Valley Christian Magazine August 2014 by Valley Christian Magazine

August 2014

Simplified living is about more than doing less. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being who God called us to be. -Bill Hybels p. 20

The Day I Lost My Smile p26

What Friends Are For p10

Flash Flood Warning p18

THE CORNERSTONE OF

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

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

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENT RESULTS EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENTS EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOR EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOL

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What’s Inside? August 2014 Features

Vol. 4 / Issue 5 To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

On The Cover p.20 Simplify: Bill Hybels

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine

8. Classical Conversations Homeschooling

22. Ministry Spotlight

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32. Music Spotlight

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National Columnists

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10. Greg Laurie

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What Friends are For

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16. Luis Palau

Ilusion del Moviemiento Continuo

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18. James MacDonald

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Flash Flood Warning

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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 held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited. Copyright 2014.

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26. Lysa TerKeurst

Valley Writers

12. Milton Gonzales

A New Dress for Ellise

14. Jerrell Jobe

The Marble and the Lion

24. Theresa Valladares

Lessons from a Disney Princess

34. Miguel Paredes Book Review

Affair Proof Your Mind

38. Dave Ramsey Dave Says

Homeschooling:

Mission, Model, Method

onverging at a McAllen church, RGV parents grappled with the prospect of homeschooling, the Classical Christian Model, and the art of true rhetoric. After three days of education, equipping, and encouragement, parents left the Annual Classical Conversations free Parent Practicum feeling more empowered to educate their children at home. That day, many parents chose to take complete responsibility of their children’s education and have enrolled in one of the three Classical Conversations campuses for this fall. Classical Conversations (CC) is an international organization with 65,000 students. 6,200 of those students reside in Texas. The RGV has campuses in McAllen, Edinburg, and Brownsville. These campuses exist to provide a scaffold and community for parents who want to homeschool utilizing the classical Christian model (based on the trivium—grammar, dialectic/logic, rhetoric) from the perspective of a Biblical, Christ-centered worldview. CC goes to great lengths to explain they are not a school. Among the many reasons parents cite as their reasons for joining CC, the aspects of community, socialization, and accountability top the list. In addition, trained parent Directors and Tutors aid parents each week in their homeschooling efforts. CC also provides assistance for their parent in the way of standardized testing and transcripts. In addition, CC is involved in their local communities, regularly inviting leaders to events such as their Excellence in Education presentations. A quick internet search reveals that homeschoolers number in the millions. The benefits of this option are extensive. Parents have expressed academic, social, religious, and political reasons for homeschooling. Other reasons included a desire for a more individualized approached and a more flexible learning schedule. More and more parents are discovering the joys and benefits of homeschooling and find themselves agreeing with Andrew Kern of the CiRCE Institute, that the child is a “soul

to be nurtured, not a product to be measured.” Homeschooling parents want to take the time to make sure that their children are not only schooled, but also educated. For anyone who is interested, they can look at the Classical Conversations alumni statistics on our local website: www.mcallenhomeschool.com Classical Conversations is committed to helping parents raise citizen-leaders who have a Biblical, Christ-centered worldview. “And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-8

Scripture gives the responsibility to educating children to the parent. It is the parent’s role to “Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. Every year parents feel the tug of these scriptures as they ponder how they can fulfill them, while their children are away from them for 30-40 hours a week. They are faced with the heart-wrenching reality that whoever is spending the most time with the child is the one training him. Perhaps you have already come to the conclu-

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sion that you want to, or need to, homeschool, and you are no longer asking “Why should I homeschool?” Perhaps you are desperately wondering “How do I homeschool? What is the best method or philosophy? What does it look like?” “What about college, and transcripts?” These questions and many more were addressed last month at the Classical Conversations free three-day Parent Practicum. If you missed the Parent Practicum, you can still get your questions answered by contacting one of the CC Directors, or attending and Information Meeting. What others are saying about CC Parent Practicum and homeschooling: “As a homeschool mom of the past 17 years I was delighted to see a group of homeschool families providing a true classical education for their children. It gave me such hope for the future to know that these children are developing the skills that will enable them to think deeply, communicate thought in a meaningful way, and develop a true and genuine love for learning that will last a lifetime. These children will be future leaders and stand in a world that is crying for direction. What most impressed me though was the sweet spirit exhibited between the parents and children involved in this group. I saw Christ’s love truly acted out in a tangible way and an incredible support and encouragement demonstrated between the members and the newcomers. Their passion in pursuit of homeschooling was evident! I left edified, encouraged, and inspired—Classical Conversations is a blessing to not only those within their group, but also homeschoolers in general and the community as a whole.”—Leslie Crown, three-day Practicum attendee “I was inspired by the wonderful, like-minded families that are on the same journey as we are….[they are] on a mission to teach their children to love God, life, and learning….I chose to homeschool because I wanted to see my family go from surviving to thriving….I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to teach four different aged kids….however, after our CC Practicum I feel equipped and now I can tell people

The Mortgage Lender Yo u c a n T r u s t ! Joe Cuellar Branch Manager

that it is possible.” – Velma Landrum, new CC participant Classical Conversations mission is to Know God and to Make Him known, its model is to pair the lost tools of learning, the classical model, with a Biblical worldview, and its method is to equip parents and encourage students. To maintain the integrity and quality of our programs, we purposefully limit our class size. Communities are filling up.

Should I Build?

Is this the Best for Me? You won’t know if building a new home is your best option unless you talk to an unbiased mortgage professional. By gathering all your information, we will determine if building is your best choice. Very often potential Home Buyers will be told by a builder to use his choice of a mortgage company. This may not be the wisest thing to do. An unbiased mortgage company does not have a commitment to any builder and will not be influenced to push you into a construction loan if it is not the best option.

If you would like more information on homeschooling, CC, and our local communities, please contact one of our Directors or visit the CC Event Calendar to see when our next Information Meetings are.

Never give a down payment or enter into a contract unless you FIRST get pre-approved by a mortgage professional. Call us with any of your questions.

High School: Sadie Aldaya saldaya@classicalconversations.com Middle School/Jr. High: Sheri Matz smatz@rgv.rr.com, Lorraine Owens lrowens7458@ gmail.com Elementary: Paige Newsom pagienewsom@hotmail.com , Mio Cabeza miocabeza@hotmail.com, Adriana Cunningham adrianacunningham@rocketmail.com Should you be interested in starting your own community, please contact Sadie Aldaya at saldaya@classicalconversations.com

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

August

2014

valleychristianmagazine.com 9

What Friends Are For By Greg Laurie

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514

— 2 Timothy 2:22

something, and He will say, “You are in a place you don’t belong. You are hanging out with people you don’t belong with. This is bringing about many of your problems.”

“Let me ask you a question. Is this guy that you are in a relationship with a Christian?”

In 2 Timothy 2:22 we read, “Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (NLT). Are you enjoying the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts? Or, are you hanging around with people who are dragging you down spiritually?

ne morning after one of our services at I said, “You know what? I am not going to pray Harvest Christian Fellowship, a that God will heal your relationship. I young woman walked up and am going to pray that God will give asked if I would pray for her about you the courage to terminate the “Are you a relationship she was in. relationship. That is what needs to enjoying the happen. Here you are in church, “What kind of a relationship is companionship of and you are struggling and having it?” I asked. those who call on a hard time with a guy who doesn’t “It’s a relationship with a guy.” the Lord with pure walk with the Lord.”

hearts?”

“Well,” she said, “I . . . think he is. Actually, I’m not really sure if he is or not.”

As we talked further, it was apparent that this was exactly what was happening. The relationship was dragging her down spiritually. Many times we will pray for the Lord to fix

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Grace Christian School was founde d in 1976. Pastor Wally Morillo and his church sta ff saw a need for Christian Education and character buildin g for young people. Our principal, Bob Logan, has bee n serving Grace Christian School since 1979. “Cease, my son, to hear the instru ction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 19:27

Bob Logan Principal

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Phone Number: (956) 787-0701

Website: www.gccpharr.org

A new dress for Ellise By Milton Gonzalez

once read a story about a sweet little girl named Ellise. Her father had widowed when

she was just a baby. Nine years had gone by and dad had done a great job at raising her. Life wasn’t easy and money was scarce yet he managed to provide for her every need. Dad was always there, he was a man of his word and he never failed his sweet little girl. One Saturday afternoon they both went for a walk downtown. They held hands as they strolled down the shopping strip while gazing into the store fronts. Ellise’s eyes lit up the moment she saw a beautiful white dress on a mannequin. Her father quickly noticed her interest in the item and inquired if she would be interested in having it. Without hesitation and with joy exuding her every pour she replied YES!. Her father told her they would have to come back the following week after payday. She hopped, skipped and jumped her way back home.

Heavenly Father who never fails us and always keeps His promises. Ellise’s story is a perfect example of childlike faith (Matt 18:3), the kind of faith that we should exemplify at all times regardless of the circumstances that may surround us. Whatever you are believing for in your life, if God has made us a promise through His Word then you must stand firm and believe that He will come through. Our Father desires to see us progressing, moving forward, overcoming, walking in victory, being consecrated, living holy, walking in deliverance and prospering. However, the enemy of our soul desires to see us falling, failing, getting sick, depressed, defeated, being poor and living in sheer bondage.

If you constantly envision yourself failing you will never succeed, envision yourself sick and I assure you that you will never walk in complete healing. Your recurring negative thoughts position yourself for defeat and it is at that moment when you have become your greatest detriment. The reason some people are faltering and failing “Elisha never gave up, he never gave right now is they have a in, he did not become complacent visualization of themselves and get used to the drought. He arose that does not coincide with up in faith and declared the promises the Word of God. And what of the Lord.” you visualize in your spirit will materialize in due her and the rest of season.

The following Monday Ellise showed up to school wearing the same torn and tattered dress she had been wearing for a very long time. However this time there was something different about the children noticed. They couldn’t comprehend what the source of her joy was. She told them she was excited to have a new dress. Her classmates laughed and ridiculed her since all they saw was the same old torn dress. Their words didn’t put her down or destroy her hope. She knew in her heart that her daddy wouldn’t fail and come next Monday she would be wearing a brand new dress…and that she did. That’s what I call faith.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see - Hebrews 11:1 I have oftentimes heard people say that faith is blind and I beg to differ. Faith isn’t blind when you put your trust in the One True God - The

In 1 Kings we read about the prophet Elijah sending his servant to inform the king to eat and drink and get ready for an abundance of rain was soon to fall. It had been 3 and half years since it had rained last and everything around them had dried up and withered. There were absolutely no signs of rain. His only assurance…God’s promise. He stood firm and believed. His faith was totally vested in God. If He said it… He will do it. I can’t see it, I can’t hear it, I can’t sense it at all BUT I know there is an abundance of rain. He sent his servant to the hills to see if there were any signs. Time and time again he came back with depressing news. On the seventh time he came back and informed Elijah that

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there was a cloud the size of a man’s hand. Elijah continued to believe and trust in the Lord’s promises. Though the outward signs were embryonic he knew in his heart that God would never fail him. He shut out the external voices and prayed and sure enough… IT POURED! God answered. Elisha never gave up, he never gave in, he did not become complacent and get used to the drought. He arose up in faith and declared the promises of the Lord. He never envisioned a minuscule cloud, he focused on the abundant clouds, the pouring rains, he didn’t listen to the voices of doubt, he tuned in to the spirit and filled himself with faith. Elisha experienced breakthrough because he didn’t give up. He fought the good fight. People of great faith: 1. see and hear what the world cannot. 2. press on even when there is no sign of change. 3. endure even when the evidence is minute. 4. expect great miracles. 5. envision breakthrough even when the answer seems weak. Perhaps you have been tempted to give up and give in because you gotten tired of waiting for your miracle. I want to encourage you to rise up, fill yourself with faith, position yourself and get ready for your breakthrough. The abundance of rain is on its way Shalom, Milton

Milton Gonzalez Milton is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen and has a son David. He is married to Elena and they have a son Daniel.

August

2014

valleychristianmagazine.com 13

The Marble the Lion by Jerrell Jobe

You, LORD, our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. –Isaiah 64:8

here was once a sculptor who worked he Michelangelo said, “I saw the angel in the hard with hammer and chisel on a large marble and carved until I set him free.” block of marble. A little child who was watching him saw nothing more than large and Scripture compares us to blocks of clay and God small pieces of stone falling away left and right. is likened to a potter (see Isaiah 64:8 & JerHe had no idea what was happening. But when emiah 18:1-6). He is shaping and molding us the boy returned to the studio a few weeks lat- into the image of Christ. This is His purpose for each and every one of er, he saw, to his surprise, a large, powerful lion sit- “In every block of marble,” said Mi- us. Discipleship is the proting in the place where the chelangelo, “I see a statue as plain cess of God, like the sculptor, chiseling away everymarble had stood. With as though it stood before me,” thing that doesn’t look like great excitement, the boy ran to the sculptor and said, “Sir, tell me, how Christ. In other words, “Christ is formed in us” (see Galatians 4:19). did you know there was a lion in the marble?” The sculptor paused. Took in a deep breath as he gazed over his masterpiece. Then with a smile on his face and a light in his eyes he answered, “I just chipped away everything that didn’t look like the lion…”

I’ve found the following questions a valuable prayer to pray:

“In every block of marble,” said Michelangelo, “I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.” On another occasion,

Are there areas that I’m not reflecting the nature and character of Christ…?

God, how have you been shaping and molding me…?

There are seasons where I feel like God, the Potter is shaping me as a father and remolding how I communicate with my children. At

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other times, it may relate to how I interact with strangers. God is the Potter. He is purposed to shape every part of us into the image of Christ. How is the Potter currently molding and shaping you…? You, LORD, our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. –Isaiah 64:8 Prayer: God, I give you permission to chisel away anything that does not represent Christ in my thoughts, attitudes, speech, habits and way of life… Mold me into the image of Your Son… JERRELL JOBE

Jerrell is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (11), Naylah (8),and Avi (7).

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La Ilusión Corría

Luis Palau

Del Movimiento Continuo

el siglo XVII cuando el Marqués de Worchester estaba preso en la Torre de Londres. Como era un hombre inteligente, ideó un curioso aparato y solicitó una audiencia con el rey.  Cuando estuvo ante el soberano, reveló su invención: una rueda con movimiento automático incesante. Su Majestad se admiró tanto que decidió liberar al prisionero. En ese momento no sospechó que el marqués simplemente había simulado un mecanismo de movimiento continuo.  Durante al menos 1500 años varios trataron de diseñar y crear el primer dispositivo del mundo con movimiento permanente. Durante la época de oro del movimiento continuo en el Reino Unido (desde alrededor de 1850 hasta fin de siglo), se concedieron cerca de 600 patentes para tales invenciones. Esos dispositivos por cierto parecían grandiosos en el papel y en la teoría, pero cuando se construían no funcionaban. Los defensores del movimiento continuo aún se niegan a admitir el hecho de que es imposible quebrantar las leyes de la termodinámica. El único éxito de ese movimiento continuo está en el constante rediseño de máquinas que hace varias generaciones demostraron ser fracasos. De la misma manera, en su intento por lograr lo imposible hombres y mujeres de nuestro tiempo ignoran las indiscutibles declaraciones de la Escritura. Inútilmente quieren obtener la vida eterna y el favor de Dios por medio de sus buenas obras. Sin embargo, la salvación no se alcanza por los méritos de nuestros logros sino por la expiación perfecta de Cristo en la cruz por nuestros pecados. Sólo podemos recibir la seguridad de pecados perdonados y vida eterna cuando entregamos nuestra vida a El. La salvación por obras es, en cierto modo, algo así como el intento del movimiento continuo. Nunca ha de funcionar. En Romanos 3:23 leemos que “todos hemos pecado; ninguno de nosotros alcanza el ideal divino” (BD). A pesar de lo mucho que lo intentemos, no podremos alcanzar la medida perfecta requerida por Dios para que alguien sea digno de estar en su presencia. De modo que la salvación nunca ocurre en base a lo que hacemos sino por la misericordia infinita de Dios. Cierta vez una madre se acercó a Napoleón rogándole perdón para su hijo. El emperador replicó que el joven había cometido la ofensa dos veces y la justicia demandaba la muerte. --Pero yo no pido justicia--explicó la madre--. Yo pido misericordia. --Tu hijo no merece misericordia, mujer--replicó Napoleón. --Señor--contestó la mujer llorando--, no sería misericordia si la mereciera; y lo que pido es justamente lo que no merece. --De acuerdo--respondió el emperador--, tendré misericordia--. Y perdonó la vida del joven. Cristianos no son aquellos que ganan el favor de Dios porque son “buenos”. Cristianos son quienes reciben la misericordia de Dios. El nos dio la salvación “no porque fuéramos tan buenos que la mereciéramos, sino porque en su bondad y en su misericordia nos lavó los pecados y nos dio una nueva vida por medio del Espíritu Santo” (Tito 3:5 BD). Gracias a Dios, sólo una vez necesitamos pedirle que nos dé Su regalo de salvación. Así como la salvación no se obtiene por lo que hacemos, tampoco se mantiene por nuestras buenas obras. Nuestra salvación tiene como fundamento las seguras promesas de Dios. Cristo mismo ha prometido: “Cualquiera que cree mi mensaje y cree en Dios que me envió, tiene vida eterna, y nunca recibirá condenación por sus pecados, porque ha pasado de la muerte a la vida” (Juan 5:24 BD). Todo los esfuerzos denodados del mundo, no importa cuán ingeniosos parezcan, no podrán salvar a un solo individuo. (De la misma manera que todos los esfuerzos no podrán producir ese mecanismo de movimiento automático permanente.) Y todo el rugido del infierno no podrá cambiar la certeza de la salvación de Dios una vez que la recibimos. Demos gracias a Dios por el grandioso don de la salvación en Cristo, y por la seguridad de que nada nos podrá apartar del amor divino que es en Cristo Jesús (Romanos 8:38-39).

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Luis Palau Luis Palau ya entró en la historia moderna como uno de los contados hombres que le hablaron a más personas en el mundo. Su mensaje fue, y es escuchado por más de 800 millones de personas en 112 países a través de la radio y la televisión, y tiene el privilegio de haberle hablado a más de 22 millones de personas cara a cara en 80 países del mundo, organizando, junto a un selecto grupos de colaboradores internacionales y con el apoyo de invitaciones locales, congresos, seminarios, charlas informales, conferencias y recitales-conferencia llamados “Festivales”.

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FLASH FLOOD WARNING James MacDonald

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:2–3a, ESV). In Isaiah’s description, the waters symbolize a trial. Some trials can be likened to walking through a valley, while others can feel like facing a flash flood in that valley. The water level rises rapidly. Deep waters assail, currents swirling, and you may fear going under. Notice it’s when this happens, not if. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” The waters will come, but you won’t be by yourself. Though the waters get deep, it will not overwhelm you. The greatest treasure in this verse is the promise of His presence. He is with you in three places: through the waters, the rivers, and the fire. God leads us into difficult circumstances, but He brings us through them. We emerge on the other side. Too often we’re searching for ways around deep waters and dangerous fires rather than through them. Have you ever experienced this? Have you tried to avoid a trial, only to have it move directly in front of you again? God is checking you, heading you off at the pass. He wants you to go through it. Some people go into trials but never come out. Not us! God leads us into difficulties and brings us through them. It’s tempting to think, I can’t take much more of this! I’ve been treading water for so long. I’m tired and afraid I might sink. Hear this: Whatever you’re facing, you will get through it. You will not drown or be swept away. Yes, the water will feel deep, the fire will feel hot, but it won’t be too deep, too hot, or last too long.

Sometimes the Bible offers the best illustrations of its own message. Remember Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, featured in Daniel 3? They stood for God in a very bleak time. They refused to bow and worship the golden image that the cranky, wicked King Nebuchadnezzar set up of himself. While they showed respect toward the king, they were unbending in their ultimate allegiance to God. The consequence? Nebuchadnezzar was furious and commanded that they “be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands” (Daniel 3:15)? When they responded with calm confidence in God’s ability to deliver them, Nebuchadnezzar was enraged all the more. “Filled with fury . . . he ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated” (3:19). Soldiers bound the three friends, cast them into the fiery furnace, and were “Too often we’re themselves burned searching for ways to death. God could around deep waters have stopped those and dangerous fires murderers from rather than through going forward with them.” the king’s order, but He didn’t. Instead of making a way around, He made a way through. “Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, ‘Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? . . . But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods’” (3:24–25). What an awesome scene! Jesus Christ, the pre-incarnate second person of the Trinity, was in the fire with them—just as He had promised. That promise holds for you too. At this moment, God is watching your life, and at some point in this trial, He will say, “Enough.” You don’t need to falter. God’s hand is on the thermostat

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of your trial; the fire will not get too hot. He is watching the depth gauge of your flood; the waters will not get too deep. God actively controls the severity of everything you face. And He is with you through it.

Journal When in your life have you faced deep waters or scorching fires—trials that feel overwhelming to you? As you meditate on God’s promises in Isaiah 43, what fills your heart with faith?

Pray Lord God, I am Yours. When I pass through the flood waters, You will not let me drown. When the rivers rage, they won’t drag me under. When I walk through the fire, I will not be burned—because You are with me. God, I choose to believe this precious truth, and I preach it to my own weary heart. God, You are with me, so I will keep going. I hold onto You and Your Word. I will not avoid or escape my trial, but by faith and with You, I will go through it and emerge whole on the other side. Please use the trials in my life for my good and for Your glory. To the glory of Your Son alone, King Jesus, I pray, amen.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

weekdays at 5:30a.m.

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

Now Accepting Applications Pre K - High School!

For more information, please visit www.vanguardacademy.org August 2014 valleychristianmagazine.com 19

by Bill Hybels

implified living is about more than doing less. It’s being who God called us to be, with a wholehearted, single-minded focus. It’s walking away from innumerable lesser opportunities in favor of the few to which we’ve been called and for which we’ve been created. It’s a lifestyle that allows us, when our heads hit the pillow at night, to reflect with gratitude that our day was well invested and the varied responsibilities of our lives are in order.

practices help me overcome the barriers that realize that some minor life adjustments are keep me from living the life “to the full” that in order, you can simplify. You may well have Jesus promises in John 10:10. In each chapter to simplify to live the life God is inviting you of this book, I invite you to examine one of to live. As you begin to implement these key these practices, assess what Scripture has to practices, they will become habits that create say about it, hold up simplified days, a mirror to your own “Simplified living is about more then months, then life, and then take years, and eventually than doing less. It’s being who a lifetime that action. God called us to be.” brings satisfaction There are no shortcuts and fulfillment. If we don’t change how we live, our to simplified living. Making these course overcomplicated world will begin to feel Untangling yourself from the overscheduled, corrections will produce a life you’ll be glad frighteningly normal. We will become overwhelming web of your current life is not for to have lived when you look in the rear view accustomed to life at a frantic pace, no longer the faint of heart. It’s honest, rigorous work. As mirror. able to discriminate between the important and I tell leaders when- ever I speak on the subject, the unessential. And that’s the danger: When action is required. That’s why each chapter Taken from we fritter away our one and only life doing of this book concludes with Action Steps— simplify. ten practices to unclutter your soul by. Bill Hybels. things that don’t really matter, we sacrifice the questions about what keeps you in bondage Copyright © 2014 by Bill Hybels. things that do matter. Through more misses to such frenetic, cluttered patterns, as well Used by permission of Tyndale House than hits, I have experienced the high cost of as hands-on practices for eradicating clutter Publishers, Inc. allowing my life to get out from your soul and moving All rights reserved “Life is short. If your job of control. My desire is to toward a simplified life. I spare you some of the pain sucks the life out of you, challenge you to go beyond Bill Hybels of learning these lessons as reading each chapter you will never be able to merely for theory. Don’t let is the founding and senior pastor of I did—the hard way. Willow Creek Community Church in keep your energy bucket an intellectual nod to the South Barrington, Illinois, which has What if your life could be concept of simplified living six regional congregations and a total filled.” different? What if you could weekend attendance of more than inoculate you against be certain you were living 24,000. He is the bestselling author making actual changes in your actual life. of more than twenty one books, the life God called you to live and building a Rather, apply what you read with courage and including Simplify, Axiom, Holy legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler grit. Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer life anchored by the priori- ties that matter Revolution, Courageous Leadership, Too Busy Not to most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living I can tell you from my own experience that Pray, and Becoming a Contagious Christian. requires more than just organizing your closets simplifying your life will produce immediate Hybels also serves as chair of the board for the Willow or cleaning out your desk drawer. It requires rewards. Each day will have a clear purpose, Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that uncluttering your soul. By examining core and each relationship will receive the equips and empowers more than 14,000 Christian churches from 92 denominations. issues that lure you into frenetic living, and investment it’s due. And without the needless by eradicating the barriers that leave you clutter clanging around in your soul, you’ll be WCA’s premier event is the Global Leadership Summit (GLS), a world-class, two-day leadership event that exhausted and overwhelmed, you can stop able to hear—and respond to—each whisper gathers the best and brightest leadership speakers doing the stuff that doesn’t matter and build from God. in both the church and marketplace worlds. The GLS infuses vision, skill development, and inspiration in your life on the stuff that does. This is what I know: Change is possible. Christian leaders so that local churches around the world In my experience, a handful of key practices Whether you’re teetering on the edge of a can reach their full Kingdom potential. With more than are vital to keeping my soul clutter-free. These cluttered collapse or you’re just starting to 1.8 million participants to date, the Global Leadership Summit is the largest leadership event in the world.

20 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2014

Ministry Spotlight:

Buckner Foster Care in the Rio Grande Valley

Buckner has been serving children and fami- believe that these children are juvenile delinlies for 135 years. In 1879, Robert C. Buck- quents but this is not true. The fact is that ner, Baptist Pastor, started our first orphanage children are in foster care for their protection, homes in Dallas Texas. Buckner has grown to through no fault of their own. These children be a global, faith based organization dedicated have been exposed to many situations which to transforming the lives of the most vulnera- have caused trauma in their life and they need ble children, families and elders in the United someone to help them through this. States and around the world. The Rio Grande Children’s Home has been in existence since Many times, we hear about horrible stories of children who are moved 1964. It was founded by Reverend Buddy Owens. We believe if we transform from home to home to Yes, this hapFor 50 years, RGCH has lives, we change the world. home. pens. In order to avoid provided a warm, loving We can do that togeth- this from happening, we and home- like environment for children and sib- er through foster care by have skilled staff to assess the families and make a ling groups in an effort to transforming the lives of good match with a child. keep families together. children who need a family Buckner finds families for children. Not children for We believe if we transform to love them. families. Our focus is on lives, we change the world. We can do that together through foster care by the child. We are looking for families committransforming the lives of children who need a ted to the child in front of them. Foster parfamily to love them. We are people compelled ents should be focused on meeting that child’s by our faith. We believe that we can do this needs for as long as the child needs them. We with families who love children and want to have a lot of teenagers who need foster homes give them an opportunity to live a healthy life- to continue their education and then into indestyle and develop significant lifetime relation- pendent living. ships. This means “Be a Family!” This helps children to feel wanted and accepted in order to What is the need? In Hidalgo County alone, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatowork through their difficult situations. ry Services Statistics for Fiscal Year 2013, inOur Buckner Foster Care Program is focused dicates that 268,484 children came into Child 10,474 were alleged vicon a lifetime commitment to a child, but it is a Protective Service. commitment to be meaningful in a child’s life- tims of abuse and neglect which were inves1,384 cases are open for services time. This means that Buckner expects foster tigated. parents to be committed to every child in their through family preservation and then foster care or substitute care. As you can see there is home. an eminent need of foster homes in our commuThe children we serve come from Child Pro- nity, Buckner is stepping forward to help. Evtective Services who have been removed from eryday there are children being removed from their home due to abuse and neglect. There are their home due to abuse and neglect. We are many myths about the children. Many people hoping we could find Christ centered families

22 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2014

in the community willing to take on the challenge to love and nurture these children. The Rio Grande Children’s Home in Mission, Texas, recently transitioned from a residential facility to foster care group homes. We are seeking families with big hearts and Christ-centered values to foster our children at the Rio Grande Children’s Group Home. Licensed foster families living in the homes will provide a loving, Christian atmosphere for children and sibling groups in an effort to keep families together. They are able to offer the emotional, spiritual and educational support that these children need to grow in their sense of self-worth and to discover their special purpose in life. We are also able to license families for foster care in their own homes in the community and are seeking families for our community foster care program as well. Our staff is dedicated to prepare each family for their foster journey ahead and to provide them with support before, during and after the foster care process. We are so excited about our new programs in the Rio Grande Valley. This is an awesome ministry for families to serve vulnerable children who have suffered abuse and neglect. As James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” For more information on foster care in the Rio Grande Valley, please call 956-585-4847 or attend one of our Be a Family information meetings in Mission (second Thursday of every month) or Harlingen (fourth Thursday of every month). Visit us on www.beafamily.org.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27

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2014

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Try

to picture this…a middle aged woman running and singing at the top of her lungs-off key but enthusiastic. Singing as if there is no one around and oblivious to the stares and giggles from strangers. If you run or drive past 2nd street you may have caught a glimpse of me. I’ve said before that running is a stress reliever, a time for reflection and a lot of times it’s where I write my articles. So lately I’ve been singing and running to the song “Let it Go” from the Disney Movie “Frozen”. It’s an academy award winning song that appeals to both young and old as well as females and apparently males too!(read July VCM issue). My kids won’t let me play it in the car because they know I can’t control myself!

How many of us have lived in fear? Afraid of failure or feeling ashamed for past mistakes? Or how many of us hold on to hurts from the past? Not being able to move forward because we relive the words or actions that hurt us deeply. Maybe you live in condemnation for your own mistakes and allow that to define you. Failed marriage, unexpected loss of loved one, lost job, broken friendships and traumatic childhoods are all things that can keep us tied to the past. How many of us strive to be that perfect girl? The cautious one who subdues her true feelings so as not to upset others. Always afraid that if they really knew you they wouldn’t like you. Or you stop trying because you have failed in

let the past dictate your present and poison your future? Everyone deals with disappointments on this earth. It is guaranteed. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world John 16:33 When I sing this song it reminds me to live in the present by choosing to forget the hurts, disappointments, mistakes and fears. I don’t have to be perfect I just need to be me! God created me and forgives me daily. I need to choose to do that for others and for myself. I am not defined by my mistakes nor is anyone else. I need to stop being afraid of failure and allow myself to feel joy and freedom. Who doesn’t want to feel free?

Lessons from a Disney Princess…..

So for those of you who haven’t seen the movie it’s about a princess who has had to hide this magical power for fear that she would be shunned or ostracized. She had to control her emotions, her true feelings so as not to make others uncomfortable. She had to play the part of a perfect girl.

“The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside couldn’t keep it in, heaven knows I tried. Don’t let them in; don’t let them see Be the good girl you always have to be. Conceal don’t feel, don’t let them know. Well now they know! Let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore let it go, let it go. Turn away and slam the door I don’t care what they’re going to say. Let the storm rage on. The cold never bothered me anyways. At a point in the movie she does lose it and everyone knows her secret. She flees and isolates herself. She protects herself from getting feelings hurt or being judged by living alone. She puts up walls of ice to separate herself from others. The closer someone would get to her the higher and more intricate became the walls. Sound familiar? The great thing that comes during this time is she experiences a new sense of freedom. She starts to see the beauty in her abilities without fear of what others will say. “It’s funny how some distance makes everything seem small And the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all It’s time to see what I can do to test the limits and break through NO right, no wrong, no rules for me I’m free! Let it go let it go I am one with the wind and sky Let it go, let it go You’ll never see me cry Here I stand and here I’ll stay Let the storm rage on… I’m never going back the past is in the past

past whether it be at work, home or with relationships. So what do we do? We put up walls and keep others away. It may not be walls of ice but the heart does harden to protect itself. Maybe you can identify with the princess in the story….I know I can which is why I love this song! As odd as it seems this song, this Princess, this fairy tale reminds me of the promises of Christ. There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Romans8:1 God wants us to feel free. He wants us to let go of the past and stop living in condemnation. He

“God wants us to feel free. He wants us to let go of the past and stop living in condemnation.”

has given us each special abilities to prosper us and has given us purpose. These fears, disappointments, hiding our true selves because of past hurts or mistakes are the very things that keep us from God’s best. So what’s the answer? It’s a choice you have to make….you have to “let it go”. Forget the former things do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18. What is keeping you from experiencing God’s freedom? Do you need to forgive someone? Do you need to forgive yourself? Are you going to

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“Let it go Let it go and I’ll rise like the break of dawn. Let it go Let it Go! That perfect girl is gone Here I stand in the light of day Let the storm rage on!

The princess embraces her freedom and refuses to hide her gifts. She lets go of the illusion of being perfect. She doesn’t doubt herself. She doesn’t hold back and she eventually is loved by those that misjudged her. Her walls come down and what she used to separate herself from others in the end redeems her. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Good news is that like that fairy tale you can have your happily ever after by choosing to LET IT GO! Stop thinking you’re not good enough because of your past. Bring the walls down and allow Christ to fill your heart. You had a bad relationship or betrayed by friendship, God will bring new ones into your life. That can’t happen unless you open yourself up to new beginnings. Let people see the real you, let them see the gifts that God has bestowed on you. Choose to live in the present and don’t look back only forward. Stop being afraid of failure. Failing is just one step closer to succeeding. So if you see me running and singing at the top of my lungs just know that I’m not crazy! I’m just happy to be free from my past. It’s a lesson from a Disney Princess that reinforces what Christ continues to do for me. Let it go Princess!

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.

August

2014

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The Day I Lost My Smile

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”.”

By Lysa TerKeurst

Proverbs 31:25

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.

looked at my schedule and an overwhelming sense of dread started creeping into my heart. “What’s wrong with me? Why am I always running late, running behind, and running after my people who all seem to compound this issue?”

Because time refused to stand still while I pondered, it was necessary to jump right into task mode. There were lunches to pack, permission forms to sign, and tangles that needed gathering up into ponytails. I put one foot in front of the other and kicked into automatic, mentally crossing off one thing after another on my morning routine checklist. I gathered up backpacks and lunchboxes and started announcing from the front door that we had to leave right this minute. And then I said it again. And then I yelled it in a tone that finally got my kids to appear. I quickly checked to make sure we didn’t repeat yesterday’s mistake of letting one leave with no shoes on. Then I marched out of the house while tossing out a stern reminder to please shut the door quickly so the dog didn’t get out.

rare moment of silence, they took it without protest.

Together, we listed reasons to be so very thankful.

We pulled into the carpool line at school and I stared at the long line of cars ahead of me. I imagined all the wonderful smiling mothers who were doing this better than me. They probably had organized systems for packing lunches the night before and making sure their kids kept up with their shoes. They probably did family devotions each morning, ate breakfast at the table, and sang songs all the way to school.

Together, we found strength.

I compared all that to the realities of my morning and came to one heart-sinking conclusion: “I stink at this.” Almost at that exact moment my phone buzzed with a text message from a friend: “I had a really hard morning with my kids today. I’d love to have coffee some time and learn how you do it all so well.”

“If you are busy rowing the boat, you won’t have time to rock it.”

But the dog did get out. As I slipped the car in drive, the dog darted right out in front of me causing me to simultaneously slam on the brakes and spill both cups of orange juice I had gingerly perched between my purse and the little stacks of toast. I jumped out to usher the dog back into the house and let hot tears just have their way. The green numbers of the dashboard clock seemed to simultaneously mock and remind me I had no time to sit and cry it all out. I handed my kids their soggy toast and in a

I couldn’t believe it. I half sighed and half chuckled at the irony. I turned around to my kids in the back and said, “Hey guys, I’m really sorry Mommy was such a grump this morning. I think I misplaced my smile. So I just want you to know while you’re at school today I’m going to do everything I can to find it.” After I dropped them off, I called that friend and told her what a gift it was to get her text. I shared with her. She shared with me. Together, we brainstormed better ways to prepare for these morning pitfalls we both kept finding ourselves in. Together, we gave ourselves the permission to admit how hard motherhood can sometimes be and that it’s okay to feel caught off guard by the endless demands.

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Together, we regained our sense of dignity. And it wasn’t too long until we both found ourselves laughing together. It reminds me Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” But sometimes it takes a friend to bring us back to the place where we can live this verse. We need each other. The key word that day I processed life with my friend and gained a better perspective was, “together.” It’s such a powerful word and the exact reason I wrote this post today. You are not alone. Oh, how easy it is to lose our smiles and forget to laugh at the craziness of our lives. I need reminders, like the truth of Proverbs 31:25 and that sweet time spent with my friend. I imagine, though the circumstances might be different for you, you know that place where I was. And maybe you need a reminder to laugh too. We all have times where we feel like failures. We feel like others are doing life so much better. We feel so very alone in our struggles and issues and chaotic emotions. And we look up one day and feel like it was a lifetime ago since we laughed. So, I slip this little encouragement into your life and whisper, you’re not alone. You’re doing this so much better than you think you are. God has entrusted you with your life, your loved ones, your unique challenges because you are perfectly equipped for it all. Just don’t lose your smile. And if you run into me today looking a little worn out, might you remind me of this as well?

Upward Soccer at North Mission Church of Christ 1410 E. 3 Mile Rd Mission, TX 78573 Jennifer Thomas 956-358-5447 First Evaluation is July 19th 9-12 Second Evaluation is August 16th 9-12 Season starts on August 28th Cost is $80.00

A Note From Nathan... Jim Myers, a long time friend to FCA in South Texas, recently passed away at the age of 92. Countless Coaches and athletes were impacted by this former Dallas Cowboy coach who gave of his time and resources to help our FCA ministry down here in South Texas. Our upcoming FCA Champions Tournament at Cimarron Country Club in October has and will continue to honor Coach Jim Myers as treasured friend & faithful servant. He is home with Jesus now, but he leaves behind a slew of loved ones who are morning the loss of a father, a grandfather, and a friend. Jim’s memorial service is today. What a Champion!!

Nathan Jones

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

FCA just announced that we are declaring this coming school year to be “The Year of the Coach”. With that in mind, if anyone wants to join me in honoring Coach Myers with a gift, I’m going to start the “Coach Jim Myers Coaches Scholarship Fund”. 100% of every donation will go towards helping send Coaches to one of our FCA Coaches Camps. I don’t know how big this scholarship fund can grow, but I could think of no better way to Honor Coach Myers than to help other coaches & their families by giving them an opportunity to grown in their faith at one of our FCA Camps. Love all of you… It’s a joy to serve the Lord alongside such wonderful people.

The Best Is Yet To Come...

Nathan Jones 28 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2014

Championship Tournament Honoring Jim Myers FCA of South Texas will be having their annual FAll FCA South Texas Champions Golf Tournament!

Monday October 13, 2014 Call the Robin at 956-279-1131 to reserve your team! web: www.southtexasfca.org FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and ad-

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

FCA Core Values Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.

August

2014

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What Is The Difference Between Being Baptized In Water And Being Baptized In The Holy Spirit? By Carey Kinsolving & Friends

Artwork by Daniel Carr

“T

he water does not do anything except get you wet,” says Matt, 8. “When you get baptized in the Holy Spirit, you get cleansed by God, and he will come into our hearts. Getting baptized means you’re telling the whole world that God has come into your heart.” On the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Bible scholar JC Ryle wrote: “It consists of the implanting of grace into the inward man. It is the same thing with the new birth. It is a baptism, not of the body, but of the heart. It is well to be baptized into the visible Church; but it is far better to be baptized into that Church which is made up of true believers.”

from the Bible that salvation is a free gift that can only be received by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit came upon a few believers for special tasks. The prophet Joel foresaw a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all believers (Joel 2:2829). Jesus predicted that his disciples would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). When the disciples received the Spirit’s baptism, they began to praise God in foreign languages they had not learned. Jews from foreign countries who had gathered at Jerusalem for the Pentecost feast understood the disciples in their own languages.

Spirit is not an experience to be sought, but a truth to be believed. Even though every Christian has been baptized by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ, not all are enjoying the fellowship with Christ that comes from being filled with the Spirit. Memorize this truth: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Ask this question: Have you been filled or controlled by God’s Spirit today?

“The baptism of the Holy

“The difference is when you get baptized in water, it is a symbol of being purified by God,” says Caleb, 8. “When you get baptized by the Holy Spirit, God has brought you into his kingdom.”

Spirit is an historic event that ushered in a new age.”

As one who received baptism by immersion as a professing Christian who was trying to work his way to heaven, I can affirm that being baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ is far better. At my first water baptism, I mistakenly thought that salvation was Christ plus my dedication. I thought that salvation was a joint venture. Christ would do part, and I would do part. As I stood in the church, wet from water baptism but confused from the mixed message, a girl sensed my bewilderment. She invited me to another meeting where a pastor showed me

In his sermon, the Apostle Peter said this was the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel predicted. The time had come when God would pour out his Holy Spirit upon all believers. About 3,000 Jews trusted Christ as their savior that day and were baptized in water (Acts 2). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an historic event that ushered in a new age. It occurred for the Jews on the day of Pentecost, but came later for Gentiles (non-Jews). The Apostle Peter took the gospel to the house of a Gentile named Cornelius. Like the Jews at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in foreign languages and were baptized in water (Acts 10-11:18). Think about this: The baptism of the Holy

30 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2014

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 Arts Festival. One Valley child will win a vacation for up to five, immediate family members to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado plus a check for $1000 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.

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2014

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Music Review

Family Force 5

Time Stand Still “All the tracks on this album have such energy you can not help but really enjoy them” This 15 track collection is more about the album as a whole than any individual track. Saying that, Time Stands Still is a great pop/dance track, Walk On Water has some great vocals and a very catchy melody. Then there’s Glow in The Dark which has a colossus dance sound, as does Raised by Wolves. Review by Jono Davies www.louderthanthemusic.com

lternative Pop/Rock band Family Force 5 are releasing their first studio album in three years, titled ‘Time Stands Still’. Sometimes when you hear an album, you just know, and with this release the moment I pressed play, I knew this was going to be amazing! The album thumps, bursts and smashes into

1. Matt Maher 2. Need to breathe All the People Said Multiplied CD: Rivers in Amen The Wasteland

life with Sweep The Leg. From the moment the rock/dance sounds enter the listener’s ear it is something else! The album will confirm to you that Christian music is not all about acoustic guitars and nice piano notes. Christian music can be gritty, modern, creative and exciting. This album has the kind of songs you can play in the car to your friends without embarrassment or putting them off.

3. Matthew West Do Something CD: Into the Light

CD: All the People Said Amen

32 valleychristianmagazine.com August 2014

4. Unspoken Start A Fire CD: Unspoken

All the tracks on this album have such energy you can not help but really enjoy them, if this kind of in-your-face dance/ rock music is your thing that is! As I said, this was an instant classic for me from the moment I heard it, and as I continued to listen to the whole album it just got better, more interesting, more crazy and the energy level never stopped. If you want something very different to Hillsong or Bethel then have a listen to this, you might just enjoy getting those dance shoes on.

5. Mandisa – Back To You CD: Overcomer

6. Phil Wickham This Is Amazing Grace CD: The Ascension

7. Newsboys We Believe CD: Restart

August 14-15

GLS

Leadership Conference

Palm Valley Church Mission, TX

October 13

FCA

Annual Golf Tournament

August 28

Upward Soccer Upward Soccer at North Mission Church of Christ 1410 E. 3 Mile Rd Mission, TX 78573

October 16th

Season Begins Palm Valley Church Mission, TX

Jennifer Thomas 956-358-5447

John Maxwell

Try our delectable truffles. We have 17 flavors to choose from and they can be packaged in individual boxes for the perfect wedding favor. Or try our strawberries dipped in 3 kinds of chocolate. We also offer bride and groom tuxedo decorating. We can deliver to your wedding site.

First Evaluation is July 19th 9-12 Second Evaluation is August 16th 9-12

Learn to Lead Season starts on August 28th Cost is $80.00

Palm Valley Church Mission, TX

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

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8. JJ Weeks Band – 9. Danny Gokey – Let Them See You Hope In Front Of Me CD: All Over The World

CD: Hope In Front Of Me

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956.631.3800

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

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2014

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Men of Courage Larry Crabb, Don Michael Hudson and Al Andrews Zondervan

This review is written by Ruben Martinez, Pastor of Living Word Evangelical Free Church in Pharr.

re you man enough? That is a question that threatens men, at least those of us who are willing to be honest. There are many things we men are confident about but we are unsure, if not terrified by what really matters deep down in our souls. In, The Silence of Adam (Re-titled, “Men of Courage”), Larry, with profound insight, takes us through unattractive but unavoidable darkness and then out into wonderful, God-provided light that lightens the path toward a strong, God-honoring manhood. Co-authors Don Hudson and Al Andrews join Larry in exploring what is seriously wrong and what is vitally missing in so many of us men. They contrast how unmanly men and manly men deal with inevitable darkness and chaos of our fallen existence. Interestingly, men are called to remember; remember God’s words and God’s works. That is, throughout history and our personal history as well, God has been faithfully communicating and working out His redemption/salvation plan for His people. Men are called to remember and retell those God-asmain-character stories. This remembering and retelling of God-involved stories is missing so much of the time. And instead, men relate out of neediness or toughness, neither one of which demonstrates a manly man; an authentic man. Those around

and closest, (wife, sons and daughters, co-workers, etc.), to men who refuse to remember and tell God’s story, experience them as needy or tough. The result is that so many experience loneliness and relational destruction after living in relationship with such men. But Larry goes on to teach that what is needed and available is personal knowledge of God. But this knowledge of God involves, “…a passion for God that continually transforms the way we relate to others, it makes us willing to postpone personal comfort till a later day. This godliness stirs a desire to know Christ that is stronger than every other desire, and it shows us that our greatest enemy is ourselves. Becoming like Christ becomes our consuming ambition.” (p. 168). In short, this book is not about our happiness, our success as measured by the world or even ourselves but rather about becoming men that reflect the wondrous charBook acter of God. This, of course, is imeview R possible without an ever deepening by knowledge of God who has provided everything we need for life and godliness, (2Peter 1:3).

Can Change the World

, by popular blogger Nish Weiseth, is a book about the power of telling our own stories and hearing those of others to change hearts, build bridges, advocate for good, make disciples with grace, and proclaim God’s kingdom on Earth today. Nish Weiseth exhorts today’s Christians to follow Jesus’ example by using story

Of the several books I have read that focus on men, this one, by far, convicts, challenges, moves and encourages me the most. I have gone over this book in our church men’s breakfast twice. Each of my three sons has received a copy at his 15th birthday. And, of course, I highly recommend it as a discipling tool.

Miguel Paredes Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four children: Diego (12), Karla and Andrea (9), and Charis (5).

Larry points out that as men passionately seek God, they will become godly fathers who communicate to their sons, the difficult Christian

Speak How Your Story Speak

life that is to speak words of life into darkness and chaos, “It can be done; You’re not alone and I believe in you.” (p. 147). But men who passionately seek God also become good brothers. They are able to share deep secrets with a friend which surprising to most actually encourages the “brothers,” walk together. As they walk together they “…will look into the dark, terrifying confusion of life…will seek to know God and to realize the vision he has for our lives…will speak into the dark reality of this world, on his [Christ’s] behalf.” (p. 165).

By Nish Weiseth

Zondervan Publishing

as a vehicle for change. After all, Jesus was a master storyteller. He frequently and effectively used the art of storytelling to communicate deep truths about God, humanity, love, and eternity to a culture on the brink. His stories defied social norms, revealed God’s Kingdom, and fiercely advocated for the least of these.

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With examples from Scripture as the foundation, Speak is a call for grace, openness, and vulnerability within the evangelical church. Nish Weiseth encourages those in the Body of Christ to know their own story of transformation and redemption—and to use those stories as a catalyst for change at both a personal and global level.

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Who Do You Want To Hang Out With? Dear Dave, I have job offers from two tech companies. One is in San Antonio and pays $55,000 a year, while the other is in Silicon Valley making $100,000 a year. My friends are advising me to move to California, but I feel like I’d have more money in my budget if I moved to San Antonio. What do you think? Aaron Dear Aaron, The good news about Silicon Valley is you’d be around a ton of really smart people in your industry. I mean, it’s the epicenter of the tech world, right? You’ll learn a ton and have lots of opportunities, so there’s definitely an upside. The problem is that the Silicon Valley area is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire country. The real estate prices and cost of living are ridiculous! Still, if it weren’t for the cost of living argument, it would be a no-brainer for me. Then, it wouldn’t really be so much about the income and prices as it would be about the career opportunity. Still, you have to consider the economic factors involved here. With that in mind, it’s not an exaggeration to say you might actually put more money in your pocket at $55,000 in San Antonio than you would $100,000 in Silicon Valley. That’s entirely possible! I think things are going to come out pretty even — economically speaking — once you adjust for the cost of living. I’m a huge fan of Texas. It’s a great business market and tax situation down there. But really, in my mind the question comes down to your personal comfort level and quality of life. And that’s something you’ll have to answer for yourself!

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Housing Includes Taxes and Insurance Dear Dave, You recommend that no more than 25 percent of your monthly income go toward a house payment. Does this figure include taxes and insurance too? Ryan Dear Ryan,

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

Yes, it does. Your housing payment should not exceed 25 percent of your monthly takehome pay on a 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage. When it comes to buying a house, the goal is not to live in the Taj Mahal or have something so expensive you end up being “house poor.” When buying a home, especially for first-time homebuyers, you should look for something nice — in a decent area — that you can get paid off as quickly as possible. It’s really not a big deal if you cheat a couple of percentage points one way or the other. But 25 percent is a good rule of thumb to ensure you’ll still have money left over to live on, save and invest! —Dave

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