+PJO VT BU OE 4U #JTUSP ] #BS 8F MPPL GPSXBSE UP TFSWJOH ZPV JO PVS #JTUSP #BS 8F BSF PQFO GPS #SFBLGBTU -VODI BOE %JOOFS PS KPJO VT GPS IBQQZ IPVS GPS SFGSFTIJOH ESJOLT BOE EFMJDJPVT BQQFUJ[FST
(956) 686-3000
8IFSF UIF MJUUMF UIJOHT NFBO FWFSZUIJOH ™ November 2015
2  valleychristianmagazine.com
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 3
Dino Home Health Care Services, PLLC Speech Pathology Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Dino HomeHealth Care Services will go to your child’s home to provide Speech, Occupational or Physical Therapy Services. We can also work around your schedule in order to meet your children’s therapy needs. children
If you have any questions, call us today at:
956-580-1000
1315 West Main Ave, Suite 11 Alton, TX 78573
4 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
Contents November 2015
Vol. 5 / Issue 7
On The Cover - p18
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com
AUSTIN STONE WORSHIP Releases This Glorious Grace
Features
CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine
17 FCA
Fields of Faith Photos
19 Music Spotlight
Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
Austin Stone Worship
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
20 Kids Talk About God
Art by Sofia Angelini, age 7.
956-314-O161
For Advertising Contact:
Rudy Ruiz 956-314-8799 info@valleychristianmagazine.com
Stella Gallegos 956-739-1663
21 Thanksgiving Jokes for the Dinner Table 25 New Books & Music
Columnists
27 Events
6. Lysa Terkeurst
W H E N R E J E CT I O N S T E A LS T H E BEST OF WHO I AM
Stella@valleychristianmagazine.com
Ronnie Guerra Vela 956-599-8036
Ronnie@valleychristianmagazine.com
8 Dave Ramsey Special 7 Steps to living the Life of your Dreams
10 Aubrey Sampson Shame No Longer Has Me
Christian Torres Publisher
Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com
Stephanie Torres Accounting
stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com
12 Greg Laurie Dropped
14 James MacDonald Authority Issues
16 Luis Palau
Reciba A Cristo en su Vida
James Alexander Distribution
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
26 Dave Ramsey Dave Says
Check Out Valley Christian Magazine’s Newest Segment p24:
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.
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 5
W H EN REJ EC TIO N S TE ALS TH E BES T OF W H O I AM B Y LYS A TER KEU R S T
W
“We don’t need you there.” A simple sentence. Five words. Five syllables. However, in my brain the interpretation of this sentence was anything but simple.
said and added pages of commentary. This additional dialogue highlighted my insecurities, brought to mind all the many reasons I was surely being excluded, and vilified the person who uttered those five words that started this whole thing.
Later that night I retold my husband the whole story. With great emotion and lots of added commentary, I gave him the play-byplay. Finally, I paused long enough to catch my breath and fully expected him to jump right in with a rally cry of absolute support and an offer to rush to my defense.
It unleashed a flood of uncertainty. My brain instantly fired off locator arrows that traveled to past rejections in my memory. Past hurt was pulled into this current conversation. Suddenly, I wasn’t hearing “We don’t need you there.” I was hearing, “You aren’t wanted.” Rejection always wants to steal the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what’s been said to me. The best of who I am was certainly not the one interpreting this comment. The most hurt version of me took what was
6 valleychristianmagazine.com
I blinked back my tears. I swallowed the long-winded speech I was dying to spew in retaliation to her hurtful proclamation. And with a simple, “Okay,” I walked to my car.
Suddenly, this person was unsafe. She was insensitive. And worst of all, I pictured her rallying others to believe the worst about me as well. November 2015
Instead he said, “Lysa, what else might she have meant by her statement? Is there any chance she didn’t intend to hurt you, but rather was just simply stating the fact that they had enough people participating and you didn’t have to feel the pressure to attend?”
I shot back, “Oh no, I’m telling you this was so much more than that.” Right as I was about to unleash another dramatic retelling of the whole situation, he wrapped me in a hug and said, “Lysa, just make sure you aren’t holding her accountable for words she never said. She didn’t say you weren’t wanted. She didn’t say you weren’t capable. She didn’t say others were thinking the same way as her. She simply said they didn’t need you there.”
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!!
I wish I could tell you my attitude turned around immediately upon hearing his wisdom bomb. It didn’t. I continued to stew the rest of that night and may have given my sage husband the cold shoulder. But the next morning, I dared to consider what he’d said. I called the gal who I’d spoken to the day before and asked a few questions. And in the end, I realized there was absolutely no agenda behind her statement at all. In fact, she thought she was doing me a favor by assuring me that I wasn’t needed so that I wouldn’t feel pressure to have to be gone from home during that very busy season. This situation happened 8 years ago, but I think about it often. It taught me 3 perspectives that I don’t want to forget: 1. When I’m tired or stressed, I’m more likely to interpret interactions with others way more emotionally than I should. Therefore, I should wait to respond until I’ve had a chance to rest and de-stress. A depleted girl can quickly become a defeated girl when she lets emotions dictate her reactions. 2. Believe the best before assuming the worst. Even if they didn’t have my best interest in mind, they probably didn’t have the worst intentions either. Regardless, being positive will keep me in a much better place.
How long have you been meaning to call us? Don’t let another month go by!
3. Clarify. Clarify. Clarify. When in doubt, I should ask them to help me understand what they truly meant. And when I clarify I must recognize and resist adding any additional commentary my past hurt has added to this situation. Can you think of a situation in your life where these perspectives might help? I certainly haven’t perfected making these perspectives the first thing I think of when I’m in an uncertain situation. But at least I do think of them. And that’s great progress, so feelings from yesterday’s rejections don’t take away from today’s relationships.
Call to advertise today!! 956-314-0161
About Lysa: Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family.
Valley Christian Magazine 3827 N. 10th Street, Suite 301 McAllen, TX 78501 valleychristianmagazine.com
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 7
7 STEPS TO LIFE OF By Dave Ramsey
F
For more than 20 years, I’ve had the honor of helping millions of families take control of their money and stop drowning in debt. It’s been awesome to see so many people change their lives!
Early on, however, I noticed a pattern with the people I was counseling and the callers on my radio show. The thought of getting out of debt was overwhelming to them. The pile of debt in front of them seemed too big, and they didn’t know how to start. That’s why I created the Baby Steps. These seven money markers are designed to get you out of debt and show you how to build the kind of wealth you always dreamed of. But taking control of your money doesn’t happen overnight. The Baby Steps are based on the idea that you can accomplish anything if you take it one step at a time. Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 in a Beginner Emergency Fund Life happens. Transmissions blow and dryers burn out. An emergency fund takes care of these not-so-happy surprises. Don’t be one of the 60 percent of Americans who can’t cover unexpected expenses. Having $1,000 set aside just for emergencies puts a little buffer between you and the “Check Engine” light on your dashboard. Step 2: Pay off all debt with the Debt Snowball List all your debts except your house from smallest to largest by balance. Make minimum payments on all of them except the smallest one, and attack that one with a vengeance! Put every dollar you can get your hands on toward that smallest debt and get it out of your life for good! Once the first one is out of the way, take that money and add it to the next debt on the list. Keep going all the way down the list, one debt at a time. Every time you pay off one debt, you have more money to throw at the next one. That’s what we call it the Debt Snowball: As the snowball rolls over, it picks up more snow. By the time you get near the bottom of your debt list, it starts to look like an avalanche! You’ll be debt-free faster than you ever thought possible! Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored five New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. “The Dave Ramsey Show” is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Follow Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
8 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
Step 3: Build a Fully Funded Emergency Fund of 3–6 months of expenses Once you’re out of debt except your house, go back to that little
LIVING THE YOUR DREAMS
emergency fund and beef it up to a full 3–6 months of expenses. At that point, you have no debts other than the mortgage, and you have $10,000–15,000 in the bank just for emergencies. Life starts to feel a little different here, doesn’t it? Step 4: Invest 15% of household income into retirement With no debt and a big emergency fund, you’ve finally freed up your greatest wealth-building tool: your income. So now it’s time to focus on your retirement dream. Once you hit Baby Step 4, I want you to start investing 15% of your income into your 401(k) and Roth IRA. Step 5: College funding for children After you’ve gotten your retirement fund going strong, it’s time to think about college for the kiddos. I recommend the Education Savings Account (ESA). Most families can save up to $2,000 a year in an ESA. If you want to do more, you can also check out a 529, but only choose a 529 that leaves you in control of your investments. Step 6: Pay off your house Now it’s time to reach for the golden ring. Keep going! Don’t stop now! How cool would it be if you actually owned your home instead of the bank? Then do it! Put every extra dollar in the budget toward paying off the mortgage early. Step 7: Build wealth and give Baby Step 7 is my absolute favorite because it’s the most fun. With zero debt and a big emergency fund, you can now build wealth, give like crazy to good causes, and leave an incredible legacy for your family. This is the goal! If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with millions of families, it’s this: Your situation isn’t hopeless. With a lot of hard work and determination, anyone can get out of debt and build wealth. Because when you live like no one else, you can truly live and give like no one else.
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 9
Shame No Longer Has Me “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5 (NIV) By Aubrey Sampson
You know that phenomenon when you learn about a new car for the first time, and then begin to see it everywhere? Shame is a lot like that. Once we begin to recognize its presence in our lives, we start to see how much emotional space it takes up.
people’s expectations (real or imagined), and you’re beginning to buckle under the pressure. Perhaps you feel self-conscious about not having a boyfriend or a happy marriage when all of your friends seem content in their relationships.
The difficulty with shame, however, is that it encompasses such a wide range of emotions it can be difficult to define. Perhaps the simplest way to understand shame is to think back on a moment when you experienced it.
Perhaps a friend betrayed you, one of your parents was emotionally or physically absent, or your loved one has a secret addiction, and you think it’s all somehow your fault. Maybe you’re stressed about your children and how you handle things at home.
You may have felt embarrassment, discomfort or self-consciousness. (I was in middle school when it was cool to have pink and purple braces and bangs up to the clouds, so I definitely know self-consciousness!)
The voice in your head says, I’m not a very good mother. Maybe you feel like a failure because life got hard, and now your dreams seem out of reach, or you just don’t know who you are anymore. Maybe
Shame can also express itself in much weightier emotions, like when we feel humiliated, inadequate, injured or abused.
So many women live under the weight of shame without realizing it because we’ve been conditioned by culture and life experience to accept that feeling as normal. Shame is simply always there; it’s that familiar yet profound feeling that we don’t measure up.
Add to all of that, the pressure we often feel as women to be successful, sophisticated and in great shape, we can feel ashamed when we make even the tiniest of mistakes. At its core, an identity of shame is the belief that, in whole or in part, I am not enough. That “not-enoughness” is what drives our shame.
Think about it.
Maybe you regularly view life through the lens of other
10 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
you go through life with ever-present feelings of inadequacy; you worry what other people would think if they knew the real you. Shame lurks in all of these things. (I could go on, but at the risk of depressing us all, I’ll stop there.)
In spite of the overwhelming nature of shame, there is good news. The promise of Scripture is that when we look to God, He transforms our shame into something beautiful — a sparkling, splendorous joy.
It may take time, and there may always be moments in life when we experience shame, but when our identity is centered in Christ — not only knowing who we are in Christ, but knowing who He is in us — we can discard the dark covering of shame and rise in radiance. In other words, we may have shame, but in Jesus, shame no longer has us.
Whether you’re simply having a “not enough” moment, or you’ve been hiding in shame for years, have hope. You can overcome shame, because your Overcomer already has.
Dear heavenly Father, I praise You because You not only remove my shame, You faithfully transform it into something beautiful and new. And while I don’t fully understand it, I know You have the power to help me overcome shame because You’ve already done so on the cross. Open my heart to experience Your love and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY: 1 Peter 2:6, “For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’” (NIV)
REFLECT AND RESPOND: Think back over the last few days. What kinds of things — small or large — have triggered shame in you? In what ways might your life be different if you could be free of shame? For example, consider the impact on your relationships, aspirations, confidence and faith. When you face shame, what’s one thing you can do to reassure yourself of God’s love? About Aubrey: I am uber-passionate about empowering women to overcome their shame – specifically through the Gospel. I’m a wife of fifteen years to my hubs, Kevin, and a mom to three young and crazy boys. (Which is to say that I spend most days in my pajamas drinking waaaaay too much coffee. I drink it for the creamer, mostly; I heart coffee creamer.) On those miraculous days when I manage to get dressed, I mentor young women, and speak at churches, MOPS groups, bible studies, ministry events, and retreats. I also serve on the teaching team at Renewal Church, a brand new church plant in the Chicago area. © 2015 Proverbs 31 Ministries All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission. www.proverbs31.org
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 11
Dropped 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
One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive--anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” —2 Samuel 9:1 Copyright © 2015 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
He was only five years old when his father and ther, Saul, was getting crazier by the day, so he grandfather were killed in battle. His life of started making preparations for the future. He privilege and potential up to that point made his friend David promise that he would had not prepared him for the hard take care of Jonathan’s descendents. life he would face in the future. David not only made that promise to God specializ- Jonathan, but in doing so, he was He was a little prince named Mephibosheth, and he was bees in taking peo- making it to Saul as well. ing raised by his godly father, Jonathan. ple who have been When news hit the palace that Mephibosheth’s father and dropped in life and grandfather But dark clouds were gatherwere killed in bating in his small world, and in picking them up tle, his nurse was in a hurry to a moment, through no fault of get Mephibosheth into hiding. She again his own, his life would forever dropped him, and the little child change. was forever disabled. In fact, his name Mephibosheth means “a shameful thing,” Jonathan saw it coming. He knew that his fa- although there is nothing shameful about hav-
12 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
ing a disability. (The only thing shameful is giving a child a name like that.) Mephibosheth was looked down on and was thought of as less than others. He was dropped in life. Maybe, like Mephibosheth, you have been dropped in life. Maybe as a child you were mistreated, neglected, or abused. Maybe you were forgotten. Maybe you weren’t given a lot of hope when you were growing up. The good news is that God specializes in taking people who have been dropped in life and picking them up again. I was dropped in life, but God reached out and picked me up. And He can do that for you as well.
Open 24 Hours A Day
CREATIVE TERMITE &L.J. PEST CONTROL MCCOY - CERTIFIED APPLICATOR
“When you get CREATIVE you can say Buenos Noches to Roaches!” Complete Business, Home & Yard Pest Control
Call L.J. at 956-239-1995
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 November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 13
Authority Issues by james macdonald
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16, ESV
T
The Word of God isn’t just any book.
choose what looks appetizing.
It is God’s owner’s manual.
2 rental car insurance—which you’re glad to have, but only in an emergency.
It is God’s manifesto for human life.
It is the manufacturer’s specification for all things happiness. It is the authoritative Word from the Creator of the universe about how life really works. Every word of it comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The Author is God, and the writers were “holy men of God [who] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21, NKJV). It is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). It will outlast heaven and earth (Matthew 24:35).
3 a seatbelt—an unavoidable nuisance that cramps your style. 4 high school algebra—technically accurate but practically irrelevant. 5 a hobby—like a fun phase in life. Does this characterize your thinking in any way? If so, it’s time to accept the priority and authority of God’s Word. Here’s how you know when the Bible is your authority: when it can stop you dead in your tracks. If you were going in one direction that seemed right to you but then realized the truth, slammed on the brakes, and changed direction, then that’s proof you’re living under the authority of God’s Word.
It instructs us about “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV).
We all have a propensity to go the wrong way. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end “YOU WILL NEVER HAVE THE POWER is the way to death” (ProvTO LIVE A FULL, FRUITFUL, GODLY LIFE erbs 14:12). We can’t folthe direction that feels UNTIL YOU CHOOSE GOD’S WORD low right. We have to choose the route we know is right AS YOUR FINAL AUTHORITY.” according to God’s Word.
You will never have the power to live a full, fruitful, godly life until you choose God’s Word as your final authority. Do you want power over temptation? Do you want power over that draining and difficult circumstance that you can’t conquer on your own? God’s Word has the power.
God has eternally determined that what is written there will happen. That’s why, in the face of temptation, Jesus replied, “It is written . . . It is written . . . It is written . . . ” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). It will be as God said. Which begs the question: Do you treat God’s Word as the authority in your life? Some people minimize the Bible. They treat it like . . . 1 an hors d’oeuvres tray—where you can pick and
14 valleychristianmagazine.com
You also know the Bible is your authority when it helps you recognize and break a negative pattern of thinking in your life—a lustful thought, a selfish habit, or a destructive way of looking at someone or something. Your thinking was skewed and taking you down the wrong way, but God’s Word stopped your spiral and corrected your direction. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word keeps you from falling in the sin-ditch. It keeps you from stepping in a sinkhole. God’s map keeps you from speeding up the freeway ramp into oncoming traffic. It keeps you from devastating your life and the lives of the people you love. Is it the authority in your life?
October 2015
J O U R NAL 1 Do you treat God’s Word as the authority in your life? Recall a time when God’s Word stopped you dead in your tracks 2 In what ways have you been tempted to minimize the authority of the Bible in your life?
P R AY Father God, thank You for Your Word. Forgive me for minimizing it, for treating it like it’s just another book with optional guidance. I’m tired of living by what I feel. I choose to live by what I know is true: Your Word. I submit to the authority of the Bible in my life, and by faith I believe that Your Word protects and guides me and shows me the best, happiest way to live. Even Jesus used the Word to defeat temptation, and I want to be more like Him. I pray in His matchless name, 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.
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 15
Reciba a Cristo en Su Vida -Luis Palau
Para llegar a ser un verdadero cristiano, usted debe dar un paso final: recibir a Cristo en su vida. Si toma este paso usted va a nacer de nuevo, “Jesús le dijo: De cierto, de cierto te digo, que el que no naciere de nuevo, no puede ver el reino de Dios.” Juan 3-3. Nacer de nuevo es una experiencia espiritual, genuina, revoluciona la vida y como resultado va a empezar a tocar a su familia, a sus seres queridos, su trabajo, su sociedad e incluso puede tocar a la nación y aún más allá. El primer paso comienza dentro suyo.
La labor social más profunda es que millares de compatriotas le abran su corazón a Cristo, el país sufre porque nosotros, quienes lo poblamos, provocamos el sufrimiento. Si yo consigo, en el nombre de Dios, por el poder del Espíritu Santo y la Palabra de Dios, que millares de personas nazcan de nuevo, su vida va a cambiar; mayor bien no se puede hacer a ningún país, eso es obra divina y nosotros como cristiano, al compartir el mensaje de Cristo estamos provocando un cambio radical, muy profundo, un cambio de fundamento.
Para recibir a Cristo usted debe depositar su fe en el Señor Jesucristo, creer en Él de todo corazón; en Romanos 3-21:26 dice: “Ahora, aparte de la ley de Dios, se ha manifestado la justicia de Dios, justicia que ha sido testificada por la ley y por los profetas; la justicia de Dios por medio de la fe en Jesucristo, para todos los que creen en Él. Porque no hay diferencia, por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios, siendo justificados gratuitamente por su gracia, mediante la redención que es en Cristo Jesús, a quien Dios puso como propiciación por medio de la fe en su sangre, para manifestar su justicia, a causa de haber pasado por alto, en su paciencia, los pecados pasados, con la mira de manifestar en este tiempo su justicia, a fin de que Él sea el justo, y el que justifica al que es de la fe de Jesús.” Dios ofrece Su justicia y vida eterna a todos los que creen en Jesús, y son justificados delante de Dios, por la obra de Cristo en la Cruz. ¿Ha recibido a Cristo, arrepentido, por la fe, en su corazón? Ponga su fe en Jesús mediante una oración para nacer otra vez.
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”.
16 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
Usado con Permiso. Derecho de Autor 2015 www.luispalau.net
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 17
AUSTIN STONE WORSHIP THIS GLORIOUS GRACE B Y B RI A N LU N DI N
Austin Stone Worship is a collective of artists who serve and equip the church with songs and resources rich in theology, mission, and expression. Their latest album, This Glorious Grace, is an intensely personal and yet wholly communal look into what God is doing within The Austin Stone Community Church and throughout the city of Austin. “The motivation for this album was to capture what’s already going on in our church,” says Aaron Ivey, Pastor of Worship for The Austin Stone Community Church. “These are the songs that engage our people.”
leased it for free? Could they tell whole story of how this album came to be? In the resulting films for This Glorious Grace, a three-tier chandelier hangs over the stage, casting a unified glow over the crowd. This centerpiece is a tangible icon of the collaboration below, where on a single night in May 2015, more than
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2002, The Austin Stone Community Church exists to exalt the name of Jesus Christ in its city and around the world, and to welcome all people in worshipping Him. Austin is well known for its creative influence and community, and Austin Stone Worship couples the city’s creativity and culture with worship of Jesus Christ. This Glorious Grace stands as a unique reflection of worship at The Austin Stone Community Church. Over the last 13 years, The Austin Stone Community Church has grown from 120 people meeting in a middle school cafeteria to a church serving the whole city with five locations and weekly attendance over 8,000. In the midst of this growth, the artists of the Stone sought to stay connected, even as they served all over Austin. Small, casual collaborations and friendships blossomed into more formal projects, and then grew into monthly gatherings for artists who lead the church in worship. The whole Austin Stone Worship collective—songwriters, worship leaders, musicians, writers, filmmakers, editors, and photographers—began to gather monthly for a meal, worship, encouragement, and communion. These nights quickly became an important rhythm for the Austin Stone Worship community. Out of these nights of intimate worship, the vision for recording This Glorious Grace sprang to life. After an evening singing in the round with musicians from several worship bands, an idea took root: the album should be recorded live, at one of these monthly gatherings. When Ivey took this idea to Steven Bush, Lead Storyteller at The Austin Stone Community Church, it evolved further as they began to dream of the possibilities. What if they brought the talents of the church’s storytellers to bear on the project? What if they told the stories behind each song? What if they filmed the live recording and re-
18 valleychristianmagazine.com
and the Word, This Glorious Grace is suffused with biblical truth expressed uniquely through the songwriters’ lives. When Marcus Dawes wrote “Gracious Redeemer,” he not only captured the grand story of the gospel, but he also captured his own story of redemption. Reflecting on a season of struggle and sin, Marcus distilled the source of our desperation to a single confession: “I was lost in sin, held captive by my fear.” But Marcus’s sin and fear is not without answer, and neither is ours. We’ve been delivered from sin, redeemed, and restored as sons and daughters of the King. So we can then declare along with him that, “My God, You came and made a way for me.” Just like “Gracious Redeemer,” each track on this album carries its own backstory, and each is featured in the 11 accompanying story-behindthe-song films. Beyond the songs, the artists behind This Glorious Grace each have their unique stories. One of the most unlikely stories comes from Jaleesa McCreary. McCreary leads the live audience on the title track for the album, but five years ago, something like this seemed impossible. In 2010, McCreary was a vocal performance major at Texas State University when she was diagnosed with cysts on her vocal chords. Doctors informed her she might never sing again. Within a week of diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove the cysts.
70 artists worked to bring the project to life. A gathering for artists to connect and worship Jesus inspired this full film and recording production. And though some circumstances had changed, the desire was still the same. With Jesus at the center, a community of artists came together to praise Him and magnify His name. As much as the captured performances are a pure expression of the worship culture at The Austin Stone Community Church, the songwriting is also intensely personal. Rising out of a church that values both worship
November 2015
The prospect of losing her voice led McCreary to question her purpose, but God was using those questions for her good. She was not wholeheartedly pursuing Jesus then, and her mother kept reassuring her, “We just have to trust the Lord with this.”
McCreary remembers asking herself, What does that mean? I don’t actually know how to do that. After the surgery, the results were better than expected, but the doctors still did not expect her to recover her singing voice. From that moment on, the Lord revealed to her exactly what it looked like to trust Him. McCreary had been attending The Austin Stone Community Church for a few months. She applied and was accepted as an intern working on social media at the Stone. Her voice started to recover through therapy. She started trying to sing jazz instead of the opera she pursued before. God began to strip away pride she had always felt in her singing. McCreary learned to trust Him, and she learned her identity was not in her voice, but in Christ. Her voice grew stronger, and she found herself leading worship for students. It grew stronger still and she was asked to lead worship during Advent. After Advent, she was a regularly leading worship at The Austin Stone Community Church’s Downtown campus.
MUSICAL LIVING A
C
A
D
E
M
Y
Private Voice Lessons:
Personalized & tailored to the individual, private voice lessons offer the students a fun and engaging learning style! Our voice instructors are both classically trained and form part of a contemporary worship band meaning you will get great technique with relevant music!
TEXT #Voice TO (956) 221-3145 & RECEIVE 50% OFF REGISTRATION FEE! Now, McCreary finds herself singing words on the title track of this record that resonate deeply in her soul. When she sings the opening lines of “This Glorious Grace,” she sees a sweetness in the lyrics that others may not. “I think they are so personal. I need you, every breath, every pulse of my heart,” she quotes. “It’s His glorious grace that we can believe that it’s true. They’re not just words we say. They’re actually true.” This Glorious Grace is more than a worship album—it’s a full body of resources for the global church, for worship leaders and individual worshippers alike. For each song on the album, Austin Stone Worship released a film of the live recording, the story behind the song, a theology paper, and other free resources for worship leaders and musicians. The films, stories, and resources for this project flow from a desire to bless and serve the people of The Austin Stone Community Church and churches around the world. “God is infinitely worthy of more praise,” Ivey says. “There need to be more congregations all over the globe sitting in living rooms, cathedrals, arenas, and backyards worshiping Jesus. He deserves more worship.”
Musical Living Academy Phone: (956) 221-3145 Website: www.MusicalLivingAcademy.com
Protect: Robert R Elizalde, Agent 5107 South Mccoll Road Edinburg, TX 78539 Bus: 956-683-9800 robert@robertelizalde.com Mon-Thurs 8:30am to 7:00pm Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm
Your car. Your house. Your bank account.
Save an average of $825.* Protect yourself with America’s #1 car and home insurance company.** Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.
*Average annual household savings based on national 2012 survey of new policyholders who reported savings switching to State Farm.
**Based on A.M. Best written premium. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL • State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm 1005002.1 General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL • State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL, State Farm Lloyds, Dallas, TX
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 19
How Do You Worship God in Spirit and Truth? (John 4:15-26)
“I worship in truth by reading the word of God and having faith that the word of God is 100 percent true, and that God is within me,” says Grace, 10.
of God.” A beautiful church building is no more the house of God than my kitchen.
Thank God that he has revealed himself in writing. Bible study is one of the most productive things anyone who wants to know God can do. On all the major issues of life, God has provided answers.
At one time, God’s presence dwelt in the Jerusalem temple, which was destroyed in A.D. 70. Today, the Jerusalem temple has been replaced by millions of living temples. God indwells all who trust the Lord Jesus as their savior (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Grace has more to tell us: “Spirit is the heart of God and the heart of God is love. I worship in spirit with love. I also worship God in spirit by praying, which is communicating with God. It brings me closer to God because he is revealed to me through prayer.”
As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “God is spirit” (John 4:24a). Like so many today, the woman Jesus spoke with at the well wanted to focus on the visible.
When the woman perceived that Jesus was at least a prophet, she asked him a question about the proper place to worship. The Samaritans said it was at Mount Gerizim in Samaria where Abraham had offered a sacrifice. The Jews said the temple in Jerusalem was the place to worship.
In so many words, Jesus said the physical location of worship doesn’t matter. It’s the condition of the heart that matters. Those who worship God must worship him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24b).
One would think after nearly 2,000 years since Jesus walked the earth that all Christian ministers would stop referring to a church building as the “house
20 valleychristianmagazine.com
“I worship God in Spirit and truth mostly by singing and praying,” says Rebecca, 6.
When singing is mentioned, I think of David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel. Why did God call David a man after his own heart? David had a habit, a very intentional habit: “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope” (Psalm 16:89).
David set the Lord before him constantly. As you read the Psalms that he composed, you see a man totally imbued with God. David cultivated a habit of always setting the Lord before him in his thinking, singing and actions. Yes, David sinned a few times when he failed to set the Lord before him, but he recovered. He finished life well. Singing godly songs is one way to keep your heart and mind on the Lord. If you don’t know it, all the Psalms were originally set to music.
“You can worship God anywhere!” says Karris, 5. “I can even worship God in my bedroom by praying to him, thanking God for my sisters, brothers and toys, or asking him for help when people are mean.”
November 2015
Art by Sofia Angelini, age 7.
Think about this: The condition of your heart (the inner condition of your soul) is far more important to God than your physical location.
Memorize this truth: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Ask this question: Are you worshipping God in spirit and truth?
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.
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 21
Do You Know Jesus?
Do you know Jesus Christ? Many have heard of Jesus and know a little about Him. Many sing songs about His birth at Christmas and know that Easter commemorates His resurrection. Some think of Him as a teacher or perhaps the founder of a major world religion. But, do you know Him personally? Do you know that Jesus died and rose again, not to start a spiritual movement but because He loves you and wanted to provide a way for you to know Him?
The Bible tells the story of God’s love for people. In the beginning, God created us to reflect His image and to have a relationship with Him (Genesis 1:27). We were created good, and then sin entered the world. We essentially chose to try life on our own without God, instead of living our lives for God as we were designed.
God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins and bring us into a relationship with Him. Through Him, we can know the promise of eternal life and experience the joy of knowing God here on earth!
If you would like to have a relationship with God, the Bible tells us that the first step is acknowledging that we have sinned and that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s love (Romans 3:2326). Next, we believe and confess that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9) and allow Him to guide our lives. Where we once wanted to control our own futures, we now invite Jesus into our hearts to be Lord over our lives.
Knowing God’s peace, perspective, and purpose for your life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus.
22 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
Follow these steps to a New Life with Jesus 1 God’s purpose is life and peace: God desires for you to have life and peace now and for all eternity.”I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b
2 Recognizing the problem: sin and separation: We were created to know, love and glorify God. When we choose to go our own way, living life in willful disobedience to God, we are choosing to be separated from God both now and for all eternity.The Bible says we are sinners…“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 But God is love…“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 And God is also just…“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
3 We cannot save ourselves: Because God is Holy, He cannot allow sin to enter into Heaven. Most people attempt to save themselves by their own efforts, good works or church attendance. The Bible says… “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 How then can a sinful person enter Heaven where God allows no sin?
4 We are saved by grace: The good news is… in spite of our sin, Christ died for us.“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not of
works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9” But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 5 Responding to God’s gift by faith: “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Would you like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life? “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life, you can pray the following prayer: Lord, I confess that I have sinned against You and ask You to forgive me. I’m sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to You and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross.
I believe that You love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You. I ask You to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I trust You with everything, and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know You here on earth and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
What do I do now? Just like a new baby needs to be cared for and nurtured in order to grow physically, a child of God needs to be nurtured in order to grow spiritually. Here’s how you can begin growing in Christ:
1 Tell someone: Tell a pastor or Christian friend who will help you grow and find your gifts of service. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11, 12
2 Be baptized: This is your first act of obedience. “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:48
3 Join the church: The church is where God’s family encourages and supports one another.”How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
4 Pray and read your Bible daily: God communicates His will for your life through His Word and prayer.”Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Seek a godly mentor: A mentor teaches you the ways of God and how to live a holy life. “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” Titus 2:3
© 2015 Proverbs 31 Ministries All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission. For more info go to www.proverbs31.org
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 23
I
Thanksgiving Jokes for the Dinner Table
t’s Thanksgiving, one of my favorite days of the year. There’s nothing better than gathering together with loved ones for football, parades, and food. Soon the table will be set, the turkey will be dressed, and everyone will sit down together. In my house, we love to laugh. We thought we would share some of our favorite jokes and riddles with you and spread some laughter in your house today. We hope these bring a smile to you and your family. Please enjoy these kid-friendly Thanksgiving jokes as well as jokes from standup comedian Steven Wright.
Kid Thanksgiving Jokes: • • • • • •
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims Knock, knock. Who’s there? Gladys. Gladys who? Gladys Thanksgiving. Aren’t you? Where do you find a turkey with no legs? Exactly where you left it What happened when the turkey got into a fight? He got the stuffing knocked out of him! Why didn’t the turkey play the drums after dinner? Because someone had eaten his drumsticks What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi
Stand up comedian Steven Wright:
• My mechanic told me, “I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.” • If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you. • The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread. • If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments. • Borrow money from pessimists — they don’t expect it back. • Half the people you know are below average. • I was sad because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet. So I said, “Got any shoes you’re not using?” • Cross-country skiing is great if you live in a small country. • I spilled spot remover on my dog. Now he’s gone. • My dental hygienist is cute. Every time I visit, I eat a whole package of Oreo cookies while waiting in the lobby. Sometimes she has to cancel the rest of the afternoon’s appointments. • I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn’t park anywhere near the place. • For my birthday I got a humidifier and a de-humidifier. I put them in the same room and let them fight it out. • What’s another word for Thesaurus? • When I get real bored, I like to drive downtown and get a great parking spot, then sit in my car and count how many people ask me if I’m leaving. • When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, “Well, what do you need?” • The sign said “eight items or less”. So I changed my name to Les. • I washed a sock. Then I put it in the dryer. When I went to get it, it was gone. • I went down the street to the 24-hour grocery. When I got there, the guy was locking the front door. I said, “Hey, the sign says you’re open 24 hours.” He said, “Yes, but not in a row!” • I installed a skylight in my apartment…The people who live above me are furious! • In my house there’s this light switch that doesn’t do anything. Every so often I would flick it on and off just to check. Yesterday, I got a call from a woman in Germany. She said, “Cut it out.” • The judge asked, “What do you plead?” I said, “Insanity, Your Honor, who in their right mind would park in the passing lane?” • I hate it when my foot falls asleep during the day because that means it’s going to be up all night. • I bought some powdered water, but I don’t know what to add to it. • I was born by Cesarean section…but not so you’d notice. It’s just that when I leave a house, I go out through the window. • I was going 70 miles an hour and got stopped by a cop who said, “Do you know the speed limit is 55 miles per hour?” “Yes, officer, but I wasn’t going to be out that long…” • Tinsel is really snakes’ mirrors. © 2014 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.
24 valleychristianmagazine.com
November 2015
before amen
BOOK SPOTLIGHT:
by Max Lucado We all pray ... some.
We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray. But wouldn’t we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency? We aren’t the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested. And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn’t we use the same? In Before Amen, bestselling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin. Max Lucado is a preacher with a storyteller’s gift—a pastor’s heart and a poet’s pen. Max serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he has been on staff since 1988. He preaches and writes to the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, the discouraged. And his message is simple: God loves you; let him.
New Music Release: SARA GROVES
FLOODPLAIN Her deeply insightful, authentic lyrics and gorgeous vocals make Sara Groves a perennial favorite---and fans will rejoice to discover the singer/songwriter’s new meditation on drawing fresh water from our desert experiences. Features “Enough,” “I Feel the Love,” “Lost Time,” “My Dream,” “Native Tongue,” “On Your Mark,” “Second Guess,” “Signal,” “The Blessed Life,” “This Cup,” “Your Reality,” and the title track.
CROWDER
NEON PORCH EXTRAVAGANZA GRAMMY® acclaimed artist Crowder has unveiled Neon Porch Extravaganza, surprising listeners with a live album recorded in his new hometown of Atlanta. Complete with his famed touring sidekick, Kenny Rodgers The Arctic Fox as the cover art, Neon Porch Extravaganza features six newly recorded live songs and a video element from his latest Neon Steeple, which boldly debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Top 200.
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 25
Doing the right thing Dear Dave, Our son is a senior in college. We all signed a contract before he left for school a few years ago stating that we would pay for school and provide him a car to drive as long as he maintained good grades and behaved in a respectful and mature manner. Over the last couple of years, his grades have dropped and he’s been acting more and more disrespectful. We learned recently that he even told a family friend that he hated us. My husband went to confront him about his behavior and this statement, and our son admitted he said it and was unrepentant. My husband immediately took the car and cut off his cell phone, like we had agreed. But now, I just feel sick with worry. Did we do the right thing? Carla Dear Carla, I’m sure you do feel sick inside. If you didn’t feel that way to some extent, you’d be a terrible person. This is your child we’re talking about. And even though he brought this on himself by being a twerp, and you guys are simply following through on the agreement, it hurts you because you’re human — and a good mom. It may seem extreme to some folks, but what you guys did wasn’t capricious or arbitrary. There was a deal in place, and he knew the terms of the contract. If someone worked for me and did or said or tweeted the kind of stuff you’re talking about, I’d fire them on the spot. This kid has got to learn how to behave in the culture and that there are consequences for breaking your word and violating contracts.
Dave Says
But here’s some good news for you, Carla. You married a real man — a strong and loving man. What he did took a ton of strength and courage. There are so many wimps in our culture today, but you married a good one. And whether this kid realizes it or not, he’s got one heck of a dad who really cares. I’ll give you a prediction. Within 30 days, your kid comes home wagging his tail behind him. Even if he’s stubborn, being hungry and strapped for cash — along with losing his wheels — will solve a lot of that. From diapers until they’re out of the house, and even after they’re out of the house, you make a lot of those kinds of calls if you’re a good parent. —Dave
Pursue nursing another way Dear Dave, I’m 45 years old and a single mom. I have a decent job, but I want to go back to school to become a nurse. The money would be much better than what I make now, but I’d have to take out student loans to make this happen. Is it worth the risk? Susan Dear Susan, Is nursing a field worth pursuing, especially when it is something you love and would increase your income significantly? You bet! Nursing is a very honorable profession. Am I going to tell you to take out loans to make it happen? Absolutely not!
* 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.
26 valleychristianmagazine.com
Save as much as you possibly can first — even if it’s just a little each month. Then, I want you to look into Pell Grants, traditional and non-traditional scholarships and what I call the “indentured servitude” program. There’s still something of a nurse shortage in this country, and there are hospitals and drug companies that will agree to pay your school bills if you go to work for them afterwards for a specific number of years. I’m proud of you, Susan. Gaining knowledge and improving yourself and your career prospects are all good things. But stay away from student loan debt. It’s bad and unnecessary! —Dave
November 2015
VALLEY CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE EVENTS
Get Your Event Here! Call 956-314-0161
November
2015
valleychristianmagazine.com 27
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 November 2015