Valley Christian Magazine Feb 2015

February 2015

Newsboys Live In concert

It’s Never Too Late p14

Find Your Way

Back to God

p22

What if I fall? p22

THE CORNERSTONE OF

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VGAA is the premier Christian Boarding & Day School Academy in South Texas. VGAA has been providing rigorous college preparation in a Christian context since 1937. VGAA is an achievement-oriented community that encourages students to strive toward academic excellence with nearly 100% of our stu dents graduating and attending college. Your student would be a welcome addition to our VGAA family. Call us at (956) 968-0573 to schedule your visit and discover the VGAA Advantage.

77

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENT RESULTS EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENTS EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOR EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOL

Stephen Gifford, Board Chairman, Dr. Andrew Leoni, Senior Academic Affairs Advisor, Mr. Trinidad Torres, Principle. Academy Senior Minister Raja Masilanovy, Mrs. Suzanna de la Garza, School Registrar.

Accepting Enrollment Fall/Winter 2014-15 (classes start August 18) 2 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

4 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

What’s Inside?

February 2015 Vol. 4 / Issue 11

On The Cover

To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

Newsboys in Concert!

State Farm Arena – Feb 22

Features

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine

21.Wedding Feature Chrissy & Tony Torres

22. Find Your Way Back To God

Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:

24. Kids Talk About God

Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501

When is Anger Right?

26. Books!

956-314-O161

Fairness is Overrated

27. Events!

27. KVMV Top 9 Tunes

National Columnists

For Advertising Contact:

Stella Gallegos 956-739-1663

6. Lysa TerKeurst

Stella@valleychristianmagazine.com

Ronnie Guerra Vela 956-599-8036

5 Things to Consider Before Posting Online

Ronnie@valleychristianmagazine.com

10. Tracie Miles

Leila Bird 512-501-9471

What if I Fall?

12. Greg Laurie

Leila@valleychristianmagazine.com

The Christian’s Life Purpose

16. James MacDonald

How to Handle an Internal Drought

Christian Torres Publisher

Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

Stephanie Torres Accounting

stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com

Jonathan Martin Designer

James Alexander Distribution

Johnny Q Photography Photographer

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.

Valley Writers 8. Milton Gonzalez

Unresolved Resolutions

14. Abram Gomez

It’s Never Too Late

26. Miguel Paredes

Review: Coffeehouse Theology

18. Luis Palau

El Modelo de Dios Para Hogares Felices

30. Dave Ramsey Dave Says

5 Things to Consider Before Posting Online

By Lysa TerKeurst

about the team’s coach.

The comments back and forth became sharper and more concerning.

Pretty soon they were in an all-out Facebook fight. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family.

Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. www.LysaTerkeurst.com

H

as your mouth ever gotten you in a tangled-up mess?

Or have you ever been deeply wounded because of the words of others?

I’d have to say yes to both of these.

But thank goodness I’m not alone – my friend, Karen Ehman, just wrote a fantastic book that tackles the hard subjects of gossip, speaking the truth in love, and the power of our words from a biblical standpoint. She’s guest posting today to give us some tips on how to control our tongue (and fingertips) online and through social media. Take it away, Karen…

I still remember the day I got a Facebook page back in 2007. I am pretty much a foreigner in the land of all things techie, but my kids insisted one day that I just could not be a cool mom unless I had a Facebook page.

It just strikes me as strange that friends can argue online or complete strangers can engage in a hearty debate right there on my blinking screen for all the world to see.

Although the Bible was written long before the computer age, I am convinced the truths of Scripture that address how we use our words in speech applies equally to how we use our words online and on social media. In fact, sometimes it’s the online words that give us the most trouble. Unsolicited opinion-slinging. Snark. Or even worse.

There is just something empowering about saying what you really think while hiding behind a computer screen.

Maybe we feel courageous because the person we’re addressing isn’t physically present. Or perhaps going along with the crowd makes it easy to speak harshly. Whatever it is, I have witnessed many people say things in cyberspace I doubt they would ever say in person.

Sometimes the keyboard really does bring out the horrible in us.

So, if we want to honor God with what we say At first, Facebook was fun. But then one day as in cyberspace, what are I walked past the den, I the guidelines we should heard my daughter hol- “It just strikes me as strange follow? Here are 5 things lering at the computer that friends can argue online to consider before postscreen. “What? Are you or complete strangers can ing online: kidding me right now?

That’s a lie!” engage in a hearty debate 1. Pray Before You Post

I popped my head into right there on my blinking If we spend time ingestthe room to inquire ing God’s Truth each screen for all the world to day before we switch on about what had upset my daughter so much. the computer, we might see.”

She invited me to look not write things that at her friend’s Facebook page. They were both are unkind or hurtful. At the very least, we members of a sports team, and a third girl, also should whisper a prayer before we post, asking a member, was on her friend’s page complaining the Holy Spirit to tap on our hearts if we are

6 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

tempted to post anything online that would not glorify Him. 2. Imagine the Recipient Sitting Next to You The Internet is so impersonal. But if a fleshand-blood person were sitting next to us with eyes we could look into, perhaps we would be more careful. Before you post, ask yourself if you would say things differently if the person to whom you’re writing were actually sitting next to you.

3. Remember: When You’re Online, You’re Also on Stage Unless we send a private message, our online words are available for others to see. If I say something in person to a friend and am later convicted I was wrong, I can go back to my friend and apologize. However, if I post something on social media or comment on a blog and later want to retract it, I have no way to chase down all of the people who might have seen the original comment. Just this fact alone should cause us to really weigh our words before we type them out.

4. Ask Yourself If You’ve Earned the Right to Address the Subject at Hand If friends on Facebook are hashing through a hot-button issue of the day, do you have any expertise in the area, or are you only slinging an under informed opinion? We can’t always be an expert on every topic at hand, so when we aren’t, we might do well to refrain from commenting at all.

5. When You Speak, Let Your Speech Be Laced with Grace Our words must glorify God and not just exalt our own opinions. Here is a great guideline from Scripture: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5–6).

Jot down these questions on a sticky note and post it near the computer as a reminder to ask: • Is this comment wise?

• Will writing this comment help me display God’s love to outsiders?

• Is this comment full of grace?

• Have I asked God if this is the best response?

in the d l i h c a ld go: e shou ld, he will he is oom it.” r part f (KJV) 6 : 2 2 rbs

The mission of First Christian Academy is to promote a redemptive relationship between each student and Jesus Christ and facilitate spiritual, academic, social , physical and vocational growth through the provision of an environment in which non-denominational Bible-based Christian values are inspired. Here at FCA we take pride in our family-oriented, positive, loving environment. We pray that the Lord will guide us in living up to our motto everyday, “Teaching Christian Morals, Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

First Christian Academy will have its Annual end of the year program on May 29, 2013 at 6:30 in the evening at First United Methodist Church, 521 S. Illinois, Weslaco. Anyone is invited to attendTeaching and come listen Morals to our -children Christian Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders as they sing and praise the Lord and celebrate all they have learned throughout the school year through The mission of First Christian Academy is to promote a redemptive relationship scripture and songs. currently between each student andWe Jesusare Christ and facilitate spiritual, academic, social , physical and vocational growth through provision taking donations for a missionthe trip to of an environment in which non-denominational Bible-based Christian values are inspired. Here at FCA we take Guatemala, Mexico in June! pride in our family-oriented, positive, loving environment. We pray that the Lord will

First Christian Academy

First Christian Academy 521 S. Illinois Weslaco, Texas 78596 956-968-9030 fcaweslaco@fcargv.com www.fcargv.com

guide us in living up to our motto everyday, “Teaching Christian Morals, Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

- Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

"Follow us on Facebook" and Look up our 2 ads on Youtube under First Christian Academy Weslaco.

Unresolved Resolutions “Let us not become so focused on the words of others or depend on people for encouragement, rather, let us encourage ourselves and find strength in the Lord our God ” .

A

ccording to Forbes Magazine only 8% of the U.S. population achieve their new year’s resolution, the other 92% usually give up by the last week of January. So you, the read- er, are either part of the vast majority or a member of the select few. The accomplishment of goals require planning, discipline and consistency.

There are a few major reasons why people give up so soon in the race: (1) the goal is too lofty and complicated, (2) the goal is unattainable, (3) the individual cannot envision him/herself attaining the goal, (4) the desire or passion is not great enough and (5) there is a lack of outside motivation or encouragement.

Last year I joined the John Maxwell Team and became a Life Coach. I focus on counseling people in three major areas; spirit, mind and body. Through the process of working with over 50 people during 2014 I have been able to pinpoint the main reason people give up on striving to reach their goal - lack of outside encouragement - . Most individuals, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, thrive on “words of affirmation”. Positive words spoken over individuals have the power to propel them to achieve greater goals. Mark Twain once penned “I can live for two months on a good compliment”.

grownups have the exact same need. The need to know that someone believes in them enough to encourage them through the process.

But what happens when the people you most expect words of encouragement from are mute and/or oblivious to your most intrinsic need?

For some, it becomes their greatest handicap.

It keeps them from moving forward and reaching the goal because they are so dependent on those words.

In the Old Testament we read about David and his men. They had established themselves temporarily at a place called Ziklag and set off to wage war against the Philistines. The women and children stayed behind anxiously awaiting the return of their husbands and fathers. David and his men defeated the Philistines and their army and set off back to Ziklag to celebrate with their families.

David and his men were expecting a feast and celebration upon their return however what they saw was far from a celebratory reception. Ziklag had been raided at night time by the Amalekites. They had taken the women and children and burned down the camp. It was desolate and heartbreaking.

“At times all a child needs is to hear from the father is “I believe in you, you can do this”. And grownups have the exact same need.”

At times all a child needs is to hear from the father is “I believe in you, you can do this”. And

David’s men who at one point were his faithful followers were now blaming him and talking about stoning him to death. The Bible says that he cried until he could cry no longer. David then secluded himself and went to seek the Lord…

8 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

1 Samuel 30:6 “But David encouraged himself and found strength in the Lord his God” His dad wasn’t there to say “attaboy, you can do this” nor was his mother there to hold him and tell him how much she loved him. His faithful friends had turned their backs on him and his wives and children weren’t there to embrace him.

BUT David ENCOURAGED HIMSELF and FOUND STRENGTH in the Lord his God Let us not become so focused on the words of others or depend on people for encouragement, rather, let us encourage ourselves and find strength in the Lord our God. If you have unresolved resolutions encourage yourself and allow Him to strengthen you. You don’t need a new year to start over again all you need is a new day. Your new beginning starts today. Get back on your feet, roll up your sleeves, encourage yourself and find strength in Him. Your success story is in the making.

Shalom, Milton Gonzalez www.facebook.com/milton.lifecoach

Milton Gonzalez Milton is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen and has a son David.

He is married to Elena and they have a son Daniel.

SHORT-TERM TRIP. LONG-TERM IMPACT.

Merge International—Merge offers custom mission trips all over the world, anytime of year, for any age, with a variety of ministry options.

Our goal is to encourage local churches and enhance local ministry around the world to further the kingdom of God, and to build crosscultural relationships and partnerships. Merge will prepare your team for international missions.

Merge USA—Covenant churches partnering with Covenant churches in community ministry in order to encourage the local church and enhance what they are doing to serve and share Christ in their communities. Covenant churches and ministries across the country, both rural and urban are inviting your church to participate in what they are doing.

Global Student Leadership—Merge provides an opportunity for US/ Canadian youth to develop as leaders in an international, cross-cultural setting. North American students will live, learn, and serve alongside youth from other nations, and work together to encourage and enhance local community ministry. For 15 to 19 year olds.

Pre-planned trips—Let Merge plan you next missions trip! We offer pre-planned trips all over the world. You can register as an individual, couple, or family, and join others on a pre-planned trip. Leave the planning to us and just prepare yourself to share God’s amazing love in another part of the world.

For information, visit CovMerge.org Or contact us today at merge@covchurch.org

Merge Minstries is a ministry of

What If I Fall?

“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

James 4:17 (NLT)

By Tracie Miles

“R

emember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

James 4:17 (NLT)

turn in line. Yet while she was filled with excitement, dread filled my heart.

It seemed like a great idea at first, until my fear and procrastination caused me to miss a blessing.

I watched each girl clip her carabineer and climb up the towering tree to the first platform landing. My heart raced and my inner voice of reason worked overtime.

What was I thinking?

Why would anyone want to climb all the way up there, just for fun? What if I get up there and I’m too scared to get back down? What if I can’t finish the course and get embarrassed?

What if my rope breaks and I fall?

I’d been invited to speak at a summer camp and my daughter Kaitlyn joined me. In between attending the worship events, we were given the opportunity to sign up for outdoor activities, one of which was a ropes and zip line course dangling high in the mountain trees.

After putting on safety gear and listening to basic instructions, Kaitlyn and I waited our

10 valleychristianmagazine.com February

The more I procrastinated, the more people moved ahead and the more I convinced myself I could not accomplish this task. Finally it was my turn. I started up the tree. Slowly.

Hesitantly. Fearfully. I looked down the entire time, though the camp leaders constantly encouraged me to look up instead. After just a few moments, I caved into all those irrational fears, climbed down the tree and removed my safety gear.

What if I get up there and I’m too scared to get back down?

2015

Later, I watched Kaitlyn climb high into the

treetops, safely attached to the ropes, moving from platform to platform. I regretted my procrastination and fear of taking a risk. As the wind rustled through her long blonde hair and the sun shone on her face, she smiled and hollered down how beautiful the view was from high above. As she zoomed down the zip line and splashed into the lake water below, I could sense the accomplishment and joy that washed across her face.

before we step out in faith, the devil is happy to spend his time trying to bring us down and convince us to never move at all.

Procrastination may seem to come normal for us, but it is never God’s best for us. We don’t often think of it as sin, but anytime we don’t do what God called us to do, when He calls us to do it, it is sin.

It’s easier said than done, but we mustn’t let fear outweigh faith.

“When God calls us to make a “risky” move for Him, we often worry and Jesus encourages And then I realized I’d us to fulfill the missed the blessing try to reason ourselves work He called of experiencing someus to do and not thing new — seeing out of it.” to waste time the beauty of the forest from a higher view instead of my limited view from the ground. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the first time I’d let fear and procrastination interfere with God’s blessings in my life.

Jesus knew we would struggle with procrastination. He gave us Truths in His Word to combat it. But in today’s key verse we also see that not doing what we feel called to do is not only procrastination, but sin.

When God calls us to make a “risky” move for Him, we often worry and try to reason ourselves out of it. We might spend time looking at our obstacles rather than at God, which makes courage flee and fear paralyze us. In fact, when we wait for every life circumstance to be perfect

procrastinating.

Not simply because it’s a sin, but because time is precious, and He promises that obedience brings blessings. How sad to miss the abundant blessings that come when we follow God’s call, simply because we keep putting it off.

Not pushing past my fears to a zip line obviously was not sin, but not doing what God instructs me to do always is. I’ve finally learned that when we take a leap of faith, with God, we have everything to gain and nothing to lose but fear.

Father, give me the courage to take a risk for You and the strength to take a leap of faith in whatever You call me to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

February

2015

TRUTH FOR TODAY: John 9:4, “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” (NLT)

REFLECT AND RESPOND: Write two things God’s prompted you to do that you procrastinated in obeying. Pray for God’s strength and courage to act.

What is one step you can take this week to push past procrastination?

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.

Tracie has been married to her husband, Michael, for more than 24 years.

They have three children and live in Charlotte, N.C. Tracie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and worked in the corporate world for 15 years until God placed a call on her heart to focus on Christian speaking and writing. In addition, Tracie is also a Corporate Trainer in the areas of stress management, work/life balance, team building and leadership. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2015 Proverbs 31

valleychristianmagazine.com 11

The Christian’s Life Purpose

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

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

–Romans 14:17 Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Y

ears ago during a visit with Billy and Ruth Graham, I noticed while we were outside that their dog was continuously going around in circles.

“What’s wrong with this dog?” I asked them.

“He’s chasing his tail,” they told me.

I had heard about dogs chasing their tails, but I had never actually seen one do it before.

best way to not be happy is by trying to be happy.

Share This Today:

Our purpose in life as Christians is to know God and bring Him glory. If you will do that with your life, if you will get up every morning and say to yourself, “I want to know God, and I want to bring Him glory,” then you will find the happiness that has eluded you. You will find the satisfaction you have always wanted by having your priorities in order.

Did you know your purpose in life is to know God and bring Him glory?

Like that dog, some people are effectively chasing their tails in life.

They are chasing after happiness. But the

Anything short of this ultimately will disappoint, because true and lasting happiness never will be found in the things

12 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

this world tells us to look for.

The Bible offers something better than happiness, and that is joy. Happiness largely depends on good things happening. When things are going reasonably well, we are happy. If things aren’t going so well, we are not happy.

But we can have joy despite our circumstances.

The problem with happiness is that it’s generally derived from accomplishments, accumulation, and, to some degree, through escape. The trouble with that is we won’t always be able to accomplish something or escape somewhere.

And the things we have accumulated will go out of style, break, get lost, or may be stolen.

If we live for happiness, we’ll never find it. We’ll be like that dog, constantly chasing his tail.

JOHNNY

PHOTOGR APHY

You can see the wonderful impact The Little Gym can have on your child when you join us for an introductory experience.

Discover your kid's happy place with our Introductory Experience The Little Gym of McAllen tlgmcallentx.com (956) 687-5353

JOHNNY

February

2015

PHOTOGR APHY

valleychristianmagazine.com 13

He had lived a life of sin.

He was paying the penalty for his crimes.

By all appearances, he seemed to be far from God with no intentions on making his life right.

Perhaps, he had hurt others. Maybe he had stolen from others. We really don’t know too much of his story except that he was given a death row sentence. The courts of his day sentenced him to death by hanging. His final breath would take place on a cross for he would be executed by Roman crucifixion.

thanks to Luke, the author of the third Gospel.

History and Scripture identifies a third person in the story. It is another criminal being crucified on the other side of Jesus. This other man began to criticize and revile Jesus. It was during this point of the narrative that we hear the words of the first criminal.

“Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our

the direction of Divine Mercy and says, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And there it was. One last attempt. His soul reaching out for a Savior. He presented himself as a helpless criminal in dire need of rescue. When is it too late? When do you give up? When life keeps dealing you blows? When your own mistakes overcome you? Is that when you finally give up?

Jesus, full of truth and grace, looks to the helpless man and says, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” And there it was. Forgiveness.

Mercy. Love. Redemption.

“Even during his final condemned moments, it seems that grace had pierced the atmosphere of death and found its way into his mouth”

Yet, it just so happened that his place of final breathing moments would be next to another man that had a similar ending but with a different story. This other man had lived a life of righteousness. He was paying a penalty for crimes he had never committed. He was very close to God. In fact, He was the Son of God. To be quite truthful, no one was taking His life for He was laying down His life. His name was Jesus.

Jesus and this criminal crossed each other’s path in a dark and forsaken place. As the audience, we only know of their brief encounter

deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

Even during his final condemned moments, it seems that grace had pierced the atmosphere of death and found its way into his mouth. I have learned that grace has the ability to enter the darkest of places and give us the illumination we need to see the condition of our true selves. Not letting this conversational transaction pass him by, the first thief looks in

It’s Never Too Late

14 valleychristianmagazine.com February

While you may think you have run out of time, it’s never too late. While you may think you have done too much wrong, it’s never too late. While you may think God is tired of your mistakes, it’s never too late.

You still have time to seek Him. You still have time to cry out to Him. You still have time to reach out for the Savior of the World. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

It’s never too late.

Abram Gomez

is the Executive Pastor at Valley International Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Abram has helped to develop leadership in various ministries and programs at VICC. He and his wife, Rebecca, currently reside in Harlingen, TX and are parents to Isabella Claire.

2015

‌ Upload your Christian Band YouTube video along with a $35.00 registration fee to www.trinityworshipcenter.net or email your YouTube video to Chrissy@trinityworshipcenter.net.

Deadline for band entries is Jan. 30, 2015.

1st Place: $1,000.00 2nd Place: $700.00 Tickets $15.00; available at Trinity Worship Center, Viva 3rd Place: $500.00 Life Christian Book Store, Peoples Choice: $300.00 McAllen

See the official Rules and Regulations on our FB Page www.facebook.com/SouthTexasBattle

How to Handle an Internal Drought

by James MacDonald

And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail (Isaiah 58:11, ESV).

just the seat of emotions, your heart represents the immaterial part of you that can know God. It’s the part that will live forever. Here Scripture teaches that our hearts are like a garden. If you weed and water and tend your heart as this passage instructs, you’ll experience a bumper crop of God’s grace. Conversely, if you fail to care for your heart, it will be overrun with weeds. Continued neglect will leave it lifeless and barren of anything capable of bearing fruit.

More than

The best way to grow a lush and healthy garden is to keep it under the care of a master gardener. Isaiah tells us the Lord will fulfill that role in us. Jesus confronted any doubts about God’s interest when He said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1).

When parts of your life feel empty and scorched, when you’re barely surviving, our Father, like a wise gardener, is working to guide, satisfy, and strengthen you.

spiritual hydration for us.

You may have heard stories about the devastating nine-year drought in the 1930s that turned some of North America’s richest farmland into a Dust Bowl. One day in 1935, known as Black Sunday, the wind whipped across the parched ranches and fields, blowing up the dust into an enormous black blizzard and whisking away countless acres of topsoil. While most of us have never lived through a drought of this severity, sadly we have those conditions too often in our spirits.

Maybe you’ve experienced some parched days in your relationship with God. Perhaps you’ve known the sorrow of watching through weary eyes as your heart for something or someone begins to shrivel.

And maybe you’ve had seasons where time with the Lord was non-existent and weekend worship was Black Sunday—not because of the pastor or the people, but because of your internal drought.

“YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE FRESH RAIN OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY UPON YOUR LIFE.”

Isaiah draws a beautiful parallel between what the Lord wants to give us and what an unfailing spring provides for a garden—life. Jesus echoed this promise to the woman in Samaria when He said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Jesus offers a continual source of thirst-quenching, drought-ending, fruit-producing

As dry and desperate as those conditions are, they don’t have to be permanent. Hear this: “Times of refreshing can come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:20). Our heavenly Father takes joy in turning gardens that look like lost causes into lush green places of growth.

You can experience the fresh rain of God’s grace and mercy upon your life. He made that promise through Isaiah. You can feel a surge of energy as

16 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

your eyes gaze in new wonder and awe upon the God who loves you. The heart that beats within your chest can pulse with renewed joy given by the Lord. God is not reluctant; He is ready and willing.

Invite Him to be the master gardener of your heart (John 15:1).

Journal How is the garden of your heart looking today?

What are some of the ways the Lord has been cultivating you?

Pray Lord, thank You for showing me You are not only the master gardener but also the patient gardener. Forgive me for the times when I’ve let my garden get overrun with weeds or become barren and scorched. Thank You for the firm and gracious way You pull what is unfruitful, break up the soil, water my soul, and bring me joy. Thank You for the truth that, under Your care, all things grow as they should, in Your time. Please do Your work in me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

weekdays at 5:30a.m.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago.

James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.

Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

February

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 17

El Modelo de Dios

Para Hogares Felices

N

Luis Palau

o hay nación que sea más fuerte que sus hogares. Un proverbio chino dice: “Si hay armonía en el hogar, habrá orden en la nación.” La unidad familiar es la célula básica sobre la que se construye la sociedad. Sin embargo, la fragmentación de las familias será el derrumbe de nuestra civilización.??Hay cuatro actitudes prevalentes que atacan al hogar desde todas las direcciones: El secularismo declara: “Disfruta tanto como puedas porque sólo se vive una vez.”

El materialismo dice: Consigue más, compra más, construye más.” El sensualismo se une bombardeándonos con inmoralidad y perversión a través de los medios de comunicación. El humanismo secular concluye diciendo: “Gloria al HOMBRE en las alturas--y fuera con la deidad.”

Estas filosofías han conseguido corroer la unidad de la familia. ¿Por qué? Porque se oponen a las indicaciones de Dios para hogares felices. Después de todo, El fue quien inventó la familia. Y en la Biblia El nos ha dejado su modelo tanto a esposos como a padres e hijos.

En primer lugar, la Biblia enseña que debemos descansar en los puntos fuertes de cada uno. En Efesios 5:21 leemos: “Honren a Cristo sometiéndose unos a otros” (BD). Partiendo de la base que Cristo es el Señor de nuestra familia, debemos tratarnos con respeto como El ha ordenado. No puedo imponer mi voluntad continuamente, ni tampoco pueden hacerlo mi esposa ni mis hijos.

Debemos buscar la voluntad de Dios, hacer las cosas a Su manera.

Es necesaria la sumisión para que haya orden y estabilidad. De lo contrario, todos tratan de hacer lo suyo sin orden de ningún tipo.

Una famosa canción habla de hacer las cosas “A mi manera”. Si usted lo intenta y hace las cosas a su manera, herirá a muchos en el proceso, incluso a usted mismo.

Existe el concepto de que el hombre no puede mostrar debilidades, la creencia de que él debe usar una máscara para ocultar sus verdaderos sentimientos. Totalmente falso. La Biblia enseña que el marido debe confiar en su esposa y la mujer debe descansar en su esposo como líder espiritual del hogar.

Esto no implica inferioridades de ninguna clase. A los ojos de Dios el hombre y la mujer están a un mismo nivel. Pablo lo pone en claro cuando dice: “No hay hombre ni mujer, porque todos sois uno en Cristo Jesús” (Gálatas 3:28 BLA).

Dios sabe que una familia funciona mejor cuando hay un líder. Por esa razón puso sobre el hombre esa responsabilidad, pero para que sea llevada a cabo en amor. Hay veces en que mi esposa toma mejores decisiones que yo, racionalmente hablando. Sin embargo ella descansa en mí para las decisiones finales en nuestro hogar. Pero yo a mi vez descanso en su palabra de consejo. Nos complementamos el uno al otro. Un buen líder reconoce la importancia del rol de la esposa.

Cuando los hijos vean que sus padres están en sumisión mutua, será más fácil que los obedezcan (Efesios 6:1-3), especialmente si son disciplinados en amor para su propio bien (Hebreos 12:5-11).

Las instrucciones que Dios ha dejado para tener hogares felices marcarán la diferencia. Lo animo a leer la Biblia y a orar en familia todos los días a fin de aprender más acerca del modelo divino para el hogar, a fin de vivir gozándose en el Señor.

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”.

Y si aún es soltero, lo animo a pedirle al Señor Su dirección para que en el futuro usted y su cónyuge puedan gozarse en un hogar feliz donde Dios sea el centro.

Usado con Permiso. Derecho de Autor 2014 www.luispalau.net

“A Purpose in Life, A Reason for Learning”

THANK YOU

To our Sponsors, thank you for all your support in helping our school build brighter futures for the leaders of tomorrow.

- Vanguard Academy Secondary

2014 - 2015 Sponsor

2013-2014 Sponsors

Escamilla Tour Buses Vanguard Academy * 1200 E. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577 * (956) 781-1701 * www.vanguardacademy.org

20 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

Chrissy Sanchez & Tony Torres January 16, 2015

Trinity Worship Center – Pharr If you are interested in placing your Engagement announcement or getting your wedding spotlighted in the Valley Christian Wedding & Engagement Section, please contact Stella Gallegos.

Email: stella@valleychristianmagazine.com or call her at 956.739-1663

Wedding &

Engagements

Try our delectable truffles. We have 17 flavors to choose from and they can be packaged in individual boxes for the perfect wedding favor. Or try our strawberries dipped in 3 kinds of chocolate.

We also offer bride and groom tuxedo decorating.

We can deliver to your wedding site.

Feature: Toffee Krunch Buy 3 Chocolates and get one free of equal or lesser value!

10% discount on any orders of $200 or more

Palms Crossing Shopping Center * 3300 Expressway 83, Bldg. 100, Suite 170* McAllen, Texas 78501*

956.631.3800

*email:RMCFMcallen@yahoo.com Visit our website at: http://rmcf.com/tx/mcallen50755 or at faceboook.com/rockymountainchocolatefactorymcallen February

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 21

Finding Your Way An Excerpt from

Spiritual Amnesia If I were to give you a survey with the question, Do you believe in God? with boxes where you would check “yes” or “no,” most likely you would check the box for “yes.”

According to a Gallup survey, 92 percent of Americans would check “yes.”1 So the great majority of us do believe in the existence of God. The problem is that we forget him.

You may have heard the story told by author Dan Millman of a little girl named Sachi and her unforgettable request.

Soon after her brother was born, little Sachi began to ask her parents to leave her alone with the new baby. They worried that, like most four-year-olds, she might feel jealous and want to hit or shake him, so they said no.

But she showed no signs of jealousy and she treated the baby with kindness—and her pleas to be left alone with him became more urgent.

They decided to allow it.

Elated, she went into the baby’s room and shut the door, but it opened a crack—enough for her curious parents to peek in and listen.

They saw little Sachi walk quietly up to her baby brother, put her face close to his, and say quietly, “Baby, tell me what God is like. I’m starting to forget.”

For many of us, there is a point in time we can look back on and say, “That is when I forgot

about God.” Others of us would say, “That’s when it felt like God forgot about me.”

and God. But you don’t know how to bridge that gulf.

For you, that point in time might have been in your childhood, when God should have been there and he wasn’t. Behind closed doors you were left vulnerable to the kind of treatment no child should ever endure. It felt as if God were locked out of your house and couldn’t get in.

Or you have objections to doctrines, intellectual doubts you have no answers for, or disappointments about religious people that put you off. Maybe these are obstacles you can never get over.

Or maybe you remember the day the fighting escalated. Your dad was yelling and your mom was crying; then the door slammed and your father left. You didn’t see God leave, but as a kid, it felt like that was the moment he walked out too.

Maybe it was during your growing-up years that you forgot about God. When you most needed to be accepted and included, you were left all alone and on the outside looking in.

It made sense even then that, if there were a God, he wouldn’t have abandoned you.

Or there was a loss or a death that you know God could have prevented, but for reasons you still don’t understand, he did not.

Perhaps right now it feels to you as if God has forgotten about you. Something has gone terribly wrong in your life. You have prayed and prayed and prayed—and nothing has changed.

Or you’ve done something wrong, and you know you have put distance between yourself

So often you sit in that sacred space, waiting, anticipating, sometimes praying, but nothing changes. You keep showing up for the religious service, but it seems like God never does.

Whatever your reason for feeling distant from God, it’s possible for you to start the journey back to him.

Your Life at the Crossroads I believe God has you reading this book right now because he wants you to hear him gently speak to you, “I know who you are. And I know that your journey has taken you to places where I never intended for you to go. Life has brought you pain I never wanted you to feel.

You have experienced regret that I hoped you could have avoided. You feel lost. Now I would like to bring you home.”

Sometimes it’s the disappointments and tragedies of life that leave us feeling lost. We often get ourselves lost too. We make wrong turns or take detours and end up in places we never wanted to go and never thought we would be. One of the ancient prophets compares us to wayward animals, confessing,

“Maybe it was during your growing-up years that you forgot about God. When you most needed to be accepted and included, you were left all alone and on the outside looking in.”

22 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

BACK TO GOD by, Dave Ferguson & Jon Ferguson

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way. Isaiah 53;6

getting your act together or getting more religious.

But I won’t lie to you. There’s no guarantee.

It can go either way.

Finding your way back to God is not about cleaning yourself up or just becoming a better person.

Finding your way back to God is not about cutting a deal with God or figuring out a way to get him to accept you so that you will go to heaven when you die.

Whether you call yourself Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, or “none of the above,” this book can help you find your way back to God. It doesn’t matter if you are straight, gay, lesbian, or sexually questioning—if you want to find your way back to God, this book is for you. You can be a tight-fisted conservative or a bleedingheart liberal or some- where in between, and it doesn’t matter—you can find your way back to God. Whether you are young or old, single, married, divorced, or widowed,

You are a child of God. You belong to God. Remember?

Finding your way back to God is for you if you want a power greater than yourself to make it through life.

There is a God out there who wants to know you, love you, and give your life purpose and meaning.

For more than nine-tenths of us, believing that God exists is not the problem. The real issue is belonging. We have lost track of how to be in relationship with God. Because the truth is that, no matter who you are or what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, you are a child, away from home, who belongs to a Father who wants to help you out of your lostness.

Finding your way back to God is for you if you want to discover an un- conditional love so powerful that it can transform how you think and feel every day.

To get there, though, you’re going to have to take a risk.

Some of us have been distant or lost for a long time. We’ve been lost for so long that we have started to identify with our own lostness.

“I’m a relational failure.”

“I am a workaholic.”

“I’m an addict.”

Identity always precedes behavior. What you need is someone to come alongside you and help you remember who you are and to whom you belong.

What the Journey is. What is Isn’t Before we go any further, let Jon and me be as clear as we possibly can about what finding your way back to God is not and what it is.

Finding your way back to God is not about

Finding your way back to God is not about eliminating all your doubts. That won’t happen in this life.

Finding your way back to God is for people who desire a way to love others the way they need to be loved.

Finding your way back to God is for people who want a purpose for life that will get them out of bed, excited to meet each day.

Finding your way back to God is for anyone who wants a hope for this life and the next.

If that sounds good to you, let me assure you that finding your way back to God is possible.

Maybe you’re not so sure God is out there and waiting for you to come back to him. You want to bet?

Excerpt reprinted with Permission. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2015 by Dave Ferguson Cover design by Mark D. Ford Published in the United States by WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC, New York, a Penguin Random House Company.

To Order: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog. php?work=235828

“Finding your way back to God is for people who want a purpose for life that will get them out of bed, excited to meet each day. ”

February

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 23

When Is Anger Right?

Artwork by Alyssa Andres, age 9

“It’s

okay to get mad when someone is not following God’s rules,” says Talon, 6. “Like if someone steals a toy from another person, it’s okay to get mad. The angry feeling can help you do something to make things better.”

At six years old, Talon has given us a nugget.

Righteous anger will motivate us to do something to make things better. Sinful anger will always make things worse.

“Jesus was angry when he drove moneychangers out of the temple,” says Madalyne, 11. “This was righteous anger. It is okay to get angry if we know something is wrong, and the people who are doing it know it is wrong, too.

“If someone lies, for example, we have the right to be angry at him or her. But we should also remember that we have lied in the past and to not be harder on them than we are on ourselves.

own eye before you try to remove a speck from someone else’s eye. Don’t be a hypocrite (Luke 6:41-42).

The Apostle Paul wrote: “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Fear of appearing self-righteous or being called a hypocrite shouldn’t make us passive in the face of obvious injustice.

Think about this: Jesus got angry when he encountered those who used his father’s house for personal gain (John 2:12-17). He also got angry at the hardness of heart that religious leaders showed when they tried to trap him (Mark 3:4-6).

“When Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights, he was angry because blacks were not treated equally back then,” says Nathaniel, 8.

“But sadly, he was shot. That is one of the times that it is good to get angry.”

The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). He also wrote: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:14-15).

Memorize this truth: Ephesians 4:26-27 quoted above.

Ask this question: Do you get angry at the things that made Jesus angry?

“Every Christian lives in a world full of injustice. Our call is to love and bless those who persecute us unjustly.”

“You should not correct someone for doing a wrong thing if you have done the same thing or something else wrong and not resolved it. If you have done so, then first resolve it before correcting your friend.

“Yes, it’s okay to be angry, but only when you yourself have resolved your own problems, which could cause others to be angry at you!

Otherwise, let someone who has resolved his problems handle it, and (you) handle your own problem.”

Jesus spoke of removing the plank from your

Every Christian lives in a world full of injustice. Our call is to love and bless those who persecute us unjustly. At the same time, we are to be people of compassion in rejoicing with those who rejoice when justice is served and weeping with those who weep when people suffer from injustice. We should be first to speak up for those who suffer unjustly and at the same time be willing to bless those who unjustly persecute us for Christ’s sake.

“When we get angry for a good reason, we must be sure that our anger only targets sinful behavior and true injustice, is properly controlled and does not last for a long time or turn into bitterness,” says Alice, 12.

24 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Also, view a Biblelesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the cofounder 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.

February

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 25

Coffeehouse Theology Ed Cyzewski NavPress

Love me some coffee!

in good theology, we must wisely engage our culture in the “coffeehouse,” that is the world as it is, not as we think it is or want it to be.

Coffee is an everyday consumption for me, but is God an everyday conversation?

Ed spends some time educating the reader on a clear understanding of the Modern World and the Postmodern Age. This gives an idea of how theology has developed over time. After clarifying our modern theological context, Ed reminds us that the Bible is Our Primary Source in the Postmodern World.

Addicted? Maybe . . .

Coffeehouse Theology, by Ed Cyzewski, is a nice book about how to keep thoughts about the unchanging God clear in an ever-changing culture.

Some of our thoughts about God can be a little offensive in our modern culture. Saying that Jesus is the only way to God is not necessarily and open invitation in a culture that now says that there are many ways to God and to know Him.

“Sometimes we need to go beyond reading the Bible, and we need to engage the Scriptures...”

Ed Cyzewski’s begins with a reminder that the Church needs theology, God thought that is Biblically based and clearly rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Church is grounded

Sometimes we need to go beyond reading the Bible, and we need to engage the Scriptures with prayerfully and ask for insight. It is no regular book it is God speaking to us toBookw day, just as He has spoken through evie R generations in various contexts. by Yet, we can turn to the tradition of the Church for some needed stability in our God-thoughts. In our

social media driven society, we also have the privilege of engaging the global Church in our progressive discovery of our great God. This enriches our theology and helps us converse with our culture.

The most refreshing reminder from Coffeehouse Theology is that Our Love of God Unites Us in Theology. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) Coffeehouse Theology is a book for all Christians to be encouraged engage our culture in conversation about God. It speaks to us in our context to reach others in theirs.

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).

Fairness is Overrated Author: Tim Stevens Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishing

This is a manual of doing, not talking. It’s time to move past planning and kick-start Monday into action. Profitable organizations require a healthy culture, and Tim Stevens holds the secret sauce for creating and maintaining a vibrant and successful workplace. Whether leading in the church, in the boardroom, or in the cubicle, Stevens knows how to get every team member excited about work and ready to

contribute.

Stevens, a lead member of the Vanderbloemen Search Group, draws from his twenty-year experience working at Granger Community Church in Indiana leading a team of more than 130 people and growing a worldwide ministry. With a history of working in non-profit, church and business, Fairness is Overrated lays out a practical blueprint for success.

Offering lessons that no other leadership

book will teach, Stevens explains why a resume is worthless, why Facebook and Twitter are acceptable at work, and how to guard against career-ending mistakes.

Change starts at the top, and these short, digestible chapters will ignite the transformation every leader needs. Packed with practical bullet-pointed advice, discussion questions, and stories from a lifetime of leadership and coaching, Fairness is Overrated is sure to influence success in every person.

Help spearhead the expansion of one of America's Most Respected and Fastest Growing companies and develop a passive/residual income on a part-time/spare-time basis so you may: ~ Devote most time to your calling/ministry ~ Support your favorite charity ~ Support Foreign/Home Missions ~ Spend more time with your family

For more information please visit www.IncomeWithEnergy.com 1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17,23

26 valleychristianmagazine.com February

2015

www.kvmv.org

Newsboys

Audio Adrenaline, Finding Favour, Kairy Marquez

1. Francesca Battistelli - He Knows My Name CD: If We’re Honest

Feb 22 || State Farm Arena 956-358-2755

Ross King Sendero Church Feb 7 || 7pm $5 Donation 956-867-0247

2. Big Daddy WeaveOverwhelmed CD: Love Come To Life

4. Lauren Daigle – How Can It Be CD: How Can It Be

Flood The Valley presents

Destiny Unleashed – Youth Conference Featuring Jonny Diaz Live In Concert Mar 13-14 Free Admission! Meals Included on Saturday) Flootthevalley2014@gmail.com …

Facebook.com/bfyfloodthevalley Upload your Christian Band YouTube video along with a $35.00 registration 956-266-8844

6. MercyMe – Greater

CD: Welcome To The New

3. Jeremy Camp – He Knows CD: I Will Follow

5. Chris Tomlin – Jesus Loves Me CD: Love Ran Red

7. Crowder – Come As You Are CD: Neon Steeple

fee to www.trinityworshipcenter.net or email your YouTube video to Chrissy@trinityworshipcenter.net.

Deadline for band entries is Jan. 30, 2015.

Battle of the Bands

Feb 21 || 5pm Trinity Worship Center Tickets available at Viva Life Christian Book Store 956-827-6111 or facebook.com/ SouthTexasBattle

7. Matt Maher – Because He Lives CD: Single

1st Place: $1,000.00 2nd Place: $700.00 Tickets $15.00; available at Trinity Worship Center, Viva 3rd Place: $500.00 February Life Christian Book Store, Peoples Choice: $300.00 McAllen

See the official Rules and Regulations on our FB Page

2015

9. Lincoln Brewster – Made New CD: Oxygen

valleychristianmagazine.com 27

BBQ April 25, 2015 4:00-6:00 pm

St. Matthew’s Episcopal School

St. Matthew’s Episcopal School

“A Christian community committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth for our children today” What Makes Us Different?

Why St. Matthew’s Episcopal School?

• Daily Chapel • SAES Accredited • Service Learning and Stewardship Projects • Cub Scouts • Girl Scouts • Community Affiliations: UTPA, South Texas Literacy Coalition, Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, Oxford School of Reynosa

• Family Oriented Environment • Safe Environment • Highly Qualified and Dedicated Staff • Enriching Curriculum • Technology • Extended Day Service • Soccer • Track and field • UIL

Now Enrolling students in Pre K3 - 6th Grade Call 956-383-4202 for more information Mayani Ballesteros - Head of School 2620 Crestview Edinburg, TX 78539 Website: www.stmattrgvschool.org

FCA Gala 2015 Our Banquet has evolved into a Gala.

This year we will have several Auctions for everyone to enjoy: Silent Auctions and Blackboard Auctions. The atmosphere will be fun & festive.

100% of the proceeds go towards the FCA Ministry in our Area. Our Camp & Campus ministry is growing, and the proceeds from this Banquet will help ensure that our ministry continues to help the thousands of Coaches and Athletes with whom we continue to share life.

Come ready to have fun by enjoying the company of good people while feeling good about helping to support our ministry.

Featuring Speaker:

Colt McCoy

Colt McCoy graduated as the winningest quarterback in college history, winning 45 of his 53 starts during a storied four-year career at the University of Texas, from 2006 to 2009. He set numerous school records including the NCAA record for highest single-season completion percentage of 76.7 percent. He is the only quarterback in college football history to win at least ten games for four seasons. In 2010, Colt led the Longhorns to the 2010 BCS national championship game and in 2008 was the Heisman trophy runner-up.

Colt McCoy is currently a quarterback for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Texas in Austin. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas.

When: Thursday, March 19th, 2015 Where: McAllen Convention Center Ballroom Time: 6:30 PM Call or email today to reserve your table!

Contact Info: Paul Parsons @ 956-358-0690 or Robin Martinez @956-279-1131.

Email: rmartinez@fca.org FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches.

FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and ad-

venture of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church.

FCA Core Values Our relationships willFebruary demonstrate 2015 steadfastvalleychristianmagazine.com commitment to Jesus Christ and His 29 Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.

Dear Dave,

Making Changes

My mom and dad always told me to live below my means, but they never showed me how to make it happen. I’ve gotten out of debt and fallen back in several times. I want to get control of my money and stop busting my budget. How do I keep from falling back again?

Sandi Dear Sandi, It sounds like you’ve taken a serious look at your situation, and you’re smart enough to know it’s not working and you want to do things differently. Well, this is a great time of the year for changes!

Years ago when I crashed and burned financially there were a few strong emotions that spurred me towards change. One of those was disgust. I realized that what I was doing was stupid, and that I was tired of living that way. I made a conscious, proactive decision that things were going to be different.

The second emotion was fear. I was scared to death that I’d be broke for the rest of my life. I don’t think you should ever live your life in fear, but a reasonable, healthy level of fear can be a terrific motivator.

Dave Says

The third thing was contentment. Marketers try to sell us on the idea that we’ll be happier if we just go out and buy things. When we have this stuff crammed down our throats all day long, rapid-fire, it can affect our level and perception of contentment.

One of the practical things I did was to stop going places where I was tempted to spend money. When you have to go out, make a list of only the things you need and take just enough cash with you to make the purchase. Spending money on a bunch of stuff you don’t need, and probably don’t really want, isn’t going to bring you contentment.

—Dave

Dear Dave,

Who’s The Boss?

I’m trying to get out of debt, but it seems like something unexpected always happens to knock me back down. I’m single, make $45,000 a year, and I have $12,000 in debt, in addition to a mortgage payment of $1,124 a month. I’ve been trying to live on a budget, but I still don’t know where all the money goes.

Anonymous

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. His newest best-seller, Smart Money Smart Kids, was written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, and recently debuted at #1. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

30 valleychristianmagazine.com February

Dear Anonymous, For starters, your house payment is kind of heavy. I always recommend that your monthly mortgage payment be no more than 25 percent of your take-home pay.

Still, the biggest thing is that you’ve got to get control of your money instead of letting it control you.

I want you to sit down every month, before the next month begins, and write it all down on paper, on purpose. Give every single dollar a name, and tell your money what to do. Once you’ve done this, the idea of “trying to live on a budget” stops being some vague idea floating around out there and becomes a real game plan for your money!

2015

February

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 31

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, TX2015 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 32 valleychristianmagazine.com February