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Contents MAY 2016
Vol. 7 / Issue 1
On The Cover
To submit story ideas, events, or comments: info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com
A Q&A with
SCOTTY MCCREERY Jeremy Ryan, Photographer
CONNECT WITH US:
what you’ll find inside
Twitter: @vcmagazine
8
Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:
Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501
Lysa Terkeurst
Devastated but NOT Destroyed
10 Greg Laurie Worth the Risk
956-314-O161
12 Mark Driscoll
12 Simple ways to get more out of going to church
Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by
14 James MacDonald Time to Pull. Over
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 Mexico. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited. Copyright 2016.
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16 Luis Palau
Acepte el Problema del Pecado
17 Ruben Martinez Spiritual Bytes
18 Music Spotlight
60Printed in Mexico.
Gateway Worship: Kari Jobe
20 Beth Stolicker
Texas Foster Care Crisis
22 Q&A with Scotty McCreery Release of Go Big or Go Home
24 Kids Talk About God 25 South TX FCA Vision 30K
Christian Torres
26 Dave Ramsey
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“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
I
took my seat in the middle of the food court and was thankful I could hide my tears by staring down at my food. I quietly brushed my napkin across my cheek. I blinked. I tried desperately to swallow.
I’m not normally a mall-goer, but that day I needed a place to hide. A place to process. A place to remember that the whole world wasn’t falling apart. The news I’d received from just an hour earlier crushed me. And devastated me. A friend I love made a decision that I couldn’t for the life of me understand. It wasn’t in keeping with her character. It wasn’t something I ever dreamed this person could do. The affects of this decision would careen across her life and mine with really hard consequences. Glancing at the table across from me I saw two women a little younger than me. They were laughing and cutting up food into bite-size pieces for their young kids. I could hear them talking about costumes that needed to be made for their upcoming preschool performance. One of them was having a hard time finding purple tights and she desperately needed purple tights to make the costume complete. I whispered under my breath, “I wish my biggest issue was purple tights.” Although my whispered statement was lost in the chaotic chorus of food court voices and noises, the scream inside my heart hovered over me in deafening tones. What. In. The. World! My mind raced. My throat tightened. My eyes leaked uncontrollably. I tried to pray but honestly I felt like God was pretty distant at that
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moment. It’s hard to stand on the goodness of God when you feel like life has just been stripped of so much good. I forced my legs to support my body. I walked mindlessly to my car. And I drove home. It’s in these moments where we know if the Word of God has seeped deep into our hearts or not. Though the world seemed to swirl and spin without anything for me to hold onto, one simple statement rose to the top of my mind and cut through with crystal clarity, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I heard it over and over. And I knew it wasn’t my mind conjuring up this Bible verse. It was the Holy Spirit inside of me speaking. Reassuring. And quite honestly, holding me together when circumstances were literally tearing me apart. I don’t know what hard reality is crushing your heart right now. But I sense I’m not alone. The enemy is on a full-out attack against everything good, sacred, pure and honest. He is the father of lies who wants us to believe that if our circumstances fall apart, then so will we. But take it from a woman in the middle of my own hard reality: Satan is a liar. God is a Redeemer. A Healer. The Author of hope. The Pathway of restoration. The great I AM. Right this very minute there are some things you and I must cling and hold to as if our lives depended on it: 1 God loves us and He will not leave us. 2 This battle isn’t ours. The battle belongs to the Lord. Let Him fight for you. Save your emotional energy and use it to dig into His Word like never before. Our job is to be obedient to God. God’s job is winning this battle. 3 The battle might not be easy or short-lived, but victory will be there for those who trust God.
4 God is good even when the circumstances are darker than you ever imagined. God is good even when people are not. God is good even when things seem stinking hopeless. God is good and can be trusted when you feel suspicious of everyone and everything around you. 5 Lastly, God is good at being God. Don’t try to fix what He hasn’t assigned you to fix. Don’t try to manipulate or control or spend all your emotions trying to figure it out. Let Him be God. Free yourself from this impossible assignment. Sweet friend, be still. And know. He is God. I’m praying for you. And I treasure the fact I know you are praying for me. But by God we will stand in the midst of our hard days and declare we trust the One who holds every answer. We will … be still … and know … HE IS GOD!
Dear Lord, I choose to hand my situation over to You today. I will be still and know that You, and only You, are God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. TRUTH FOR TODAY: Psalm 13:5-6, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.” (NIV) REFLECT AND RESPOND: What’s one area of your life you can prayerfully hand over to the Lord today? © 2016 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved. About Lysa: 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. Used by Permission Proverts 31 Ministry www.provers31.org Copyright 2016
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Worth the
Risk
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
By Greg Laurie
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. —Acts 4: 31
Sometimes we will take a step of faith if there is a backup plan, if there is a safety net. There is a place for caution, a place for prudence, and even a place for seeking the counsel of those who have lived longer than we have. But having said that, there is also a place for faith. There is also a place for taking chances and taking risks. the
going to tell you. I want you to just obey Me.” That is why I would rather try something and fail than never try at all. And if you do try and ultimately fail, then learn something from your failure. I would venture to say that any person who has been successful in ministry, in business, or in any other enterprise has had doorway more than his or her share of failures and has learned of success is often something from every one of them. It has been said As we get older, we are less entered through the that the doorway of success willing to do that. We want is often entered through the hallway of failure hallway everything laid out for us. We of failure. So if at want to know what will hapfirst you don’t succeed, relax. pen after this and after that. But You are just like the rest of us. sometimes God will say, “I am not
“
”
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So take a chance and do something for God. If you have been thinking about starting a little Bible study at work and are unsure whether anyone would show up, go for it. If you are thinking of sharing the gospel with someone, but you don’t know how they would respond, go for it. Try it. Pray about it. Ask the Lord for direction. But take a risk. Take a chance here and there and watch what God will do.
Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America. for more, visit www.greglaurie.com. used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514 Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
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1
Go to church.
2
If possible, read and consider the Scriptures for the sermon before you arrive.
3
Pray for your pastor, the sermon, and your listening on the way to church.
4 While sitting in the church, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the sermon. 5
Arrive a few minutes early so that you can collect your thoughts and be pres ent to listen and learn.
6 Don’t text, email, surf the net, or do other things that are distracting on your phone. 7
Take notes of the sermon which will increase your learning.
8
After the sermon and starting with the drive home, discuss with family or friends who also attended what your takeaway was.
9
As needed, listen to the sermon again via podcast in the days and weeks after the service.
10
Don’t compare your pastor to your favorite famous preacher.
11 Don’t come to church with the mindset of a critic seeking to find fault with the sermon. 12
Obey whatever the action point God the Holy Spirit gives you.
About Pastor Mark Driscoll: Pastor Mark Driscoll is a Jesus-following, mission-leading, church-serving, people-loving, Bible-preaching pastor. In 2010, Preaching magazine named him one of the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years. He’s grateful to be a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody. With a skillful mix of bold presentation, accessible teaching, and unrelenting compassion for those who are hurting the most—particularly women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse and assault—Pastor Mark has taken biblical Christianity into cultural corners rarely explored by evangelicals. Various ministries trace their roots to Pastor Mark’s leadership. Mars Hill Church began as a Bible study he and his wife Grace taught in their home. He is also the founder of Resurgence, a ministry that offers resources for Christian leaders, including books, events, classes, multimedia, and a blog. He is the co-founder of the Acts 29 Network, which has planted over 400 churches in the US and 13 other nations. More Info at www.MarkDriscoll.org Used with permission from Mark Driscoll. Copyright 2016
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Time to Pull Over?
by james macdonald
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!
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.
W
hen was the last time you drove cross-country, for hours, maybe through the night? It’s brutal watching the same road signs go by for hundreds of miles. It’s exhausting.
A few years ago my youngest son drove by himself from California to Illinois, and I kept telling him, “When your eyes glaze over and you get to that point that you can’t take another mile, pull over, man!”
Psalm 34:3, ESV Pulling over brings perspective. That’s why the psalmist says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me!” It’s not that we need to make God bigger than He is. We need to see God for His actual greatness. We need to see our problems in proportion to the majesty of Almighty God. Small God? Big problems. Big God? Small problems.
The same is true in life. There are times when we need fresh eyes. We need to pull over and get a new perspective.
“Greatness” and “majesty” are good words to describe God, but an even better word is “transcendence.” The word transcendence means surpassing, beyond, above in excellence, in splendor, in majesty, in attribute, in beauty.
Often God lovingly pulls us over and makes us stop what we are doing—maybe through a health crisis, or the loss of a job or a loved one—because He knows we need to see things
Beyond all else. Beyond compare. It’s what you feel on a mountaintop, looking out over a valley or an ocean. It’s what you feel standing on the edge of a volcano at sunrise.
“WE NEED TO SEE OUR PROBLEMS IN PROPORTION TO THE MAJESTY OF ALMIGHTY GOD.” differently. Actually, He wants us to see Him differently. Over and over in Scripture, when people came to a critical juncture in their lives, they got a fresh view of God. Moses got it. Elijah got it. Abraham, Isaiah, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, got it. And guess what? You’ve got to get it too. Your Heavenly Father may be saying to you right now, “All right. Let’s get back to who I am.”
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A few years ago, a good friend invited Kathy and me on a trip to Hawaii for his birthday. Now that’s a nice friend! And one of the things he wanted us to do was to go see the sun rise on the top of a volcano. Not really my idea of a good time at 5:00 in the morning, but since it was his birthday, I went. We drove all the way to the top of this volcano. It was pitch black when we got up there. And all of a sudden, wham! The sun came up over the far side of the volcano. I was totally blown away. There were about sixty people there watching with us, but I couldn’t help myself. I shouted, “Great is the Lord! The whole earth is full of His glory!” It was very quiet after that—with the exception of
May 2016
one lady, about 20 feet away, who said, “Amen!” It was quite the moment. You need a fresh view of the greatness of God, or you’re not going to have the strength for what’s to come. Let God take you apart. See His majesty. Hear His Word. If you’re losing that sense of the transcendence of God, it’s time to pull over. Our Journey devotionals are brought to you by Change Partners of Walk in the Word.
journal
What is it in your life that threatens to keep you from seeing the transcendence of God? Confess that to the Lord and ask Him to remind you of His greatness and His power to change you.
Pr ay
Holy God, I agree with the psalmist who wrote, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48)! Thank You for lovingly pulling me over to give me a renewed view of Yourself. I confess that I am tempted to see my problems as big and You as small. But You are a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to Your children, so give me a fresh glimpse of Your transcendence today, I pray. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.
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Acepte el Problema del Pecado
-Luis Palau
El gran problema de la raza humana es el problema del pecado. Si quiere llegar a ser un verdadero Cristiano no basta con reconocer que Dios es amor, lo cual es una verdad; el segundo paso es aceptar el problema del pecado antes de encontrarle una solución. En primer lugar, la Biblia enseña que todos han pecado y están lejos de la presencia salvadora de Dios, ese es el problema, todos hemos pecado y en segundo lugar, ese hecho nos mantiene alejados de la presencia de Dios. En Romanos 3 dice: “Por cuanto todos pecaron y están destituidos de la gloria de Dios.”
El significado de pecar es “errar el blanco” en el idioma griego, que fue escrito el Nuevo Testamento, la palabra “pecado” tiene varios significados, pero esencialmente “errar el blanco” es su significado. El blanco de la vida es ser perfecto como nuestro Padre Celestial, pero todos erramos y consecuentemente estamos lejos de Su presencia salvadora.
La paga del pecado es la muerte, tiene que aceptar ese hecho. En Romanos 6, 23 dice:”La paga del pecado es muerte, más el regalo de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.” El pecado produce la muerte física, la muerte espiritual que nos separa de Dios, como dice el poeta venezolano “Muertos son los que tienen muerta el alma y viven todavía”; y luego está la muerte eterna, que es la separación del alma de su Dios, lo que la Biblia lo llama infierno; allí el dolor, la vergüenza y el sufrimiento, en mi opinión, es la mera memoria, recordar sus pecados contra los hombres y contra Dios.
En tercer lugar, debe entender y hacerle entender a sus pares, que Dios resolvió el problema del pecado, Él nos amó siendo aún pecadores. En Romanos 5 dice: “Dios muestra Su amor para con nosotros en que siendo aún pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros.”
Cuando Cristo murió por nuestros pecados en la cruz resolvió el problema del pecado, dice en Romanos 5: “Cristo, cuando aún éramos débiles, a su debido tiempo murió por los impíos.”
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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1Peter 4:11, Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
So many times the things I really need to do and want to do, I DON’T DO! The things that are not really that important or that even get me in trouble, I END UP DOING!
No I am not just quoting a verse of the Bible, but sadly, it is the truth. Whether it’s as little as exercising or as big as truly loving, I need help from God. And, thank God His love is so deep and strong that He is not thrown off by my sins and weaknesses and neglect of Him. Next Sunday, God help me to go to church and GIVE TO YOU; all my sins and worship. God, help me not expect something from the church but to GIVE TO YOU. About RUBEN MARTINEZ: Born in 1954 into a migrant family who worked the fields together every summer. He holds a Masters degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary. He started Living Word Evangelical Free Church in 1987. Ruben and his wife, Nancy, have 5 children; Stefanie (25), Gabriel (22), Grant (19), David (18) and Desiree (16). Ruben has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Bible Institute (6 years) and the EFCA National Board of Directors (3 years).
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Divorce/Family Law Child Custody State & Federal Criminal Defense Phone: 956-380-1421 Mobile: 956-279-1163 511 W. University Drive Edinburg, TX 78539 fabianlaw@sbcglobal.net God is our help and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 May
2016
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INTEGRITY MUSIC RELEASES
GATEWAY WORSHIP VOICES: KARI
JOBE
Live Worship Collection Includes Resource DVD With Enhanced Lyric Videos, Chord Charts, More
Integrity Music announces the global release of Gateway Worship Voices: Kari Jobe, an 11-track album and resource DVD featuring some of the most beloved songs from the Dallas-Fort Worth-based ministry and its longtime team member, Dove Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated worship leader Kari Jobe. For this collection, Integrity gathered 10 of Jobe’s songs from five of Gateway’s live albums as well as one song, “My Beloved,” from her best-selling, self-titled studio project. The recording includes global church favorites such as “O The Blood,” cowritten by Gateway’s Thomas Miller, “Revelation Song,” written by Dove Award winner Jennie Lee Riddle, and “You Are For Me,” written by Jobe. Together these three songs alone have garnered over 30 million YouTube views for their live music videos and fan-generated content. All 11 songs on the project will be available as a standard digital album through iTunes and Amazon.com. In addition, there will be a special double-disc set available at Christian retail stores that includes the CD and a free DVD filled with over $60 of resource content, including enhanced lyric videos with stereo, split and click track options, chord charts, sheet music and lyrics. Gateway Worship Voices: Kari Jobe is part of an ongoing series for Gateway Worship, the team led by Executive Senior Pastor Thomas Miller and Executive Pastor of Campus Worship Mark Harris. Gateway Worship serves Gateway Church’s 35,000-plus attendees along with thousands more who particpate in online services. Gateway Worship, whose songs are administered and promoted by Integrity Music, have sold hundreds-of-thousands-of-albums and individual tracks while contributing numerous songs that rank within the top most-used songs in churches around the world according to CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International).
The complete tracklist for Gateway Worship Voices: Kari Jobe is as follows: 1. No Sweeter Name 2. Holy, Holy, Holy (Savior and King) 3. You Are Good 4. Revelation Song 5. Pure 6. Alabaster Jar 7. We Cry Out 8. Worship The Great I Am 9. You Are For Me 10. O The Blood 11. My Beloved
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valleychristianmagazine.com 19
Texas Faces Foster Care Crisis BY BETH STOLICKER
An increase in the number of children Child Protective Services has removed from homes has forced some children to spend at least two nights in Child Protective Services offices in the last month.
CPS removed 481 more children in January 2016 compared to the same month last year, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. There are not enough foster families for the state to place these children in.
As a result, young people have slept in state offices in the past month, according to the Dallas Morning News, measures that haven’t been taken since 2007-2008.
Buckner Children and Family Services Senior Director of Domestic Foster Care and Adoption Samela Macon said the need for foster families is critical.
“We have a tremendous need for foster families,” she said. “There’s a shortage of families and a shortage of families who can take in sibling groups. Beyond providing places of safety, foster families provide love and stability for children at their most vulnerable. Texas needs families to step forward to care for these children in need.”
Some regions of Texas do not have enough foster families to care for children at their most vulnerable, often resulting in children being sent hundreds of miles away from their home. Nearly 110 Hidalgo County children were placed outside the region in 2015. Nearly 48 Cameron County youth were placed outside the Rio Grande Valley last year. Sibling groups and children with extensive needs also are more difficult to place in families.
“It’s such a traumatic experience for a child to be separated from their siblings,” Macon said. “Many of our children are caregivers for their siblings. When those kids are separated, they are left not knowing if their sibling will be taken care of, or if they’ll even ever see them again. The experience re-traumatizes them.”
Buckner staff members are working hard to recruit more foster families. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, request more information here or call (855) 264-8783. Buckner offers training, education, and encouragement along the journey of becoming a foster parent.
“Each day, more children enter the foster care system,” Macon said. “They are hurting and alone. We are asking people to help care for them in their time of need.”
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Did you know there are
more than 1,200 children in foster care in the Rio Grande Valley? Every child deserves to know the love of a family. You can be a family for a child through Buckner Foster Care and Adoption.
Learn more at buckner.org or by calling 1-855-264-8783.
facebook.com/bucknerinternational
twitter.com/Buckner_intl
youtube.com/BucknerIntl
instagram.com/Buckner_intl
Sit Down with
Scotty McCreery There’s not a “music celebrity Scotty” and a “private life Scotty” – there’s just Scotty. I am who I am. I base every decision through my faith.
A Special to Valley Christian Magazine: You refer to your new book, Go Big Or Go Home, as a travelogue. Please explain. I’m 22 years old, which feels like a weird time to write an autobiography. Instead of telling my entire life story, I’m sharing snapshots of my life and experiences. Even though I’m young, I’ve been able to do some pretty amazing things and learn some great lessons about life. I’ve got a different perspective on life than most 22 year olds. Through these stories, I’m able to take the readers on the journey with me. That’s why it feels more like a travelogue to me.
In the book, you share your journey of winning Season 10 of “American Idol” at the age of 17. Did this new fame force you to grow up fast?
Did you ever feel torn between pleasing the show and following your faith? Not often, but there were a few times and I detail those in the book. At the end of the day, I know who I am, I know what I stand for, and I know what I believe. Luckily for me, I think the show producers really respected me for that.
How has your faith played a role in your success?
Oh absolutely. Once I moved to Los Angeles, I was there for nearly five months. The entire cast worked every day except Easter with rehearsals, recordings, sponsor fulfillment, interviews, and of course, the actual show itself. I was constantly meeting with TV producers, musical legends and music business executives. It was an adult world and I had to step up to be a part of it. And I loved it – I tried to be a sponge and learn everything I could.
First off, I know that God is always there and always with me, whether I’m singing on a stage, pitching in a baseball game, or hanging out with my family and friends. That gives me a confidence that can’t be taken away by anything else. Secondly, my faith allows me to know fully who I am. I think the public appreciates that honesty. There’s not a “music celebrity Scotty” and a “private life Scotty” – there’s just Scotty. I am who I am. I base every decision through my faith.
You share a scene where you tell Jennifer Lopez that
you should’ve been kicked off after a performance. Why do you think they kept you on the show?
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You’d have to ask the judges to get the correct answer, but I think they knew my heart, knew I could sing, and knew that I had a chance of really connecting with the viewing public. I have always tried to be true to myself and I think they appreciated that.
May 2016
Major themes in your book are your hometown of Garner, North Carolina and your family. Why is it important for
you to go back home in-between performances and appearances? I love my hometown and home state. My family and friends are there; my girlfriend is there. The whole town supported me on “American Idol” from day one, from hosting viewing parties to turning out to my homecoming parade and concert. The support and love that I received from the people in my hometown was awesome. In addition, the beach and the mountains are both nearby and I love to escape to both areas for a few days. There is nothing that recharges me like time at home with the people I love.
You’re on the road a lot. What are some of the ways you make the tour bus feel like home-away-fromhome? My band and crew are a second family to me. We play pranks on each other, we hang out together – it’s a true band of brothers. Being with them really makes the road fun.
Baseball is used as a metaphor throughout your book. How have sports been an influence in your life? I am a sports guy – always have been. My father is a sports guy and he introduced me to them at a very young age. Baseball, football, basketball and golf are my favorites but I love them all. I learned good sportsmanship and how to be a team player from playing all these years. I miss being out on that mound and pitching regularly in a baseball game.
You have released three albums and sold more than 2.5 million copies. How has your singing been a gift to others? Well, you’d probably have to ask other people how it’s been a gift to them. But I do think that music has the power to unite people, to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring understanding. I’ve had people tell me that my music has brought them happiness when they were at low points in their lives, that it brought them comfort when they were very ill, and that they’ve met great friends through my music and more. The stories they tell me are the actual gifts.
Go Big Or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream is now available online and in bookstores nationwide.
May
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 23
How can you be sure you will live with Jesus forever? John 5:24-30
“Jesus is on top of my ship. We are going to go to heaven,” says John, 5. Yes, Jesus is the captain of our salvation. Apart from him, we are ships in a storm headed for the rocks. A famous Spanish captain searched for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. Ponce de León never found it, but there is much folklore about where he looked. When I visited an ancient Inca site on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia at an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, the archaeologist traveling with us claimed that Ponce de León once traveled to the site in search of the Fountain of Youth. Laugh if you will at the quest of Ponce de León, but at least he was looking. Even if you live past 100, like my grandmother at 106, life is ever so short compared to forever. Do you think anyone living 200 years from now will even remember that you existed? If you like conciseness, you’ll probably like what Emiliano, 9, wrote: “There is only one way to live with Jesus: believe in Him.”
died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, he said, “It is finished,” (John 19:30). He wasn’t kidding. Second, the one who believes in Jesus “has passed from death into life.” For the first 17 years of my brief journey on planet Earth, I existed as a spiritual zombie. I had physical life, but I was spiritually dead. When I heard for the first time that eternal life was a gift to be received and not a reward to be earned, I believed in Christ and passed from spiritual death into the realm of eternal life. Goodbye forever to zombie land! I said goodbye forever to zombie land (spiritual death) because the life of God that I received is “eternal life.” To say you can lose eternal life is a contradiction. If you can lose something that’s “eternal,” then it’s not eternal. God would never call something eternal if it could be lost. “If you believe, He will always be with you. He will never leave you,” says Bert, 8. You can do many things by making a decision. Undoing a birth is not one of them. You can no more undo your spiritual birth by denying Christ than you can undo your physical birth by denying your parents (John 3:1-18).
Emiliano, have you been reading John 3:16 and John 5:24? Both say that the way to receive eternal life is to believe in Christ. Let’s look at the latter, where Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life,” (John 5:24).
Ask this question: Are you confident that you’ll live with God forever?
First, notice that the one who believes in Christ “has everlasting life.” Eternal life is a present possession. Most think everlasting life is a future state. Not so. It begins at the instant of faith in Christ alone. Please note, it’s not believing in Jesus Christ plus something else. When Jesus
Memorize this truth: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
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Art by Carlos, age 9.
Think about this: The idea of losing eternal life questions God’s integrity. God always keeps his promises. Jesus promised eternal life all who believe in him as their savior.
May 2016
Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. Two Valley children will win dude-ranch vacations for up to five family members. One will go to Medicine Bow Lodge in Saratoga, Wyoming and the other to Coulter Lake Guest Ranch in Rifle, Colorado. Each will receive a check for $600 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.
Vision 30K God has been using FCA to change the lives of Coaches & Athletes since 1954. The gospel is our message. The Bible is our Playbook. Jesus Christ is the center of all that we do. Last year, FCA ministered to over 2,000,000 Coaches & Athletes across 47 countries. With over 300,000 6th-12th Grade Athletes & Coaches living right here in South Texas, our goal is to see over 30,000 have a life changing experience through our weekly Bible study fellowships called “FCA Huddles”, over 20,000 at our annual “Fields of Faith” fatherings at HS Football Stadiums in October, and over 3,000 at one of our many FCA Camps. Every $120 ($10/month) of support you giv will change one of thee lives this year. Join us this year by changing the life of just one student! Go to SouthTexasFCA.org for more information or email Nathan Jones at njones@fca.org
May
2016
valleychristianmagazine.com 25
What Causes Overspending? Dear Dave, In your opinion, what causes overspending? Kristin
Dear Kristin, Overspending is, 100 percent of the time, a choice. It’s a decision. Most of the time it’s linked to immaturity, although there can be other issues at play. People who habitually overspend are saying that they’re unwilling to act like a mature adult, and delay pleasure in order to win with money. This kind of thing is made even worse, because we live in a culture fueled by extreme debt marketing. And when things like credit card offers are constantly in the face of immature people, those two things can combine to make a real mess. Good question, Kristin!
—Dave
Dave Says
No Arguments Dear Dave, My dad and I have been having arguments over real estate and money. My wife and I are 33, and we have a rental property. We were trying to decide whether or not to sell the rental in order to pay down on our home. My dad has been very vocal about what he thinks we should do, and it’s starting to cause problems in our relationship. The two homes are our only debt, and we make $110,000 a year. We owe $132,000 on our residence and $80,000 on the rental. We could sell the rental for around $160,000. What do you think we should do? Ricky
Dear Ricky, I wouldn’t sell the rental today, but it’s definitely a strong consideration in the future. You wouldn’t realize enough from its sale to pay off it and your home at this point, so work aggressively toward paying down the mortgage on your home. Then, when you get far enough down that the sale of the rental would pay it off, go for it if that’s what you both want. You’re doing really well financially for a couple your age in San Diego. Now, let’s talk about something else for a moment. I would love for you to listen to your dad for advice, but I would not be arguing with him about what you are going to do with your money. You’re a man. I don’t know if you just used the incorrect word there for how the discussion went down, but if not, I wanted to correct that as a boundary issue in your family. * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.
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Keep up the good work, Ricky!
—Dave
May 2016
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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 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455
511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com