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index
DECEMBER 2016
Vol. 7 / Issue 9
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season Merry Christmas from your friends at Valley Christian Magazine
what you’ll find inside:
CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
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Abram Gomez
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Lysa Terkeurst
It Is Well With My Soul How to wait on God...
10 Nathan Jones
My Christmas Story
956-314-O161
12 Tracie Miles
Godly Friends || Godly Wisdom
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
14 James MacDonald Just Ordinary People
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
La Encarnacion de Jesus
17 Ruben Martinez
Spiritual Bytes - John 1:14
18 Kids Talk About God
60Printed in Mexico.
19 Random Questions w/VCM 20 Greg Laurie
The Color of Christmas
21 FCA - Vision 20K 22 Music Spotlight
Bethel Kids - Christmas Party
24 Dave Ramsey 25 New Reads
Christian Torres
Publisher/Graphic Design
26 Mark Driscoll
Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com
How Jesus is (Not) Like Us
Stephanie Torres
27 Events
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It is Well with My Soul By Abram Gomez
It is well with my soul. These words have been my driving force for 2016. It is well with my soul. It really is more than just a hymn that has been sung by believers for more than 100 years. It is well with my soul. I would dare say it is a statement of a person who has settled in the grace of God for their lives. I found it coincidental that towards the end of this year, Pastor Judah Smith of City Church would release a book called, “How’s Your Soul?” Personally, I had never really given much thought or attention to the well being of my soul until this year. In retrospect, much of my personal affliction and frustration was built up from the previous years of busyness. From working on a Master’s Degree to transitioning into a larger spectrum of ministry, I found myself more irritated than peaceful going into 2016. I was determined that this year would be a year of clarity and spiritual detox. Needless to say, it was and it began in my soul. Life has a way of cluttering your soul with stuff. Due to the hurriedness of our schedules, we often just swim in the current of to-do lists without ever giving our soul maintenance and care before the Lord. Quiet times no longer exist. Distractions rob us of our focus. Social media entertains our famished mind temporarily, but like a candy bar, it provides no real nourishment. In the words of Isaiah 29:8, “…his soul is still empty.” I believe that one of the reasons Moses stayed in the backside of the desert instead of returning to Pharaoh’s house was due to the fact that his soul was troubled from his past. The last memory that Moses had of Egypt was of conviction of a murder from his own hands. When God calls Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3, I believe that the restoration process began for him. God’s Word provided the healing balm necessary to medicate the wounds of his soul. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 23:2-3, “He leads me beside the still waters…He restores my soul.” Our God is a restorer of our soul. Before the year finalizes its chapter on the Earth, take some time to reflect on the condition of your soul. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can still accept what He has already done for you. If you have been distant with God lately, simply walk back into His marvelous love for you. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed, maybe its time you give some room for your soul to breathe. I leave you with the words written in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Abram Gomez is the Executive Pastor of Cross Church, formerly known as Valley International Christian Center, in San Benito, TX. He serves under the leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya and helps in leading the 2,500-member congregation. Abram is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Church Ministries. He recently earned his Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling with a specialization in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Abram is the founder and director of NextGenRGV, a movement designed to mentor Next Generation Church Leaders. Through NextGenRGV, Abram has established an online presence providing resources for young leaders with blogs, videos, and podcasts. Additionally, he has founded the Tribe, an intensive coaching program for leaders between the ages of 18-40. Abram recently received approval as a team member and representative for Nation 2 Nation University, a video-based ministerial school offering two and four year degrees. His teaching is a part of the curriculum including Youth Ministry, Church Administration and Church Growth. Nation 2 Nation University has partnered with churches around the world to establish ministry training centers equipping pastors and leaders. Occasionally, Abram writes for Valley Christian Magazine, a regional periodical that covers the entire valley. He and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Harlingen along with their precious daughter Isabella.
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ave you ever wondered whether waiting on God is really worth it? My friend Wendy Pope is guest posting on the blog today to encourage us through those hard (and sometimes impossibly long) seasons where we’re desperate for a breakthrough. We prayed for healing. We anointed with oil.
healthy husband. This specialist treated his symptoms with that medication. That specialist treated his symptoms with different medication. The seemingly never-ending roller coaster of meds and doctor visits finally stopped when we heard two life-altering words to my worn-out and weary husband: rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, a diagnosis…finally, an answer. Oh how we wanted our medical wait to end; but let’s face it, sometimes our wait doesn’t end as we expect. Sometimes it seems our wait will never end.
We waited and we waited… And we waited some more.
The wait is more about experiencing God than enduring the delay. Instead of getting distracted by the object of our wait, a medical diagnosis, we can grow closer to God, the Person of our faith. Here are three truths we can tuck deep in our heart to help us wait without losing faith.
Have you been there? Have you done that? I should probably back up a bit so you can get the whole picture.
1) Maintain your spiritual strength through prayer and reading God’s Word.
On November 23, 1991, I married the man of dreams…literally. Tall. Blond hair. Blue eyes. Drove a fast red sports car. (OK. I know this is little vain, right? But I was in my late teens.) A Christian. There. Yes God, that kind of guy will do just fine. Yep. That was him, the man I wanted to marry. So standing before Scott on our wedding day, you can only imagine how divinely blessed I believed my marriage would be since God answered my prayers down to eye color. With great confidence, we danced into our life of bliss.
I realize this is the Sunday School answer. I also know that when waiting has stolen your peace, praying and reading your Bible is not at the top of the to-do list. Long waits can drive a wedge in our relationship with God. Even though I didn’t feel like spending with God, spending time with God was exactly what I needed. Peace will fill our circumstances when we push through our feelings to stay close to God and allow His Word to navigate us through our wait.
We believed.
Fast-forward to our earlier 40’s, you know, that time when we start noticing lines around our eyes, loosen the belt to the next hole, and grunt when we stand up. These are the typical signs of normal wear and tear that come with age, but my healthy husband seemed to have aches and issues beyond the norm. Without warning, we were thrust into a season of sickness and revolving doors of medical experts. We started this health journey with hope, but for eighteen months doctors probed, prodded, and stuck the body of my once strong and
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Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105 KJV)
2) Fight for praise. On the days Scott could barely walk praising God felt like a huge sacrifice. I wanted answers from God. I didn’t want to offer applause to God. Through my Bible reading, I fell in love David’s psalms. This man knew about suffering and waiting yet praised God. We can be certain that even on the bad days, God is still good. He will carry us through our
season of waiting. Even though it is hard to praise God when the future is unknown, there’s always something worthy of praise. You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9 NLT)
3) Find small and simple ways to love people. Our churches, neighborhoods, and communities are full of individuals who need a touch from Jesus. This truth is number three for a reason. It is only when we have immersed ourselves in the Word, spent time with God in prayer, and made praise part of our routine that we can help others. Scott and I don’t have to look far to find someone in need. Our troubles seem to be minimized when we focus on someone else. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25 NIV) When we find ourselves in a holding pattern, it’s easy to ask, What was I doing wrong? Is God holding my past against me? What do I have to do to earn His favor? Rest assured, God never presses pause out of spite. Sometimes waiting has less to do with the strength of your faith and more to do the perfection of God’s timing. God makes us wait at times so we can glean valuable lessons. In the wait, He is preparing us for what He has already planned for us. Waiting isn’t wasting time; it’s training time. 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 Proverbs 31 Ministry www.proverbs31.org Copyright 2016
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My Christmas Story by Nathan Jones
© 1983 by MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Christmas as a child for me was awesome!! Sometime in November, my parents would always ask my brother and I my all-time favorite question, “What do you want for Christmas?” I was always ready to answer that question! Ha. Throughout the month of December, our tree would get decorated and packages would periodically get stacked under the tree like moves in a game of Tetris. Then, on Christmas morning, a few Santa presents would magically appear. My brother and I would attack the tree looking for every package that had our name on it. We couldn’t wait to tear into our gifts. Well, somewhere along this journey called adulthood, a switch flipped in my heart from desiring to receive gifts to desiring to give gifts. I don’t know how or when that happened, but it happened. Now, as Christmas approaches, I get way more excited shopping for my kiddos than I do wondering about what gifts might be under the tree for me, and the more effort it takes me to get my kiddo’s gifts the more I enjoy giving them. My heart is made even more full when I see them enjoying their gifts on Christmas day, but the real over-the-top moment for me comes when I see them sharing their gifts with others. I love Christmas! Matthew 7:11 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Jesus Christ, Emmanuel “God with us”, born of a Virgin on Christmas. Jesus Christ, crucified and rose again on Easter. Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ… the greatest gift God ever gave to mankind. It cost him everything, yet he freely gives it to us if we but ask him for it. This Christmas Season, I’m going to focus more on sharing His Great Gift with others. That is the best way I know how to show God how much I love Him and how thankful I am for what he has given me. Have a blessed Christmas.
About Nathan Jones:
Director for South Texas FCA. God has been using FCA to change the lives of Coaches & Athletes since 1954. In 1983, God used FCA to change my life as a Jr High Athlete. After 30 years of being a part of FCA, I know first-hand that FCA is still one of the best ministries in our culture today for changing lives through the love of Christ.
The Best is yet to come, Nathan Jones, Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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About Tracie: Tracie is a member of the Proverbs 31 Writers Team and is a contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today devotions, the Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional Book and the Zondervan NIV Women’s Devotional Bible. Tracie has three grown children who have become her best friends, and they all call Charlotte, North Carolina, home.© 2016 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved. Used by Permission Proverbs 31 Ministry www.proverbs31.org
“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT) I didn’t know where to turn, what to think or what to do. My emotions were running high, and I feared they were getting in the way of making wise decisions.
ly realized these people had been divinely designated in my life — long before I needed them — to be the voice of the wise during my trial.
Over several months of dealing with a difficult circumstance, I received a lot of godly counsel from beloved friends and family. Yet I found it hard to heed their good suggestions at times, because my feelings seemed to be in control of my thoughts.
With grateful humility, I bowed my head again to pray, intentionally thanking God for all the people who continually poured wise instruction into my heart and seeking discernment about the best advice to follow.
Recognizing this struggle within, I bowed my head and prayed: “Lord, please help me see with eyes that are wise, not eyes blurred with overwhelming emotions. Help me act out of a heart that follows You, not a heart heavy with worry. Help me think with a holy perspective, not a mindset based on my own opinions or feelings. Give me wisdom and discernment, and the ability to recognize and follow wise instruction when I receive it.” I opened my eyes and reached for my Bible, and immediately came across today’s key verses, Proverbs 19:20-21 … “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” My heart quickened at the thought of God whispering the comforting answer I had just prayed for. I sensed His assurance that it was okay to accept and trust wise advice that aligned with Scripture, because His plans and purposes would always prevail even if my decisions weren’t perfect. As the primary author of Proverbs, King Solomon obviously grasped the importance of listening to the advice of trusted, God-fearing believers. The book of Proverbs gives numerous wise instructions and advice for living an effective and faith-filled life based on the authority and direction of God. He even referred to the passages in this book as the “sayings of the wise” (Proverbs 24:23a, NIV). Obviously my first place for wisdom and guidance is God’s Word and prayer, and I had been anxiously seeking His direction for weeks. But as I read this verse, I felt prompted to ponder all the people who’d offered me loving wisdom. I thought about their relationships with the Lord, and how much I respected their faith and advice that was always laced with holy truth and love. I sudden-
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God sends people into our lives for many reasons, and in many cases, it is in response to a need we have — whether it’s now, or yet to come. No relationship happens in the Kingdom of God by circumstance or without reason, whether it’s to provide friendship, help us through a season of difficulty, provide wisdom or inspire us to stand strong in our faith when we feel weak and unsure. Throughout Scripture we are instructed to choose our friends wisely, because with godly friends comes godly wisdom — just when we need it most. Lord, thank You for the people You have divinely placed in my life who speak holy truth, love and words of wisdom. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances, and give me the strength and courage to follow through with that advice, even when it’s hard. Fill me with peace in knowing that even if I take a wrong turn, Your purpose will prevail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (NIV) Proverbs 12:26a, “The godly give good advice to their friends.” (NLT) Proverbs 13:20a, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” (NLT)
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Have you thanked God lately for the people He’s lovingly placed in your life? Those who are able to bless you with godly wisdom and advice? Write out a prayer for those whom you are most thankful for. What decision/circumstance are you currently seeking discernment and wisdom about? How does it bring peace to your heart knowing that whatever choice you make, God’s purpose will prevail? © 2016 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved. Used by Permission Proverbs 31 Ministry www.proverbs31.org
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just regular people 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.
T
hink about it. We’re just regular people, aren’t we? We’re not much different from those described in the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-32. (It would be great if you could take a moment right now to read it before we go any further.) We see from these verses that God uses regular people, just like you and me. He doesn’t need superstars. Let me show you what I mean. Take Joseph, for instance. He’s a regular young man and often overlooked and not
, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12
solutely! Away from home—no room for them at the inn. How were they to manage? Yet, God chose the perfect place for them. Does your world seem a little bit like hers? God calmed Mary’s heart, and He can calm yours, even right now, no matter what’s happening in your life. Now, how about that innkeeper? He was a regular businessman—engrossed in taking care of everyone during the busiest time of the year. There was food to prepare, rooms to clean, guests to please. If you’re not careful, like the
God calmed Mary’s heart, and He can calm yours, even right now, no matter what’s happening in your life. appreciated for his part in God’s plan. He wasn’t the father of the child Mary was carrying, but he treated them with dignity and respect. All the strange events must have been confusing for him. Take a good look at Joseph. He’s one of those regular people we’re talking about—a great husband and father figure. Are you as patient and trusting as he was? Certainly Mary was special for God to have chosen her, but she was also just a regular young woman. Afraid? Yes! Concerned? Ab-
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innkeeper, you’ll be caught up by the business and the “busyness” of the moment and miss what’s important. The innkeeper totally missed the significance of that special night. Some of us are like the shepherds. We’d call them regular workers. They were out in the fields camping in the cold because it was the birthing season for the sheep. By today’s standards some of us might like an outside job like that. Back then it was considered a lousy job. Not many were lining up to be shepherds. Do you feel stuck in a routine? A rut you can’t
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seem to get out of? A job you wish you didn’t have? The angels told the shepherd not to be afraid and explained the situation. It was then that the shepherds broke their routine and hurried off to find the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). It was not coincidence that lambs were being born in the fields at the same time God’s Lamb broke into time and space. Maybe you need to take a serious look at what’s really important. Take a look at God’s Lamb, born in a barn. Remember Simeon? A regular, old gentleman. He’d been given a very special and specific promise. We don’t know how long Simeon lived, but we do know he didn’t die until he saw the fulfillment of God’s promise—the Messiah. God made that promise to you too. He sent His only begotten Son to this bent and twisted planet to cover your sins with His blood. Only then could we be reconciled to God. Have you turned your life over to Him? Where do you find yourself in the Christmas story? Which of the regular people in this biblical account is most like you? What will you do with God’s Son during this year’s celebration of his birth? Be sure you’re at the right celebration. It’s easy to miss. One can get caught up in the revelry of the world’s party—a substitute for the Lamb. I pray that God will shower you and your loved ones with His blessings during this happy, joyous time.
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La encarnación de Jesús
-Luis Palau
Deseo con todo el corazón y en el nombre de Jesucristo una grandiosa, gloriosa, feliz, maravillosa temporada de Navidad. Y la mejor manera de disfrutar de la Navidad es pensar aunque sea por solo diez minutos en la gloriosa persona de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Usted recordará que Cristo es el Hijo de Dios antes del tiempo y del espacio, antes de la creación temporal. Segundo, que su concepción en el vientre de la bendita Virgen María fue sobrenatural por obra del Espíritu Santo. Tercero, la encarnación de Cristo por obra del Espíritu Santo mantiene, eleva y confirma la plena divinidad de Jesucristo, que Él es Dios, la deidad, la divinidad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Veremos tres cosas más, ahora que estamos bien próximos a la Navidad en sí. Primero la encarnación de Cristo por medio del Espíritu Santo en el vientre de la bendita Virgen María confirma y establece la plena humanidad de Jesucristo, porque Él es Dios que se hizo hombre, un ser humano. Nació de una mujer, nació en una familia hebrea y fue sujeto a las leyes hebreas. Gálatas 4:4-5 dice: «Pero, cuando se cumplió el tiempo establecido, Dios envió a su Hijo, nacido de una mujer y sujeto a la ley. Dios lo envió para que comprara la libertad de los que éramos esclavos de la ley, a fin de poder adoptarnos como sus propios hijos». Así que Jesucristo al nacer encarnado por medio de una mujer, la Virgen María, se demostró ser plenamente un ser humano, experimentó todos los problemas que nosotros los seres humanos tenemos que expermintar, pero nunca pecó. Él tenía hambre, tenía sed, se fatigaba, tenía tristeza, lloró cuando su amigo Lázaro murió, sintió las tentaciones, pero nunca se dejó llevar por la tentación y aunque era plenamente Dios, Jesús como hombre compartió con nosotros las debilidades de ser un ser humano y por eso es que Jesucristo es el gran puente entre Dios y los hombres. Por eso San Pablo en 1 Timoteo 2:5 dice: «Hay solo un Dios y sólo un Mediador que puede reconciliar a la humanidad con Dios, y es el hombre Cristo Jesús» (NTV). Él era hombre, no un fantasma, no era medio ángel, era hombre ciento por ciento aunque sin pecado. En quinto lugar en nuestro estudio, la encarnación de Cristo por el Espíritu Santo sobrenaturalmente en el vientre de la bendita Virgen María demuestra y explica la personalidad única que es nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Jesucristo es sin paralelo porque Él era tanto Dios como hombre, dos naturalezas en una sola persona para siempre ¡Qué misterio! Pero uno no tiene miedo a este misterio aunque uno no alcance a poder explicar con palabras. Yo lo he intentado por más de cincuenta años y todavía no encuentro la vuelta y he leído muchísimos libros y todavía no encuentro quién lo pueda decir correctamente pero lo entiende en su espíritu, uno lo entiende en el alma, en el fuero íntimo, el Espíritu Santo le enseña que Jesucristo tenía las dos naturalezas, era hombre, era Dios, una sola persona, no dos, un misterio pero una hermosura y el mismo Jesucristo que dijo «tengo sed» (Juan 19:28) y les dice a sus discípulos «pídanme lo que quieran y yo lo haré» (Juan 14:13). Así nomás, porque era el Hijo de Dios. Los escritores del Nuevo Testamento no tratan de explicar como si fuera filosofía cómo una personalidad podía ser tanto divina como humana pero el retrato que nos dan de Cristo, lo identifican a Cristo tanto como Dios hecho Hombre, como pleno hombre. Cuando uno más lee el Nuevo Testamento y de vez en cuando refiere al Antiguo Testamento para ver cómo eran las profecías, cuanto uno más lee el retrato de Cristo es bien claro, indudablemente, era Dios encarnado, era hombre perfecto sujeto a tentación pero nunca pecó y luego que muere y resucita y asciende a los cielos es lo más natural de la historia. Cuando uno mira a Jesucristo como Él se ha revelado uno se enamora de Él, lo ama y no aguanta hasta que llegue el día en que lo veamos cara a cara. La Biblia dice que un día cuando Él vuelva en las nubes y nos lleve al cielo, o muramos y vayamos al cielo de una vez antes de su regreso, dice Isaías 33:17: «Sus ojos verán al rey en todo su esplendor» (NTV). ¡Qué hermoso!, ¿verdad? En esta temporada de la Navidad pienso en las ganas que tengo de ver a Cristo cara a cara. Cuando mi padre murió cantamos una canción que decía: «Cara a cara espero verle más allá del cielo azul, cara a cara en plena gloria, yo veré al Señor Jesús». ¡Qué día glorioso será aquél cuando nos postremos no ya simbólicamente sino verdaderamente frente a Él mismo! ¡Qué día será cuando lleguemos al cielo; el turno nos va a llegar cualquier día de éstos y en vez de estar celebrando a Jesús frente a un arbolito de Navidad o un pesebre o en una mesa, lo veamos cara a cara al Rey en su hermosura. La Biblia dice: «sus siervos verán su rostro» (Apocalipsis 22:4). Imagínese usted, vamos a ver el rostro de Jesús. Éste es el último punto en esta Navidad. La encarnación de Cristo por obra del Espíritu Santo en el vientre de la bendita Virgen María sin intervención de padre humano, confirman el misterio salvador de Jesucristo. Jesucristo el Hijo de Dios vino al mundo para buscar y salvar a lo que se había perdido y era el único que nos podía salvar, porque en este aspecto de la encarnación, es casi imposible entender pero Jesucristo, verdadero Dios y verdadero Hombre, es el Salvador de la raza humana. No hay otro que nos pueda salvar, no hay otro que nos pueda dar paz. «Les dejo un regalo: paz en la mente y en el corazón. Y la paz que yo doy es un regalo que el mundo no puede dar. Así que no se angustien ni tengan miedo» (Juan 14:27 NTV). Por eso San Pablo termina en Filipenses capítulo 2:9-11: «Dios lo elevó al lugar de máximo honor y le dio el nombre que está por encima de todo los demás nombres para que, ante el nombre de Jesús, se doble toda rodilla en el cielo y en la tierra y debajo de la tierra, y toda lengua confiese que Jesucristo es el Señor para la gloria de Dios Padre» (NTV). Doblemos hoy la rodilla ante Jesús y en esta Navidad adorémosle porque Él es un Salvador resucitado, un Salvador poderoso, está sentado a la diestra de Dios Padre para salvar eternamente a todos los que por Él se acercan a Dios. En esta Navidad si usted nunca le ha abierto el corazón a Cristo, haga esta oración: «Jesús, bendito Hijo de Dios, verdadero Hombre y verdadero Dios, entra a mi corazón y dame la vida eterna ahora y para siempre. Amén».
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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”.
And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 So many things immediately increase my heartrate: a text, new pictures, notifications, countless screen graphics, a new place to eat, things I can buy, quick and ever-changing world and on and on! But most are impersonal, digital, superficial and merely physical things that, in the end leave me empty; a bit like throwing up! In short my soul is poorer! Because I am so given over to the immediate and superficial, the healthy and substantial emotional/spiritual food takes pricey, meditative-time and pricey, conscious-decisions to think hard and process deep things. Take for instance the revelation that the infinite, bigger-than-the-universe-God, “became flesh and dwelt among us.” We can get lost in the wonder and awe of this limitless, soul-feeding truth? But will I pay the price and decide to meditate on this wonder? Will you? 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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How Does God the Father Bring People to Jesus (John 6:41-59)?
“God puts people into our lives who lead us to Jesus,” says Maggie, 11. “They may show his love by hugging, helping them out, telling them that God loves them, and being kind to them.” It’s humbling to consider that God can use any Christian to usher someone into God’s eternal kingdom. The Apostle Paul wrote that all Christians are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Both Jesus and God the Father are in the drawing business, but they often use people as heaven’s ambassadors to aid in this process. Jesus also said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself” (John 12:32). “God can make bad stuff happen to people so they run to Jesus,” says Caleb, 10. A soldier once said that there are no atheists in foxholes. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations beyond our control. God’s desire is for us to come to the end of our own limited resources. He wants to be our provision. God is masterful at getting our attention. He will never coerce us to believe in Jesus for our salvation, but he sure will try to get our attention. Often, through our own bad decisions, we suffer. Whether it’s emotional or physical suffering, we realize our smallness and need.
dren together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37). God’s will and desire was to have all the people in Jerusalem believe in Jesus as their messiah and savior. Even though God is all powerful and sovereign, he is also a lover who imposes upon himself the limitations that any lover has toward the object of his affection. Forced love is a contradiction. To use a cliché, it takes two to tango. Jesus doesn’t tango by himself. All his partners are willing. There’s a dance between God’s will and our will. Some want to portray God’s will as so absolute that our will is only an illusion. Others want to advocate that our will can override God’s will in areas where he rules. God asks everyone to dance. He is constantly drawing all people to himself. I’m blessed to live on the beach where I see people stare at God’s artistry of incredible sunrises. The Apostle Paul wrote that God’s drawing and wooing from creation alone is such so that people can’t say they didn’t have an opportunity to know God. “For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20). Think about this: If people respond to God’s general invitation to know him through creation, you can be sure he will reveal himself though his only son, who died, rose from the dead and offers eternal life to all who will believe in him alone as their savior.
The Bible portrays God as a lover who is wooing us into a relationship with himself. Yes, he is all powerful, but his love is not coercive.
Memorize this truth: John 12:32 previously quoted.
Jesus lamented over Jerusalem when he said, “How often I wanted to gather your chil-
Ask these questions: Have you accepted God’s invitation to dance? Will you believe in Jesus Christ as your only hope for heaven?
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Kids Talk About God is a syndicated column by journalist Carey Kinsolving. To access more columns and other free, Bible-based books, videos and artwork, please visit www. KidsTalkAboutGod.org.
Get to know our Valley Christian Magazine Family!!
Each Month, Valley Christian will ask random questions to a different Valley Christian Team Member....then we look forward to getting to know you!
This month we are spotlighting Stella Gallegos! Stella works in our Advertising Department. Stella meets with different businesses, ministries, and people throughout our community and sets up opportunnities for them to partner with Valley Christian! Where do you go to Church? Living Word Evangelical Free Pharr
good...just all the time!
Favorite Food: chips and salsa
Last Movie you cried at? To Joey with Love. Joey and Rory true story amazing movie all about faith, love and family.
Favorite Christmas Movie: Miracle on 34th street
Movie Theater or Home Theater? Movie Theatre
Favorite Holiday Spot: South Padre Island
Which character from Friends are you most like? Phoebe... She’s silly just like me
Christmas Carol you sing every year: Jingle Bells
What super hero quality would you like to possess? Being invisible...
Best Christmas Gift: Racecar racetrack set in my attic at home dad set up for me when I was a little girl. I was such a tomboy.
What VCM Author/section do you read the most? Lysa Turkeust
Have you ever re-gifted? Ummmm Yes What was it? Jewelry Favorite Holiday Tradition: Tamales and Egg Nog Go To Christmas Verse: Joy to the world the Lord has come Luke 2:11 One Odd Thing about you: I sneak out to Karaoke all the time! I’m not saying
What is your favorite scripture in the bible? Charm is deceitful, beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised. Proverbs 30:30 Why do you work at Valley Christian Magazine? I enjoy putting my time in what I believe is a good way to plant seeds in the RGV. Ministry, fellowship and collaborating with others is one quality we all have in common. Through Christ all things are possible, building relationships through Christ within our homes, families, and businesses is a goal we all believe in and share with others. Valley Christian Magazine is allowing me to encourage others to build and grow their businesses with the one and only ministry magazine in the valley. So proud to be part of this ministry with other Pastors, church’s, business’s and family. December
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Red is the color of Christmas—not because Santa suits are red or because we wrap packages in red. Red is the color of Christmas because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed. We see a battle being played out in our culture today that is actually the battle of the gods. It is the God of the Bible, the true and living God, versus all contenders. This battle goes back to the first Messianic verse in the Bible when, after Satan tempted Adam and Eve to sin, God said to him, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15). Thus, Satan wanted to stop Christ from coming. The cradle was pointing to the Cross. The Incarnation was for the purpose of atonement. The purpose behind the birth of Jesus was the death of Jesus. This is New Testament Christianity. It’s the division between light and darkness, righteousness and unrighteousness, good and evil, and right and wrong. Interestingly, it’s actually through conflict that we can find real peace. For example, when someone walks into a dark place and turns on a bright light, it changes the entire dynamic. Through this conflict, through this disagreement, the ultimate unity will come. Why? Because as a Christian, you make people aware of their sin—and they don’t like it one bit. You don’t even have to say anything, really. You’re just being you as a Christian. So don’t be upset because there is a little conflict. Just hold your ground and keep praying. This division can result in people thinking about their souls, considering the claims of Christ, and then ultimately turning their lives over to the Lord.
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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 Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
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
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NEW MUSIC RELEASE:
Bethel Music Kids Christmas Party
DOVE AWARD-WINNING BETHEL MUSIC KIDS RELEASE CHRISTMAS PARTY EP
Dove Award-winning Bethel Music Kids (#BethelMusicKids) released their Christmas Party EP internationally Nov. 18. The new recording follows their first full-length album and concert film, Come Alive, which launched to the top of the retail charts amidst acclaim when it released Dec. 2015 and went on to receive the GMA Dove Award for “Children’s Music Album of the Year” last month after receiving a trio of nominations. Like Come Alive, this new five-song collection of reimagined Christmas classics combines dance beats, pop arrangements and energetic programming. Sung by kids who all attend Bethel Christian School, Christmas Party features “Little Drummer Boy,” a fresh interpretation of the well-known carol, “The Little Drummer Boy.” With explosive percussion and catchy musical themes, the song tells the story of a child realizing that the gift given from the cry of our hearts to worship the King of kings is the gift favored above all. The EP also features the classic anthem “Joy to the World,” which bursts with a grand parade of energy while the track, “O Holy Night,” sweeps in with an ethereal tone and triumphant rhythms. The project further includes the spirited processional, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and soaring ballad, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” “As Jesus’ birth is magnified at Christmastime, Christmas Par-
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ty will inspire young worshippers and families into greater joy, light and movement,” shares Bethel Music’s creative director Kiley Goodpasture. Following the release of the EP, Bethel Music Kids are inviting families to join them to celebrate the birth of Jesus as recorded in Scripture through story, song and movement on their “Christmas Party Tour.” The tour begins Dec. 10 in Fresno, CA and travels to Pasadena (12/11), Indian Wells (12/13), San Diego (12/14) and wraps up in Redding (12/17). With activity stations being set up at venues before each show that are designed to usher in the Christmas spirit, Bethel Music Kids will kickoff the program sharing songs from their Christmas Party EP interwoven with a dynamic telling of the Christmas story. The second segment of the concert will feature favorites from the Bethel Music Kids Come Alive album, including the single, “You Make Me Brave,” all culminating in an interactive grand finale. Tickets for each event includes early admission to the event, a small group choreography session, a question and answer session with Bethel Music Kids and a ministry time designed to equip and empower families and kids to love God and live for Him in an expressive way. For more information Bethel Music Kids, Christmas Party and the tour, go to www.bethelmusic.com/bethelmusickids.
Open 24 Hours A Day
CREATIVE TERMITE &L.J. PEST CONTROL MCCOY - CERTIFIED APPLICATOR
“When you get CREATIVE you can say Buenos Noches to Roaches!” Complete Business, Home & Yard Pest Control
Call L.J. at 956-239-1995 About Bethel Music: Bethel Music Kids is an imprint of Bethel Music, a worship ministry that formed as an organic extension of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. Over the last five years, Bethel Music has grown from being a local church music ministry to becoming a global outreach featuring a cadre of songwriters and worship leaders, more than 20 albums – including six albums that went to the top of Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, both online and on-campus worship schools, and world renown songs “No Longer Slaves” (2016 Dove Award-winning Worship Song of the Year), “We Will Not Be Shaken,” “One Thing Remains” and “This Is Amazing Grace” (2013’s and 2015’s ASCAP Christian Music “Song of the Year,” respectively), “Love Came Down” (featured on American Idol 2012), “Forever,” “You Are Good,” “You Make Me Brave” (GMA Canada Covenant Awards “Song of the Year”) and more.
The heart of Bethel Music is to be a steward of the worship being created and released at Bethel Church, making it a resource available to the world. In addition to thousands of people that attend Bethel’s weekly worship services, another 350,000 plus people subscribe to the online stream of the services at www.ibethel.tv. More about Bethel Music can be found at www.bethelmusic.com.
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Holidays and family Dear Dave, I haven’t spoken to my mom and sister in more than six months. Over time, I realized we have a real clash of moral values that has led to arguments and hard feelings. Lately, with it being Christmas season and a new year just around the corner, I’ve found myself wanting to navigate things a little better and stop avoiding them. It’s been mostly just between myself and them, so my wife and kids are pretty insulated from the ugliness. Do you have any advice for handling situations such as these? Dave Dear Dave, Well, the good news is it doesn’t sound like you’ve had to spend a lot of time with them. So their influence over you and your household has been minimal. Still, things like this are painful. These are people you love, even if they are hard to get along with or understand. I’m not a family counselor, but my initial advice would be don’t try to change them. And don’t take discussions too deep. If you get together, just keep things simple and on the surface. To the extent they try to invade your family, that’s where you have to put up a good solid boundary. You have to protect your family and try your best to keep bad influences at a distance. But I don’t think you’re going to fix them. Probably the best thing you can do is model sanity and reason in front of them.
A friend of mine who has some crazy in-laws says he adopts the bobblehead deal. He just sits there like a bobblehead and smiles and nods, no matter what craziness is swirling around. And that’s not a bad idea when you think about it. You don’t want things getting ugly if you can help it, plus the chances of you changing a lifetime of toxic behaviors in one brief interaction are very small.
Dave s y a S
Pray for them, too, Dave. Then, if they ask for help, maybe you could insert some gentle wisdom. Don’t tell them what they’re doing is wrong or that they’re bad people. Just describe things you and your family have done and how you’ve handled similar situations. But until they bring it up, I wouldn’t go there. —Dave
Getting back on the wagon Dear Dave, I started working your plan earlier this year. I even budgeted for Christmas and got my shopping done early, but in the process I overspent and blew my whole monthly budget. Now I’m having a hard time getting motivated again. Do you have any suggestions? Misty Dear Misty, Lots of folks make mistakes like this, even though they went into things with the best intentions. The Bible says that no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but it yields a harvest of righteousness. The best way I know to encourage you to get back on the wagon is to ask one simple question: Where do you want to be in five or 10 years? Is your current path going to reward you with a financially secure life? Is it going to give you the ability to retire with dignity and to have fun living and giving in your golden years, or is it going to leave you broke, scared and desperate? There’s one simple answer if the path you’re on isn’t going to get you what you want and where you want to be in life: Change the path!
* 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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Most people don’t even take the time to identify where they want to go in life or how to get there. They just shuffle along, blame others and circumstances for their situations, and think someone will take care of them. That’s called being a child. Children do what feels good at the moment, but adults devise a plan and stick to it. Lazy is always easier, and more fun, in the short term. But it’s a huge mistake when it comes to the future, Misty. Think ahead, plan ahead, and jump back on the wagon! —Dave
December 2016
The Broken Way
A Daring Path Into The Abundant Life Author: Ann Voskamp Publisher: Zondervan
New York Times best-selling author of One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp sits at the edge of her life and all of her own unspoken brokenness and asks: What if you really want to live abundantly before it’s too late? What do you do if you really want to know abundant wholeness? This is the one begging question that’s behind every single aspect of our lives --- and one that The Broken Way - also a New York Times bestseller - rises up to explore in the most unexpected ways. This one’s for the lovers and the sufferers. For those whose hopes and dreams and love grew so large it broke their willing hearts. This one’s for the busted ones who are ready to bust free, the ones ready to break molds, break chains, break measuring sticks, and break all this bad brokenness with an unlikely good brokenness. You could be one of the Beloved who is broken --- and still lets yourself be loved. You could be one of them, one who believes freedom can be found not only beyond the fear and pain, but actually within it. You could discover and trust this broken way --- the way to not be afraid of broken things.
Listen, Love, Repeat
Other-Centered Living In A Self-Centered World
Author: Karen Ehman Publisher: Zondervan
Our culture is self-obsessed – in our schedules, relationships, and especially online. (Can you say selfie?) But in this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. Why? Because we forgot the joy that comes from putting others first. Doing so requires us to live alert, listening for “heart drops,” hints from those in our lives who need a helping hand or a generous dose of encouragement. Living alert lifts our own spirits, showing us that blessing others blesses us even more. Listen, Love, Repeat offers biblical teaching and suggests doable actions that are simple, heart-tugging, sentimental, even sneaky and hilarious. This message: • Presents scriptural examples of those who lived alert, including Jesus, who noticed those who least expected to be seen. • Explains the role of good works for followers of Christ. They aren’t our ticket to heaven but they are our marching orders on earth. • Gives creative ideas for showing love to friends and family, and suggests practical ways to reach out to the lonely, the marginalized, the outcast, and the odd duck. Additionally, it helps you comfort the grieving, showing what you can do when you don’t know what to say. • Provides inspiration for blessing the “necessary people” in your life, those often-overlooked souls who help you get life done every day, and teaches you how to hug a porcupine by genuinely loving the hard-to-love. As we scatter love, we create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel. We get to see lives changed right before our eyes. Most importantly, Listen, Love, Repeat will enable you to live a life that is full of kind deeds, not to selfishly shout, “Hey! Look at me!” but to humbly implore, “Will you look at Him?”
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During the Christmas season, as we consider the birth of Jesus, we are reminded how God became like us. But, it is also important to remember how Jesus is also unlike us. Because Jesus’ life is the sinless human life—the life that we are supposed to live by empowering grace through the Holy Spirit—it is important that we carefully examine the human life of Jesus. Unlike us, Jesus alone is without sin (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 9:14; 1 Pet. 2:22, 1 John 3:5). While the Bible is clear that Jesus never sinned, the question of whether he had a sin nature as we do has been a point of historical division between various Christian traditions, and leads us to an important aspect of the Incarnation. The Eastern church says that Jesus did have a sin nature. They focus on Romans 8:3 (that the Father sent his own Son “in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin”) and Hebrews 4:15 (which says he was one “who in every respect has been tempted as we are”). They then argue that this could not be if Jesus did not have any of the sinful thoughts or desires like the ones we wrestle with all the time. It is then argued that although Jesus had a sin nature, he overcame it and showed us the perfect obedience that we can follow to live holy lives. On the other hand, the Western church says Jesus did not have a sin nature. They focus on Hebrews 7:26–27: We “have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins.” It is argued that if Jesus had a sin nature, he could not fit this description. Furthermore, if he had sinful character, then he would be a sinner. I am inclined to agree with the Western church and see the “likeness of sinful flesh” in Romans as a point of similarity rather than a point of character whereby Jesus had a sin nature. Subsequently, as the “last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45), Jesus was like the first Adam prior to the fall—without a sin nature—and therefore had a completely free will to choose obedience out of love for God the Father. Because Jesus is like us in that he was tempted, yet unlike us in that he never did sin, he can help us when we are tempted and show us how to escape sinful situations. Hebrews 2:17–18 says: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Jesus alone can mediate between God and us because he alone is fully God and fully man and thereby able to perfectly represent both God and man. This is precisely what the Bible teaches: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). Regarding the vital importance of both Jesus’ humanity and divinity, theologian Jonathan Edwards says: First, I would consider Christ’s taking upon him our nature to put himself in a capacity to purchase redemption for us. This was absolutely necessary, for though Christ, as God, was infinitely sufficient for the work, yet to his being in an immediate capacity for it, it was needful that he should not only be God, but man. If Christ had remained only in the divine nature, he could not have purchased our salvation; not from any imperfection of the divine nature, but by reason of its absolute and infinite perfection; for Christ, merely as God, was not capable either of obedience or suffering. In other words, to redeem man, Christ, who is eternally fully God, first had to become fully man in order to fully reconcile men to God. As you consider Jesus during this holiday season, why do you appreciate the ways he is both like and unlike you? Why? Portions of this article were adapted from Vintage Jesus (2007, Crossway) and Doctrine (2010, Crossway), by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears.
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