A FOUNDATION IN CHRIST!!!

One of the first impressions one gets when traveling in Israel is how many rocks there are. There are rocks everywhere, from small, throw-able rocks you might call stones, like the ones the so-called Palestinians throw at Israeli soldiers, to mountains made of rock.
Let's turn to Mat 16:18 and read a familiar verse:
Mat 16:18 (NKJV) "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades [equivalent to the grave (Sheol) in Hebrew] shall not prevail against it.
I tend to interpret "gates of Hades" as "Satan's realm of corruption and hopelessness."
This verse brings up a question familiar to all Bible students: What is Christ saying to Peter? Is Peter to be the original leader of the Church? Catholics use this verse to support their position that Peter was the first infallible Pope. But see Acts 15:13-19.
What is the true meaning? The word "Peter" is from the Greek word "Petros" and means a piece of rock or a stone. This is clarified in John 1:42.
John 1:42 (NKJV) And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (Kay-fas') (which is translated, A Stone).
As you can see, Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew, is naming Peter "Cephas" (Kay-fas'), which again means "a stone".
But in Mat. 16:18, Jesus describes Peter as a rock. "Rock" comes from the Greek word "Petra" and means a mass of rock, like a mountain. Metaphorically this describes the man Peter as being like a mountain, by reason of his firmness and strength of character.
Essentially, the Bible uses the word "rock" to describe a mountain of huge, natural rock; the word "stone" to describe a rock shaped by man or a piece of rock, which can be very big too, like mill-stones or even the four hundred ton stones of the temple mount.

Today I want to talk about stones.

Let's turn to Romans 9:31-33.
(Rom 9:30-33 NKJV) What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; {31} but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. {32} Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. {33} As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
In today's English these verses say, "Why didn't the Jews seek righteousness by faith in God instead of the works of the law? Because they stumbled at the stumbling stone. As it is written: `Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and he who believes on Him will not be ashamed.'"
This is quoted from Isa 28:16 and 8:14:
(Isa 28:16 NKJV) Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Isa 8:14 (NKJV) He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
Christ was and is that stumbling stone. Jews, i.e. Judaism, insist He be so to this day.
Some years ago I bought a couple of books from a Jewish author in Israel. A peculiarity of these books was that the author always printed the word "Christian" with a lower-case "c". I wrote to the author asking why he always used a lower-case "c" for Christians but used a capital "M" for Moslem. He wrote back stating that he had over-done this, that he had little or no respect for the Moslem religion, and that he used the lower-case "c" to emphasize separation from the Christians with whom he worked. My impression is that he was trying to impress the Rabbi who endorsed the books. From the tone of his letter, I gather he thought I was a fellow Jew. I probably do resemble a religious Jew in some ways. But you can see how even today Jews stumble over the stumbling stone of Christ. When I say "Jews", I’m talking about non-Christian Jews, Jews following Judaism.
But Christ offended not just the average Jew on the street but His very own disciples. Some of His disciples were offended to the point of leaving Him. Let's read of it in John 6:
John 6:54-69 (NKJV) "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. {55} "For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. {56} "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. {57} "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. {58} "This is the bread which came down from heaven; not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." {59} These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. {60} Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard , said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" {61} When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, "Does this offend you? {62} " then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? [Proving Psa 110:1] {63} "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. {64} "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. {65} And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." [Now you know why most people are not called.] {66} From that many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. {67} Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" {68} But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. {69} "Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ [ha Mashiach in Hebrew], the Son of the living God."
Jesus Christ's sayings offended some of his disciples. He was a stumbling stone.
Mat 11:1-6 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. {2} And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples {3} and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" {4} Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: {5} " blind see and lame walk; lepers are cleansed and deaf hear; dead are raised up and poor have the gospel preached to them. {6} "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
"Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."? Why would one be offended at Christ? Why are people offended at Christ today? Because he said things that sounded crazy to the average person. People who are ashamed of Christ today are ashamed for the same reasons they were ashamed in Christ's day: They don't want to be seen by others as being associated with what others perceive as a kook, whether that kook is their perception of Christ himself or those people who follow Him. People want to be seen by others as going along with the crowd - which today means speaking favorably about religion in general when you have to, but doing what you want. To go along with the crowd, religion must not be, can not be, a way of life.
Let's turn to 1 Corinthians and see how Paul described this:
1 Cor 1:17-31 (NKJV) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. {18} For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. {19} For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." {20} Where the wise? Where the scribe? Where the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? {21} For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. {22} For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; {23} but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, {24} but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. {25} Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. {26} For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, . {27} But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; {28} and the base things of the world and the things which are despised, God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, {29} that no flesh should glory in His presence. {30} But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God; and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; {31} that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
Let me read verse 23 to you again: {23} but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness
Isn't that exactly what we see today? The Jews are repelled by us; most everyone else thinks real Christianity is utter foolishness. But main-stream Christianity is OK, of course - as long as it has liberal doctrines and goes along with the "broad-minded" theories of the day - "God is neuter, real Christianity is a smile on Sunday morning" - you get the idea. Jesus gave us His impression of this kind of Christian. Turn to Matt 7:
Mat 7:21-27 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. {22} "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' {23} "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' [The breaking of God’s law.] {24} "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: {25} "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. {26} "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: {27} "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
Verse 24 says it all: Hold onto the Rock if you don't want to get washed away.
Is your Rock a foundation or a stumbling stone?
Some years ago I built a house on top of a hill. While we were excavating for the foundation we ran into the rock of which the hill was formed. I instructed the builders to drill into that rock and attach the foundation to it. That house never developed cracks because THAT foundation never moved. That rock was the house’s cornerstone.
We too must hold onto the Rock of our foundation, our cornerstone.
Isa 8:9-22 (NKJV) "Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. {10} Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God with us." {11} For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: {12} "Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. {13} The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Him your fear, and Him your dread. {14} He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. {15} And many among them shall stumble. They shall fall and be broken; be snared and taken." {16} Bind up the testimony. Seal the law among my disciples. {17} And I will wait on the LORD, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. {18} Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion. {19} And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? the dead on behalf of the living? {20} To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, because no light in them. {21} They will pass through it hard pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. {22} Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and driven into darkness.
These last few verses are a prophesy of the coming terrible years.
Christ was to be and is a stumbling block to Israel. We must not stumble on that Rock regardless of the actions of Satan, our associates, our family, our government, our vanity, our friends, or anything else.
Mat 10:24-39 (NKJV) "A disciple is not above teacher, nor a servant above his master. {25} "It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his household! {26} "Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. {27} "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. {28} "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna G1067). {29} "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. {30} "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {31} "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. {32} "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. {33} "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. {34} "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. {35} "For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; {36} "and 'a man's enemies will be those of his household.' {37} "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. {38} "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. {39} "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
In other words, put Christ first before anything and anyone else.
1 Pet 2:1-12 (NKJV) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, {2} as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, {3} if indeed you have tasted that the Lord gracious. {4} Coming to Him a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God precious, {5} you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [So we are stones too, like Peter.] {6} Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." {7} Therefore, to you who believe, precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected [the builders were the Jews] has become the chief cornerstone," {8} and "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. {9} But you a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; {10} who once not a people but now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. {11} Beloved, I beg as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, {12} having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Even when we occasionally do things which are bad examples to those around us, we must have enough good examples that those who observe us give God the glory in the day of their judgment.
Luke 20:9-19 (NKJV) Then He began to tell the people this parable: "A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. {10} "Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent away empty-handed. {11} "Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated shamefully, and sent away empty-handed. {12} "And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast out. {13} "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect when they see him.' {14} "But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' {15} "So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed .....
To complete this parable, please turn to Matthew 21, verse 40. I think Matthew's rendering is a little clearer. Christ is talking to the chief Priests and Pharisees.
Mat 21:40-45 (NKJV) "Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?" {41} They said to Him, "He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons." {42} Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'? {43} "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. ["nation" is G1484 and includes Gentiles] {44} "And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." {45} Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
What does Christ mean in verses 42-45? Let's dig into this a little deeper. We'll start with verse 42. Verse 42 is taken from Psalm 118:22-23. Let's read it:
Psa 118:22-23 (JNT) The stone the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. {23} This was the Lord's (Adonai's) doing; In our eyes, it is amazing.
The Pharisees fate is described out of their own mouths in verses 40 and 41. He puts it to them, "When the Lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to these vinedressers?" He puts it to them who with their strong conviction, knew the judgment of God against those who do such things, thus making themselves even more inexcusable. They, the chief priests (verse 41), could readily answer, "He will destroy those miserable, wicked men."
Our Savior, in his question, supposes that the lord of the vineyard will come, and deal with them. God is the Lord of the vineyard; the property is His, and He will make them know it, who now lord it over his heritage as if it were all their own. The Lord of the vineyard will come. When he comes, what will he do to carnal instructors? What will he do to cruel persecutors? They will be called to account. They have their day now; but He and we can see his day is coming.
The chief priests and elders, in their answer, suppose that it will be a terrible reckoning; the crime appearing to be so very black. They reply that one may be sure:
(1.) That he will miserably destroy those wicked men; destruction is their fate.
(2.) That he will lease out his vineyard to other vinedressers.
Christ, in a further illustration and application of this, tells them, in effect, that they had rightly judged; they had judged correctly. In so doing, they had condemned themselves.
In verse 42, He illustrated it by referring to a scripture fulfilling this; "Did you never read in the scriptures?" Yes, no doubt, they had often read and sung it, but had not considered it. We lose the benefit of what we read if we neglect to meditate on it. The scripture he quotes is Ps 118:22-23, which we just read. The same words which yield praise and comfort to Christ's followers, speaks conviction and terror to his enemies. Such a two-edged sword is the word of God. That scripture, in which the Stone which the builders refused, has become the chief cornerstone, illustrates the preceding parable, especially that part of it which refers to Christ. Let’s review the main points.
(1.) The builders' rejecting of the stone is the same as the vinedresser's abuse of the son that was sent to them. The chief priests and the elders were the builders, they had the oversight of the temple which was God's building. They would not allow Christ a place in their building, would not admit his doctrine or laws into their beliefs. They threw him aside as a despised broken piece of pottery, a stone that would serve only for a stepping-stone to be trampled upon.
(2.) The promotion of this stone to be the head of the corner is the same as letting out the vineyard to other vinedressers. He who was rejected by non-Christian Jews was embraced by the Christ-believing Jews and Gentiles. His authority over the Christian assembly, and influence upon it, his ruling it as the Head, and uniting it as the Corner-stone, are the great tokens of our praises to Him. Thus, in spite of the malice of the Pharisaical religious leaders, he received his kingdom, though they would not allow him to reign over them.
(3.) The hand of God was in all this; This is the Father's doing. Even the rejecting of Him by the Jewish builders was with the foreknowledge of God; he permitted and overruled it; even more so regarding Christ’s advancement to the Head of the corner; it was God himself that highly exalted him, and gave him a name above every name. The wickedness of the Jews that rejected him is amazing; that men should be so prejudiced against their own interests! But we see this foretold in Isa 29:9-14.
(Isa 29:9-14 NKJV) Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine; They stagger, but not with intoxicating drink. {10} For the LORD has poured out on you The spirit of deep sleep, And has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, namely, the seers. {11} The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I cannot, for it is sealed." {12} Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, "Read this, please." And he says, "I am not literate." {13} Therefore the LORD said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, {14} Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden."
Peter made great use of Psalm 118:22-23 several times as recorded in the books of Acts and 1 Peter.
Acts 4:8-12 (NKJV) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: {9} "If we this day are judged for a good deed to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, {10} "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. {11} "This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' {12} "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
1 Pet 2:4-10 [We read this a few minutes ago.] (NKJV) Coming to Him a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God precious, {5} you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. {6} Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." {7} Therefore, to you who believe, precious; but to those who are disobedient, "the stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," {8} and "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. {9} But you a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; {10} who once not a people but now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
In verse 43 of Matthew 21, Jesus is notifying the Pharisees, the ancestors of the rulers of the Jewish religion today, that the kingdom, including their temple, has been taken away from them and given to fruit-producing Christians, destined for the Kingdom of God.
Verse 44 of Matthew 21 does not appear in all manuscripts, but it can be taken to mean from Isa 8:15, which we read, that anyone would sustain great spiritual hurt by attacking Christ, but that Christ’s kingdom would eventually destroy those nations who attacked Christianity (Dan. 2:34-35).
Verse 45 shows that the Pharisees knew He was talking about them. They must have known what they really were and been reasonably sure who Jesus (Yashuah) really was.
But there is even more about the subject of the Stone, particularly the cornerstone. Let's look at Ephesians 2:
Eph 2:19-22 (NKJV) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, {20} having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner , {21} in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, {22} in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
What does this say?
1. We too are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets along with Jesus Christ who is the chief corner stone.
2. Through Christ we are to be joined together into a holy temple in the Lord. In other words, we are to become a part of the spiritual temple of God.
Let's look at Revelation 3:
Rev 3:12 (NKJV) "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And My new name.
Now, linking this verse with Eph 2:22, we can see that we can become pillars, major supports, in God's temple. And, we will not be able to leave the temple. We will be an integral part of it. Keep in mind, this is a spiritual temple.
Let's look now at Haggai 2:
Hag 2:9 (NKJV) 'The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the LORD of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the LORD of hosts."
The greatest temple in Jerusalem up to this point has been the one built by Solomon. But God's temple of Christ and His supporters, his brothers, his bride, will surpass them all. And Jerusalem shall finally have peace. God will answer our prayers for the peace of Jerusalem.

In conclusion, let me ask you a question I implied earlier: Is your Stone a part of the strong foundation of Christ, a part of God's temple, or is your stone a stumbling stone?

THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2009

AWILDA RECEIVES GALA AWARD POSTHUMOUSLY

New York/2009- Plans are underway to award the Late and beloved Awilda Bosch, the wife of the late Armando Bosch Jr, with a Posthumous Gala Award for 2009. The Gala Foundation ordered a special Award to be presented to Awilda's family in her honor. Awilda was a very energetic and high spirited woman and she was the life of each party that she attended. Awilda had been ailing for a few months when she quietly passed away this month. Awilda had received a recognition in the early 90s but never received the Gala Award.

THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2009

MICHELE M GOMEZ WINS 2009 GALA AWARD!!!

New Jersey-2009-Michele Maldonado Gomez, the daughter of Joaquin and Clarita Maldonado has won the 2009 Gala Awards. Her father, Joaquin, surprised her with the legendary Award that has been given to all Gala Elders and to a recipient that has demonstrated Outstanding attributes of Leadership and in keeping with the traditions and the highest ideals of the Gala Organization. Michele was surprised! Many within the Gala circles knew that she would, one day be recognized by all her family. The Gala Foundation gives a Gala Award to a member that has demonstrated an outstanding example to be followed by all in our Family Organization. The Gala Award had an inscription that read "To Michele Maldonado, for Outstanding Support and Devotion to our Cause" Michele Gomez has been an active member of a Musical family that was bred for praise and worship. she has dedicated her life in worshipping the Lord with the piano the flute and the violin. She has been a longstanding member of the Gospel group, "Born twice" for over 20 years. Michele has been writing for the Family times since 1987. she served as New York contributing Editor in the late 80s. we want to congratulate Ms Michele M. Gomez for receiving this year's Gala Award.

THE PERFECT PRAYER FOR 2010

By Rev. Carlo A. Serrano

December 17, 2009
Text: Ps 20:1-9 1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the
God of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you
support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout
for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May
the LORD grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he
answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in
chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are
brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
About 8,765 hours or 525,600 minutes have passed since December 17th 2008. What a difference
a year makes. Some of us spent that time wisely: Serving God, Being fruitful…Making a
difference. Others may have a twinge of regret for things left undone, unsaid, or unachieved.
Maybe the last 8,755 hours of your life have been filled with financial blessing and health in
your home and body. Or, like many,the last 525,600 minutes may have been the most painful,
devastating, and trial filled minutes of your life. Like any year there were ups and downs, joy and
pain, triumphs and tragedies. And yet through it all…by the grace of God…here we are. I
wonder, what did we resolve to do last year? What commitment did we make to the Lord? What
promise did we make to our families or ourselves? In the next few days everyone will reach that
valley of decision where we can settle for the status quo of 2009 or we can evaluate our lives and
move into another great year focused and determined to move forward in Him. I don’t know
about you, but I want God’s absolute best in 2010. Now I am not the brightest bulb in the box…
but I do know one sure fire way to Get God’s best is prayer. So I want to talk to you about The
Perfect Prayer for 2010!
There is no better way to start a New Year then with prayer. And I think Psalm 20 is the
perfect prayer for us as a family.What makes it the perfect prayer is that there are several great
principles we can take and apply to our lives that come straight from these 9 verses.
For background sake understand that this Psalm is one of many royalty or kingly songs. Psalms
like Psalm 20, 18, 2 and about 11 others fall into this category. Basically they can be interpreted
2 ways. First, they can be viewed through the lens of King David, his subjects, and his
successors which answers the first principle of Bible study: what did it mean then? And secondly
these royal psalms can be viewed through the lens of the King of Kings and His subjects (you
and me), which answers the 2nd principle of Bible study: how does it apply to me now?
Now unlike Psalm 18, which is an “after-the-fact” Psalm, Psalm 20 happens in the context of
uncertainty. Some scholars believe that this was a traditional Psalm that was sung before every
major battle. It is believed that it was used in a liturgical call and response format with the high
priest praying the first 5 verses over the king and the warriors, the people responding with verse
6-8, and the people closing with verse 9.
So picture David and his fighting men facing a furious Army. Maybe it’s before dawn? His
generals are gathered around. The head Chaplin is there. The band is tuning up. The warriors are
stretching and cleaning their weapons. And the people of Judah anxiously await what will
happen next. Talk about a watch night service! Anything can happen in battle. Will the king
survive? Will they win? You can feel the tension building. And then a hush comes over the
crowd. The priest stands up on a high place and says:
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob
protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4 May he give you
the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
1.The first principle we can take away from our new year prayer is that we need to Pray for
Protection.
This prayer is opened with a realistic view of the situation. Israel is heading into a day of
trouble. It does not say, “May the Lord answer you if you are in distress.” But he says when you
are in distress. Indicating the times of distress are a certainty. 2010 will bring times of distress.
Someone once said, “You are going to have a major crisis in your life sometime in the next 5
years, you might as well be prepared”. Some of us know our crisis may come quicker than that.
I’m not trying to speak doom…but most of us will face something hard within the next 525,600
minutes. We might as well be prayed up! Might as well be prepared! We serve the God who
promises protection and shelter. When the clouds darken we reach for an umbrella. When the
temperature drops we throw on our coat. You and I know that the weather for our nation is
uncertain at best (Literally and figuratively). Let’s be prepared by praying for protection. 2009
brought some horrible weather to our nation. People died in tornados, froze in ice storms, and
lost power in winds storms, and drowned in floods. And yet here we are. God saved us. I have no
idea what tomorrow will bring and neither do you. Pray for protection in 2010.
2. The second principle we that we see in this perfect prayer is our need to Pray for peace of
mind (may the God of Jacob protect you)
The phrase “God of Jacob” is used 14 times in the Old Testament and it is probably used here to
remind the one who is praying in the time of adversity who Jacob was and who God made him to
be. Jacob was a manipulator, which is exactly what we try to do when we in a jam. Jacob was a
schemer almost his whole life. He grabbed his brother’s heel at birth, maybe trying to come out
first. He stole his brother’s birthright. He out schemed his father-in-law out of the best of the
flock. He even tried to buy his brother’s forgiveness with a caravan of gifts. Of course he
changed when he finally wrestled with God instead of his problems. Imagine the plotting and
mental effort that went into Jacob trying to get his way. Sadly, some of us spent too much time
wrestling with situations and trying to work our way out of jams. But God promises us perfect
peace if we stay focused on Him. Jacob the schemer was renamed Israel: he who struggles with
God. It’s like the psalmist is saying: May this God, the God of Jacob, the God who makes
Himself real even to the person who tries to manipulate his way, may you recognize that it’s
God’s hand upon you that makes you survive. When your mind is at peace, you won’t try to
manipulate your way out of difficulty. The God of Jacob will protect you – literally set you up on
high where nothing can get you – in 2010
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
3. The 3rd principle from our New Year prayer is that we need to Practice His presence.
In the Old Testament of course Zion represented the holy hill, the temple mount. The temple had
not yet been built on that mountain in David’s lifetime. But David anticipated the temple would
be built here since he had gathered all the materials for it. He prays that the Lord would meet
him in that place. God loves to help His people. For us the sanctuary of the Lord in Zion is
located in the eternal temple in heaven. We know that Jesus is there interceding for us at the
right hand of the father. But He also tells us that we are the temple and God’s spirit dwells in us.
His presence is where His people are. When we get into the word and call to Him in prayer, he
promises to send us help from the sanctuary and grant us support from Zion. I’ve never faced a
problem that didn’t have an answer in the word and in His presence.
Millions of Americans will spend millions of dollars in the next month to improve their fitness,
lose weight, and get out of debt. Yes, I said Americans will SPEND money to get out of debt.
Everyone wants a quick fix and a fast solution to very deep and complex problems. Blame it on
culture; blame it on fast food and microwaves. Wherever you pass the blame understand that the
buck stops with your spiritual life. I would dare to say that most of our problems have a spiritual
solution. I believe practicing the presence of God is the solution. In the presence of the Lord
there is fullness of joy. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Do you want a great
year? Get into his presence daily.
4. The 4th principle we see in this perfect New Year prayer is to Place your plans in his hands
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4 May he give you
the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
If we have lived in verses 2 and 3, sought help from the sanctuary and kept our hearts pure and
have them cleansed by the sacrifice of Christ, if we’ve done that then our desires will be the right
ones. We don’t have a selfish desire. The king is not going out to fight to puff himself up or
gain any glory. The Lord is concerned that we have right desires. But the desires must also have
plans.
A boy told his father, "Dad, if three frogs were sitting on a limb that hung over a pool, and one
frog decided to jump off into the pool, how many frogs would be left on the limb?" The dad
replied, "Two." "No," the son replied. "There are three frogs and one decides to jump, how many
are left?" The dad said, "Oh, I get it, if one decides to jump, the others would too. So there are
none left." The boy said, "No dad, the answer is three. The frog only DECIDED to jump, that
didn’t mean he actually did it” How many of us decided last year that we were going to give
more? How many decided they were going to spend more time in prayer? How many of us
decided to get in shape? There is one bridge between head, heart, and feet and that is a PLAN.
How are you going to do it? The Bible says “commit your PLANS to the Lord” So David says
“May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Dr. George O.
Wood said “plans are the day by day choices that determine the extent to which our desires are
being fulfilled”. It is not unspiritual to plan. As long as your motive is right and you place
them in the Lord’s care. Write it down. Make yourself accountable. You will be better off for it in
the end.
I’ll wrap it all up with one final principle that we can get from our New Year prayer:
5. Praise Him like it’s already done
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of
our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his
anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 O LORD, save
the king! Answer [a] us when we call!
Attitude is everything. I agree with the attitude that says no matter what the battle…I WILL
WIN. WE HAVE THE VICTORY IN JESUS. I like that. I didn’t say God would give me my
way…I said God will be victorious through and in me…there is a difference.
You see, some people put all of their hope in the stock market some 8,755 hours ago. Someone
put all of their trust in a political party some 525, 600 minutes ago. What a difference a year
makes. Some trust in horses and some trust in chariots. There were folks who said that our
family would go under a year ago. How could we survive losing our Patriarch’s? Yet, I see
cousins closer today then a year ago. I see aunts and uncles standing on the promises of God and
living bold lives for Christ. Some trust in horses and some trust in chariots, but we trusted in the
Name of the Lord. See, the people of Israel along with the King declare in these final verses that
they will praise the Lord because they trust Him. He has saved them before; surely He can do it
again. They remember bigger giants, wider valleys, and higher mountains. And they remember
the Name of the Lord who saved them. And so they shout like it’s done. They lift their voices
and remember the stories of Joshua and the walls of Jericho falling. They praise God for the
victory because they remember that Pharaoh and his riders were thrown into the sea! Look what
the Lord has done! We are here. By the grace of God we made it another year. When everything
was against us. When hell tried to beat down our front door. The Lord showed up and we made
it! Attitude is everything. Do you want an awesome year? Start with praise. Praise in the middle.
And praise at the end. No matter what you face, know that there is a God who deserves honor for
what He is about to do! Don’t wait till the smoke clears. Don’t wait until December of 2010 to
think about the Lord and how he saved you, raised, you, picked, you up and turned you around.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious and lift our banners in the name of the Lord!
Psalm 20:1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God
of Jacob protect you. 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support
from Zion. 3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. 4 May
he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 We will shout for
joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the
LORD grant all your requests. 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he
answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in
chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are
brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. 9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer [a] us when we call!
© Rev. Carlo A. Serrano 2009

COUNTDOWN FOR THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2009

The Gala Foundation will be recognizing outstanding individuals in the fields of public service and promoting understanding and mutual respect between the area’s many diverse groups through Gala Awards program which are to be awarded to community members in the coming month.
The Gala Award is given annually to two community members who endeavored to establish communication, promote equality and display leadership in the respective family and community. The Award recognizes individuals who have contributed to a greater environment of peace and understanding in the family and the community that they serve, a recent Gala statement said.
The Gala Awards committee chooses one Gala Member that has best exemplified the furthering of understanding in the community.
According to the Gala Award's nomination criteria, individuals must display “visible and continuing leadership in one or more of the following areas: education, religion, civil rights, or the provision of significant social services in the family and the community that they serve.” This year’s Award will be presented in the 40th Annual Gathering of the M.S.B. in New York City“The variety of applicants and nominations we receive is really across the board,” declared Gala Officials.
The winners will be announced and the Awards presented in New York or New Jersey on December 24th, 2009 and will be showcased on all Gala Web-sites., The Gala Awards recognizes individuals who have displayed a dedication to the development of public policy through service and a commitment to the longstanding ideals and principles of our combined family and friends, the recent Gala statement said.
According to the statement, the Gala Award was created by the Gala Foundation in 1986 to honor the memory and work all the legendary Family Icons that have now passed away and have gone to their reward and our Lord. All of our past Elders have all received the prestigious Gala Award.“The focus of the Award is recognizing individuals who follow in the same vein as Lucas Maldonado in 1997, Felicita, M Serrano in 1985, Francisco Serrano in 1986, Nieves Bosch in 1986, Hilda Bosch in 1990, Maria Balsera in 1995, and Victor Ortiz in 1994,” said Noel Serrano, Director of the Gala Foundation “The Gala Awards recognizes someone who has contributed to our Family Organization, being productive and promoting a noble and positive inspiration to our cause, their family, and their community.”
He added Gala's commitment to civility and respecting the dignity of all individuals. Gala recipients serves as a role model for all members of the Gala Foundation.
Recipients of the Award have also displayed leadership in positively impacting the greater Gala community while maintaining respect through constructive and civil public debate in all matters related to the broader family and community that they serve.. The recipient of this Award should act and work in a manner consistent with the life and accomplishments of our departed Elders, our family Pillars, the statement said.
The selection committee is comprised of five individuals appointed by the Gala Foundation. The committee includes one member or representative from the Maldonado, Serrano and Bosch families, a member of the Gala Staff. Noel is working to broaden the number of Gala Recipients for the future and will be in ongoing meetings to develop further criterias for all future Gala Award Winners.

The Award is presented annually at the annual Christmas Gathering in the New York area.This year’s presentation will take place on Dec. 24, 2009.

THE GALA AWARDS OF THE PAST

The Gala Awards was created by Noel Serrano and Joaquin Maldonado for the Gala Foundation during the early Gatherings of the 1980s. Noel felt that an Award should be given to an exemplary figure that emerges from our Members. In the very early years, there was no such award given. Noel thought that there were so many, whose time had come to recognize some of these "Giants" within.In 1984, the sudden death of Boyie Mohammed, led Noel to present a special gift to the widow, Norma Mohammed, for her endurance in a very dark and painful time. In 1985, Felicita M. Serrano received a special recognition for her Legendary Example to her family.In 1986, it was the time for Francisco Serrano and Nieves Bosch to receive the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for their respective roles within our Organization.In 1987, there were actually four presentations. Felicita M. Serrano received the first Posthumous Gala Award. Joaquin Maldonado finally received a much-deserved Lifetime Gala Award for his legendary Contribution to our family, for it was his vision that inspired all these family institutions that exist today. Noel Serrano was surprised when he received his own Gala Award. (Felicita's last act as the Secretary of the Gala Foundation, was to request that this Award be given)In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family. Frances S. Rosado won the 1888 Gala Award and it was presented by "President Reagan".In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation operations. It has been the only year that the institution halted operations due to personal reasons. Thank God that it was only a temporary shut down due to mitigating circumstances.In 1990, the Gala Awards was in full bloom and now it was Dear Hilda Bosch, the strong Bosch Matriarch who graciously received the Gala Award and was the only winner that year. One can recall that special moment, frozen in time, when all tears glistened as this precious woman of God came up to receive her due reward. Hilda was so choked up with emotion that Joaquin made a special prayer for her along with the rest of the family.. It was truly a memorable moment.In 1991, Clarita Maldonado joined the ranks of Gala Award recipients when she received her very own award or Recognition for all her hard work and example that advances the causes of the organization. Clarita is an enduring Institution in her own right. Joaquin has stated many times: "I could not do the things that I do without my faithful companion" Nivia B. Torres also won an award for that year and for the circumstance that were present at that time.In 1992, Joaquin Maldonado became the only living family member to receive the Gala Award two times. (Only the late Felicita M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys S. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala Award winners, for her life time example to her family.In 1993, the Gala Award went to Sarah Ortiz, for her Outstanding contribution to our family. Sarah joined the rank of the Family Elders within a year. the Award was shipped to Puerto Rico and was special delivered in time for Christmas Eve.In 1994, the award was presented to Victor Ortiz, the strong Ortiz Patriarch in Puerto Rico was elated when he received the prestigious award and was also included in the rank of Elders. Miriam B. Fuentes also received a much deserved Gala Award for her ongoing role and outstanding example for our family.In 1995 Maria Balsera Serrano won the Gala Award for her contribution to the Organization. This Award is ongoing and very special. The Gala Award is never given to just any one. It must and will be given to those who truly earn it. We congratulate all of these great family members who have been honored through the years and may this Institution serve to inspire to achieve great things in the Lord so that his blessing will enhance our every path. we all agree that the true award in life is to live an exemplary life and to inspire others to also live a productive and a progressive life in the Lord. that is our goal. That is the central policy of this enduring institution. may we always be able to recognize the unsung heroes in our growing family. If you would like to be a part of this and many projects that we have for all Gala members, please take a moment to contact us at ttinserrano@yahoo.com You are also welcome to nominate a candidate for the Gala Award. May we always learn from these Gala Award Winners! Many of them have gone on to receive their Higher Reward in Heaven, to be forever with Our Lord. They were the Best and the Brightest Lights amongst us. We shall continue to recognize and honor those that dwell with us and shine in their corner of the world. Help us determine who should be the next Gala Award Winner.

WE NEED TO FEEL LIKE IF IT IS CHRISTMAS EACH DAY!

Christmas is the most popular Christian holiday celebrated all over the world. This is an
occasion when we elevate our thoughts to the birth of Jesus, remembering not just the fact that God sent to earth His only son, but also the unconditional love that led Jesus to sacrifice His own life to save humanity from its sins.
We begin early in preparing ourselves for the festivities. Houses are beautifully decorated inside and out, gifts purchased for all our family members and friends, plans are set for a plentiful feast - all the details that help enhance the holiday atmosphere. Entranced by all the arrangements and planning though, it is easy to forget to focus our minds and hearts on the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of life.
It is sad that busy schedules have become a priority for so many people. We fail to remember that life is lived each day rather than once every 12 months. We wait until Christmas arrives to consider how precious life is, when we should truly exalt it and thank God for our existence each and every day.
Nevertheless, Christmas has the magical power to make us reflect upon values that may need to be reawakened in our souls. Between all the swirling emotions of the holiday season, we remember those who are absent, as well as the ones who have departed forever. Thoughts fly freely and faraway as we recall our dear ones.
The friendship and the good side of every human are enlivened with the exchange of profound words of affection and intrinsic worth followed by hugs, smiles and kisses, and tears of emotion, too.
The Christmas spirit gently and silently washes over us, making everyone's heart more sensitive, generous, fraternal, and tolerant! It seems that in these precious moments, Jesus grows even closer to humanity, showing His magnificent example of kindness, humbleness, sacrifice and love for our neighbors.
How wonderful it would be if people were to conduct themselves all throughout the year in the same way they behave and feel around Christmastime, by reviving peace, understanding, love and a profusion of good sentiments!
It is important that everyone reflect on the meaning of Christmas. It would be very positive and enlightening to explain to children that besides the oh-so-desired gifts there is something else that is very significant - sharing and caring for others. Parents can and should give little ones an opportunity to live out values such as solidarity, companionship and contribution, in accordance with the reality of each family.
To visit the elderly, to bring a gift to a less privileged child, to donate food to organizations that give away Christmas food baskets to needy families - these are just some of the ways in which we express these cherished values. The options are countless when we are willing to open up our hearts and to help others.
Just as Jesus was able to transform water into wine as an act of solidarity and love, imagine what we could do if we allowed the sentiment of Christmas to dwell in our hearts permanently.
In 2010, may we make an extra effort to preserve these values and to apply them at home, at work and throughout our communities!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with God's blessings and a New Year full of accomplishments, peace, love and solidarity!