December 2014
5
Tips to Keeping your Kids Content
If You Ever Feel
Lonely
Read Thisp8
How do we
Know that Jesus was the Messiah? p19
Keepers of The Stream
p14
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What’s Inside? December 2014 Vol. 4 / Issue 9
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16 5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Content
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16. Rachel Cruze
5 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Content
19. Kids Talk about God
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If you Ever Feel Lonely Read This...
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It’s About What God Has Given
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Keepers of the Stream Welcome Home
26. Miguel Paredes
Review: “Heaven is Real”
Dave Says
How Can It Be? By Theresa Valladares
such as in a drive to work. You become chained to regret. How can it be? How can God possibly love me after all that I’ve done? If it were anyone else we would expect rejection, condemnation and broken trust.. That’s the point of this song. He is like no other. He wasn’t made in our image, we were made in His. Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God he created them male and female he created them.” How can it be? Our sins, judgments, mistakes were paid on the Cross. Jesus died for me and you so that we could live free. He took what we deserved and sacrificed His life for each one of us. Reliving mistakes or being reminded by others of our failings is what keeps us from living the life He has planned for us. Guilt, shame and regret derail us from our true purpose. The song says it perfectly… ..You plead my cause, you right my wrongs, you break my chains you overcome you gave your life to give me mine. You say that I am free how can it be…..though I fail, you can make me new, from this death I will rise with You, oh the grace reaching out for me…..how can it be….
I
was in my car the other day driving down Expressway 83 and my mind was wandering and rehashing prior mistakes and poor decisions I had made when a song suddenly distracted me from my thoughts …”How can it be?”. As I listened it was as if my own thoughts had been transferred to the airwaves. So I shazamed it like I do when I hear a song I like and quickly downloaded lyrics once I arrived at my office. “How can it be?” is a question I ask myself often. How can I be loved and forgiven by someone I’ve never seen when in the flesh it’s hard to do for myself and others. How can I fathom that no matter what I do or say there is grace and forgiveness waiting for me? How can it be?
get fired. You speak hurtful words over your friends, acquaintances, spouse or children and it’s etched in their memory as it is in yours. You follow your impulses and hurtful actions follow. You can say you’re sorry but forgiveness isn’t always guaranteed. Spouses may still walk out, children or parents get abandoned, and friendships may remain broken. We’ve all heard the phrase “I forgive but I will never forget”. That statement really means “I refuse to forget so you remain unforgiven.” Being unforgiven by others makes it difficult to forgive ourselves.
...how can it be that we don’t accept or acknowledge this irreplaceable gift?
Why do so many of us doubt His words and promises? I believe it’s most likely due to experiences we’ve encountered in our own personal lives. You mess up at work and chances are you
We relive mistakes and live in condemnation. Ashamed and fearful to approach our Heavenly Father we steer clear of a relationship with God. That’s what works when there are issues with others. It’s easier to avoid those we have hurt or who have hurt us. The shame and guilt become a prison until your daily ritual (as it for me) is to ponder the mistakes whenever there is a free moment
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So my question to you is how can it be that we don’t accept or acknowledge this irreplaceable gift? It’s a choice. We can stay in defeat and reject the answer or we can hold on to that promise. He cleaned the slate, He doesn’t remember your sins and there is not anything that you can do that He won’t forgive if you come with a repentant heart. Isaiah 1:18 though your sins are like scarlet; I will make them as white as snow. This Christmas I pray that you do as I have and accept the true meaning of this gift REDEMPTION-- and stop asking yourself that question….How can it be? And instead know the answer. HIS love is unconditional. You are forgiven. Set yourself free. Romans 8:1 there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. “How can it be?” by Lauren Daigle
T her esa Valladares She is married to Enrique Lopez and has two wonderful sons, Cord and Diego. They are members of The Family Church and she practices family medicine in Pharr.
“A Purpose in Life, A Reason for Learning”
Happy Holidays! From all of us at Vanguard Academy Charter School! Wishing you and your families a blessed holiday season with the company of your loved ones. May this season bring joy and warmth to your hearts. Vanguard Academy 1200 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 781-1701 www.vanguardacademy.org December
2014
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If You Ever Feel Lonely, Read This… By Lysa TerKeurst
the table looking for mine. As I got to the last chair and realized my name wasn’t there, I got a sinking feeling. I milled around the room looking for my name, feeling increasingly out of Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who place. Finally, at a helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands table on the opposite over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating side of the room, I journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday found my name. I woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. rallied in my heart Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. www.LysaTerkeurst.com that the Lord must have a special plan for me to meet and connect with the others assigned to my table. I here were many feelings I thought I’d took my seat and pulled out my cell phone as I have at this small conference I’d been nervously waited for my tablemates. so looking forward to attending. Acceptance. Fun. Camaraderie. I waited.
T
On paper, these were my people.
They lead organizations. I lead an organization. They are vulnerable. I am vulnerable. Like me, they know the stresses of deadlines, trying to balance kids with ministry, and the nagging sense that we should keep hidden the fact that we have the pizza delivery place on speed dial. Yes, these will for sure be my people. And the great thing about gathering with people you just know you’re going to bond with is that they will get you. Really get you … like on the level of having inside jokes that makes every conversation comfortable and delightful. I couldn’t wait to be with these people. And I couldn’t wait for the deep friendships that would surely bloom as a result of our time together. I walked into the meeting room and quickly found the people I was excited to meet. Every seat had a name tag attached so I circled
And waited. And waited. As the prayer for the meal concluded and the event got underway, it was painfully apparent the others assigned to my table weren’t able to come for some reason. So, I’d be seated alone. Very alone. In reality, I don’t think anyone else really noticed my predicament. After all by this point everyone in the room was busy passing rolls and salad dressing options. In my head I started to have a little pity conversation, “Well, self, would you like a roll? Or ten perhaps? It’s certainly an option when you’re sitting single at a table for 10.” And that’s when a very clear sentence popped into my head, “You aren’t set aside, Lysa. You are set apart.” It wasn’t audible. And it wasn’t my own thought. I knew it was a thought assigned by God that I needed to ponder.
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To be set aside is to be rejected. That’s exactly what the enemy would have wanted me to feel. If he could get me to feel this, then I’d become completely self absorbed in my own insecurity and miss whatever reason God had for me to be at this event. To be set apart is to be given an assignment that requires preparation. That’s what I believe God wanted me to see. If He could get me to see this, I’d be able to embrace the lesson of this situation. Have you ever been in this place? I wasn’t just in this place at the dinner that night. I’ve been in whole seasons of my life where, though I had people around, I felt quite alone in the calling of my life. Can I give you three thoughts that might encourage you in a season like that? 1. Look for the gift of being humbled. Proverbs 11:2 reminds us that “with humility comes wisdom.” In this set apart place, God will give you special wisdom you’ll need for the assignment ahead. 2. Look for the gift of being lonely. This will develop in you a deeper sense of compassion for your fellow travelers. You better believe when I walk into a conference now, I look for someone sitting alone and make sure they know they are noticed. 3. Look for the gift of silence. Had I been surrounded by the voices of those people I was so eager to meet that night, I would have surely missed the voice of God. I’m trying to weave more silence into the rhythm of my life now so I can whisper, “God, what might You want to say to me right now? I’m listening.” I know it can painful to be alone. And I know the thoughts of being set aside are loud and overwhelmingly tempting to believe in the hollows of feeling unnoticed and uninvited. But as you pray through your feelings, see if maybe your situation has more to do with you being prepared than you being overlooked. There is something wonderfully sacred that happens when a girl chooses to look past being set aside to see God’s call for her to be set apart.
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IT’S ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN James MacDonald
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6
favorite memories of Christmas. Maybe it’s a family tradition, a vivid scene from childhood, or a special song or the first snow that you connect with at Christmas. It might be a certain aroma like mulled cider, evergreens, Christmas dinner, or a recollection of all these things. The scenes and tastes of the season are wonderful things—but none of them are Christmas.
We all have
Those warm memories are ours to enjoy, as long as we don’t make them the main thing. It’s not Me-mas; it’s Christmas. Without Jesus there would be no celebration. Without Christ, there is no Christmas. There’s only something a lot less. Christmas is about giving—it’s about what God has given to us. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). In that phrase we find summarized all the wonder of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us (John 1). The human side of Jesus was the child born, and all the lessons wrapped up in the timing, location, and status of His birth stand alongside the awesome truth that the baby in the manger was God’s Son given to us and for us.
human activity God came to earth. Only those who were attentive knew; only those willing to be directed saw the newborn. God came to His own, John tells us, “and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11). God didn’t make a grand entrance—He came under cover as one of us. Jesus’ arrival in Bethlehem fulfilled not only Isaiah’s prophecy but also God’s purposes all the way back to the Fall of humanity. God first promised Christmas in the Garden of Eden. While Adam and Eve listened in, He informed Satan, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Jesus was the gift God gave for the longing within us from the beginning. As the carol writer put it, “The hopes and fears of all our years» were met in Bethlehem that night.
“Christmas is about giving—it’s about what God has given to us. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).”
Then, like now, the world was largely oblivious to what God was doing. The Roman census was a grand opportunity for travel, profit, and networking. But in the middle of all that frantic
When you remember God came to earth on a mission, Christmas becomes truly life-changing. He revealed Himself as accessible. Jesus is Emmanuel— God with us. He put the glory of God on display at the human level. As John wrote of the Jesus he knew: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). When you realize Jesus came with you in mind, willing to do whatever it took to make you fit for eternity with Him, that gift in the manger
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takes on personal significance. Have you received that gift—God’s Son—as your Savior? If you miss God’s glory at the heart of the story, you miss Christmas. Don’t get distracted from the best part. This year, sit among the events and moments that surround the Savior’s birth and remember God’s glory is the center of it all—seen in His Son Jesus Christ.
Journal In what ways are you seeing and rejoicing in God’s glory this Christmas? How will you point out God’s glory to those around you this season?
Pray Lord, thank You for everything that Christmas means to us. Help the good memories to spotlight Your Son rather than distract from Him. Help us to be thankful for every good thing that comes to us along with Jesus, but most of all, thank You that through Him You provided reconciliation with us as well as the way to live this life as it was truly designed to be lived. Glory to You in the highest this Christmas, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America. Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.
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December
2014
valleychristianmagazine.com 11
Just Throw the Net
Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514
By Greg Laurie
He brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” — Acts 16:30
Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
M
any of us are afraid, for one simple mother had divorced him when I was a young reason, to ask someone if they boy, and that was the last time I had seen would like to give their him. Years later, when I had an opporlife to Jesus Christ. We’re afraid tunity to preach on the East Coast, “Our world the answer will be no. And it he invited our family to stay at seems to come his house for the weekend. just may be. But there are those wonderful times when crashing down someone will surprise you and After dinner one night, his wife around our ears, said, say, “Tell me more” or maybe “Greg, tell me about how even, “I want to give my life to you came to put your faith in and we cry aloud Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ.” As I shared my
to God.”
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to be reunited with my father, Oscar Laurie, the man who adopted me. My
testimony and what Christ had done for me, my dad sat there listening with his hands folded. I thought, He’s not buying this at all. But later that night,
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he asked me to go walking with him the next morning. As we walked out into the cold morning air, he said, “I was listening to what you said last night. I want to know what I need to do to give my life to Jesus Christ.” He made a commitment to Christ that day, and he faithfully served the Lord for the remaining fifteen years of his life. Sometimes when you share your faith, you don’t think you’re getting through. But you never know. That is why we need to simply throw out the net, so to speak. We need to give people the opportunity.
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Luis Palau
Sr. Palau:
Estoy al borde del suicidio. No puedo tolerar más la vida. ¿Cree que hay alguna esperanza para mí? Respuesta:
C
omprendo perfectamente su problema y me doy cuenta de que es una situación muy difícil de resolver. Pero hay alguien más importante y más grande que todos sus problemas, y ese alguien es USTED. Dios lo creó con un propósito y usted todavía no ha comenzado a cumplir con dicho propósito. Sus problemas han surgido como consecuencia de su total separación de Dios. Pero El le ama mucho, y quiere ayudarle a comenzar una vida nueva. En primer lugar, quiero decirle que el suicidio no soluciona el problema que le aflige, sino que simplemente es un escapismo.
Segundo, por lo general los problemas que afectan hasta el punto de desear quitarse la vida, son problemas que también afectan a otras personas en la familia o en el círculo de amigos y conocidos, y es injusto quitarse la vida para huir del problema. Cuando una persona piensa en suicidarse, está agitada, desesperada, confundida y asustada y cree que no hay esperanza ni solución para sus problemas. La Biblia nos cuenta el caso de un carcelero que tenía presos al Apóstol Pablo y a Silas por servir a Cristo. A la media noche Pablo y Silas estaban orando y cantando himnos al Señor. De pronto un gran terremoto sacudió los cimientos de la cárcel y las puertas se abrieron y las cadenas saltaron de las carnes de los prisioneros. Este carcelero creyó que los presos iban a huir de la cárcel y pensó que no sólo perdería su empleo sino también su cabeza. Desesperado, estaba por suicidarse, pero el apóstol Pablo le dijo: “no te hagas ningún mal”, (Hechos capítulo 16). La Biblia relata que este carcelero, temblando, entró a la cárcel y les preguntó: “Señores, ¿qué debo hacer para ser salvo?” Y Pablo le respondió: “Cree en el Señor Jesucristo y serás salvo tú y tu casa.” En tercer lugar, le digo lo mismo a usted, amigo que piensa suicidarse: “No te hagas ningún mal”. La esperanza para usted reside en encontrar la solución en el Hijo de Dios, Jesucristo.
Luis Palau
La Biblia afirma: “En Cristo está la vida, y la vida es la luz de los hombres” (San Juan capítulo 1). La luz nos habla de esperanza, de alegría, de felicidad, de vida. Sí, la luz es Cristo; y la vida y la esperanza están en Cristo. Así que la solución está en recibir a Cristo en su corazón ahora mismo. En su desesperación, ábrale la puerta de su vida al Señor Jesús. El va a entrar, va a cambiar su corazón y le va a llenar de poder para vivir con esperanza. No se dé por vencido, confronte la situación con Cristo como su aliado. El tiene el poder del triunfo. Diga como el apóstol Pablo: “Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece” (Filipenses capítulo 4).
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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”.
Usado con Permiso. Derecho de Autor 2014 www.luispalau.net
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaish 9:6
5 Tips for Keeping your Kids Content By Rachel Cruze
Keeping your kids content during the holidays can be a difficult task. With all the marketing and consumerism during this holiday, it’s easy for your kids to get sucked in and expect everything they’ve asked for on Christmas morning. So, how do you keep your kids happy and content during the holiday season?
1
is everything!
2
Set expectations early. Discontentment happens when kids expect the whole toy store under the tree and only receive three or four gifts. Make sure their expectations are realistic long before Christmas morning. If a new bike’s not in the budget, let them know.
3
Make a Top 10 list. Of what, you ask? Ask your kids to think of
Donate old toys. After the new toys wear off, kids usually want
10 things they are grateful for. Thanksgiving might be a great time to do this, but keep it around all year!
16 valleychristianmagazine.com December
more. This cycle will never stop unless you teach them that stuff is just stuff, and it will never bring happiness.
2014
d
d
dd d
d
d
4 Give to someone in need. Many organizations will help you
find kids in need during the holidays. And a lot of their needs are actual needs, like clothes and shoes. Knowing other children don’t have as much stuff could be an eye-opening experience for your kids.
5
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.
Go serve. Every city has opportunities. Take a Saturday afternoon with your kids, and go serve for a few hours. Every child needs to experience what it feels like to put giving into action.
No matter what you plan to spend this Christmas, make sure you’ve made a budget. We’ve created mychristmasbudget.com, a free online tool to help you put a plan in place long before the Christmas season. As you try to teach your kids about discipline and contentment, this budget tool is a great way to make sure you have reasonable expectations as well! *Rachel Cruze is a seasoned communicator and presenter, helping Americans learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book, Smart Money Smart Kids, co-authored by her dad Dave Ramsey, released April 2014 and debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-sellers list. You can follow Rachel on Twitter at @ RachelCruze, online at rachelcruze.com, or at facebook.com/rachelramseycruze.
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valleychristianmagazine.com 17
Keepers of the Stream
T
by Jerrell Jobe
here was once a town high in the Alps that straddled the banks of a beautiful stream. The stream was fed by springs that were old as the earth and deep as the sea.
The water was clear like crystal. Children laughed and played beside it; swans and geese swam in it. You could see rocks and sand and rainbow trout that swarmed at the bottom of the stream.
The stream is your soul. And you are the keeper.* A keeper is someone who is in charge of caring for, maintaining, or protecting something. For example, there are innkeepers, zookeeprs, bookkeepers, groundskeepers, housekeepers, peacekeepers, shopkeepers, gatekeepers and beekeepers. You are called by God to be a soul keeper– the keeper of your soul. You are not the Captain, you are not in charge, but you have been charged as the keeper.
High in the hills, far beyond anyone’s sight, This is a challenge. Most people understand lived an old man who served as Keeper of the what it means to watch their weight or their Springs. He had been hired so long ago that waistline. We can count calories and debate now no one could remember a time when he over which new diet fad is the best. Should I wasn’t there. He would travel from adhere to the Paleo Diet or go Vegone spring to another in the hills, “The stream is your an? Should I eat kale or quinoa? removing branches or fallen leaves soul. And you are Others are more interested in esor debris that might pollute the the keeper.* pousing their latest work-out regiwater. But his work was unseen. men. Cross fit or Insanity? You get One year the town council decided they the idea. Everyone has an opinion, but is there had better things to do with their mon- a general consensus? ey. No one supervised the old man anyPeople ask themselves, Am I in shape. way. They had roads to repair and taxes to collect and services to offer, and giving money Often, the general populous has already conto an unseen stream cleaner had become a lux- cluded that they are not in shape, so the real question becomes, do I at least look like I’m in ury they could no longer afford. shape? After all, most don’t actually want to So the old man left his post. High in the mounbe in shape as much as they want to look like tains, the springs went untended; twigs and they are in shape. Image is everything. Exterbranches and worse muddied the liquid flow. nal appearances are the benchmark of status Mud and silt compacted the creek bed; farm and success, beauty and significance. Or, so it wastes turned parts of the stream into stagseems. nant bogs. We each have an outer life and an inner life. For a time no one in the village noticed. But My outer self is the public and visible me. It after a while, the water was not the same. It includes my accomplishments, my work and began to look brackish. The swans flew away to my reputation among co-workers and peers. live elsewhere. The water no longer had a crisp On the other hand, my inner life is where my scent that drew children to play by it. Some secret thoughts, hopes and wishes reside. Bepeople of the town began to grow ill. All noticed cause my inner life is invisible, it is easy to the loss of sparkling beauty that used to flow overlook and neglect. between the banks of the streams that fed the town. The life of the village depended on the We live in a culture that is enamored with self, stream, and the life of the stream depended on but clueless of the soul. Ironically, the more obsessed we are with our selves, the more we the keeper. neglect our souls. The city council reconvened, the money was found, the old man was rehired. After yet anoth- Think about it. If there’s so much confusion er time, the springs were cleaned, the stream around that which we can see, measure and was pure, children played again on its banks, analysis under a microscope, what about the illness was replaced by health, the swans came areas of the human life than aren’t so visible, like our soul? home, and the village came back to life. The life of the village depended on the health of the stream.
“What is running your life at any given moment is your soul,” writes Dallas Willard in
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his book Renovation of the Heart. “Not external circumstances, not your thoughts, not your intentions, not even your feelings, but your soul. The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self. The soul is the life center of human beings… The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it’s who you become. That’s what you will take into eternity. You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe.” Our world gives an enormous amount of time, energy and resources to the effort of attending to our outer life. But, true life flows from deep within and sadly, few know how to attend to their soul. Consider these words given to us as instructions from God, Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. -Deuteronomy 4:9 Perhaps this time of year, when folks are taking inventory of their lives, namely how many pounds they need to drop or the types of food they need to refrain from, it would be even more worthwhile to spend some time reflecting on what’s really important – our souls. “For what will it profit a man,” Jesus asked. “If he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We can gain all kinds of public accolades, yet if our soul is shrinking, what good is it? We can financially succeed and grow our ministry or business, yet if our soul is unhealthy, what a loss. Jesus calls us to peer beneath the surface of the superficial and attend to our soul, the most essential part of who we are… How is it with your soul? There are seasons when our lives can become so packed and hurried that we fail to reflect and listen. Get alone. Get quiet. Ask God, How is it with my soul? Listen… Is it well with your soul? What are the predominant undercurrents of thoughts and emotions lately? (Peace, Joy, Patience, Fear,Anxiety, Worry, Stress, Agitation, Loneliness, Discontentment, etc) Is your soul healthy or unhealthy? What adjustments need to be made to your daily/weekly/monthly routine and rhythms to better posture you toward a sustainably healthy soul…? Remember, your soul is a stream and you are the keeper. *The opening story can be found in the book Soul Keeping by John Ortberg. JERRELL JOBE
Jerrell is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children.
How Do We Know That Jesus Is The Messiah? I
asked this question to children as part of the Children’s International Arts Festival.
Alexandria Dubinin, 12, wrote a wonderful essay that won her family of six a dude ranch vacation at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch in Yucca, Arizona. Here is her winning essay: “Jesus gave us many signs to prove that we was the Messiah. He fulfilled prophecies, performed miracles and changed peoples’ lives.
The artwork is by Jennifer Novey, age 10.
he performed, miracles that only God can do. Jesus healed the sick, turned water into wine and changed peoples’ lives. Jesus will continue to change our lives when we choose to follow him.
“Unfortunately, many people do not believe “We know Jesus is the Messiah because Jesus that Jesus is the Messiah despite all these knew who Nathanael was and what he was signs. Many have never even heard. That is doing before Philip had introduced him to why it is our job as Christians to share the good Jesus. Through this story we can be sure that news that Jesus is the Messiah and what he Jesus knows who we are did for us to all the ends Jesus’ proclamation of and what we are doing of the earth.” every day. Only God has victory over death wasn’t I like the way Alexandria the ability to do this. developed her essay. We done in a dark corner. “Another way we know have prophecy, miracles He dared his readers to that Jesus is the Messiah and changed lives. is because he fulfilled all These three validate validate his claims. the prophecies that were the messianic claims of made many years before Jesus came to the Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing that most people earth. One of the earliest prophecies was made never take the time to investigate these claims? in Deuteronomy 18:15,18. It tells us that the Author and Oxford don C.S. Lewis is famous Lord will raise up a prophet who will know for his statement that Jesus Christ is either a everything. ‘A prophet’ refers to Jesus and liar, a lunatic or God. He can’t be just a good Jesus knows everything: past, present and man or a prophet because Jesus clearly claimed future. to be God (John 10:22-33). Good men and true “Another prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6-7. It prophets don’t lie. If Jesus were not God, he says that the Lord will send a king who will was either the greatest deceiver of all time or be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, a mad man. Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. He When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to will reign forever in peace and justice. Through Corinthian Christians, he boasted that Jesus these prophecies and others, we know Jesus is appeared to more than 500 men at once in his the Messiah. He is the only way to salvation. resurrection body (I Corinthians 15:6). He even “Yet another way Jesus shows us that he is the said most of the 500 were still alive at the time Messiah is through the many miracles that of his writing. Jesus’ proclamation of victory
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2014
over death wasn’t done in a dark corner. He dared his readers to validate his claims. Think about this: The claims of Jesus Christ backed by predictive prophecy, recorded miracles and transformed lives deserve thorough investigation. Memorize this truth: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Ask this question: Is Jesus your Messiah?
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.
valleychristianmagazine.com 19
A Note From Nathan...
Nathan Jones
“As we get ready for 2015, my heart is growing with excitement about what the Lord has in store for FCA. In 2014, FCA recorded over 29,000 commitments to Christ, and 8,000 of those students were from Texas… a good number of whom were from South Texas. So join me in bending a knee and thanking the Lord for his blessings in days gone by, then join me in taking to our feet and marching forward with the Lord into the days that are yet to be… rhe best is yet to come. Thank you one and all for your support of this great ministry. May the Lord bless & keep you this Christmas season.”
Mulit-Area Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes njones@fca.org
The Best Is Yet To Come...
Nathan Jones
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 December relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word 20 valleychristianmagazine.com 2014 through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.
Wishing You Christmas Blessings and a Joyous New Year!
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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
H
Welcome
e could hear the day before he saw it. Birds chirping outside, a slight wind moving over the hills rustling the leaves of the trees which surrounded his house. He remembered long ago that same sound in the Fall. He opened his eyes slowly and felt the peace that had always filled the space of his time here. Another day to fully live..
he had not seen in years, was scheduled to arrive at the palace. Today. Today!! He couldn’t believe it, as it had been such a long time since their last conversation. What would they talk about? Would they take up right where they left off? He was sure of it, as they had been very close. He looked around at his home and decided that everything was ready, all except the food.
Putting his feet on the ground, he noticed his labradors, Sam and Lila, waiting for him, focused on him, as all good dogs do. They were so intent to please him. It made him think of his Father, and the desire he also had to do His will. Walking out to the living room, and experiencing the beautiful view of the surrounding hills, as well as the valley that dropped below the house that led to the Master’s lake, He realized he had left the door open the night before when he came in. This brought no worry as it would have long ago, because, simply put, there was nothing to worry about. No dangerous animals, though the woods teemed with life, no dangerous threats of other people, though he was surrounded by others in their homes, some he knew, some he didn’t. There were days when he walked too far to return that evening, and would just lay down under the stars, and focus his attention on the beauty, and the One who made it. Sam and Lilah always liked this as they had easy access to push their heads under his hands to get a good scratch. He would fall asleep this way, and walk home in the morning. Two days ago, He had received an important message from the King’s guard. A friend whom
He wanted to prepare a special meal for today. In his earlier life, he had been a baker, and people from all around had enjoyed his homemade creations. Cheese knots, dough with cheese baked into the flour and tied in knots, honey wheat bread so good you would eat it by
itself, and white twist bread, which was braided before it was baked. This was a favorite and his friend absolutely loved his twist bread. Yes! He would make some fresh. Also, salmon had been a dish they had cooked many times together. He used large cedar cooking board, a pan made out of wood, with steel rods run through it so the heat would not warp it. The cedar would enhance the flavor of the salmon and with butter and herbs on top, with twist bread, and a good salad, it was a fantastic meal. As he prepped the dough for the bread, memories began to flood his mind of the last time they had seen each other. He had been extremely sick. A disease had taken hold of his mind, and kept him from communicating well. It had taken captive his memory, and his thought process was a nightmare of recognition and then immediate loss of what he had just known. He could understand, for a while, but found it harder and harder to verbalize his love, his joy, and his needs, as the disease slowly increased. At the end, He had felt so trapped and frustrated, and had acted out in a poor manner several times. Even though he couldn’t help it, he regretted that. OThen one day he was healed. Miraculously. The confusion was gone, the cobwebs had been swept away, He was whole again! He could see clearly, think deeply, and verbalize his love...but she was gone. He thought about her daily through the years, prayed for her, looked forward to seeing her one day in his present state, wanting to love her and care for her as he once did. The day
“Look, the King is already there! He will put you at ease.” Tom looked in the direction the guard pointed, and there He was. The King. The one who had healed him. He never got tired of looking at Him. So commanding, so powerful, yet he made his subjects feel loved and special. Others that he knew had come today as well. 22 valleychristianmagazine.com December
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Home
was finally here. He had been summoned to the King’s palace at noon. He looked forward to apologizing to his friend. There would be so much to talk about. Walking with the dogs to the front gates of the King’s palace, his excitement was palpable. He could feel his heart beating with anticipation, and tears welling up in his eyes because of the time spent apart. He walked through the gates, and said hello to the King’s guards.
They were already gathered, and the King was speaking to them, casually, as family speaks to one another. Tom did not want to interrupt, so he stood off to the side. He had always been that way, not wanting to interfere, or cause a disturbance. The King looked up and saw him. “Tom! good afternoon my friend!” He came up and hugged him. Not quickly, but as a son or father hugs their own family. With intention. with love. “Are you excited? Are you ready to see her? She has been thinking about this day
now it gave him great comfort. “I’m with you, Tom. I’m not going to leave. I’ll be right here.” The King smiled as he said it, and Tom immediately felt peace and joy. He was ready. Tom began to think about his friend and wonder what she would look like. She had always been beautiful to him, even as they had aged. She had cared for him, supported him, and served him for years. A beautiful woman from the inside out. The King whispered quietly to Tom, “Here she comes.” He looked up to see a beautiful young woman walking towards him. All she could do was look around. He remembered that feeling of awe. She was healed. She was whole. Her body was not what it has just been.
Although friendly and helpful, it had taken quite a while to get used to their size. Standing at the 8 foot mark, with full armor on, a seven foot sword strapped to their backs, massive legs and arms, and a huge head. Quite impressive. “Hello Tom! She is arriving today! Are you excited?” one of the guards said. “I am,” he said. “Thought I’m a bit nervous.” “You will do fine!” The guard said, and pointed towards the receiving area, about 100 feet away. He had been here a few times with his other friends as they had welcomed loved ones, yet now it was his turn. “Look, the King is already there! He will put you at ease.” Tom looked in the direction the guard pointed, and there He was. The King. The one who had healed him. He never got tired of looking at Him. So commanding, so powerful, yet he made his subjects feel loved and special. Others that he knew had come today as well.
By Tom Weaver
for a long time, and is ready to see you.” Tom had not thought of this, only his desire to see her. It made his heart quicken, and through tears he smiled at his King and said, “Yes I am. Although, I don’t know what to say.” The King, with great patience and care, put his hand on Tom’s shoulder. He drew him close so they were face to face. This would have been uncomfortable for him in his previous life, yet
The King stepped forward and welcomed her. She began to cry tears of joy, because she knew the King well. He hugged her as His own and welcomed her. He spent time loving her soul, as He was the reason she lived. It was so beautiful to watch, Tom just enjoyed being a part of it. It went on for a while. Then quietly, the King whispered in her ear, “There’s someone here to see you.” Tom saw her look up, and their eyes met. It was her. She was finally here. He reached out his hand, and she met it with hers. He drew her to his arms, and with tears in his eyes, he said, “Welcome home, Emily. Welcome home.”
The King whispered quietly to Tom, “Here she comes.” He looked up to see a beautiful young woman walking towards him. All she could do was look around. He remembered that feeling of awe. She was healed. She was whole. Her body was not what it has just been. December
2014
valleychristianmagazine.com 23
Buddy The Elf* had it right in my book when he recited the “Code of the elves,”
Number one. “Treat every day like Christmas.”
Number two. “There’s room for everyone on the Nice list.”
Number three. “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer Is singing loud for all to hear.” Valley Christian Magazine wants to do our part to help you to sing it loud for all to hear! Check out some of the new music this Christmas Season!
“Campfire Christmas” Rend Collective
“The Christmas EP” Chris August
*Buddy the Elf and the movie Elf are registered trade marks of: New Line Cinema, Guy Walks into a Bar Productions, Gold/Miller Productions, Mosaic Media Group, and Shawn Danielle Productions LTD. All Rights Reserved
“The Spirit of Christmas” Michael W. Smith & Friends
“When Christmas Comes” Kim Walker-Smith
Remember to tune into 96.9 KVMV for the best Christmas Music!.
24 valleychristianmagazine.com December
2014
www.kvmv.org
1. Francesca Battistelli - He Knows My Name CD: If We’re Honest
2. Big Daddy WeaveOverwhelmed CD: Love Come To Life
4. Unspoken – Start A Fire CD: Unspoken
3. Danny Gokey – Hope In Front Of Me CD: Hope In Front Of Me
5. MercyMe – Greater
CD: Welcome To The New
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Family Force 5
6. Chris Tomlin – Jesus Loves Me CD: Love Ran Red
8. Crowder – Come As You Are CD: Neon Steeple
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2014
7. Lauren Daigle – How Can It Be CD: How Can It Be
9. Selah – You Amaze Us CD: You Amaze Us
valleychristianmagazine.com 25
Heaven is for Real
This book review is written by Erika Garza, English Teacher at Edinburg North High School.
We went to church regularly on Sundays, but there was no conversation about church stuff at home. This led to confusion about the role of religion and God in our lives. I questioned nothing, but we believed what we were told to believe. As years of life experience and exposure kicked in I started to question everything.
• • • • • •
Who am I? Why am here? What is the point of it all? Why did God put me here? Why are bad things happening to me? Did God let this happen?
These questions and more eventually lead to the ultimate question that we throw into the back of our minds because the mere thought of thinking it too loud floods our hearts with guilt. You never voice it, the words never escape your lips, but you can’t help think about it in those moments of despair. Does God even really exist? This is a question that ran through my mind
no matter how many times I read the Bible, listened to preachers, and watched religious movies. Don’t get me wrong I believed in God, but I wanted to believe in him full heartedly. I desperately wanted to be convinced of his existence. I felt like I needed one thing to do that. One thing that I know many people might feel they need to do that. I needed proof. Yes, I said it and I know it’s wrong. When I heard about a novel about a young child whose experience with death allowed him to enter the kingdom of God and speak to Jesus, I was more than excited to get started on my path to becoming a full hearted believer. I went out and bought the book and got started right away. The story begins with the Burpo family carrying out their normal daily activities. Colton Burpo, a 4 year old boy, is sent to the hospital for an emergency procedure that changes the course of his life. He wakes up from this life threatening surgery with experiences and knowledge that most us would certainly deem impossible. Throughout the next few years after the surgery, Colton describes events such as meeting his unborn baby sister who died in their mother’s womb, meeting his grandfather, “Papi” who died thirty years before his own birth, and sitting with and speaking to Jesus. Being the skeptic I am, I questioned his experiences. Did he know his great grandfather’s nickname because he had heard it from someone? Did he recognize the picture of him because he had seen it before? Did he know about the miscarriage because someone mentioned it? Maybe he only dreamt of seeing Jesus. Colton, in fact, had never been told about his baby sister because the thought was too troubling for
both his parents. He talked to her in heaven where she told him she didn’t have a name, because her parents hadn’t given her one yet. Colton told his father things only Papi would know. When his father, Todd Burpo, asks his own mother to send a picture of Papi he asks Colton if that is who he met. He only agrees that it is him when he sees the picture of a younger Papi, because he claims no one in heaven is old. That leaves us with the question on whether he really saw Jesus. The amazing images and conversation he says he has with Jesus match up with what we have read about in the Bible. Todd tries to come up with explanations for what his son explains he sees, but can’t seem to. Todd Burpo shows his son images of Jesus, and with each asked, “Is this what he looked like?” Surprisingly Colton answer was always no and he clearly states what is wrong with each portrait, but something was always wrong especially with his eyes. Todd Burpo decided to look up a photo that is said to be painted by a girl who grew up in an atheist household named Akiane Kramarik. Kramarik claims to have spoken to God. When asked, “What if this is what he looked like?” Colton responds with a definite, “Yes!” Questioning from his friends, family and church begins when it is revealed that Colton experienced heaven and met Jesus. Although they are church goers, Christians, and believers, it seemed hard for them to accept Colton’s story at first. Like many Christians I had my doubts going into the novel, but I, like many others, came out a true believer in his story. Heaven is for Real is a great way to tell us that too many of us spend so much time questioning, when the answers had already been given to us. Living by faith is not easy, and the experiences of others can encourage us to press on. Still, let us continue depending on the counsel of God for the truth and the message of hope of an eternity in His Kingdom.
Bookw Revie by
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2014
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).
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valleychristianmagazine.com 27
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valleychristianmagazine.com 29
Christmas Is In December
I
t happens every year. I take calls on my radio show from people who forget that Christmas happens in December. There’s no excuse for treating Christmas like an emergency, and I just reminded you of when it takes place, so you can’t say you forgot this year. With a little planning, you can have the best Christmas and New Year’s you’ve ever had. Most Americans treat Christmas like it’s an emergency and resort to credit cards to pay for gifts. Then, they wait in dread for the bills to come in January. This ruins both Christmas and New Year’s, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Don’t let it sneak up on you. Start planning as soon as possible by putting aside money each month to cover the cost of your gifts, extra food, travel and decorations. There’s not a magic number for how much to save. If you want to give a lot, then you have to save a lot. Think about how much you want to spend, divide that by the number of paychecks you will receive from now until Christmas, and that’s how much you need to save each pay period.
Dave Says
Do a Christmas budget. Make a list of everyone you are buying gifts for, and assign a dollar amount to every name. Then, total it at the bottom. You can also check out www.mychristmasbudget.com, a free online budgeting tool to help you stay on track. Mall and specialty stores have elaborate plans to get your money this time of year. So, you need a game plan for your shopping to keep you from overspending. There’s no excuse for financing Christmas! Pay cash. Put the total amount of cash from your budget in an envelope, and when the cash is gone, stop spending! It’s as simple as that. This will help keep you on budget, because if you overspend on Aunt Sue it means Uncle Harry won’t get a gift. Just stick to the plan, and make sure no one gets left out. Don’t buy yourself a gift! This is the season to give, not to receive … from yourself. I know you think you’re getting great bargains, but it’s not about you. Resist the temptation, or plan ahead and put yourself on your Christmas budget. It’s okay if you’re a little short on money. Stick to the cash-only plan anyway. Let’s rediscover the meaning of Christmas. It’s about more than decorations, the mall, the big dinner, and overthe-top gifts — those are the optional things we do to celebrate Christmas. You could always make gifts, give low-cost gifts, or even hand out gift certificates promising your time. Talk to your family about spending expectations. Draw names, set price limits or get creative.
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 December
Whatever you do, don’t go into debt. It’s not worth it! The kids won’t remember the plastic toys you bought them, but they will remember the time you spent together as a family. If you take control of your finances and stick to your budget now, you’ll be able to give much more in years to come!
2014
December
2014
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For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Sponsored by:
-Luke 2:11-14
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For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required--Luke 12:48
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