Valley Christian Magazine April 2013

Page 1

April / 2013

MercyMe May 3 - McAllen Along with Matt Maher, Chris August & Bellarive

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Know About Jesus vs Knowing Jesus p12

Parents 7 Things Do to Make

Their Kids Hate Sports p16

reet

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index

18

Features

Pastor Greg Laurie

14 16 28 29 30 32 34 36 36

36 Music Martin Smith

8 10 18 38

On The Cover

32

National Columnists

A Conversation with Mark Hall 7 Things Parents Do To Make Kids Their Kids Hate Sports Kids Talk About God Forgiven Motorcycle Ministry Fellowship of Christian Athletes Books Events Music Spotlight: Martin Smith 96.9 KVMV Top 9 Tunes

MercyMe Live In Concert May 3 - McAllen Convention Center with Matt Maher, Chris August, & Bellarive

Lysa Terkeurst James MacDonald Greg Laurie Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 12 20 22 24 26 32

Christian Torres, Publisher Nick Dombrowski Abram Gomez Jerrell Jobe Theresa Valladares Milton Gonzalez Miguel Paredes

38 Dave Ramsey

Vol. 3 / Issue 1

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

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Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be KHOG KDUPOHVV LQGHPQLÀHG DJDLQVW any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permissi on prohibited. Copyright 2011.

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From the Publisher From the Publisher

Hello Friends, if you live in the Rio Grande Valley and have ever said there are no good Christian events going on…well you can definitely not say that now! One morning I was sitting with Ann Gamblin of 96.9 KVMV when she was noticed the amount of events going on. God has allowed favor over the RGV and is allowing so many incredible events to take place over the next few months-from children events with VeggieTales to some of the top Christian artists such as MercyMe and Casting Crowns! Praise be to God. Don’t miss your opportunity to be blessed and bless those that are working hard to bring you these incredible events.

I had the blessed opportunity to speak with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns. He shared something so amazing, I wanted to highlight a quote from our conversation [page 14]. Mark was sharing what a disciple looks like’ “They are like a tree planted by a stream of water. What does that tree look like? Their roots and their reach. If you’re all reach--you’re gonna blow over when the first storm arrives. If you’re all roots, you are unnecessary and unneeded to the world. So you gotta grow your roots into your walk with Jesus and you have to reach out to the world. You have to have be a healthy believer that makes fruit.” Christian Torres, Publisher

Dark Places By Lysa Terkeurst

Do you ever have little places of discouragement that entangle around your heart? You know in the bigger picture of life things are good. But there’s this little dark place. A little black hole. That sometimes doesn’t feel little. It hangs like a cloud. Blocking the sun. Casting shadows. Maybe it’s an argument you and your husband have had one too many times. Your relationship is good but this one topic feels like a black hole. Or an issue with one of your kids. You have an amazing child. But WKHUH LV WKLV RQH EHKDYLRUDO WHQGHQF\ WKDW EDIÁHV \RX (PEDUUDVVHV you. Causes you to fear. It feels like a black hole. Or a reoccurring frustration with a friend. She’s amazing. But there’s this one part of your friendship that darkens the collecWLYH JRRG $QG \RX FDQ·W ÀJXUH RXW KRZ WR DGGUHVV LW 1RZ LW·V KDSpening with more frequency and it feels like a black hole. I know. It’s hard. But here’s what God keeps showing me… a black hole isn’t a black WHOLE. The whole isn’t all bad. Yes, there are some issues to address and some tensions to manage but don’t let Satan use this frustration to darken your outlook. Jesus reminds us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Ask Jesus to shed His light on your situation today. Look at this from Jesus’ perspective. Use truth to do something positive in this area today. Invest the time to make a little imperfect progress right there. In the dark place. That won’t be so dark with a little light cast upon it. Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. / 8 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Christian Torres is a graduate of Baylor University. He is married to Stephanie and they have 3 daughters: Madeleine (13) , Natalie (10), and Courtney (8). They live in McAllen and are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

By Dr. James MacDonald

Prioritize the Word of Truth I love this: “accurately handling the word of truthâ€? (2 Timothy 2:15). When I was a kid, I memorized this verse in the King James Version as “rightly dividing the word of truth.â€? Actually, in the original Greek there’s just one word. It’s a compound word that means cut it straight. Don’t you love that picture? We are supposed to be cutting it straight, rightly dividing, accurately handling the Word of Truth. We need to cut it straight in our families. When your daughter wants to date an unbeliever—but the Word of Truth says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be bound together with unbelieversâ€?—you go to her and cut it straight. When your son wants to listen to ungodly music in your house—but the Word of Truth says in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely . . . dwell on these thingsâ€?—go to him and cut it straight. Maybe you’re thinking, Hey, to be honest with you, my marriage is not doing very well right now. It’s more work than wow, for sure! I have to be honest and tell you that some days, in my darkest moments, I wonder if I can make it. I’m just not sure I can stick it out for the rest of my life. But the Word of Truth says in Matthew 19:6, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.â€? So put that thinking out of your mind, and cut it straight. 0D\EH \RX¡YH EHHQ KDYLQJ D KDUG WLPH DW ZRUN DQG WKH Ă€nances aren’t what they used to be. This hasn’t been a good year; sales are down, and you’ve been tempted to cut some corners. Maybe you’ve thought about withholding your giving to your church because you think, God, I have to provide for my family and cover certain obligations. You’ve been tempted to compromise the Word of Truth. But then you remember Matthew ´%XW VHHN Ă€UVW +LV NLQJGRP DQG +LV ULJKWHRXVQHVV DQG DOO WKHVH things will be added to you.â€? No longer will you allow yourself the luxury of wandering from what the Word of God says. You are “cutting it straightâ€?; you are accurately handling the Word of Truth. And you are making the Word of God a priority. A number of years ago, we had some major rainstorms in our area. 0DQ\ SHRSOH KDG WKHLU EDVHPHQWV FRPSOHWHO\ Ă RRGHG 7KH PRUQLQJ after the storm, two sweet sisters who live next door to us came by and said, “We were calling you on the phone in the middle of the night. We ZDQWHG WR PDNH VXUH \RXU EDVHPHQW GLGQ¡W Ă RRG Âľ “Well, we only have cordless phones,â€? I said. “When the power went out, our phones didn’t ring.â€? “Only a couple of cordless phones for a family your size?â€? the sisters answered. “We have six phones in our house: three cordless phones, and three regular phones.â€? I couldn’t believe it. “Wow, you have six phones? For what?â€? They answered, “Well, we work for the phone company. What do you expect? Isn’t your house full of Bibles?â€? I laughed out loud, “Well, yes, as a matter of fact, it is!â€? I walked away smiling to myself, because that’s what I want our family and our church family to be known for—full of the truth of God’s Word. That’s almost a decade ago now. Thankfully, those sisters gave their lives to Christ—in fact I saw them in church last weekend.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally weekdays at 5:30a.m.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America. Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

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Know About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus By Nick Dombrowski

CHALLENGE: Try sitting quietly in Jesus’ presence for one minute. Put down this magazine and try to enjoy Him, listen to Him, and be with Him.

fered from vertigo and had to be touching a wall wherever he walked as a support so that he didn’t fall down.

If most of us were honest, we would say WKDW WKLV ´FKDOOHQJHÂľ ZDV GLIĂ€FXOW :H probably spent more time thinking about our lives than being with Jesus. (Our families, jobs, kids, the big game, etc.)

Some of us are doing far too much, and, as a result, we’re saying “yes� to things the Lord has not asked us to do. Because we’re too busy to spend time with Him, we make more and more decisions without consulting Him, which leads to a downward spiral in our lives.

6DGO\ , Ă€QG WKLV WR EH QRUPDWLYH LQ PRVW Christian’s everyday lives. Sure, we spend a lot of time learning ABOUT Jesus. We have countless services, endless Bible studies, and more books than we can read. However, knowing ABOUT Jesus is not the same as KNOWING Jesus. 3 Major Obstacles to Knowing Jesus: ‡ :H¡UH WRR EXV\ We are simply doing too many things. We’ve said “yesâ€? too many times. Your calendar is packed with something every night of the week, and you’re already waking up extra early trying to hold it all together. Last week I spoke with a friend, who is married and has two kids. He shared of a period in his life when he was working fulltime, volunteering, and going to school. There was a week where he got little to no sleep, and at the end of the week he literally felt something snap inside of his body. For the next nine months he suf-

‡ :H¡UH WRR GLVRUJDQL]HG For others of us, it’s that we don’t organize our lives very well. When we’re disorJDQL]HG ZLWK RXU Ă€QDQFHV ZH HQG XS LQ serious debt. When we’re disorganized about our studies, we forget about assignments and tests. And when we’re disorganized about our relationship with Jesus, He goes by the wayside. Soon, a day turns into a week, which turns into a month and we’ve spent little to no time with Him. Feeling disconnected and having made a series of poor decisions, we let sin grow like festering weeds in the garden of our hearts. ‡ :H¡UH WRR DSDWKHWLF Lastly, there may be some of you right now that, for lack of better words, are not interested in your relationship with Jesus at the moment. If you call yourself a Christian, this ought to frighten and deeply disturb you. This apathy shows that you do not care to know Jesus. I urge you to

cry out to God and beg Him to change you. Then, choose to spend time with our Lord and Savior, regardless of how you feel. Trust that He will meet you where you are and restore you. Feelings are a blessing, but our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9), so we must not let our emotions dictate our actions. Instead, we must trust the Lord and come to Him no matter how we feel. (Prov. 3:5-6) Jesus uses the analogy of branches on a grapevine to depict our relationship with Him (John 15:1-8). Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Have you ever looked at a plant and tried to decipher exactly where the stem and branches start? No clear separation exists between the two. You cannot distinguish where the vine ends and the branches begin. The relationship is deep and intimate, and the branches cannot live without being connected to the vine. Not only should we not live without being connected to the vine, but we simply CANNOT live without being connected to the vine. If we are busy, we must discern what it is that the Lord is calling us to and let go of additional schedule clutter. If we are disorganized, we must get organized. If we are apathetic, we must confess, repent, and plead for God’s grace to change our hardened hearts. 7DNH D PLQXWH WR UHà HFW :KDW LV WKH +RO\ Spirit asking you to do right now?

Nick graduated from Western Michigan University and leads campus staff for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship here in the Rio Grande Valley. Chapters are located at both UTPA and STC. He is married to Chelsea and live in Edinburg.

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A Conversation with

M aCasting r k Crowns Hall of

.909¡V 0RUQLQJ 6KRZ $QQ -DPHV ZLWK &KULVWLDQ LQ WKH 0RUQLQJ KDG WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR VSHDN ZLWK 0DUN +DOO RI &DVWLQJ &URZQV RQ WKHLU XSFRPLQJ YLVLW RQ $SULO WK WR WKH 5LR *UDQGH 9DOOH\ +HUH¡V D ELW RI ZKDW RXU FRQYHUVDWLRQ ZDV OLNH +L 0DUN ZKHUH KDV WKLV DPD]LQJ WRXU ODQGHG \RX WRGD\" Well I am at home in Atlanta. Crazy thing is that we were all in the basement last night....tornadoes everywhere! Crazy! So I had my 14 year old son with me and we had our “manâ€? time explaining how we are supposed to do things...how to keep your family calm, this is what you need to think about.

:KDW PDNHV LW VR GLIIHUHQW" They made this crazy cool set with mason jar lighting HYHU\ZKHUH DQG FRXFKHV DQG FKDLUV GRRUV ZLWK EDQMRŇ‹V hanging. It looks an outdoor wedding. Half way through, WKH FXUWDLQ ULVHV DQG WKHUHŇ‹V D VWULQJV VHFWLRQ ,WŇ‹V MXVW UHDO intimate. All the words are on the screen. Band comes out LQWR WKH FURZG DQG DVNV TXHVWLRQV ,WŇ‹V VR IDPLO\ RULHQWHG I am going to require a couch on every tour from now on. I IHHO OLNH *DLWKHU VLWWLQJ DQG VD\LQŇ‹ VLQJ LW :H KHDU VRPHWKLQJ DERXW DQ RZO RQ VWDJH WKH LFH RZO"

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You know what? That is a mystery! There is an owl on stage and it keeps showing up in different places every night. I <RX NQRZ LWŇ‹V IXQQ\ P\ ZLIH VD\V DV K\SHU DQG QXWW\ DV GRQŇ‹W NQRZ WKH VWRU\ DQG HYHU\WLPH , WKLQN DERXW DVNLQJ I am, when something like this happens, I shut down and someone...what is this thing...it disappears! Ha! become weirdly calm! <RX NQRZ , DP IROORZLQJ WKH RZO RQ WZLWWHU #FURZQVLFHRZO :H DUH VR H[FLWHG IRU \RX WR FRPH EDFN WR WKH 9DOOH\ <RXU Ă€UVW WULS ZDV LQ +LGDOJR 1RZ WKLV WULS LV JRLQJ WR EH Are you serious?! Ha! What is he saying?! That is hilarious...I D OLWWOH GLIIHUHQW LWŇ‹V DQ DFRXVWLF WRXU EHWWHU VWDUW IROORZLQJ KLP 7KDWŇ‹V PRVW OLNHO\ RQH RI RXU VRXQG guys, Snooch, and you are alerting me to a problem within <HV ZH GLG RXU Ă€UVW ZHHNHQG ODVW ZHHNHQG DQG , DP QRW P\ RUJDQL]DWLRQ +D 7KDWŇ‹V DZHVRPH VXUH ,Ň‹P JRLQJ WR ZDQW WR JR EDFN WR RXU UHJXODU VHW because it is soo cool! :LWK WKLV QHZ $FRXVWLF $OEXP ZKDW KDYH \RX GLVFRYHUHG PDNLQJ WKLV DOEXP" It all started on the last tour, the Come To The Well Tour, in the second half we would come down to the front, sit on stools and just sing acoustic versions of about four songs. It PDNHV \RX UHGLVFRYHU D VRQJ WR ZKDW¡V EHLQJ VDLG 7R KHDU “If We Are The Body,â€? with a piano and a cello or “Set Me Freeâ€? as a chilled song, where the strings are doing all the URFN LQ VWHDG RI WKH JXLWDUV ,WŇ‹V D ZKROH QHZ ZRUOG ,W JLYHV us time to talk and tell more stories that were getting lost for each of the songs. , DOZD\V DSSUHFLDWH WKH O\ULFV WR \RXU VRQJV WKH\ DUH VR JUHDW DQG VRPHWLPHV \RX FDQ JHW FDXJKW XS LQ WKH PXVLF DQG ORVH WKH ZRUGV Right, not many bands could launch with an acoustic DOEXP <RX KDYH WR GR WKH IXOO YHUVLRQ Ă€UVW WR JHW WKH EDQJ before the reverse...it has to be in this order. 'R \RX SDVV RXW NOHHQH[" +D+D WKDWŇ‹V IXQQ\ 7KH YHU\ Ă€UVW QLJKW , GLGQŇ‹W PDNH LW

Mark Hall / 14 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Ann + James Gamblin + Christian Torres ________________ of 96.9 KVMV through one of my songs. >DZZZZ@ It seems beautiful, but a guy crying to a song...its kinda pathetic >QRRRRRR@ I was all blubering WU\LQJ WR VLQJ 7KHUHŇ‹V VRPH QHDW PRPHQWV and other gut busting moments where we are laughing!

quick. 7KHUHŇ‹V D YLGHR RI ZKHQ ZH Ă€UVW VWDUWHG DQG ZH ORRN A song is like a mini-contract and they know OLNH ZHŇ‹UH \HDUV ROG WKDW LW¡OO EH RYHU LQ PLQXWHV ,W¡V QRW JRLQJ to go on for 30 minutes and have 4 more points. And :HOO \RX ZHUH RQO\ \HDUV ROG ZKHQ \RX seeing that transparency in people is so much better VWDUWHG QRZ \RXŇ‹UH ZKDW \RXŇ‹UH LQ \RXU WKDQ SRLQWLQJ D Ă€QJHU 6R MXVW WHOOLQJ P\ RZQ VWRU\ LV SULPH how I started reaching teenagers. <HHHHHDDDDKK WKDWŇ‹V DERXW ULJKW >KDKDKDKD@ Hey you are guys are laughing a little too much after that joke!!!

2QH RI WKH IDYRULWH WKLQJV ZH OLNH DUH WKH VWRULHV EHKLQG WKH VRQJV WHOO XV DERXW ´$OUHDG\ 7KHUH¾

Already there was a continuation of the song Storm. ,WŇ‹V EHFDXVH SHRSOH WKLQN ZH DUH LQ RXU SULPH DQG In Storm, you are dealing with a hard time in your ZH DUH ZDDDDDD\ RYHU WKH KLOOO life and you are trying to get through it and you are realizing that I have to let go and let God have it. Even 7KDWŇ‹V ULJKW <RX NQRZ WKH IXQQ\ WKLQJ WKDW SULPH LQ P\ EDG WLPHV +H LV JRRG , FDQ¡W DWWDFK D PRPHQW WKLQJ , GRQŇ‹W WKLQN , KDG JRRG ROG GD\V ,Ň‹P LQ P\ WR +LP DQG PDNH KLP EDG EHFDXVH ,¡P IHHOLQJ EDG JRRG ROG GD\V ULJKW QRZ , ZRXOGQŇ‹W JR EDFN WR KLJK Already there is the teaching moment behind it. I was VFKRRO IRU DQ\ERG\ ,Ň‹P OLYLQJ LW going through Phillipians with my students and we were grappling with the idea that the book of Joy was :KDW GR \RX OLVWHQ WR RQ \RXU LSRG" written from prison. Write it down and look at it each GD\ 7KDW PLJKW PHDQ , QHHG WR UHGHĂ€QH ZKDW -R\ :HOO DQ\WKLQJ WKDW LV SRXULQJ LQWR P\ QHZ OLIH 7KDW¡V PHDQV /LIH ZDV KDSSHQLQJ MXVW OLNH LW¡V KDSSHQLQJ WR WKH EDU WKDW , UDLVH , GRQ¡W ZDQW WR OLVWHQ WR DQ\WKLQJ us. He had rest in something higher. Paul knows that that drags me back to my old life. After that‌I would he was stuck there in prison but God is already there. probably amaze you with my styles. I like all styles. He is already at the end of this. Acoustic. Switchfoot is a more modern rock, Red, /HFUDH , MXVW GRQ¡W JHW VWXFN , OLVWHQ WR RQH DUWLVW , GRQ¡W KDYH WR UHVW LQ ZKDW , FDQ VHH XQGHUVWDQG DQG like Tomlin that helps me with my worship and my FRQWURO :LWK JX\V LW¡V DOO DERXW FRQWURO 'HDOLQJ ZLWK SUD\HU EXW WKHQ ,¡OO VZLWFK WR /H&UDH DQG KH¡V JRLQJ our little girl that we adopted from China a few years DOO -RKQ WKH %DSWLVW RQ PH , GRQ¡W QHHG DOO KDSS\ DQG ago, multiple surgeries and a lot of issues. In the puppies, I need someone to hit me hard once and middle of those times when you stop seeing control awhile. Other times, I will be challenged more socially RQ WKH VXUIDFH \RX VWDUW WKLQNLQJ LW¡V RXW RI FRQWURO by the Switchfoots of the world. I really try and spread :KHQ \RX FDQ¡W VHH D SXUSRVH \RX VWDUW WKLQNLQJ WKDW out and not get stuck. WKHUH LV QR SXUSRVH ,¡P QRW SUHDFKLQJ WR WKH FKRLU This song is me. This song came out of me having +RZ GRHV \RX EHLQJ LQYROYHG ZLWK <RXWK DIIHFW WR UHVW LQ WKH IDFW WKDW , GRQ¡W XQGHUVWDQG ZK\ WKLV LV KDSSHQLQJ EXW ,¡YH JRW WR UHVW WKDW +H LV DOUHDG\ WKHUH \RXU PXVLF" ,¡YH EHHQ D \RXWK SDVWRU KDOI P\ OLIH 0\ Ă€UVW VRQJ FDPH out of what we were teaching. So I think that the fact that I teach teenagers with their short attention spans, you better say what you are going to say and say it

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7

Things

Parents Make Their Do to

Sports for kids—whether its baseball, soccer, or lacrosse—can be great at WHDFKLQJ WKHP WHDPZRUN DQG GLVFLSOLQH %XW WKDW EHQHÀW FDQ TXLFNO\ EH lost when a mom or dad puts too much pressure on their child. Avoid these 7 things parents do to make their kids hate sports. 1. They forget their children are kids. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of turning our kids into super athletes. But when that happens, we start to expect our children to train like adults. Well, they’re not adults.

Kids Hate Sports

Yes, they should be focused on doing their best, but their bodies are not able to bear the strain of grown-up size repetition. Plus, the joy of sports is having fun. If you expect your 8 year old to have the focus and work ethic of a high-schooler, you’re expecting too much.

2. They embarrass their kids. I just read an article about a father who would yell out to his son, “You’re playing like a girl!â€? at his son’s games. In front of everyone. Parents also embarrass their kids when they coach from the stands, yell at umpires and refs, and confront the coach in an inappropriate way. 3. They compare their kids. You might not even realize you’re doing this one. If you say, “That Abby has amazing ball control,â€? your child is hearing, “My mom thinks I’m not as good as Abby.â€? More blatant examples of hurtful comparisons include, “Why can’t you move around the bases like Jack?â€? “If only you practiced as much as Sophia, you’d be good too.â€? 4. They don’t show up. Sports are a big commitment, so if you sign your children up to play, make sure you’re all in. That means making every game you can. It may seem like you’re spending all of your free time at WKH Ă€HOG EXW \RX¡UH DOVR EXLOGLQJ PHPRULHV DQG VKRZLQJ \RXU FKLOGUHQ WKDW you believe in them. 5. They overschedule their kids. It’s common these days for kids to join travel teams as early as 8 years old. You’ll hear the parents say, “He loves soccer so much. It was his idea.â€? It might have been your child’s idea, but you are the one who can wisely weigh the cost to your child. Is it really wise to let your children stay up late several nights a week at practices and games? Is it best for him and your family to spend all weekend traveling to tournaments? Many travel team kids are burned out by the time they’re in middle school. Just something to think about. 6. They live through their kids. Some parents were not good athletes growing up, so the fact that their children are very athletic amuses them. But sadly, there are parents who were super athletic growing up who expect their children to be just like them. When they’re not, the parents push, berate, and voice their disappointment. Find a way to let your kids shine. If it’s the sport you or your spouse love, great. If it’s not, accept your child and his preferences as is. 7. They don’t look out for their kids. If your child is being treated badly by a coach, you need to step in. There is a right way to talk to your child’s coach, so be sure to take that approach. But by all means, don’t let DQ\RQH EHOLWWOH \RXU FKLOG WR WKH SRLQW WKDW WKHLU FRQĂ€GHQFH LV VKDNHQ DQG their spirit is broken. Š 2013 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

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Saved! By Greg Laurie

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9) The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” The answer Paul and Silas gave him is very important: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved . . .” (Acts 16:31). What does that mean? The word “believe” does not merely mean intellectual assent, acknowledging there is a God, or even that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. To believe, in a biblical sense, is much more than that, because the Bible says that “even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). Demons acknowledge the existence of God, but they don’t trust in Him. To believe means to hold on to, to cling to. It also means to let go of. So in the Bible, belief speaks of both letting go of one thing and taking hold of another. We let go of our sin and take hold of Christ, and Christ alone, to save us. It is not Christ—plus good works that we do—that saves us. Rather, it is just Christ. I read an article about the pastor of a megachurch who said that he doesn’t believe pastors should use the word “saved” anymore in their preaching because people don’t understand it. But I think “saved” is a great word, and I will keep using it because it is in the Bible. I also think “saved” is a fairly self-explanatory term. When someone gets caught in a riptide and a lifeguard pulls him out, we say the lifeguard saved him. And “saved” is the perfect word to use when we talk about conversion, because before we put our trust in Christ, we were headed to eternal judgment. So when we say that we are saved, that is the perfect word.

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, P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, Calif., 92514.

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

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The Journey of Joseph THE PIT TEST / Part 1 I have often said that Hollywood doesn’t need to look far when trying to think of the next creative script or storyline for a movie. Written IRU RXU HGLÀFDWLRQ DQG HQFRXUDJHPHQW are stories found between the pages of Genesis and Revelation that speak about ordinary people like you and I full of real life action. These are people who God selected and decided to allow us to look through a historical window to see their lives as they were lived out in times past. I have noticed that at different stages of my life, I have found myself relating with different biblical characters and their own personal struggles and victories. One in particular is a young man by the name of Joseph. Personally, I think that we all can relate to Joseph at some point or another, and his personal journey towards destiny. +LV VWRU\ LV ÀOOHG ZLWK GUHDPV GHFHLW EHWUD\DO wrongdoing, temptation, perseverance, and XOWLPDWHO\ SURPRWLRQ +LV OLIH LV VR VLJQLÀFDQW that the book of Genesis allows 13 chapters to speak about his earthly chronicles. Joseph is the son of Jacob, and is favored by his father. The favor is so overwhelming that his brothers are resentful because of the grace that rests upon his life. His father provides for him a special coat of many colors to the dismay and envy of the others. In Genesis 37, we are told that Joseph has a series of dreams and shares them with his family. Of course, he RQO\ DGGV IXHO WR WKH ÀUH RI MHDORXV\ DQG KH would soon learn that destiny would not come to pass without a series of tests. Soon, his brothers toss him into a deep empty pit to get rid of him. However, because of a sovereign God, the pit would only serve as the catalyst to launch Joseph towards his assignment. We all have a destiny. We all have been favored by God through His Son Jesus Christ. But there are tests we must go through WR UHÀQH RXU FKDUDFWHU DQG VWUHQJWKHQ RXU faith. One of Joseph’s early tests was the pit. Every believer will go through pits whether LW LV UHODWLRQDO SHUVRQDO PDULWDO ÀQDQFLDO RU even some other type. Pits, for the most part, are a part of life. Sometimes we cause of our own pits. Other times, the enemy leads us into a trap and we are caught off guard. Whatever the case might be, understand that God can use the pit on the road towards destiny to work some necessary things into your life as He did with Joseph.

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

1. The Pit serves as an Incubator for your personal development. It is no secret that everyone is in a hurry these days. For some of us, slowing down and taking a breather would take an act of God, and He knows it. Development is not a rushed process. It takes a baby 9 months to develop in a mother’s womb. While in the womb, the baby is developing organs, and systems, and limbs, and other necessary body parts for survival in the real world. Joseph had a great dream and a bright future, but it was not going to happen overnight. Parts of his character needed formation so he could walk under the weight of his appointment. I like to compare his pit to an incubator. An incubator is an environment that can be controlled for development and formation. When I think of an incubator or the incubation process, I think of bird sitting

on her eggs to keep them warm and bring them to hatching. Similar to Joseph, you and I have some things inside of us that may need further development. Maybe we are not as prepared as we thought we were. Maybe we need to increase our faith. Maybe we need to have more patience. In any case, the pit serves as a great place for the Spirit of God to hover over our lives and bring into formation the pieces missing from our character. It is only when I am in the pits of life that I truly slow down and seek God for His counsel. Pits give you no option but to stay put. It’s overwhelming to know that even when we are at our lowest, the depth of the pit does not determine the potential nearness of God in our lives. Remember, incubators are a controlled environment. Understand that God controls the environment of the pit because His hand in on the thermostat of your life. He knows how much you can handle, and He knows the right temperature you need to allow certain things to come to pass in your life. The Pit has purpose! 2. The Pit serves as an Opportunity for your personal downloads. One of the most used inventions of our day and age is the Iphone. As a matter of fact, anything with the letter “Iâ€? seems to strike gold. I have both the Iphone and Ipad, and they are very useful for me in my everyday living. What is interesting is that updated software and application updates are always being offered. Again, because we operate at such a high paced rhythm these days, I normally don’t take time to receive these fresh downloads to my electronical devices. What I fail to realize it that I tend to operate on the previous system that could be outdated, and missing out on some of the new features that come with the new downloads. So, I have to intentionally accept these downloads, and allow these devices time to update. I hope you see where I am going with this. The Bible teaches us that it is God “who daily loads us ZLWK EHQHĂ€WVÂŤÂľ LQ 3VDOP $OVR LW VWDWHV in Ephesians that we have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly SODFHV LQ &KULVWÂŤÂľ :LWK WKDW EHLQJ VDLG FRXOG it be that we have become so unaware of fresh spiritual downloads that God has for us that we are still operating under old spiritual software? Speaking freely, I would much rather be anointed with fresh oil than operate on yesterday’s content. Some of us are still using joy from 10 years ago, when the truth is that God has fresh joy for your life today! The pit gives us an opportunity to download into our hearts and spirits something fresh from God. The problem with the religious people in Jesus day wasn’t that they didn’t respect God. It was just that God sent a fresh download – His only Son – and the people never took the time to notice what God was doing. They continued to operate under old software from the old Covenant. I don’t know about you but I am thankful for His mercies that are new every day, and for His grace that supplies all things and enriches our lives! The pit has purpose! Do not be afraid of the PIT TESTS of life. Be encouraged to know that God is at work in your life!

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A new monthly series of concerts of Contemporary Christian Music If you are a local band or singer and would like to participate, send us your contact information along with an audition CD/DVD to: Robert K Ordway 3009 Heron Ave McAllen, TX 78504 956.463.4911

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First Presbyterian Church Downtown McAllen Location at 12th & Austin Ave.

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Soundof Silence The

By Jerrell Jobe

When you get in your car, what’s one of WKH Ă€UVW WKLQJV \RX GR" ,I \RX¡UH OLNH PRVW people, you turn on some music. But, have you ever stopped and wondered why?

the First Century, “the mind controlled by the sinful nature is death� (Romans 8:6). The practice of solitude and silence tend to strip us of these opiates, forcing us to encounter ourselves and the world as they really are.

Everyday, millions, while at home have the television on. No one is watching, but it’s on nonetheless. Why is this?

“Solitude is the furnace of transformation,� wrote Henri Nouwen in his book The Way of the Heart. “Without solitude we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the illusions of the false self. It is the place of conversion, the place where the old self dies and the new self is born, the place where the emergence of the new man and the new woman occurs. In solitude I get rid of my scaffolding: no friends to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books to distract, just me - naked, vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken – nothing. �

In surveys, the number one reason people say they keep the television on in their homes is simply to generate some kind of noise. “I just like having something going on the background,â€? people say. But, why is this? Have we become afraid of silence? Silence can be unsettling for many. In silence, we are left to our own thoughts and emotions. In silence, we often become aware of how we’ve become addicted to noise. Even more, we realize our dependence upon such things to pacify us. We become conscious of how often needless words and chatter rule our conversations, mostly out of fear and a need to control. Cognitive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in his book Flow, writes about research done in the arena of the mind. His research concludes that, “when we are left alone, with no demands on attention, the basic disorder of the mind reveals itself. With nothing to do, it begins to follow random patterns, usually stopping to consider something painful or GLVWXUELQJÂŤÂľ +H FRQWLQXHV ´7R DYRLG WKLV condition, people are naturally eager to Ă€OO WKHLU PLQGV ZLWK ZKDWHYHU LQIRUPDWLRQ is readily available, as long as it distracts attention from turning inward and dwelling on negative feelings. This explains why such a huge proportion of time is invested in watching television, despite the fact that it is very rarely enjoyed.â€? While this is insightful, it really isn’t a new discovery. The Apostle Paul penned in

‡ :KHQ WKHUH LV QR QRLVH ZKDW DUH the emotions that emerge within your soul? ‡ :KHQ DOO WKH GLVWUDFWLRQV DUH turned off, what does your mind tend to dwell on? ‡ :KHQ ZDV WKH ODVW WLPH \RX ZHUH silent long enough to actually know? Getting alone (solitude) in a quiet place (silence) was a natural element of Jesus’ life rhythms. The Gospel’s give us a glimpse into Jesus’ private life with God. Luke says, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed� (Luke 5:16). Jesus placed a high priority on these times of solitude and silence. Could it be, that these very times of being alone with the Father were one of the primary sources of Jesus’ strength, wisdom and insight? ‡ 'RHV VROLWXGH DQG VLOHQFH KDYH an expressed place in your rhythm of life? While silence exposes my subconscious patterns of thinking, this isn’t the goal. The higher goal is, as the Apostle Paul encouraged, to have a mind that is “set / 22 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

onâ€? Christ (see Colossians 4:1-3). To have a mind governed by the Spirit of God, UDWKHU WKDQ WKH Ă HVK 7KDW ZH PLJKW ZDON in a reality marked by “life and peace,â€? not “deathâ€? and decay (see Romans 8:6-15). Perhaps, in time, we like Jesus, will discover silence as a incubator where we are reminded of who we are in Christ, His relentless love for us and our place in the world in which He as placed us. These are the true sounds of silence, PD\ ZH KHDU WKHP ZHOOÂŤ Engaging Silence: ‡ &RQVLGHU JRLQJ D ZKROH ZHHN (or longer) without listening to anything while in your car. If you typically walk/ run/workout with an mp3 player, go without. Pay special attention to the types of things your mind thinks about? Can you discern patterns of default thinking? Is this challenging? Take some time and journal about what you observe. Make note of what begins to change over the course of the week. ‡ 6HW DVLGH VRPH WLPH HDFK GD\ to simply be alone with God. For some, three-minutes of silence may be an ambitious endeavor. During this time, the goal isn’t necessarily to ask anything of God or even say anything to Him. Rather, simply to be with God. Perhaps, it is God who has something to say to you. Listen. Silence your body to listen to your words... Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts... Silence your thoughts to listen to your heart beating... Silence your heart to listen to your spirit... Silence your spirit you listen to His Spirit. In silence you leave many and be with the One. -Mama Maggie Be still, and know that I am God. –Psalm 46:10

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Dr. Daniel C. Lee is excited to be back in the Rio Grande Valley, providing exceptional care in women’s health. After completing a Family Practice residency at In His Image in 2004, Dr. Lee completed a second residency in OB/GYN at Oklahoma State University. At his new office in McAllen, Dr. Lee provides a full range of obstetric care, and has special expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery.

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is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has / 23(7),and /www.valleychristianmagazine. com / three children : Micah (9), Naylah Avi (5).

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Va l l a d a re s , B y T h e re s a

W

hen I was younger I use to watch the Miss America Pageant. These women were so beautiful and at the end of the evening one of them would receive a crown. The tiara was always sparkly and full of crystals. I wanted one just like any other little girl. When Lady Diana was marrying Prince Charles I was in awe of the crown she ZRUH DW WKH ZHGGLQJ ,W VLJQLĂ€HG WKH WUDQsition to a princess. Tiara’s are worn by most queens and are signs of royalty. It’s no surprise that when we marry we tend to gravitate toward these beautiful accessories. It’s a special day. We want to feel like a princess. As I have gotten older the longing for a tiara has not gone away. This is no surprise to my friends because they know I love everything sparkly and bedazzled! So as my birthday approached this year I told my husband “I want a Tiaraâ€?. He looked EDIĂ HG DQG GLGQ¡W NQRZ TXLWH KRZ WR UHspond when I said “I NEED a Tiaraâ€?! So I will now share with you how I have come to this point in my life that I feel I am special enough for a Tiara. It’s biblical! Isaiah 61:3-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. $V ZH DOO NQRZ OLIH FDQ EH GLIĂ€FXOW SDLQIXO and frustrating. Different trials can make us feel unworthy or beaten down and maybe our self esteem has suffered. We begin to think less of ourselves and focus on the negative. Perhaps negative words have been spo-

ken over you or maybe you harbor the guilt of having done that to others. Could you be harboring bitterness or unforgiveness? Maybe you felt you were treated unfairly? Or perhaps you are still trying to recover from a scarring divorce, painful relationship, or traumatic childhood. Do you walk around with shame and regret of past mistakes? In the Old Testament ashes were atonement for sin. They were collected after an offering was burnt at the altar. When someone was repenting, mourning or felt ashamed they would put ashes on their head for all to see. Job 42:6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. Daniel9:3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 2Samuel 13:19 Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went. What are your ashes and are you still carrying them around? Yes it can be very hard for us to let go of pain, hurt, shame, regret, bitterness or unforgiveness. These ashes affect your self-worth and it can be apparent to others. Are you carrying your ashes for all to see? If you had real ashes in your hands you would see how hard they are to remove and how easily it can stain clothes. The more you try to rub them off the more the stain seems to spread. Whatever item of clothing you have on will not return to its

M.D.

pristine condition. Just as in the ceremonial ashes of a burnt offering a change of clothes would be required. When you hold on to your ashes it affects every area of your life. It can leave you with feelings of sadness, inadequacy and despair. It can make you forget what God has promised you through the acceptance of Christ. That spirit of despair he wants to replace with praise and for your mourning and sadness he has promised to give you joy and blessings. It’s time to trade in the ashes and claim what is rightfully yours-the Crown of Beauty! Just as in the Miss America Pageant or a royal wedding you have been deemed special and worthy. We are the children of the Most High King. Don’t allow trials of life to steal that from you. Yes you should have a Tiara! I have started to give tiaras as gifts to my friends for their birthdays. I’ve seen each one of them overcome struggles and through them I have learned to let go of my own past mistakes and pain. It’s a gift with biblical meaning and of course it’s sparkly! So going back to why I NEED a Tiara is simple. It is to remind me that when I am knocked down by life or hurts and disappointments come my way I have a choice to make-do I want to hold on those ashes or do I want to represent the splendor of God and wear my “Crown of Beauty�!

theresa 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.

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wow! By MILTON GONZALEZ

the principal of Covenant Christian As Academy I get to meet with new families every week. They visit us Thursday

2013. We decided to name him Daniel after the great prophet, the young man who did not conform to the world and was favored by God. His name in Hebrew means “God is my judge�.

Identity - the need to feel unique and sigQLĂ€FDQW Security - the need for stability, structure mornings promptly at 8:30 for the “school and consistency tourâ€?. I walk them to the library and share Purpose - the need to know that God has our vision, mission and core values. We a special plan for their lives Needless to say, as a dad, I am more than then proceed to visit classrooms as we disAcceptance - the need to belong unconcuss curriculum, programs, learning styles, HFVWDWLFÂŤ , DP EOHVVHG EH\RQG PHDVXUH ditionally spiritual formation, scheduling, recess and In all honesty I never imagined myself beof course lunch. We end the 30 minute ing a dad for the second time and starting Paul writes to the Ephesians: “Fathers, pilgrimage with a quick overview of who I all over again at age 41. I am constantly don’t exasperate your children by comam - my professional background, experi- reminded that I now have two pairs of ing down hard on them. Take them by the ence, ministerial calling, love for children eyes, David’s and Daniel’s, that are con- hand and LEAD them in the way of the and of course I tell them about my own stantly watching my every move and that Master.â€? (Eph 6:4) two boys. “I am blessed with two boys... whatever I do or say will impact their lives. How will our children ever trust in a Heavmy oldest is 21 and my youngest was born I feel twice as responsible and account- enly Father they cannot see when their January 15, 2013â€?. After hearing this their able for their lives. earthly father has failed them so many demeanor goes from attentive to bewil- Jesus said “the student is not greater than times? How will they ever understand or dered to amazed as they exclaim in uni- their teacher, but the student who is fully even accept God’s grace when their own VRQÂŤÂľ:2::::: Âľ trained will become like the teacherâ€? father has never extended it to them? How can a father lead their children to the “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are (Luke 6:40 - NLT) Master if they themselves don’t know the D UHZDUG IURP KLP¾ 3VDOP 1/7

Our children are in need of a parent not a way? How can a blind man lead another buddy...they are in need of a mentor and 0\ Ă€UVWERUQ ZDV ERUQ -DQXDU\ WR D Ă€QDO GHVWLQDWLRQ ZLWKRXW IDOOLQJ LQWR D We decided to name him David after the not a playmate - they need someone to ditch? great King of Israel, the shepherd boy / guide them to their God given destiny. -It is time for dads to rise upgiant slayer who God called a man after His own heart. His name in Hebrew means I heard a story about a little girl that upon A young medical student whose love for arriving home after Sunday school class “belovedâ€?. followed her father around relentlessly. the Lord was evident in his life was being Soon after David’s birth, his mother was Her father paused and asked her “sweet- interviewed by a middle aged man. The diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a ie why have you been following me interviewer asked him “so what do you form of cancer that affects the lymphatic around for the past 10 minutes?â€?The little want to be when you are older?â€? The system. The prognosis was piercing and girl replied “because my Sunday school young man replied “I want to be like my the 15 year journey was treacherous but teacher told us to follow in the footsteps fatherâ€?. The man then asked “so you want in the midst of it all we found Jesus and of Christ and your are the closest to him to be an doctor?â€? He replied “my father is QRW D GRFWRU¾¾, ZDQW WR EH D &KULVW IROthat made all the difference in the world. that I knowâ€?. lower just as he isâ€?. He then added “my She found joy in visiting M.D. Anderson in Houston and the local hospitals sharing Salomon writes “train up a child in the dad is one the greatest Christian men I the hope of Christ with all she came into way he should go so that when he is older have ever met!â€? contact with. he will not depart from itâ€?. The question The interviewer paused, took out a pencil is - whose responsibility is this??? The parOn February 28, 2007, after David’s 15th ents’ of course. We teach and train up by and notepad and asked “tell me...what is birthday, she passed away in her sleep example and as they watch the teacher your father like?â€? and went to meet with her Creator. She they will soon imitate and emulate what The question for you today is “What are left a wonderful legacy. they have experienced their whole life. you like?â€? At that point God decided it was not -Lead by example and keep it realShalom, “good for man to be aloneâ€? so He brought a special someone into my life and in De- Establishing structure and discipline early cember 2008 we got married. I went from on together with a strong relationship is Milton being her pastor to becoming her hus- crucial to the proper and successful upband just by saying “I doâ€?. Since day one bringing of every child. Author Josh Mcshe shared with me her desire of being a Dowell has a simple but very powerful PRWKHU DQG WKRXJK FRQĂ LFWLQJ FLUFXP- equation that as parents we should alMILTON GONZALEZ stances forecasted no hope in this coming ways remember: to fruition she never gave up. She prayed, worshipped and seeked His face and God RULES - RELATIONSHIP = REBELLION Milton Gonzalez is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in showed up in a mighty way and gave her McAllen and has a son David. He the desire of her heart. 2XU FKLOGUHQ KDYH Ă€YH LPSRUWDQW QHHGV is married to Elena and they have we mustn’t ever forgeta son Daniel. My youngest son was born January 15, Love - that should be a no-brainer

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How Do You Know If You’re Going To Heaven? “My grandma thinks I’m going to heaven,� says Kole, 6. Why is it that most grandchildren can’t get enough of their grandparents? Most grandparents are smart enough to just love on their grandkids. They leave the hard stuff like correction and discipline for the parents. Kids instinctively sense when someone loves them. They know their grandparents think they’re very special, and they love it. If grandparents possessed the key to heaven, all their grandkids would have their tickets punched for heaven.

comes from knowing you are God’s child forever. No one including you can undo a spiritual birth any more than one can undo a physical birth. When you are born again spiritually into God’s family, you belong to him forever. God wants to bless all his children. Like any good father, he disciplines his children (Hebrews 12:6). However, he never disowns his children. That can’t happen because God promised eternal life to all who accept the Lord Jesus as their savior. 1R VLQ RU IDLOXUH LV JUHDWHU WKDQ &KULVW¡V VDFULĂ€FH IRU VLQ :RZ Think about this: The very nature of the life that God gives when anyone trusts the Lord Jesus as his or her savior is “eternal.â€?

“You have to be good,� says Carly, 6. That’s exactly the problem, Carly. Do you know anyone who is good always? If no one is good all the time, how good do you have to be to walk through the pearly gates? Many people think God grades on the curve. If I’ve been better than most people, God will roll out the golden carpet to welcome me into heaven, right? WRONG!

Memorize this truth: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand� (John 10:28). Ask this question: How can you lose something that lasts forever?

God doesn’t grade on the curve. When we compare ourselves to other people, we’re looking at the wrong standard for entering heaven. We need to look at God instead of people. God is good all the time because goodness is his nature. “I know I am going to heaven because I believe that Jesus died on the cross to take away my sins,â€? says Reecie, 7. “I know that this is the way to get to heaven because God said so, and God is truthful (John 3:16). Reecie is not trusting in her own efforts to be good. She knows that she could never earn the kind of goodness that God requires to live with him forever. The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s standard for goodness and heaven. Out of all the billions of people who have been born, only he was good all the time. As God’s only son, Jesus came from heaven in order to make the way to heaven available for all. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,â€? (John 14:6). Amazingly, Jesus Christ offers eternal life as a free gift to all who will simply trust him and him alone as their only way to heaven. ,Q VSLWH RI WKH IDFW WKDW -HVXV VDLG ´,W LV Ă€QLVKHG Âľ DV KH KXQJ RQ the cross, many people still think Jesus needs help in being the savior of the world. <RX FDQ¡W EH WUXO\ FRQĂ€GHQW RU SRZHUIXO XQOHVV \RX NQRZ ZLWK certainty that you have eternal life. Death is the biggest problem everyone faces. Jesus conquered death when he rose from the grave after three days. True liberation and power

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distributed by Creators Syndicate. KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Biblelesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s International Arts Festival. For details, go to www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org

/ 28 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

F o r g i v e n

Motorcycle

M i n i s t r y Ron nie an d Ly dia hav e been a p a r t of F or gi ven Mot orc yc l e Mini st ry s inc e t he begi nni ng. As t he l ead C hapl ains , t h ey w e r e as ked t o fac i l it at e F orgiv en’s Cha pl a i n Mi nis t ry t o sp irit ual ly direc t t h e l i v e s o f t he peopl e t hat Forgiven ser ve s . T he y bot h c ome from C hris t ian home s a n d e n joy s haring God’s ul t imat e gift , H i s l o ve . C haplain s, R onnie an d Ly dia Long o r i a Ron nie an d Ly dia hav e been a p a r t of F or gi ven Mot orc yc l e Mini st ry s inc e t he begi nni ng. As t he l ead C hapl ains , t h ey w e r e as ked t o fac i l it at e F orgiv en’s Cha pl a i n Mi nis t ry t o sp irit ual ly direc t t h e l i v e s o f t he peopl e t hat Forgiven ser ve s . T he y bot h c ome from C hris t ian home s a n d e n joy s haring God’s ul t imat e gift , H i s l o ve . C haplain s, R onnie an d Ly dia Long o r i a

Q&A Q: W h e re we re e a ch o f yo u in y o ur l iv e s w h e n yo u b e ca m e a w a re o f F o r g iv e n M o to rcy cl e M in is try ?

A: Ro n n ie - F o r m a n y y e a rs Ly dia a n d I h a ve b e e n in v o l v e d in m in is try th ro ug h dif f e re n t l e ve l s o f s e rvin g . W e b o th g re w up in Ch ris tia n h o m e s a n d e n j o y re a ch in g o ut to th e n e e ds o f G o d’ s p e o p l e . F o rg ive n M o to rc y cl e M in is try h a s g iv e n m e a n o p p o rtun ity to co n tin ue g ro win g a n d s h a rin g G o d’ s ul tim a te g if t, H is l o v e ! A: Ly dia - I wa s b o rn in to a P a s to ra l f a m il y. F ro m ch il dh o o d to th is da y , I h a v e b e e n in v o l v e d in va rio us l e v e l s o f m in is try . As a s ta f f m e m b e r h e re a t Th e F a m il y C h urc h a n d th ro ug h F o rg ive n M o to r cy cl e M in is try , I h a v e h a d th e p riv il e g e o f s e e in g l iv e s tra n s f o rm e d a n d f a m il ie s re s to re d.

Q: H o w h a s F o rg iv e n M o to rcyc l e M in istry im p a c te d y o ur l if e s tyl e s ?

A: Ro n n ie - In a n o rm a l ch urc h s e ttin g , yo u do n ’ t g e t to e xp e rie n c e b o n din g with c h urch f a m il ie s . As a Ch a p l a in in F o rg iv e n M o to rc y c l e M in is try, I h a ve th e p riv il e g e o f l is te n in g to p e o p l e ’ s h e a rts a n d s p iritua l l y dire ct th e m th ro ug h th e wo rd o f G o d to f in d a n s we rs . R idin g to g e th e r to p s it o ff .

A: Ly dia - O ur fa m il y wa s in v o l ve d in a M is s io n s Minis try th a t re a ch e d o ut to th e l os t an d h urt in g in th e s l um s o f M e xico a n d th e s urro un din g a re a s . O ur s o ul s a re th e v e ry h e a rt b ea t o f G od a n d wh e n I h e a rd th a t F o rg ive n M o to rcycl e M in is t ry’ s pa s s io n wa s to re a ch o ut to the co m mun it y a n d im pa rt th e l o ve o f G o d th ro ug h va r io us a ct s o f k in dn e s s , I k n e w in m y h e a rt th a t Fo r giv e n wa s t he pl a ce to s e rv e .

Q: W h a t w o ul d y o u s a y to s o me o n e w h o m a y be in te re s te d in b e co m in g a p a rt o f F o rg iv e n M o to rc y cl e M in is tr y ?

A: Ro n n ie – Yo u do n ’ t n e e d a m oto rcyc l e . Al l y o u n e e d to kn o w is th a t y o ur s in s are “ Fo rg ive n . ” If yo u wa n t to m e e t n e w pe o pl e tha t do e xcitin g th in g s f o r th e K in g do m o f G o d, I e n co ura g e yo u t o j o in Fo rg ive n M o to rcycl e M in is try. A: Lydia – Fo rg iv e n M o to rcy cl e M in is t ry re a ch e s o ut to th e l o s t a n d h urtin g . In th is min is tr y yo u wil l h a ve a n o p p o rtun ity to be a b l es s in g t o o t he rs . M y g re a te s t j o y is to s e e th e un -churche d c om e to kn o w Ch ris t a s Lo rd a n d s e e the m a tt e n din g ch urch a n d s e rvin g with Fo rg ive n M o t or cyc l e Min is try. Co m e j o in us in re a ch in g th e l o s t fo r Ch ris t .

www.eaglebeancoffee.com /2236 W. Trenton Rd, Edinburg, TX /956.627.5261

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COACHES CAMP Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort - Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Thursday—Sunday, July 11th to 14th Come and enjoy the fellowship of other members of the coaching profession as you learn key principles of successful living as a “Coach” in an environment that is fun and understands coaches.

LEADERSHIP CAMP Hardin-Simmons University - Abilene, TX

June 10th to June 14th DFW FCA Sports Leadership Camp Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX – www.dfwfca.org

June 24th to June 28th

SPORTS CAMPS FCA Golf Camp – HSU, Abilene, TX

June 10th to June 14th Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX

June 21st to June 25th Texas A&M University - College Station, TX

July 1st to July 5th (Subject to change)

COLLEGE EXTREME River Bend Camp – Glen Rose, TX January 25th to 27th &DPS VFKRODUVKLSV DUH DYDLODEOH WKURXJK ORFDO )&$ 2I¿FHV FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE CAMPS GO TO:

A Note from Nathan…

Please buy a sign and scholarship for a kid to go to camp. It’s that easy! You’ll be glad you gave! Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones

Multi-Area Director Fellowship of Christian Athletes njones@fca.org

/ 30 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

FCA Camp Scholarship Campaign FCA Camps are a time of “Inspiration and Perspiration” for athletes who want to reach their potential through comprehensive athletic and spiritual training.

Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has challenged athletes and coaches to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles in local communities nationwide by encouraging, equipping and empowering others to serve as examples and to make a difference in their family, school, and community. Reaching over two million people annually on he college, high school, junior high and youth levels, FCA has grown in to the largest inter-denomination sports ministry in the world. Through this shared passion for athletes and faith, lives are being changed for current and future generations. “I’m athletically faster FCA Camp has been in my sport and spiritually experienc t h e greatest e of my stronger with God.” life! Anyo has not ne who gone to F C A ing out o e n one gr Camp is missferenc f i d a e 00. eat exper n mnak a c o f U i e n c e ! ” How YO Buy a Sig r $5

“It was intense.”

If you would like to sponsor an Athlete to Summer Camp

ch ign, ea campa) on their ip h rs e la ed at p scho ny nam ur came (or compah will be plac a. o in g re n whic icipatin your a eir nam By partr will have th ble sided sigt the year in u u o o o n d h Do Camp throug ” x 18” ’s FCA te le own 24 events held th A FCA ts one presenolarship. e r ld o Sch sign s Every

call Robin at 956-994-1121 today! FCA Vision 7R VHH WKH ZRUOG LPSDFWHG IRU -HVXV &KULVW WKURXJK WKH LQÁXHQFH RI DWKOHWHV DQG FRDFKHV FCA Mission 7R SUHVHQW WR DWKOHWHV DQG FRDFKHV DQG DOO ZKRP WKH\ LQÁXHQFH WKH FKDOOHQJH DQG DGYHQWXUH of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church. FCA Core Values Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence. / 31 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com

/

Living the Psalms Charles R. Swindoll Worthy Publishing

Imagine touching the snooze button on the alarm clock or phone, and suddenly a sense of refreshment and tranquility overwhelms you as it is time to briskly and excitedly leap out of bed and into the grind of the day. Maybe that is the case for some people. But a good bunch of us need “Encouragement for the Daily Grind.â€? Charles Swindoll has written a devotional book that offers just that. He has selected 26 Psalms that address 26 different “grindsâ€? we may face throughout life. From Psalm 1, Swindoll confronts “the grind of compromise.â€? He compares the godly life and the ungodly life presented by WKH 3VDOPLVW :H FDQ EH HDVLO\ LQĂ XHQFHG E\ WKH XQJRGO\ WR compromise the standards of righteousness God has set before us. This is contrasted to the refreshment that comes from being planted close to the water that nourishes our souls for godliness. Swindoll’s explanation of the text is as clear and helpful as ever.

Bookw Revie by

It is insightful and easily digested and ready for application. “The grind of uncertaintyâ€? is examined with a look at Psalm 23. Swindoll says, “I have observed that few inner battles are more Ă€HUFH WKDQ WKH GDLO\ JULQG RI XQFHUWDLQW\ 1R GRXEW \RX WRR have encountered one more of its many faces as you have struggled with a career choice, new direction in life, purpose LQ SDLQ MRE VHFXULW\ Ă€QDQFLDO SUHVVXUHV SK\VLFDO KDQGLFDSV UHlational snags, and a dozen other confusing puzzles not quickly or easily solved. It is for the dark hours of uncertainty that David penned a song we know as Psalm 23.â€? It surprises me that we overlook the Psalms. We ride emotional rollercoasters on a daily basis. As the different Psalms are read, it is easy to see that the writers were not afraid to share their emotional highs and lows. It is refreshing to know that we are not alone as we confront the daily grind. 7KLV GHYRWLRQDO ZLOO DOORZ \RX WR GHOYH LQWR WKH ZRUG DQG UHĂ HFW meaningfully on your personal journey. You will see that God is with you and wants to join you as you walk through various daily grinds, such as those of discouragement, divine silence, PLVWUHDWPHQW IHDU LQJUDWLWXGH VRUURZ LQVLJQLĂ€FDQFH DQG LQVHcurity. Be encouraged by Living the Psalms. Lutzer’s book can help you walk through Joseph’s journey. Along the way, with prayer and discernment, you may begin to see how God has been working in the past and is working in the present as He takes you into the future He has for you.

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 (10), Karla and Andrea (7) and Charis (3).

7

Reclaiming Your Heart Denise Hildreth Jones

Have you ever wondered where the abundant life Scripture promises is, and how you seem to have missed it? Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Those were the best years of my life?� A failed relationship, a health crisis, a job loss, the death of a loved one—all can cause us to hide out, go numb, give up. Before we even know it, we’re simply coping with life instead of living it to the fullest.

An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by: Jen Hatmaker American life can be excessive, to say the least. That’s what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her family’s upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called “richâ€? by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born. 7 is the true story of how Jen (along with her husband and her FKLOGUHQ WR YDU\LQJ GHJUHHV WRRN VHYHQ PRQWKV LGHQWLĂ€HG VHYHQ DUHDV RI H[FHVV DQG PDGH VHYHQ VLPSOH FKRLFHV WR Ă€JKW EDFN against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.

It happens to most of us at one point or another. For author and Bible study teacher Denise Hildreth Jones, it hapFood. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They pened in the wake of her devastating divorce. But she would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the fought desperately to reclaim her God-designed heart, number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothand now, in her transparent, authentic style, Denise chaling, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven lenges you to do the same. Sharing stories from her own media types, give away seven things each day for one month, journey and others she’s walked alongside, Denise will adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.â€? help you identify ways you’ve given your heart to “lesser So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the godsâ€? like performance, people-pleasing, and control, discovery of a greatly increased God—a call toward Christ-like DQG KRZ WR Ă€QG \RXU ZD\ EDFN WR *RG¡V GHVLJQ IRU \RXU simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to belife—to laughing, loving, and living life to the fullest. come a radically / 32 /www.valleychristianmagazine. com / better existence.

The Mortgage Lender You Can Trust!

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7KH ZD\ \RX Ă€OH \RXU 7D[ 5HWXUQV PD\ SUHYHQW \RX IURP JHWWLQJ \RXU KRPH 'LG \RX NQRZ WKDW WKH ZD\ \RX Ă€OH \RXU SHUVRQDO LQFRPH WD[HV can prevent you from getting your mortgage for your home? 7RR RIWHQ , VHH SRWHQWLDO KRPH EX\HUV ZLWK H[FHOOHQW FUHGLW DQG job stability go into a purchase contract to buy a home and give D ODUJH GRZQ SD\PHQW DQG Ă€QG RXW ODWHU WKDW WKH\ QHYHU GLG TXDOLI\ EHFDXVH RI WKH ZD\ WKH\ Ă€OHG WKHLU ,QFRPH 7D[HV 7KLV FDQ HDVLO\ EH SUHYHQWHG LI \RX ZRUN ZLWK DQ H[SHULHQFHG DQG knowledgeable Mortgage Professional that will pre-approve \RX EDVHG RQ IDFWV ,Q WRGD\¡V 0RUWJDJH /HQGLQJ ,QGXVWU\ ZH are totally transparent when it comes to what income can be XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH ZKDW \RX UHDOO\ TXDOLI\ IRU 6R GRQ¡W WDNH short cuts! Get pre-approved before you enter a purchase agreement on a KRPH DQG HVSHFLDOO\ EHIRUH \RX HQWHU D &RQVWUXFWLRQ FRQWUDFW This single step could save you thousands of dollars and unQHFHVVDU\ VWUHVV

, VHH WRR PDQ\ FDVHV ZKHUH D 0RUWJDJH /HQGHU ZLOO DSSURYH D potential home buyer but did not properly underwrite the home EX\HU¡V Ă€QDQFLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ /DWHU WKH KRPH EX\HUV Ă€QG WKHPselves in a situation where they could lose their down payment, WKHLU ORW DQG HYHQ WKHLU FUHGLW If you are wanting to buy a home, now is the time to start planning and reviewing what you need to do to properly get SUH DSSURYHG

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La Petite

Learning Academy

Reginsotw eforr Summer Camps!!

It is the philosophy of La Petite Learning Academy that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, education, exploration and discovery. La Petite Learning Academy provides an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth through the children’s play and through small group instruction. Our curriculum includes creative art, foreign language, math, music appreciation, hands on science activities, block play, sign language, dramatic play, sensorial and cultural activities. We have daily outdoor time which includes, kids stretching classes, gardening & introduction to physical education. We also have a weekly baking lesson every Friday. We are a Christian based center and incorporate our bible studies weekly into our curriculum. It is our mission to provide a Christcentered environment. Children are exposed daily to shapes, colors, numbers, and letters through developmentally appropriate activities. We focus on early literacy and reading readiness as early as 6 weeks ROG :H KDYH KLJKO\ TXDOLÀHG VWDII DQG RXU GLUHFWRU KDV RYHU \HDUV LQ early childcare experience. We are McAllen’s newest addition in the childcare industry and are happy to serve children from ages 6 weeks-5 years old. We are now enrolling!

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MARTIN SMITH

1. MercyMe You Are I Ame CD: The Hurt and The Healer

2. Chris Tomlin 3. Passion featuring Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)

.ULVWLDQ 6WDQĂ€OO One Thing Remains

4. Audio Adrenaline Kings & Queens CD: Kings & Queens

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5. Casting Crowns Already There CD: Come To The Well

6. Third Day

7. Plumb

I Need A Miracle CD: Miracle

Need You Now (How Many Times)

CD: Single

8. Josh Wilson

9. Hawk Nelson

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What’s the difference? Dear Dave, My wife and I make $140,000 a year, and we’re working on our debt snowball. We’re almost out of debt, but we still have two small car payments and some credit card debt. She wants to get rid of the credit card debt but doesn’t mind us having car payments. Can you help me understand this?...Kelly

By

Dave

Ramsey

Dear Kelly, I’m not sure I understand her thinking either. The car payments and the credit card debt are the same thing. They’re both debt payments, and you’re being charged interest on both of them. The only difference is that one is attached to a car and one’s not. It makes about as much sense as saying you like Visa better than MasterCard. Even if she has some strange hang-up about car depreciation, that argument doesn’t hold water either. Cars go down in value whether you borrowed money to buy them or not. A $20,000 vehicle will be worth $10,000 in just a few years no matter what you do. A car payment won’t keep it from depreciating or slow the rate of depreciation. Sometimes people get burned out or tired of paying the price to become debt-free. It can happen when you’ve been working on something for a while, and it seems like you’re never going to get there. Sit down and have a gentle, loving talk with your wife. Find out why she feels that way about the car payments and where the root of the problem really lies.

)RU PRUH ÀQDQFLDO KHOS SOHDVH YLVLW www.daveramsey.com Dave Ramsey is a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national radio personality. His three New York Times best-selling books— Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Makeover—have sold more than 6 million copies combined. His latest book, EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches, releases in September 2011.

She may just need some support and encouragement from the man in her life. Remind her how far you’ve come together on this journey, how close you are to winning, and how much you love her. You’re too close to PDNLQJ \RXU ÀQDQFLDO GUHDPV FRPH WUXH WR VWRS QRZ 'DYH

In-laws and out of debt Dear Dave, I’m 27 and married, and we have two kids. I make $90,000 a year, but we have $80,000 in consumer debt—$48,000 of which is in car loans. The rest is credit card debt. My wife’s parents have offered to let us move in with them so we can get out of debt faster. Do you think this is a good idea? ... Kevin, Dear Kevin, If I were in your situation, I would not move in with the in-laws. You’ve got an absurd amount of money wrapped up in those cars. I’d sell the stupid things, start living on a budget and paying down debt, and keep my dignity. In my mind there are only two scenarios where you’d even consider taking the in-laws up on their offer. One is where they’re absolutely wonderful people and you have a great, non-toxic relationship with them, where everyone involved knows their boundaries. Even then, I’d only consider this if it were for a very short, agreed-upon amount of time. The second scenario would be if moving in with the in-laws were the only way to accomplish your goal. And you don’t pass that test. You guys can JHW RXW RI GHEW SUHWW\ TXLFNO\ LI \RX·OO MXVW ORVH WKHVH ULGLFXORXV FDUV 7KLQN about it. If you had two little paid-for beaters, your lives would be so much different. You could even save a little money on the side while you were paying down debt and buy a better car as soon as the debt was gone. If you can’t tell, I’m pretty big on maintaining dignity. You might love your FDUV VR PXFK WKDW \RX·UH XQZLOOLQJ WR PDNH WKH VDFULÀFH 1RW PH 7KH money going into your automobiles is insane, and that’s your biggest SUREOHP 'DYH

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Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

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Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com / 40 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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