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Contents JULY 2016
Vol. 7 / Issue 4
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com
p20 - MAR conference August 5th - 6th StateFarm Arena
CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine
what you’ll find inside: 8
Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
Lysa Terkeurst
A Few Really Scary Days...
10 Greg Laurie
The Five Steps of Temptation
956-314-O161
12 Mark Driscoll
God Loves Summer Too
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
14 James MacDonald Come Home
Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in Mexico. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited. Copyright 2016.
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16 Luis Palau
Nunce te Dejarte
17 Ruben Martinez Spiritual Bytes
18 Kids Talk About God
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20 a Q&A with MAR
What MAR is all about...
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25 Books!!
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Y
ou might have noticed I’ve been a little silent lately. But I want you to know it hasn’t been by choice. I’ve missed you dearly. Which is why I really must update you on what’s been going on in my world.
About a week and a half ago, I was rushed into emergency surgery. My large intestine had somehow detached itself from my abdominal wall and twisted to the point where blood flow was dangerously restricted. A large section had to be removed. After several days of recovering in the hospital, I was able to go home which is where I am as I type these words.
But then he said something else that I can’t stop thinking about. “Lysa, I don’t like throwing around the word miracle. But the fact you survived this is a miracle. The pathology report showed your cells were in a state of death.” I didn’t know what to say. I had no words. Except “thank you.” Thank You, God. Thank you friends who prayed me through this. Thank you to this surgeon who finally figured out why I was in excruciating pain for days and days in that hospital bed.
I’ve been hesitant to explain too much about what happened to me because it’s honestly a crazy story. And I’m not really into crazy.
Thank You that I still get to do life. So, here I sit. But this quiet morning is different.
But, I treasure you as a friend and sometimes friends just need to be invited in and told the bottom line.
I have a sacred realization. And I have a complete refocus on just how precious every second of every day truly is.
God miraculously saved my life.
Might we all dare to whisper “it’s a gift” to God today?
I don’t say that with drama. I say it with tears in my eyes and the deepest gratitude in my heart.
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The surgeon called me on Friday to tell me there was no sign of cancer in the pathology report. Praise God.
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When the baby is crying and the deadlines are pressing and the stress
is mounting and the enemy whispers “just get through this crappy day.” Look up and shame the enemy back to hell by acknowledging today is a gift. A gift from a good, good Father. And then look, seek, and dive deeply into what a true gift it is.
From the Editor: Valley Christian Family, pray with us for Lysa Terkeurst, her family and her Ministry: Heavenly Father we pray for Lysa and give you all the glory for her life. We thank you for what she means to each one of us and to our community. Lord only you can save us. Only through you can we show your love to our neighbors, friends, family and strangers. As Lysa recovers, help each one of us to recover our love for you to be who you want us to be. Thank you for Lysa who hears your silent whispers and direction. During this time of recovery speak to Lysa in an even greater way. Use her during this time in a mighty way. In turn speak to each one of us reading this. Help us to hear your voice when our world has turned upside down and the noise is so loud we can’t hear ourselves. Thank you Lord. We love you and worship you. All Valley Christian readers said…Amen! And Amen! About Lysa: Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. Used by Permission Proverts 31 Ministry www.provers31.org Copyright 2016
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The Five Steps of Temptation By Greg Laurie “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death.” –James 1:14-16
In James 1:14–16 we have the five steps of temptation: 1. The temptation itself. “But each one is tempted . . .” The evil thought knocks on the door of your imagination. As they say, “Opportunity knocks once, but temptation beats on the door every day.” It happens to the best of us; there are no exceptions. There is no sin here yet. It is not the bait that constitutes temptation, but the bite. There’s still a way out. 2. You are now under its power and enjoying the experience. “Drawn away by his own desires . . .” You are now “taking it for a test drive.” It’s been said, “What makes temptation difficult for many people is they don’t want to discourage it completely.” 3. You are almost hooked. “Drawn away . . . and enticed.” There is still a way out. However, the will is weakening; the temptation is getting more alluring. You are thinking, processing, considering. 4. The hook is now set. “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.” The evil thought has been acted upon. The sin is now conceived; the process is in full swing. The short-lived pleasure and euphoria, then the realization of what you have done, and hopefully the guilt—a sense of deadness, regret. 5. Finally, the deadly effects of sin kick in. “And sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” The Bible warns, “The soul that sins shall surly die,” and “the wages of sin are death.” You are now separated from God. If you continue in this pattern, it could destroy you. Like a mortally wounded person, you need immediate attention. You need to turn to God in repentance now! Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. for more, visit www.greglaurie.com. used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514 Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
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Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514
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“The only paradise is paradise lost.”
all for what hell must be like.
–Marcel Proust
This Eternal Summer Vacation
School is finally out, the sun is up, and many of us are preoccupied with planning the perfect summer.
Further into the biblical story, however, we find that the God of paradise compassionately left home and come looking for us. His name is Jesus and we responded to him much as our first parents did.
These plans include fairs, festivals, parades, concerts, parties, cultural celebrations, and desperately needed vacations. What they generally hold in common is the pursuit of joy with fun people, tasty food, good music, cold drinks, and warm weather—relief from the captivity of an office cubicle. But the question persists: Why are we planning these things? Why do we live for the summer and spend our hard-earned money relentlessly pursuing that perfect place or that perfect day? Perhaps all the festivals and vacations are simply our way of looking for paradise and practicing for heaven. Paradise Was to Be Ours In the Bible, we are told that God made creation as a paradise with sunshine, fresh air, clean water, feasting, song, and friendship. God then made our first parents and gave them paradise as a gift to enjoy and share with the generations that would follow. Tragically, however, our first parents sinned against God, wrongly thinking they could live life on their own terms—in effect, functioning as their own gods. Because of our separation from the living God, death entered paradise, infecting everyone and affecting everything. According to the Bible, God kicked us out of paradise because of our rebellion, much like we would do to a roommate who declared war on us in our own home. Now instead of enjoying paradise, we seek it out by booking airline flights, gassing up our cars, hiking in the woods, and biking to the beach. Deep down we feel homeless and restless. Our pernicious problem is that paradise is lost. No matter how close we get to that perfect day or place, we’re continually disappointed because sin is also there and things are not as perfect as we had hoped for: we get sunburned, seasick, or bumped off our flight on the way home from searching for paradise, left to wander through the airport, which is perhaps the best earthly illustration of
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Curiously, though, just before he breathed his last breath, Jesus told a common thief who was being crucified at his side that he would take him to paradise. Apparently Jesus fashioned himself as the travel guide to paradise, something he also called an eternal rest, much like a never-ending summer vacation. According to Isaiah the prophet (25:6–9), this eternal summer vacation in paradise is marked by a feast—one so extraordinary as to make even the best summer grilling party look like a microwaveable Hot Pocket. The feast would mark the beginning of a perpetual street party with music, dance, and art from people representing all nations of the earth as the world keeps all of the fun without any of the sin. The Good Time Won’t Be in Hell Sadly, though many people are searching for paradise, we Christians have done a terrible job of marketing paradise. Somehow, word has wrongly gotten around that paradise is an utterly boring, fluffy, white cloud akin to the cotton candy that we sit on all day while wearing diapers and strumming harps. So, it’s no wonder so many people are going to hell and don’t seem to mind. At least hell has some heat and the general impression is that everyone who knows how to have a good time will be there. Enjoy your summer, but remember it’s only a shadow of the party to come when Jesus shows up with paradise in tow. About Pastor Mark Driscoll: Pastor Mark Driscoll is a Jesus-following, mission-leading, church-serving, people-loving, Bible-preaching pastor. In 2010, Preaching magazine named him one of the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years. He’s grateful to be a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody. With a skillful mix of bold presentation, accessible teaching, and unrelenting compassion for those who are hurting the most—particularly women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and assault—Pastor Mark has taken biblical Christianity into cultural corners rarely explored by evangelicals. Various ministries trace their roots to Pastor Mark’s leadership. Mars Hill Church began as a Bible study he and his wife Grace taught in their home. He is also the founder of Resurgence, a ministry that offers resources for Christian leaders, including books, events, classes, multimedia, and a blog. He is the co-founder of the Acts 29 Network, which has planted over 400 churches in the US and 13 other nations. More Info at www.MarkDriscoll.org Used with permission from Mark Driscoll. Copyright 2016
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come home... by james macdonald
James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.
G
od invites you to come back to Him. No matter how far away you’ve wandered or how long you’ve been gone, Hosea 6:1 opens the door: “Come, let us return to the LORD.” That’s the invitation to revival. “Come.” This is a tender-hearted pleading. You don’t have to stay where you are. You don’t have to live the life you’re living. You don’t have to experience the sorrow and heartache you’re feeling. You can return to the Lord. It’s not too late. Return! God is waiting now with open arms. Return to Him! Doubt can become faith. Discouragement can become joy. Despair can become purpose and fulfillment. Defeat can become victory. How can that happen in your life? When you return.
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE CLEAN IN ORDER TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD.” The Hebrew term translated return is used more than one thousand times in the Old Testament— more frequently than almost any other term describing what God desires for us. Hosea uses the term twenty-three times. In fact, the entire book of Hosea assures us that good things await those who return to the Lord. Returning is a picture of repentance and a decision made at a point in time. Imagine a smoke alarm suddenly going off. You have an instant choice to make: remain where you are or move away from the danger. You may be slow to respond or simply ignore the alarm, hoping it will reset. Perhaps that’s the danger. In the same way spiritually, when you hear the
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Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up” --Hosea 6:1, ESV
alarm, how do you respond? Have you grown deaf to God’s call? When God has spoken, have you simply ignored Him? Do you hear His voice today, beckoning, “Come, return”? Turning to God means . . . 1. Recognizing. The first part of turning is recognizing that behaviors rigorously rationalized are the real issues in your heart. What has to go? As you let God shine His light on your activities and inner thoughts, you’ll realize, “This is wrong or harmful to me and to those I love. I recognize this for what it is: sin. That used to be attractive, but it repulses me now.” Sin is a barrier to returning, and we have to open our eyes and see clearly. 2. Repenting. When you see what got you where you are, you don’t want it anymore. You’re ready to be honest with yourself and with God. “I’m wrong, God. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. I have no excuse for my choices. I’m unworthy, I’m undeserving, but I’m returning.” There is no downpour of mercy without returning, and there is no returning without repentance. 3. Re-turning. If you want to experience the downpour, then you have to come back. This is not just an emotional response or flippant change of mind; it’s also an exertion of your will to get moving again in the right direction. It’s a choice: “I’m leaving this sin behind. I don’t want this anymore. I’m not hanging around that temptation—I’m shutting it off and moving away. I’m returning to the Lord. I want what God has for me—first, most, and best.” Think of returning to the Lord as discovering a destructive weed in the garden of your heart. First, you recognize it: “Hey, that’s a weed! Get it out of my garden.” Second, you pull it up by the roots— that’s repenting, demonstrating that you are really done with that weed. Third, you dispose of
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the weed so it can’t sink its roots into your garden again. That’s putting serious distance between the sin and your life. Today do you hear the call: “Come, let us return to the LORD”? Don’t delay. Don’t try to fix yourself or sort things out before you return. You don’t have to be clean in order to get right with God. He makes you clean! He doesn’t need you to fix yourself (as if you even could). He wants your heart and His to be as close as possible as soon as possible. Come.
j ou r n a l
What are the real issues in your heart— those behaviors you rigorously rationalize that keep you distant from God? Is this call for you? “Come, let us return to the LORD.” If so, then don’t be satisfied with mental assent. What steps do you need to take to return?
P r ay
Father God, this invitation in Hosea 6:1 says so much about You. You love me. You want me to come home. You want what’s best for me. You’re waiting for me with open arms. Thank You for being “the LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Today when I hear Your voice, I do not want to harden my heart. No more delays, no more wandering. I’m coming home. I choose today to recognize my sin for what it is, to repent of it, and to return to You. In the name of Jesus, who paid the price for my sin, amen.
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Nunca te dejaré -Luis Palau
Una de las promesas más hermosas que Jesucristo nos ha dado, es la promesa de nunca dejarnos ni abandonarnos. Las canciones del mundo eventualmente tienen el tema de ?la traición?, es una idea que obsesiona al ser humano. No se puede confiar demasiado en nosotros, pero hay uno que nunca nos traiciona: Jesucristo. Él dice en la Biblia que si usted quiere ser cristiano y cree en Él, Él está constantemente con nosotros. En Mateo 28-20 dijo: ?Enseñándoles que guarden todas las cosas que os he mandado, y he aquí, yo estoy con vosotros todos los días hasta el fin del mundo.? Hebreos 13-5 dice:?Nunca te dejaré ni te abandonaré?.
Una vez que usted está en Cristo, Él no lo va a dejar ni abandonar, Él no es traidor como nosotros, no cambia de opinión, no se olvida de sus promesas, no firma contratos que luego procede a romper; cuando Él promete lo avala con Su palabra, la palabra de Dios que no cambia; ?Yo soy Dios y no me mudo? dice Su palabra en Malaquías 3:6. Cuando uno cree en Cristo, Él da esperanza. La esperanza que menciona la Biblia es certera, segura, total e inamovible; dice Romanos 15-4: ?Las cosas que se escribieron antes para nuestra enseñanza se escribieron, a fin de que, con la paciencia y la consolación de las Escrituras tengamos esperanza.? Si usted cree en Cristo, Él le ayuda a comprender la palabra de Dios; un incrédulo que lee la Biblia no la comprende, sino que la tuerce a su manera; porque la Palabra de Dios sólo se comprende por la iluminación del Espíritu Santo, y únicamente se les ha dado a aquellos que creen en Jesús.
Dice Efesios 1-13: ?Desde que creísteis fuisteis sellados con el Espíritu Santo de la promesa.? La esperanza viene del estudio y el conocimiento de la Palabra de Dios; no es una ilusión, la esperanza cristiana es una revelación. Tiene que afirmar su esperanza, consolidar su conocimiento de Dios estudiando la Biblia de forma práctica y diaria. Cuando usted cree en Cristo, Él da dirección. En Juan 15-16 Jesús dijo: ?No me elegisteis vosotros a mi, sino que yo os elegí a vosotros, y los he puesto para que vayáis y llevéis fruto, y vuestro fruto permanezca para que todo lo que pidiereis al Padre en mi nombre, Él os lo de.? El propósito claro que Él nos da es llevar fruto; el fruto de un carácter controlado por el Espíritu Santo que mora en nosotros, ?Más el fruto del Espíritu son amor, gozo, paz, bondad, benignidad, fe, macedumbre, templanza, contra tales cosas cosas no hay ley? dice la Biblia en Gálatas 5,22-23. Luego está el fruto de las buenas obras, son frutos del Espíritu Santo en nosotros que nos guía y dirige a hacer obras de amor al prójimo, esa es la marca de un cristiano verdadero, que aun a sus enemigos los trata con amor.
Luis Palau Luis Palau ya entró en la historia moderna como uno de los contados hombres que le hablaron a más personas en el mundo. Su mensaje fue, y es escuchado por más de 800 millones de personas en 112 países a través de la radio y la televisión, y tiene el privilegio de haberle hablado a más de 22 millones de personas cara a cara en 80 países del mundo, organizando, junto a un selecto grupos de colaboradores internacionales y con el apoyo de invitaciones locales, congresos, seminarios, charlas informales, conferencias y recitales-conferencia llamados “Festivales”.
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Luke 10:41-42 “But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” I work hard but when my work has become toooo important then at the end of the day I have nothing to give to others, especially to my closest relationships. But my most important relationships are usually not those at work but spouse, children, parents, siblings. This situation is a set up for frustration and hurt for everyone. I need my values and priorities rearranged! God help me remember that work and accomplishments are not the most important; that YOU and my relationship with you are most important. Thank you for your patience and ever-available forgiveness! About RUBEN MARTINEZ: Born in 1954 into a migrant family who worked the fields together every summer. He holds a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. He started Living Word Evangelical Free Church in 1987. Ruben and his wife, Nancy, have 5 children; Stefanie (25), Gabriel (22), Grant (19), David (18) and Desiree (16). Ruben has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Bible Institute (6 years) and the EFCA National Board of Directors (3 years).
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Why Do People See People’s Praise Rather Than God’s Glory (John 5:41-47)?
“Taking glory for yourself is stealing the glory from God,” says Forrest, 10. We are born thieves. If you doubt this, look at babies throwing a tantrum. We want to be the center of attention. When you see the thief in yourself or the glory grab by others, think of grass and flowers. “All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away,” (I Peter 1:24). Riches, power, fame, talent, beauty. Here today, gone tomorrow. God wants us to occupy this world as aliens passing through on the way to a home where the radiant glory from the Lord Jesus is so bright that it replaces sunlight (Revelation 22:5). Can you imagine carrying a flashlight in the midst of this kind of glory? The flashlight becomes totally irrelevant. When Christians start to be occupied with God’s glory, the passing glory of this world becomes as irrelevant as a flashlight in the New Jerusalem. Our focus on temporary glory is like a child playing in a sandbox who cries because his parents want to take him on a vacation to the beach. If only he could understand what awaited him, he would quickly lose interest in the sandbox. As writer C.S. Lewis noted, our problem is that our passions are too small. God wants to take us to a much larger place. People who seek praise from people before seeking God’s glory “want to be famous on earth instead of heaven,” says Caelan, 9. Jesus spoke a lot about rewards. Eternal life is not a reward, but rather a gift to be received by faith alone in Christ and his payment for our sins on the cross (Romans 6:23). However, the Lord Jesus will reward generously
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those who seek his glory in this life. In essence, Jesus said you can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. Jesus said when you do good things, do them before an audience of One: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). We live in an age of social media where everyone has the ability to broadcast everything they do. If you want the Lord to reward you for doing good, there are times when you must act like a secret agent and tell no one about your good deed. God knows your heart and sacrifice to help others. If you resist the temptation to broadcast your good deed, God will reward you.
The artist is one of our dude ranch vacation winners, Maggie MaCoy, age 11. She and her family will ride for a week at Medicine Bow Lodge & Adventure Guest Ranch near Saratoga, Wyoming.
If the temptation to tell someone becomes great, try looking at your left hand: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3-4). Another spiritual exercise is to imagine getting in a time machine so that you travel into the future 200 years. Will anyone remember you or your good deeds? If you cease from becoming a one-person public relations firm in trying to temporarily impress people, you can be sure God will eternally remember everything you did for his glory. Ask this question: Are you living for your glory or God’s glory? Think about this: God knows the motivation of everything you do. Memorize this truth: Matthew 6:1 previously quoted.
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Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. Two Valley children will win dude-ranch vacations for up to five family members. One will go to Medicine Bow Lodge in Saratoga, Wyoming and the other to Coulter Lake Guest Ranch in Rifle, Colorado. Each will receive a check for $600 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.
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2016
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Y
What is the vision behind MAR?
list — is proof of faithful God who is true and keeps his promises.
The vision behind MAR is to host a gathering for the future thinkers and doers in and around the local church. Our ultimate hope is that we would When you introduced MAR you mentioned that it would provide a pier-led experience where we can see as an example what our be “the future home of resources”, can you elaborate on that? lives could like with strong community and Jesus-Centered intentions. Well, MAR is just the annual gathering and MAR Commons is a future We love our city and the local church the vision behind the gathering is project we hope will be an extension of MAR. MAR Commons would that these two days would help bridge the gap between the two. serve as a landing page for the young church to be introduced to the topics of leadership, prayer, fasting, worship, creative resources that would Who is MAR for? MAR is for the curious and the crazy. It’s for the church of right now and help sharpen the reader/viewer. Currently it is just our socials handle and site name, but in the process we hope to launch it as blog/content based for the church of tomorrow. Any high school and college student that site with resources to narrow the gap between wanting and doing within wants to meet other young people curious and crazy enough to believe the local church. God can use them — this is for them.
One of the major changes from Waterwalkers Conference to MAR is the setting. What does it mean to you and your team go from the McAllen Convention Center to the State Farm Arena?
The promo video we see on the MAR website is striking but also vague. What exactly are we seeing when we watch this promo?
For the people that know us, they’ll be familiar with the original goal in 2010 which was to host the gathering at what was then the Dodge Arena. 6 years later, here we are underway. More than a check off a to-do
A.W. Tozer quote captures the tone: He said, “the messenger of Christ, though he speaks from God, must also — ‘speak to the condition’ of his
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You’re seeing unrest. I want to the video to speak for itself, but I think an
hearers; otherwise he will speak a language known only to himself…”. It is very clear that that there is unrest in our communities. We look at the social and racial climate in America and the rest of the world and it’s not exactly rainbows and unicorns. We might ask, “where is God in all this” — well the promo is our way of starting a conversation and entertaining the idea that He is not far. That he is— pause for dramatic effect— in the room. (walked myself right into that one)
The theme of the conference is “in the room”. What exactly does that phrase mean? It alludes to the topic we want to discuss this year which is presence. What it means to be in it, what it feels like to have it and to be without it— and how those two can often look more similar than they do different. Jesus is always present, his interaction might shift but every movement is with us in mind.
What happens after MAR in the life of the students? What we have seen in the past is that we see students get connected to the local church and we see dreams receive new life. Not only do we hear back from students saying that they were encouraged, but that they felt challenged to go to their local church and build a community of young people just like they met at the two-day event. I don’t know, so many things happen afterwards — but the main thing as every attendee falls more in love with Jesus, and that’s the best part. Being fascinated with the Character of the God Man— it changes everything— the way you approach relationships, friendships, a career. Jesus really becomes this compass, in the best way possible!
WHAT: MAR WHEN: AUGUST 5-6 WHERE: STATE FARM ARENA REGISTER FOR FREE AT MARSCOMMON.CO Formerly known as Waterwalkers Conference, a student led event. MAR is an extension of student leadership with a focus to equip and empower young adults to do more for the purpose of Jesus in their cities. It is an extension of our passion and responsibility as the church. At MAR students lead other students into the word, prayer, worship, and discipleship. Our hope is to create an opportunity for people to make responsible and sober commitments to Jesus. Join us at the State Farm Arena, August 5-6, 2016 as we seek to know God and make him known.
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NEW MUSIC RELEASE:
HOUSEFIRES III
RELEASES AUG. 12 ON THE FUEL MUSIC HOUSEFIRES Featured On Outcry Tour With Hillsong Worship, Kari Jobe, Rend Collective, More HOUSEFIRES, a group of musicians from Atlanta, GA who pursue authentic worship of God, release their third full-length album, HOUSEFIRES III, August 12 through The Fuel Music. Available to preorder now on iTunes, the album perpetuates the organic root and sound of the unique Grace Midtown church worship community that consists of almost 50 house churches—small gatherings of regular people who meet in individual homes—in and around metropolitan Atlanta. Grace Midtown formed as a couple hundred people came together in the heart of downtown Atlanta in 2009 to establish a next generation-kind of church that hearkened back to something ancient, New Testament even. HOUSEFIRES organically formed out of this movement in 2014 and is perhaps best-known for their song from HOUSEFIRES II, “Good, Good Father,” a modern classic anthem popularized by Chris Tomlin that has spread like wildfire worldwide. “We felt like God wanted a fresh expression of church,” Grace Midtown pastor Matt Reynolds says of the journey. “Something that required faith and risk in partnership with God... Something so simple you could tell that God was in it or not—no lights, smoke or lasers to hide what wasn’t there.” “People are skeptical of the organized church,” continues Reynolds, “but people really want to connect with God, a community, and to be part of something Spirit-led.” Theologically astute, lyrically refined, intimate and joyful, HOUSEFIRES III reflects the near-intangible warmth of live worship unencumbered by any agenda other than to create space for the Spirit of God to move. “It’s less about our songs and more about what God has been speaking to us as a community, as a whole,” says HOUSEFIRES’ Tony Brown, who co-wrote “Good, Good Father” with Grace Midtown worship pastor and HOUSEFIRES worship leader Pat Barrett. “It has to be more deconstructed, a lot more raw, and a lot more Spirit led.” “Naturally, we tend to write about God and the worship of God in ways that are applicable to normal life,” adds Kirby Kaple, who serves as worship leader, songwriter and graphic designer for Grace Midtown. “It’s not too spiritualized, not hard to understand. In some aspects, the way you’d have a normal conversation sitting across the table or in a living room.” A perfect example of the collaborative, communally expressive nature of HOUSEFIRES III is the pensive ballad “Build My Life,” while “Filled With Your Glory” is a passionate call to worship, “On and On” (written by Barrett and Matt Redman) is about what Scripture says about God’s love and “Yes and Amen” is an impassioned anthem that declares the character of God. (Both “Build My Life” and “Yes and Amen” are available now as an instant downloads with iTunes preorder.) “He’s the fulfillment of every dream in our hearts,” says House church pastor Nate Moore, who leads “Yes and Amen” on the recording. “The beginning and end of every day, we rest in His faithfulness that He does fulfill his promises, everything He says is true. This is our confidence that He is who He says He is.” Closing the album with the benediction, “This Is Where I Belong,” HOUSEFIRES collectively share, “Our hope is that these songs would spark fires that burn bright in ordinary houses all over the world.” Taking their new songs and worship favorites on tour, HOUSEFIRES will be featured on the major market Outcry Tour beginning Aug. 10 in Jacksonville, FL. The tour also features Hillsong Worship, Kari Jobe, Rend Collective, Elevation Worship and more. As momentum has built from its 2014 debut, HOUSEFIRES’ raw transparency continues to draw worshipers and yetto-be worshipers alike into the sacred space. For all the latest HOUSEFIRES news and tour information, go to www. housefires.org, Facebook.com, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
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Vision 30K God has been using FCA to change the lives of Coaches & Athletes since 1954. The gospel is our message. The Bible is our Playbook. Jesus Christ is the center of all that we do. Last year, FCA ministered to over 2,000,000 Coaches & Athletes across 47 countries. With over 300,000 6th-12th Grade Athletes & Coaches living right here in South Texas, our goal is to see over 30,000 have a life changing experience through our weekly Bible study fellowships called “FCA Huddles”, over 20,000 at our annual “Fields of Faith” fatherings at HS Football Stadiums in October, and over 3,000 at one of our many FCA Camps. Every $120 ($10/month) of support you giv will change one of thee lives this year. Join us this year by changing the life of just one student! Go to SouthTexasFCA.org for more information or email Nathan Jones at njones@fca.org
Display a kind spirit Dear Dave, My mom and dad filed bankruptcy recently and are on a fixed income of $2,200 a month. They gave up their house, and my wife and I helped them find an apartment. We’re also trying to give them other help while they’re getting back on their feet. The problem is, we’re paying off debt and trying to get our own finances in better shape. I think my sister should help out some, too, but I’m not sure how to approach her about this. Randy Dear Randy, It’s not out of line to ask her to help and then gauge her interest and willingness. I mean, it’s your parents we’re talking about. Still, you can’t force someone to do something they can’t do or simply don’t want to do. Before you approach your sister, you might try working up a monthly budget on your parents. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just a one-page document showing their situation. Let her see that mom and dad are struggling right now, and suggest that you both chip in a little each month until they’re back on their feet financially.
Don’t point fingers or make accusations, because that will ruin things in a hurry. Family should always try to pull together in times like this, Randy. In most cases, things like this work out fine and family bonds become even stronger.
Dave s y a S
— Dave
An ounce of prevention… Dear Dave Our son is 16, and he just got his first paycheck. He asked us about the best way to manage it, and we’re not sure what to tell him. Do you have any advice? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Congratulations on a big moment in your son’s life! I’m sure he’s proud, and I’m glad he has parents who want to teach him how to grow into a financially responsible young man. I think giving is a really big deal at this age. I’d recommend putting 10 percent toward your church or a good, local charity. It’s very important to teach kids about the spiritual and financial benefits of being a giver. The remaining 90 percent you might split evenly between savings and spending in the beginning. You can always go a little heavier on the savings portion if there’s a concrete goal, like college or a car, in mind. The process of thinking ahead and setting goals is always a good exercise, too.
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
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The goal here, in addition to teaching him the value and benefits or work, is to build the muscles of his character. Financially speaking, as parents, we should want our children to grow to be givers, savers and wise, careful spenders. If they become all three of these when they’re young, they won’t be financially irresponsible adults later! —Dave
July 2016
Unashamed
Drop the Baggage, Pick up Your Freedom, Fulfill Your Destiny By Christine Caine Zondervan Publishing Shame can take on many forms. It hides in the shadows of the most successful, confident and high-achieving woman who struggles with balancing her work and children, as well as in the heart of the broken, abused and downtrodden woman who has been told that she will never amount to anything. Shame hides in plain sight and can hold us back in ways we do not realize. But Christine Caine wants readers to know something: we can all be free. “I know. I’ve been there,” writes Christine. “I was schooled in shame. It has been my constant companion from my very earliest memories. I see shame everywhere I look in the world, including in the church. It creeps from heart to heart, growing in shadowy places, feeding on itself so that those struggling with it are too shamed to seek help from shame itself.” In Unashamed, Christine reveals the often-hidden consequences of shame—in her own life and the lives of so many Christian women—and invites you to join her in moving from a shame-filled to a shame-free life. In her passionate and candid style, Christine leads you into God’s Word where you will see for yourself how to believe that God is bigger than your mistakes, your inadequacies, your past, and your limitations. He is not only more powerful than anything you’ve done but also stronger than anything ever done to you. You can deal with your yesterday today, so that you can move on to what God has in store for you tomorrow—a powerful purpose and destiny he wants you to fulfill. Join the journey. Lay ahold of the power of Jesus Christ today and step into the future—his future for you—a beautiful, full, life-giving future, where you can even become a shame-lifter to others. Live unashamed!
Hope Heals
A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love By Katherine Wolf, Jay Wolf Zondervan Publishing When all seems lost, where can hope be found? Katherine and Jay married right after college and sought adventure far from home in Los Angeles, CA. As they pursued their dreams, they planted their lives in the city and in their church community. Their son, James, came along unexpectedly in the fall of 2007, and just 6 months later, everything changed in a moment for this young family. On April 21, 2008, as James slept in the other room, Katherine collapsed, suffering a massive brain stem stroke without warning. Miraculously, Jay came home in time and called for help. Katherine was immediately rushed into micro-brain surgery, though her chance of survival was slim. As the sun rose the next morning, the surgeon proclaimed that Katherine had survived the removal of part of her brain, though her future recovery was completely uncertain. Yet in that moment, there was a spark of hope. Through 40 days on life support in the ICU and nearly 2 years in full-time brain rehab, that spark of hope was fanned into flame. Defying every prognosis, with grit and grace, Katherine and Jay, side by side, struggled to regain a life for Katherine as she re-learned to talk and eat and walk. Returning home with a severely disabled body but a completely renewed purpose, they committed to celebrate this gift of a second chanceby embracing life fully, even though that life looked very different than they could have ever imagined. In the midst of continuing hardships and struggles, both in body and mind, Katherine and Jay found what we all long to find...hope, hope that heals the most broken place, our souls. An excruciating yet beautiful road to recovery has led the Wolf family to their new normal, in which almost every moment of life is marked with the scars of that fateful April day in 2008. Now, eight years later, Katherine and Jay are stewarding their story of suffering, restoration, and Christ-centered hope in this broken world through their ministry Hope Heals
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2016
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Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez attorney at law Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era. The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time. The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families. But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete. Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you! At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.
Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez
www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455
511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com