October 2015
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October 2015
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Contents October 2015
Vol. 5 / Issue 7
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com
NIGHT OF WORSHIP CHURCHES UNITE P3
Features
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2. FCA
Fields of Faith - October 14
20. Kids Talk About God
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Columnists 6. Lysa Terkeurst
THE 5 BEST THINGS TO SAY TO A FRIEND
8. Tracie Miles Never Say Amen
10 Jerrell Jobe
Walls, Watchmen & Prayer
12 Greg Laurie
Everybody is the same
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Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com
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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.
/ Printed in Mexico.
14. James MacDonald Even Though
16. Luis Palau
Como Llegar a Ser Cristiano
24. Dave Ramsey Dave Says
The
5
Best T hings to
S ay to a F riend T oda y By Lysa Terkeurst
few simple words of encouragement and suddenly, you’re not alone. I want to be that friend for you today. In the midst of whatever it is that’s made your heart feel a bit knocked off-kilter, can I whisper what I believe are the five best things one can say to a friend? You’re wonderful. Me too. I’ll pray. I’ll share. Come over.
I
remember sitting in the smelly middle school gym like it was yesterday. I’d survived the awkward and much dreaded moments of changing into my PE uniform in the girls’ locker room. And now I sat on the hard bleachers listening to the squeak of tennis shoes, the uneven cadence of bouncing balls, the teacher’s sharp sounding whistle, and the girls laughing behind me. They weren’t laughing with me. That would have meant I was accepted and wanted and invited in to be a part of their group. No, they were laughing at me. This meant I was not accepted, not wanted, and not invited in to be a part of their group. I was the subject of their gossip. I was the punch line of their jokes. And it hurt. I imagine you know that hurt too. Change the scenery and the people and this same hurt can be found in most of our lives. When your coworkers all make plans to go out to lunch but somehow your name was left off the email chain. When that other preschool mom said, “Several of us moms are concerned with how your child seems so aggressive on the playground.” When everyone else’s social media makes marriage look dreamy and uber-romantic as you’re crying yourself to sleep at night feeling like the loneliest married woman alive. Then a friend steps in with a gentle smile and a
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These aren’t incredibly profound but oh so needed. You know what I mean?
By Lysa TerKeurst
ways you notice that she’s a wonderful friend, a wonderful mom, a wonderful Jesus girl, a wonderful wife, a wonderful coworker, a wonderful person. 2. “Me too.” (Romans 12:12, “…Patient in affliction…”) What a gift it is to remind our friend that we all have afflictions, hurts, faults, and tender places. We all get sick both emotionally and physically. The patient friend is one who freely gives grace because she so desperately needs it herself. “Me too” acknowledges that I’m no better than you but together we can get stronger. It is such a loving and disarming admission that we’re all in this together. 3. “I’ll pray.”
And if we need to hear these simple kind words, then might we dare to believe someone near us needs to hear them as well? I think a lot of us girls are terribly lonely. So, imagine what good these words could do. Loving someone else is one of the most God-honoring things we can do today. After all, we’re reminded in Scripture that all the commandments can be summed up and fulfilled if we will love others (Romans 13: 8-10). I came up with this list of 5 best things to say to a friend from Romans 12: 12-13 in a section appropriately titled, “Love.” 1. “You’re wonderful.” (Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope…”) What a loving thing it would be to infuse joyful hope into your friend’s life by reminding her of ways you think she is wonderful. The world is quick to tell us girls of all the many ways we fall short. We are hyperaware of our faults and frailties. So, what a precious gift to remind a friend of specific
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(Romans 12:12, “…Faithful in prayer.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to express to a friend that you will absolutely be faithful in your prayers for her? I have a friend that prays for me so faithfully. She texts me Scriptures that she prays over my life. But here’s what I really love about her. She doesn’t
just pray about my situations. She prays me through them. She’s willing to circle my circumstances over and over with her prayers. I honestly don’t know how she hasn’t gotten tired of praying for some of my same issues for so long. I get so tired of me… but she never does. What a gift. A gift I know I must pass on by being faithful in my prayers for others.
C a ll Va lle y C h r is t ia n M ag a z ine (956) 314 -0161 f o r ad ve rt is ing!!
4. “I’ll share.” (Romans 12:13, “Share with God’s people in need…”) When we notice a need in a friend’s life, might we be willing to step in and at least be a small part of the solution? I have a friend who literally lost every possession she owned due to a chemical spill in her home. So, we threw her a “Job (like the man in the Bible) Party.” Each of us brought a few things to help her family start over. We didn’t even come close to fully meeting their financial needs. But we helped build a foundation of restoration and gave this family the assurance that God was working on their behalf. 5. “Come over.” (Romans 12:13, “Practice hospitality.”) Throwing open our front door to welcome a friend inside the sacred space of our home is such a needed gesture. There’s just something about relationships that are less pixilated where we get eye-to-eye, voice-to-voice… and talk. Really talk. Over broken bread we share broken hearts. And then we celebrate the parts of us that are still intact. We reach across the table and across our differences to grab hold of the glorious bond of friendship. Yes, these are 5 great things, maybe even the best things to say to a friend. Yes?
How long have you been meaning to call us? Don’t let another month go by!
You’re wonderful. Me too. I’ll pray. I’ll share. Come over. So, today, I pause and say them to you. Now, I haven’t quite figured out how to do that last one. It would be such a hoot trying to fit you all in my kitchen, but I sure am dreaming about it. What a crazy fun time we’d have. My only request is that you bring one of those awful pictures from middle school you keep hidden away in the back of your closet. Then we can laugh and bond and wonder together why we ever thought it was okay to do our hair that way. 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.
Call to advertise today!! 956-314-0161 Valley Christian Magazine 3827 N. 10th Street, Suite 301 McAllen, TX 78501 valleychristianmagazine.com
Never Say Amen: By Tracie Miles
“Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
A
“Are you still talking with her?” I asked my daughter Kaitlyn. She’d been texting with a friend for what seemed like hours. She nodded and continued texting.
“I just don’t see how you can have that much to talk about. Does the conversation ever end?” I asked. “Nope,” she proudly exclaimed. “We never really end the conversation or say goodbye. We just take breaks and then pick back up later where we left off.” I rolled my eyes and suggested she force herself to take a break, or I might just help her take a really long break from her phone altogether. We chuckled as she slid the phone into her pocket. As I thought back to her answer, it made me wonder about my conversations … particularly with God. How might my relationship with God grow if I simply never said, “Amen”? If I just kept the conversation going all day, picking back up where we left off or talking about new things? In today’s key verse, Paul urges us to pray continually. Not because God requires it, but because our hearts long to feel close to Him. Talking with God throughout the day invites Him into even the smallest details of our lives. Of course He doesn’t need us to fill Him in on our problems, prayer requests and praises. Instead, we receive the blessing because we will feel His presence throughout each and every day.
Tracie Miles is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker team and her passion is to lead women closer to the heart of God, inspire them to live intentionally for Christ, and help them discover a life of peace and purpose. Tracie is the author of two popular books, Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past to Create a Beautiful Future and Stressed-Less Living: Finding God’s Peace In Your Chaotic World. She is a contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Encouragement For Today Devotions, the Encouragement for Today Women’s Devotional and the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women
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Just as my heart leaped at the idea of continual conversation with God, my mind chimed in with logistics: How can I possibly pray all the time when I obviously have other thoughts going through my mind? How can I stay focused on prayer in the midst of the chaos of work, to-do lists, daily obligations, frustrations, parenting and busyness? Praying continually doesn’t mean we have to stay on our knees all day and never stop to do anything else. It simply means maintaining an attitude of prayer. A mindset that God is always there, like a trusted friend walking beside us or merely one text away. A friend with whom we can jump back into the conversation — with confidence that He will be there. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (NLT). Having a heart
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attitude of prayer simply means developing a focus on joy and gratitude. When we focus on the good, instead of the bad, we develop a mental attitude of thankfulness. When our hearts are full of thankfulness for God, we will find ourselves longing to talk with Him more and more and learning to recognize His holy whispers. We must be aware that Satan will do everything in his power to distract us and try to keep us from having an attitude of prayer and thankfulness. He knows the more time we spend talking with God, the more we will depend on Him and trust Him with our whole hearts. I can keep my daughter from having a neverending texting conversation, but no one can keep us from having an ongoing conversation with the Most High. Nothing can stand in the way of us conversing with God unless we let it, and prayer is a conversation worth continuing and never saying “Amen.” Lord, fill me with a desire to talk with You all day long and to feel Your Spirit leading me through our conversations. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY: Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (NLT) Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (NLT)
REFLECT AND RESPOND: - What is it that keeps you from talking to God more often? What can you do to change your mindset about praying without ceasing? - Consider the worries that have been heaviest on your heart, or those issues keeping you too busy or distracted to spend time in prayer. Open up a conversation with God about those things and invite Him into the details of your everyday life.
© 2015 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
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2015
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Walls, Watchmen By Jerrell Jobe
& Prayer
Have you ever found yourself thinking about someone that you haven’t seen in a long time, yet their name keeps coming to mind? Perhaps this is one of the ways God is trying to get your attention and invite you to pray for them.
Ancient cities were often completely surrounded by protective walls. There was a central gate that provided limited and controlled access into a given city. Above the gate, on top of the wall, was posted a watchman. It was the watchman’s responsibility to continually scan the horizon for anyone approaching the city, especially those intending harm. This required perpetual discernment and alertness. Harm could befall an entire city if an enemy gained entrance through the gates. Watchmen were critical to everyone in the city. In the Old Testament, we find God referring to the prophets as being spiritual watchman. These people were called by God to remain alert and watchful. They were discerning to the activity of God among His people, as well as the posture of the people toward God. These spiritual watchmen would often offer direction to the people of God. At other times, they simply prayed for the people, asking for God’s blessing and guidance. Watchmen were critical to the people of God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to be watchmen for one another. Paul writes, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me... -Ephesians 6:18-19 Paul instructs us to be alert, attentive and spiritually awake. Ephesians 6:10-17 reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle, every one of us. As such, we are to individually “stand strong.” But, more than that, we are to “be alert and always praying” for one another.
Jerrell Jobe is a Teaching Pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission, TX. He is married to Charissa and has three children.
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In ancient times, when the watchman saw something suspect approaching in the horizon, they would relay the message to the gatekeepers. Likewise, as we are develop a prayerful posture, God will at times draw our attention to something going on with someone we know. Not too long ago, I was going through a pretty tense season. At the peak of this season, a friend of mine, who lives across the country, sent me a message inquiring how I was doing. He said that for the past several days he had sensed that there was some kind of spiritual battle going on and he had been prompted to pray for me. That same week, my wife received a similar message from one of her friends. These experiences served as a great source of encouragement and strength.
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We are called to be watchmen for one another. • When do you pray for other people? • Who do you pray for? • How do you pray for them? • Have you ever found yourself thinking about someone that you haven’t seen in a long time, yet their name keeps coming to mind? Perhaps this is one of the ways God is trying to get your attention and invite you to pray for them. Prayer God, I want to be spiritually alert and watchful. Use me to strengthen others in time of need. Help me to be sensitive to the promptings of Your Spirit to pray for others - be it friend or enemy, co-worker or family member – speak Lord, I’m am listening… So be it – amen. There have been times when I’ve been prompted to pray for someone, but I didn’t know exactly what or how to pray. The following are a few of the ways I begin praying for a person when I’m not sure how to best pray for them. Perhaps these can serve as prayer starters for you as you begin posturing yourself to be alert and prayerful for others.
Prayer Starters • A greater awareness of God’s Presence and activity in their life. • An increased passion and intimacy with God. • Fresh desire and engagement in Scripture & prayer. • Family (Spouse & Children) • To fully utilize their God-given gifts and abilities at church, work and community.
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Everybody Is Essentially the Same
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
By Greg Laurie
“Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.” —Ecclesiastes 7:20
Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
No life is without its share of problems. If you don’t have much wealth, you worry about how to get more. If you have a lot, you always find someone who has more. If you have the most, you worry about how to keep it. People
The American public loves to follow the adventures of the rich and famous. Just look at all the tabloids. I was standing in line at the store one day and saw on the cover of a tabloid: “Cellulite of the Stars.” These people can’t even take off their at the beach without being put up a shirt photographed—it’s brutal.
Wealth is a relative concept. front, and pretend Someone wrote, “If you have to be happy when We take some perverse delight in knowing these people are just money in the bank, in your like us. And indeed they are. they are not. wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.” There is an old legend about people in a certain village who constantly complained about their troubles. Each was Even the most beautiful, famous, and invited to throw all of his burdens and problems wealthy people have their hurts and pains.
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into one big heap in the middle of town. Then he was given the privilege of choosing other troubles to replace the ones he gave up. After careful deliberation and consideration, each selected the same problems he had cast aside, feeling his own to be less difficult than those of the others. People put up a front, and pretend to be happy when they are not. But deep down inside, we are really all the same, with the same hurts and needs. And the answer to these needs is the same for everyone: a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
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WHY TRIALS? by james macdonald
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” Hebrews 12:5–6, ESV.
A
trial is a painful circumstance allowed by God to change my conduct and my character. My conduct—that’s what I do. And then on a deeper level, my character—that’s who I am. Trials signal that God is making adjustments in my actions and my spirit. Several biblical terms are actually interchangeable: trials, suffering, hardship, tribulation, chastising, and discipline. Trials are hard times! These hard times vary both in intensity and duration. Tribulation can take you by storm, fast and furious. Or a hardship can stretch over months, years, or even decades, a slow burn. Trials can be small and irritating or huge and shattering. Everyone experiences trials. In fact, if you’re one of God’s children, you’re going through a trial of some size and shape right now. It’s the most difficult aspect of your life—perhaps physical, relational, economic, emotional, or circumstantial. Here’s the unalterable fact: Pain is often a central part of God’s purpose in this world. God allows and sometimes even causes pain in our lives. It’s one of the tools He uses to get stubborn sheep to greener pasture.
When God moves toward you to make some changes in your conduct and character, do not be casual, indifferent, sarcastic, or blasé about His approach. He’s God! He’s a committee of One. He doesn’t check with anybody, and He knows what He’s doing. Don’t take His work in your life lightly. Don’t act flippant when trials come your way. If trials haven’t arrived yet, they’re coming. And don’t “be weary when reproved by him.” When the goal is character transformation, God doesn’t move toward you with kid gloves. God’s correction may feel intense, even harsh, but don’t get down, because “the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” Why does the Lord discipline you? Because He loves you. You might be tempted to think, Well, if You loved me, God, You wouldn’t leave me over here with empty pockets and bounced checks.
Far from abandoning us when we’re going through difficult trials, God moves toward us. He’s not folding His arms; He’s rolling up His sleeves. He’s getting ready to do something in When God allows you to your life that you haven’t experience trials, previously been willing to let Him do. In fact, trials are His motivation is love. proof of love.
God’s love is not a pampering love; it’s a perfecting love. God doesn’t say, “Here, Billy. Have some more cupcakes. Take the one with the extra icing.” That’s not God. Your grandma, maybe—God, no. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him” (Hebrews 12:5b). Through trials, God is disciplining, training, or instructing us, as parents do with their children. Don’t think lightly of what God is doing. In fact, do some heavy thinking.
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Never forget this: When God allows you to experience trials, His motivation is love. His eyes are upon you. His attention is toward you. This is biblical love—a love that’s willing to take you through a valley to get you to a hilltop. No pseudo solutions or quick fixes with God. He is going for deep, lasting change in you, so “he disciplines [you] for [your] good” (Hebrews 12:10). God’s taking you to a better place. God sees the bull’s-eye, and He’s aiming for it. Like a skilled dentist, God is only drilling out decay, stuff that has made you restless and miserable all your life. When the work is done, your life will be better, but only if you embrace what God is doing.
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J ournal Ever experiences trials. What’s the most difficult aspect of your life right now? How does seeing God’s love as a perfecting love rather than a pampering love affect your view of trials?
P ray Father God, because of my faith in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation, You are my heavenly Dad, and I’m Your child. When I go through trials, help me to see through the pain to the purpose—that You are using hard times to refine my conduct and my character. How much more smoothly the work will go if I accept this trial as from You and for my good rather than resisting it. Help me to accept Your discipline. I can trust You because You love me. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen
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.
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 October
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Como Llegar a Ser Cristiano -Luis Palau
El costo de ser cristiano El costo de ser cristiano es negar y matar a nuestro ego, debemos llevar su cruz, tenemos que estar dispuestos a seguir a Cristo, si es necesario debemos estar dispuestos a dejar amigos y familiares, debemos darle el primer lugar al reino de Dios. En Lucas 9,23 dice: “Jesús le decía a todos: Si alguno quiere venir en pos de mi, niéguese a sí mismo, tome su cruz cada día y sígame, porque todo el que quiera salvar su vida la perderá, y todo aquel que pierda su vida por causa de mi, éste la salvará.” Es necesario que nosotros digamos “Dios si, yo no” al decirle NO a nuestro ego, Dios nos libera y nos hace hijos suyos. En Mateo 19 dice: “Vino uno y le dijo: Maestro bueno, ¿Qué bien haré para tener la vida eterna? Y Él le dijo: ¿Por qué me llamas bueno? Ninguno es bueno sino uno: Dios. Más si quieres entrar en la vida guarda los mandamientos. Le dijo el hombre: ¿cuáles? Jesús le dijo: no matarás, no adulterarás, no hurtarás, no dirás falso testimonio, honra a tu padre y a tu madre; y amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. El joven le dijo: todo esto lo he guardado desde mi juventud. ¿Qué más me falta? Jesús le dijo: si quieres ser perfecto, anda, vende lo que tienes, y dalo a los pobres, y tendrás tesoro en el cielo; ven y sígueme. Oyendo el joven esta palabra, se fue triste, porque tenía muchas posesiones.” Eso es parte del costo de ser cristiano, no tiene que abalanzarse sobre las ofertas de Dios si no está dispuesto a pagar el costo. Puede ser que por entregarse a Cristo, su familia se vuelque en contra suyo, tiene que estar dispuesto a enfrentar esa realidad, en Lucas 1425 Jesús dice: “Grandes multitudes iban con Él; y volviéndose les dijo: Si alguno viene a mí y no aborrece a su padre, madre, mujer, hijos, hermanos y hermanas, y aun también su propia vida, no puede ser mi discípulo. Y el que no lleva su cruz y viene en pos de mí, no puede ser mi discípulo.” Hay que estar dispuestos, si fuese necesario, a dejar a sus amigos y familiares por seguir a Jesucristo. Esto no quiere decir que el cristiano se vuelve una persona desagradable, tampoco significa que va a imponerle el cristianismo a su familia, usted puede insistir cuanto quiera, pero si de corazón no se arrepiente, se convierte y recibe a Cristo, sólo Dios cambia a la gente y solamente cuando la gente se deja cambiar. Cuando uno deja a sus amigos y familiares, luego descubre que esas personas se vuelven tremendos cristianos al ver el cambio en la vida su amigo o pariente. Al considerar el costo de ser cristiano, debemos darle primer lugar al reino de Dios. En Mateo 6-33, Jesús dice: “Buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas os serán añadidas.” Seguir a Cristo demanda que le demos el primer lugar, sin “peros”, a Dios y su Reino. ~Luis Palau
Luis Palau ya entró en la historia moderna como uno de los contados hombres que le hablaron a más personas en el mundo. Su mensaje fue, y es escuchado por más de 800 millones de personas en 112 países a través de la radio y la televisión, y tiene el privilegio de haberle hablado a más de 22 millones de personas cara a cara en 80 países del mundo, organizando, junto a un selecto grupos de colaboradores internacionales y con el apoyo de invitaciones locales, congresos, seminarios, charlas informales, conferencias y recitales-conferencia llamados “Festivales”.
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Miguel Paredes
Book Review: Help My Unbelief Author: Barnabas Piper “I do believe, help my unbelief.”
-Mark 9:24
I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sin. I believe that He was buried and that He was raised from the dead. I believe that I will be in eternity with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that I am already a citizen of the Kingdom of God. I believe! Yet! I am plagued with unbelief day by day. It shows in the way that I am unwilling to love other people when I am driving. It shows when I throw my temper tantrums when things don’t go the way they are supposed to go (according to my ideals). It shows when I attempt to control and manipulate others. It shows when I see the speck in others’ eyes and I ignore the log in my own eye. Need I go on? Unbelief is evident in the way we live, even when we know we believe. Help my unbelief. On the other hand, unbelief can strike at legitimately difficult times in life: the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a failing marriage, a straying child, etc. The hand of our sovereign God can be ques-
tioned in life’s most difficult moments. Is doubt such a bad thing in these circumstances? Some would say that doubt is never a good thing in the life of a Christian. In Help My Unbelief, Barnabas Piper suggests that doubt is something that strengthens our faith. Yes, it can lead the Christian down a path of destruction. There should be a healthy tension between belief and unbelief. Piper walks us through the tension, he defines belief, and he helps us embrace the need to walk through the tension. We do not get clear answers, and we discover that faith is a constant struggle in a world that is broken and corrupt, where the kingdom of God is at hand but not completely experienced. Our faith is not complete, but our Savior and Lord is completely faithful. We can cry out to Him, “I believe, help my unbelief!”
Bookw Revie by
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).
Give Thanks! 1 Thesallonians 5:18
from your friends at Valley Christian Magazine 18 valleychristianmagazine.com
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2015
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Two Dude Ranch Family Vacations Offered in New RGV Children’s Arts Festival
For the past three years, Valley children have won Colorado dude ranch vacations for their families plus $1000 for travel expenses. Next April, two children who live or attend school in the Rio Grande Valley will win dude ranch vacations for their families. This year’s winner, Lauren Powell, 10, vacationed at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado at 7500 feet. Powell’s favorite day of her week-long, Rocky Mountain, riding vacation was the all-day ride. “We rode over a river creek, up the mountain and ate lunch on top of a mountain,” said Lauren. “Along the way, we saw a robin’s nest with bright blue eggs.” Lauren’s mother, Tiffany, said the entire week felt like a dream: “The family vacation to the Bar Lazy J was unlike anything we had ever done before as a family.
No TV, limited to no cell phone, limited to no Wi-Fi for seven days was such a blessing. We ate three meals together as a family for nine days straight. We can’t say enough nice things about the Bar Lazy J owners and staff (including the horses); we felt like we were at home the whole time we were there.” Next year, two families will experience dream vacations. “We plan to have a younger winner and an older winner,” said RGV Children’s Arts Festival co-chair Carey Kinsolving. “Coulter Lake Guest Ranch in Rifle, Colorado and Medicine Bow Lodge near Saratoga, Wyoming are two amazing places with incredible owners. My wife and I have had the privilege of vacationing at each of these ranches. Our winners and their families will have the best vacations ever!” Kinsolving said Coulter Lake looks like a postcard. At 8100 feet, it sits on a pristine lake fed by a mountain spring surrounded by white aspen trees. “For an entire week, my wife rode the most well-mannered horse imaginable,” says Kinsolving. “A beautiful palomino named Natalie stole her heart.”
Lauren Powell, 10, won a week-long vacation at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado plus $1,000 for travel expenses by entering the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. Two dude ranch vacations are being offered in this year’s arts festival. For details, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.
Children’s Arts Festival guidelines, entry forms and questions can be found at www.KidsTalkAboutGod. org/rgv. The festival is open to all children (ages 4-12) who live or attend school in the Rio Grande Valley. There is no entry fee. The deadline is December 17, 2015.
The strength of Medicine Bow Lodge (8400 feet) is the diversity of its riding terrain, said Kinsolving. “There are a lot of mountain streams to ride through and over plus forests where we enjoyed an amazing sunset ride and mountain trails where horses proved to be sure-footed,” said Kinsolving. On one of the forest rides, Kinsolving saw a moose with its calf. “We kept our distance because the female cow moose can be fiercely protective,” said Kinsolving.
Lauren Powell, 10, rode in the Rocky Mountains this summer by winning a week-long vacation for her family through the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. This year’s festival theme focuses on the Gospel of John. For entry details, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv. There is no entry fee.
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Valley Gold Spur sponsors for this year’s arts festival included El Pato Mexican Food, Dairy Queen, orthodontist Dr. Joel Martinez, Rioplex Wireless, pediatrician Dr. Martin Garza, Lone Star National Bank, Gerry and Ann Guerra and Melba’s Dance School. As in the previous three years, Carey and Lisa Kinsolving plan to publish the best writing and artwork from festival entries in an online book. RGV
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Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod. org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. 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.
New Book: IF
Author: Mark Batterson Publisher: Rogers & Cowan
trudging through their lives marked with regret. “What if you are one decision away from a totally different life?,” says Batterson. With his trademark enthusiasm, Batterson guides readers through steps to overcome feelings of guilt, fear and doubt to help them reach their fullest potential.
“Possibilities for our lives are limitless,” says Batterson. “With that life-changing message of hope and freedom, we can trade our ‘if only’ regrets in for ‘what if’ possibilities.”
That ‘what if’ attitude, according to Batterson, offers infinite opportunities and a life-changing assurance that our lives have a greater meaning. Throughout each chapter in the book, the much-admired storyteller demonstrates the power of one little word, “If.” Batterson’s insight shows how some people are stuck in the “if only,”
In the book, Batterson shows readers that they are more than conquerors -- right now and forever -- and because of that, the possibilities for their lives are limitless. Readers from all walks of life will find themselves inspired in whatever endeavor they embark on -- in work, relationships and leisure. Hugh Freeze, head football coach for the University of Mississippi is also a strong advocate for Batterson’s message and upcoming release. “Forget regret! Give up guilt! Do away with doubt! Mark Batterson shows us how to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm,” says Freeze. With significance in addressing today’s culture, Batterson demonstrates how certain principles
can impact our lives in real and relevant ways. Topics covered include freedom, victory and deliverance from emotional bondage, where moving forward in life with confidence and enthusiasm is always the ultimate goal. Batterson stresses that we should live our lives marked with possibilities, with a “what if” attitude that looks forward to the future with confidence.
Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with eight locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and the two most recent, The Grave Robber and Jack Staples and the Ring of Time. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah. -
New Music Releases: Open Heaven / River Wild Hillsong Church
Hillsong Church has announced their new live worship project, Open Heaven / River Wild, set to release on October 16. For the past 23 years, Hillsong Church has had the long legacy of producing and releasing live worship projects, yet this is the first time and project that the church has recorded an entire album live at its annual conference in Sydney, Austraila with more than 25,000 in attendance. This year’s project features songs written by a variety of Hillsong worship leaders including Reuben Morgan, Taya Smith, Marty Sampson, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding and others. The unique album name is no accident. “In Jesus… heaven opens, and in us He stirs a ‘River Wild’... a passionate explosive love for God and for the humanity He created,” explained Hillsong’s Global Creative Director Cassandra Langton. “This is the premise of the album and our prayer is that these songs would ignite and stir within you a passion for God and a love for people.”
Beautiful Offerings Big Daddy Weave
Beautiful Offerings follows the band's best-selling album to date, Love Come To Life, which brought four consecutive No. 1 singles, including an RIAA Gold Certification for hit single “Redeemed.” “The Lord blew our minds in so many ways with how He used our album Love Come To Life," explains frontman Mike Weaver. “The song ‘Redeemed’ became a particularly special anthem. Being redeemed by what He’s done, we step into the identity that Jesus purchased for us. The bridge from that moment to now is the journey that we’ve been on to our new album Beautiful Offerings. In learning how to agree with what He says about us, the Lord shows us more of who we are in Him. The words 'in Christ we can do all things' introduce a brand new season of life. This album is about our learning how to move ahead in the knowledge that He has redeemed us to be Beautiful Offerings.”
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Amanda Cook’s Brave New W orld B y S arah G eil
T
The idea to set sail for the album that became Brave New World began with Cook’s single, the title track to Bethel Music’s Billboard Top 10-selling album, You Make Me Brave. The message and process of writing this song gave Cook the permission and possibility to ask, “What is it like to live in a world without anxiety, a world absent of fear in the presence of perfect love?” For Cook, this has always been a hopeful phrase, a one day experience, but now, with the discoveries proclaimed through Brave New World, it becomes a reality. “This record was my journey chronicling and flag-shipping moments between me and the Lord where there was a benchmark of praise,” states Cook, as she invites the listener to step into the voyage with her. The map for this journey was drawn long before this record was even an idea. Growing up in the
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middle of Canada with a farmer worship pastor for a father, the foundation of Cook’s early life was worship. Amanda had space to imagine, and her parents created an atmosphere for Cook to begin to practice her craft. As a young girl, music was an outlet and expression, but worship was a way of life. She knew that her life was directed unto someone else. Still, there are things about the nature of God that are revealed slowly, and many of these revelations become declarations on Brave New World. The most poignant of these are sung through “Kind” and “Mercy.” Like Sundays as a child, these songs become markers along the voyage. They are pauses of praise, and they come in part through understanding who God is not. “Kind,” a song Cook describes as subtle and brooding,
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promises that God is not a powerful tyrant who operates like humans. Instead, He is kind like a father. For Amanda, these songs proclaiming the nature of God are personal moments of contemplative prayer declared from years of wrestling. The personal passage across the sea is not without companions. The opening lines on the album from “The Voyage” were written as a gift from Cook’s dear friend, Steffany Gretzinger: “Speak, even if your voice is trembling. Please, you’ve been quiet for so long.” Similarly, Gretzinger trusted Cook with a song born out of her personal encounter and “Pieces” emerged, another bold declaration of God’s nature echoing, “You don’t give your heart in pieces/ You don’t hide yourself to tease us.” Along with Gretzinger, Cook also credits Bethel Music, Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury as critical members on the journey, saying that the album’s producers “Jason and Paul essentially pastored my heart through it.” In addition to guiding Cook, Mabury co-wrote “Heroes,” a song about “dancing upon disappointment” from the perspective of rest. The rejuvenating rhythm compels a listener to dance and to remember the foundation of the movement. With this song, she describes God as the chore-
MUSICAL LIVING A
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ographer teaching us to overcome disappointment not by being strong enough, but by trusting and dancing. The dance becomes another characteristic of the Brave New World. In “City of Hope,” Cook responds to the mercy and kindness of God by expounding on a passage in Isaiah: “He mends the brokenhearted and those people who were the brokenhearted become partners with him to actually rebuild broken cities. They become harbors. It is a partnership with humanity. He mends us so well that we become cities of hope, safe places for people that are broken hearted to come in and be mended. That’s what He has done for me.” The “City of Hope” that she crafts is a beautiful dwelling place. The gentle piano sets a tranquil space for the song to breathe and grow, while Cook’s lilting vocal expresses timid joy that becomes strong. Like the sun setting over the ocean, this album is art. Referencing Madeleine L’Engle, who states that art is meant to provoke us to ask the right questions, Cook hopes that through Brave New World, listeners will feel invited, provoked even, to question. Like art has done for Cook, her hope is that these questions will awaken the desire to know Him and to be known by Him. Thus, the album is intentionally crafted like a painting made with strokes of melodies and chords. Much like Cook had space to dream as a child, there is room in the music for pause, reflection, praise,
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and even imagination. Cook eloquently summarizes her vision for Brave New World: “If we were on a ship in the ocean every water drop in that ocean is a testimony of his nature and his goodness. The vastness of that picture is what I want people to encounter in this album. These songs are droplets, and they are precious to me, because I’ve spent time in that water. I hope that these water droplets invite people in. We have a kind God, a merciful God, a God who doesn’t hide his heart in pieces. I want to expose the little pieces I know in my heart to be true.” The sea of droplets and truth carries the vessel of friends and community to a bold destination, a place where peace prevails and declarations of God’s are an anthem.
Y
No need for professionals Dear Dave, My wife and I moved to Washington, D.C., about a year ago, and we’d like to put our old place in North Carolina that we’ve been renting on the market. We’ll be asking around $140,000 for it, so do you think we should consider professionally staging the home? Ben Dear Ben, It would make a lot of sense if you were talking about a million-dollar house, but with a less expensive home like that I’d just make sure it’s really clean and neat and nice — especially the front area with the sidewalk and bushes. We’re talking curb appeal here. Make sure the front door, trim and porch area are all cleaned or painted, too. All this is like a first impression on a job interview. There shouldn’t be any bad smells in the house, and everything inside should be crisp and clean as well. You can stage it yourself with a few pieces of nice furniture and such, if you have it available. And try this old realtor’s trick to make things a bit more homey: Put few drops of vanilla extract on an eye of the stove while it’s heated. It will make the whole house smell like you’ve been baking cookies.
But no, I wouldn’t pay to stage a $140,000 house.
Dave Says
—Dave
Going to extremes is unhealthy Dear Dave, I’ve heard you talk about extreme spenders and extreme savers. Exactly what do these terms mean? Marianne Dear Marianne, Some people have a tendency to live in the moment, while others think more about the future. Financially speaking, those who live in the moment tend to be spenders, while the other type tends to be savers. When you take these kinds of behaviors to unhealthy extents, you have extreme spenders or extreme savers. Either one can be an unhealthy thing. Extreme spenders may need to slow down, grow up and learn the value of money by living on a budget, setting savings goals and working to meet these goals. Extreme savers often operate out of fear and uncertainty. In some cases, they may have an even worse spirit in their lives — greed. They have to learn that it’s okay to have a little fun spending and to give generously.
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
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When it comes down to it, there are only three uses for money: spending, saving and giving. You have to do some of all three in order to have a truly happy and healthy life! —Dave
October 2015
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VALLEY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE EVENTS
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October 2015
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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 28 valleychristianmagazine.com October 2015