Valley Christian Magazine March 2013

MARCH 2013

Revealing

Jesus

Easter Brings Hope

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p.36

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Messy Marriages

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12

index Features

36

Nick Dombrowski

12 14 24 28

28 Sammy Lopez

National Columnists 10 18 22 38

30 32 34 36 36

On The Cover

Music Darlene Zschech

On the Cover: SEC’s Movement Student Evangelism Conference April 19-20 Pharr Events Center

James MacDonald Greg Laurie Lysa Terkeurst Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 8 16 16 20 26 32

InterVarsity’s Nick Dombrowski Kids Talk About God Fellowship of Christian Athletes Movement - SEC’s Student Evangelism Conference Forgiven Motorcycle Ministry Books Events/New Releases Music Spotlight: Darlene Zschech 96.9 KVMV Top 9 Tunes

32

Christian Torres, Publisher Milton Gonzalez Jacob Ramon Abram Gomez Jerrell Jobe Theresa Valladares Miguel Paredes Vol. 2/ Issue 12

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From the Publisher Easter falls on March 31st this year. Many people leading up to Easter may fast. I’ve been asked a few times this season about fasting. For some it may be fasting from TV and other electronics. For others it may include a certain type of food or drink…as it was done in the most ancient of forms.

For many this has become a type of tradition and may have lost sight of what it really means to fast. We are to pick something that may be hindering our relationship with Christ. What is taking time and effort away from us growing in our relationship with our Lord?

This can be found in many different areas of our life. Our culture is huge on instant gratification. We can pretty much get anything we want…when we want. So instead of giving in to this, why not deny your body something

that you may not even be aware that it craves.

See what it’s like to remove something and replace it with an intentional effort to grow in Christ. Just don’t give something up and go about your life never reflecting on what it you are doing…but stop and think what God might be revealing to you during this time.

“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint…God doesn’t require attentiongetting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reared you well.” Matthew 6:16-18 msg Christian Torres is a graduate of Baylor University. He is married to Stephanie and have 3 daughters: Madeleine (13) , Natalie (10), and Courtney (8). They live in McAllen and are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

~Christian Torres

Do You

?

Believe What are you believing for and who are you believing in are perhaps two of the most important questions that you must ask yourself. They will define the outcome of your final destination in life. Whatsoever you are believing for is oftentimes linked to the visualization you have for you life and that of your loved ones.

If you are continually envisioning yourself failing to overcome obstacles in life then this is exactly what you shall reap. You fuel your own defeat by what you fantasize in your mind for it (the mind) is powerful and it is the key to a life truly transformed or deformed. Paul reminds the Romans to “be transformed by the renewing of their mind” (Rom. 8:28) for it is this that will allow us to experience God in His totality.

As we surrender our lives to Christ by making Him the Lord of our lives we are given a new heart. The old and hardened one has been replaced with a new one that desires to be like Christ. The mind remains the same, however, and we must re-train it by filling it with the word of God (Joshua 1:8) and by taking all of our thoughts captive to Christ ( 2 Cor 10:5).

Satan is relentless in his efforts to demoralize you making you believe something that is not. He is the enemy of your soul and his goal is to convince you that you are not worthy of God moving in your life. He will bring up your past and rub it in as if your sins were not forgiven. He will try every trick in the book to cause you to stumble and second guess Almighty God. But remember HE IS A LIAR! It’s time to start believing in God’s promises for our lives...

It is an easy task to believe for other people’s healing, for the restoration of other marriages, for financial breakthrough in the lives of friends and yet difficult to believe for oneself. We stand as spectators in awe amazed by the glorious power moving and working in the lives of others and yet fail to position ourselves for spiritual success.

By Milton Gonzalez

I heard a story about a tightrope walker that gathered a large audience as he dared to defy the raging cascades of Niagara Falls. A tightrope had been stretched across the impetuous waters and people watched as the daredevil slowly positioned himself for the challenge. With a balancing pole held in both hands he confidently crossed one way reaching the end point.

He then concluded by making his way back but now by walking in reverse. As he reached land the multitude broke out in a frenzied ovation as photographers snapped pictures and people requested his autograph. The tightrope walker then looked at the audience and asked “Do you believe that I can do it again but now with someone sitting on my shoulders???” Yes, they exclaimed with great confidence. He scoped the crowd and asked “who will volunteer”? Silence immediately overtook the moment and out of nowhere a tiny little voice emerged… I will do it! The onlookers were amazed by the child’s courage as they watched him climb up onto his shoulders. He and the child then proceeded to balance their way across the tightrope and back in reverse as silence dominated the scene. Once the feat was complete the crowd went wild as the man and child became instant “rock stars”… The people approached the child and asked the million dollar question... “why did you do it”? The child replied “because he’s my daddy and I trust him”…

Are you believing and trusting your heavenly Daddy as you ride on His shoulders and cross over raging waters or are you a spectator on the side lines watching God move in the lives of others?

I challenge you to be the child emerging from the crowd saying “I will do it”!

Shalom, Milton

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

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

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Fear

By Dr. James MacDonald “Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;?all day long an attacker oppresses me;?2my enemies trample on me all day long,?for many attack me proudly. 3When I am afraid,?I put my trust in you.?4In God, whose word I praise,?in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.?What can flesh do to me? —Psalm 56:1-4” 1Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;?all day long an attacker oppresses me;?2my enemies trample on me all day long,?for many attack me proudly. 3When I am afraid,?I put my trust in you.?4In God, whose word I praise,?in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.?What can flesh do to me? —Psalm 56:1-4 Have you ever been afraid, like I mean afraid afraid, like really afraid something was going to happen to you? It can make you do some crazy things!

I’ve been a Chicago Blackhawks fan all my life, and me and some friends went to Philadelphia to see the Stanley Cup final game last year. And, okay; I was afraid. Most of the hockey fans in Philadelphia aren’t sweet and kind like your grandmother; they’re more like the schoolyard bully when you were a kid. And so they’re like: You think you’re going to win the Cup in our house? You think you can come in here, enjoy a game, and get out in one piece? It’s scary going to Philadelphia. So, yes, I was afraid.

So, I put on my Chicago Blackhawks jersey, but over it I put a Philadelphia Flyers jersey. So when we were walking to the game, all my friends were getting called out as Chicago fans. The Philadelphians were saying stuff your mama doesn’t know about. Meanwhile I’m walking in with my Philadelphia jersey, under cover.

But when I got inside, I felt kind of bold, like: I beat you. So when I ran into a television newscaster from Chicago, I boldly pulled off the Flyers disguise to reveal my Blackhawk jersey on air. It wasn’t very smart.

It seemed like a great idea, but all the Phili fans watched me do it. Now I was like Enemy #1. And I’m telling you when the Hawks won, Chicago fans were getting punched, and it was mayhem! I’m like, This is not going to end good! And all the guys I walked in with, they were hard to find at that point.

Now, take that and multiply that by a factor that’s unimaginable, and you’ll begin to encroach upon what David is feeling when he says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” God, don’t let this go where it looks like it’s going. I’m scared all right, but I’m trusting You. That’s David’s great lesson for us; not that we should never fear; but that when we fear, we need to put our trust in God.

Journal

What are the serious fears I deal with and how are they reminding me to trust in God? Am I afraid right now? Am I trusting Him? Why or why not? __________________________ James MacDonald is

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

weekdays at 5:30a.m.

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.

Prayer:

Father, it’s so easy for me to get lost in fear. Yet I know that fear reveals how weak I am and how desperately I need You. If I never feared I would end up thinking it was about me— so thank You for allowing me moments that remove every doubt about my independence and cause me to turn in trust to You. In Jesus’ trustworthy name, Amen.

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1400 E. Ridge RD., STE 10 MCALLEN, TX 78503 WWW.PENAEYE.COM

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INTERVARS I N T E RVA R S I T Y C H R I S T I A N F E L LOW Tell us about InterVarsity?

We are both local and national. The way society worked, even back to Roman times, is that they all believe in meta-narratives: the stories of how the world works.

Once science really kicked in and began testing everything…they realized that they couldn’t put Jesus’ resurrection in a test tube. Since they couldn’t validate the scriptures, the University concentrated on natural sciences, as they could no longer validate the meta-narrative of God and Jesus. That’s where you begin to get secularism and naturalism…we know about the world and universe based on what we can see, taste, touch, feel, prove.

Students back in the 1800’s at Oxford and Cambridge, apart from one another, said ‘No we believe in Jesus. We are going to meet, pray, and study the Scriptures’.

Professors didn’t like that…they came to disrupt however during the studies and prayers, they too became believers! Oxford and Cambridge discovered that one another existed and partnered, so thats where we get our name: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. In England, varsity means nothing sports related but a college student is a varsity student. “Inter” in latin means among. So you have a Christian Fellowship Amongst College (Varsity) Students….

Where are you all Located?

University of Texas Pan American and South Texas College.

D- o - m - b - r - o - w - s - k - i ?

Not a common Valley Name….

the team said there is no one in the entire state intentionally trying to reach the Hispanic population. 8 years ago, they basically said, “We want to get to the Valley.

We don’t know how that will happen but if you join us we will figure out how God wants us down there. Funding and training came into play and next thing we knew, I was down here at UTPA and about 2 years ago we were able to start up at STC.

Why does InterVarsity exist?

As an extension of the local church and partner along side churches to reach this specific niche. Why the college campus?

It’s important to understand…less than 1% of the world gets a college education.

That puts any person who steps foot on a college campus and gets a degree in the top 1% of education throughout the entire world. This is going to make them a future leader. But where are they going to lead them? The current academic structure is set up to lead them to their hearts desire.

We know what happens when people follow their own pursuits instead of God pursuits and their ways. We seek to establish an advance group of not only students, but faculty as well that witness to people the gospel as they follow Jesus as Savior and Lord. We want to see students and faculty transformed by the Gospel. If we can impact them now…they will have a tremendous impact in our future Valley businesses, governments, medical field, and classrooms.

What does InterVarsity do?

Straight up Polish! :-) Yeah its hard….You can go with straight up NICK. Ha!

Just as with any church or ministry, we are about 2 things: teaching people how to be a disciple of Jesus and how to make disciples of Jesus.

Tell us about Nick’s role…

What are some ways you do this?

Lead campus staff in the RGV. Help be the head vision keeper and head leader as well as the local supervisor that is going on in the university down here.

Two years ago the Lord brought down another staff member. [huge smile] I knew she was going to be my wife…I’m not too sure that she knew. My seven years in the Valley had been a long, lonely road. I’m very thankful for her not only as a wife but as a true partner in ministry. God has given us the same vision and passion. She works with our ladies so well and she shows our men what a true woman of God is to be like. I’m so thankful to Jesus for her and all she brings.

Share a little of your story with InterVarsity

A chapter existed about 20+ years ago at Pan Am (back when North 10th Street didn’t exist!) After graduating from Western Michigan University, I felt the Lord call me to a staff position with InterVarsity. I was in India at the time with a group of people from both Michigan and Texas doing mission work for InterVarsity. Half

We try and model is after Jesus when we meet with students. We have one-on-one discipleship…teaching students not just about the scriptures or how to study the scriptures or lead a bible study…but we are teaching them: how do you make a budget? What does that look like with Jesus in the middle? How do you get out of college debt? We have students that have said that they’ve never done laundry before-so we invite them to our house and show them how we live, cook. clean, and how we keep our lives in order.

Through our worship gatherings, they can come and share together whats going on in their lives, both the good and bad.

How does this benefit somebody who has not grown up in a church home and this is all new to them?

First we offer them a safe and inviting place to ask questions and to learn more about Jesus both in a quick way but also in a life journey. Coming along side us and see what its like to follow Jesus.

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either STC or UTPA?

We have plastered each campus with posters! I would say that 50% of people who have come to our group is because of our posters. At the beginning of school, we encourage people involved to hand out a poster to everyone in their classes.

Not only to know about InterVarsity but it labels them as Christians and they can begin to develop relationships. And that’s the second way people come to find us... through relationships.

How can someone get involved with InterVarsity?

Just Show Up!! Our ministry is on campus… in dormitories, apartment complexes, main buildings on campus. So at STC we are in the center for learning excellence.

At UTPA we are in the student union…in the engineering building, Unity Hall, Heritage Hall….you name it! We intentionally meet at different places and different times of the days, different days in order that people can come. In order to really fit their schedule.They don’t have to sign anything. They don’t have to pay any dues.

How about people outside of college….say someone in the community, how can someone help out?

We are constantly looking for volunteers who want to work with this age group.

Maybe lead a small group,bible study or help out during one of conferences. They could also give. We are a non-profit. All funds donated are tax deductible. They could call 956-566-5713 or email me anytime: dombrowski.n@gmail.com

Share an experience that has impacted you and blew you away?!

A story that immediately come to my mind is about a girl named Angie. She’s from a Colonia…you can picture the living situation. She received a flyer. She decided to text one of the leaders listed on the flyer and began asking questions. Our student leader, Audrey, responded with info on the Bible Study and also asked if she believed in Jesus? “No, I don’t” was the reply. Then another text was do you know the gospel? “No, I don’t”. Audrey asked if she could call. Angie said yes. Audrey shares the Gospel and Angie submits her life to Christ over the phone. The next day she comes to church with Audrey and gets baptized. Two days later she winds up meeting with my wife Chelsea and brings a friend along with her. She asked Chelsea to share the Gospel with her friend.

She does. Two days later the friend shows up to one of our gatherings and submits her life to Christ. Three days later Angie brings another friend to a group and that friend accepts Christ!

A month later she brings her 13 year old sister and 14 year old brother to a 9:00 pm prayer meeting on a college cam-

SITY WSHIP / USA R

pus. They both wind up submitting their lives to Christ! We turned to Angie and told her to show her family what she has learned about Christ and begin discipling them. The story doesn’t end there…on Thanksgiving she was asked to share the blessing and pray over the family meal. They’ve seen a change in her. They’ve seen her change from her self-proclaimed “Chola” of that’s who I’ve been and lived.

They’ve seen the amazing transformation in her life in just a few months.

The transformation was so great, that when a girl went missing for 3-days in her Colonia Angie stepped up. Turns out that she was picked up by three guys who were also living in the Colonia. Bad things were happening as you can imagine.

Angie goes up to the front door, knocks and asks if the girl is there. They said yes and she said give me the girl. They gave her to Angie. She then took her to the hospital and home.

So I’m like…utterly amazed at what happened. Despite the danger of being attacked by these men, she was like its ok, I needed to help her. So what Jesus is doing in her, through her and her family, friends, and Colonia is overwhelming. It all started with a flyer and a text…and someone who is willing to share the Gospel. Yeah, trained through InterVarsity but it’s Jesus working in and through them. You see all the different pieces happening in the story but its the combination of everyone doing their part. Maybe we get to be the one sharing the Gospel.

Maybe you’re the one giving the flyer. Maybe you’re the one whose life is transformed by the Gospel.

A second story is about a girl who was not a Christian when she first started coming three years ago. Within a year, submits her life to Jesus. Gets discipled through groups. Becomes a leader.

She is a tiny girl and very quiet and humble. She shares with her family about becoming a Christian. Turns out her parents, who are not Christians, begin to get skeptical. In the midst of their skepticism, they demand that she stop taking part of InterVarsity. No more meetings, Bible studies, etc. Her parents change their mind and then change it back and forth. Ok you can go to this but not that. One day a friend went to pick her up and as she walked up to the house, the D ad met her out front and told her that she is no longer welcome at the house and not to come back. As a result, her parents took away her Bible, her books, her cell phone….they locked up her up not inside her room but outside her room…she was only allowed in a public sphere.

About two weeks ago she called me and said that her parents will still not let her out and be around anyone. She then said something that I’ll never forget. She said “I think I will just sit on the couch and be with Jesus for the afternoon”. She means it! She really means it!! I was like wow! That is a life that is changed.

These things are happening here in the Valley.

It’s everyday.

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What Does

Easter Mean To You?

By Carey Kinsolving “It’s not about the ‘Easter Bunny’ or getting candy and presents,” says Kendall, age 11. “Jesus died for our sins and for us so we could be saved.”

Here’s the scoop from Hannah, 9: “Easter is really a pagan holiday with all the bunnies and chicks. If you celebrate in the right way about Jesus, it is a good holiday. Easter is named after a pagan god.”

Great job, Hannah! Your parents are doing a lot more than hiding Easter eggs.

The word “Easter” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “Eostre,” the name of the goddess of spring, writes scholar D.W. Burdick. The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival in honor of the goddess of spring and her symbol, the rabbit.

In many cultures, the egg was the symbol of rebirth. The custom of exchanging eggs in springtime was already in place when second-century Christian missionaries encountered Saxon tribes in northern Germany.

The pagan festival was altered to become a Christian celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

Easter is a time to “celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, and a day to remember his pain and suffering,” says Ama. Not only do we remember the past, but Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope that our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal ones.

But that’s not all. Christians are exhorted in Scripture to live by the power of Jesus’ resurrection or newness of life by the Spirit of Jesus (Holy Spirit) living in and through them.

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then the faith of Christians is “useless” and “pitiful,” wrote the Apostle Paul.

If there’s no resurrection, he told Christians in Corinth, live

only for today: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (I Corinthians 15:32).

But if Jesus rose from the dead, every day is resurrection day for Amanda, 11: “He is always with us.”

“Easter means God has risen from the dead and was walking around the city and went to talk to the disciples and went back to heaven,” says Marce, 11.

Remember the disciples before the resurrection? Scared, scattered and stressed.

Three times Peter denied he even knew Jesus.

After seeing the resurrected Christ, all of the disciples dedicated their lives to proclaiming Jesus’ victory over death. Most died as martyrs. Why would the disciples risk persecution and death to perpetuate a hoax?

“Easter means the death of Christ for our sins so we could go to heaven because one perfect person had to die for sinners to go to heaven,” says Anna, 11.

We like to imagine that God grades on the curve. As long as we’re better than most, we assume heaven’s gates will open wide for us. Nice theory, but God’s entrance exam for heaven is either pass or fail.

Jesus is the only one who passed the test.

He lived a perfect life before his Father

and people. He offered his perfect life as a sacrifice for imperfect people. Now, the resurrected Jesus offers his righteousness and life to all who trust him as their savior.

Don’t substitute sucking candy eggs and chasing rabbits for a risen savior.

“Jesus is alive!” shouts Kayce, 9.

Think about this: Jesus is alive and indwelling his people.

Memorize this truth: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20a).

Ask these questions: Have you entered into the realm of resurrection life by believing in Jesus? Do you know the exhilaration of living by Jesus’ life instead of your own?

Announcement:

The RVG Children’s International Arts Festival winner will be announced at the Art Village on Main Event Center on May 3.

Yoli Cantu of McAllen Stained Glass will unveil her stained-glass rendering of the winner’s art or writing. The winner and four immediate family members will enjoy a week-long vacation at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado and at least $1000 to help with travel expenses. The entries are featured in an online book entitled Rio Grande Valley Kids Talk About Heaven at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distributed by Creators Syndicate. KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s International Arts Festival.

Soon, we’ll be asking for you to vote online for the best art or writing for the “Kids Talk About Heaven” book. One Valley child will win a vacation for his or her family to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado. For details, go to www.

KidsTalkAboutGod.org and click on the horses.

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Redig the Wells

by Abram Gomez

“And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham.”

Genesis 26:18 In the days of Isaac, according to Genesis, certain wells of water in the land of his residence were stopped up by his enemies and by those who were envious of him. These wells once served as an important resource in the life of his father Abraham to his livestock and servants. Now, due to the revengeful tactics of the Philistines, they had been covered up and neglected. But, Isaac makes a bold move. He redigs the wells. It is important to notate that Scripture never states that the wells ran dry, but merely that no one had taken the time to redig this rich resource. What is a well? A well is simply a mechanism designed to allow a person to draw water from a hidden source underneath the surface. Understand that not all things can be seen at surface level.

Like Isaac, we all have wells in our life that bring refreshing passion and inspiration to our thirsty souls. However, inspiration leaks. Destiny dehydration is often unavoidable. Spiritual drought occurs. We lose zeal and excitement to continue to pursue of our dreams and goals. Our jobs demand 50+ hours from us on a weekly basis. A frustrating family life can take a toll on our minds. Urgent needs like the car breaking down catches us off guard. A trip to the doctor causes some uneasy concerns in our life.

And before you know it, the wells are covered by life’s clutter. And, before I fail to mention, we have an enemy who loves for us to run on empty.

We need to continually visit our wells to stay focused and hydrated. If need be, redig those wells. How do we continue on this path towards significance with our tank full of inspiration? Drink from the wells. I have observed 3 types of wells in my life that I strive to continually drink from: The Wells of Salvation. Scripture states in 1.

Isaiah 12:3 to “…draw water from the wells of salvation.” The wells of salvation that we are

The Wells of Location. My personal expe2. rience has taught me that the inspiration tank in my life can be challenging to keep full.

With my normal work routines in place, and projects full of deadlines, it can a daunting task just to get away and give yourself time to think.

Yet, I have also seen how certain places and spaces in my life keep me energized with enthusiasm. For me, sitting outside on my porch enjoying nature is a well that I try to drink from continually. It clears my head. It gives me a chance to have a conversation with my thoughts and break through the mental obstacles. For you, it may be the local Starbucks.

With your cappuccino on the table, your electronical device gives you the opportunity to escape the current pressing reality and search for endless opportunities and content via web browsing. I know people who have a favorite vacation spot that allows them to refresh their passion for life. For some, it is the neighborhood gym. Again, these wells of location come in lots of forms and places. But the truth remains – we need them to give ourselves time to download thoughts and ideas. Redig the wells!

The Wells of Conversation. Last year, I made 3. a very intentional decision. I decided that I was going to meet with someone outside my

normal conversational circle at least once a week. Since I am a pastor, I meet lots of new and different people on a monthly basis at our church location. I also have met lots of church leaders in the Rio Grande Valley over the years.

So, I began to strategically use some lunch breaks as an opportunity to have new conversations with different people. I recognize that if I talk to the same people all the time, then I am not getting any new fresh perspectives coming into my mind. Think about it this way: you could be one conversation away from discovering your next move. Or, you could be one lunch meeting away from gaining insight and clarity on a particular topic. Proverbs 20:5 says, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” See yourself as one who carries buckets ready to be filled by wells of insight hidden within people. Identify people who are where you want to be. Find those who are advancing in their arena. Ask questions. Listen to their stories. Learn from them experiences. Remember, a well is first built because someone discovered a hidden secret source of water underneath the surface. Sit among people better than you and drink. Redig the wells!

able to drink from freely are found in God’s only Son, Jesus. As a Christian, I wholeheartedly believe that Jesus is the living water that can truly satisfy any parched soul. I have learned that my time with the Lord, whether through Scripture reading or in quiet prayer, refreshes my soul in ways that nothing else can compare. It is when we stop drinking from this Well that we find ourselves in spiritual drought and in search for something that does not satisfy. Life will happen, and we will grow weary. It is important to realize that the wells of salvation are unlimited and the water never runs dry. Ask yourself this question: How often do I drink from this Well?

Abram Gomez You may feel spiritually dehydrated simply beis the Executive Pastor at Valley International cause you have not taken a drink lately. It’s Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and time to drink from this Well in your life again, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of spend time with Him who gives the water that God University. Abram has helped to develop leadership in various ministries and programs at will become a fountain springing up into everVICC. He and his wife, Rebecca, currently reside lasting life. Redig the wells! in Harlingen, TX / 16 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

By: Jacob Ramon

“This is my command: Love each other.”

John 15:17

Photo Credit to "KnowThinkAct.com | David Molnar

This verse is nearly impossible to expatiate on, and here’s why: read it again. Is there any other verse in the whole Bible that boils the infinite, sheer magnitude of story and divinity into a simple, three-worded command? That could be why its so striking. That could also be why anyone would approach this with caution.

Love. Each. Other.

About a year ago, during a Wednesday night CCD class, my teacher picked up an Expo marker and wrote-with gusto--a question on the whiteboard that silenced the classroom. WHAT IS LOVE? She didn’t halt in movement or flourish when she pivoted those heels and pointed at me and said, “Go.” There followed a silence. The philosopher inside me fumbled in a panic-stricken frenzy for the best answer--what did she expect, Shakespeare? A girl interrupted.

“Love is when you care about someone.”

“How?”

“Like, um, I don’t know, giving them flowers or something.” Another boy chimed in. “Telling your parents goodnight.” A different girl: “Kissing your boyfriend.” So began a cacophonous spew of answers from every student in that room, guzzling their inspiration from everyday impressions. I remained quiet, half-expecting the teacher to silence them all and open a Bible to read that verse from Corinthians. But when all was quelled, she smiled and said, “Exactly.”

HUH?

This was a mind-set that took me a while to break out of. She praised the class for reasons I didn’t understand, or had yet to. Let me ask you something: When you hear the word “love”, or if anyone would ask you for the first thing that comes to mind, what would you honestly say? Do you see a Hallmark card? A friend’s embrace? Or for us Christians, the most powerful symbol in the universe, a cross? Are they all versions of the same thing?

Days later I came across that verse, that effortless, straightforward verse, and I recalled those answers. I thought to myself--if we should love, and if love is an infinite, powerful force, what other ways do we express it then the ways we know how to?

Our purpose in life is to praise God. And He tells us how. Love. It’s as simple and as complex as that. How else does love really work? We know it can be so immense in magnitude as to be willing to give your life for someone. Yet we also know it can be as small as a smile or a hug, even a thought. Love is a whisper that can silence the world, a force that cannot be confined, effervescent and furious in our own bouts of expression. You cannot define it, because love is what gave us breath in our lungs and drive to our hearts. It can be soft. It can be loud.

As long as its there.

-CJR

/ 17 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

JACOB RAMON IS A 16-YEAR-OLD STUDENT AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL. HE IS MEMBER OF THE MAKING A CONNECTION GROUP AT SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL.

Easter Brings Hope

By Greg Laurie

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25 ) Easter is not about brightly colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these.

Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.

Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross.

They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.

They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of his close friend Lazarus. They would have remembered that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (see John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God’s original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us. Jesus wept, because it broke His heart.

But standing there at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus also delivered these hope-filled words: “I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Death is not the end. And the resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it.

If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Easter brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death.

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

/ 18 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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In His Name

by JERRELL JOBE

In the Ancient Hebrew culture, names were very significant.

Names were indicative of one’s very nature, character and identity. In our culture, a name is often nothing more than a label; it is something we have, not something we are. It’s something given to us by our parents, based on what they liked or found in a Baby Names book.

In Ancient cultures, to name someone, was to endow them with the characteristics implied by the name itself. A person’s name and what it meant was often inseparable from the person. It expressed a person’s inward identity. For example, in the Bible, Jacob came out of the womb grabbing onto his twin brother’s foot. In Hebew culture, a person’s foot represented their rights, as in future inheritance. Jacob was trying to take his brother’s inheritence, even as an infant. The book of Genesis shows us that Jacob spent much of his life tricking others for the purpose of deceptive gain. Jacob was a scheming thief. Interestingly, that’s exactly what his name means.

To do something in someone’s name, was to do it in their character. You were an actual representation of that person. To do something in the name of a king, meant you were representing their personhood, even speaking on their behalf and with their authority. In ancient times, kings would send delegates to represent them, judging, even ruling on their behalf. Today these people are often referred to as ambassadors. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that “we are ambassadors for Christ.”

In another place, Paul encourages a group of Christ followers in saying:

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

(Colossians 3:17) What does it mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”? As stated, to do something in a person’s name, means that you do it in their character. Therefore, to do something in Jesus’ name, means we do it in His character. It means doing it as Jesus himself would do it if He were in our place.

But, what exactly does Paul tell us to do in Jesus name? Everything. Paul says, “Whatever you do.” Then Paul adds, I suppose, just in case we’re still a little fuzzy, “whether in word or deed.”

This is one of those Bible verses that we can read over rather quickly. However, Paul’s repetition should cause us to pause and reflect on the far reaching implications of this verse. What does everything include? We’ll… everything. It includes waking up in the morning and laying down at night. It includes moments of worship, as well as those times I’m stuck in traffic. Everything, encompasses my break-time at work and my weekends. Everything, means everything. But what does that look like? Let’s explore a few examples.

What would it mean for us to wake up in Jesus’ name?

Some people are up at the crack of dawn without the aid of an alarm clock. Others may need two alarm clocks, not to mention multiple shots of espresso. If I wake up in Jesus name, what kinds of thoughts will be allowed to pass through my mind? Worry?

Anxieties? Regrets about the previous day?

In the mornings, I often pray a series of short prayers as I’m waking up. Something to the effect of: “God... Today is Your’s...

Today, I’m Your’s... Today, I invite you to be active in my daily interactions... Lead me... Guide me... And, may I respond and follow the promptings of Your Spirit...” Perhaps this is one way to wake up “in Jesus’ name.” / 20 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Beyond waking up, I wonder, what does it mean to interact with family members in Jesus name? It’s amazing how the first few seconds of interaction with a person, especially family members, can set the tone for the rest of the day.

If Jesus were living His life through us, how would He greet our spouse, or our children or our roommate? What words would He use? In what tone of voice? What expression(s) would be on His face? For the record, I still have much room to grow in this area.

In the Gospels, Jesus was extremely attentive to people.

He slowed down, noticed them and looked them in the eye. For us to interact with people in His name, means we too must slow down, look up and notice them as well. It means we express love and attribute value to them.

What would it mean for us to drive in Jesus’ name?

If Jesus were behind the wheel of our car, would the vehicle behave any differently than usual? What radio station would Jesus listen to as he drove? Would He listen to worship music only or would He dial in to some countrywestern station. Would He be more into salsa or daily news and NPR? As much as I’m sure Jesus likes worship music, I suspect that sometimes He would simply drive in silence.

How do we spend money in the name of Jesus?

This may sound a little silly, but what does it look like for us to go shopping in the name of Jesus? Perhaps an element of it is noticing and treating those who work there with kindness and respect.

Shopping or dressing in Jesus’ name doesn’t mean wearing a plain brown robe like a monk of the fourth century. Afterall, beauty and creativity are God given gifts to designers. Yet, at the same time, to shop in Jesus’ name will no doubt mean saying no to particular purchases. If I wear items due to the perceived status or attention I’ll acquire by the brand, the design or how it fits, I’m probably shopping more to make a name for myself, than I am in “His name.”

There are dozens of examples that we could explore.

Things like: what does it mean to work in Jesus’ name, go to school in Jesus’ name, do house-hold chores in Jesus name, or even watch television in Jesus’ name? The list is endless, afterall Paul said, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Jesus.”

Reflections: • Think through various moments and activies of a typical day.

• Write these activities down on a piece of paper.

• Imagine how Jesus would do these various activities.

What attitude, demeanor, posture would He demon strate?

A disciple is someone who is learning to live their life as Jesus would live His life, if He were living through them. As such: • What would it look like to do the above listed activities in Jesus’ name? How would He do them through us, if He were living His life through us?

JERRELL JOBE

is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission.

He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (9), Naylah (7),and Avi (5).

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Jesus Loves Those in Messy Marriage

By Lysa Terkeurst Y I threw the cup of orange juice across the kitchen. It felt good to do something, anything, to release all the surging anger and frustration.

And I didn’t even mind cleaning the pulpy, sticky mess.

It felt soothing to know how to clean something. I knew how to wipe away this mess. And I liked seeing the mess disappear.

If only my marriage mess could be fixed with soap, water, and a handful of paper towels. If only.

I whispered, God, why does this have to be so hard?

Have you ever been there?

I think many of us have. Whether we’re in a really tough marriage or just in a rough patch, marriage can be messy. Hurtful. Lonely.

No one ever told me about this side of marriage before I donned the white dress and danced to MC Hammer at the reception.

But after 20 years of learning, growing, and pressing through the messes to see something beautiful form in the midst of it all, here’s what I know….

Jesus loves those in messy marriages.

He loves me and my husband in the midst of it all. Jesus doesn’t love the mess of hurt, isolation, and bitterness. Those are things He wants us to work on. But He never stops loving us.

Yes. Jesus loves me. And His grace is strong enough to extend His love into every part of me. The good parts of me. The broken parts of me.

The ugly parts of me. The bitter parts of me. The loving parts of me.

And even the part of me that throws orange juice.

Yes, He loves me.

And Jesus loves my husband. His grace is strong enough to extend His love into every part of Him. The good parts of him. The broken parts of him. The ugly parts of him. The bitter parts of him. The loving parts of him. And even the part of him that looks at me like I’m crazy when I throw orange juice.

Since Jesus loves us both of us, He’s the best source of help for our marriage.

I don’t say that without a deep awareness of how stinkin’ hard it is to go to Jesus when I’m mad as fire at my husband.

And I certainly don’t say it in naive simplicity. Gracious, I know some of you are facing marriage situations that rip your heart into a thousand pieces every day.

But still, I know Jesus is the best source of help.

Honest cries for help lifted up to Jesus will not go unheard. He sees.

He knows. He loves. And Jesus will direct you as long as you stick with Him. Jeremiah 17:7-8 in the Message reminds us: Blessed is the [woman] who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like tress replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers – Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through the droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.”

So, how do I stick with Jesus? I proclaim I’m sticking with Jesus: Jesus, I’m sticking with You. I’m giving You what I don’t understand and what I can’t fix.

I giving You what I don’t like about me. I’m giving You what I don’t like about him. And I’m giving You what I don’t like about my marriage.

I’m listening for Your instruction. I’m positioning myself to go where I’ll hear Your truth. To talk to others who love You and serve You. And to read wise instruction from good books and most importantly Your Book — the Bible.

And even if it kills me, I’m not throwing any orange juice today.

Amen.

Jesus loves those in messy marriages. I should know. Though Art and I have a wonderful marriage now, we can still hit some rough patches now and then.

But you’ll be happy to know I haven’t thrown any orange juice across the kitchen lately.

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.

/ 22 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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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

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COLLEGE EXTREME

River Bend Camp – Glen Rose, TX January 25th to 27th Camp scholarships are available through local FCA Offices.

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A Note from Nathan…

CAMP, CAMP, and more CAMP!!! So, what does $500 buy these days? A few months of cell phone service? A few months of satellite TV? Better yet, how about letting your $500 buy an FCA Camp Scholarship in order to give a kid from our area the opportunity to have an experience of a lifetime. Imagine over 1,000 teenagers getting to go to one of our FCA Camps this year, and now imagine that you are part of the reason why? How cool is that?!? It’s possible! Buy a sign, and become a “Champions Sponsor” today! Every sign “Sold “ represents one kid at Camp. It’s that simple. It’ll be the best $500 you’ll spend all year. Kelly & I bought a sign, and no it’s not for one of our own kiddosJ. Please join us in making a difference in the lives of kids in our community.

Nathan Jones You’ll be glad you gave.

Blessings, Multi-Area Director

Fellowship of Christian Athletes njones@fca.org

/ 24 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Nathan Jones

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 g r ea e of my stronger with God.” life! Anyo test 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

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FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches.

FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure 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.

/ 25 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Cheerleader

O

n Growing up I wanted to be a cheerleader. What girl doesn’t?

saw a cheerleader as someone who made the crowd smile, gave them optimism for a team win, encouraged the players when they were losing hope and supported them even in defeat.

Cheerleaders are part of a team and they create special cheers and wear distinct colors. There is usually a grueling tryout and only a few are chosen.

Aside from being one in a pee-wee football league, I was never able to make the cheerleading team.

My friends know about my dream of being a cheerleader and of course at my age they tease me about it.

One Christmas a dear friend of mine gave me a charm of a cheerleader. Of course knowing this friend well I thought it was a joke and laughed it off. I had opened the gift first and read the card after instead of doing the opposite like I had been asked.

To my surprise the explanation for the charm was not what I had expected.

My friend said that my words and actions had always been an encouragement and had many times lifted them up and felt that I was their biggest cheerleader. I was not only supportive when they had successes but also a reminder not to lose hope during times of trials.

It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had ever received and it actually made me more aware of the importance and impact that encouraging words and actions can make in another person’s life.

1Thessalonians5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing.

It may come more natural to be an encourager to your spouse, children and friends but why not reach out to others?

I am blessed to have the opportunity to do that for my patients and staff. I especially make an effort daily to say something encouraging to every child that I see in my office.

You would be surprised how many people don’t have someone speaking daily blessings into their lives. Life brings struggles and disillusionments and if someone is not there to show them hope or love than these same individuals may not reach their full purpose on this earth. You will have missed an opportunity to be their cheerleader.

I am a cheerleader for Team Jesus! Our colors are crimson red and white which represent the blood of Jesus who erases our sins and turns them as white as snow.

You don’t have to try out you just have to accept the invitation and start cheering.

Did you know that the bible is filled with many cheers? Words so powerful that simple cheers like “we’ve got spirit how about you?” don’t even compare.

Picture yourself cheering somebody toward victory with this one…

Phillippians 3:13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus You encounter someone who is feeling anxious or depressed pick up your spiritual pom-poms and tell them this…

Phillippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which tran-

By TheresaValladares, M.D.

scends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

How many people lose faith and experience fear after broken promises or relationships? You can’t find the right words?

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

A mere smile is as powerful as a megaphone to someone who is feeling defeated by health issues…

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Team Jesus wants every individual to know that God is going to pull you through whatever circumstance you are facing. Every person is valued, loved and destined for great things. Since you are made in His image you are wonderfully made and given gifts to succeed.

Life is like a game and all players will experience wins and losses. Be a source of encouragement by pulling out your spiritual pompoms and unique “book” of cheers, grab your megaphone and let your inner cheerleader rise up!

2-4-6-8 Jesus Christ says your great! Yay God!

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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ACTS 1:8 “BUT YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU; AND YOU SHALL BE WITNESSES TO ME IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

SEC SOUTH Student Evangelism Conference - South FEATURING:

Sammy Lopez APRIL 19-20

Sammy Lopez is one of the most sought-after Hispanic communicators in the nation and speaks to over Pharr Event Center - Pharr, TX thousands of people of all ages each year. He has The Student Evangelism Conference, otherwise known as been a keynote speaker/ SEC South, will be returning to South Texas once again on communicator Students will learn that Christianityforis many not April 19-20.

The purpose of SEC South is to see Texas stuSammy Lopez Adam Cappa conferences, conventions, dents sake of sharing Jesus Christ. More Speaker give their life for the Worship assemblies, at church, butcamps, it is than a conference, SEC South is about students taking an-just about showing upschool churches, corporate busiother step in the direction of becoming a part of the greatnesses, political organizations, to and hasends been est mission in the world. a movement to be advanced the seen on the 700 Club,TBN,and Daystar Christian Pastor Sammy hasbe ministered with minThis year’s message is MOVEMENT. Taken from Acts 16: of Television. the earth.

They will challenged istries and organizations such as Chuck Colson But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come and Prison Fellowship, The Billy Graham Evangelisupon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, to go home and a movement by tic Association, The start Samaritans Purse, Professional and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth.”

Athlete Associations and Ministries, and Politcal Through SEC, the gospel will be communicated and lost stusharing and living good news of Organizations.

Sammy the is currently a member dents have to respond. Students will learn Family will Force Five the chance Flame of Team First and Goal and First and Goal Minthat Christianity is not just about showing up at church, but Concert Concert Jesus Christ inoftheir istries.

In December 2006, communities.

Pastor Sammy was it is a to be advanced to the ends of the earth. They will be invited to try out with the Austin Wranglers in the challenged to go home and start a movement by sharing IF REGISTERED Arena Football League. Pastor Sammy has conand living the good news of Jesus Christ in their communicluded his free agency in the AFL and will use his

BY MARCH 1 ties.

Breakout sessions will be experiences as a testimony to proclaim that the Lord grants the desires of our hearts. You will find Sponsored by the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, Saturday a.m.

MARCHEvange1 the ministry ofon Pastor Sammy from Lopez 9-11 relevant, huSBTC, For more information, contactAFTER the Student & AT THE DOOR morous, and Biblically challenging! lism office at 817-552-2500.

Sammy, his wife Judy and daughter Alivia currently reside in San Antonio, TX and is the lead Drew Worsham Cost: pastor of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship and Illusionist $10 by March 1st on the Speakers Bureau for I Am Second.

April 19-20, 2013

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$10 $15

$15 after March 1st & at the door

/ 28 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

This ministry made possible through your Cooperative Program giving

planetstudents.org Toll free 877.953.SBTC (7282)

Adam Cappa - Worship

Twenty-five-year-old Adam Cappa was born and raised in Richmond, Indiana—the birthplace of recorded jazz where his dad is the sheriff and his mom is vice president of a local bank. Not the most obvious back-story for a rising new Christian pop artist.

But it’s clear that as soon as Adam began to investigate the reality of God for himself, other people were inspired to invest in Cappa. Although his heart stays close to home and family, he’s now ready to see where his faith—and the faith others have shown in him—is going to lead.

“I’ve come across many amazing musicians in my life, but few are like Adam Cappa, who has a true passion for the Lord above anything else in his life and is extremely talented as well. I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for this new artist.”

Jeremy Camp

Flame

Family Force Five - Concert

Looking for that secret recipe for some savory rock?

Of course you are. It goes like this: Mix a handful of thunderous beats and a dash of dirty Souf swagger in a bucket filled with Southern-fried, greasy guitar. Then roast ingredients all day in the sweltering Georgia heat, pepper with good-time lyrics, and enjoy the spicy southern rock jambalaya of FAMILY FORCE 5. Since 2005, the genre-obliterating Atlanta quintet has been setting audiences’ feet alight with their incendiary dance-rock anthems, turning that dance floor into hot coals, refusing to let fans keep their kicks still.

After a lifetime of making music, FAMILY FORCE 5 have unmistakably come into their own. They’ve forged together their disparate musical influences, their reckless attitude, and heartfelt authenticity into III. Now, with hardships behind them and the open road ahead, the band is on a mission to keep their fire spreading and their family growing.

“FAMILY FORCE 5 is a real, authentic community that transcends the music,” Derek says. “We make music that we love, and we hope other people love it too, whether it makes them breakdance, two-step, or simply smile.”

Drew Worsham Illusionist

In 2001, I had my first opportunity to step up on a stage and for a brief moment, create for the audience a life-changing experience that seemed super-natural and help them see with their own eyes something unbelievably close to real magic... or at least, that’s what I thought I did.

Looking back at old recorded VHS tapes of myself always brings a laugh but for whatever reason I kept with it and continued to practice and study hours upon hours this art of Illusion.

Although I am thankful for the opportunities to perform in so many beautiful places and I love the art of illusion and Magic, the reason I do what I do is be-

Inspired by the world around him—and the people he meets along the way, Flame has always wanted to use the music that inspired Him to be able to reach the world with God’s message. Flame wants listeners to know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

“After getting hit three times by an 18-wheeler, my grandmother told me I needed to repent and turn from my sin,” Flame remembers. “Not long after she passed away from a heart attack, I went to church. There, I heard the Gospel, wept like a baby and was drawn to Him when I was 16. That’s when I became a Christian. Shortly afterwards, I started writing music as little devotionals to God.” Eventually, converting those ruminations to song, Flame hasn’t stopped writing since and loves using the medium of hip-hop to not only minister to the hurting and build up the body of Christ, but to tell the story of His Savior to a world that desperately needs to hear it.

cause late in high school I encountered Jesus Christ for the first time and it would forever shift the course of my life. So if we have the opportunity to hang out and be friends in future, know that the reason that I step on stages and the reason I perform is to earn my right to be heard so that for a moment I can share with you what, or rather who, has truly changed all that I am.

After a lifetime of making music, FAMILY FORCE 5 have unmistakably come into their own. They’ve forged together their disparate musical influences, their reckless attitude, and heartfelt authenticity into III. Now, with hardships behind them and the open road ahead, the band is on a mission to keep their fire spreading and their family growing.

“FAMILY FORCE 5 is a real, authentic community that transcends the music,” Derek says. “We make music that we love, and we hope other people love it too, whether it makes them break-dance, two-step, or simply smile.”

/ 29 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

F o r g i v e n

Motorcycle

M i n i s t r y Andy and Dora have been a p a r t of Forgiven Motorcycle Minis t r y f o r 2 years. In a short time, the y w e r e asked to become Chaplains. T h e r e i s no doubt that they are bot h f i l l e d with Holy Spirit as they ser v e w i t h obedient and loving heart s . T h e y each have completed multip l e d i s c i pleship and growth classes a s w e l l as facilitate a Monday nig h t B i b l e study at their home.

Chaplains, Andy and D o r a W i n g

Q&A liv e s w h e n y o u became aware of Forgiv e n M o t o r c y cle Ministry?

A: Andy-W e h a d n o i d e a t h a t m e e t i n g u p with two Forgiven M o t o r c y c l e M i n i s t r y m e m b e r s a s we arrived at D e n n y ’ s w o u l d b e t h e w a y t h a t G o d would lead us t o t h e p l a c e H e h a d s p o k e n t o u s t he year be fore. I v i s i t e d T h e F a m i l y C h u r c h o n e S u n d ay when my wife w a s v i s i t i n g o u r c h i l d r e n i n S a n Antonio.

I got exc i t e d w h e n I s a w s o m a n y F o r g i v e n bikers there. I h a d a l w a y s w a n t e d a m o t o r c y c l e , a nd I was su re this w a s o f G o d .

A: Dora- I c a m e h o m e t o f i n d A n d y e x c i t e d and so co nvince d t h a t G o d h a d f o u n d a p l a c e f o r us. My thought a t t h a t m o m e n t w a s , s u r e y o u w a n t a bike.

I visited T F C t h e n e x t S u n d a y a n d I k n e w A ndy was right. It f e l t s o r i g h t , i t f e l t l i k e h o m e . W e joined immediate l y , e s p e c i a l l y w h e n w e f o u n d o u t that we did not n e e d a m o t o r c y c l e t o s e r v e G o d there. I told And y , i f G o d w a n t s u s t o h a v e a m o t o r cycle He is going t o h a v e t o p r o v i d e o n e . B y M a r c h of that year we h a d o u r b i k e .

Q: H o w h a s F o r given Motorcycle Minis tr y i m p a c t e d y our lifestyles?

A: Andy-W e w e r e r e a d y t o s e r v e . T h r o u g h F orgiven, God has o p e n e d s o m a n y d o o r s t o b r i n g His mes sa ge to o u r c o m m u n i t y .

A: Dora- “ B i k e r M A M A ” , m e ? D o e s G o d e v e r have a se nse of h u m o r . I t t o o k m e a w h i l e f o r t h i s t o settle in. Having s e r v e d G o d i n v a r i o u s c a p a c i t i e s, I told my husba n d , w e w i l l n o t p r o m o t e o u r s e l ves but promote J e s u s . I k n e w t h e o n l y w a y t o t r u l y serve Him was t o l e t G o d r e v e a l t h e g i f t s H e h a d placed in us. We t r u s t e d t h a t t h i s w o u l d h a p p e n w i thout us

bragging. By February, at a Biblical Solutions meeting, we were asked to be Chaplains for the ministry.

This convinced me that we were in the right place.

Q: What would you say to som e o n e w h o may be interested in becomi n g a p a r t of Forgiven Motorcycle Min i s t r y ? A: An -

dy-Forgiven is not just riding our bikes, it is first reaching out to the community and showing them the love of Jesus and using the bikes only to open doors. Daily, God opened opportunities for us to visit and pray for people. However, God does re ward us with great partners, people whose love reaches beyond the walls and great companions that have become long lasting friendships. The fellowship, having fun, and enjoying ourselves are a given. When you are doing God’s will, you derive pleasure in all you do. We have many members that do not ride, but their contributions to the furthering of the gospel are vital. Everyone is welcome that wants to spread the good news.

A: Dora-I am probably the “Grandma” biker in the group. I wholly believe that God sometimes asks us to do the impossible so we can see where we are in our faith walk. The first time I rode, WOW, I hung on to Andy so tight and almost choked him pulling his vest. Then God said, “Let go and trust Me”. MMMHHH! I did! He reminded me of my final destination, being with Him, and that did it for me. Bring it on! We took a 930 mile round trip to the hill country (Three Sis ters) in Leaky, TX. I refuse to be led by fear… cause I live by faith. We are not daring or careless. We have great Road Captains that keep us in check. You can serve with us on your bike, in your car, in your truck, or on your feet. This is about God. We do not regret joining Forgiven and are looking forward to the many things that God has planned for us.

/ 30 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com / www.eaglebeancoffee.com /2236 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburgo /956.627.5261

Mid Valley Assembly 131 S Pleasantview Dr - Weslaco

March 15, 2013 / 6:45 PM

If you would like to partner with this exciting ministry, call us today!

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Christian or Stephanie Torres 956-239-2913 christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

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/ 31 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Keep Your Dream Alive

Honest to God?

Erwin W. Lutzer / Kregel Publications

By Bill Hybels

“Authenticity means consistency – between word and actions, and between claimed values and actual priorities.

Inauthenticity means that we claim to be one thing, then prove to be something else.”

Maybe you know a few inauthentic Christians? Perhaps you are a little guilty of not being the genuine article. Even worse, many of those we come in contact with who are not Christians can rightfully accuse us of not being the real thing.

We need more Christians who serious about knowing God and living for him in an authentically Christian relationship. A Christian is someone who follows Christ on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for sin. Christianity is not just Heaven insurance; it is a call to live a life that reflects the values of the Living God. Bill Hybels’ book, Honest to God?, is a book that was published in 1990, but it is just as relevant today as it was then. He explores

Bookw Revie by

Jeremy Camp with David Thomas

different areas of our lives that need to be seasoned with authenticity.

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois. It is one of the largest churches in the United States. He is one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country.

Hybels challenges the Christian to honestly assess his/her life.

What are the areas that our proclamation is inconsistent with what we say and do?

He addresses areas which include, true masculinity, authentic feminism, marriage values, raising children, work, emotional life, sound physical fitness, and spiritual disciplines.

I picked up this book again because some of my actions at work have been lacking the marks of a genuine Christian. I allowed seeds of bitterness to sow weeds of destruction in the garden that should be blooming with flowers of love and encouragement.

Hybels book has served as a reminder to pursue spiritual disciplines that will revitalize my relationship with God and produce authenticity in more areas of my life.

It is my prayer that you will consider reading this book if you feel that you might not be the authentic Christian God wants to make you into.

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).

Christian recording artist Jeremy Camp has written songs that have touched millions of lives. His lyrics reveal a heart that’s been broken and a faith that has been tested and restored.

C.S LEWIS -A LIFEALISTER McGRATH

In I Still Believe, Jeremy shares, with unflinching candor and emotion, the extraordinary story behind his award-winning lyrics–from his impoverished childhood, rebellious teenage years, and spiritual awakening at Bible College, to the tragic loss of his first wife, Melissa, to cancer and the heart-wrenching spiritual journey that followed–a journey that reignited Jeremy’s faith, inspired some of his most beloved songs, and paved the way for a second chance at love with his second wife, Adrienne.

This memoir is a must-read for Jeremy Camp fans everywhere, and an inspiring, encouraging read for anyone who has ever experienced loss. / 32 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Fifty years after his death, C. S. Lewis continues to inspire and fascinate millions. His legacy remains varied and vast. He was a towering intellectual figure, a popular fiction author who inspired a global movie franchise around the world of Narnia, and an atheist-turnedChristian thinker.

In C.S. Lewis—A Life, Alister McGrath, prolific author and respected professor at King’s College of London, paints a definitive portrait of the life of C. S. Lewis. After thoroughly examining recently published Lewis correspondence, Alister challenges some of the previously held beliefs about the exact timing of Lewis’s shift from atheism to theism and then to Christianity. He paints a portrait of an eccentric thinker who became an inspiring, though reluctant, prophet for our times.

You won’t want to miss this fascinating portrait of a creative genius who inspired generations.

The Mortgage Lender You Can Trust!

Joe Cuellar Branch Manager

The way you file your Tax Returns may prevent you from getting your home.

Did you know that the way you file your personal income taxes can prevent you from getting your mortgage for your home?

Too often I see potential home buyers with excellent credit and job stability go into a purchase contract to buy a home and give a large down payment and find out later that they never did qualify because of the way they filed their Income Taxes. This can easily be prevented if you work with an experienced and knowledgeable Mortgage Professional that will pre-approve you based on facts. In today’s Mortgage Lending Industry we are totally transparent when it comes to what income can be used to determine what you really qualify for. So don’t take short cuts!

Get pre-approved before you enter a purchase agreement on a home and especially before you enter a Construction contract.

This single step could save you thousands of dollars and unnecessary stress.

I see too many cases where a Mortgage Lender will approve a potential home buyer but did not properly underwrite the home buyer’s financial information. Later the home buyers find themselves in a situation where they could lose their down payment, their lot, and even their credit.

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 pre-approved.

Joe Cuellar, Manager for Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC 5412 N 10th Street McAllen, TX 78504 Office 956.687.6688 Mobile 956.789.2121

/ 33 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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1. MercyMe You Are I Ame

CD: The Hurt and The Healer

2. Chris Tomlin 3. Passion featuring 4. Big Daddy Weave Whom Shall I Fear

Kristian Stanfill Redeemed (God of Angel Armies) One Thing Remains CD: Love Come To Life CD: Burning Lights / 36 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com / CD: White Flag

5. Unspoken Who You Are CD: Get To Me

Darlene Zschech Her songs are sung weekly by a world choir with “Shout To The Lord” alone being sung by an estimated 30 million each week.

Her songs and performances have helped produce 16 Gold and one Platinum Hillsong albums. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. Her passion for mentoring worship leaders has fueled and inspired a new generation serving and leading around the world. Her heart for orphans and widows helped launch HOPE: Rwanda now serving thousands of the world’s poorest children.

Add to that the fact that Darlene Zschech is a wife, a mother, a new grandmother and a partner in ministry with her husband, Mark, and one might wonder what more can a woman of such substance do that she hasn’t already done?

But having made a huge leap of faith in 2010 to leave Hillsong Church—Darlene and Mark’s place of ministry for 27 years—for a new adventure in a small church in New South Wales, a season of reckoning had begun. “I felt in my heart that I had to let it go, to follow my husband with no guarantees of anything...” Darlene says. “There was a grieving process in the middle, but you can’t take hold of the new when your hands are full of the old.”

When they arrived at Hope Unlimited Church, the writing was practically on the wall. The challenge of starting from scratch nudged the spirit of worship in her DNA. Her passion for mentoring musicians from all walks of life infused new life into her own ministry. “When I got here, I was reminded how critical worship is to our lives as human beings,” Zschech says. “There are literally thousands of musicians here—this is the Nashville of Australia— and as a leader and a mama, my heart just broke for them. I felt the call to raise up and encourage others to step into what God called them to be, opening the door for them to be confident in worship.”

But it was her own personal, spiritual quest that held the most sway, as she continued to explore the promises of God, the finished work of Jesus and what it means for real life in the wake of struggle. “Both Mark and I lost our Dads to cancer over the past few years. And we’ve seen our friends suffering,” Darlene says, “and I’ve said, ‘Hang on, God, you say that in these days greater things are going to happen, so what’s the gap?’ You can either get angry, or you can get on your knees. So I’ve been searching for revelation; on a personal quest to discover more about the finished work of Christ and all that it means for our lives today.”

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And as often happens to writers going through tough times or change, songs like diamonds began to emerge. Songs of authority and power. Songs of God’s faithfulness. Songs of deliverance.

This is how Revealing Jesus, Darlene Zschech’s first album in in her new season, began to take shape. As much revelation as anything else, the songs declare the truth of God for now, “to put steel down your backbone for the hard times,” Zschech says, “to help people rise up with the word of God in their mouths and confess the power of Jesus in their lives.”

God is fighting for us, pushing back the darkness, lighting up the kingdom that cannot be shaken, In the name of Jesus, enemies defeated and we will shout it out...

I will live, I will not die, the resurrection power of Christ alive in me...”

—“In Jesus’ Name” Produced by her good friend and Grammy Award winner Israel Houghton, Revealing Jesus, which was recorded live at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL, features the collective talents and collaborations of noteworthy singers and songwriters including Michael W. Smith, Kari Jobe and Houghton. Along with the dynamic participation of thousands of worshippers, the live recording also captures a compelling performance by the Alabama School of Fine Arts based in Birmingham.

Each of the 12 tracks are an intentional, corporate gift of song for the local church, from the opening call to worship found in “God Is Here” and all-out anthem of “All That We Are,” to the stirring balladry of “I Am Yours” and the reimagined classic hymn “My Jesus I Love Thee (I Love You Jesus).” Indeed, throughout the entire album, the sovereignty, power and presence of Jesus are front and center.

Jesus... Death could not hold you, freedom abounds, I sing of your mercy, the power of the Cross —“Yours Forever” “Victor’s Crown,” written by Zschech, Houghton and Jobe, is destined to become a new Easter season classic, a perennial goto anthem for churches around the globe. The beautiful ballad “Yours Forever (You Took the Nails)” holds promise of the same.

8. Meredith Andrews 9. Jeremy Camp Not For A Moment Reckless (After All) CD: Reckless Worth It All / 37CD: /www .valleychristianmagazine. com /

Make Decisions Together By

Dave

Ramsey For more financial help please visit: 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.

Dear Dave, My husband doesn’t like dealing with money. For years, I’ve handled everything from paying the bills to making the decisions, and he just does whatever I tell him. This makes things really hard on me, but he says financial issues cause him stress. Do you have any suggestions?... Carol Lee Dear Carol Lee, The plain truth is you need your husband to step up and be a man.

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but it’s unfair for you alone to carry the weight of all financial and household decisions. It would be unfair, too, if he were the one carrying it all. This isn’t a gender issue.

My wife and I are involved in all the decisions in our home, and that’s especially true when it comes to money. We do a budget, and we decide together where the money’s going. It’s not a situation where she’s a little girl, and her daddy named Dave takes care of her and everything else. That’s the kind of thing you’ve got going on now. You feel like his mom rather than his wife, and that’s not what a healthy marriage is about.

You need to sit down with him and explain why this is so important to you and how it makes you feel. You’re not asking him to be a number cruncher, but he has to grow up and become part of the team.

You can play the role of CFO and write all the checks. But you and he together are the board of directors. You just need 15 to 20 minutes of his time each week, so you guys can discuss what’s going on and how to handle things—together! ...Dave

Is this an emergency?

Dear Dave, My wife just had our first child. As a result, we now have $2,500 in medical bills not covered by insurance. We’ve got $7,000 in our emergency fund, and I make about $25,000 a year. Should we dip into our savings for this or set up a payment plan with the hospital?

Matthew Dear Matthew, Congratulations on your new baby! I know this is going to make the new year extra-special for you.

If I were in your situation, I’d write a check today and knock out that hospital bill. This definitely falls under the heading of “emergency” in my mind, so pay the bill and jump back into rebuilding your emergency fund.

You’ve done a good job of saving on $25,000 a year, but let’s look around and see what you can do about making more money, too.

Additional classroom education or extra training in your field could increase your income pretty quickly. Your emergency fund probably needs to be a little bit bigger as well, and it’ll be a lot easier to make this happen if you’re bringing in more cash.

I’m sure you’re a hard-working guy, but the truth is it’s going to be pretty tough for even a small family to make it on what you’re bringing home now. Life happens, and the unexpected can become a common occurrence when there’s a little one loose in the house! wore a younger man’s clothes, I was willing to do stuff and ignore the risk involved. Going broke years ago knocked that out of me in a hurry. Any deal that runs the risk of leaving you bankrupt, or the victim of a foreclosure, just isn’t worth it!...Dave

/ 38 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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/ 39 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

attorney at law

Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era.

The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era.

Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time.

The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families.

But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete.

Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you!

At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com

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