Foreword
Before reading, please understand that I am far from being qualified to even consider writing a book
according to the standard of this world. Nevertheless, “God has chosen the foolish things of this
world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of this world to put to shame the
things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the despised things God has chosen,
and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His
presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
I may have here in this book a poor presentation of the reality of God and His Word, but I have
attempted to express my thoughts and feelings the best way I know how. I am a life that has been
changed and continue to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and Word of God. I do not have much
knowledge and am aware of my imperfections however I am seeking that which is greater than I and
daily working out my salvation with fear and trembling, being in awe of the Majestic and Holy God
who has loved me. I of all people, am most unworthy to even write about Him, however I would not
suppress the power which is moving me to do so.
Admittedly, I confess that I have at times been jealous of others for their gifts and talents. I
remember reading the scripture from Proverbs your gift will make room for you. (Proverbs 18:16)
This was meant to be an encouragement but it was not so for me. There are those who have
beautiful voices and are gifted musicians; while others seem to prosper so easily in whatever they do;
many are skilled in various sciences and arts; still others have some unique quality about them which
makes them special. I find myself in none of these. Perhaps this is why the Christmas Carol titled
“The Little Drummer Boy” always brought me to tears when I was a child, and still does from time
to time. This poor boy could only offer a song played on his drum, and I can only offer my lowly
body, which is but dust. However now have I offered my hands, that I may type this book. As you
read through the chapters you will notice that I am no talented writer, but honestly, it takes a lot of
time to squeeze out of me one drop of truth dressed with poetic eloquence, as when others on their
worst days array manuscripts, articles, and devotions with such beauty and little effort. Therefore I
ask you to patiently wait for those fiery nuggets of wisdom and truth, between passages that may be
rather plain or dull.
I realize that there is nothing new under the sun, so I humbly propose what I believe and see
according to the scriptures, are some age old truths which I feel the Spirit expressly wanting to bring
to light in this dark generation.
If you are reading this book and you find an error I sincerely apologize and would humbly ask for
your forgiveness, and that you would do me the mercy and the world the justice of sending me a
correction that I could make the change. If I find it to be nothing more than a matter of opinion I
release myself from making any modifications. Nevertheless, I will seek and pray diligently until my
soul finds rest because I, like yourself, am a lover not of fables but of the truth. Though I do believe
this work to be accurate, I realize that I only know in part; and I also keep in mind that there are
many members of the body, yet one body.
As I marvel at how God can accomplish His purposes through someone like me, I am also reminded
that He is God so it isn’t too hard for Him. Many times I bow my head in shame and lift my hands in
praise because He is holy. I think about my life when we first met, and I am breath taken that He
chose to have me. Also the mistakes I have made since I have known Him, yet He continues to
cleanse me and draw me into deeper fellowship. I do not say in my heart that I have attained
perfection but I am reaching for it. I am aware of so many weaknesses which I have so that I am
often begging God for mercy.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed.” (Lamentations 3:22) His mercy ever exposes
my sins that I may have the ability to walk in the light as He is in the light. There are those who might
say you are not under grace but condemnation when your sins keep coming to your mind. But these
are reprobates, who do not like to retain the true knowledge of God in their minds; therefore they will
die in their sins.
Now I urge everyone who reads this book to search the Holy Scriptures, as it is written, “Then the
brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into
the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these
things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent
women as well as men.” (Acts 17:10-12)
I have written this book not to please men, but to please Him who loved me and gave Himself for
me, “For if I still pleased men I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Sincerely, David Valderrama