Valley Christian Magazine Issue #93 by Valley Christian Magazine

On The Cover: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isiah 9:6 Cover Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash

It is the purpose of Valley Christian Magazine to be a magazine that points people to Jesus Christ. How to trust Him. How to do life with Him. Supported by local businesses, ministries & faithful believers. Valley Christian is a free resource for us all.

â&#x20AC;&#x192; valleychristianmagazine.com

Christian Torres

Publisher // Graphic Design // Sales Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.314.0161

Stephanie Torres Accounting

stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.314.0161

Stella Gallegos Sales // Events

stella@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.739.1663

Marcie Gallegos Distribution // Sales

info@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.533.0498

Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by Texas Christian Publications a 501c3 non-profit ministry located in the Rio Grande Valley.

For advertising information call 956-314-0161. Questions, story ideas, events, or comments call 956-314-0161 or email info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com. Social Media Facebook: @valleychristianmagazine & @valleychristian Instagram: @valleychristianmag Twitter: @vcmagazine Copyright 2018

Index Photo by Jack B on Unsplash

4â&#x20AC;&#x192;

Magazine Issue #92

Issue #93

Printed in Mexico.

Valley Christian Magazine 3827 N 10th Street Suite 303 McAllen, TX 78501 956-314-0161 www.valleychristianmagazine.com

index 6

Lysa Terkeurst

Jennifer Maggio

Three Things To Remember When Your Normal Gets Hijacked Holiday Ideas For Your Ministry

10 Greg Laurie

The Man Who Tried To Stop Christmas

12 Luis Palau

Luchando con el Desempleo

13 Steve Marr

Business Proverbs

14 Dr. Leslie Gonzales

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

16 James MacDonald Prayer Time

18 Dave Ramsey - Dave Says -Planning on Success -Paying Off Credit Cards

19 Time with Our Creator Christian Love For Others

20 Lysa K. Finley-Morrow

O Come O Come Emmanuel E’en So, Lord Jesus, Come Quickly

21 Valley Christian Magazine New Reads

-IEmbrace by Lysa Terkerst - God Is In The Small Stuff 20th Anniver by Bruce & Stan

22 Second Chance Prison Ministry

A Special Contribution to Valley Christian Magazine

24 Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez The Christmas Story

22 “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

“‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” Mark 14:36 (NIV) The only way I could fall asleep was to lie to myself. “If you can just fall asleep, when you wake up you’ll realize this is a nightmare that will soon end.”

But that wasn’t reality. The next morning, I woke up and the devastation was there in an even more heartbreaking way. I reached across the covers and all my fears were confirmed.

My husband was gone.

Death hadn’t taken him. No, the hijacking of our normal was a slow erosion that led to an eventual landslide wiping out everything secure about our relationship.

That awful morning happened nearly three years ago. And I promised myself if I actually survived looking my greatest fears in the face, I would eventually be a voice of help and hope for others thrust into a darkness they never imagined. So, here I am. I survived. We survived. And we’re determined to turn our battle scars into a battle cry to help others.

Whether you’re reeling from a life altering circumstance or you’re wrestling through something not turning out the way you thought it would, I know what it’s like to say, “It’s not supposed to be this way.” And I feel compelled to tell you three truths you must hear:

1. You are not alone in wanting things to be different and asking God to change your situation.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Three Things to Remember When Your Normal Gets Hijacked By Lysa Terkeurst Did you know even Jesus asked God to change His circumstances and fix what God surely could have fixed in an instant? Listen to these words of Jesus right before he was arrested and eventually crucified:

Mark 14:36. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me….”

I have found such comfort in remembering the humanity of Jesus. Yes, His divinity made him perfect and sinless, but His humanity felt the brutal weight of human hurt. He understands loneliness, betrayal, and being devastated by people He should have been able to trust. He knows what it’s like to be lied to, misunderstood, falsely accused, and rejected. And because I know He’s felt what I feel, I know I can trust Him to lead me through my heartbreak.

2. There is a place to attach our hope but it’s not to our desire for changed circumstances.

Verse 36 doesn’t end with Jesus’ request for things to be different. It ends with the strongest statement of trusting God that I can find in the whole Bible: “… Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

In other words, Jesus had a strong desire for change. But He had an even stronger desire to trust God with it all. This is hard for a girl like me who loves to suggest to God all the ways He could surely fix my circumstances. But God loves me too much to do things my way. His plan is always better even if I can’t understand or see it clearly as it’s unfolding.

Only God could take a string of really bad circumstances and add them together to make a good I never knew was possible. None of my suggestions to fix things ever worked. The good only came in God’s timing and in unexpected ways.

And though our normal will never look like it used to, it’s been replaced by something better. A deeper awareness of who God is and an unexpected strength that comes with truly trusting Him.

Don’t give up dear friend. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop hoping and believing. But also, don’t believe that your way of getting to the other side of your circumstance is the only way. God has a perfect plan for a path to a renewed joy and a redeemed future that’s probably one you can’t even fathom. Trust Him.

The hijacking is over. I no longer lie to myself. Now the only way I can fall asleep at night is to speak truth. God is here. God is near. God can absolutely be trusted with it all.

Father God, these devastating circumstances have left me so weary. But the truth of Your love leaves me hopeful. I’m trusting in Your plans for me and I’m lifting up these words to You – not my will, but Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.

3. Though my story took the most unexpected twists and turns through the darkest valleys I’ve ever known, God’s plan was good.

In the midst of her busy schedule, Lysa simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. She resides near Charlotte, N.C., with her five priority blessings named Jackson, Mark, Hope, Ashley and Brooke. Used by Permission. www.proverbs31.org © 2018 by Proverbs 31 Ministries. All rights reserved. © 2018 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Holiday Ideas for Your Ministry by Jennifer Maggio

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

This is our all-time favorite part of the year and boy, do we have some fresh holiday ideas for your ministry! There is so much to rejoice and be thankful for: The Christmas music start playing, The fall leaves begin trickling from trees and changing into beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. The hot cocoa starts bubbling steamy goodness of chocolate and marshmallow goo. The trees go up and maybe the turkeys begin to roast. But the truth is, there can be much to mourn as well. Single moms may be experiencing their first Christmas alone, after a spouse passed away. Perhaps this is their 10th Christmas alone and the pain of not being married another year is almost too much to bear. Maybe the financial or parenting burden they face this season seems to be particularly hard and almost insurmountable. This is why we encourage single moms’ ministries to have effective holiday outreach plans. It’s NOT too late! Now, before we go further, let us tell you, that it is NOT

about Jennifer

too late to plan your holiday outreach…even if you don’t have much of a budget. Don’t overthink it! It doesn’t have to be a 5-course meal and orchestra performing a beautiful symphony of Christmas ballads. It can be simple and easy. (Hint: Holiday Outreaches are one of the most effective ways to grow your single moms’ ministry long-term. This is a way to create excitement and have regular members invite visitors to come check you out, so…BE FUN!)

Here are a few holiday ideas: 1) Host a White Elephant exchange with a $1 limit at your church or home. White Elephant, Secret Santa, or Cajun Christmas (as we call it here in Louisiana) is simply a fun way to have a gift exchange at a low cost. Have each attendee bring a wrapped gift valued at the $1 limit (or $5 or $10, whatever you decide). You can make something, create gag gifts, or visit the local Dollar store. Each person selects a number and takes turns drawing gifts. It’s a fun past-time that can also equal lots of laughs. Each person can bring a dish for food, if desired. Bam, you’ve just created a holiday outreach! 2) Go Christmas caroling. Okay, so yeah, it can be kinda corny, but it’s really quite fun. Determine a set night & time for moms (and even their children) to meet. Rehearse a few Christmas classics, such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and the like. Then, determine, where you’d like to spread your holiday cheer. As an added feature, you can close the evening with hot cocoa at someone’s home. Caroling ideas can include neighborhoods,

Jennifer Maggio is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Life of a Single Mom, a global nonprofit committed to seeing no single mom walk alone. Having served more than 71,000 single mothers each year, the goal of the organization is establish support groups for single mothers in communities around the world. To date, we have worked with more than 1,500 churches & community groups to start or improve a single mom’s group. Our programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and parentally. For more information, visit www.thelifeofasinglemom.com The Life of a Single Mom Ministries is a global nonprofit committed to seeing no single mom walk alone. Having served more than 46,000 single mothers and 1,500 churches, the goal of the organization is establish support groups for single mothers in cities around the world, while also empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, financially, and parentally. For more information, visitwww.thelifeofasinglemom.com.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

shopping malls, or apartment complexes. 3) Host a Christmas movie night at your home or church. There are many wonderful holiday classics that are always worth the 3rd, 4th, or 100th view! Pop some popcorn and create a fun and relaxing environment. Maybe the moms can even come in their pj’s as an additional source of fun. Have a game night. 4) Game nights can be board games or Christmascentric fun, such as gift wrapping challenges (with one hand tied behind the back) or Name that Tune Christmas Edition (while guests listen to one person hum famous Christmas tunes). 5) Host a dinner. Whether you choose to simply do a potluck and have everyone bring a dish or petition a restaurant to donate several meals at a local hangout, the point is, those who eat together…stay together! Relationship is formed over a good meal and plenty of laughter. Be sure to have some ice breakers or use open-ended questions to get the holiday chatter going among your attendees. There are dozens and dozens of fun holiday party ideas available online via search engines, Pinterest, and the like. You are only as limited as your imagination. The point is to create a way to show single moms that they are seen, loved, and not forgotten during the holiday season.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

The Man Who Tried to Stop Christmas by Greg Laurie

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.

—Matthew 2:7

King Herod was the man who tried to stop Christmas. With all his wealth and power, he came to complete ruin. Historical writings tell us that in the final year of his life, his body was infected with disease. Ironically, Herod pretended to be a worshipper. He said to the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” (Matthew 2:8). Yet Herod was a false worshipper. There are people like him today. They say they believe in God, but they live a life that contradicts what the Scriptures teach. Herod wanted to be the king of his own life, but he really was a slave. He ended up being not the King of the Jews but the king of fools. Herod ended up on the ash heap of history like dictators before and after him, reminding us that those who live wicked lives eventually will reap what they sow. Adolf Hitler went into his bunker and shot himself as his nation crumbled around him. Saddam Hussein was found hiding in a hole and was eventually executed by his own people. Muammar Gaddafi was hunted down by his own people, beaten, and shot to death. All those who blaspheme God, fight with God, or try to stop the work of God eventually will fail. Yet God’s Word ultimately will prevail. Philippians 2:9–10 says, “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” One day, everyone—every man, every woman, every believer, and every nonbeliever—will bow before Jesus Christ.

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 Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Open 24 Hours A Day

CREATIVE TERMITE &L.J. PEST CONTROL MCCOY - CERTIFIED APPLICATOR

“When you get CREATIVE you can say Buenos Noches to Roaches!” Complete Business, Home & Yard Pest Control

Call L.J. at 956-239-1995

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Luchando con el desempleo -Luis Palau

¿Conoce usted a alguien que esté sin trabajo? ¿Alguien en su familia? ¿Un amigo? Quizás usted mismo ha luchado con el desempleo últimamente. Yo por mi parte tuve esta lucha cuando sostenía a mi madre viuda y a cinco hermanas menores. En aquellos días en la Argentina largos períodos de huelga sacudían el país. Estaba sin trabajo, sin compensación, sin nada. Cada vez que aparece el desempleo, crea problemas matrimoniales, financieros y hasta médicos. Además expone de manera prematura a los peligros que por lo general se asocian con la mediana edad: el cansancio, el descuido y la confusión. Estos mismos términos describen a muchos de los desempleados hoy. ¿Qué debe hacer un cristiano consagrado si se encuentra sin trabajo? Creo que la Biblia nos da varios principios específicos que tienen que ver con el tema del desempleo. En primer lugar, acepte su situación, por más difícil que sea, y confíe en que Dios obrará para bien. La Biblia promete que “a los que aman a Dios, todas las cosas les ayudan a bien, esto es, a los que conforme a su propósito son llamados” (Romanos 8:28). En segundo lugar, planee cuidadosamente cómo usar el tiempo extra de la mejor manera posible. En Efesios 5:15-16 leemos: “Así que cuidado cómo viven ustedes. Sean sabios, no ignorantes; aprovechen bien el tiempo” (BD). Si usted es un cristiano desempleado, le sugiero que pase las primeras dos horas de cada día estudiando la Biblia y orando. Luego pase las siguientes tres o cuatro horas buscando trabajo. En tercer lugar, ministre a otros durante su tiempo libre. Organice un estudio bíblico con otros que tal vez también están desempleados, y oren juntos. Pase tiempo discipulando a nuevos creyentes. En forma individual o grupal, ofrézcase como voluntario para trabajar con su iglesia, ayudando a los necesitados, visitando a los ancianos o evangelizando a su comunidad en forma activa. La Palabra de Dios nos dice: “No nos cansemos, pues, de hacer bien; porque a su tiempo segaremos, si no desmayamos” (Gálatas 6:9). En cuarto lugar, sea un buen administrador de su tiempo, energía y posesiones. Con su familia piense cómo puede usar creativamente lo que ya tiene a fin de suplir sus necesidades y aun ayudar a otros. Tal vez tenga un terreno. Plante una huerta. Quizás tenga talentos que que podrían ser usados para ganar algo de dinero. Utilícelos. En Mateo 6:33 leemos: “Mas buscad primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas os serán añadidas”. Si honramos a Dios en cada aspecto de nuestra vida, podemos estar seguros de que El suplirá todas nuestras necesidades. Si el desempleo golpea a su puerta, lo desafío a buscar el reino de Dios y su justicia. Actúe según los principios enunciados más arriba y confíe en que Dios proveerá lo que usted necesita. Si el desempleo no es su problema específico pero conoce a quienes están luchando con esta cuestión, comparta con ellos estos consejos bíblicos y anímelos a seguir adelante 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”. Copyright 2018 Used by Permission.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Do you support your new manager? Written by Steve Marr

When promoting a new manager, provide encouragement. Identify the leadership skills and the strengths that have built your trust in the new manager. Next, ensure you have furnished proper training and direction to strengthen the manager’s future performance. Then follow up regularly. Ask what challenges are encountered, and make suggestions how those obstacles may be overcome. Remember that new managers need and deserve our extra support until they learn the ropes. Encourage, train, and mentor your new managers, and they will win for you and your organization.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

By Rev. Dr. Leslie Gonzales Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash

Have you ever imagined what your life would be way like if you were… different? Maybe you’ve imagined having a different physical appearance? Or maybe you’ve imagined possessing a higher mental acumen? Or perhaps you’ve imagined what it would be like to be more/less emotional than you are?

improvement.”

As embarrassing as it is to admit, I’ve thought about these things periodically at different times in my life. I’ve wondered on more than one occasion what it would be like if I was more physically fit. I’ve wondered what it would be like if I had more hair… Ok, let’s be honest, I’ve wondered what it would be like if I had ANY hair! There have been times when I’ve thought that I wasn’t as smart as the next person, or that I didn’t have as good of a handle on my emotions as the next person.

God’s truth tells us that we cannot be “less than,” because we were made in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 5:1), and He is perfect. God’s truth tells us that it is impossible for us to, “not be good enough,” because God Himself declared at creation that we were good (Gen. 1:31). God’s truth tells us that we will never, “need improvement,” because we are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), a concept that can be descriptively articulated as meaning we are His work of art!

I’ve compared myself to others too many times to count, and I’ve thought about changing pretty much everything about myself at one point or another.

Though we all too often choose to believe these heinous lies concerning ourselves, God’s liberating and redemptive truth tells us that we don’t have to anymore. God has revealed to us that we are His beautiful, prized possessions, created in His image and likeness, and we are of infinite worth! It took me years before I stopped telling myself the same old story that I wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t smart enough, and that I had no value; my prayer is that you will not take so long.

As I’ve thought about these things, I’ve also wondered about how these changes to my identity would boost my confidence. I’ve wondered about how these changes would affect my friendships, and (previous to getting married) how they would affect my dating life. Would these changes finally bring me the new and improved feelings of self-confidence and worth that I longed for? Because let’s face it, the reason I thought about these things was because I perceived myself, or portions of myself, as being less than. I perceived myself, or portions of myself, as not being “good enough,” and as, “needing

But the reality is that these imaginations were not true at all. And what’s more, they were sinful. They were sinful because they called into question God’s truth.

What stories are you telling yourself? Are you believing the lies of the enemy, or are you trusting and taking comfort in the truths of God? You can change the story that you tell yourself today!

The Reverend Dr. Leslie Gonzales is lead chaplain of Kairos Chaplaincy Services, LLC, an entity he founded out of a desire to merge his streams of experience from both the ministry and business worlds in order to care for the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of people in the marketplace. As a minister, his greatest desire is to see to the care and building up of the individual’s soul; as a businessman, his vision is to see to the care and building up of the corporate climate in which the individual is placed. Dr. Gonzales is an ordained minister and certified life coach. He has been married 14 years and has three sons. His passion is to serve God and to glorify Him through his work in the church and in the marketplace. He and his wife are actively involved in ministry at Logos Community Church Harlingen. Further information regarding his services can be found at: www.kairoschaplains.com.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Prayer by james macdonald He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?” -Matthew 26:40, ESV

Most likely, you’ve read and heard the story so often, you could almost quote the narrative by heart. You’ve spent time trying to picture what Jesus was enduring, both physically and spiritually, on that haunting night of His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. You know about His anguish, about His sweat becoming “like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44), about His heroic prayer of surrender, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

be alone before the Father, He prayed for a solid hour. And after coming back to find His disciples asleep, He prayed again for a solid hour. Then at least part of a third. More than two hours of praying. Have you ever prayed for two full hours or more? At one time? This isn’t common for most of us. In fact, I can think of times in my life when praying for five minutes seemed like almost an eternity.

But while we all would aspire to praying with the focus and fervency of Jesus, don’t let a current “IT TAKES PRACTICE TO BUILD deficiency in your devotion keep you from beginning SPIRITUAL STAMINA UNTIL WE ARE now—today—to expand your prayer horizons. SETTING A LONGER, STRONGER Praying for an hour, though PACE IN PRAYER.” not some kind of legalistic requirement, is well within your spiritual reach if you’ll simply begin where you are and go deeper from there. But perhaps one aspect of this event, implied though not explicitly narrated, Perhaps, if you’re being truthful, three has escaped your attention, at least in or four minutes of daily prayer would be how it might relate to you in a practical a significant upgrade from your usual sense. When Jesus separated Himself habit. If so, then set the clock on your from Peter, James, and John so He could

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

phone for four minutes, and drop to your knees for a deliberate time of personal communication with the Father—a minute of confessing your sins, a minute of adoring and worshiping Him, a minute of thanking Him for His many blessings, and a minute of asking Him to meet specific needs in your life and in the lives of others who come to mind. That’s four minutes. And that’s awesome. Tomorrow it might be five. Then seven. Then ten. Then fifteen . . . and maybe more. Pretty soon you won’t even need to be measuring your prayer time by the clock on your phone, nor will you be counting the minutes. Prayer is hard work. If it wasn’t, we’d all be great at it, without even trying. So we shouldn’t be ashamed that it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice to build stamina, and to stretch certain spiritual muscle groups until we’re setting a longer, stronger pace in prayer. If you’ve still never prayed for two hours at once—join the club. But let’s join together in enlarging our experiences in prayer until we can look back and wonder why we ever thought five minutes per day with God was enough to satisfy our spiritual hunger.

Time

jo urnal How do you feel about your current prayer life? Pretty good? Pretty bad? What are some new goals you’d like to set for yourself in prayer?

P ray Lord God, thank You for continuing to grow me. Thank You for inviting me into relationship with You, and for the fact that I can approach Your throne boldly based on the shed blood of your Son, Jesus. Thank You for not giving up on me, despite the deficiencies in my trust and obedience that embarrass me to look at. I put my confidence today in You, not myself. I sense Your encouragement calling me toward You, calling me up above the limits that I too easily accept as normal and inevitable. Teach me to pray, Lord, as Jesus taught and as Jesus did. I pray today in His glorious name, amen.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America. Our Journey devotionals are brought to you by Change Partners of Walk in the Word. Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Planning and success Dear Dave, I’m stuck in a dead-end job, and I only have a high school diploma. I’ve never minded long hours and hard work, but I’ve begun to realize I need to have a better career, so I can spend more time with my kids. I feel like I’m missing out on their lives, because I work 65 to 70 hours every week. Do you have any advice on how to change my situation? Tim Dear Tim, Asking questions and exploring your options like this is a much smarter move than simply walking away from an unsatisfying job situation — especially when you have a family to think about. I’m glad you’re wise enough to take a thoughtful look at the situation, instead of making a rash decision that could have a negative impact on you and your family.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself in terms of education or your career. But before you do any of that, you’ve got to have a definite direction in mind. You need an in-depth, detailed game plan for the next three or four years that’s designed to put you where you want to be. It may involve going back to school for some classes, additional training in your field, or even getting a full-blown degree. If you identify your long-term goals in detail, it will lead you to some of the short-term goals that will help you arrive at your final destination.

Dave Says

Have you tried talking to your boss about your goals and your situation? See if you can have a sincere conversation with him or her, and discuss your feelings about your career and what’s going on with your family, too. Your company may be very receptive to the idea of increasing your value in the workplace. A good leader will also understand the importance of family. Also, there’s a great book by Dan Miller that addresses this topic. It’s called 48 Days to the Work You Love. In this book, he lays out the steps to discovering what you really love to do and how to get there. Best of luck, Tim!

Paying off credit cards Dear Dave, How do you feel about taking money out of savings to pay off credit cards? Peggy Dear Peggy, I’m okay with this under two conditions. One is that you cut up the credit cards, close the accounts, and never use those things again. The second is that you don’t wipe out your savings in the process. Leave something in there, so you’re covered in the event of an emergency. Then, rebuild your savings as fast as possible once the debt is out of your way. You have to understand, too, that credit cards aren’t the problem. The credit card debt isn’t the problem, either. They are just symptoms of buying things you don’t need, with money you don’t have, in order to impress people.

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Take a long look in the mirror, Peggy, because the person who’s looking back at you is the problem. Overspending, disorganization, not earning enough … whatever label you want to slap on this situation, you are the reason for the problem. Once you understand and accept that, and you start living on a budget and staying away from debt, you’ll have taken your first real steps toward financial peace! —Dave

Christian Love for Others Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ Name, asking You to guide me in my Christian walk. I want my life to demonstrate John 13:35. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Thank you for the example You gave me through Your Son. He (Jesus) gave His life for me, and for every person on earth, and there is no greater love than this. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” Philippians 2:8. Since You have called me to love all those who I cross paths with, show me how to let Your light shine through me to them. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16. Thank you that n o matter how different I might be from my brothers and sisters in the faith, I can know that we share a connection deeper than this world can give, a love for Christ Jesus. I need You to give me grace and encouragement to fulfill the love You have commanded me to have in Mathew 5:44. “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Remind me often that the best witness I can be for You is to show the love of Christ to the lost around me. Give me the courage to share with them about t he sacrificial love He showed when He died on the cross for us. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Time with our Creator is a Grandfather and Grandchildren team working together to help you with your prayer journey.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

The study of hymns is a fascinating one. Across my lifetime, I have sung from a number of denominational hymn books. While theological argument may demand the exclusion of some lyrics by publishing houses, there was once a movement in the English speaking Anglican community to coalesce hymnbook publishing into a singular volume that many denominations could enjoy. The resultant hymnbook, Hymns Ancient and Modern, was able by economies of scale to be considered a great success. The beloved Christmas season hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was included. While differences and exclusions of hymns from one publishing house to another can be notable, some differences in hymns are just musical notations. One summer sitting with my niece while her parents vacationed, we visited a small Presbyterian church, and I noticed the different and richer chords for accompaniment in their hymnbook. I loved them! The world yearns for peace and has for a long time. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” with its complex history and origins, reflects on the prophecy in the Old Testament book of Isaiah 7:14 foretelling of the coming Messiah. It is said over 500 of the bible’s approximate 1000 prophecies have already been fulfilled. In the bible’s last book, Revelation and chapter 22, we are told that when Christ comes again to rule and reign on earth, He will make all things new, and further, we learn that Christ will be the very source of our light. Hymn lyrics speak of His light all the time! Life and this dark, old world get tough at times and the hope of my heart is for there to be a soon return of Christ. The prophet Isaiah can take credit for one of the first renditions of the sentiment of this hymn that God would provide Emmanuel which means “God with Us,” a Messiah for Israel. Just as the first advent of Jesus was prophesied, so is His second coming. Many a hymn beseeches the Lord to come.

This hymn probably enjoys the greatest recognition as just such a hymn. When an Englishman, John Mason Neale, translated it from Latin, he secured today’s popular English version in the aforementioned publication during the historical Oxford Movement in 1833. However, recorded versions of the hymn’s Latin lyrics of “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel” are as exquisite as the English versions we can access on the internet. Also, the meter is one so popular that many a hymn tune can be paired with it’s metrical feet. The history of its tune, wasn’t settled until this past century and is widely believed to be French in origin. Advent songs, of which this and “E’en So, Lord Jesus Quickly Come” express the burden of my heart in these days of turmoil on earth. One of my favorite recordings of this hymn is by the outstanding male duo of Hale & Wilder who performed over 4000 times around the globe their majestic sacred and opera repertoires. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is recorded beautifully by the Washington Cathedral or by Bethel Music Kids in a newer rendition akin to the Mannheim Steamroller style with a driving rhythm of keyboard and stylized percussion. The earth was in great upheaval prior to Christ’s birth on earth. The foretelling of the details of a coming Messiah for Israel and the world as recorded in some several hundred prophecies serve to remind us that God does have a plan to rescue and redeem mankind and is in charge of eternity future! Whether this advent season catches you articulating Isaiah’s prophecy prior to Christ’s first advent to earth or your heart’s cry for His soon return, my prayer this season is for friends and family to embrace the understanding that it is soon. In this advent season, purpose to live a holy life and rejoice! Christ will come again! Be ready!

ABOUT LISA... Lisa and her musical husband, Jim, have served in music ministry across the state of Texas for nearly 40 years. They reside in McAllen, Texas and continue to share their love of hymns with a large number of his music students and with congregations when invited. They can be reached at morrowmessages@aol.com.

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Embrace

100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close By

Thomas Nelson

Lysa Terkeurst

Embraced features 100 devotions that will resonate with women in all stages of life by giving them a godly perspective on the issues they face each day. A real embrace indicates an intimate level of closeness. It’s not a high five or a casual handshake. The best kind of embrace is when someone we know deeply loves us flings their arms wide open and pulls us in close. Our hearts were made for this kind of love and security but for many of us, we know more about the pain of heartbreak and fear than the unconditional love for which we were created.In Embraced, Lysa shares her own struggles, doubts, and heartbreaks while pointing to the Ultimate Embrace: God opening His arms wide on Calvary through Jesus so that He could pull us close for all of eternity. Welcoming us into the safety and hope of His grace and His love. Through these 100 devotions, daily scriptures, and prayer prompts, readers will be equipped to: Begin to find freedom from the struggles that have held them hostage by learning new ways to experience God’s love and more authentic ways to trust Him. Surrender their deepest hurts by processing them in a godly way with Lysa, a friend who understands their pain. Hear the Lord speak intimately to their heart by learning how to seek His direction. Release the tension of wondering, If God is near why does He sometimes feel far away? by spending intentional, guided time with Him each day. With an exquisite cloth cover, highly designed interior, ribbon marker, and stained page edges, Embraced will be a treasured keepsake for you as well as a meaningful gift for those you love.

God Is in the Small Stuff 20th Anniversary Edition

By: Bruce Bickel, Stan Jantz SHILOH RUN PRESS

Stop worrying, and invite God into the details of your life! Bruce & Stan’s bestselling God Is in the Small Stuff is back and better than ever in this special 20th-anniversary edition! And their message--God is in all of life’s little details-is as timely today as it was two decades ago. While encouraging you not to disregard the minor, insignificant things in life, God Is in the Small Stuff invites a better understanding of God’s infinite character, reminding you that He is a personal and intimate God, involved in every detail of your life. God Is In the Small Stuff. . .and it all matters features 40 chapters covering topics like “Remember that God Loves You,” “ Discipline Yourself (No One Else Will),” and “Contentment Won’t Kill You.” Each chapter includes commentary in the classic, tongue-in-cheek Bruce & Stan style, followed by pithy, often humorous, wisdom.

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Second Chances The musicians, preachers, and men of prayer of Second Chances ministry usually meet at the Love’s on 281 one Saturday a month and briefly discuss what will happen that day at the Segovia unit and then make the short trek north through the gates of the prison. The amount of equipment that they are able to get in and out of Rob Fry’s pickup is impressive. The equipment is quickly loaded on to carts and inspected by one of the prison guards. The group then makes their way through several locked gates, doors, security checks before being escorted by the guard to the location where they will be ministering that day. In very cold or hot weather the prison allows the team to use an indoor room that will hold around 100 prisoners. Otherwise the group sets up under a covered outdoor court area. Today, as usual, there will be two services each lasting an hour or so. The prisoners file in and many embrace their friends in the band and share how grateful they are that the band has come again. The service usually consists of 30-40 minutes of Christian rock, much of it original, followed by a gospel presentation. For some of the men it is a new type of experience as they have not been part of a worship service like this before. Many others are immediately worshipping with the band and this has become familiar and encouraging for them. The ministry began in 2013. Rob, Sal Romeros, and Henry Deluna had been serving in another prison ministry when they decided to from a musical group that would reach out to the prisoners with contemporary, mostly original material. “The plan was to

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #93

Ministry answer God’s call by bringing the gospel and His love to the lost through music and encouragement” Sal shares. “It originated with music and a message, but we also offer one on one prayer time as well.” They visit the Lopez Unit the first Sunday of every month and the Segovia Units the third Saturday of every month. Usually Grant Martinez is working the sound board, Jay Gonzalez is on the drums, and Joel Martinez is playing bass. Henry does a lot of the preaching, but Bob Petersen and others have helped out with this. Several of the prisoners we spoke with related how encouraged they have been by the ministry, and how it has been part of being rescued and restored by Christ and of their equipping for when they leave prison. Joshua, one of the prisoners shared how much it meant to him that a group of guys would take a Saturday afternoon to come to a prison and just spend time with the prisoners. It gives him hope and helps him to know that he is not forgotten. There are opportunities to serve at the prisons. There is an active mentoring program and more volunteers are needed for this. Volunteers are needed for clerical work and assistance with IT issues as well. Sal adds that “the Lord has allowed us to see some of His fruit as we have received a number of letters of success after release. Glory to God!

To Help Second Chance Ministry or for more information call:

Call (956) 867-1727

or search @SCPrisonMinistry on Facebook

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus” Matt 1:21

valleychristianmagazine.com

Printed In Mexico