called Javareg Ministries. 
 

Thoughtful Decisions

The very last chapter of the book of 1 Kings has a story about Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, going down to visit Ahab, the King of Israel. There was finally peace between the two divided Kingdoms and it had been three years since any war against Syria.. While he was visiting there, Ahab invited Jehoshaphat to go and take back some land that the Syrians had not returned to them. Jehoshaphat said, "I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses". Basically, he said, "I'm with you, buddy".

 

Then, Jehoshaphat suggests to inquire of the Lord first. Ahab proceeds to gather 400 of the prophets to ask them if he should go up against Ramoth-Gilead to battle. They all said yes, "go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king."

 

Something didn't settle right with Jehoshaphat; there was not a complete peace about going. The power of great numbers and the persuasion of the prophets was not enough to calm the lack of peace in Jehoshaphat's heart. Something just didn't seem right. Everyone said yes to the plan, why should he be doubting? Jehoshaphat asks if there were any other prophets besides these. Ahab replies, "Yes, there is Micaiah, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good concerning me, but evil." 

 

This is a red flag! Ahab was taking advise from people who would agree with him. He was avoiding the one who he knew would probably disagree with him. How many of us are guilty of this? I know I have been. If you have kids, you know this is true. We grow up with this human instinct of wanting our own way and it being approved by others. How many kids go to mom because they know dad would say no? How many kids go to dad because they know mom will say no?  How many people search for friends or leaders or pastors who will agree with them and their side of the story - or their own moral standard of living? How many people will avoid the person they know might question their choice of the one they want to marry? Maybe there's differences in a political position? Do we seek approval from only the people we know will agree with us? Or do we really want to know what God has to say? Maybe God is in agreement with some of our decisions, but a lot of times, we make decisions on our own and seek council from whom we want to receive it. These are some very, very heavy questions that force us to make Thoughtful Decisions. 

 

The story goes on and it does not turn out favorable for Ahab. What stood out to me most here is the red flag I just raised. This definitely challenges me to make wise decisions; to make Thoughtful Decisions. It challenges me to seek God's council even though I may not like it; even though it might mean I'll have to sacrifice my "desire". God is love and he wants us to experience the Abundant Life Jesus came to give us. To be able to have that, it includes listening to His voice.

 

Even though we may have made an "unthoughtful decision" in the past, God still speaks to us through the stormy weather we got ourselves into. John 10:4 says, "the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out." It doesn't matter what situation we find ourselves in, if Jesus is our Shepherd, he will help us get through the storm. In some cases, our decision may have bound us to someone. When we listen to the Lord with a humble heart and follow His leading, he will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. He will guide us through the storm. He will lead us out of the turbulence we've brought upon ourselves. God did not cause the storm we got ourselves into, but he will help us through it if we listen to Him because "all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

 

It is our responsibility to listen to His voice in order to make Thoughtful Decisions that will allow us to live the Abundant Life and free us from having to experience some of the storms we sometimes put ourselves in. 

 

Let's stop, listen, and make Thoughtful Decisions. 

 

Comunidad de Asombro, Las Varas, Nayarit

Pastor Ruben and Valeria have been part of our ministry for over a decade. He, along with two other of his leaders, came to us (Pastor Goyo, Pastor Luis, and myself) for friendship, mentorship, and connection. Their former leaders were retiring from ministry and they found themselves alone, looking for accountability and a place to belong. We had met them a few years prior to this and our relationship with them has been a joy to be a part of.

 

Pastor Ruben is an amazing worship leader with extraordinary talent. It is not uncommon for Valeria to bring the Word on Sundays at their congregation in Las Varas, Nayarit; "Comunidad de Asombro".

 

Every other week they travel to a couple different towns to preach and share the Word with friends and family members who form their own House Groups in Mesillas and Mazatán, Nayarit.

 

Mazatán Home Group

 

Pastor Ruben and Valeria have a young daughter who lives with them and two grown boys who live in Michigan, United States. The two boys (Ruben and Hector) are married and have children of their own. One of Pastor Ruben and Valeria's deepest desire is to be close to their kids; whether it be them returning to Mexico or the Lord opening doors for them to go back to Michigan and serve in the church they attended over two decades ago.

 

One of the biggest needs they have is a vehicle. A couple years ago their Chevrolet Traverse was in the mechanic shop in Tepic and fell victim to a fire. They had not yet acquired any insurance on the vehicle so they lost everything. A vehicle is extremely important for them as they travel to and from Tepic (a little over an hour) almost every week and their trips to the other two towns (Mesillas - 20 minutes; Mazatán - 1 hour) to preach the gospel. If the Lord leads you to help in some way, please let us know.

 

This is what was left of their vehicle. 

 

Please pray for:

• A vehicle for them and their ministry.
• The work they are doing in Las Varas with their church.
• The two House Group Missions in Mesillas and Mazatán.
• The Lord to work out a reuniting with their boys and their families.  

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If you would like to support Pastor Ruben and Valeria, follow the instructions below:

 

Online Donations:

Click on the "Donate Here" button and you will be taken to a form to fill out. 

Please indicate the specific designation to "Pastor Ruben" where it says "add a note" under the amount.

Check by Mail:

Make checks payable to "Cofradia United USA"

and be sure to indicate the designation for "Pastor Ruben".

Cofradia United USA

PO Box 91

Tracyton, WA 98393

 

 

 

Cofradia Kitchen Kids 2026-03

Thank you all for your continued support. Her are some pics from March...

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Donate here and make a note for: "Cofradia Kitchen"

A Word from the Past

About three weeks ago I was reading in 1 Kings chapter 13 and could not continue. Has that ever happened to you? There was something there that triggered my spirit and whispered, "Stop, wait, I have something to teach you!"

 

For two weeks I read the whole context of Chapters 11 through 14 about Jeroboam's life over and over agian. There were many verses and passages that jumped out at me, but one in particular I could identify with more than the others at that moment. It was 1 Kings 13:33, 

"After this thing, Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places; whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places." 

It's a sobering thought to have the life of Jeroboam speak to you. eek! There were a couple of things in this verse alone that stood out, but I will focus on the first one where it says, "...Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again..."

 

The context of this story starts in 1 Kings 11:38 where he received a Word from the Lord through a prophet. He was to become King over 10 tribes of Israel and if he followed God the way David did, he would be with him and, in a sense, make his name great. 

 

Through a series of events and years later after not following God's instructions at all, a Man of God came to Jeroboam's worship place (ch. 13) and prophesied against the altar that Jeroboam had built. This offended Jeroboam and he ordered the Man of God to be taken away. As he "put forth his hand against [the Man of God]", it "dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him" (v.4) and the altar fell apart just as the Man of God had prophesied.

 

Now, desperate and recognizing the truth, Jeroboam pleaded to the Man of God to pray for him to be healed. He was, and out of what I see as gratitude, he invited the Man of God to his house and offered to reward him. The Man of God refused the invitation because of the Word he received from the Lord himself (another teaching for later), and went on his way back home.

 

The story in Chapter 13 continues about the Man of God and how he dies. The Man of God is no longer present; he no longer has any influence on Jeroboam; he has left and is no longer part of Jeroboam's life. Here is where it says,

"After this thing, Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places..."

Once the Man of God was no longer present in Jeroboam's life, he went back to what he had been doing before. He realized what he was doing was wrong, but now there was no spiritual guidance in his life. 

 

I can remember a time in my life when one of my mentors was no longer present; he had gone on to be with the Lord and I thought, "What am I going to do now? Who will I be able to receive guidance from?". Very valid questions for someone who is growing and learning that he cannot depend on a mentor, a pastor, a teacher, his leaders, or his parents to be the ones to continually guide him and help him make decisions. We need to learn that we have everything we need in order to develop that personal, intimate relationship with Jesus. 

 

How many times have we received a Word from the Lord or a conviction about something and the impact of that Word wears away? Maybe that impact came from someone in authority over us. What is a Word from the Lord we have received that has now become A Word from the Past?

 

Jeroboam's Word from the Lord through the Man of God quickly became A Word from the Past after the Man of God disappeared.

 

How do we prevent a Word from the Lord from becoming a Word from the Past?

 

I believe it starts with humility. Recognizing that we need Jesus and to develop an intimate, personal relationship with Him that leads to a genuine friendship. His Word is powerful and relevant for today. His Word is powerful and relevant for tomorrow. It is so exciting to open the Word and have the Lord show us what he wants to say each day. As our love for our friend Jesus grows, we will want to spend more and more time with Him. Someone once said, "The Bible is the only book in History where the Author shows up when you read it."

If I could throw another angle at this and say it is an important principle for us not only as individuals who receive a Word, but as disciplers as well. What are we teaching? Are we giving people truths only or are we helping them find those truths in the Word on their own with the help of the Holy Spirit? If we continue to neglect teaching how to "eat" the Word, we will be forming followers of ourselves who, when we're gone and no longer around, will go hungry.

 

Many of us have heard the famous proverb: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." While this proverb is not in the Bible, the concept is still biblical. 

Let's not let the Word of the Lord we receive today become A Word from the Past.