Valley Christian Magazine October 2014

October 2014

Cellphone Addiction

An Increasingly Realistic Possibilityp24

5 Ways to Connect

p26

I’m Disappointed in Myself p10

THE CORNERSTONE OF

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

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AMERICAN MUSCLE

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What’s Inside?

October 2014 Vol. 4 / Issue 6

On The Cover

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

24 Cell Phone Addiction A Baylor University Study

Features 22.

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5 Ways To Connect with Millennials

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I’m disappointes in Myself

14. James MacDonald

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A Low Murmur

16. Luis Palau

De Los Limites Divinos

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18. Greg Laurie

The Positive Side of Adversity

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Yes Means No

James Alexander

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Trust God’s Timing

Review: The Jesus Way

Dave Says

It’s A Start

By Christian Torres

The other night we were about to eat dinner when it was my youngest daughters turn to pray for the meal. She sat there for a minute and then said “Jesus.”

As siblings often do, her older sister mocked her and said that wasn’t a prayer. Then as any good parent does (wink wink), I got caught into their bickering and have to give my incredible dad knowledge (wink wink again!!).

I asked my youngest if she was just being silly and she responded in a way that made me go… whoa.

She reminded that one time I had shared with her that if you don’t know what to pray…just say Jesus. That’s what she did. She didn’t know what to say so she just called on the name of the Lord. Jesus.

Seriously? She’s 9 by the way.

I started thinking back and remembered (not to far back I might add) that I had one of those moments. Sometimes its just me being distracted and I don’t know what to say. So I start. I recall a pastor sharing with me that just start praying, then keep praying until you really begin to pray.

A good place to start is with the basics…family, food, work, etc and then right when you think you should stop, listen to see what God is prompting you bring before him. Keep going and soon you’ll be having a conversation with God. Talk then listen. It’s a start…

Then there’s other times when may you are in such a mess or hurting so bad that you don’t know what to say.

When David wrote in Psalm 77 how he turned to God in his trouble but didn’t know what to say: “I found my self in trouble and went looking for my Lord; My life was an open wound that wouldn’t heal.

When friends said, ‘Everything will turn out all right,’ I didn’t believe a word they said.

I remember God – and shake my head.

I bow my head – then wring my hands.

I’m awake all night – not a wink of sleep; I can’t even say what’s bothering me.” -Psalm 77:2-5 Exodus 6:5 “ God heard their groaning and he remembered…”

David was hurting…

Have you been there? Are you there now?

Ever feel like NOT going to church? Not talking to God? You may not feel like going to church but go to church…it’s a start.

You may not feel like talking to God but try and talk to God…it’s a start.

Romans 8:26-28 reminds us: “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right along side helping us along.

If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter.

He does our praying in and for us, Making our prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves…”

So when you don’t feel like going to God; When you don’t feel like going to church; When you don’t know what to say to God; When you’ve been betrayed, hurt; When you were given a bad diagnosis; If you feel like you are so far away from God and can’t possibly come back….

Just start. Take that first step.

With time you will grow. With time you will understand.

God will be right alongside you. Hey…it’s a start!

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October

2014

valleychristianmagazine.com 9

I’m Disappointed In Myself

I

think I’ve finally figured out the root cause of the chaos that sometimes sweeps into my life and makes the worst of me emerge.

I struggle with decisions. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities, mess up relationships by disappointing people, or misstep right out of God’s will.

And then, I struggle with wondering if my inability to do it all will make my kids wind up on a therapist’s couch one day. How do other women seem to do it all?

And worst of all, I struggle with feeling like I’m going to let God down.

By Lysa TerKeurst

Descriptions ping in my head: I’m tired. I’m distracted. I’m disappointed in myself.

I feel slightly used and more than slightly used up. I’m a little overwhelmed and a lot worn down.

Can you relate? I thought maybe you would.

Last year I finally had to admit I wasn’t doing so well. So I put pen to paper and dared to explore this topic as an author who needs this message most of all.

This time was hard for me. Admission instead of omission.

I had to admit that I needed to reevaluate. I whispered, “God, I really want to do life right. So I give and serve and love and do and sacrifice. I do it all with a happy heart, an open checkbook, a calendar dedicated to being Your girl. I study Your Word. I tuck truth in my heart and as a trembling, brave one, I determine to charge upward and forward each day. I’m going to be fine, right God?” And yet there was this nagging sense that something was a bit off inside me. Someone would make a request of me that I knew right away was unrealistic. My brain would say no. My schedule would say no. My reality would say no. But my heart would say yes! Then my mouth would betray my intention of saying no, and blurt out, “Yes, of course.”

I dreaded saying yes but felt powerless to say no. I dreaded saying yes not because I don’t love that person. I love them very much. But I dreaded what saying yes would do to the already running-on-empty me.

And I kept on marching as if this is how a Christian woman is supposed to live, as if this is the call on my life, as if this is all there is.

I misused the two most powerful words, yes and no.

Every assignment felt like my assignment.

And this kind of thinking almost made me crumble and quit ministry.

Friends, can I gently but honestly say it’s time to stop the chaos?

The acid of over-activity eats holes in our souls. From those holes leaks the cry of the calling that never quite happened.

We said yes to so much that we missed what I call our Best Yes assignments — simply because we didn’t heed the warning of the whispers within us begging to reassess and breathe.

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.

Are you wanting something more for your life than an endless to-do list and the feeling that you’re never quite keeping up?

Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. www.LysaTerkeurst.com

We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please. And it’s not just because of the vicious cycles of people pleasing, although that’s part of it. I miss Best Yes opportunities sometimes because I simply don’t know they’re part of the equation.

I get all twisted up in making the decision to check either the Yes or No box, not realizing there is a third box that reads Best Yes.

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“Yes, Means No!” wait… “No, Means Yes!”

T

here’s a crazy story in the Bible. (Actually, there’s a lot of crazy stories in the Bible. Who ever said “the Bible is boring,” obviously has never read it.) The particular story that I’m referring to comes from the Book of Judges. Judges covers a historical period of about four-hundred years. It highlights various persons that God used to lead Israel as a people during this Old Testament period. This often included some type of military guidance.

by Jerrell Jobe Nevertheless, the prayer is offered. The vow is made.

Jephthah leads Israel into battle. They overwhelmingly prevail. The text says, they “devastated twenty towns.” Not bad for your first military campaign. As the dust is still settling, we are told: “Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels!

She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, ‘Oh no, my daughter!

You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break.’” -Judges 11:32-34

During one season, Israel was being oppressed by the nation of the Ammonites (located in present-day Jordan, just east of the Jordan River).

Talking about narrative tension. It’s a moThe people of Israel were desperate for direc- ment of celebration. The news has preceded tion and looking for a leader. After some con- Jephthah back to the village. “We won!” His versation, the elders decided daughter is ecstatic. Who to go and solicit the help of a “These two words, “so that,” could be more proud of his man named Jephthah. can serve as a useful filter for victorious exploits, than his

the quality and focus of our only daughter? The word has At this time, Jephthah was prayers.” spread, “Your daddy’s almost more or less a marginalized home!” The music starts playoutcast who had become a mob boss. Jephthah’s father was once a prom- ing. There’s singing and laughter and shouts of inent leader in Gilead (part of Israel). This is joy. Jephthah’s only child, his daughter is dancperhaps where Jephthah got his leadership ing like never before. And then, it dawns on the savvy from. On the other hand, his mother was readers what the implications of this event – a prostitute. This is why he had become an out- she is about to die. cast. Regardless of his past, he was asked to Jephthah hears the sounds, the songs and the take the lead and help Israel stand against the laughter. Imagine how he must have felt. Just Ammonite armies. He agreed. days before he was an outcast, rejected by all in The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn. It is at this moment that Jephthah throws up a prayer. I say “throws up” a prayer, because it wasn’t very theologically sound or biblically accurate. It’s a prayer more akin to one that would be offered to a local deity or idol. (Think, “Oh God, if the Cowboys win…”). Judges 11:3031 captures his prayer: “And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: ‘If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.’”

Talking about a bizarre prayer! In the Old Testament, people often made vows to God. That’s not necessarily wrong. However, this particular vow is foolish and incongruent with the nature and character of God. It actually illustrates that Jephthah viewed God as he did all the other gods, as if God were merely there to do his bidding. He approaches God as someone to strike up a deal or negotiate with in order to get his way - in this case military victory.

Israel. Now, he’s a leader, a hero and the theme of everyone’s song.

Suddenly, everything changes. He sees his daughter, his only child. He remembers his prayer and the vow to sacrifice the first thing that walks through the door of his house. We’re left with the repercussions of his impulsive vow, she will soon be offered up as a sacrificial burnt offering.

This is a raw account and a shocking story. We should understand, this is a foolish and rash promise that Jephthah never should have made. Having made it, he never should have followed through on it. When he realized what he’d done, he should have asked God’s forgiveness for making the vow and viewing God as a pagan deity. As such, his daughter’s life would have been spared.

But, he did make the vow and then followed through with it. The writers of Scripture did not edit the narrative to make Jephthah look better than he really was. So why is this story in Scripture? Or, perhaps more importantly, what can we learn from this deranged ancient

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account?

Am I like Jephthah…?

No parent in their right mind would ever make a vow like this. To promise to sacrifice a loved one seems absolutely ludicrous, if not savage.

But, are we really that much more advanced and sophisticated?

Of course we are, we’d say. We would never promise to sacrifice our children.

But, have you ever made a commitment that you later regretted?

We all have.

Think about Jephthah’s vow. He promised to do something that ended up causing him to lose a significant relationship. We may not promise to offer up our child as a burnt offering, but I know many people who have made a commitment and the end result was that they sacrificed and lost a significant relationship in the process.

A husband committed to work longer hours at work to get that aspired promotion and along the way sacrificed time with those he loves most.

A parent commits to having their child involved in yet one more extracurricular activity and in the process quality family time is sacrificed on the altars of busyness.

Saying “YES” to one thing always means saying “NO” to something or someone else.

Yes to busyness, means no to rest.

Yes to more work, means no to more family time.

Yes to another financial commitment, means no to the next opportunity to be generous to those in need.

Yes, means no...

And, Saying “NO” to one thing always means saying “YES” to something or someone else.

No to busyness, means yes to rest.

No to more work, means yes to more family time.

No to another financial commitment, even though I can make the monthly minimum payment, means yes to the next opportunity to be generous to those in need.

No, means yes…

At times, we have all played the part of Jephthah…

●

Is there anything you’ve been saying yes to that it’s time to say no?

●

Is there something you’ve been saying no to that you now sense God is inviting you to say yes?

JERRELL JOBE

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

October

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A LOW MURMUR James MacDonald

And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp (Numbers 11:1, ESV).

We would all agree that complaining changes nothing, yet why is it such a battle? The reason: because it satisfies our sinful natures.

Complaining Why do we complain? r e l e a s e s negative emotional energy in a way that provides momentary relief from a frustrating situation or circumstance. That’s why it’s so hard to resist.

The problem, though, is that complaining isn’t harmless. It’s venomous. Complaining is an attitude choice that, if left unchecked, will wither your capacity to experience joy and genuine thankfulness. Wrong attitudes are hard to change because they are habitual, harmful ways of thinking about life and circumstances—but we still have a choice.

hates it! It insults His grace. It questions His sovereignty. It makes Him angry.

God heard every word of every complaint from the children of Israel. “And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled.” Standing somewhere on the edge of their makeshift city, they were whining and grumbling—about something.

Maybe it was Moses’ leadership style, or the food, or the weather. Whatever the topic, it was the final straw for God, and He sent fire among them. It should be very clear how God feels about complaining.

And it’s a relevant news flash for us today. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The story of the Israelites was intended as an example for us; let’s not miss it.

Complaining is expressing dissatisfaction with a circumstance that is not wrong and about which you’re doing nothing. It’s whining withEven in this day of grace, God’s fire still conout proposing a solution, sumes. He judges our murmuring under your “... complaining isn’t harmless. complaining attitudes as breath, venting mental or It’s venomous. Complaining is surely as He judged the verbal outbursts of frus- an attitude choice that, if left people of Israel’s. For now, tration without any conHis fire doesn’t consume unchecked, will wither your structive attempt to remecapacity to experience joy and our existence; it scorches dy the situation. our happiness, and life begenuine thankfulness” Consider these examples: comes a wilderness. Those complaining is grumbling about your spouse’s who choose complaining as their lifestyle will lack of time with your children instead of spend their lifetimes in this wilderness. Does talking with him and working together toward your life feel like that—all dry, dead, and cheera creative solution. It’s telling the person seat- less, a wasteland where joy wilts away—beed next to you on an airplane how rotten the cause your pattern of thinking formed over a food is rather than politely requesting a dif- long period of time always sees the negative? ferent entrée. It’s whining about social issues Ask yourself some soul-searching questions: instead of praying, voting, donating, or contactAm I a complainer? Complaining is hard to see ing your leaders. in ourselves, especially when it has reached Complaining hurts the complainer, evolving the habit stage. Is my relationship with God into anger, bitterness, or even depression—and reaping the consequences of complaining? it distances us from God. It hurts those around Imagine God whispering to you, “I’m listening. us, bringing them down too. And it hurts God. I hear every thought and word.” Am I willing God hears our vocal dissatisfaction, and He to repent? Does your life lack joy and a sense

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of God’s favor and presence? You need only repent—agree with God that your complaining spirit is sin—and ask His forgiveness, choosing to turn from your next complaint to finding a grace-filled solution instead.

Journal Do you characterize yourself as a complainer? Would others describe you as a complainer?

What consequences of complaining do you see in your life—in your relationship with God, in your outlook on life, and in your close relationships with others?

Pray Lord God, I see so clearly the patterns of complaining in the children of Israel, yet so often I’m blind to my own sin.

And sometimes I try to belittle my sin, as if complaining were acceptable.

Forgive me, Father. Help me to see my complaining as You see it: as sin. Holy Spirit, please convict me when I start to complain. Remind me that You hear every word, and that my complaining spirit insults You, damages our relationship, and poisons others. Transform me from a complainer into a joyful, thankful follower of Your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

weekdays at 5:30a.m.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago.

James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.

Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

We Do.

(Weddings...That is!)

October

2014

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El Cruce

Luis Palau

de los Límites Divinos

L

a línea límite parecía anticuada e irrelevante. Sara pisó la línea, preguntándose qué sucedería si la cruzaba. Finalmente la persuación de Andrés, su novio, la convenció y cruzó el límite. Varias semanas más tarde la jovencita de 16 años descubrió que estaba embarazada. --Nunca voy a olvidar el pánico que sentí--admite Sara--. Andrés estaba de viaje y yo vivía con papá ya que mis padres son divorciados. Realmente no sabía a quién acudir. Cuando Andrés regresó de su viaje, los dos adolescentes se casaron, pero los problemas de Sara distaban mucho de haber llegado a una solución. Soledad, presiones financieras y lamentos.

--Espero que Andrés y yo sigamos juntos--confiesa Sara--. Por su trabajo él tiene que estar mucho fuera de casa, mientras yo me aburro encerrada todo el día. De modo que tal vez debamos separarnos.

La cuestión es que uno tiene que poner tanto de sí para que un matrimonio funcione como es debido, y la opción del divorcio parecería tan fácil...

A Sara le habían parecido anticuados los deseos de Dios en cuanto a la pureza antes del matrimonio. Sin embargo, ella no había reparado en el hecho de que Dios en su amor y sabiduría ha establecido límites para nuestra propia protección. La muchacha ahora no tiene más remedio que sufrir las consecuencias de su desobediencia.

Sea usted soltero o casado, ¿cuáles son las consecuencias de traspasar el límite en lo que a cuestiones sexuales se refiere? Preguntémosle al Rey David. En el Salmo 38 él describe los efectos de su pecado personal--tal vez el de haber cometido adulterio con Betsabé.

David experimentó la agonía de la disciplina espiritual (vv. 1-2), tormento físico (vv. 3-10), aislamiento social (vv. 11-16) y ansiedad emocional (vv. 17-22). Un precio bastante alto para un momento de pasión descontrolada, ¿verdad?

Las normas divinas de la pureza en las relaciones interpersonales están lejos de ser anticuadas, aunque por otro lado contradigan los lineamientos de conducta de nuestro tiempo.

La juventud de hoy dice que el sexo prematrimonial no tiene nada de malo. Como ya mencioné en el pasado, una encuesta indica que al llegar a los 21 años, un 94% ya ha perdido la virginidad. A esto se contrapone la exhortación de Dios: “Huyan de los pecados sexuales. Ningún otro tipo de pecado afecta al cuerpo como esto. Cuando uno comete este pecado, peca contra su propio cuerpo. ¿No saben que el cuerpo del cristiano es templo del Espíritu Santo que Dios le dio, y que el Espíritu Santo lo habita? El cuerpo no es nuestro, porque Dios nos compró a gran precio. Dediquemos íntegramente el cuerpo y el espíritu a glorificar a Dios, porque a El pertenecen” (1 Corintios 6:18-20 BD).

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.

Los jóvenes cristianos se enfrentan a las mismas tentaciones que los no cristianos. A menudo el diablo usa un noviazgo entre un cristiano y un no-cristiano para que el creyente tropiece. El Señor nos advierte: “No se unan en matrimonio con los que no aman al Señor, porque ¿qué puede un cristiano tener en común con los que viven entregados al pecado? ¿Cómo puede la luz llevarse bien con la oscuridad? Y ¿qué armonía puede haber entre Cristo y el diablo? ¿Cómo puede un cristiano estar de acuerdo con un incrédulo? Y ¿qué unión puede existir entre el Templo de Dios y los ídolos? Ustedes son el templo del Dios viviente” (2 Corintios 6:14-16 BD).

Crea de todo corazón estas palabras, especialmente si usted es soltero. Desarrolle convicciones bíblicas para el noviazgo y las relaciones con el sexo opuesto.

Y luego, entonces, disfrute la satisfacción que resulta de una relación centrada en Cristo y que permanece dentro de sus límites sabios de amor.

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The Positive Side of Adversity

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

My troubles turned out all for the best--they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.

— Psalm 119:71-72

H

ere’s the problem in a nutshell: our definition of good is what benefits us in the here and now, not in our eternal life to come. In other words, we are interested in what will benefit us temporarily, but God is interested in what will benefit us eternally. We are “ interested in what will make us happy for a while, but God is far more interested in what will make us holy.

suffering can give us a greater platform for glorifying God and pointing others toward Him. Adversity levels us and keeps us humble.

Success or prosperity has a tendency to make people proud and self-sufficient.

We may not feel an overwhelming need for God when we have our salary, our investments, our career, our 401k, our homes, our health, and our family. But when the economy goes south or the stock market crashes or our home burns, we have the opportunity to turn back to God with all our hearts, being reminded of what really matters in life

Adversity levels us and keeps us humble.”

So here is the key. Jesus loves us, and He wants to be glorified through our lives. In view of that reality, He won’t always remove suffering because it can make us stronger and bring us closer to Him. Even though we would never choose it,

The truth is, you and I shouldn’t always be so afraid of pain. There’s something worse than pain: it is a prosperity that leads us to forget about God. Adversity teaches us eternal truths we might not otherwise learn. For most of us, our basic objective in life is to avoid pain at all costs. Bottom line, we just want to dodge pain whenever we can. We want to get into better shape and look cool in our new gym outfit, but we don’t want to sweat and strain.

No pain, no gain? Alas, it’s true. And what is true of the gym or health club is also true of life. Our pain reminds us of a deeper need: the need for God in our lives. And God will teach us lessons in those valleys that we never would have learned on mountaintops.

Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

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Impatience.

A personal struggle of mine. Yes, I am a victim of our insta-society. Insta-gram. Insta-food.

Insta-downloads. We live in a day where it seems that we are always in a hurry and busy.

Everyone is always doing something. We make our checklists and to-do tasks, and we want them done yesterday. When we pray for dreams to come to pass, we want them fulfilled immediately.

Yet, in following and trusting God, it doesn’t seem that He and I are congruent or compatible with timing. It doesn’t even seem we are on the same page. I mean, doesn’t He know that I have things to do and move forward with?

Surely God knows I don’t have time to wait on things or the process.

However, no matter how hard we try or pray, I have learned that we cannot force God’s timing.

He does not operate according to our lists or tasks. He doesn’t seek to keep up with us for our personal gratification. Yes, God wants the best for us. However, it may mean withholding certain things from us until the right season.

We can grow weary simply by resisting to wait

for His timing for our life. On the other hand, if we can understand that He operates in seasons and rhythms, we can rest in knowing that He is in control and at His perfect time, He will bring it to pass!

For starters, let God do it His way. Did you know that we can force things to happen that result with unintended and unnecessary consequences? Ask Abraham and Sarah. With a promise of a son, and a race against time, the chosen couple took matters into their own

“Wait for due season. When it is God’s timing, things seem to fall into place in a supernatural kind of way.” hands only to create a problem that hindered their promise. Sarah, assuming God needed help, tells Abraham to conceive with her maidservant Hagar. Abraham obediently complies.

Ishmael is born. The problem? The couple made it happen by using their own strength and logic, and the result was an abandoned son and maidservant. Sometimes, we deal with drama we were never intended to deal with in

Trust in God’s Timing 20 valleychristianmagazine.com October

our journey. Although heaven has mercy, earth has consequences for our decisions. Remember: if God gave you the promise, then God will be the one to bring it to pass!

How many times have we had to deal with things in our lives simply because we got tired of waiting on God? We jumped too soon. We moved prematurely. We left the designated place too early. Timing is everything. Impatience can be the worst assassin of your destiny. Not your past. Not the devil. Not your haters. Just your inability to trust God’s timing.

Wait for due season. When it is God’s timing, things seem to fall into place in a supernatural kind of way. Don’t waste your energy trying to force doors to open. It may not be time yet.

Don’t get in a hurry. Enjoy the season you are currently in. God sees the big picture. All the pieces may need to come together for it to be God’s perfect time for your life. Maybe in this very moment, He is lining things up for you behind the scenes. Just be patient. When it’s God’s timing, all the forces of darkness cannot stop Him. When it is the appointed time, no man can keep it from happening. When it is your due season, God will bring it to pass!

Trust in God’s timing for your life!

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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Baylor Study of College Students Reveals:

Cellphone Addiction Is an Increasingly Realistic Possibility

By Dr. James Roberts

W

omen college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cellphones and men college students spend nearly eight, with excessive use posing potential risks for academic performance, according to a Baylor University study on cellphone activity published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.

ly with cellphone addiction. But others that might logically seem to be addictive – Internet use and gaming — were not.

General findings of the study showed that: • Of the top activities, respondents overall reported spending the most time texting (an average of 94.6 minutes a day), followed by sending emails (48.5 minutes), checking Facebook (38.6 minutes), surfing the Internet (34.4 minutes) and listening to their iPods. (26.9 minutes).

“That’s astounding,” said researcher James Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business. “As cellphone “As cellphone functions functions increase, addictions to this seemingincrease, addictions to this ly indispensable piece of seemingly indispensable technology become an increasingly realistic possi- piece of technology become bility.”

an increasingly realistic

• Men send about the same number of emails but spend less time on each.

“That may suggest that they’re sending shorter, more utilitarian messages than their female counterparts,” Roberts said.

The study notes that appossibility.” proximately 60 percent • Women spend more time of college students admit they may be addicted on their cellphones. While that finding runs to their cell phone, and some indicated they get somewhat contrary to the traditional view that agitated when it is not in sight, said Roberts, men are more invested in technology, “women lead author of the article “The Invisible Addic- may be more inclined to use cellphones for sotion: Cellphone Activities and Addiction among cial reasons such as texting or emails to build Male and Female College Students.” relationships and have deeper conversations.”

The study — based on an online survey of 164 college students — examined 24 cellphone activities and found that time spent on 11 of those activities differed significantly across the sexes. Some functions — among them Pinterest and Instagram — are associated significant-

• The men in the study, while more occupied with using their cellphones for utilitarian or entertainment purposes, “are not immune to the allure of social media,” Roberts said. They spent time visiting such social networking sites

24 valleychristianmagazine.com October

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as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Among reasons they used Twitter were to follow sports figures, catch up on the news — “or, as one male student explained it, ‘waste time,’” Roberts said.

Excessive use of cellphones poses a number of possible risks for students, he said.

“Cellphones may wind up being an escape mechanism from their classrooms. For some, cellphones in class may provide a way to cheat,” Roberts said.

Excessive or obsessive cellphone use also can cause conflict inside and outside the classroom: with professors, employers and families. And “some people use a cellphone to dodge an awkward situation. They may pretend to take a call, send a text or check their phones,” Roberts said.

Roberts noted that the current survey is more extensive than previous research in measuring the number and types of cellphone activities. It also is the first to investigate which activities are associated significantly with cellphone addictions and which are not.

Study participants were asked to respond to 11 statements such as “I get agitated when my cellphone is not in sight” and “I find that I am spending more and more time on my cellphone” to measure the intensity of their addiction.

The study noted that modern cellphone use is a

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paradox in that it can be “both freeing and enslaving at the same time.”

“We need to identify the activities that push cellphone use from being a helpful tool to one that undermines our well-being and that of others,” Roberts said.

Cellphone activities examined in the study included calling, texting, emailing, surfing the Internet, banking, taking photos, playing games, reading books, using a calendar, using a clock and a number of applications, among them the Bible, iPod, coupons, Google Maps, eBay, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, iTunes, Pandora and “other” (news, weather, sports, lifestyle-related applications and Snapchat.)

Other researchers include Luc Honore Petnji Yaya, professor in the department of economics and business administration at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain; and the late Chris Manolis, Ph.D., professor of marketing in Williams College of Business at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship.

Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic

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October

2014

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5

We

Ways to Connect with Millenials

think Millennial ministry is so important our team decided to revisit some of our most popular research on young adults.

We want to help you learn more about the next generation in order to maximize your efforts to spiritually engage them. Over years of research, one thing remains clear: the relationship between Millennials and the church is shifting. Although this list isn’t exhaustive, here are five major themes we’ve identified from our research.

1. Make Room for Meaningful Relationships The first factor that will engage Millennials at church is as simple as it is integral: relationships. When comparing twentysomethings who have remained active in their faith after high school and twentysomethings who have dropped out of church, our research uncovered a significant difference between the two. Those who stay are twice as likely to have had a close personal friendship with an adult inside the church (59% of those who stayed report such a friendship versus 31% among those who are no longer active). The same pattern is evident among more intentional relationships such as mentoring—nearly three in ten active Millennials (28% ) had an adult mentor at the church other than their pastor, compared to the just one in ten dropouts (11%) who would say the same.

2. Teach Cultural Discernment Millennials need help learning how to apply their hearts and minds to today’s cultural realities. Millennials need guidance on engaging culture meaningfully, and from a distinctly Christian perspective. This idea of finding a way to bring their faith in Jesus to the problems they encounter in the world is one of the most powerful motivations for today’s practicing Christian

Millennials. They don’t want their faith to be relegated to Sunday worship, and this desire for holistic faith is something the Church can speak to in a meaningful way. For example, active Millennial Christians are more than twice as likely to say their church helped them learn “about how Christians can positively contribute to society” compared to those who drop out (46% versus 20%). Actives are also nearly four times more likely to say they “better understand my purpose in life through church” (45% versus 12% of dropouts).

3. Create Reverse Mentoring Opportunities The term “reverse mentoring” has come to describe the kind of give and take between young and experienced leaders. Effective ministry to Millennials means helping these young believers discover their own mission in the world, not merely asking them to wait their turn. Millennials who remain active in church are twice as likely as dropouts to say they served the poor through their church (33% versus 14%). They are also more likely to say they went on a trip that helped expand their thinking (29% versus 16%) and more likely to indicate they had found a cause or issue at church that motivates them (24% versus 10%).

4. Teach Connection Between Vocation & Discipleship Churches can deepen their connection with Millennials by teaching a more potent theology of vocation, or calling. Many churches seem to leave this kind of vocation-based outcome largely at the door—unless these students show interest in traditional churchbased ministry. But what Millennials are seeking goes beyond this. Vocational discipleship is a way to help Millennials connect to the rich history of Christianity with their own unique work God has called them to—whether it’s within the walls of the church or not. Millennials who have remained active are three times more likely than dropouts to say they learned

26 valleychristianmagazine.com October

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to view their gifts and passions as part of God’s calling (45% versus 17%). They are four times more likely to have learned at church “how the Bible applies to my field or career interests” (29% versus 7% of dropouts).

5. Facilitate Connection with Jesus Millennials who retain a longer-lasting faith than their peers are more likely to find a sense of authority in the Word of God—both in the pages of the Bible as well as in their experience of intimacy with the God they follow. For example, Millennials who remain active are more likely than those who dropped out to say they believe Jesus speaks to them personally in a way that is real and relevant (68% versus 25%). Additionally, actives are much more likely to believe the Bible contains wisdom for living a meaningful life (65% versus 17% of dropouts).

What to do next We know churches are looking for ways to connect with Millennials and inspire this new generation to live faithfully. If you’re looking for a next step in how to effectively minister to Millennials, join us for Barna Labs.

You’ll receive real data from your faith community, create a plan to enhance your ministry based on your data, and learn from experts who are successfully addressing these five trends in their context. Learn more about Barna Labs Basic and Barna Labs Guided to discover the track that›s right for you.

About Barna Group Barna Group (which includes its research division, 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). Additional research-based resources are also available through this website. © Barna Group, 2014

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A Note From Nathan...

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“Hey Everyone… FCA is gearing up for a banner year. We’ve all heard it said that “more is not always better”, but in this case… MORE IS BETTER. FCA has MORE huddles starting on MORE campuses, MORE coaches and MORE athletes being reached, MORE locations for Fields of Faith, MORE Camps to go to, and MORE volunteers helping out than ever before.

For all of the “MORES” that God is giving us… we give Him MORE thanks. God tells us in Romans 8:37 ”… we are MORE than victorious through Him who loved us.” So, what MORE will you be a part of this year. Don’t miss out any MORE..

The Best Is Yet To Come...

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Nathan Jones

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

FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and ad-

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

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

28 valleychristianmagazine.com October

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What Can We Learn From Jesus Inviting His First Disciples To Follow Him?

By Carey Kinsolving & Friends

“We

can learn from John the Baptist to tell people who Jesus really is,” says Danae, 10. “John had many followers himself, but he didn’t try to compete with Jesus.”

Nothing is more challenging to successful ministers than to keep pointing people to Jesus Christ. Everyone has the tendency to take credit for a work that the Lord did through us.

Don’t do it. Keep pointing people to Christ.

“Jesus invited simple fishermen to follow him,” says Emily, 12. “I think he did that to show us that God’s love is for everyone, not just the people who are pretty, smart or popular.”

Jesus didn’t set up a recruiting office at the Jerusalem school for rabbis. He began his ministry in a remote desert place where two disciples of John the Baptist followed him.

“What do you seek?” Jesus asked them. By asking this question, Jesus forced his disciples to think about their motives. People follow Jesus for different “Jesus was reasons.

Artist Riley Hanagan 11

brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). When Jesus saw Simon, he immediately changed his name to Cephas, which means stone or rock. The name Cephas in the Aramaic language is the same as Peter in Greek.

answers.

When we follow Jesus, we give up our own identity for one that God gives us. Jesus knew that Simon would change. His testimony that Jesus is the Christ would serve as the foundational rock upon which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:13-20).

Memorize this truth: “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19).

the master fisherman of people. He knew how to provoke people’s curiosity so that they wanted to know more about God.”

Many Jews wanted the Messiah to overthrow the Romans. They saw Jesus as a splendid king (Isaiah 9 and 10). Jesus didn’t come the first time to crush his enemies, but to put himself into the hands of those who would crush him (Isaiah 53). Jesus had to explain to his disciples that the cross must come before the crown.

When the disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, he said, “Come and see” (John 1:39).

When we follow Jesus, he doesn’t show us everything at once. Every day, we must come and see what he has for us.

“We can learn that once we learn about Jesus, we should tell others,” says Anna, 10.

After only one day with Jesus, Andrew told his

Think about this: Jesus was the master fisherman of people. He knew how to provoke people’s curiosity so that they wanted to know more about God.

Ask this question: Are you fishing for people by pointing them to Jesus Christ?

“Jesus wants everyone to come to him,” says Rebekah, 6. “Jesus has time for everyone and will not say ‘hurry up’ or tell them to go away because he is busy.”

In an age where technology speeds up the way we communicate with each other, it’s hard to imagine a God who has time for us. If we don’t make time to “come and see” Jesus, we’ll never get to know him in a way that motivates us to tell our loved ones about him. Spending quality time with Jesus will result in telling others about him.

“When you are being open and willing to allow people to follow you, it might make them curious,” says Sarah, 11.

Jesus provoked people’s curiosity. We see that all the way through his ministry. He asked a lot of questions to which he already knew the

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Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distributed by Creators Syndicate.

KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. One Valley child will win a vacation for up to five, immediate family members to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado plus a check for $1000 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.

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world to me. If I know anything, I know God’s opened the doors and He’s made a way. I only have Him to thank for that.”

Justin Jarvis Atmospheres (Live)

By Lindsay Williams

L

ife can be so ordinary. Yet, when normal, everyday people make the choice to live for something greater than themselves, the extraordinary happens. Things begin to change.

Hearts begin to shift. This is the very paradigm that propelled worship leader Justin Jarvis to pen the songs for his latest full-length project, Atmospheres (Live), a live album that introduces the creativity and songwriting prowess of Jarvis to the masses.

As the worship director for The Harbour Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Jarvis will tell you he’s the “local church guy” who also happens to write original music for his congregation each week. “The scene and the setting is changing for me,” he says, “but at heart, I’m just a guy who loves my city and is believing for transformation here.”

No one was more surprised than the worship leader himself when Kim Walker-Smith, longtime front woman for Jesus Culture and the president of the movement’s record label, called to ask him to join Chris Quilala on tour with the idea that they would record Jarvis’ sets for a live album. It would be the singer/songwriter’s first tour and his first full-length record for a label.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to be traveling, I just didn’t want to push those doors open on my own,” Jarvis explains, noting that his focus for more than a decade has been on his local church, which he helped plant. “I’m excited because I feel like God’s opening a whole new

Jesus Culture was a natural fit for Jarvis’ entrance into the music scene, as he forged a friendship with highly-respected producer Jeremy Edwardson (Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith, Jesus Culture) years prior when Edwardson came to Florida to help record an independent project for Harbour Church. Soon after, Jarvis was asked to contribute to Jesus Culture’s Emerging Voices compilation. He knew the relationship was special from the beginning, but he had no idea what God was orchestrating.

“It was a pretty cool thing, because it was a lot more than a business transaction,” Jarvis shares. “It just felt like God’s up to something with this relationship, with this friendship.

[Jeremy] was just really excited about what was happening in our church.”

As a songwriter, worship leader and church planter, Jarvis places great emphasis on helping people become all God created them to be in the places where they live and work, cultivating an environment of organic evangelism that places the day-to-day life of the believer into the larger context of God’s epic narrative.

“Our heart is just really focused on regular people carrying Jesus into their sphere of influence,” he offers. “We really want to see regular, everyday people empowered with Jesus, His love, His Word, His spirit [and] His power in whatever sphere of influence they find themselves in. Whether you’re a cashier or a banker or a lawyer or a teacher or a chef or you work at a church; whatever you do, you’re taking the presence of God and the power of God and the love of Jesus into that sphere, and you’re giving it away to people.”

Jarvis acknowledges that his church shares a parallel vision with the Jesus Culture movement that makes their partnership seamless. “[Jesus Culture’s] out there telling kids, ‘Hey, go do what you love to do; go be what you want to be, and take the power and love and presence of God into that sphere with you,’” he says.

“When I heard them saying that, I was like, ‘Maybe the Holy Spirit’s up to something with this relationship even though I’m on the other

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That’s why it was easy for him to view this unique touring opportunity as an open door.

During his two-week run with Jesus Culture, Jarvis shared the stage with Chris Quilala (guitars), Jeffrey Kunde (guitars), Ian McIntosh (keys), Josh Fisher (drums) and Brandon Aaronson (bass) who all acted as his backing band. The resulting live album, produced by Edwardson, pushes the boundaries of standard live worship recordings. While some of the 10 original tracks on Atmospheres—all written by Jarvis and spanning over 60 minutes—were anthems he has been leading for years at his church, three songs are brand-new, meaning he hadn’t even had time to “road test” them yet with his own congregation. Yet, the project is so cohesively woven together sonically and lyrically, listeners will have trouble believing this was Jarvis’ touring debut.

“The whole concept of Atmospheres is just that tension between the encounter with God that deposits something in you and then the sharing of that with others in the day in, day out,” Jarvis shares of the album’s theme and the title track. “Wherever we go, our lives are gateways for the love of God and the power of God in and through us. The Holy Spirit in us will shift the atmosphere, and we’ll leave an impact wherever we go.”

The swelling soundscapes on Atmospheres live up to its sweeping title with large, bold anthems big enough to fill arenas and conjuring comparisons to Coldplay, The Killers and Arcade Fire—all band’s that have influenced Jarvis, who began playing guitar and leading worship in high school.

Growing up in Alabama, Jarvis sang in chorus starting in elementary school, but it was during his pivotal high school and college years that his musical preferences were shaped. As a teen he was inspired by artists who had the ability to add spontaneity to their sets in the middle of their live performances—like Counting Crows

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and Dave Matthews Band. “I think it’s powerful the effect arena rock has on people on such a massive live scale,” Jarvis observes. “There’s something in that sound that touches us. We’ll gather tens of thousands at a time and listen and sing, just because we love it and it moves our hearts.”

Jarvis’ penchant for indie rock sensibilities and the depth of his theology is evident from the album’s opening guitar riffs. The gripping lead cut, “Take Heart,” based on John 16, reminds believers that faith in God does not exempt you from life’s hardships. “That song is a really important song for me, because I think people need to hear hope in the context of trouble,” Jarvis contends. “You don’t really have real hope without real trouble.”

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Also rooted in Scripture, the powerful “Heaven’s Light” comes from Isaiah 58 and serves as Jarvis’ self-described “first modern hymn.” “It’s about Jesus in us and through us. As we go deeper in relationship with Him, He is both the light we look to and the light we shine on others. He sets us free, teaches us how to trust him, and gives us grace to overcome

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Reverent closer “Born of God,” which Chris Quilala recorded for the most recent Jesus Culture record, is an unabashed retelling of the gospel culled from Isaiah 53. “Jesus was like us. His love and humility and the power of His choice to really come and embrace the world—it’s crazy,” Jarvis offers. “A baby in the arms of a teenage girl—just submitting Himself to that, to a childhood and an adolescence and learning the craft of His father and being in a body that wasn’t overly impressive; yet His life here proclaimed the arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth. His life tore the veil for every person to know God. That wasn’t some big spiritual experience alone, it was a life. It was a day-by-day, morning, noon and night life that He lived.”

Ironically, the song is a beautiful picture of the everyday life believers are called to. “We have encounters with God that mark different parts of our journey through life. God gives them to us so that they become catalysts for our everyday,” Jarvis continues.

“An encounter with God in a moment leaves an impact, but that impact is realized in its fullness when we carry what God gave us into everyday and give it away to the world around us.”

With Atmospheres, Jarvis hopes each song extends pieces of the hope and life and love that he’s experienced through his relationship with Christ. “I think there’s a lot of faith, a lot of hope, a lot of deep theology in the record that I want people to catch so that they’re ready to believe God for anything,” Jarvis admits. “I really want the songs to open up encounters with God that touch people’s hearts, take them deeper and leave them changed. I hope the songs give people confidence in what Jesus has done for us so that we can live the life He’s called us to live—as sons, as daughters-- that the songs will inspire people to believe Jesus and act on His love and His power.”

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The Jesus Way

J

Eugene H. Peterson Eerdmans Publishing Co.

esus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” These were controversial words when they were first spoken and written, and they continue to be today. Clearly this is a reference to eternal salvation with the Triune God. Eugene Peterson engages in a conversation “on the ways we go about following Jesus, the Way.”

be imposed or mapped – it requires an active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory, in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings, in the pauses and reflection where we engage in prayerful conversation with one another and with him.” (p. 18) There is no one method or formula in following the Savior.

Psalms dispel David’s dependence on God in the midst of his vast imperfections.

The prophet Elijah embodies the way of countering the culture of the secular world. In a time when so called followers were blending the way of the world with God’s way, Elijah stood firm.

Peterson then writes about Isaiah of Jerusalem and Exile. Isaiah of Jerusalem is Holy, Holy, Holy; perhaps the primary theme of the prophet. Isaiah of Exile is a way of hope of a glorious future for God’s people.

“To follow Jesus implies that we enter into a way of life that is given character and shape Eugene Peterson is the author of The Message. and direction by the one who calls us. To follow If you’ve read his contemporary translation (or Jesus means picking up rhythms and ways of Peterson completes his The Jesus Way by deparaphrase) of the Bible, you know he has a doing things that are often unsaid but always scribing “Other Ways;” The Way of Herod, The Way of Caiaphas, and the Way of Josephus. way with words. Just about derivative from Jesus, formed Herod presents the way of power, wealth, every sentence he writes is Living by the Book is an by the influence of Jesus. To consumption and self-absorption. Caiaphas quotable. His writing is clear excellent book that takes follow Jesus means that we and it draws you in to a de- you through a basic method can’t separate what Jesus is displays the way of religion as privilege and exploitation; basically religion as personal sire to follow Jesus, His way. saying from what Jesus is of Bible study. The simple prosperity. Josephus sets out the way of comdoing and the way that he is In all of life’s endeavors, we approach is to observe, promise. Unfortunately, these “Other Ways” doing it. To follow Jesus is as confront the issue of ends interpret, and apply. are the ways that we can probably relate with much, or maybe even more, and means. The end is the all too well. goal or result, and the means are the way we about feet as it is about ears and eyes.” (p. 22) accomplish that goal or result. As an educator, Peterson takes you through a journey of the Peterson’s book challenges the very heart of the I often confront students who will try to do Old Testament way of renowned followers of way we live every part of our lives. You can’t whatever it takes to get their credits toward God. The first is Abraham, which is a story of help but realize that your way of life needs to graduation, even if it means cheating. I try to the way of faith. The way of Moses is one of lan- be altered to really live The Jesus Way. convince the students that the goal is to learn guage. He was called to lead Israel from Egypt as they earn. Cheating may get the credit, but to the land of promise (Exodus and what good is credit without learning? In any- Numbers). God gave Him the words of thing, the end can be reached in the wrong way the Law, which would guide the people’s Bookw Is a teacher at Edinburg North and or the right way. earned his Masters in Theology from evie way of life (Exodus and Leviticus). Mo-

Miguel Paredes

“The end, for Christians, is God’s work of salvation.” “The means? In one word, Jesus, Jesus, pure and simple. We follow Jesus.” (p. 7) “The way of Jesus cannot

ses also spoke to them in preparation for life in the land (Deuteronomy).

R

by

Dallas Theological Seminary.

He is married to Brenda and has four children: Diego (12), Karla and Andrea (9), and Charis (5).

“The way of David is, from start to finish, a way of imperfection.” Many

Beloved Dust

Never Ever Give Up

By Jamin Goggin, Kyle Strobel Nelson Books

D

rawing Close To God By Discovering The Truth About Yourself

Pastor Jamin Goggin and theology professor Kyle Strobel provide a path to abiding with God. We were formed from the dust, but we were made for life with God. We often accept less. We make promises and set goals to try and grow, but holiness seems impossible. But the Christian life is not about looking or feeling like a Christian. It’s about abiding in God. If communion with God is your goal, self-help strategies and personal resolutions will fail you. But Jesus Christ will not.

Drawing deeply from Scripture and narrating their own experiences, Pastor Jamin Goggin and theology professor Kyle Strobel wrote this book to be a companion for your journey with Jesus in the truth of yourself – as his beloved dust. This is not weighing tasks and rewards, but is a process of patience, prayer, and openheartedness.

Prayerfully read this book. Prepare your heart for the gifts God has for you. Beloved Dust invites readers to discover the fundamental simplicity and radical transformation of being with God.

34 valleychristianmagazine.com October

2014

I

By Erik Reese with Jenna Glatzer Zondervan Publishing

t started with a simple question: How can we help them? It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer.

During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the “Joy Factory” (originally their garage) making JoyJars®—packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars® being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars®, and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children’s hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses.

Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer.

Join the movement at www.negu.org.

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October

2014

valleychristianmagazine.com 35

Learn 2 Lead

Leadership conference with John Maxwell and others October 10 – Palm Valley Church, Mission www.Learn2LeadRGV.eventbrite.com

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FCA Champions Golf Tournament

Silly Sing Along October 26 – McAllen Civic Auditorium www.ticketmaster.com

October 13 – Cimarron Country Club, Mission 956-279-1131 www.southtexasfca.org

FCA Fields of Faith Wednesday, Oct 8 Stadiums Across the Valley PSJA, Edinburg, La Joya, McAllen, Sharyland

Night of Worship

Saturday, Nov 1 Heavenly Splendor Alamo, TX

36 valleychristianmagazine.com October

2014

Protect: Robert R Elizalde, Agent 5107 South Mccoll Road Edinburg, TX 78539 Bus: 956-683-9800 robert@robertelizalde.com Mon-Thurs 8:30am to 7:00pm Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm

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2014

valleychristianmagazine.com 37

Using The Mortgage To Consolidate Dear Dave, I’m 38, single and I have three kids. I make $65,000 a year and have $34,000 in debt. I’m about to get remarried, and my new husband will make about $100,000 a year. Should I take the $34,000 and put it on my mortgage to consolidate it?

Leslie Dear Leslie, Please don’t consolidate this debt. If you guys are about to get married you need to learn, as a couple, to make debt a thing of the past and live on a written, monthly budget. Think about it.

Once you’re married, your family will have a great income. You could really push and attack that debt, and have it paid off in no time.

As a new couple, you need to learn to set goals and work on things as a team. Budgeting is a great exercise for any marriage, but it’s an especially good thing for newly married couples to learn to do. A budget isn’t just controlling your money. It’s two people sitting down together and sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Not just that, it’s the process of making an actual, workable, written plan that will help make these dreams become reality.

Don’t do a debt consolidation, Leslie. Debt consolidation is nothing more than a “con,” because you think you’ve done something about the debt problem. But the truth is the debt is still there, as are the habits that caused it. All you did was move it around.

You can’t borrow your way out of debt, just like you can’t get out of a hole by digging out the bottom!

—Dave

Offered A Timeshare

Dave Says

Dear Dave, Some friends recently offered me a timeshare. It’s an older place on the beach, and they’ve had it for about 20 years. I’d have to pay a transfer fee of $100, plus a yearly association fee of $500.

I know you’re not a big fan of timeshares, but does this deal sound okay?

Jill Dear Jill, In essence, you’re looking at $500 a week. I know the $500 is technically an annual association fee, but you’re basically paying $500 for your week at the timeshare. And in the future, say five years from now, the association fee could increase. You might be paying $1,000 a year at that point — again, for your week.

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

In actuality, the numbers you’re talking about right now aren’t completely terrible. Still, it’s not a huge blessing. In my mind it’s kind of like, “How would you like a kick in the knee that’s not too hard?”

If it were me, I’d much rather spend my $500 a year on travel and be able to go and stay wherever I wanted. Not only does this free you up it that area, but you’d only spend the money when and if you did it. With a timeshare, you get charged whether you show up or not.

This one’s not as bad as if you’d have to pay $8,000 for the opportunity. But if these were my friends making the offer, I’d have to say no thanks.

—Dave

38 valleychristianmagazine.com October

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October

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valleychristianmagazine.com 39

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, TX2014 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 40 valleychristianmagazine.com October