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Contents August 2015
Vol. 5 / Issue 5
On The Cover
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Features
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18. FCA - Note from Paul 20. Kids Talk About God
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never alone. Tim Chaddick
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24. Music Review
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Columnists 6. Lysa Terkeurst
Before they go to school...
8. Abram Gomez Heroes
10. Theresa Valladeres It’s Ok To Cry
12. Greg Laurie
What coveting is and isn’t.
14. James MacDonald Christian Torres Publisher
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Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
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 lications 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 2015.
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Even Though
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B E FO R E TH E y GO TO SC H O Ol . .. H AVE THIS CO NVERSA TI ON By lysa TerKeurst to a word I want them to know and live. Pre-decide. Decide today who you want to be. In this moment of togetherness, surrounded by family, and saturated in love — decide. Decide what your answer will be when the talk turns ugly and the laughter turns mean against that girl who desperately needs you to be her friend. Decide what your answer will be when someone invites you to the cool party full of drinks and drugs. Decide what your answer will be when the boy says it’s no big deal to stay the night. Decide what your answer will be when “friends” laugh at your Christian views and challenge you to lighten up. Pre-decide.
I
look around the dinner table and feel that desperate ache not uncommon to women who deeply love.
Whether it’s my own family or those who just feel like family, I want so much for them. These young people who are so full of possibility and dreams and bright futures… they have my heart. Yet my heart feels fragile in the hands of these young people. They are smart. They are grounded. But they are young. It takes me back to me at that age. And that scares me. I remember feeling so grown up and crazy excited at the chance to be in charge of my own life. Ready for independence. Ready for love. Ready for the next chapter of my life.
Decide today who you are going to turn to if you do get into trouble. Remember, the people at this table. Remember, who truly has your best interest at heart. Remember who you are. Pre-decide.
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Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Joshua 24:15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Decide today to ignore the enemy who wants to trick you and trip you and take you out. Pre-decide. Yes, pre-decide.
I’m not so foolish to think this will act as a bad choice immunization. We are all susceptible. But it is a way to infuse their heart with a memory of a pre-decision.
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Here are some great Bible Verses to pray for our kids as they head off to school this year:
Decide today to turn around any mistakes from your past by asking for God’s forgiveness and walking in His grace.
didn’t intend to go. And I woke up one morning ashamed of my choices, wondering how in the world I got to this place.
So, in the midst of the laughter and casual banter, I turn the conversation at the dinner table
And (insert voice cracking and tears welling up), remember how much I love you.
Proverbs 29:25
Chasing what felt good and thrilling, I quickly learned the wind blows in dangerous directions
I cringe thinking back on it. And I cry. Because I don’t want that experience for these people I desperately love.
Make decisions today that will still be good tomorrow.
Decide today to turn around any mistakes from your past by asking for God’s forgiveness and walking in His grace
And then we go around the table and tell what we are pre-deciding this year. And my heart feels less of that ache.
How?
Go where wisdom gathers, not where wisdom scatters.
And with that the plates are cleared, the cookies are nothing more than crumbs, and it’s time to go. So, I whisper a few last words that are a “best yes” for them…
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The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” 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.
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HEROES
Abram Gomez
I
’m kind of a movie guy.
I enjoy watching a good movie with a good story and plot. I am sure that if you are reading this article, you probably enjoy a good movie as well. Did you know that some of the highest grossing movies right now are movies about Super Heroes? Anytime Marvel puts out a movie about some Super Hero, the theaters are sold out! Merchandise is sold at stores. Parties are themed after such Super Hero characters. However, as you have probably realized, these movies and They do not exist. Yet, I would submit to you that heroes do exist in our world, and those heroes are regular people like you and me. As a matter of fact, the Bible is a book of Heroes – ordinary people that God used to do extraordinary things. These ordinary people were chosen, available, and surrendered to His calling. I personally think that each and every one of us has a hero on the inside. A desire to make a difference. A desire for greatness. A desire to change our world. One ordinary person that God used in the Bible is a man by the name of Gideon. When we are introduced to him in Judges 6, we really do not read anything extraordinary about him. What we do know is that he is threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from his enemies. What we do know
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How God takes Ordinary People to do Extraordinary Things
is that the Angel of the Lord calls out to him, and calls him a “mighty man of valor” even when his outward appearance showed no signs of being mighty. What we do know is that Gideon went on to make a difference in his family and people by allowing God to use his life, and he became a hero. Again, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. But why Gideon? For that matter, why us? Although there are many discussion points, I just want to focus on a simple thought. Gideon had more to offer. Gideon had potential. He had a “hero” on the inside all along, and just needed a push from God to achieve and become more. Potential is interesting. Kids have potential. Teens have potential. Young adults have potential. Seniors have potential. The truth about the potential in us is that it really never goes capacity to become or develop into something in the future. Potential comes from the word “potent” meaning power. And the exciting part is that we all have it! Just as Gideon seemed ordinary and contained potential, you and I have more on the inside of us. The God who created us placed so much inside of us that it takes a lifetime to unpack His deposits. Moreover, you and I have the potential to make a difference where God has planted us right now. If you are a parent, you have the potential to raise godly kids who will be the difference in their friends. If you are a manager, you have the potential to set a great standard for your employees in
your work place. If you are a student, you have the potential to be active and involved for Christ in your culture. Remember, a hero is someone who makes a difference in the lives of other people. In our case, we are heroes for the cause of Christ. When God called Gideon, He didn’t focus on his fear. We often only recognize our weaknesses to make us less. God recognizes our potential to make us more. Gideon was the least in his family, and yet, God used him. for you to meditate on. Gideon was focusing on what God had seemingly failed to do in the past years. He was also focused on his background and current status. At times, we think our past limits what God is able to do in our future. Yet, your past does not determine your potential. So, let me make my statement again: Inside each and every one of us is a HERO. Sometimes, God just needs to push us along through a word, whisper, or circumstance to help us realize the potential inside of us. You can make a difference. Be a hero. Be light and salt.
Abram Gomez is the Executive Pastor at Valley International Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Abram has helped to develop leadership in various ministries and programs at VICC. He and his wife, Rebecca, currently reside in Harlingen, TX
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It’s Ok To Cry By
Theresa Valladeres
R
ecently my sister in law lost her 13 year battle to breast cancer. It
family. The last few months of her life were very hard for her and she requested to let her go so that she could rest in the arms of God. She wasn’t afraid to die. I asked her many times. She knew most of us were uncomfortable talking about her inevitable death so she made it easier for us as a family and she planned most of her funeral arrangements. God allowed us all to say good-bye to her. There were no unspoken words or sentiments and that does provide some comfort now as we face our lives without her. I know others aren’t so lucky when a loved one passes on. Death is the one thing we all have in common. Most people don’t want to think about their own death. I know for me personally the subject brings fear and anxiety. As Christians we are told to not fear death because we have the promise of heaven and the resurrection. I believe this but I’m also human. As I stood there at her funeral giving her eulogy I encouraged her family and friends to press on, to hold on to the promises of God, to celebrate her life and rejoice. I prayed for strength and composure that day. I’m strong because I am a woman of God I told myself. Through God’s grace I did get through that day. I could see that family members and friends were looking up to me for comfort and as an example of peace in the midst of sorrow. I thought I was going to be ok.
I had failed my sister in law and Christ. We are not supposed to grieve like others right? We are to see it as a celebration. That’s what I’ve been taught. That’s what I’ve told others. So how could I possibly be so emotional and broken by her passing? In the middle of this storm of emotions I could sense in my spirit these words “Jesus Wept”. Jesus Wept? John 11:33-36, 41-44-the story of the death of Lazarus- Mary and Martha’s brother When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Where have you laid him?”He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.
“It is because of my faith that I now see it’s ok to cry.”
The following day was the burial and I couldn’t stop the overwhelming thoughts of sadness, missing her, disbelief that she was gone and the tears that I couldn’t stop. I felt like a hypocrite because I was overcome with emotion when the day before I was a pillar of strength.
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but ing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a
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loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Christ also cried and felt “deeply moved and troubled in spirit” when his friend Lazarus passed. I don’t know about you but those two words have given me the ability to mourn without guilt-Jesus Wept. Jesus knew that Lazarus would be resurrected but he still felt such compassion for his family and all that were grieving that He wept. I don’t know why I thought it was necessary for me to halt the grieving process simply because of my faith. It is because of my faith that I now see it’s ok to cry. So how as Christians do we get through the mourning process? The answer is simple-through His Word. I am standing now on his many promises for peace. There are days where I feel anxious about life without her and I am reminded in 1Peter5:7 to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Philippians 4:6-9 do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and
“The difference between a believer and a nonbeliever concerning death is that as Christians we have hope in our savior and in Heaven.”
petition, with thanksgiving, presents your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things …and the god of peace will be with you I’m focusing on the many great tional love , forgiveness, strength, and her love for life despite her diagnosis. We can’t allow ourselves to focus on the ending of this life but instead as my son Diego said “we honor the dash MOM-her life”. The temptation may be great for one to isolate themselves and that is when the enemy can come in and make you question your beliefs. God encourages us as believers in Roman 12:15 to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” God himself promises in Isaiah 66:13 to comfort us…as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Allow fellow believers to comfort you and be there for others. The difference between a believer and a nonbeliever concerning death is that as Christians we have hope in our savior and in Heaven. John 14:1-3..Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; it that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Heaven is hard to imagine. I confess at times it’s hard to believe a place so beautiful exists. I was sitting in my car after my sister in law passed at the hospice and the doubt came-God is she really with you now? When we leave the body do we really go to heaven? And here is my God moment-I turned on the car and “I can only imagine” by MercyMe started to play on the radio. To a nonbeliever that could be a coincidence but to me that was my Savior taking time to comfort me. I know my sister in law Mari is in heaven and she is no longer experiencing pain. But I miss her. It is my faith that sustains me during this time. I loved her and am grateful for the time we shared-the laughs, the inside jokes and our girl talk. I am grateful to God for allowing me to be part of the life of such a wonderful woman of God and for showing me through His word that it’s ok to cry.
Theresa Valladeres is married to Enrique Lopez and has two wonderful sons, Cord and Diego. They are members of The Family Church and she practices family medicine in Pharr.
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What Coveting is—and isn’t By Greg Laurie
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
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” — Exodus 20:17
Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
“You shall not covet” is probably one of the most prey, kills it, and eats it. misunderstood of the Ten Commandments. Coveting isn’t simply desiring someThat is what coveting is. How does it thing. Nor is it simply admiring work? You become obsessed with something that we don’t have. something. First the eyes look at “You shall not covet” is To covet is to become devoured the object, the mind admires it, probably one of the most by desire for something. And and the will goes over to it. Lastmisunderstood of the Ten many times, it’s something ly, the body moves in to possess Commandments. Coveting isn’t it. One thing leads to another. that isn’t yours to have. simply desiring something. Nor is
The word for covet is also it simply admiring something Judas Iscariot effectively threw that we don’t have. translated “to pant after.” his life away for thirty pieces of Think of a wolf that has gotten silver when he betrayed the Lord. a taste for blood and is out there We are told in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For pursuing his prey, panting after it. the love of money is a root of all kinds That wolf will not rest until he catches his of evil, for which some have strayed from the
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faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” That verse is often quoted as “Money is the root of all evil,” but the Bible says no such thing. The love of money is the root of all kinds evil. It doesn’t mean that it’s bad to want some money. But it becomes a problem when we covet, or pant after, it. Some people covet throughout their lives. They become obsessed with certain things and will may be a person. It may be an object. It may be a position. Whatever it takes, they are determined to get it. And it can destroy them.
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E VEN THOUGH By James MacDonald
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:1–3a, ESV).
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4, ESV).
T
hese are some of the most familiar words ever written: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” They also ring with courage. In the original Hebrew, the phrase “the shadow of death” is one word depicting a deep ravine through which a shepherd would lead his sheep in order to take them to better pasture. On that treacherous walk, a time would come when the cliff walls became so narrow and sheer that the very sunlight was blocked out.
spond with faith, even in the most desperate, devastating circumstances. Even in those dark point to Christ.
“We don’t camp in the valley; we walk through it.” You may think you couldn’t go through a valley like that—and you would be right. You couldn’t do it, alone. But God promises His presence. In the darkest valley, He is with you. David links for you are with me.”
That valley might feel endless. You might fear, The rest of my life will be in this valley. I’ll never laugh again. I’ll never again enjoy a simple pleasure. But we don’t camp in the valley; we walk “through” it. As The valley of the shaddark as it might seem ow of death looks differin the moment, it won’t ent for different people. which God takes sinful people always be that way. You But it represents the won’t always be living and makes them holy.” hardest times of life, the your life in that desperdarkest nights of the ate place. The seasons of soul, the deepest, lonelihardship and even the est places we pass through. Whatever creates deepest valleys will come to a conclusion. a sense of hopelessness can be called a shadow in the valley. God brings you “through,” and He’s with you weight. Everything God has revealed about Himself is true. Even in the darkest times. Even when life turns hard. Even when we feel hopeless. Never does the faith of a believer shine more
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Even in the darkest times, God is who He says He is, and He brings you through the valley, not leaving you in it.
comforting today—even or through?
P R AY Father God, You are my shepherd. Thank You that even in the darkest times, You are who You say You are. Thank You that You don’t leave me me through it. And thank You most of all for Your presence. You never leave me alone. You are always with me—no matter what, no matter when, no matter for how long. In the name of Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), I pray, amen.
every moment. He repeats this promise in Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk consistent promise from God to His children: whatever you walk “through,” He is right there with you.
I’ve seen people who have lost everything re-
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J O U R NA L What dark valleys have you walked through in your life?
August 2015
Listen to Walk in the Word locally
weekdays at 5:30a.m.
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. Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.
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¿Cómo ser
usado por Dios? Luis Palau
En mi opinión, uno de los más grandes hombres de la historia del siglo pasado fue un hombre humilde, pero grande y poderoso, que se llamó Dwight L. Moody. Moody fue un hombre de cuna humilde, nació en el campo y casi no tuvo educación, en su juventud fue a la gran ciudad de Boston, en los Estados Unidos y allí, Dios alcanzó su corazón. Dwight Moody, a pesar de su falta de educación, viajó a Europa muchas veces sacudió a Inglaterra, Escocia, Irlanda y a los Estados Unidos de América; fundó escuelas e institutos, orfanatorios y sacudió al mundo de su tiempo. Uno de sus más grandes colaboradores era el Dr. Reuben Torrey, él fue un admirador de Moody, era un hombre altamente culto, muy educado en las mejores universidades de Estados Unidos y Alemania, era un hombre intelectual. Sin embargo, un día también cambió de vida cuando se entregó a Cristo y nació de nuevo. Él escribió un libro que se tituló: “¿Por qué Dios usó a Dwight L. Moody?” y en ese libro, el Dr. Torrey dio siete razones por las cuales Dios utilizó un hombre tan humilde para llegar a ser un hombre tan poderoso y grande, que movió multitudes y las trajo a los pies de la Cruz y las hizo decidir por Cristo. El tema central de la predicación de Moody, el gran predicafósforo, de gas, estas palabras de la Biblia “Dios es amor”. Casi todo el mundo recuerda la historia de un hombre que estando ebrio entró una noche al culto, en la iglesia de Dwight Moody, y al estar sentado en la banca de atrás leyó las palabras “Dios es amor”. Moody estaba predicando esa noche y al terminar su mensaje bajó del púlpito, se retiraron las multitudes y sólo quedó el hombre ebrio sentado en la última banca, con la cabeza inclinada sobre la banca de adelante; pensando que su sermón lo había sacudido, Dwight se le acercó y le dijo: “Dígame, mi buen hombre, ¿que parte del sermón le tocó más?”, el hombre, casi no más ebrio, levantó los ojos, lo miró y le dijo: “Sermón, ¿qué es sermón?” Moddy, asombrado le dijo:”Entonces, ¿por que estás sentado aquí, llorando?” a lo que el hombre contestó: “He estado sentado una hora aquí y he estado leyendo aquel rótulo que dice Dios es amor, no puedo creer que Dios me ame, siendo un hombre tan pecador, tan ebrio como he sido yo”, Moddy lo hizo arrodillar y allí mismo, detrás de la iglesia, el ebrio se entregó a Cristo y su vida cambió. Esa es la clase de hombre que fue Dwight Moddy, un hombre que amaba a la humanidad porque reconocía el amor de Dios para con él. ¿Por qué Dios usó a un hombre tan humilde? Hay siete razones básicas que nos da el dr. Torrey. Dios uso a Moody porque era un hombre completamente rendido a Dios, Él siempre quiere usar a la humanidad para bendecir al resto de las personas; Dios no envía a los ángeles para predicar Su mensaje, Él envía a los hombres. Jesús, antes de regresar al cielo, dijo: “Como me envió el Padre, así también os envío yo a vosotros” San Juan 20.21. Moody no fue toda su vida rendido a Dios, pero un día, en una conferencia de verano, se dice que el joven Woody estaba consternado en su corazón, aunque era un cristiano verdadero, se sentía insatisfecho en su corazón; toda persona que no está completamente rendida a Dios también se siente insatisfecha. Así se sentía Woody, cuando sentado en una banca, oyó a tres hombres cristianos que estaban conversando cerca de él, y uno de los hombres les dijo a sus compañeros: “El mundo aún tiene que ver lo que Dios hará a través de un hombre totalmente rendido a Él”. Cuando Moody oyó estas palabras, dijo más tarde en su historia que en ese momento se propuso en su corazón y dijo: “Por la gracia de Dios, yo voy a ser ese
luis Palau Luis Palau ya entró en la historia moderna como uno de los contados hombres que le hablaron a más personas en el mundo. Su mensaje fue, y es escuchado por más de 800 millones de personas en 112 países a través de la radio y la televisión, y tiene el privilegio de haberle hablado a más de 22 millones de personas cara a cara en 80 países del mundo, organizando, junto a un selecto grupos de colaboradores internacionales y con el apoyo de invitaciones locales, congresos, seminarios, charlas informales, conferencias y recitales-conferencia llamados “Festivales”.
tuvo el control de Cristo en su vida. Dios busca a un hombre a quien utilizar, Jesús dijo que nos envía a todo el mundo a predicar Su mensaje, de modo todo aquel que cree en Él no se pierda, más tenga vida eterna. Imitemos al gran Dwight Moody, busque un lugar solitario para arrodillarse y rendirse ante Dios, pídale al Señor que lo llene del Espíritu Santo y que lo use con gran poder para ganar almas. Luis Palau
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Usado con Permiso. Derecho de Autor 2014 www.luispalau.net
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As summer winds down and students begin to head back to school, be sure to get involved with your school’s FCA Huddle! There is plenty of opportunity for everyone—students, athletes, teachers, coaches, and parents. If your school does not have an FCA Huddle, we can work together to make it happen! Also, be on the lookout for Fields of Faith happening October 14! To learn more, visit FieldsofFaith.com. Here’s to a great school year!”
FCA Vision FCA Mission
venture of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church.
FCA Core Values Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.
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Why Has God The Father Given His Son Power Over Everything? (Part 1 of 2) “Jesus deserves all the power,” says Kianna, 9. “He died on the cross to save us from our sins. This is cool for me to believe in him. He created everything, so he should have power over everything. I think he totally deserves it!” In the Apostle John’s vision of heaven, he sees angels, living creatures, elders and a host of thousands united in a song of praise to the Lord Jesus Christ: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
“Jesus knows what Anna, 10. “He came has been here and As God, he knows
it is like here,” says so we would know he walked on this earth. what is best for us.”
“A good man always knows his limitations,” said Clint Eastwood in one of his movies.
“God gave his son Jesus power over everything because he loves him,” says Sarah-Ann, 8. As much as people like to boast about life
The praise song continues with every creature in heaven and on earth united in song: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).
put your life into the hands of a God who is all knowing and all powerful, takes the pressure off. This doesn’t mean Christians shouldn’t use the brains and ability that God gave them, but they should use them with humility.
When Pontius Pilate told Jesus that he had the power to release him or crucify him, Jesus said: “You could have no power at all against me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered me to you has the greater sin” (John 19:11).
Even though advances in science have achieved what people couldn’t even imagine 100 years ago, our ignorance always outpaces our knowledge. The more we learn, the more we realize we don’t know. Like unlocking successive doors, one discovery leads to another. Not so with God. He knows everything, and he also has the power to act on what he knows.
The most amazing non-use of power is when Jesus laid down his power willingly and submitted to the abuse, ridicule and agony of recorded history has never witnessed this kind of non-use of power.
“Jesus knows what it is like here,” says Anna, 10. “He came so we would know he has been here and walked on this earth. As God, he knows what is best for us.” Pilate represented all the might and authority of the world’s greatest empire. Compared to the power that Jesus possessed, Rome was nothing. It’s like a child with a pea shooter threatening someone who has a nuclear bomb.
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Art by Brianna Chace, 11 world. His taking our sins on himself has made a way for us to be right with God. Memorize this truth:”But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Ask this question: Have you experienced the power of God’s love?
“God gave his son Jesus power over everything because he loves him,” says Sarah-Ann, 8. That is exactly what the Bible says, “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand” (John 3:35). The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the creator of this world and the heavens as well (Colossians 1:16). As the rightful heir of this world, he humbled himself. His birth, ministry, death and offer of eternal life as a free gift clearly demonstrate the power of his love. Think about this: Whether or not we recognize it, the Lord Jesus Christ is rightful heir to this
August 2015
Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod. org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. One Valley members to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado plus a check for $1000 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.
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Defining moments are never alone In A World Of Temptation, Don’t Let Busyness Hide The Importance Of Small Choices By Tim Chaddick
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preach on the topic of self-examination frequently. I teach how Scripture tells us to examine ourselves and why it’s an essential part of our growth. But with busy schedules, demanding workloads, and community needs, it’s often the It was with this in mind that I began to put my pen to paper and write down both the strengths I had observed in my life as well as the weaknesses. We all know our shortcomings are harder to write about. What surprised me, however, was not that I discovered fallen motives within my heart; it was my unwillingness to acknowledge them.
Wait a minute … why did I stop? What was I doing—cheating at Solitaire? Why was it so hard just to write down this particular attitude in my heart? Maybe because it was easier for me to deny it than face it head-on. This is a classic example of the heart’s ability to cherry-pick what it wants to see and what it does not. Denial might give off an appearance of power, but, really, it is just weakness masquerading as strength. It’s giving in to self-deception. In the Old Testament, we read of a great king, is praised by the masses for a great military is good-looking and God-fearing. Yet over the course of his life, he becomes paranoid, jealous, and even crazy violent. A long personal and national decline was followed by a crushing defeat at the hands of the opposing Philistine army, leading Saul to fall on his own sword at the end of a brutal battle. The end of his story is tragic. Now, looking at a person like Saul, it’s easy to say, “No way. Not me.” But that’s what everyone says.
envy and jealousy, I wrote in my journal: “Lord, please heal me of —” And I stopped right there. I didn’t want to write it down. If I wrote it down, then I was admitting to myself its reality in my heart.
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When Saul is confronted by the prophet Samuel for disobeying God, he practices what some call “perspective switching.” He does not want to admit that he is susceptible to such temptation. So he dismisses an unfavorable view (Samuel’s) for a more favorable one (his own).
August 2015
When you read in the Old Testament about the realize that they were preceded by many other moments. They shaped the type of king he would become. make the headlines, provide plenty of conversation pieces, and serve as inspiring stories are always preceded by countless others. The big decisions we must make in public, in the ter-shaping choices made in private. Whenever I read in the news a story of moral failure among leadership, scandal within an orence this two-part reaction. Part of me wants to Ever. Do such a thing.” I may even want to give myself a pat on the back, reminding myself of all the ways I have shown courage and integrity in the past, how much Scripture I have memorized, and how many church activities I’ve been involved in. I feel that I am safe because I’m clearly not a candidate for such a downfall. I’ve got this. The trouble is, this response cannot truly help us face real temptation. But if one thing is clear when it comes to temptation, it’s that “God … will provide the way of
SHORT-TERM TRIP. LONG-TERM IMPACT.
escape” (1 Cor. 10:13). I was just trying the wrong door. You and I may never be Monarchs or rulers… or even leaders or pastors, but we are all responsible for our lives and will face tests. They may not always be huge or dramatic—in fact, most of them will be somewhat small and much more subtle—but we will face them nonetheless. How we choose to handle these tests reveals what matters most. And over time, it shapes who we will become. Instead of picking up stones to throw when we hear of a leader’s downfall or moral scandal with a church, maybe pick up the phone and speak to friends and be honest about our own interior life. Maybe then we will realize the smaller choices are actually much bigger than we thought. I suppose every husband would say that he would take a bullet for his wife. But if I want to become that type of husband who would be moment of crisis, I must be develincluding the small things such as doing whatever I can to relieve the burden of her daily responsibilities. Even making the smallest of a muscle that strengthens you for the challenges ahead. Like it or not, these choices must be made daily. And our choices have consequences. This reality should neither lead us to denial
nor leave us in despair. Because the topic of temptation raises the issues of the heart, it’s not enough just to have some good principles in place, hoping that through our rule keeping or image management we will actually bring inside-out change. Temptation is a battle that’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about discovering who you really are. And what you love most. Through the transforming message of the gospel, even moments of temptation become the training ground for a life of abundance, as we choose truth over lies and our hearts are radically reshaped and reordered by the love of Jesus. Because ultimately, the key to facing temptation is not merely a principle; it’s a Person – it’s Jesus.
Tim Chaddick is the founding pastor of Reality LA and the author of The Truth About Lies: The Unlikely Role Of Temptation In Who You Will Become, releasing Aug. 1 from David C Cook. Reality LA is a thriving church in the heart of Hollywood, CA, and is a part of a movement committed to relational church planting and serving the broader body of Christ. Tim and his wife, Lindsey, live in Los Angeles with their three daughters. For more information, go to www.timchaddick.com, @ timchaddick and www.facebook. com/timchaddick.
Merge International—Merge offers custom mission trips all over the world, anytime of year, for any age, with a variety of ministry options. Our goal is to encourage local churches and enhance local ministry around the world to further the kingdom of God, and to build crosscultural relationships and partnerships. Merge will prepare your team for international missions. Merge USA—Covenant churches partnering with Covenant churches in community ministry in order to encourage the local church and enhance what they are doing to serve and share Christ in their communities. Covenant churches and ministries across the country, both rural and urban are inviting your church to participate in what they are doing. Global Student Leadership—Merge provides an opportunity for US/ Canadian youth to develop as leaders in an international, cross-cultural setting. North American students will live, learn, and serve alongside youth from other nations, and work together to encourage and enhance local community ministry. For 15 to 19 year olds. Pre-planned trips—Let Merge plan you next missions trip! We offer pre-planned trips all over the world. You can register as an individual, couple, or family, and join others on a pre-planned trip. Leave the planning to us and just prepare yourself to share God’s amazing love in another part of the world.
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Music Review: by Jono Davies
A
fter the success of his last album, Chris August is ready to show the world his new release The Maker. The album starts with title track ’The Maker’, which is an up-tempo number that leans its musical style towards the Matthew West/Jimmy Needham modern pop rock sound. This complete package of a song has a lovely chord sequence in the chorus that brings the song out of its shell. The song has some great lines, but I especially love this one ”I feel like I can climb a thousand mountains all at once”. Something very powerful about that. The pop side of Chris August comes out in the song ’I’m In Love With You’. This radio friendly, guitar based, pop track is all about being in love with someone, it even includes the line ”Baby, I’m in Love With You’. Maybe I wasn’t expecting this kind of song, between a song about our Maker and then third track He’s Still Here, which is a song about God still moving with us today as he did 2000 years ago. There is nothing wrong with writing about the person you love, but maybe the timing isn’t great here. People who know me know I like creative, heart wrenching music, and this comes out amazingly in the song ’Drop Your Stone’. This song is all about being judgmental and judging others, a topic you don’t always hear in Christian Music. Yet Chris has taken this topic on and been very honest with it, and he does an amazingly direct job. I love the line ”Why are we so quick to judge, just think about the mercy that’s been given to us”.
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The more I listen to this album, the more I realize Chris is a songsmith. His main aim in these songs is to write stories and you can tell each word is there to tell that story, words and melodies aren’t thrown into these songs for the sake of it. Every word is there to be heard and taken in. Have a listen to the beautiful ’Paradise’ and hopefully this will help. ‘Find You To Find Me’ is an up tempo soulful song. Just The Same is a tender piano led song,
August 2015
and again we see the songwriter in August coming out. Credit must be given to Chris for producing songs that are written and told well to music. (It’s actually harder than it sounds). The Maker as an album will be loved by fans of Chris August. It falls into the pop/rock genre and is what you will expect from an album of this genre. Yet the quality of the songwriting is one of the major draws to this album.
Standout Tracks Find you To Find Me
– Flawless
Drop your Stong
CD: Welcome To The New
Paradise
2
3 Danny Gokey Think I Am
4. Hawk Nelson CD: Diamonds
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7. Francesca Battistelli CD: If We’re Honest
For more reviews go to www.louderthanthemusic.com
Louder Than The Music, a website dedicated to all the latest Christian music news, reviews and inter-
8. Plumb – Exhale CD: Exhale
views. LTTM is based in the UK but aims to cover Christian music from all over the world. We feature
9. Chris Tomlin
articles about all the big name Christian bands and singers, as well as smaller, independent and lesser known Christian artists that people may be less familiar with. Our passion is to see good quality artists they haven’t heard before.
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VALLEY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE EVENTS LIVE SIMULCAST AT PALM VALLEY CHURCH
No matter where you lead, the Summit is a world-class experience to help you get better and embrace your grander vision—the reason God called you to lead.
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Founder and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
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Founder, Triad Consulting Group; Faculty, Harvard Law School
SALLIE KRAWCHECK Chair, Ellevate Network; Former President, Bank of America’s Global Wealth & Investment Management
JIM COLLINS
Nationally Acclaimed Business Thinker; Best-selling Author Good to Great
ADAM GRANT
Professor, Wharton School of Business; Best-selling Author
ALBERT TATE
Founder and Senior Pastor, Fellowship Monrovia in Southern California
BRIAN HOUSTON
Founder and Global Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church
HORST SCHULZE
Chairman and CEO, Capella Hotel Group; Founding President and Former COO, The RitzCarlton Group
ED CATMULL
Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios; President of Walt Disney Animation Studios
DR. BRENÉ BROWN
SAM ADEYEMI
Founder and Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre in Nigeria
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Research Professor, President, The Wiseman University of Houston Group; Best-selling Author Graduate College of Social Work; Best-selling Author
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PRAYING FOR YOUR ELEPHANT
By Adam Stadtmiller Published by David Cook
“While we are challenged to pray radically and audaciously, Stadtmiller reminds us that prayer is how we converse and commune with the Almighty God of eternity”
How is your prayer life? I know that mine can use a lot of improvement. I did not hesitate to read this book. Adam Stadtmiller’s book, Praying For Your Elephant, is “. . . not a book about prayer but rather a book that asks you to pray.” Stadtmiller writes to encourage God’s people to pray boldly in faith; to expect the unexpected, to not let guilt or our limited vision keep us from praying in a way that allows us to see God do the “impossible.” We are challenged to believe that we can ask for the smallest or biggest things, regardless of how ridiculous it may seem. God, whose perspective is eternal, will answer in His timing and for His grand purposes. While we are challenged to pray radically and audaciously, Stadtmiller reminds us that prayer is how we converse and commune with the Almighty God of eternity. Our asking can bring us closer to God in and intimate relationship that allows us to
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know Him better. Prayer is not just an asking and receiving relationship. God is not like a vending machine when it comes to prayer. “Prayer is a passport that allows us immigration into God’s kingdom.” Stadtmiller suggests that we have participation in eternity through prayer. It is not about getting what we ask for; it is about knowing the heart of God in the midst of His responses to our prayers. If He answers immediately, “Praise the Lord!” If He never seems to answer, then we continue to trust Him and discover Him in His “silence.” As prayer becomes and regular, repetitious and real part of our lives, we discover His heart as ours are transformed in the image of Christ. Maybe you do have a good prayer life, but are you asking and trusting God to do the impossible. As you ask, are you looking for His
August 2015
Bookw Revie by
response, or are you looking for the heart of Almighty God? Perhaps your prayer life consists of spontaneous prayer; a need based prayer life. God does respond to this kind of prayer, but is this the best way to have a prayer life? These “on the go” prayers may not allow us to take the time to really listen to God. If you think your prayer life is lacking or needs rejuvenation, give Adam Stadtmiller a chance As I apply some of the suggestions in the book, God has refreshed my prayer life. I needed it desperately. Praying will allow us to see God do the impossible, to develop intimacy, and to believe incredibly.
Miguel Paredes Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four children: Diego (12), Karla and Andrea (9), and Charis (5).
The Mingling of Souls By Matt Chandler
Scripture says we’re to nurture our hearts above all else-yet we are inundated with songs, movies, and advice that contradict and cheapen God’s design for love and intimacy. Matt Chandler, one of today’s top Christian voices, helps navigate these issues for both singles and marrieds. In The Mingling of Souls, he reveals the process Solomon himself followed-Attraction, Court-
ship, Marriage...even Arguing. Marriage” and “Sex Is Romantic, Gentle, Sensuous, Godly” will radically change how readers viewand approach-love.
Slow to Judge: Sometimes It’s OK to Listen By David, Jr. Capes, Refraction God invites us to judge and to help correct wrongs from a place of understanding. Sometimes we pre-judge a person based on our own biases and conversation even begins. If all we know is our own faith, and we never put it side-by-side with what others believe, our spiritual growth and commitments can be easily stunted. By truly listening and learning from those with different beliefs, we can broaden and deepen our kingdom commitments.
It is possible to stand up for Jesus, to articulate our faith clearly as witnesses, and to defend our faith effectively, while at the same time not being perceived as judgmental. Christians need to be faithful witnesses to God who are willing to listen to people with drastically different stories. In those exchanges, when we suspend if we truly listen, we may be given a chance to speak.
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Your Wake-Up Call Dear Dave, My husband and I are both 50, and we make about $50,000 a year. We have a little bit of debt, and recently my mother-in-law moved in with us due to health issues. We’ve always gotten by, but now we’re struggling with the additional expense of having her with
Jen Dear Jen, Anytime things get tight and something like that happens, it’s your wake-up call. It’s the phone ringing, so I’m going to tell you to pick up the phone. It’s telling you that made just enough money to get away with it. Her moving in tightened things up, and that’s understandable to a point. But it has shone a spotlight on the fact that you’re going to have to start doing a written plan and behaving. Chances are you’re going to have to cut back on some stuff, because you’ve chosen to take care of her. This is an honorable choice and a wonderful thing you’re doing, by the way. With this added responsibility you’ve taken on — and many Americans are facing the They’re sandwiched between taking care of their parents and taking care of their grown kids. And the way you handle it is with a written budget.
Dave Says
The good news is that with a detailed plan, you can analyze whether you need extra income, if you need to cut some expenses or both. You’ve got to create a little margin to have a clear picture of your future. If you just wander along without a plan, you’re going to make a mess out of this, and it’s going to get bad fast. —Dave
Don’t Need Those Cards Dear Dave, I have two credit cards. One charges me an annual fee of $79 and the other a fee of $39. Should I cancel these and not worry about my credit score? I’d like to buy a house in the next two or three years. Ken Dear Ken, In my mind, there’s no such thing as a good credit card. My advice is to go ahead and cancel them. When you stop borrowing money and don’t have any open accounts, your credit score will slowly disappear. The big thing is that you don’t want to be caught in no-man’s land in terms of a credit score. You want either a fabulous one, which means you’re in debt all of the time, or you want no score because you don’t have any open accounts.
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling 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.
By the way, did you know that you can still qualify for a mortgage, even with no credit score? There are still mortgage companies out there that will do manual underwriting. It takes a little extra effort, but in my mind that’s a small price to pay. Cancel the cards, Ken. I’ve never met a millionaire who prospered thanks to credit cards and their gimmicks! —Dave
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August 2015
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 honornancial 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 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! 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 www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455
Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX877.480.1421 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 32 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2015