July 2015
THE CORNERSTONE OF
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VGAA is the premier Christian Boarding & Day School Academy in South Texas. VGAA has been providing rigorous college preparation in a Christian context since 1937. VGAA is an achievement-oriented community that encourages students to strive toward academic excellence with nearly 100% of our stu dents graduating and attending college. Your student would be a welcome addition to our VGAA family. Call us at (956) 968-0573 to schedule your visit and discover the VGAA Advantage. Stephen Gifford, Board Chairman, Dr. Andrew Leoni, Senior Academic Affairs Advisor, Mr. Trinidad Torres, Principle. Academy Senior Minister Raja Masilanovy, Mrs. Suzanna de la Garza, School Registrar.
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Contents July 2015
Vol. 5 / Issue 4
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com
TIME OF MY LIFE TOUR - October 9th
Features
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18. FCA - Field of Faith
20. Kids Talk About God
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How Can We Make Jesus More Important In Our Lives
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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 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 2015.
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Barnabas Piper
24. Music Review
Columnists 6. Lysa Terkeurst
When I Want To Be Mean
8. Greg Laurie
Expect Opposition
10. Milton Gonzalez
What Cancer Taught Me
12. James MacDonald
What Is God’s Will For Your Life
14. Abram Gomez
Redig The Wells
30. Dave Ramsey
Dave Says
25. KVMV Top 9 Tunes 26. Events 28. Books!
W h en I Want To Be Mean By Lysa TerKeurst
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looked at the text message in complete disbelief. Why couldn’t this person see how insensitive and hurtful she was being?
person’s side and gain a different perspective. In doing so, I will be strengthened and taught.
I don’t know who made up the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Either they had nerves of steel, or they lived on a deserted island with no other people. Because not only do words hurt me but they make me want to fight back and be mean, too.
Colossians 3:12-14 reminds me, “… as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (NIV).
Have you ever had a little situation with someone where you just knew you were right and they were wrong? Or at least you could make a really good case for your side of things? Oh how I have this burning need to state my case in these kinds of situations. It’s like an inner attorney rises up desperate to defend my rights and get the other person to see things my way. This is pretty normal, right? Yes. But normal doesn’t always mean good. Especially in light of Colossians 2:6-7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” I should live rooted in Jesus’ teaching and overflow with thankfulness. The opposite of this is when I’m rooted in self-centered opinions and overflowing with grumbling. I need to let God show me how to see things from this other
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My job isn’t to fix this person or make them see my side of things. My job is to obey God by offering an extension of the forgiveness I’ve been given. But I can also stay healthy in this situation by remembering forgiveness doesn’t mean giving this person access in my life that sets me up for destructive patterns. Finally, Colossians 3:17 reminds me, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (NIV). Everything I do and say tells a story of whom I serve. If I act out of anger and spite, I give in to the ways of the enemy, spreading his darkness. If I honor the Lord with my actions, I serve to further the Name of Jesus and spread His light. At the end of the day, honoring God leads to good things. Anything else leads to confusion, emotional exhaustion and a lack of good things.
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I processed the text message mentioned above with my husband. He said something that brought much clarity. “Lysa, you know when you’ve taken the high road, God blesses you. You’ve seen these blessings over and over as you’ve made choices that honor God. So choose a blessing today and save yourself the emotional turmoil of trying to prove you’re right.” He’s a smart man. I know this isn’t easy stuff. I’m having to live it in the midst of feeling hurt. But I’m also feeling more at peace being able to see another perspective — a healthier perspective — a Biblical perspective. And I’m really excited about the blessings that are surely coming my way.
Dear Lord, You know the hurtful words and actions that have come my way. Please give me Your strength to not retaliate, but instead to react based on Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 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.
Rene Morales Agent
Jacob Ruiz Agent
Inake Beneto Marketing Director
Call us Today at (956) 598-8077 1315 W. Main Avenue Ste 3-B Alton, TX 78573
Expect Opposition 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
Then Moses went back to the LORD and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” — Exodus 5:22-23 Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
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ometimes we think that when we are in and hear him reply, “No problem. Go for it. the will of God, it always will be smooth Everything is good.” sailing. But I have found that the But that isn’t what happened. Rather, opposite is usually the case. When Pharaoh answered, “And who is I am in the will of God, I brace the LORD? Why should I listen “...I brace myself for opposition. I almost to him and let Israel go? I don’t see it as a confirmation myself for know the Lord, and I will not that I am doing the will of God. In fact, if there is no opposition. I almost let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2). opposition, I start to wonder Then Pharaoh made things see it as confirmation worse. what I am doing wrong. He told the Israelite that I am doing the foremen that obviously the When God sent Moses back people had too much time on to Egypt after 40 years in will of God. their hands because they had this the desert, Moses probably guy Moses coming in and asking for was hoping that he could walk their release. He instructed them to no in, say what he had to say to Pharaoh,
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longer give them straw to hold their bricks together. They would have to get their own straw but still make their quota of bricks. When the leaders of Israel found out, they said to Moses, “May the Lord judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. You have put a sword into their hands, an excuse to kill us!” (verse 21). Effectively it was a complete disaster. Don’t be discouraged if you have tried to serve the Lord or do something for His glory and discovered that people are not supporting you—or are even harassing you. That is exactly what happened to Moses.
Fabian Guerrero Attorney/Abogado
Divorce/Family Law Child Custody State & Federal Criminal Defense Phone: 956-380-1421 Mobile: 956-279-1163 511 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 fabianlaw@sbcglobal.net God is our help and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
FREELS ORTHO 956.631.8181 www.freelsortho.com
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2015
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What Cancer Taught Me Milton Gonzalez
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arely do we associate trials, tests and the difficulties of life with times of great joy and celebrating. Most people would agree that tears are a byproduct of sorrow and heartache birthed within the inner most fibers of mankind. And yet James, possibly the brother of Jesus, pens God inspired words that contradict all reasoning: “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. (James 1:2-4) Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy... In the Winter of 1992 I entered into fatherhood. I was 20 years old and filled with enthusiasm, great joy and idealistic dreams...I was a dad! A few months later we would visit the same hospital where my son had been born. However this time my wife was having a minor procedure. The doctor guaranteed that the procedure would be quick and painless and that there was nothing to worry about. I clearly remember the doctor walking out from the operating room area and calling my name. It was like a Hollywood movie scene. Putting his hand on my shoulder with a somber look in his eyes the surgeon said “It’s cancer”. Cancer! My heart sunk, my world collapsed and
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all those hopes and dreams we had talked about seemed to dissolve. Cancer became our new reality and life revolved around it. Life would never be the same. Vincristine, vinblastine, dacarbazine and doxorubicin became household names. Nine years of consistent chemotherapy and radiation took a toll on her body, mind and spirit. In 2001 I rolled her into the doctor’s office in a wheelchair after a grueling round of chemotherapy. Unable to sit up straight, slouching over due to extreme fatigue she listened to the doctor address me - “there’s nothing we can do for her at this point...the cancer has become refractory. It’s best to take her home. She has a few months of life left in her”. We looked at each other in the eyes, tears rolling down our cheeks, we grasped each others hands and accepted our new reality. A morbid silence filled our vehicle as we slowly drove home. It almost seemed like we were moving in slow motion. A surge of emotions and questions populated my heart and mind. What would we tell our nine year old son? What was life going to be like in 3 months? We decided to quickly move from Monterrey to McAllen in hopes of finding the “cure” for her cancer. We left everything behind even the doctor’s prognosis. With great expectation we visited a well known local oncologist. After reading her medical report and running various tests we were scheduled back a week later. Nervously we entered his office and waited for 30 minutes. That half hour seemed like eternity to us as he finally walked in pulled out a clipboard and looked at us with a defeated look in his eyes. His words “there’s nothing to do but wait for the final hour...
July 2015
she has a good 2 months left”. Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy... then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. Fast forward a month later. We had been invited to attend a Christian church. Unwillingly with a heart filled with anger, resentment and rebellion due to 9 years worth of pain and suffering I agreed to go. I rolled her in, sat in the back of the church and threatened to leave if the preacher sounded like a tele-evangelist. The guest speaker of the day was Danny Johnston and he sounded and looked like the guy on TV. I quickly looked at my wife and said “let’s go” and she said “wait perhaps he has a word for me”. The preacher pointed his finger our way and in a Billy Grahamish voice said “God is in the house today and He has a word for you” At that point I was ready to bolt out of there, however, his following statement would forever change my life... “The doctor’s have told you that you have a few weeks to live but God wants you to know that’s a lie - there’s healing in the house today”. I had been standing the whole time and when he pronounced that statement it was as if someone had pushed from the shoulders down to the ground in a position of submission. Knelt down and looking up with tears of repentance in my eyes I said “Father forgive me for my rebellion”. That day was our turning point.That day we received Christ as our Lord and Savior and life would never be the same again. I would love to expand on what would happen next but it would
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saturate this whole magazine from cover to cover.
Accepting Christ in our hearts was the best decision we ever made.
She would not go on to live for six weeks. God would extend her years for a total of six.
2. God’s Word has healing power. He is the Great Physician and He continues to perform miracles in this day and age. By the stripes of Christ we are healed (Is 53:5)
She continued to struggle physically but with a completely different perspective. She considered her condition pure joy as James would record in the first chapter of his book. Using her trials and difficulties ministering to others, encouraging them and helping build up their faith was part of her daily MO. We fostered 14 children, pastored the Spanish ministry at our church and continued to raise our son in the fear of the Lord. She lived by one of her favorite quotes: “Live your life in such a way so that when you die the preacher doesn’t have to lie about you”...
3.God’s Word is true. We are who He says we are, We have what He says we have and we can do whatever He says we can do. 4. God’s Word never returns void. His promises are effective and will surely come to pass. 5. There is power when we rejoice in the Lord. In the midst of the affliction, the trails and tribulations, if we keep a joyful heart it is like medicine for the whole body. Is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy... andwatch God do something in your life.
On the evening of February 27, 2007 she looked at me in the eyes and with a smile said “I’m going home to meet with my Creator” Holding my hands she said “I have prayed for God to bring a woman into your life. She will love the Lord with all of her being and she will love you and our son. You will know who she is when you see her. God will bless you as you have blessed me”. We prayed that evening and at 35 years of age she took her last breath and went into a deep sleep only to awaken in the arms of her Creator. -She lived a life of no regrets-
www.facebook.com/milton.lifecoach
5 Important Lessons I Learned Through The Process
www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/ miltongonzalez
1. God’s Word has transformational power. It can soften the heart of even the most rebellious of men.
email: miltongonzalez@johnmaxwellgroup.com
The end result is important but we learn much more through the process. Whatever you are facing today always keep in mind that God is the same yesterday, today and forever and He loves you. Shalom, Milton
Milton Gonzalez Milton is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen and has a son David. He is married to Elena and they have a son Daniel.
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What is God’s Will for Your Life? 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).
onversion is not the end of something; it’s just the beginning! When God forgives you and wipes the slate clean in your life at conversion, He begins a process called sanctification. This is the real work God wants to do in you. Conversion initiates the sanctification God will continue in you for the rest of your life on earth.
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The Apostle Paul described the beginning of the process in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” As new creatures in Christ, we’re growing. We see this continual growth process in 1 Thessalonians 4:1: “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.” We don’t please God perfectly or completely, but increasingly. That transformation should be ongoing so that we please God “more and more.”
does God want me to marry? Which job does God want me to take?” The Bible doesn’t spend any time on those questions. God’s focus is on changing you—the real you, the inner you, not the outer trappings of your life. God knows if He changes you into the person He wants you to be, then all the other decisions will fall into place. God’s will is 98 percent about who you are, not where you are or who you’re with. The Bible clearly teaches that God’s will is your sanctification. The word sanctify means to make holy, so sanctification is the process by which God takes sinful people and makes them holy. It’s not as churchy as it sounds. Holy is a powerful word; it means set apart or distinct, different from the world around us. Holy means being like God!
So when you wonder what God’s will is for your life, or you wonder what God’s doing in your life, the answer is simple—He’s sanctifying you. “For this is the will of your sanctification” “Sanctification is the process by God, (1 Thessalonians 4:3). When you’re a new which God takes sinful people This clears up a lot of Christian, you begin with confusion. The next and makes them holy.” immense uncertainty. time you wonder about You make obvious, messy what you’re seeing or mistakes all the time. But over time you learn, as experiencing and struggle to know what God could a follower of Jesus Christ, how to walk. Slowly, be up to, remind yourself, “He’s changing me.” gently, and precisely, the Holy Spirit deals with And you’ll be right. Next time disappointments or your sin mess, and though you’ll never walk heartaches come (perhaps today, in this moment), perfectly, you’re learning to follow Jesus Christ. you might be asking God, “What are you doing, That’s the process of sanctification. “For this Lord? This hurts!” As you look through your pain, is the will of God, your sanctification,” Paul try to recognize that God Himself is holding the explained (1 Thessalonians 4:3). hammer and chisel. When you ask, “God, what are you doing?” the answer is always the same: Did you catch that? God’s will for your life is “I’m changing you, child.” Don’t bother arguing, your sanctification. Pastors are bombarded with “I don’t like this. I thought You would make me questions about God’s will: “What does God want happy.” He wants much more for you than that; me to do? Where does God want me to live? Who He wants to make you holy.
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Journal Why are Christians so often content simply to be forgiven and not actually transformed? Examine the process of sanctification in your life. How have you seen God changing you? How is He changing you now?
Pray Lord God, thank You that Your will for my life is not a mystery. You want to transform me. Thank You that the painful circumstances in my life prove that I really am Your child. Please forgive me for resenting and resisting Your attempts to change me. I choose now to cooperate fully with Your desire to transform me. Anything You want to teach me, I am willing to learn. Anything You want to change in me, I am available to receive. Thank You for loving me enough to make me more and more like Jesus, in whose name I pray, amen.
Our Journey devotionals are brought to you by Change Partners of Walk in the Word.
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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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ecently, I had the opportunity to attend a retreat with some of my fellow staff members. In the past, I have experienced a spiritual getaway only once. It was in the early years of my Christian conversion during my 20’s. I grew up in church, but completely sold out for Christ at the age of 19. As a pastor and church leader, you are often in the place of giving and blessing others with the gift and grace upon your life. You learn through experience and time to kind of place yourself last while others go before you. The Lord has allowed me the privilege to help others find their personal oasis in Him, and be refreshed from the hustle and bustle of life. Many times, I have witnessed individuals enter a new season of renewal and freshness with God after encountering Him during a service, after a message, or just through some time of pastoral guidance. During this most recent experience with a retreat, I knew I needed some type of spiritual detox. Over time, things just seem to collect in your soul and heart. Life has a way of attaching extra “pounds” in your spirit. Disappointments occur. Failure happens. Doubt seeps in. Sometimes, you just need a getaway to break the rhythm.
Before going on the retreat, I felt as if the Lord reminded me of a verse in Genesis 26. The verse is 18 of that particular chapter, and says, “And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham.” Did you catch it? Wells that were once accessible were now disregarded due to someone obstructing the entry. Yet, Isaac took it upon himself to “redig” what he knew to be there. It’s no secret that the Philistines were enemies to the nation and people of God. Goliath, the great giant whom David slew, was a Philistine. However, Isaac seemed to have the intuitive understanding that though the entry was closed, the resource of water still existed.
activities demand attention. Offenses occur from other believers. Tragedy strikes and knocks you off your personal balance. And before you know it, the well of our soul is blocked. My mother used to keep Drano under our kitchen sink. This fluid is used with the purpose of cleaning out the kitchen pipes from clogs. Drano promises to get rid of your toughest clogs. Well, like Drano, the Holy Spirit is able to cleanse out anything standing in the way of our personal relationship with the Lord.
“...our heart and soul tends to get filled with things that block the radiance and grace of God from flowing throughout our daily lives.”
Isaac didn’t create the water, but simply cleared a path to the water. I can promise you something from experience: you may think your relationship with God is gone, but it’s still there. Things just have it covered. Obstacles are blocking His light. During my retreat, His Spirit cleansed my internal “pipe” system that flows through my heart and soul. I felt a touch from God that I had not felt in a while. It was liberating. It was refreshing. It was exactly what I needed.
Like this well, our heart and soul tends to get filled with things that block the radiance and grace of God from flowing throughout our daily lives. Work and career takes over our schedules. Our child’s weekend recreational
Let me encourage you to “redig” the wells of your heart and soul. Look for Him like you once did. Your relationship isn’t over, but it just needs some attention. He promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him.
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 and are parents to Isabella Claire.
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Professor, Wharton School of Business; Best-selling Author
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Chairman and CEO, Capella Hotel Group; Founding President and Former COO, The RitzCarlton Group
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Co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios; President of Walt Disney Animation Studios
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“A Purpose in Life, A Reason for Learning”
Now
Accep Stude ting nt Appl icatio ns!
VANGUARD ACADEMY
From all of us at Vanguard Academy, have a great summer and we will see you next school year! 1200 E. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 781-1701 www.vanguardacademy.org
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FIELDS OF
FAITH!
Summer and camp season are in full swing, and that means that some great things are just around the corner for FCA! One of our biggest outreach events, Fields of Faith, is October 14. Stay tuned to find out where you can find the nearest Field! Our Fall FCA Huddles will be meeting again in full swing once school starts. Be sure to get involved with your local huddle. It’s going to be a great year! We want you involved…students, teachers, and parents!! Grace and Peace, Paul Parsons Area Representative Fellowship of Christian Athletes 956-658-0690
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For more information please visit www.IncomeWithEnergy.com 1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17,23
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How Can We Make Jesus More Important In Our Lives? “We can make Jesus more important in our lives by putting Christ in the center of all we do,” says Nathaniel, 8. “We do this by finding pleasure in studying God’s Word, learning about him and hiding God’s Word in our heart that we might not sin against him.”
The issue in all of life always comes down to this question, “Who is the center of the universe?” If I’m the center, then everything must revolve around me. Living the self-centered life is difficult because I can’t always get everyone to conform to my plan for their lives. It’s hard taking the place of God, but many try it. With Jesus Christ as the center, my world takes on a decidedly different orbit. I’m now seeking to discover God’s game plan for my life and others. I don’t have the pressure of pushing my way to the top of a fantasy world where I’m the center. As the good shepherd, Jesus will lead me in life paths that are good for me and others. People may misunderstand me or even ridicule me because I’m not following the crowd, but it’s OK because I’m living before an audience of One. I’m not living for people’s approval. I’m living in light of eternity. I’m not a soloist. I’m a team player, and God is calling the plays. When the disciples of John the Baptist told him that the ministry of Jesus was increasing, he said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). How does Jesus increase? Use your memory, says Chandler, 8: “Remember all the times
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that Jesus saved you from something so that it will get you to believe in him.” Short memories cause us to block God’s plan for causing Jesus to increase. We so easily forget where we were when God found us. The Bible paints a picture of God ever pursuing us when we were “lost.” Yes, lost. Without God, you are as lost as a goose flying north in the middle of winter. To be found by God means you come faceto-face with the reality that the universe revolves around Jesus Christ, not you. You realize that when Jesus died on the cross, he died for your sins. You accept God’s free gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus as your savior. Now that your eternal destiny is sealed, you can reorient your world as Grace, 9, suggests: “We need to be more like a servant and become less important because Jesus is the one who should be the most important.” When Jesus’ disciples got in an argument over who was the greatest disciple, Jesus said, “He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves” (Luke 22:26). I can guarantee this is not what the disciples had in mind when they argued over who was top dog. The disciples were shocked when Jesus washed their feet at the Passover meal on the night before his crucifixion. Slaves or household servants usually washed the feet of guests. Think about this: As Jesus becomes more important in your life, you’ll think in
July 2015
ways you can’t even imagine now. Like the disciples, you’ll be shocked at what Jesus wants to do through you. Memorize this truth: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Ask this question: Is Jesus increasing or decreasing in your life?
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 child will win a vacation for up to five family 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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HELP MY UNBELIEF Barnabas Piper
W
hen I was seven years old, I walked into my dad’s study at home one day and told him I wanted to follow Jesus. I don’t remember why. It might have been fear of hell, it might have been a desire to spend eternity with my family, or it might have been guilt. I sat on his knee and had a conversation also now long forgotten. Then we pulled out my illustrated NIV children’s Bible, opened up to a blank page at the beginning, and wrote a profession of faith. My childish hand wrote about my need for a savior and how I believed Jesus was my only hope and now my life would be His forever. From that day forward I have considered myself a Christian. I know I am a sinner. That much is obvious to anyone who knows me. I believe God is holy, so much so that He cannot abide sin in His presence. I believe I cannot do a single thing to purify myself enough to gain access to God. I believe that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” And I believe in the perfect Son, Jesus, the only man who ever lived a life of perfection and thus was able to be the flawless sacrifice and bear God’s punishment for my
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sin and those of everyone else who believes. I believe Jesus rose from the dead and thus has shown Himself to be the conquering King who will one day return to “wipe away every tear” and reside in a newly created earth where “neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” I have believed these truths almost all my life. And yet … And yet I have committed sins that have deeply wounded others and nearly destroyed my relationship with Jesus. And yet I have looked Scripture full in the face and decided my way is better than God’s; I would rather be my own god. And yet I doubt the promises God gave even though He provided the surety: His beloved Son’s very life. My troubles are bigger than God’s love no matter what He says. And yet I am skeptical. I know what Scripture says and I know the arguments, but the questions stack up. Some people think, God says it, I believe it, that settles it. But it doesn’t settle it. Did God really say it? I don’t
July 2015
really believe it. Nothing is settled. And yet my belief is weak. Or maybe it’s not there. Or maybe I don’t really know what belief means. What is belief? You have your own “and yet.” Maybe yours inserted itself before you even professed belief; all the claims of the Bible and this man, Jesus, are just too much to assent to. You struggle with questions of evil and pain and the existence of God. You are a skeptic, either willfully or because you just can’t help it. I cannot answer all your questions. I don’t think anyone on earth can. But answers exist. They are found in belief, with or without empirical evidence to back them up. I hope to show you that it’s worth it to risk believing. Or maybe your “and yet” is on the other end of the spectrum; you have so willingly followed Jesus that you have never raised a question about life’s hardships or God’s promises. You follow blindly but faithfully. But is this because you truly believe without doubt or because you fear where questions might take you? Are you afraid that questioning or even, gulp, doubting might open a Pandora’s box of sin and judgment?
But what if belief isn’t blind faith and that questions, if asked well, are building blocks for stronger faith rather than stepping-stones away from it. If your “and yet” lies somewhere in the middle or is some combination of both you must explore belief from both ends. Start by examining “I believe; help my unbelief,” the expression of a desperate man in Mark 9. These juxtaposed phrases represent the reality of every follower of Jesus no matter how mature, new, falling, or
strong. We believe. And we don’t. We follow. We fail. We are weak, and we need help. No amount of belief moves us beyond “help my unbelief” – not in this life. Rather the stronger our belief, the more urgent our plea. I pray you will see the frailty of your belief and the strength of what you believe in. And I pray that belief will be more than an assertion; may it be a living thing in your soul that shapes and drives you in all you do.
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ABOUT BARNABAS PIPER Barnabas Piper blogs at The Blazing Center, is the author of The Pastors Kid: Finding Your Own Faith and Identity and Help My Unbelief: Why Doubt Is Not The Enemy Of Faith, and co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast. Piper writes for WorldMag.com, contributes to numerous other websites, and speaks frequently at churches and conferences. Barnabas serves as the Brand Manager for the Leadership Development team at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville where he lives with his wife and two daughters.
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Music Review: HILLSONG UNITED || EMPIRES Review by Jono Davies
When an artist reveals their album cover 95,000 feet from space they must really know that the album is out of this world. And for fans of Hillsong United this album ‘Empires’ is truly something else. This release follows the band’s largest growth and international impact over the last two years with the 2013 release of ZION. UNITED’s notoriety increased with their No. 1 single “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” as it became a RIAA Platinum certified single. In 2014, UNITED was award five GMA Dove Awards including the coveted Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Oceans.” They were also nominated for their first American Music Award. Hillsong was included in 10 of Billboard’s End of Year charts topping five of the charts: Top Christian Artists, Hot Christian Songs, Hot Christian Songs Artists, Christian Airplay Artists and Christian Digital Songs. The pressure must have been on when the band started working on this album. Thankfully that pressure doesn’t show at all
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in the songs. The album opens with ‘Here Now (Madness)’ which opens with an atmospheric, even space like feel to it. On quick reflection, I would say this song falls musically in the same bracket as Zion. The stirring vocals poured over the creative atmospheric music just works on so many levels during this opening number. I love the soft vocals that whisper the words “Here now, spirit breathe like the wind come, have your way, ‘cause I know you are in this place”. Lyrically, as the title suggests, this song is all about the presence of God. I suggest that you put this song on loud, close your eyes and be drawn into the presence of God. The song takes its time, it’s not to be rushed, but it grows into a really big anthem and as the intensity of the music builds, so does the atmosphere in the room. We move into ‘Say The Word’ which lifts the tempo of the music a little. This is still a creative atmospheric song, but the dance beats pull through a little bit more. The song has a lovely riff over an engaging dance beat.
July 2015
Again this song wants to take the listener on a journey, an emphatic journey at that. Hillsong United have really tried to produce an original creative album that doesn’t just skim at being creative with the same old lyrics and melodies. This is an band that has spent time on the lyrics to engage and work with the creative sounds of the album. The way the words flow for the songs, like ‘Heart Like Heaven is brilliant. The opening songs are all top notch and could easily fit into my list of standout tracks. One of my favorite lines of the album is a simple one but appears in the song ‘Touch The Sky’. “I touch the sky, when my knees hit the ground”. So simple, yet when sung in this song it really hit me. There is something so honest about that line. Touch The Sky is probably one of the more ‘poppier’ tracks on the album and I can see why this was the first single. What makes it such a standout song is it’s theme, which is all about reaching God and His awesome power.
Within the simplicity of the songs Street Called Mercy and When I Lost My Heart To You there are some lovely harmonies. These songs are both innovative and original. Please take time to dig deeper into the soul of these songs. They are the hidden gems of the album. The song ‘Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)’ is the most honest song on the album. This song is about praising God, “Even when it hurts like hell, I’ll praise you”. The words and lyrics are all about digging into the gut wrenching side of worshipping God. When you have moments where worshipping God is the hardest thing to do, put this song on, it deals with this topic with some raw and honest sounds. For the very first time we hear (just about on its own) an acoustic guitar and the vocals of Joel Houston on the song Prince of Peace. This song has a darker, haunting edge to it that we haven’t necessarily heard on the album so far. Yet in the darkness of the song there is a real sense of ‘light’. This song is one of those ‘beauty in the darkness’ kind of songs. When you start playing the title track of any album the expectancy level always seems to rise. Empires is a track I already had high hopes for. This is a solid song that grows with each listen, but I felt it was trying a bit too hard to be the big anthem that it’s not ready to be. Creatively, as always with this album, you have to give this synth led track top marks. Rule is the most ‘Zion’ esq track on the album. This song falls into the techno dance beat that some of the songs on the previous
album definitely fell into. Captain is a clean simple piano led intimate song, I’m surprised this song isn’t further up the track listing of the album itself. The album ends with the most elegant song I have heard in a very long time. Closer Than You Know is such a simple love song, but within that simplicity is a song that is wrapped in the heart of Jesus. This song captures what Hillsong United are all about. Heartfelt worship to Jesus. Sadly the worldly mentality these days is all about ‘me’. Yet in all of this we have a God that is so close to each and every single one of us, and in the same breathe we have the same God who is big and powerful. How can you even explain that in text, music, lyrics sound and melodies? Empires tries to capture both sides of God. No easy task, yet it does it so well. One moment you have songs that make you feel like God is with you, and then the next song you are drawn closer to the vast majesty of our authoritative great big God. It’s during those songs that you have to take a step back and remember how awesome our King is.
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1. for King & Country - Shoulder
CD: Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.
2. Hawk Nelson Drops In The Ocean
3. NEEDTOBREATHE - Brother
4. Building 429 – Impossible
5. Francesca Battistelli - Holy Spirit
CD: Diamonds
Hillsong United have taken the sound they produced on their last album Zion and moved it to the next level. Musically it hasn’t moved very far away from the sound and format that worked so well on Zion, yet Empires has a cleaner, fresher feel to it. But we all know this album is about more than just the music. This is about something much bigger. What Hillsong United have done is create a bunch of songs that take the listener on a journey of awestruck worship to the awesome God we have. Superb.
CD: Single
CD: Rivers In The Wasteland
CD: If We’re Honest
6. Josh Wilson – That Was Then, This Is Now
Standout Tracks Here Now Touch The Sky Closer Than You Know
CD: Single
7. Danny Gokey - More Than You Think I Am
CD: Hope In Front Of Me
For more reviews go to www.louderthanthemusic.com Louder Than The Music, a website dedicated to all the latest Christian music news, reviews and interviews. LTTM is based in the UK but aims to cover Christian music from all over the world. We feature 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 Christian music promoted well, giving music fans the chance to find out about great music and discover artists they haven’t heard before.
8. MercyMe – Flawless
CD: Welcome To The New
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2015
9. Citizen Way – Evidence
CD: Love Is The Evidence
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VALLEY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE EVENTS
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YOU CAN, YOU WILL By Joel Osteen Release Date August 4, 2015 In YOU CAN, YOU WILL, Joel Osteen shares eight undeniable qualities of winners that can help you to reach your potential and achieve new levels of success in your life. You are created to be a winner. Get these eight principles deep down on the inside and boldly go in the direction of your destiny. 1. Keep Your Vision in Front of You - Dare to dream big dreams. 2. Run Your Race - Focus on your unique course and goals. 3. Expect Good Things - Anticipate great opportunities. 4. Have a Positive Mind-set - Take control of your thoughts and attitudes. 5. Commit to Excellence - Do your best and maintain high standards. 6. Keep Growing - Be proactive, be intentional, build on your gifts, and continually improve. 7. Serve Others - Invest yourself in others. 8. Stay Passionate - Light the fire within and approach life with enthusiasm.
Leadership Pain
The Classroom For Growth Do you want to be a better leader? Raise the threshold of your pain. Do you want your church to grow or your business to reach higher goals? Reluctance to face pain is your greatest limitation. There is no growth without change, no change without loss, and no loss without pain. Bottom line: if you’re not hurting, you’re not leading. But this book is not a theological treatise on pain. Rather in Leadership Pain Samuel Chand—bestselling author recognized as “the leader’s leader”— provides a concrete, practical understanding of the pain we experience to help us interpret pain more accurately and learn the lessons God has in it for us. Chand is ruthlessly honest and highly practical
By Samuel Chand
as he examines the principles and practices that make our pain a means of fulfilling God’s divine purposes for our churches, communities, and us. These features are included in this leadership treasure trove: POWERFUL, personal stories from some of the finest leaders in the world, such as Craig Groeschel, Benny Perez, Mike Kai, Lisa Bevere, Mark Chironna, Dale Bronner, Philip Wagner, Michael Pitts, and numerous others REVEALING INSIGHTS into the growth that occurs through pain in leadership roles PRACTICAL EXERCISES to help you apply the valuable principles you are learning
LET’S PRETEND WE’RE NORMAL Adventures in Rediscovering how to be a family By Tricia Loft Williford Dear friend, If you and I are new to each other, let me start here: This is not how this was supposed to go! In the portrait I had long ago painted of my family, I didn’t intend to include words like “widowed single mom.” I had envisioned many more decades with my husband Robb in the complicated, beautiful life of marriage. But in the course of twelve hours, our family of four became a trio, and since that day my boys and I have been creating a new life in an upside-down world. I have written this new book, which in a lot of ways is a sequel to And Life Comes Back, to answer the question so many have asked: “And then what happened—after the crisis became reality and your life began again?” I’ve
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leaned into honest storytelling to offer a look into the chaos and beauty of who we have become. I’ll be honest, this book was harder to write because I’m living it right now—I hardly feel like an expert who has figured it out. I hope my straight-up-honest stories will give you encouragement to take the next step. And the next. And the next. Sometimes, you just have to pretend you know what you’re doing, pretend you’re brave enough, and pretend you can do this. Sometimes you just have to pretend you’re normal until the new normal finds you. See you in the pages, Tricia
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Stay away from interest-only mortgages Dear Dave, Can you explain interest-only mortgages? Are they a good idea? Dale
Dear Dale, An interest-only mortgage is just what it sounds like. You’re paying only the interest on the loan, and none of what you actually owe. It’s a good way to stay in debt for the rest of your life, so they’re not a good idea. Lots of people look at this product and say, “Wow, I’ll get a lower monthly payment, and then I can throw tons of cash at the principal.” Guess what, in most cases it doesn’t work out that way. Why not take out a good 15-year fixed rate mortgage and put a bunch of money toward the principal? Everyone thinks they have a great idea for tricking the system. But the only system that really works is to pay off debt as quickly as you can. Interest-only mortgages are like adjustable rate mortgages and high fixed rate mortgages — they’re good things to stay away from completely!
Dave Says
—Dave
Big debt on an old car Dear Dave, My wife cosigned a loan on a 2007 car for her sister. Now, it’s being repossessed, and $23,000 is still owed on it at 20 percent. What can we do in this situation? Pablo
Dear Pablo, Tell the bank or dealer where the car is, and tell them to come pick it up. There’s no way to get out of the rest, my friend. You and your wife are going to be liable for whatever the car doesn’t bring in afterward. Let’s say it sells for $4,000. That would be subtracted from what is owed, and it will still be up to you guys to pay the rest. You could always try to negotiate to settle it for pennies on the dollar. Based on what you’ve told me, that’s a best-case scenario.
Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. His newest best-seller, Smart Money Smart Kids, was written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, and recently debuted at #1. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
The other thing I would do is demand a full audit on the account from day-one to present, because a 20 percent interest rate doesn’t explain why a car didn’t pay off – especially a $23,000 car. If this was a $5,000 car from a tote-the-note car lot, and they were ripping her off charging only interest – and that’s all anyone was paying, and she gave up and punted – that’s fine. You’re just looking for a little understanding of the situation. But $23,000 cars don’t generally have 20 percent interest. That’s a pretty freaky deal, and I’d want to know where the money went. From a bank’s perspective, I don’t see how anyone would think something like this would work out. The car was going down in value the entire time, so it just doesn’t make sense to me. Of course, if you have the cash lying around and it wouldn’t damage your finances, you could just take care of things and call it Stupid Tax. Cosigning on a loan, especially with family, is never a good idea. —Dave
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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 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 July 2015