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Contents NOVEMBER 2016
Vol. 7 / Issue 8
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com
Angela Martinez,Kevin Barraza, Mindy Serrato from Cross Church McAllen Church Plant
CONNECT WITH US:
what you’ll find inside:
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
6
Abram Gomez
8
Lysa Terkeurst
How Giants Fall
Desperate for Reassurance
10 Tracie Miles
956-314-O161
Make Your Spritual Fitness a Priority
12 Cross Church Plant
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
Cross Valley: San Benito - McAllen
14 James MacDonald
Reaching Across the Aisle
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
Apropiándose de las promesas de Dios
17 Ruben Martinez
Spiritual Bytes - Romans 8:11
60Printed in Mexico.
18 Kids Talk About God 20 Greg Laurie
Preparing the Way
21 FCA - Vision 20K 22 Music Spotlight
Jonathan & Melissa Helser
24 Dave Ramsey Dave Says
Christian Torres
25 New Reads
Publisher/Graphic Design
Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com
26 Mark Driscoll
Stephanie Torres
7 reasons why sports are good for kids
26 Events
Accounting
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How Giants Fall By Abram Gomez
One of the most popular stories in the Bible is David and Goliath. This encouraging narrative has been shared more times than your recent Facebook post. It has been talked about more than any recent football game. And, it has encouraged more people that the spunky person in your office! We tend to focus on David in the story, and rightly so because he is the main character. However, what if we shifted the camera angle from David’s eyes to the eyes of Goliath, the champion from the camp of the Philistines? What if Goliath was given a chance to teach us a lesson, instead of David? What would Goliath say? Goliath was a giant, and unstoppable. No one could stand before him, and he had a proven track record of success and victory. As a matter of fact, he taunted the armies of Israel for 40 days, and no one even dared to challenge him. I think there are many of us that have experienced the victories of God, and often times, we have been enlarged by His goodness. Business is doing good. Ministry is still effective. Selfies are on point. Everything seems to be going in our favor. We don’t really have any “giants” that are standing in our way for the current season. However, like Goliath, we often overlook the little things that stand in our path and have the potential to take us down. It may not be a giant, but maybe it’s a small thing. A habit. An attitude. A blind spot. A character flaw. The only person to challenge Goliath was David, and he was much smaller and weaker in comparison. Goliath didn’t give David much credit because he seemed insignificant. I think Goliath’s message would be, “Pay attention to the little things.” Sweat the small stuff. Don’t overlook what seems like it doesn’t matter. The very thing you avoid, overlook, and discount – could be the very thing that takes you out of your rhythm and flow. Out of your place. Out of your zone. Take time to allow yourself to deal with any little issues that could have victory over you one day. The Holy Spirit will alarm your spirit and heart, and will help you to overcome anything that could hinder God’s best for your life. Like Goliath, don’t allow any pride or arrogance to blind you from the small. As a matter of fact, small still matters. The Bible says that if we are faithful in the small, we will be made rulers over much. So, small must mean something. Is there something small in your life that has been trying to get the best of you? You have victory over it. Continue to press forward and may the grace of Jesus always be with you. 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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I
f you’ve ever heard me give my testimony, you know part of what I share is being a little girl twirling around next to my daddy, wishing I could know that he loved me.
Maybe in his own way, he did love me. But something was broken in our relationship that left me feeling desperate for reassurance.
sage I just gave … and still feel my heart desperately twirling. I can conquer my food demons and finally fit back into my skinny jeans … and still feel my heart desperately twirling. The only thing that stops the desperation, the uncertainties, the insecurities, the twirling … is for the Spirit of God to lay across my heart and make it still. The blanket of His presence and His protection is the only perfect fit for the deep creases and crevices carved inside me.
Over the years, God has healed my heart in miraculous ways. Through God’s promises I’ve been reassured of all those things I wished my earthly father would have said. I know God’s love for me is deep, unwavering and certain.
I don’t know what tough things you’ve been through sweet sister, but I do know this: Brokenness is universal. We all have things in life that trigger deep insecurities and our own personal “twirling about,” searching for reassurance.
But there are still times I catch myself twirling again. Crying out again. Wishing I could feel totally secure. Hating my insecurities. And mad that this struggle I thought was over, surfaces still.
But here’s the amazing thing.
Maybe it always will. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing. For it keeps me desperate for a reassurance I can’t get any other way. It keeps me desperate for God. I can hear my husband tell me a hundred times that he loves me and no, my backside isn’t big … and yet I still feel my heart desperately twirling. I can stand in an arena with thousands of people clapping for the mes-
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places.
While brokenness is universal, God’s redemption is also universal for those who proclaim Christ as Lord. No matter what cracks and crevices we have in our hearts, if we seek the truth of God above all else, He is enough to fill in those raw
“Whatever is true … think about such things … And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8b, 9b). Have you caught your heart twirling, desperate for reassurance lately? Today, spend a few minutes letting these truths fill your mind and seep into those desperate places of your heart:
“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you; but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV). “I pray that you … may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:17b, 18, NIV). “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3). I pray these truths flood your heart with peace like they do mine. Peace that gives you permission to stop twirling and start to live like you are loved. Because you are. Deeply. Abundantly. And without end.
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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Make Your Spiritual Fitness A Priority by Tracie Miles
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
motivation to live a life that pleases God and helps me stay strong in my faith. The Bible is obviously much more important than an old pair of running shoes.
As soon as
I open my eyes each day, they are quietly waiting for me on the floor. Royal blue and florescent orange, with bright orange laces. My running shoes sit within arm’s length of where I rise every morning. I purposely place these shoes beside my bed every night, so I’ll put them on first thing in the morning. If I walk past my colorful shoes and slip on my warm bedroom slippers, get coffee, check my email or get distracted with something else, the chances of a morning workout greatly diminish with each passing minute. You see, when I put on those running shoes, something happens. It’s as if those shoes hold some motivational power. For some reason, once my feet are ready to go, my body is ready too, and I feel motivated and eager to work out. One morning as I laced up my shoes, I chuckled at how this one simple habit has helped me stay motivated and consistent in physical exercise. I realized my outward actions fueled an inward motivation to do something that will benefit my health and help me stay physically fit and strong. I couldn’t help but consider how much more spiritually fit and strong I am when I adhere to spiritual habits in my daily routine as well. If my Bible also stays within arm’s reach of my bed each morning and habitually becomes the first thing I reach for, then spending time with Jesus is kind of like putting on those running shoes. It becomes an outward action that fuels an inner
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But Paul understood this comparison when he wrote to a young church pastor, Timothy, to encourage him and give him guidelines for strong spiritual leadership. Paul had learned the importance of staying spiritually strong and the benefit of developing spiritual habits in his life — like spending time in the Scriptures, prayer and daily worship. He knew this would be good advice to a young man like Timothy who had little experience leading a church. Paul understood the importance of staying spiritually fit, especially in the face of opposition, and he wanted to make sure Timothy understood that as well. We all know it’s crucial for healthy living to eat nutritious foods and exercise, but today’s verse reminds us it’s even more important we stay spiritually healthy. We benefit from a healthy body during our time on earth, but staying spiritually fit offers benefits now and for eternity. There are many mornings when I simply don’t feel like exercising, and I bet you can relate. There are days when my to-do list screams, my phone rings continually, or I just feel lazy, tired or unmotivated. So I’ve learned if I don’t intentionally make it a priority and form habits to help purposefully add exercise into my day, I won’t make the time.
November 2016
We are the only ones who have control over setting priorities in our lives — and if we don’t intentionally make staying spiritually fit and spending time with God of utmost importance, then it won’t happen. And without habitual spiritual nourishment, we will never be spiritually fit and strong. When we form habits in our spiritual lives that help us stay strong, we’ll have the inner motivation to live out outward actions that glorify God. When hearts and spirits are ready to go, our bodies will be too. Lord, help me make spending time with You a habit I stick to every day, one that motivates me to live the way Your word trains me. Help me make an intentional commitment to grow spiritually strong and fit so I can be strong in my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
3 John 1:2, “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” (NLT) Matthew 4:4b, “ … People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (NLT)
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What outward action (new habit) can you start doing each day that will fuel an inner motivation to live an outward life that pleases and glorifies God? © 2016 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
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Valley Christian Magazine had the opportunity to focus on a church plant meeting at the McAllen Public Library.
It all began
in a small living room in Harlingen, Texas. Two families gathered together as they felt called to plant a church. With no major support and hearts full of faith, Cross Church (formerly known as Valley International Christian Center) was born. Senior Pastor Jaime Loya states, “As we prepared to launch the church, I remember praying and telling God that we wanted to build a different kind of church; a church that would focus on outreach and on making a difference in the community…I remember not wanting to be just another church!”
and leaders of Cross Church desire to be whole in spirit, soul and body. Community Groups are offered through the church as a way to connect with others and build community. People are also encouraged to serve in ministry as a way to fulfill their calling and exercise their gifts. Other facets of the church such as being Cross-Cultural, Cross-Denominational and Cross-Generational are seen throughout the ministry and reflected in the membership. One particular core value is “We will go Cross-Country.” It is with this value in mind that the leadership of Cross Church has felt to plant a church, beginning in the McAllen area in 2017. Senior Pastor Jaime Loya has stated, “Our heart is to plant churches throughout the region of the Rio Grande Valley with a goal to reach 10,000 people in this area!” Once a month services were held in the last quarter of 2015 in both the McAllen area and Brownsville area. Soon, weekly gatherings were added for the McAllen community at the McAllen Public Library which began in January of this year. Since then, the church has gathered faithfully every week meeting new people and building a launch team. Cross Church plans to officially launch the new campus in April of 2017. Executive Pastor Abram Gomez said, “These gatherings have provided a great opportunity to equip our team members, while at the same time, reaching out to unchurched families in the area.
In a recent interview with Pastor Loya, here are some of his vision and heart behind the future campus: Pastor Loya, God has been good to Cross Church. Since 1995, this small step of faith has become a movement in the Rio Grande Valley. Cross Church now reaches almost 3,000 people every week, and continues to make a significant impact in the region. With major conferences reaching different demographics, multiple services provided in two different languages, and with various community initiatives, Cross Church seeks to carry out its mission, which is to “Help people cross over from sin and death to new life in Christ”. Cross Church was recently recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of the Fastest Growing Churches in America. In 2014, the church entered their new 68,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility with a record breaking attendance on Easter Weekend. Since then, the church has literally doubled in membership, and continues to make a difference in the community. Cross Church is committed to reaching the next generation, and is quite evident even in their building. One-third of the new building was dedicated for children’s ministry, and a youth center is also provided in the heart of the city reaching out to students on a weekly basis. The atmosphere at Cross Church has a lot to do with their commitment to Christ, their culture and core values. One of the core values at Cross is “We are Cross-Centered.” It speaks of the firm commitment to the message of the cross found in God’s Word. Another core value is “We strive to be Cross-Fit.” For this reason, members
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VCM: What do you think has contributed to the growth of Cross Church?
LOYA: First and foremost, all glory goes to the Lord. The Bible states that excellence. God gives the increase. However, one of our desires is to continually reach people. So, we are willing to venture out and take huge steps of faith to VCM: Why did you choose the McAllen area for a church plant/camreach the lost at any cost. pus? LOYA: Our heart is to plant significant churches in significant areas and we VCM: You guys started in a living room, so church planting is at the see the upper valley as an opportunity to have a significant impact. core of your church. Why do you think we need more churches in this We believe God’s heart is for people and we want to be in an area where we can each more people for God. McAllen and that entire area is growing and we want to be part of helping people grow closer to God! We believe that God is doing something special in this Valley. We can see God doing something special in McAllen and the surrounding area and we simply desire to be a part! VCM: What is your future vision for Cross Church? We believe that the future of Cross Church is bright because the light of the world lives and shines in us. Our Vision is to go beyond our borders and eventually be able to reach every major city in the US and beyond, with a bilingual context. If you’d like more information on Cross Church San Benito or Cross Church McAllen, go to www.crosschurchonline.com
area?
Services held at: Cross Church 901 W. Expressway 83 San Benito TX 78586 and in McAllen at McAllen Public Library 4001 N 23rd Street McAllen, TX 78504
LOYA: We can never have enough good churches. The area is exploding with people, and we do not see other churches as competition, but as partners in the Kingdom. I have many good friends in this area that are pastors, and I cheer them on for the great work they are doing. VCM: What would you say to future church planters? Any piece of advice? LOYA: I would say to find a mentor. Mentoring and being around other great leaders and pastors has helped me in my personal journey of pastoring. VCM: What can people expect at a Cross Church campus? LOYA: One of the many things I like about our church is the warmth and hospitality it offers people. You would be surprised how many people compliment our genuine approach to making people feel welcomed. I think you will find a desire for worship, strong biblical preaching, practical steps to getting connected and involved, and a culture of generosity and
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Reaching Across the Aisle 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.
I
t turns out that loving Jesus is the easy part. And why shouldn’t it be?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34–35, ESV
They see it at home.
John the apostle, the same writer who captured these words of Jesus, would later say the same thing another way: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:20–21).
They see it on the job.
That’s what people really want to see.
ly do to change a person’s life is our difficult obedience to this single, new commandment: “just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
We who deserved so little have received so much. We who’ve earned nothing have been given everything. We who merit only judgment have been extended total forgiveness through Him. Instead of death, life. Instead of punishment, grace. Privilege. Status. Eternity.
People in the world are accustomed to seeing relationships that don’t work.
What’s not to love here? What should be so hard about loving Jesus? But then comes this “new commandment” that He left for His follow-
They see it just about everywhere they go. But sadly, this same kind of breakdown occurs also among Christian believers and institutions. Often people have grown up in churches where they felt judged, inspected, measured, excluded—but not loved.
“our love for each other is what will convince outsiders that we are christ’s followers”
ers, less than twenty-four hours before He’d be hanging on a cross. And this commandment, oddly enough, would be the tougher one: “that you love one another.” Because what’s not to love here? In our Christian friends? In our Christian family? Well, a lot of things. But while loving Jesus is vitally, centrally important—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30)—our love for Jesus is not what creates the most lasting impression on the people around us. The thing that does the best job of helping people see and know what He can tru-
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Just imagine, though, if people who almost never see actual demonstrations of sacrificial, forgiving, unselfish love could see it in real life—in us—as we relate to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Imagine what they would think. They’d started to wonder what this kind of community was rooted in. What would keep them from wanting to be part of a place where people genuinely love each other? Outsiders are not as intrigued and impressed as we think by how well we do our worship, how well we teach our classes, or how well we proclaim the Word from our pulpits. But the assurance Jesus gives us, if we will faithfully develop and nurture this kind of love for one another, is that “by this all people will know that you are my disciples.” Our love for each other is what will convince them. November 2016
j ournal
Think of one or two relationships with other believers where you’re withholding love from them. In light of Jesus’ commandment, how justified do you feel in your reasons for keeping your distance? After praying about it, what are some practical ways the Lord would lead you to show genuine love to these individuals?
P ray
Father, forgive me for my lack of love toward others in Your family. You have not withheld from me the body and blood of Your own Son, yet I’ve been resistant toward loving certain people that You love with the same mercy and grace You’ve shown me. I humble myself before You today, asking for Your supernatural love to work through me in loving them better. And I pray that what You do in these situations will glorify Your name and inspire others because of what they’ll see of You through Your children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Apropiándose de las promesas de Dios -Luis Palau Luego de leer, estudiar, memorizar y meditar en varios pasajes de la Biblia, ¿cuáles parecen ser los más difíciles de creer? ¿Las profecías? ¿Las porciones narrativas? ¿Los pasajes doctrinales? ¿Las promesas de Dios? Tengo la impresión de que para muchos cristianos el problema más serio radica en las promesas de Dios. Son lindas palabras. A veces hasta nos animan. Pero no podemos dejar de preguntarnos: “¿Funcionan en realidad?” Inconscientemente, al menos, nos cuestionamos si Dios es fiel a sus promesas. El evangelista Moody declaró con confianza: “Dios nunca hizo una promesa que fuera demasiado maravillosa como para ser verdad.” Piense en esa aseveración. En el Antiguo Testamento leemos: “No faltó palabra de todas las buenas promesas que Jehová había hecho a la Casa de Israel; todo se cumplió” (Josué 21:45. Compare con 23:14-15). Años más tarde Salomón declaró: “Bendito sea Jehová que ha cumplido su promesa y ha dado reposo a su pueblo Israel; ni una palabra ha dejado de cumplir de todas las maravillosas promesas dadas por su siervo Moisés” (1 Reyes 8:56). Ninguna de las promesas de Dios ha faltado. Todas se han cumplido. Los únicos absolutos que podemos proclamar son aquellos que hallamos en la Palabra de Dios. El hombre tiene conocimientos y puede adquirir más independientemente de la revelación de Dios, pero la Biblia testifica de cosas que van más allá de todo eso. Dios muchas veces ha hecho declaraciones en Su Palabra de verdad, y ha dado a su pueblo “preciosas y grandísimas promesas” (2 Pedro 1:4). Algunas de sus promesas fueron hechas específicamente a un individuo (Josué 14:9), a un grupo de personas (Deuteronomio 15:18) o incluso a una nación (Hageo 1:13). Debemos tener cuidado de no pedir a Dios el cumplimiento de promesas que fueron dadas de manera específica a otra persona. Afortunadamente, muchas de las promesas del Antiguo Testamento, están repetidas en el Nuevo, y son nuestras para pedirlas a Dios hoy también. Dios prometió a Josué: “No te dejaré ni te desampararé” (Josué 1:5). En Hebreos 13:5 Dios transfiere esa promesa a nosotros como cristianos. El predicador Carlos Spurgeon señaló: “Oh hombre, te ruego, no trates las promesas de Dios como si fueran curiosidades para un museo; sino créelas y úsalas.” Nos apropiamos de las promesas de Dios aprendiéndolas (a través del estudio y la memorización), viendo nuestra necesidad de ellas, y dándole tiempo a Dios para que las haga parte de nuestra experiencia diaria. El teólogo J.I. Packer dice: “Antes de conceder Sus promesas, Dios enseña al creyente a valorar esos regalos que promete haciendo que el creyente espere por ellos, y obligándolo a orar persistentemente para recibirlos.” Dios ha prometido satisfacer todas nuestras necesidades. Pero, por otra parte, debemos pedir su provisión. Cristo dice: “Pide y se te concederá lo que pidas. Busca y hallarás. Toca y te abrirán” (Mateo 7:7 BD). Cada una de las promesas que podemos pedir en el nombre de Cristo, están garantizadas y serán cumplidas por Dios en nuestro favor para Su gloria (Juan 14:13-14; 2 Corintios 1:20). ¿Cuál es la necesidad de su corazón hoy, amigo mío? El Señor ha prometido suplir esa necesidad. Crea en El.
Luis Palau
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November 2016
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”.
“If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.” --Romans 8:11 (NASB) Oh it is so very easy to detect and point out others’ wrongs! Either in others’ beliefs or behavior. Yes most of us are experts in giving the “thumbs down.” And we go away proud and hard. But to be truly loving? (see 1Cor. 13:1-2). Well, truly loving others cost Jesus His life. Thank God He is powerful enough to have taken His life back after being murdered. But it still leaves me with needing divine help to truly love others or, I am sunk! And that help (grace), He provides too! 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 Did Jesus Say, “I Am the Bread of Life,” (John 6:30-40)?
“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside,” quipped Mark Twain. So much of our lives revolves around food. This column examines one of Jesus’ most famous metaphors, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). “Jesus meant when you’re hungry, he is there and will take care of you forever,” says Elijah, 8. The people who heard Jesus say, “I am the bread of life,” had eaten the bread and fish that Jesus miraculously multiplied from a boy’s lunch. They probably thought that Jesus might be the new Moses who could give them manna from heaven every day and deliver them from Roman oppressors. When they asked for a sign, they reminded Jesus that Moses had given their forefathers manna to eat in the desert. These people who asked Jesus for a sign were a lot like us. They wanted to see a sign and then they would believe. God wants us to believe based on what he has already shown us and then we will show us more. On the previous day, these inquirers had witnessed the miraculous sign of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, but it wasn’t enough. They wanted to see more. Also, they wanted to eat more. They were thinking more with their bellies than with their brains. “But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe,” Jesus said (John 6:36). God in his grace reveals himself to us, but he’s not going to do miracles on demand like a circus performer. We must be alert to what God is saying to us through his Word, providential circumstances, people, nature and yes, even this humble column. God is speaking all the time. Are we paying attention or
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only thinking about our next meal? “Bread of life is a symbol that stands for something else,” says Allye, 8. “Jesus was not talking about real bread, but was teaching His listeners that he was the one who could give them spiritual food and keep them alive forever.” Jesus was master of the metaphor. At the last supper on the night before his crucifixion, he goes back to bread again as he breaks the loaf and says, “This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
The art is by Leonel Nunez, age 7, who was a finalist in the 2015-16 RGV Children’s Arts Festival.
Jesus did not say he had the bread of life, but that he was the bread of life. As Bible scholar Tom Constable notes: “Jesus linked life with Himself. He is what sustains and nourishes spiritual life. It is by feeding on Him that we obtain life initially and continue to flourish spiritually.” Immediately after Jesus declared himself to be the true bread from heaven, he said, “He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Remember, Jesus is also the water of life as the woman who came to draw water from Jacob’s well discovered (John 4:1-26). Bread and water represent our most basic needs. Jesus is able to meet those needs and then some. Think about this: “Jesus said that whoever goes with Him will never become hungry of love,” says Amber, 8. Memorize this truth: John 6:35 previously quoted. Ask this question: Have you eaten the bread of life, or believed in Jesus Christ as heaven’s true bread who was broken for our sins on the cross?
November 2016
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 Biblelesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the cofounder 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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IN the years before I became a Christian, I don’t ever recall anybody engaging me with the gospel.
I often would hang around down in Newport Beach, leaning against a wall with a tough-guy look on my face. I remember seeing the Christians walking around and handing out their religious tracts. In my heart, I was saying, Please, come and talk to me. But I was too proud to ask. I noticed they would engage other people in conversation, but when they came to me, they would sort of look at me and just thrust the tract in my hands. But I didn’t throw it away. In my room at home, I had a big drawer that was filled with religious literature. And every now and then, I would pull out that drawer and read through this stuff, trying to make sense of it all. I needed someone to show me the way, but I don’t remember anyone doing that. The way that I ended up hearing the gospel was by going to a Christian meeting I wasn’t even invited to. I saw this girl on my high school campus that I found attractive, and I wondered why a cute girl like her would be a Christian. So I went to the meeting to check it out. The last thing I ever planned on doing was becoming a Christian. But I heard the gospel for the first time in a way that I understood, and I gave my life to Christ. As I look back on my life, I see there were unsung heroes who helped prepare the way for my conversion. And we can all identify people who made a contribution—people whom God used in our lives. Will you be that person for someone today?
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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 November
2016
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NEW MUSIC RELEASE:
Jonathan & Melissa Helser Beautiful Surrender
What would it look like to truly surrender without reservation, without caution, and give in fully not to an idea of God, but to God himself? by Melissa Riddle Chalos What would it look like to truly surrender without reservation, without caution, and give in fully not to an idea of God, but to God himself? A life unfettered… fearless and free. For Jonathan & Melissa Helser, that kind of life is not only possible… it’s the only kind of life worth living. “Surrender is to cease resistance, yield control and give oneself up to the power of another. When you find the One your heart loves, surrender is a beautiful, effortless fall—not a duty or a task,” the couple says. “When Jesus said ‘Follow me,’ they saw everything they ever wanted and joyfully surrendered all they had.” Set for release on Sept. 30, Beautiful Surrender—their 8th album and their first as part of the Bethel Music Collective—is the overflow of the life they’ve chosen, the life that God has chosen for them. Produced by Grammy Award-winning Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Needtobreathe), the album weaves themes of grace and redemption so organically, it’s easy to envision the couple’s roots. Having grown up as pastor’s kids, in “beautifully balanced families,” they married young, at ages 21 and 20: Jonathan, gifted in music and songwriting; Melissa, passionate for teaching and discipleship. They followed in their parents’
footsteps—cultivating A Place for the Heart, a multi-generational ministry, which includes The 18 Inch Journey, a 60-day discipleship school for young adults, and an artist collective, Cageless Birds. Their mission: “to craft songs, art and goods that encourage others into wholeness and freedom as children of God.” And as God so often does, he merged their passions into a divine plan. “Melissa pulled a leader out of me that I didn’t know was there,” Jonathan says, “and I’ve pulled out a musician/artist that she didn’t know was there.” Everything the Helsers develop together—from the camps they organize to the coffee and leather goods their staff creates to the gardens they grow, the Cultivate book series they produce, and more—arrives on wings of great intention, moment by moment, to build family, community and life. It sounds almost idyllic, almost too good to be true. But it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. Diagnosed at age 17 with a rare bone disease, Melissa’s health has long been a big part of the beautiful tension in their lives and in their music. “Personally, my understanding of surrender came when I was really sick. There, the true nature of God, his kindness changed my life,” Melissa says. “I always want to stay soft in my heart, even if all hell breaks loose in my life, or in my body. I cannot lose this connection, this surrender to the lover of my soul. And so I look to him to give me the courage to choose that surrender every day.” As the couple gave themselves over to writing, teaching and community building, God began to expand their gifts. In 2014, the couple’s 7th album, Endless Ocean, Bottomless Sea, made its way to Bethel Music’s Brian and Jenn Johnson. Six months later, the two couples met up at the Bethel’s WorshipU, and a partnership was born. “We’d asked God to send us coaches, people to come alongside us and help us grow,” Jonathan says. “Part of the answer was connecting to Bethel, who just wanted to sow into what we’re doing, so our music wouldn’t get lost in the middle of everything else we have going on.” From the opening of the title track to the very personal and poignant closer “Catch the Wind,” Beautiful Surrender features 11 originals and a bonus remix of the Dove Award-nominated “No Longer Slaves,” all co-written by the couple in tandem with the day-to-day outreach at their schools. It is a life-process and not always easy, the couple agrees, but it is the ongoing cultivation of truth and joyful response to the redemption, grace and kindness of Jesus. “We don’t really have a formula for writing songs,” says Jonathan, who is Dove-nominated for both “Song of the Year” and “Worship Song of the Year” in 2016. “Everything comes out of the overflow of pursuing Him, in moments of worship, in valuing each other and letting each other speak. Had I not chosen to
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give myself over to teaching/leading these schools, to seeing these students and myself find freedom from fear, I never would’ve written ‘No Longer Slaves.’ Home is where you have to live out what you preach about, and I want to live out the songs we’re singing.” Come and take my hand / You can lead me where you please That beautiful surrender is chasing after me Initially written as a love song for her brother’s wedding, the title track popped into Melissa’s head when the couple was gathering songs for the new record. “I started singing the chorus and just knew I wanted to sing it to Jesus.” With just a few lyric changes, the Helsers knew it was right for the album. “Some of the best worship songs are love songs because that’s where the connection is,” she says. “This one is such a joy bomb. It’s the anthem of what we do at our school, and it’s the love story between God and mankind that never gets old.” Find me grateful / Find me thankful / Find me on my knees “Find Me,” a simply stunning ballad that almost didn’t make the record, resonates with anyone searching for a new depth of connection with God. Jonathan explains: “To us, worship isn’t a genre of music. It is a position of the heart. In Greek and Hebrew, it means to bow low and press your face against the earth. When we do that, like the lyric says, ‘our heart rises over our head.’ Returning to that place of our origin where God found us in the dust and being found again and again.”
“Catch the Wind” was written by Melissa a couple of years back in the midst of a physically arduous season. Awakening in pain, she asked the Lord to lift the heaviness and give her relief. In that moment, she says, “I felt like he said, ‘I want you to sing your way out. So I started getting ready, and I began to sing ‘I am strong and full of life,’ and I felt immediately lifted.” Two years later, working with Ed Cash in the studio, Melissa would encounter the presence of God again in the song. “I’ll never forget the moment when we were writing the bridge,” she says. “Ed entered the story of when I wrote it. He kept saying, ‘Where is that moment when you sang out loud?’ He could feel that breakthrough moment for me. Ed encouraged and challenged us to go deeper, and those moments are tattooed on my heart.” In these and all the songs on Beautiful Surrender, Jonathan and Melissa’s collective and unexpected stories merge into one unforgettable soundtrack for the 18-inch journey of our lives. For all the latest Jonathan David and Melissa Helser news, tour dates and more, go to https://bethelmusic.com, www.jonathanhelser.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (Jonathan) and Instagram (Melissa).
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Young, jobless and scared Dear Dave, I’m 23, and I lost a good job a few days ago due to layoffs. My wife has been a stay-at-home mom with our 10-month-old daughter, and we have very little in the way of savings. What can we do to keep our heads above water? Seth Dear Seth, I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been there, so I know this is a scary time for you. There are some short- and long-term goals to think about in a situation like this, but let’s look at the immediate future. Go crazy about finding some kind of income. I don’t care if it’s delivering pizza during the week and working at the mall on weekends. Even if it doesn’t completely replace your previous income, it will give you some cash to pay bills and stay afloat. On your off days, and before and after work, you can line up and do interviews for a more stable, full-time job. You may even have to trade off babysitting duties with your wife so she can earn some money too.
While all this is going on, have a garage sale and sell anything you don’t need or want anymore. Just about anything that can be turned into income should be turned into income. In the process, prioritize your bills and other financial responsibilities. Take care of food first, then utilities, the mortgage or rent, then transportation. You guys don’t need to see the inside of a restaurant for a while unless you’re working there, and if things don’t get better by Christmas, any gifts you give should be handmade crafts.
Dave s y a S
This is doable if you two work hard, pull together, and focus. God bless you guys, Seth. — Dave
He set you up Dear Dave, I’m a senior in high school, and I have a job after classes and on weekends. I made a down payment of $2,500 on a $7,500 motorcycle last week, because I always wanted to have one before I got out in the real world and had bills and other responsibilities to think about. I asked my dad if that was a smart move, and he said I should ask you. So, what do you think? Should I go ahead with the purchase? Tad Dear Tad, I’m glad you’re working and learning the value of money and having a job. But I think your dad set you up on this one. I’ve got a feeling he knew what I’d say, and he wanted you to hear it from me. I teach people how to stay out of debt and build wealth. And there’s always one thing I remind folks of when it comes to buying anything — if you can’t afford to pay cash for the whole thing, then you can’t afford it. The only thing I back off on is when it comes to buying a house.
* 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.
I love shiny things that go fast, and so do a lot of people who work here at my office. Right now, there are about six or seven motorcycles sitting in our parking lot, and they’re owned by folks who make good money. And the bikes sitting out there probably range in value from about $1,000 to $10,000. But you know what? Whoever rode in on the $1,000 bike had just as much fun as the one who owns the $10,000 bike. A motorcycle is a toy, and you should always pay cash for toys if you want to be wealthy one day. Having lots of payments and handing your paychecks over to the bank is not the way to build wealth. I would advise talking to the guy at the bike shop to see if you can rework this deal for a ride you can actually afford! —Dave
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God Is With You Everyday 365 Day Devotional Author: Max Lucado Publisher: Thomas Nelson
It’s easier to face the day when you know God is with you. God Is With You Every Day is a brand-new 365-day devotional from Max Lucado, and his first new devotional since the creation of the Grace for the Moment® line. Max’s signature reassuring and encouraging voice, paired with the practical, relevant, and personal message that God is with you every day, makes a great way to start each day of the year. This devotional begins each week with a prayer and scripture, followed by six days of devotions and scripture for reflection. Weaving messages of comfort, grace, and encouragement, this book is wonderful for anyone who wants a fresh infusion of faith to start each day, as well as those walking through difficult seasons of life such as loneliness, grief, or change. You can face each day with courage – because God is with you.
SHAKEN
Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms
Author: Tim Tebow Publisher: WaterBrook Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times. In this powerful book, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season. In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he’s learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving book also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways. Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!
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I don’t know how my mom and dad did it. I was the oldest of five kids. We all played sports. I played regular season and tourna-
ment baseball during all my years growing up, and in various seasons I also played soccer, football, and basketball (which I was no good at). My two brothers and two sisters played sports as well. My dad coached our baseball teams, and my mom kept score for more games than I can count. Today, I am the glad dad of five kids—three boys and two girls, just like the family I grew up in. Our three sons play baseball. Our oldest daughter is an all-state sprinter. And our youngest daughter is the only one who does not play a sport as she’s more the vocal-lessons, musical type who has also officially played 1.7 bjillion innings of whiffle ball with her brothers. While sitting at yet another event and praising God that I get to be a dad and have healthy kids, it dawned on me that there are at least seven reasons why sports are good for kids. 1 They put down technology. Kids need more exercise and less time eating junk food, drinking pop, and sitting down playing video games, surfing the Internet, or watching television. 2 They learn to submit to authority. Having a coach who you have to obey is a good life lesson that prepares a child to submit to authority at school, work, and church. Kids who do not respect authority are destined for misery. 3 They learn to work hard. In sports, you have to learn to try your best and persevere through difficult circumstances. This helps build character, fortitude, and the kind of stick-to-itiveness that life requires if you want to succeed at anything from marriage to career. 4 They learn to play by the rules. One of the first things you learn in any sport is the rules. Once you know the rules, you have to learn to play by them or be penalized by those enforcing them. People who never learn to play by the rules make bad believers and good inmates. 5 They learn to be on a team. Few activities force a child to work things out with others, think about someone other than themselves, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Being on a team encourages kids to mature in all of these areas. Good teammates learn lessons about being good family members, church members, and company members. 6 They learn how to win. Being a humble winner who does not gloat and belittle the loser is hugely important. 7 They learn how to lose. Everyone loses. Learning how to lose without blaming others, giving up, quitting, or pouting is a vital life lesson.
Yes, sports can become an idol for some kids and their parents. It can become all-consuming and identity-forming to a degree that is unholy and unhealthy. But, by God’s grace and some parental wisdom, sports can be an opportunity for a series of life lessons that can help develop godly character in a child. Very, very, very few young athletes have anything resembling a collegiate or professional athletic career. But the lessons they learn can be a blessing for the rest of their lives, if captured for the glory of God and the good of the child. Some of the best conversations with my kids have been had on the way to and from athletic practices and events. I like to ask them what Jesus is teaching them, what they are struggling with, and how I can pray for them. It has opened up some great conversations and opportunities for me to encourage and instruct them as their dad. It’s a wonderful gift to be a parent and a wonderful opportunity to use athletic experiences as discipleship opportunities.
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VALLEY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE EVENTS
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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