Rooted in Christ

 

"Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,and overflowing with gratitude." Colossians 2:6–7

Not long ago, I had a conversation with someone who truly loved gardening. As they shared their passion, I was reminded how much goes on beneath the surface of a plant—how much we never see. My friend told me, “Under every tree, you will find an elaborate and fascinating system of roots.” That imagery struck me deeply.

Curious, I looked into it further. I found that roots are far more than just anchors in the soil—they are lifelines. They draw in essential nutrients, water, and oxygen. They stabilize the plant in storms. They store nourishment for difficult seasons. In other words, if a plant’s roots aren’t healthy and deep, the rest of it cannot survive, much less thrive.! What a powerful image of our life in Christ!

Rooted and Built Up in Him

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:6–7 remind us of the foundation of the Christian life. Just as we received Jesus Christ as Lord—by faith, with humility, in dependence, we are to *continue* in Him the same way. Not with self-effort, but by staying connected to our source.

We are to be *rooted* in Him—meaning our lives are to draw from Him constantly. Not occasionally. Not only on Sundays. But daily, deeply, consistently.

·       When the winds of life blow—whether it’s sickness, loss, uncertainty, or fear—it is only the roots that hold us firm.

·       When the spiritual drought comes, it is the unseen root system of trust, prayer, and Scripture that keeps our faith green and alive.

Just as a gardener places each plant in the right soil for maximum growth, so God has planted us in Christ. And Christ, in turn, nurtures us with His Word, His Spirit, His presence, and His love.

Established in Faith

The more rooted we are, the more *established* we become. This is not about being perfect, it’s about being grounded. Just as a tree with deep roots can bend but not break in a storm, a believer rooted in Christ can stand firm through hardship.

Paul adds that we are to overflow with *thanksgiving*. Gratitude is the fruit of someone whose roots are drinking deeply from the well of grace. The more we grasp what Christ has done for us, the more grateful we become—not just in good times, but even in seasons of trial.

Letting Jesus Be the Gardener of Our Soul

Jesus is not only the soil we are planted in—He is also the gardener who cares for our souls. He prunes what needs cutting. He waters with compassion. He nurtures with truth. He is patient, persistent, and passionate about your growth.

Jeremiah 17:8 paints a beautiful picture of a person who trusts in the Lord: "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

You were not meant to survive on your own strength. You were meant to *abide* in Him—to let your roots go down deep into Christ.

Reflection and Application

·       Are your roots in Christ healthy and deep, or shallow and struggling?

·       Are you regularly drawing nourishment from His Word?

·       Are you allowing Him to stabilize and strengthen you during storms?

Perhaps today is the day to stop merely surviving and start thriving by choosing to abide in Jesus more intentionally. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Trapped… but Not Defeated

 

Exodus 14:10–18

Key Verse: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14

Have you ever felt like you were trapped with no way out? Maybe it was a financial burden that came out of nowhere, a health crisis with no clear solution, a relationship that unraveled, or a time when false accusations turned trusted friends into skeptics. Life can quickly back us into corners that feel impossible to escape.

That’s exactly where the Israelites found themselves in Exodus 14. After being miraculously delivered from Egypt, they found themselves stuck: the Red Sea in front of them, the desert to the side, and the Egyptian army charging from behind. There was no visible way out. They were, in every human sense, trapped on a dead-end street.

But their story didn’t end there—and neither does ours when we walk by faith.

1. God Uses Tough Times to Grow Us

What’s remarkable is that God led them to this spot. Exodus 14:1–4 makes clear that their path—though it looked like a mistake—was part of God’s plan. Why would God do that? Because He wanted to reveal something deeper: His power, His faithfulness, and His ability to make a way where there was none.

Hard times often feel like punishment. But more often, they’re preparation. God uses difficulty to correct, deepen, and strengthen our faith. Just like plants grow deeper roots when surface water is scarce, our spiritual roots grow deeper when life is hard. Faith isn’t proven in comfort; it’s revealed in crisis.

2. Peace Is a Choice, Not a Feeling

The Israelites responded like many of us would; they panicked. “Why did you bring us here to die?” they cried. (Exodus 14:11). In fear, they lashed out at Moses and doubted God's goodness.

Yet Moses responded not with a strategic plan, but with a profound truth: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord…” (v.13).

Fear is natural, but faith is intentional. Peace in the midst of pressure doesn’t come from understanding the plan; it comes from knowing the One who holds the plan. When we choose to look at our problems more than we look at God, anxiety grows. But when we fix our eyes on the Lord, peace becomes possible—even in impossible places. 

3. When You Don’t Know What to Do, Do What You Know

God told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to move forward” (v.15). It may sound strange; move forward where? There was a sea in front of them! But Moses obeyed. He raised his staff, and God did the impossible; He parted the waters.

There will be times when we don’t understand what God is doing. But in those moments, we’re called to keep doing what we know is right. Keep walking in obedience. Keep praying. Keep trusting. And then watch—watch with anticipation to see what God will do.

Conclusion: Trust, Wait, and Watch

In conclusion, we should notice several things about the times when our backs are against the wall.  First, dead ends are God’s opportunity to show His glory. The Israelites learned that day that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s power. What they thought would be their death became their deliverance. What seemed like an ending became the beginning of something unforgettable.

Second, we should remember that tough times do not mean that God is mad at us. There is a harmful notion going around that says that a true and faithful believer never encounters hard times unless they have done something wrong. This is bad and destructive theology. There are scores of references in the Bible that show God's saints going through adversity, not because they are being punished but because they are being used and trained by God. Tough times do not mean that God has turned His back on you.

Third, we need to be reminded that we must choose the attitude that we have for difficult times. We can panic or we can trust.  We can focus on opportunities or liabilities. We can turn away from the Lord or turn toward the Lord. It may not feel like we have the choice of what attitude we will have, but we do.  The negative responses will come naturally.  You will have to make a choice to respond in faithful confidence.

Finally, we are reminded once again that we should never underestimate the power and wisdom of God. No matter how hopeless a situation may seem, we may be on the threshold of one of God's incredible displays of His wisdom and power. We may not see the waters’ part, but we may see lives transformed, circumstances changed, and opportunities provided that would have never happened if we hadn't trusted, waited, and watched what God would do.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

“Come, Follow Me" – The Call to Be Fishers of Men

 

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once, they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20)

The scene is simple, yet powerful. Jesus, walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sees two ordinary men at work—Simon and Andrew, casting their nets, engaged in their daily task as fishermen. But in an instant, everything changes. With just one sentence, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, Jesus radically redefines their purpose.

This invitation was not just for Peter and Andrew. It is extended to each of us today. Jesus calls you and me to follow Him, to walk in His steps, and to become fishers of men, people who, by God’s grace, lead others into a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

What Does It Mean to Be a Fisher of Men?

To be a fisher of men is to be someone who reaches out to others with the good news of Jesus. It is a call to live on mission, not merely attending church or reading the Bible for personal benefit, but allowing Christ to use us to draw others into His kingdom. When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t offer them comfort, clarity, or control. He gave them a mission. He promised transformation; “I will make you…”—and purpose.

Notice the sequence:

·       Come”– an invitation to a relationship.

·       Follow Me” – a call to trust and obedience.

·       “I will make you” – a promise of transformation.

·       “Fishers of men” – a purpose beyond themselves.

Jesus does not merely call us to follow without direction. He shapes us into who we are meant to be as we walk with Him.

Responding to the Call

1.     Accept His Invitation:

“Follow me” requires a step of faith. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving behind their nets—their livelihood, their security, and everything familiar. Following Jesus will cost something. It may mean letting go of comfort, status, or even certain relationships. But the reward is greater than anything we leave behind.

 Be Willing to Be Transformed:

“I will make you” speaks to a process. We are not instantly perfected. Jesus takes our raw potential and begins shaping us through the Holy Spirit, the Word, and our experiences. Discipleship is not passive; it requires surrender, growth, and continual learning. We must be teachable and open to change.

3.     Embrace the Mission:

To fish for men is to engage in the redemptive work of Christ. It’s not just about “catching” people and moving on—it’s about walking alongside them, discipling them, and helping them grow in Christ. Evangelism is only the beginning. True discipleship involves community, accountability, and spiritual investment.

 A Lifelong Commitment

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision; It’s a daily journey—a commitment to grow through worship, devotion, fellowship, and service. The call to discipleship is lifelong. It challenges our priorities and reorients our purpose. We grow as we read God’s Word, pray, gather with other believers, and obey His leading.

So, how will you respond? Jesus still walked by the shores of ordinary lives and extended the same invitation: “Come, follow me.” Will you follow Him? Will you allow Him to shape your heart, your purpose, and your path? Will you let Him make you a fisher of men?

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He renew your passion for Him and give you courage to step out in faith. The choice is yours. Will you follow?

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

Persevering in Prayer

 

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ—on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (Colossians 4:2–4)

We live in a consumer-based economy where we are conditioned to believe that life revolves around us and that the consumer is always right, and if you don't like the service offered here, go somewhere else. This type of thinking has not only affected the way we live our lives, but also the way we treat our spiritual lives.

We often treat our prayers to God in a similar way. We believe we have to present God with everything we want, regardless of what God wants from us. We believe God owes us something, and we pray to be paid for our services.

In our culture, we tend to struggle with prayer. Instead of struggling, we should develop a prayer life focused on the Lord, not on ourselves. In this passage, Paul presents us with several ideas on how we can develop a prayer life focused on the needs of God's Kingdom, not on ourselves.

Have you ever noticed what happens when prayer begins to slip from your daily life? Often, things begin to feel off—our hearts grow restless, our minds unsettled, and a sense of spiritual emptiness creeps in. Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline; it is the lifeline of our relationship with Christ. Through prayer, we speak to our Heavenly Father, bringing Him our hopes, questions, confessions, needs, and gratitude. It is in prayer that we are reminded of who He is—and who we are in Him.

We believe God hears our prayers, even in moments of doubt. And we trust that, in His perfect timing, He answers them. Throughout Scripture, we are not merely encouraged but COMMANDED to be people of prayer. When we prioritize prayer, we place our burdens into God’s capable hands, and in return, we receive His peace. A consistent prayer life keeps us in close communion with God and in step with His will.

Even Jesus made prayer a central part of His life. So impactful was His prayer life that His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” If Jesus—the Son of God—needed regular time with the Father, how much more do we?

In Colossians 4, the apostle Paul, writing from prison, urges the believers in Colossae to be steadfast in prayer. Notice his request: he doesn’t ask them to pray for his release. Instead, he asks them to pray “that God may open a door” for the gospel to be proclaimed. Paul’s focus, even in chains, was on spreading the message of Christ. His request reveals a heart that prioritized the mission of God over personal comfort.

When was the last time you asked God to use you to share His message? When did you last pray for your church to be a light in the community, boldly proclaiming salvation in Christ?  A life marked by prayer is a life aligned with God’s purposes. As we persevere in prayer—watchful and thankful—God will use us to open doors, change lives, and bring His kingdom near.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

“What Must I Do to Be Saved?”

 

Acts 16:30–31(CSB)
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

Few questions in life matter more than this one. Everything else—career success, relationships, wealth, even health—fades compared to the eternal weight of this question: What must I do to be saved? This question wasn’t asked in a synagogue, by a scholar, or during a peaceful Bible study. It was asked by a Roman jailer in a moment of crisis. An earthquake had shaken the prison where Paul and Silas were held. Chains had fallen off. The cells were open. Death seemed imminent, and yet, what the jailer feared most wasn’t losing his life, but losing his soul.

Why did he ask this question? It wasn’t just the earthquake that rattled him—it was the peace he saw in Paul and Silas. Despite their wounds and chains, these men prayed and sang hymns to God. That joy and faith amid suffering were a powerful witness. The jailer saw something real, something deeper than religion—he saw the transforming presence of Christ.

Today, we live in a world full of distractions and false hopes. Many people believe that salvation comes through good deeds, religious rituals, or personal merit. Others avoid the question altogether, thinking they can delay spiritual matters until later. But the gospel cuts through the confusion with clarity and grace: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Belief in Jesus is not a vague acknowledgment of His existence. It’s a surrender of heart. It means recognizing our sins, accepting that Jesus died and rose again for us, and yielding our lives to Him as Lord. This is not a transaction; it's a transformation. The moment we believe, the Holy Spirit enters our lives, sealing us for eternity and beginning to make us more like Christ (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

And what happened to the jailer didn’t stop with him. His entire household heard the gospel and believed. This is the ripple effect of salvation—it moves through individuals, families, communities, and generations. You may be the first believer in your family, or perhaps you're still praying for your loved ones to know Jesus. Take heart. God is in the business of saving households, just as He did with this Roman jailer.

Reflection:
Have you asked this question— “What must I do to be saved?”, and responded in faith? If so, rejoice in your salvation. If not, let today be the day of your salvation. And for those of us who have believed, may our lives, like Paul and Silas', reflect the joy, peace, and power of the gospel so clearly that others are compelled to ask the same question.

May God bless and keep you, and may the Lord help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

 

 

When Obedience Feels Unreasonable

 

"At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Children, don’t you have any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” John 21:4–6

A Familiar Shore, an Unfamiliar Voice

After the trauma of the crucifixion and the confusing reports of the resurrection, the disciples were at a crossroads. Life felt uncertain. So, they did what many of us do in a time of grief or confusion: they returned to what was familiar. For them, that was fishing.

But even in this familiar task, they found failure. A long night brought nothing. Empty nets. Exhaustion. Discouragement. And then a voice from the shore—still unrecognized—offered a strange suggestion: try the other side. There are some lessons we can learn from this passage.

Lesson 1: Obedience Over Understanding

Jesus’ instruction seemed almost laughable. These were seasoned fishermen. They had tried everything. What difference would a few feet make? But the disciples obeyed—and abundance followed.
We often want to understand before we obey. But God often calls us to trust before He explains. True faith obeys even when it doesn’t make sense. Whether it’s forgiving someone who hurt us, giving when finances are tight, or sharing the gospel with someone who seems uninterested obedience precedes the miracle. Let me ask you; What “right side of the boat” is God asking you to trust Him with today? Don’t wait to understand—obey.

Lesson 2: God Meets Us at the End of Ourselves

Jesus didn’t show up when the nets were half full or when the disciples still had hope in their techniques. He appeared after they had exhausted every effort. Why? Because that’s where pride is stripped away, and dependence is possible. God’s grace often waits for the moment we stop striving and start surrendering. When we stop trusting our strength, we’re finally ready to lean on His.  Are you trying to muscle your way through a situation without God? Maybe He’s waiting for your surrender.

Lesson 3: The Answer is Often Closer Than We Think

The difference between failure and fullness was the width of the boat. Just a few feet. But the key wasn't the distance, it was the direction. The key was hearing and obeying Jesus. Sometimes we think God is far away, that His answer is out of reach. But what if it’s right there—on the “right side of the boat”—just waiting for our obedience? The solution to what you’re praying for may not be “out there.” It may be right where you are—if you listen closely and follow God’s lead.

Final Thoughts

This post-resurrection encounter reminds us that Jesus is not just the Lord of the empty tomb—He is Lord of the empty nets too. He stands on the shores of our weariness, calling us gently, inviting us to trust Him again. He still multiplies. He still fill you up.. He still speaks. And He still blesses obedience—even when it doesn’t make sense.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Sometimes I find myself exhausted, discouraged, and unsure of what to do next. Thank You for meeting me right where I am. Teach me to obey You, even when I don’t fully understand. Help me trust Your voice, surrender my plans, and follow You wherever You lead. May I never grow tired of listening for Your call—and may my life be filled with the fruit of faithful obedience.
Amen.

May God bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Dr. Dimas Castillo

Cuando la obediencia se siente irrazonable

 

"Al amanecer, Jesús se presentó en la orilla, pero los discípulos no se dieron cuenta de que era Jesús. Él les gritó: 'Hijos, ¿no tienen peces?' 'No', respondieron. Él les dijo: 'Echen la red a la derecha de la barca y encontrarán'. Cuando lo hicieron, no pudieron sacar la red debido a la gran cantidad de peces."  (Juan 21:4-6)

Tras el trauma de la crucifixión y los confusos informes de la resurrección, los discípulos se encontraban en una encrucijada. La vida se sentía incierta. Así que hicieron lo que muchos de nosotros hacemos en momentos de dolor o confusión: regresaron a lo familiar. Para ellos, eso era pescar.

Pero incluso en esta tarea familiar, fracasaron. Una larga noche no les trajo nada. Redes vacías. Agotamiento. Desánimo. Y entonces, una voz desde la orilla, aún desconocida, ofreció una extraña sugerencia: probar el otro lado. Hay algunas lecciones que podemos aprender de este pasaje.

Lección 1: Obediencia antes que comprensión

La instrucción de Jesús parecía casi ridícula. Eran pescadores experimentados. Lo habían intentado todo. ¿Qué diferencia habrían hecho unos pocos metros? Pero los discípulos obedecieron, y la abundancia llegó.

A menudo queremos entender antes de obedecer. Pero Dios a menudo nos llama a confiar antes de explicar. La verdadera fe obedece incluso cuando no tiene sentido. Ya sea perdonar a alguien que nos lastimó, dar cuando las finanzas son escasas o compartir el evangelio con alguien que parece desinteresado, la obediencia precede al milagro. Permíteme preguntarte: ¿En qué lado correcto del barco te pide Dios que confíes hoy? No esperes a entender, obedece.

Lección 2: Dios nos encuentra al final de nuestro camino

Jesús no apareció cuando las redes estaban medio llenas ni cuando los discípulos aún tenían esperanza en sus técnicas. Él apareció después de que habían agotado todos sus esfuerzos. ¿Por qué? Porque ahí es donde el orgullo se desvanece y la dependencia es posible. La gracia de Dios a menudo espera el momento en que dejamos de esforzarnos y empezamos a rendirnos. Cuando dejamos de confiar en nuestras fuerzas, finalmente estamos listos para apoyarnos en las suyas. ¿Intentas superar una situación sin Dios? Quizás Él esté esperando tu rendición.

Lección 3: La respuesta suele estar más cerca de lo que pensamos

La diferencia entre el fracaso y la plenitud era la anchura de la barca. Apenas unos metros. Pero la clave no era la distancia, sino la dirección. La clave era escuchar y obedecer a Jesús. A veces pensamos que Dios está lejos, que su respuesta está fuera de nuestro alcance. Pero ¿y si está ahí mismo, a la derecha de la barca, esperando nuestra obediencia? La solución a lo que estás orando puede que no esté ahí fuera. Puede que esté justo donde estás, si escuchas atentamente y sigues la guía de Dios. Reflexiones finales

Este encuentro después de Jesús haber resucitado nos recuerda que Jesús no es solo el Señor de la tumba vacía, sino también el Señor de las redes vacías. Él permanece a la orilla de nuestro cansancio, llamándonos con ternura, invitándonos a confiar de nuevo en Él. Él sigue multiplicando. Él sigue llenandonos.  Él sigue hablando. Y todavía bendice la obediencia, incluso cuando no tiene sentido.

Oración

Señor Jesús, a veces me siento exhausto, desanimado e inseguro de qué hacer. Gracias por encontrarme justo donde estoy. Enséñame a obedecerte, incluso cuando no lo entiendo del todo. Ayúdame a confiar en tu voz, a entregar mis planes y a seguirte adondequiera que me guíes. Que nunca me canse de escuchar tu llamado y que mi vida se llene del fruto de la obediencia fiel. Amén.

Que el Senor te bendiga y te guarde y que estas palabras te ayuden a renovar tu espíritu.

Dr. Dimas Castillo