Valley Christian Magazine December 2013 Online Edition by Valley Christian Magazine

December 2013

Merry Christmas! A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord! Luke 2:11

Familiar Strangers p10 Breathing Life into the

Hard Places p14 Tips For

Surviving Christmas

Financially

p.38

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What’s Inside? December 2013 Features

Vol. 3 / Issue 9 To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

On The Cover

Merry Christmas from Valley Christian

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine

28 Kids Talk about God

Why did the wise men search for Jesus?

30 FCA - RGV

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Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501

32 Music Spotlight:

Louder than the Music Review of Vineyard Spirit Burn

34 New Books

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Book Review by Miguel Paredes

36 Events 18 Barna

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National Columnists

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8 James MacDonald

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Ronnie Guerra Vela 956-599-8036

It’s a Question of When

12 Greg Laurie

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Christmas in Heaven

Leila Bird 512-501-9471

14 Lysa Terkeurst

Breathing Life Into the Hard Places

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Christian Torres Publisher

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38 Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 6. Theresa Valladares Be Amazing

10 Jerrell Jobe

Familiar Strangers

James Alexander

16 Abram Gomez

Johnny Q Photography

20 Loui Canchola

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Your Gift Will Make Room For You God’s Perfect Timing

Ask Dave!

BE AMAZING Have you ever considered that your thoughts could be hindering Gods plan for you? All of my life I have fought a mental battle with myself. Negative thoughts and insecurity are born through fear. It’s the first place my mind goes when confronted with an issue or challenge. I’ve been told by many that I can be negative and self defeating but yet be so encouraging to others.

I ran in the NYC Marathon this year on November 3rd. It had been a goal of mine and I was unable to do last year because of Hurricane Sandy. So when the opportunity came up again I immediately signed up. I was coming off an injury this year and my marathon training was accelerated and in my mind insufficient. No matter how much reassurance my coach gave me my mind immediately went to failure-not being able to complete the run. I went to New York City feeling insecure. The night before the run I asked my son Diego to pray with me because I was feeling nervous. His words have taken me on an unexpected journey of self discovery and I hope that they will do the same for you. He said “Dear Lord let my mom be amazing tomorrow in the race because she is amazing”. Amazing? Me? I am anything but amazing I said to myself. I thanked my Diego for his words and I asked him why he thought I was amazing and he said very simply“God made you that way”. I can’t explain but I was overwhelmed with emotion because I had never really believed that to be true. My friends Victoria, Debra, Cathy, Mari & Trica- yes they are amazing. My pastor Terry yes she is amazing. Single moms I believe are amazing. Everybody else is amazing and I believe this because just like Diego said “God made you that way”. Why was I determined to believe that I was the exception? So on my way to the race I turned my mental battle of self defeat into a quiet conversation with my Heavenly Father. “Let me feel amazing Lord. Show me how I am amazing. This run is yours and only through You will I be able to finish it.” I requested not only physical strength but mental strength.

you going to give power to? By Theresa Valladares

A marathon is more of a mental battle than a physical one. You have to believe that you can finish even when your body is crying out for you to stop. I had written on my shirt “Goddess”. I thought it would be funny to hear spectators call out that name when I ran by. It was meant as a joke-an irony. As I began my race I focused on just running. I didn’t look at my watch or pay much attention to the music that was playing on my Ipod. I began to think about Diego’s words and how God had made me amazing. I am a good mother, wife and friend. I have a very unique medical practice and I’m running in my 40’s and completing every goal I set. I can encourage others toward Gods best. Not in my own strength but in His. I wanted to believe that I was amazing because God said I am “wonderfully made” and “in His image”. To deny it would be to call God a liar and worse to disrespect His creation. As the miles passed I heard “go goddess” and that was so inspiring and made me start to believe in myself that I could finish this race. The cheers of “awesome run goddess” made me run faster and stronger. What I had intended as a joke God made into a 26.2 mile faith and esteem builder. When I thought I was tiring I repeated “in your strength not mine”. By getting “still” in my mind God showed me what he could do if I could just believe that I was amazing through Him. I took off 32 minutes from my previous marathon and I finished strong and the tears came immediately as I crossed the finish line-Tears of joy, gratitude and love for a Heavenly Father who shows up daily and wants to show me that I am special. It’s a gift that I need to stop rejecting. I asked for forgiveness for all the opportunities that had been presented to me that I rejected because of self doubt. Have you ever thought that the negative thoughts that go through your mind- the ones that tell you that you’re not good enough-are opportunities not to sin and to instead stop the insecurity and immediately go to the word that says “my thoughts are higher”. It doesn’t matter what words have been spoken over you. We’ve all been there but what are you going to believe? Whom are

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Your parents may not have made you feel loved and secure but God says “I will never leave you or forsake you”. Your spouse may not value you but the word says “there are many virtuous and capable women but you surpass them all”. Your children may not show you respect now but God promises “her children stand and bless her”. You may feel inadequate or not good enough and live in fear but He says “she is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” You might feel defeated by circumstances but God promises to give “beauty for ashes.” You keep reliving mistakes and live in condemnation but God says “though your sins are like scarlet I will make you as white as snow”. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman that fears the Lord is to be praised” so stop obsessing about your weight or pant size and get into the word and look at what real beauty is about! Believe that you are amazing. God made each one of us unique and with a predetermined destiny. He gives us the ability to succeed and to overcome. If we gave as much time to His ways, His thoughts than we’d see that the negative thoughts are just a lie, a deterrent from Gods best and you have to make a choice to either sin by living in self defeat or to live a life that He has already chosen to abundantly bless. I pray for you friends that this Christmas as we celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ that you are reminded that through this miracle of His birth and acceptance as our Lord and Savior that He lives in you. If He is in you than how can you believe anything else except -You are Amazing! You are Amazing! You are Amazing! To my son Diego I must be amazing because He gave you to me and you never cease to surprise and inspire me with your wisdom of the word. Our family is blessed because of your sweet nature and unconditional love. You remind us to believe in ourselves. Thank you Diego for giving me confidence which is what I hope to give back to you daily. Thank you for the gift of self discovery and appreciation for what God does through me. You are an amazing kid. 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.

IT’S A QUESTION OF WHEN

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

by James MacDonald

Job 23:10

Journal Trials

have a season. Whether for weeks, months, or years, trials last for an appointed time. As Job 23:10 indicates, “When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” At some point in the future we will be refined into something we are not now, but the results will only be apparent after the process called “trying” or purifying. God knows it all—every detail of the road of life we travel, everything that has happened and will happen along the way. ”He knows the way that [we] take,” and He is perfectly positioned to use it all in His work of “trying” us into gold. Ask people about their trials and you will see that much of the struggle is about when. The time factor during difficulties can become overwhelming because events seem to move slowly and there is typically no end in sight. Sometimes we think, If only I knew now what the outcome would be, even if it isn’t exactly as I desire, I could begin to deal with it. Meanwhile, if we are walking by faith and resting in the promises of God, we don’t have a lot of questions about what. We know what God has promised to do—His intention is to bring good out of any tri-

al. So the only thing left to be burdened about is when. When will God act? When will God plead my case? When will God heal my body? When will God restore that relationship or bring wholeness out of loss? When—that’s what we most long to know!

What have you learned about dealing with the question of when regarding God’s timing in your life? In what ways has God already created gold out of your experiences?

Pray

Job 23:10 assures believers that the time is coming. There’s going to be an afterward. Hold on—there’s going to be an end to this trouble. God is watching your life and at some point in every trial, He will say, Enough.

Lord, thank You for the wisdom You gave Job to declare Your glory in the middle of unbelievable trials. Give me the presence of mind in my conversations to point to You when others wonder what is happening in my life. Make my words not blame but praise.

Job’s assurance can be yours today. Get under it and don’t waste any days. God will bring you out of the crucible. Painful seasons do come to an end. When will He do that? God’s Word answers, “When He has tried [you].”

I will not fault You for what happens along the way, but I will seek to find Your glory in every season of my life. Thank You for graciously making gold out of me, a task only You could accomplish—to Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Whether you are in the heat of the crucible or sailing on smooth seas, your life is in God’s hands. Settle into the knowledge that He has your best in mind. Echo Job’s prayer each time you are tempted to wonder why life is the way it is—You know the way I take, Lord, and when You have tried me, I will come out as gold.

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Listen to Walk in the Word locally

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

Familiar Strangers

rom an early age, parents, school-teachers, newspapers and media have all reinforced the central theme that strangers are not to be trusted. Furthermore, at all cost avoid them! “Lock the doors,” we tell our children. “and under no circumstances let anybody in.” “If someone calls for mommy or daddy, don’t tell them we’re not home, tell them we’re not available at this time.” “Don’t ever accept a ride from a stranger!” “Don’t accept gifts from strangers!” “Be careful of people you don’t know!” “Watch out for…, you just don’t know what they might do!” “Now I once knew of a guy in Kentucky who accepted a ride from …and…” Remember the story of Hansel and Gretel, the repugnant little fairy tale from our childhood? It was filled with enough vivid images to strike fright and fear into any child - the mean stepmother, the dark woods, and the creepy old witch in a gingerbread house. What child could resist such an offer? What kid would ever turn down a Lollipop offered by the teller at the local bank? Not mine! And, the gingerbread house – the beauty, the smell, the sensation of getting closer. How could they not resist the temptation to go nearer and nearer, to enter and take the warm fresh-baked goodies from the witch’s hand? Yet, to accept a treat from this witch, this stranger, would mean ending up as the main course for her next meal.

by Jerrell Jobe

the room. Eating wasn’t merely a means to an end – a full stomach. Rather, eating was a means to conversation, intimacy and knowing. These were special times.

As such, those in closest proximity to us, even family members, may be strangers to us.

At times, a spouse can be a The message is loud and clear. stranger. A parent can be a Don’t trust strangers. “Don’t stranger. A child can be a receive anything from strangstranger. Our siblings, aunts, • How do you typically ers,” parents tell their children. uncles, cousins, co-workers interact with strangBe wary of strangers. Who can and neighbors can all beers? blame us, we live in a crazy come strangers. We know their world where young people run • What are some ways names, where they live, not to the streets looking for someone we are predisposed mention, where they work and to “knockout” just for fun. We to avoid contact how they like to spend their free have been taught to fear, igand interaction with time. Yet, underneath all these nore, and avoid strangers? superficial familiarities, they’re Do not forget to show all strangers. still strangers. Familiar stranghospitality to strangers, for Think through ers, you could call them. We Our interactions by so doing some people your last relate to out of familiarity, even with strangers, have shown hospitality to couple of shared experiences or family has more often angels without knowing it. days. Make name, but somewhere along than not bea list of all the the way, they became strang(Hebrews 13:2 NIV) come more like strangers you ers. We may interact with them hostility than hospitality. “Our came in semi-conon the bases of past memories, society,” writes Henri Nouwen, tact. You may clasbut somewhere along the way, “seems to be increasingly full of sify groups of peowe ceased to know them in fearful, defensive, aggressive ple (for example: the present tense. Gatherings people anxiously clinging to people at the mall) can become obligatory. Meals their property and inclined to or individuals (bank descend into a feeding feast, look at their surrounding world teller, store clerk, gas with no one leaving having with suspicion, always expectstation cashier, etc). learned anything new about ing an enemy to suddenly aplife or those with whom they pear, intrude, and do harm.” • What was your intershared the meal. This is not how things were in action like? Bible times. • Are there any • Did you take note co-workers, famiIn Bible times, strangers weren’t as to how they were ly members, and seen with suspicion. In fact, doing (how was their the like who have throughout the Bible, God day going, etc)? become familiar gave some very specific instrangers? struction for how the people • What would it look of God were to view strangers. like for you to inten• What would it look They weren’t to be avoided or tionally “love” these like to move beyond overlooked. The ancient notion strangers? past memories or suof a stranger was someone perficial familiarities who was being received as a What if we take this a little furand know them in representative of God. They ther? the present tense? were a gift. Strangers were to be shown love. This practice We typically define a stranger In a world enslaved by insecuwas known as “hospitality.” The as “one who is neither friend rity, held hostage by fear and very word hospitality, means nor acquaintance.” They are bound by busyness, may we easy to identify, because find the courage to engage “love of strangers.” we’ve never met them, nor do this ancient practice of loving If you encountered a traveler we know their name. Interest- strangers. As we press beyond on a journey you would offer ingly, a stranger is also a “for- the borders of familiarity, may them a place to rest and be eigner, newcomer or outsider.” we discover the gift of humanrefreshed. You would willingly In other words, a stranger may ity and the image of God burtake them into your home for a also be a person we know, but ied within each individual. May meal. Breaking bread with an- consider an outsider. A strang- we become surprised at what other person was an ancient er, then, may be someone we we learn about others, oursymbol of peace and trust. Sto- have seen or been remotely selves and the Creator of us of ries would be shared of where acquainted with, but in all hon- all. the traveler had been, where esty, they’re still strangers to us. they were going and their exJERRELL JOBE periences along the way. As life Jerrell is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. stories converged, joy would fill

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He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (10), Naylah (8),and Avi (6).

Jackson Ave - McAllen

Jackson Ave. - McAllen

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 11

Christmas in Heaven By Greg Laurie

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

Merry Christmas to all of you! Christmas is a day of joy. But for me and my family, it is also tinged with sadness, because it is a day when Christopher’s absence is intensely felt. I have to tell you, Topher loved Christmas! It was always a big deal to him as a little boy, and when he became a father, he wanted it to be a big deal for his daughters. He always was so thoughtful in his choice of gifts and often made them by hand, which was always a special treat for me. He also had fantastic “wrapping skills,” which I am completely devoid of.

thin veil. When tragedy hits, when illness prevails, heaven can sometimes seem distant.

But when we join the angels in worship, and see God in His greatness, heaven can seem so very, very close. For us as believers, we are just a heartbeat away from heaven right now. As David put it, “There is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3).

You see, in heaven there is peace. On earth there is war. In heaven there is perfect harmony.

Christmas in heaven is better than Christmas on earth. It is pure bliss. Not twinkling lights, but the radiant light of heaven itself. Not metal angels on trees, but real, holy angels of God all around.

On that first Christmas night, while the shepherds kept watch over their flocks, the angel brought this good news: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10).

You see, in heaven there is peace. On earth there is war. In heaven there is perfect harmony. On earth there is often friction among family and friends. In heaven, feasting and perfection. On earth there is fattening food and expanding waistlines.

This is how heaven celebrated the first Christmas. On this holy night, in effect, heaven momentarily came to earth. Heaven and earth are always co-existing, but sometimes they can seem worlds apart and other times separated by only a

We don’t need to sorrow for our loved ones who are celebrating Christmas in heaven, but we do sorrow for ourselves over their absence. Today, however, remember to let the ones

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on earth you love know it. Tell them verbally. Because you never know if you or I or someone we hold dear might be in heaven next Christmas. So have a blessed and merry Christmas day. BIBLE READING: 1 John 1-5 1We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. 3We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 5This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.

2013

Wednesday

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Located Inside Embassy Suites Hotel

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 13

Breathing Life

Into The Hard Places

By Lysa Terkeurst

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.

you ever have those days when nothing seems to go right?

Maybe your morning started out with such promise but quickly dissolved when you spilled coffee all over your lap. … or when you were running right on time for work only to discover that you had locked your keys in your car.

I turned down the radio, waited until we were at a red light, and reached for her hand. “Wanna talk about it?”

and passion to accomplish tasks with excellence. But because she is so task oriented, she is less relationally sensitive.

… or when your people all collectively decided to do things today to make you come completely unglued.

“Nope,” she whispered as she turned her face away from me toward the window. The rest of the night she sulked around the house. And no matter how many times I tried to get her to talk, this normally very talkative child wouldn’t open up.

And if I’m honest with myself, I can see that I’m a package deal too. With good stuff … and annoying stuff.

I’ve been there. And I’m excited to tell you about a resource written by women who have been there, too. Proverbs 31 Ministries just released our devotion book, Encouragement for Today, to speak into the hard places in life. Here’s a sneak peek of one of my devotions in the book:

When Friendship Is Tough Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8) One of the wisest pieces of advice on friendship I ever got was from one of my daughters. She was in middle school at the time. You know, that awkward place where insecurities run rampant, hormones rage, and your best friend one day becomes your worst enemy the next? So lovely. She got in the car one day with tears filling her eyes. She waited until we pulled out of the school parking lot to let all her hurt leak down her cheeks. “Rough day?” I asked. “Awful,” she replied.

The next morning, I was surprised when she bounded down the stairs with a smile on her face. “Well hey! You sure look happy this morning,” I said as I lifted up quick thank-you prayers to God for whatever had brought back the sunshine to my girl’s life. “Mom,” she said with great authority, “I’ve decided something about friends. They all have good stuff and bad stuff. Things you like and things that really annoy you. So, you just have to decide if you can handle their package deal.” How wise. How true. Friends are a package deal. And sadly, not all friendships will stand the test of time. Some friendships are for a season. But other times, we have to be willing to deal with the messy stuff to fight for our friendships. Recently, I had something hard happen with a friend I dearly love and greatly respect. A misunderstanding. Hurt feelings. Frustration. Part of me wanted to distance myself because it was hard to sift through the pain. But as I prayed through it, I had to remind myself this person is a package deal. Part of what makes her a great friend I love to be around is her tenacity

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She has issues. I have issues. We’re both messy people, willing to work on our not-so-fun stuff, fully aware we’re going to hit some muddy little potholes along our friendship path. But we’ve decided the package deal is worth it. Dear Lord, thank You for my friendships. I know some will last a lifetime, and some will fade after a season. Please help me be completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with my friends in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Remember Friends are a package deal. Not all friendships will stand the test of time. Some friendships are for a season; others we have to be willing to fight for. Reflect What friendship have you let go of because it got messy? What do you think about fighting for this friendship and reestablishing it? Respond Consider one of your friends. How might you invest humility, gentleness, and patience in her or him today? Power Verses Ephesians 4:2–3; Colossians 3:13

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 15

round this time and season, it is tradition and custom for people to give gifts to each other in observance of one of my favorite holidays of the year Christmas. Many people will spend freely and shop tenaciously for those perfect gifts to give to their loved ones. Families will gather together, schools will perform Christmas programs, and Starbucks will break out its annual Holiday flavors just for the season. Moreover, it is also a time for people of the Christian faith to celebrate the greatest gift ever given to us all – Jesus. Personally, Jesus will always be the reason for the season.

the name of Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) In other words, you and I came into this world pre-packaged with the gifts we would need to complete our purpose on this earth! Everything you need is on the inside of you.

Thirdly, your gift can make room for you. Proverbs 18:16 tells us that “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” Your gifts will enable you to fulfill your purpose. As a matter of fact, your gifts point you towards your destiny. They are an indication of your place in life. Realize that the gift inside of you is fully loaded! Find your gift, and find your calling.

“the gift inside of you needs to be discovered, developed, and delivered. You don’t decide your gifts, but you discover your gifts.”

Yet, I want to take this one step closer to your heart and life. This article is not about 10 ways to be a better bargain shopper (although that would be helpful), or the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus (although it is a story everyone should know). My last article for 2013 is to remind each and everyone one of us that God has given us gifts. Personal gifts. Life gifts. Gifts with purpose. First, gifts were placed inside of our lives even before we ever got started in life. In the Bible, the Lord tells a young man by

Lastly, the gift inside of you needs to be discovered, developed, and delivered. You don’t decide your gifts, but you discover your gifts. Take time to develop them. When effectively developed, your Secondly, Heaven is in the business of pro- gift will bring favor and make you a comducing gifts and sending them down to modity. The Apostle Paul tells his young Earth. James 1:17 states, “Every good gift student Timothy in a letter he wrote to him and every perfect gift is from above…” In concerning his gifts, “Meditate on these comparison, hell does not produce gifts. things; give yourself entirely to them, that It is for that reason that the enemy often your progress may be evident to all.” (1 goes after a person and their gifts. He Timothy 4:15) would much rather your gifts be used for his work than God’s work. Understand that Don’t let another year pass you by withwhatever gifts you feel you possess natu- out unwrapping the gifts inside of you. Unrally or spiritually, God gave them to you! pack them. Bring them out into the open. He is our Creator. The gifts will make room for you.

Your Gift Will Make Room for You

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

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How Technology is Changing Millennial Faith

By David Kinnaman

hey’re called digital natives for good reason—Millennials certainly stand apart from other generations in terms of their technological savvy. They’re also in a class of their own when it comes to faith experience and practice. But what happens when the unique spiritual and technological trends among Millennials collide? Our latest study explores just that. The Church has always used regular habits and practices designed to help people worship. These habitual practices—such as prayer, Scripture reading, Sabbath observance, gathering every Sunday and more—have been part of the Church throughout the centuries. Today there’s a new dimension that is reshaping personal spirituality, particularly among younger generations. The advent of the Internet and, more recently, social media have shaped personal habits significantly. The first and last thing most people do every day is check their phones. When they want to know an answer to a question, they “Google it.” Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds has become a fixture of leisurely activity. This digital world is the playground of Millen-

nials, or those ages 18 to 29 in this current Barna study. Millennials certainly stand apart in their unsurpassed digital savvy. They’re also in a class of their own when it comes to faith experience and practice. Yet what happens when the unique spiritual characteristics and technological trends among Millennials collide? The latest study from Barna Group explores just that.

Faith in Real-Time

They’ve been called the digital natives for a reason. Technology has infiltrated every area of Millennial life, and the realm of faith is no exception. According to Barna research, the most common way Millennials are blending their faith and technology is through digital reading of Scripture. It’s an escalating trend, considering there are just as many YouVersion (the free Bible phone app) downloads as there are Instagram downloads. And BibleGateway.com has become one of the top Christian websites today. Seven out of 10 of practicing Christian Millennials (70%) read Scripture on a screen. Onethird of all Millennials says they read sacred Scripture on a phone or online, demonstrating how broadly the digital trends are shaping this generation. Millennials are also heavy users of online videos pertaining to faith—54% of practicing Christian Millennials and 31% of all Millennials engage in this activity. About one-third of Millennials are using online search to scope out a church, temple or synagogue online. This increases to over half (56%) of practicing Christian Millennials who do the same. It may be that for Millennials, checking out a faith community online, from a safe distance, is a prerequisite for the commitment of showing up in person. Certainly the Internet has made finding answers to questions—any questions—easier than ever. Whether it’s curiosity about a new restaurant or matters of faith, Millennials are taking their inquiries to the search bar. Nearly six out of 10 practicing Christians (59%) say they search for spiritual content online, but it’s not only Christians doing this kind of surfing. Three out of 10 of all Millennials are too, which may open up a new field of opportunity for churches hoping to understand and connect with these souls in cyberspace.

Fact-Checking Sermons

The one-way communication from pulpit to pew is not how Millennials experience faith.

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By nature of digital connectedness, Millennial life is interactive. For many of them, faith is interactive as well—whether their churches are ready for it or not. It’s an ongoing conversation, and it’s all happening on their computers, tablets and smart phones. What’s more, many of them bring their devices with them to church. Now with the ability to fact-check at their fingertips, Millennials aren’t taking the teaching of faith leaders for granted. In fact, 14% of Millennials say they search to verify something a faith leader has said. A striking 38% of practicing Christian Millennials say the same. Beyond the congregation, technology is also changing how Millennials learn about and discuss their faith. This generation is accustomed to foraging in multiple digital places at any given time—from texting to Twitter to Instagram, from news feeds to blogs and more. This digital deluge naturally includes matters of faith and spirituality. For example, more than four out of 10 practicing Christian Millennials say they participate in online conversations about faith, and the same number say they blog or post comments on blogs about spiritual matters.

Digital Donations When it comes to Millennials and their money, many church leaders start to get nervous. How will we get this next generation to give to the church? What can we do to get them to commit to tithing? And what will happen to our organization if they won’t? These are common questions among those leading faith communities and non-profits. But are these perceptions based on fact or myth? The latest Barna research shows that Millennials are giving, yet technology is significantly changing how they give. In fact, Millennial generosity, for the most part, has gone paperless. Perhaps opting for the quick, easy and trackable, just more than one in 10 Millennials say they donate to a church or faith organization online at least once a month. The rate is four times higher among practicing Christian Millennials (39%). These levels are lower than average donors of other generations, but nevertheless demonstrate millions of Millennials are active givers. And technology is powering much of their charitable engagement. Another way to spark Millennial giving is to reach them where they are, which in many cases, is on their mobile phones. Nearly one out of every 10 of all Millennials say they text to donate at least once a month, which doubles among practicing Christian Millennials to two out of 10. The traditional tithing envelope or donation request mailings that have worked for their parents and grandparents don’t seem to work for a generation as mobile as Millennials. Yet as the data show, this doesn’t mean Millennials never give financially. But it may mean for this generation on the go, moving from job to job and city to city, digital donations are a preferred method.

What the Research Means

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David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group and author of two books on Millennials, points out the implications of this research: “Millennials live in an era of radical transparency, powered by social and digital tools. Any leader or organization who wants to engage Millennials must learn this—whether from the pulpit or the front of the classroom, whether fundraising or marketing. If Millennials are doing their own research on what happens from the stage, leaders need to take care not to make false promises or exaggerations in their messages. Millennials, who already exhibit institutional distrust, have heightened sensitivity for artificiality and false promotion. “Instead, Millennials desire relevant, two-way conversations on a widerange of topics. In many ways, these conversations are already happening online. The digital world simply makes this kind of interaction and transparency a non-negotiable among the youngest generations. “For church leaders, the data point to lots of opportunities to engage Millennials spiritually online. This stems from the convergence of two trends: Millennials leaving the Church, and Millennials taking their faith discussions and explorations online. One of the most positive trends among Millennials is that they want faith that is holistically integrated into all areas of life—including their technology. How the Church acknowledges and engages the digital domain—and teaches faithfulness in real-life to young adults as well—will determine much about its longterm effectiveness among Millennials.” Comment on this research and follow our work: Twitter: @davidkinnaman | @barnagroup Facebook: Barna Group About Barna Group Barna Group (which includes its research division, the Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Issachar Companies. Located in Ventura, California, Barna Group has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each update on the latest research findings from Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (www.barna.org). © Barna Group, 2013.

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 19

“God’s Perfect Timing” Loui Canchola Loui Canchola is the founding and Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church in McAllen. Pastor Loui and his wife Michelle have been married for 17 years and are the parents of four amazing children: Clarissa, Elizabeth, Alexa, and Trey. They reside in McAllen, Texas. Pastor Loui is a graduate from The University of Texas-Pan American with a BA in History. You can also connect with and follow Pastor Loui and hear his thoughts about God, life, family, leadership, and yes, a little about football on twitter at twitter. com/louicanchola.

hristmas is my favorite time of the year. It always has been. The decorations, the festive atmosphere, the Christmas playlist on my iPhone, the celebrations, and the food are just some of the amazing things that combine to truly make the Christmas season “the most wonderful time of the year”! Above all though, Christmas is my favorite time of the year because I’m reminded that God is in control and His timing is always perfect. Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the sovereignty of God! In other words, that God has all the authority in our lives and that He is in control. Have you settled the matter of God’s sovereignty in your heart? The first four words of the Bible settle that matter for us: “In the beginning God…” He is before all and therefore everything is made by Him and for Him according to His perfect plan and timing. When we grasp this truth in our hearts, we are flooded with His peace. It’s no coincidence that on the night Jesus was born, the angels declared “glory to God in the highest and peace on Earth to people He favors!” (Luke 2:14)

that we might receive adoption as sons.” The Apostle Paul writes, “when the time came to completion”, in other words, when the time was right, God sent us His Son! Have you ever realized that God is never early and He’s never late? His timing is always right. Sometimes we have a hard time understanding that because we are not God. The prophet Isaiah tells us that God’s “thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. For as heaven is higher than the earth so His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

be fulfilled, to Jesus’ perfect timing at the raising of Lazarus from the tomb, where He purposely delayed in order to reveal His power and glory in greater ways. His timing is always perfect. There’s no greater example of God’s perfect timing than Christmas when so many things came together at just the right time in order to proclaim and spread the Gospel, “the Good News of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the City of David.” (Luke 2:11) It was no coincidence that Alexander the Great had conquered the world and that with his empire came Greek culture, thought, and language, which was the most precise and descriptive language of its day. It was no coincidence that the Roman Empire would be at the height of its power and influence and stretch its borders further than any other empire, which allowed for the spreading of the Gospel. All of this was God-ordained and at just the right time the divinity of Heaven invaded the ordinary of Earth as God gave us His greatest gift, His only begotten Son!

“When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

It is reassuring to our hearts, minds, and souls to know that God does everything in His perfect timing. His perfect timing is one of the assurances of His authority and sovereignty in our lives. Galatians 4:4-5 is a reminder to us at Christmas time that God’s ways are perfect. “When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so

Throughout Scripture we see evidence of how God’s timing is always perfect. Whether it’s Moses being placed in a basket on a river or Queen Esther being brought to a royal position at just the right time to help in the salvation of her people; to Nehemiah being the right man at the right time to rebuild the wall, God’s timing is always just right. We see how God is never too early or never too late when we see Caesar Augustus’ decree for a census to be taken in the Roman Empire so that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and prophecy would

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As children of God, by faith, we believe that God’s ways are perfect and that He has ultimate authority. Christmas reassures us that they are perfect and that He is sovereign. For God in His PERFECT TIMING, sent us His PERFECT GIFT, His Son, for the PERFECT PURPOSE, to redeem us that we might be adopted as His children and set free! Trust in God’s perfect timing this Christmas season and always. Merry Christmas!

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December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 21

Cruzadores de La Fe en Mexico

“Here I am Send Me” - Isaiah 6:8

a familiar passage where the Lord was looking for a servant to heed and to” GO.”

id you know it has been six years since the drug wars began across the Mexican border? Did you know more than 50,000 lives have been lost in this short time? Did you know more than 20,000 children have become victims of such crime? The lives of many families in Mexico have been changed at a moment’s time as mothers have lost their children. Children have lost their fathers, and the vicious cycle goes on and on. Can we assume these crimes are a result of man living separated from the love of God? Can we assume these are consequences of man’s sin? Regardless of assumptions, we as Christians have a great commission and that is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19,20). Then we ask ourselves, but whom then will go? Who will answer to the Lord’s calling to go into a war stricken land? In Isaiah, we read

Some 23 years ago, Joe and Brenda Greagrey responded to the Lord’s calling and moved to Monterrey, Mexico. It was at that time, they began their journey in the harvest fields of Mexico. What started as a feeding program soon flourished into pioneering missions. Then, in God’s timing would become an association of approximately 50 churches and missions throughout Mexico all united under the banner of God’s Church: “Cruzadores de la Fe en Mexico. The Mission is to:

•

build spiritual support for pastors, church leaders and their families

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provide financial support for necessary church outreach or construction projects

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ongoing training for pastors, children’s workers and lay leaders

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discipleship and evangelism programs for each church to implement

•

birth new churches out of

22 valleychristianmagazine.com December 2013

existing Mexican churches This Christmas, Joe & Brenda Greagery will travel into Mexico hosting a Pastor’s Conference for pastors and wives of their association. Through their training these Godly men and women will be better equipped for the upcoming year in handling the task of being God’s hands and feet. Toys, gifts, and goodie bags will be distributed to these church representatives providing Christmas to both rural and city areas. Some 5,000 lives will be impacted by this project. Be a part of the Great Commission…serve by donating toys, candy and monetary gifts to Cruzadores de la Fe en Mexico. For additional information and ministry opportunities, The Greagery’s may be contacted via e-mail at bgreagrey@ yahoo.com or calling at 956-343-4706; 956655-5322. As you reflect on God’s greatest gift to mankind this holiday season, respond as Isaiah once did and say: “Here am I, send me!” “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send? And who will go for us? and I said, Here am I, Send me!” Isaiah 6:8.

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“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” Ephesians 2:8-9

Powerful

Truth Love and Grace

ne thing I have learned is that my wife is different than me. Overstatement of the century, right? Women, men, two opposites and yet, we are attracted one another. We disagree on so many things, yet long for the approval of our other half. God has not made a mistake, brothers and sisters, you are not an anomaly in your relationship. You just need to realize that you...are different. So how do we embrace these differences? How do we get along? Here is what the scripture says:

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ. If men and women are going to get along and actually flourish and grow in their re-

Tom Weaver Pastor of Logos Community in McAllen. Married to Selina and have 3 wonderful girls: Carolina, Emma Lee, and Mary Grace. Originally from North Carolina and proud to call the Rio Grande Valley home; we have found real community in Logos Community, and absolutely love the people. There is nowhere else that we would rather be! Follow @pastortomweaver

lationships, then this verse has special relevance. The Apostle Paul is saying there are three things we are called to do to embrace the opposite sex. 1) Speak Truth In our relationships we will have issues. If we choose to not speak up when we are hurt, offended, or wronged, the result is distance. One side you have a person who is doing the offense completely oblivious to the fact that they are hurting their spouse. On the other side, you have a person who is smothering their feelings and hurt, which only makes it worse, and compounds it over time. Want to love your spouse, than SPEAK TRUTH. Not for the purpose of winning an argument, but for the purpose of helping

February 7th and 8th

Logos Community Church | McAllen Campus, 10th Street and Harvey To come together to worship, hear the Gospel, and connect with other people in the Rio Grande Valley What is Valley United? Valley United is an equipping ministry of Logos Community Church and its mission is to bring together the men and women of the RGV with different denominations and backgrounds for the purpose of making much of Jesus Christ. We do this through annual women’s and men’s conferences (www.thevalleyunited.com).

What to expect: Worship Once Prodigals, Speakers Loui Conchola, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church “Gospel Rhythms in Our Homes” Mike Hall, Executive Pastor of BT McAllen “Gospel Rhythms in Marriage” Tom Weaver, Lead Pastor of Logos Community Church “Gospel Rhythms in Our Community” www.logoscommunity.com Make plans right now to attend this event and to invite your friends and family. Seating is limited, so don’t wait to sign up. Hope to see you there!

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your spouse to change. Don’t disrespect them, yell at them, or argue with them... simply, and with much respect and care…. speak truth. 2) Give Love A worldwide epidemic is the fact that people don’t feel loved, Yet we write songs about love, poems about love, movies make money that are about love, people kill for love! So what are we missing? Most people see love as I give you something, and you give me something back, Yet real love is without strings. Real love is offered to another in exchange for nothing. Real love speaks words of affirmation, care, assurance, and security. Real love builds a person up, and makes them feel like they can conquer the world. 3) Offer Grace Grace is the giving of deep forgiveness and love to a person and then letting them know, no matter what they do, you will not leave them. Jesus did this for us when he came to earth, allowed himself to be created less than a man, lived among us, never sinned and was murdered on a cross voluntarily. Amazing Grace, right? We are commanded by Jesus to give grace to our spouses by letting them know when they wrong us, actually forgiving them, and then letting them know we will not leave them as they change, and fail, and change….and then fail again. So next time your spouse irritates you, offends you, and sins against you, take a minute. Pray. Reflect on what Jesus has done for you. Then sit down with your spouse, and tell them the truth. In love. And full of grace.

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Church: The Family Church

Bride & Groom

Officiating Pastor: Milton Gonzalez Wedding date: January 11, 2014 How has your love grown through Christ? God has shown us how to love one another through His Word and also through the example of His son Jesus Christ at the cross. He has taught us how to overcome the many obstacles of life in a positive way by making him the center of our relationship. By putting Him first, our relationship has improved and we’ve learned not to worry about the little things in life because we know that He always has everything under control. Going to church every Sunday has helped bring us closer together by growing in His Word. It has solidified our relationship allowing us to see how far He has brought us…and for that, we are externally grateful to Him. We personally made Jesus the Lord of our lives years ago, consequently God will always be the center of our relationship and throughout our marriage. Not only did God bless our relationship, he brought us to one another in the first place. Our prayer is that our relationship would never cease to glorify Him.

Ilse Tapia/David Gonzalez of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 What is love? Answers from both of you. Love is feeling happy to have someone special by your side. Love is trusting each other, caring for one another and placing each other’s needs

Your favorite scripture? Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either

above our own. Love is being there faithfully and unconditionally for one another no matter what. Love is when you feel you would do anything for someone who means so much to you and when you feel better when they’re there. Love is bringing out the best of the other person. Love is a special bond you have with someone you feel you would do anything for. When you love somebody, you never want to be apart from them. You would do anything to comfort them and make them happy. Love is when you have a special relationship with someone you feel connected to and when you’re there for them through the good times and the bad. Love by definition is 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

Nelda & Tomas Hernandez OUR WEDDING DATE: OCTOBER 6,2013 Location: D’Gala Event Center Pastor: Jim Vinitta of Abundant Grace Community Church We met at Abundant Grace Community Church in Edinburg, TX. Through FAITH we have trusted and believed and by FAITH we have received. And here is the REST OF OUR STORY……………. We met at church after Tomas took my seat on the only pew I had sat in on Sunday morning for several years. Never having the courage to approach him to introduce myself and after many months, the day finally came when Tomas would open the church front door for me and said, “ Hi, how have you been doing”, he asked sheepishly. At the moment I thought I would faint! That was the beginning of a six year courtship. The Lord tells us in his Word that through FAITH we can move mountains; We serve an AWESOME GOD who has a plan all set up for each and every one of us BUT all on HIS timing. HE brought us together right to the place where we sat to LISTEN to HIS WORD, AMEN!

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Why Did The Wise Men Search For Jesus? By Carey Kinsolving & Friends

“T

hat’s why they were called wise men!” says Ellen, 6.

Thank you, Ellen. I doubt if any Bible scholar has ever said it better. The search for Jesus runs throughout the New Testament. The wise men sought to worship him. King Herod sought to kill him. Crowds who were miraculously fed sought to crown him. Religious leaders sought to trap him. Roman soldiers sought to arrest him. “They saw a different star. They just knew that since there was a new star, there must be something special,” says Elizabeth, 7.

salvation comes through the Jews, but it’s not exclusively for the Jews. In the Apostle Paul’s epistles, Abraham is the father of all who believe. God considered Abraham righteous because of his faith, which came before he received the covenant sign of circumcision (Romans 4:9-13). “The wise men were scholars of the Bible who had looked at all the prophecies of the coming Messiah,” says Matthew, 11. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds. When the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, they took gifted Jewish men into the king’s court to train them to be advisers. The king’s wise men were known as magi.

They saw a different star. They just knew that since there was a new star, there Yes, the star must be something special was different, but there’s -says Elizabeth, 7. something more unusual than the star’s guiding light. The wise men were gentiles. Why would gentiles travel so far to worship a Jewish king? Even if they were right about his royalty, what difference would it make? The Jews were an oppressed people. Rome ruled the world.

Daniel was the most famous wise man ever to grace the courts of Babylon. He saved the entire company of magi from total destruction by interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Later, he spent the night with lions rather than worship the king of the Medes and Persians.

God made a promise to patriarch Abraham that he would be a blessing to “all the families of the Earth” (Genesis 12:3). Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, gentiles keep appearing. The Gospel starts with a genealogy that shows Jesus is descended from King David (Matthew 1:116). Surprisingly, however, Jesus’ ancestry includes gentiles (Rahab and Ruth).

No one before or after Daniel has ever served as prime minister of two world empires (Babylon and Medo-Persia). Serving as prime minister of just one would have put him into the Magi Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

In the midst of Jesus’ ministry, a Roman centurion pleaded with Jesus to heal his servant by speaking a word. Jesus said, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). At the end of the Gospel, Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations. The first recorded act of worship in the New Testament comes from eastern, gentile wise men. Matthew shows us that

If you’re in the Magi Club, do you think you might be interested in reading a book written by the most famous magi of all time? The book of Daniel predicts that 483 years would pass from the time of the decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem until “Messiah the Prince” would come (Daniel 9:25). According to Bible scholar Gleason L. Archer Jr., the clock began ticking in 457 B.C., when Persian ruler Artaxerxes I issued the decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Ezra 9:9). Adding one year

28 valleychristianmagazine.com December 2013

for passing from B.C. to A.D. brings us to A.D. 27, an accurate date for when Jesus began his ministry. Perhaps the wise men had done the math for themselves. God received worship from magi who had light from the star and possibly light from reading the book of Daniel. It was such a tiny ray compared to the bright light we have today concerning the Lord Jesus, yet, they followed it until they found the promised Messiah. Wise men and women still seek him. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. At Christmas, we bring gifts to family and friends and receive them as well. The deepest desire of Jesus is for you to receive the gift of his life. Jesus gave his life on the cross so that you can receive his life by faith alone in him alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Merry Christmas!

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. Now through Dec. 20, children may answer and illustrate one to five questions about heaven. The best festival entries will be published in an online book. 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 and click on the horses. Festival deadline is December 20.

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“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). My Prayer for Athletes & Coaches FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

A Note From Nathan... What a fantastic “Fields of Faith” we just had all over South Texas on October 9th… 11 locations and approximately 10,000 in attendance. The Gospel was heard by many, but, more importantly, many responded to God as He spoke to our hearts. What a beautiful site to see thousands of students praying with their friends as God did a mighty work. Thank Nathan Jones Mulit-Area Director you to everyone who volunteered, Fellowship of Christian financially supported, brought a Athletes friend, or just plain showed up. Just njones@fca.org like with any Great Team, the victory is won when everyone does their part. That’s one of the things I love about FCA… so many give, each in their own unique way, and everyone wins. To God be the Glory!!! The Best Is Yet To Come… I love you all,,

Nathan Jones

I ask, Heavenly Father, that their drive come from the Holy Spirit, not from their flesh. Through their pain, may they never give in or give up. May their passion for competition come from above. May they know that the champion inside them is Jesus. Let their only goal be to glorify the name of Christ, and that how they compete honors you, Lord. May athletes and coaches feel Your delight when they compete. Let them realize that their abilities are from You, Jesus. May their sweat be an offering to their sweet Savior. Allow their hearts to yearn for Your applause. May they be under Your authority – respecting and honoring their teammates, coaches and opponents. May they play by all the rules and submit to You as their Ultimate Coach. Lord, they are Your warriors in the heat of battle, humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Reveal to them the needs of their team so that they can serve them well. May their words inspire and motivate, uttering what You desire. May their bodies be Your temple. Let nothing enter their bodies that is not honoring to You. Winning is not the ultimate victory, but to become more like You. There is nothing greater. In the name of Christ, I pray. – Amen.

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 stead-

fast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.

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What is FCA? The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives… one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. For more information or how to get involved call Nathan @ 956.994.1121 www.RGVFCA.org

My Prayer for Athletes & Coaches FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

Dear Lord – My prayer for athletes and coaches is that they will compete for You alone. I cry out and lift my voice so that in every victory and every loss they will glorify You and stand for the cross. May their love for the game be evidence of their love for You. When they put on their uniform, lace up their shoes and walk out of the locker room, I pray they will declare their loyalty to Jesus Christ alone. I ask, Heavenly Father, that their drive come from the Holy Spirit, not from their flesh. Through their pain, may they never give in or give up. May their passion for competition come from above. May they know that the champion inside them is Jesus. Let their only goal be to glorify the name of Christ, and that how they compete honors you, Lord. May athletes and coaches feel Your delight when they compete. Let them realize that their abilities are from You, Jesus. May their sweat be an offering to their sweet Savior. Allow their hearts to yearn for Your applause. May they be under Your authority – respecting and honoring their teammates, coaches and opponents. May they play by all the rules and submit to You as their Ultimate Coach.

Bible Reference

Where To Look When You... ...are discouraged because you keep blowing it- Psalm 37:23-24, Philippians 3:7-14

Lord, they are Your warriors in the heat of battle, humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Reveal to them the needs of their team so that they can serve them well. May their words inspire and motivate, uttering what You desire. May their bodies be Your temple. Let nothing enter their bodies that is not honoring to You. Winning is not the ultimate victory, but to become more like You. There is nothing greater. In the name of Christ, I pray. – Amen.

…have questions about anger - Proverbs 22:24-25 Job 5:2 Ephesians 4:26 James 1:19-21

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Music Review:

Vineyard Worship Spirit Burn

he new live worship album from Vineyard Worship, Spirit Burn, was recorded at Riverside Vineyard Church in London and features 13 new songs as well as a new version of the Kevin Prosch classic ‘Show Your Power’ and a new rendition of ‘O My Soul’ from Samuel Lane. The album brings together a total of 17 Vineyard musicians and worship leaders, with the new songs on ‘Spirit Burn’ either birthed out of local Vineyard churches across the UK & Ireland or written at VRUK’s songwriters’ retreat in September 2012. O My Soul is just a truly stunning track that sounds even better live. The song is given time to express itself as it is meant to, but at the same time really hits home with its powerful lyrics. I didn’t know what to expect from title track Spirit Burn. It has a mid American country, bluesy feel to it. Not many worship albums have this kind of style as their title track, but I think this is why I love it. The musicianship of the track is top quality.  After hearing ‘When I Stand’ I really couldn’t believe it was written by a 14-year-old. Taylor Lynch from Sutton Vineyard knows how to craft a song and this really is a beautiful, heartfelt, outpouring

1. Matt Maher

Featuring Audrey Assad Lord, I Need You CD: All The People Said Amen

2. Love & The Outcome He Is With Us CD: Love & The Outcome

song of worship.

In a way this album is very understated, and in this is where the album’s beauty lies. It leaves the hype at the door and doesn’t scream out with big loud sounds, instead

3. Big Daddy Weave

– The Only Name

(Yours Will Be) CD: Love Come To Life

4. Love Take Me Over

Steven Curtis Chapman CD: The Glorious Unfolding

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9.Toby Mac Speak Life CD: Eye On It

there is a raw and unique feel to this album that comes out in all of the songs. Expect the unexpected.   There are so many songs on this album, 15 in total, but one that might be very well

6. Building 429 We Won’t Be Shaken CD: We Won’t Be Shaken

7. Mandisa Overcome CD: Overcome

“...this album is a great worship album that brings the listener closer to God from the moment you hear it.” known is the track Show Your Power. This is a bit of a classic and the song still has a good punch in this folk/rock version. The sound of the guitars on this album are just brilliant, especially

y! l l a Fin

A Graduate-Level Theological Education in the Wonderful

RGV

the tones on Endless Grace and Spirit Rest On Me which have those spine tingling moments.   It might sound obvious, but this album is a great worship album that brings the listener closer to God from the moment you hear it. For me personally I just couldn’t get enough of the exciting sounds from this live album. Over the years Vineyard Worship have produced songs that have impacted the church on a global scale. This album is no different. It is full of tracks that are deep soul stirring songs. This isn’t just another live album, this is an album that has really thought about how it wanted to express it’s love to God through lyrics and music. I personally love the whole sound of the album, it really has some amazing tones that get your spirit burning. Review by Jono Davies www.louderthanthemusic.com

Bilingual Degrees: M.A. Biblical Worldview Master of Christian Ed. Master of Divinity Master of Theology Doctor of Christian Ed. Doctor of Theology For More Information visit our web page at www.edinburgseminary.org or mail a request to:

Edinburg Theological Seminary 2112 W. University Drive #400 Edinburg, TX 78539

Wishing you and yours a 8. Laura Story

I Can Just Be Me CD: God of Every Story

9. Casting Crowns All You Ever Wanted CD: Single

www.kvmv.org

Merry Christmas December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 33

“But Don’t All Religions Lead To God?” Michael Green Baker Books

Catholic woman was close to death. Her physician, who is Muslim, was at her bedside praying for her. She said, “It doesn’t matter what his religion is, he was talking to the same God.” It is great that a doctor would offer prayers for a woman who is ill. But was he praying to the same God as a Catholic who professes faith in Christ? Is this the same God people expect to spend eternity with? “But don’t all religions lead to God?” Michael Green, an Oxford theologian, an Anglican Priest, and a Christian apologist answers this question in his book entitled by that very question. It is a small and easy-to-read book.

Green gives information about some other religions to demonstrate some of the differences. The significant difference is that religions are man’s efforts to seek out and know God. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ in this world are

FIGHT

Winning the Battles That Matter Most by Craig Groeschel Zondervan

Author and pastor Craig Groeschel helps you uncover who you really are---a man created in the image of God with a warrior’s heart---and how to fight the good fight for what’s right. Many Christians cite the familiar passages “Turn the other cheek,” and “Do unto others…” But Groeschel says, sometimes enough is enough. Drawing on biblical wisdom, Groeschel explains how all men are created to be warriors—equipped with the strength to fight for their marriages, their children, and the state of their own hearts. Rather than focus on the negative aspects of fighting, Groeschel instead emphasizes the positive power of a righteous battle. “Men who are strong, men who are world-changers, men who are truly warriors are men who can honestly admit their limitations,” writes Groeschel. “I want to redefine the way you think about what it means to be a warrior. Being a true warrior is about knowing the source of true strength. It’s about knowing your own weaknesses and turning to God to empower you to be the man

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the revelation of God that rescues sinners and invites humanity into an eternal relationship with God. No other religion offers such good news. No other leader ever was or offered such things. “Jesus is unique among religious leaders in claiming to bring God to our world in His own person and making good that claim by such powerful evidences.” Green also shows that Jesus taught that human wickedness is a problem that needs a remedy. It is God’s desire to deal justly, yet mercifully with the sin problem that separates humanity from God’s holiness. The idea of karma is often blended into Christian beliefs, and Green nicely differentiates karma with God’s way. “The Hindu doctrine of karma says, ‘you sin, you pay.’ The cross of Christ shows God saying, ‘You sin, I pay.’ And that is utterly unique!” This book is a great resource for anyone who may want to know the uniqueness and exclusivity of Christ in comparison to other religions. If you are not sure you can articulate the issue, this book is good to get into the hands of the skeptic. Jesus is the only way to the one true God of the universe. In our post-Christian era, this is the truth we need to embrace and not compromise. Faith in Christ, the God-man is our access to a just and merciful God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Book Review by

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).

he made you to be.” In Fight, Groeschel explains that every man, even a pacifist, has a battle to fight, and is equipped with the strength and tools to do so. When a man discovers and develops the warrior within himself, he will not only conquer the enemy, he will become the husband, father and man he was made to be. Learn how to fight with faith, with prayer, and with the Word of God It’s time to fight like a man. For God’s Sake, FIGHT.

Health Insurance Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplement Life Insurance Pre-Need Funeral Plans Wealth Accumulation

Aurora Perez

956.424.2408

929 E Esperanza, suite 24. McAllen TX

"

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 35

Dec. 1-31 Festival of Lights

Courtyard Praise @ 12th & Austin Ave

Hidalgo, TX

Dec 6 & Jan 3

Courtyard of Praise

First Presbyterian Church Mcallen

Dec 12th

VCM’s Coffee Talk

Chick-Fil-A

Dec 12th

Dec 3 / 5-8p Santa Cow and write a letter for Santa! Dec 10 / 5-8p Santa Cow and make reindeer food! Dec 18 / 5-8p Meet Santa and give him your letter, Santa Cow and free pictures. Jackson Ave – McAllen (in front of Sam’s Club)

Courtyard Praise @ 12th & Austin Ave Feature Band:

A.C. and Good News Date:

Friday, December 6th Time:

8:00pm If you are a local band or singer and would like to participate, email us your contact information along with an audition CD/DVD to: rkordway@hotmail.com

36 valleychristianmagazine.com December 2013

“Doubleheader!”

First - Lily Perez Then... Sonny Salinas Date:

Friday, January 3rd Time:

8:00pm First Presbyterian Church Downtown McAllen Location at 12th & Austin Ave.

Merry Christmas!

December 2013 valleychristianmagazine.com 37

Tips for Surviving Christmas Financially 1. It’s not an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency, it happens every year. Don’t use this as an excuse to overspend and buy things you can’t afford. 2. Make a Holiday Budget. Make a list of everyone you are buying a gift for, and put a dollar amount by every name. Total it at the bottom. This is your Christmas budget. You can also check out www.mychristmasbudget.com, a free online budgeting tool to help you easily keep the holidays from wrecking your finances. 3. Pay cash. Put the total from your budget in an envelope, and when the cash is gone stop spending. This will help keep you on budget because if you overspend on Aunt Sue, Uncle Harry won’t get a gift! 4. Avoid debt. If you’re running a little short on cash, talk to your family about spending expectations. Draw names, set price limits or get creative. Whatever you do, don’t go into debt. It’s not worth it!

Teaching Teenagers About Giving Dear Dave, What are some good ways to teach a 13-year-old kid about giving versus getting during the holiday season? Phillip Dear Phillip, One of the best things you can do is simply talk about it—a lot. Kids are bombarded with messages about how important they are, and how they should always have what they want. It’s okay to have some stuff, but advertising and other marketing messages in today’s culture can make them think it’s all about them. It can lead kids to believe the axis of the world runs through the tops of their little heads.

As k

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, released in September 2011.

Think about this. In 1971, the average person saw 564 advertising impressions a day. Now, that number is about 4,000. The purpose of advertising is to disturb and influence you to the point that you’ll buy something. Advertisers want you to believe that you’re not complete without their product, or that you’ll be a happier, cooler, better person with their product. And in most cases, advertising and marketing people are more aggressive in their teaching than parents are in theirs. My suggestion is to find some giving exercises in which you can all participate. You could adopt a single mom at your church. Make it a family outing, and go buy groceries, gifts for her kids or even a Christmas tree. Make sure your kids are involved physically, mentally and emotionally in the entire giving process. Let them experience the grateful, and sometimes ungrateful, responses that go along with giving. And make sure you do some things that don’t involve money. You could take the entire family to help cook and serve dinner at a homeless shelter. One of the best things we ever did as parents with our teenagers was to send them on mission trips. It truly changed their lives. When you see real poverty close up, when you live and walk and sleep in it day after day—I’m talking about deathand-disease poverty, not the American version—it changes your heart. And when you’re 13, it will change your life forever. —Dave

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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 www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX877.480.1421 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 40 valleychristianmagazine.com December 2013