Valley Christian Magazine - Septemer 2011

September 2011

VCM Interview:

Lecrae s ’ Message Valley Youth to

Want to Change?

Choose to Change!

God 5Ways Answers Prayer VCM Exclusive Interview With:

Ken Bevel of

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x e d n i 27

11

24 Pastor

Shann

Kevin Bevel of Courag

eous

46

Reuben

lsong an of Hil

Morg

31 34 43 46 49

ley

Christian Torres Publisher

Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

Henry Miller Editor

Henry@valleychristianmagazine.com

Irma d’Santiago “morett” Designer

PHOTOGRAPHERS The Studio -

18

Jenny Hollis & Cliff Ranson

Lee Jinks CONTRIBUTORS David Soper Jerrell Jobe Milton Gonzalez Mike Masso Miguel Paredes Lance Phy For Advertising contact:

Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

Lecra e – In

Features 11 18 24 27

on Tal

Volume 1 Issue 6

– – – –

At Home with Shannon Talley In His Words with LECRAE Women of Faith Courageous The Movie “Honor Begins at Home” – McAllen P.D.’s Courageous Officer: Ricardo Guzman – 5 Ways God Answers Prayer with Luis Palau – Books to Check Out – Reuben Morgan’s Lessons in Life – Events

On The Cover 27 - VCM Exclusive Interview with Kevin Bevel of Courageous

His W ords

National Columnists 16 20 39 50

– – – –

Greg Laurie James MacDonald Max Lucado Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 22 32 36 41 42 45

- Christian Torres – Mike Masso – Henry Miller – Jerrell Jobe – Milton Gonzalez – Miguel Paredes – Lance Phy

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956.314.0161 phone 956.688.6336 fax To submit story ideas, events, or comments:

www.valleychristianmagazine.com Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501 Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2011. Printed in the USA.

Can I Really Impact

By Christian Torres

Ok, here is my idealistic view:

Each one of us can make a difference. Seriously. Each one of you reading this. We have the ability and opportunity to influence and impact not only those around us but also the world. Sounds like some farfetched-pie-in-the-sky-kumbaya, right? Or is it?

In the bible, Matthew 28 tells us to go and make disciples of all men and nations. Tells Us. Not says maybe you should think about it if you want to.

You may think…Me? No Way. That’s for others to do. I’m happy serving those around me. The question now becomes: Are you really serving those around you?

I want to share how someone like you has made a difference.

Meet Mari. She’s a 3K teacher at a private school in McAllen.

She’s a single parent who’s helping her son to graduate college. Mari is a very sweet person who would do anything for you (behind the scenes).

She cries at the end of every school year because she has grown to love your little 3-yearold like he/she was her own.

Mari was recently invited to go on a foreign mission trip and here is her story: First Reactions: Wow, where do I begin? A co-worker in-

vited me to go on a mission trip with her to Jamaica to serve children and help at a deaf school. My first reaction? Are ya’ kiddin’ me?

Indecision: Let me just say that it took some serious convincing and encouragement. I never thought it’d be me going on a mission trip. I never thought I could do something like that. I always thought that someone else would go and I would pray for them or support them through a small donation. But in the end, it took obedience.

Comfortable: I really had to get out of my comfort zone. I had my routine and this definitely was not part of it. This took me having to commit, save up and pay for this.

Equipped: Looking back, I can now realize that my journey stared a long time ago. God has been getting me ready through difficult trials. He’s been polishing and preparing me for this. All I kept thinking was who am I? What can I share?

What talents do I have? Even if I do go, what am I going to do once I get there? What kind of impact can I make? I’m not a musician. I’m not an evangelist. I’m not a pastor. I’m just me. All I kept thinking was about Matthew 28. He said go. He didn’t say only certain people go. Each one of us….

Go.

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Once there: It was unbelievable! The people were so excited and overwhelming.

They welcomed us. There was so much excitement and enthusiasm just to have us there.

The little ones were craving attention and a hug. If I sat on the ground they would jump in my lap! Looks like all my K3 experiences were exactly what I needed. [huge smile] Looking Back: I’ve really come to realize that my life is more than work and a comfortable routine. It’s so much deeper than that. Jesus has provided so much grace on my life and has more than equipped me to make an impact.

~~~ I invite you to reflect on your life and maybe for the first time consider what God’s purpose is for your life. Is it more than what your doing? Is it more than your day to day routine?

Pray and see how God has already more than equipped you to impact the world.

~Christian Torres Publisher Christian Torres and his wife, Stephanie, live in McAllen with their 3 daughters Madeleine (11), Natalie (8), and Courtney (6).

They are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

The World?

Mari Acosta holds a child during her recent mission trip to Jamaica. / 9 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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The Photos by

ission, TX

Studio - M

Talley, 39 n o n n a h S r to 40 Pas ndra Talley, Sa

(wife of nearly

20 years)

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Spanish – 9:15 6:30 p.m. s (English) – g in n ve E y Sunda

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, TX

ve., McAllen 1200 Beech A

HOW DID YOU AND SANDRA MEET?

Sandra and I met at college. I had a girlfriend when I went to college and she was a few years behind me. I met Sandra on Monday. Saw her walking in the hall on Tuesday, we went riding in her car on Thursday, I broke up with my girlfriend on Friday and was at Sandra’s house on Saturday.

(SHANNON, OUR FACT-CHECKING DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT THE MALE-TO-FEMALE RATIO AT THE COLLEGE WAS 17:1 AND THAT MISS SANDRA ACTUALLY SCOOPED YOU UP. PS – SANDRA WAS OUR FACT-CHECKING DEPARTMENT) That was in August 1990 and we married in December 1991. It’ll be 20 years this year. I couldn’t say enough about my wife. We’ve been through a lot together.

She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. When I pray for her I thank God for the partner in life and in ministry He gave me.

IS IT OK TO USE SANDRA’S AGE? Well she IS older than I am. I always take every opportunity to remind her of that. (THIS BEING ONE OF THOSE WAYS?) Of course, Valleywide! I always tell her “baby

when you’re 80, I’ll still be in my 70s.” And she always responds with “and who will care?”

NOW YOU HAVE TWO SONS GOING OFF IN THE FALL RIGHT? Kirk graduated high school and is going to Louisiana College in Pineville. That’s where we moved from and he spent a majority of his life. My parents – his grandparents – are there so he’s going home and he’s going to be in very good hands.

Josh is 15 and his life in about to change in a dramatic way.

He’ll be attending Marine Military Academy in Harlingen in the fall.

He’s excited about that. A lot of his friends have told him he is going to die.

He’s made his mind up and the structure and discipline is going to be good for him. And I don’t have to buy clothes. It’s either do you want the suede boots or… the suede boots.

SO Y’ALL ARE GONNA BE EMPTY-NESTERS?

I remember thinking when Kirk was 8 that I had maybe 10 years left with him before he moved on. Later on when he turned 13 and we got him his first cell phone I was thinking I’ve got about five years. And now it’s here, it’s in the fall. I’ve got five months or less. I’m excited for him, happy to see him go start his life. But suddenly I’m filled with ‘Did I do it right?’ ‘Did I spend enough time with him?’ Both my boys are going. Josh will be living in Harlingen. Now I’m reliving 15 and 17 years of mistakes. ‘I wish I had done this differently; I wish I had said

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this more often; I wish we prayed together more often.’ But I come back to one prayer I have prayed my entire life as a father – ‘God be the Father I am not to these boys. Fill in the gap. Where I fail, you fulfill.’

LOUISIANA IS A CULTURE UNTO ITSELF. THAT BEING SAID, HOW HAVE YOU LIKED THE VALLEY?

We moved to the Valley September 1, 2009. We love it here. It is such a joy to hear my wife say “I just love it here.” She hates the traffic but loves it here. I have lived in places where she didn’t say that. God took us there but she didn’t like the place.

SO FROM CAJUN INFLUENCE TO MEXICAN IS OK?

I fell in love with the Hispanic culture a long time ago. I fell in love with Mexican food from Day One – you can look at me and tell I love Mexican food. I took a mission trip to Nicaragua and preached for nine days to the people and loved it. I called and told Sandra I didn’t want to come home. I wanted her to pack up the kids and come to me. God was preparing me for our move here… and it’s less humid than Louisiana.

YOU EARNED YOUR MASTERS AT BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE RIGHT?

My dad was a pastor and until 1999 I never lived anywhere in my life over three years. I was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and went to Blue Mountain College where I met Sandra. I graduated from there in 1999 and began my three-year program for a Masters and I crammed it into nine (NINE

MONTHS?). Nine Years.

And in that decade I raised two boys and worked in church full time.

ALL THIS TIME I THOUGHT YOU HAD CAJUN BLOOD

No, I’m a transplant. We lived in Louisiana for the first time in 1997 but not for long. Then we went back and lived in Alexandria in 1999 for seven years in a row (emphasizing in a row). Went to Chattanooga for a couple years then went back to Louisiana another two years. So when people ask me where my home is we just say Louisiana.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES

Only real hobby is I like to play golf. Since I’ve been in this role, I haven’t played one ounce of golf. (I’VE NOTICED ALL PASTORS PLAY GOLF, WHAT’S THE DEAL THERE?) It’s a Godly sport. Occasionally we’ll say that we have to go meet the Green family or visit the Fairways.

In Louisiana we call people from Shreveport Yankees because they’re from The North – North Louisiana, where you don’t get any Cajun influence. We still have people in Central Louisiana who speak Cajun French and speak it at home. From Lafayette and South, it’s Cajun and it’s good.

AREN’T YOU A HUGE TECHNO GUY?

I love computers. I love Apple. I switched to Apple in 1999. I was doing video work and PCs were killing me. After spending 24-48 hours on a project and it crashing on me and losing everything, I switched. I bought the first iMac G4. I also bought the first iPod. Later I sold them both for $300 and bought an iPhone. I have taught from the pulpit that once you go Mac, you don’t ever go back.

YOUR FAVORITE APP?

Words With Friends . I have about 10 games and it’s the last thing I do at night to wind down. My other favorite app is Netflix.

Nothing relaxes me faster than the Andy Griffith Show.

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DID YOU PLAY ANY SPORTS OTHER THAN PASTORAL GOLF?

I played tennis in high school but learned to play basketball in college because I grew like 4 inches.

cially with the “Heeey y’aaalllll.”

HOW ABOUT WATCHING SPORTS?

I’ll watch sports if it’s like a guys’ night but not much usually. But whenever they’re on, the family gathering is LSU football.

YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Some members from church take trips back to Louisiana and bring back Crawfish Boudin (pronounced boo-dahn - Begin Major Cajun Accent Here) which brin’ out da accen’ in me.. I luuh dat crahfish boo-dah…

SO YOU DO HAVE A CAJUN ACCENT WHEN YOU WANT! Well I think the accent has worked out of us from moving all over. But when I met Sandra she was a real Southern Belle, espe-

DO YOU READ A LOT?

My favorite guy of all time is Manley Beasley. He was just a hero of faith. He wrote workbooks on faith, but more than that his life backed it up. He didn’t just preach it, he lived it.

I’ve been reading Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost For His Highest” since college and it speaks to me every day in different ways. It really hits me in the head.

I’m reading right now a book called “Transforming Church in Rural America” by Shannon O’Dell. We’re not rural but what he writes about is true for a lot of churches. We need to establish some fresh ideas and take risks to go reach people. Go beyond the walls.

YOUR FAVORITES SONGS/GROUPS?

I love Chris Tomlin and MercyMe is my favorite

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of all time. “Jesus Bring The Rain” just speaks to me – no matter what you send my way Lord, if it’s to bring me closer to you, even if it’s rain and storms – bring it. I look for music that means something. The Crabb Family has a version of “I’d Rather Have Jesus” that I play almost every day.

WHAT ARE SOME PLANS FOR CHURCH?

I really believe God put me here for a purpose and believe he wants to do great things inside First Baptist Church.

Number one I want our church to reach out in this community, to this block of people. I want First Baptist to be a light that beams around this neighborhood. To have this neighborhood know that if they need help, if they need a place to turn, there’s a church that will help them.

God has put in my heart that before I can tell them about Jesus I need to show them about Jesus.

Sandra and I both feel that God wants to do a great work in the Valley. Every church in the Valley could be full. There’s definitely not a lack of people.

What I share with the church is that where there is divine operation there’s satanic opposition. We see that.

And you can sense in the area that there’s a demonic influence that doesn’t want to see

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people saved or communities reached for the Lord

Is “It” Slowing You Down?

By Greg Laurie

W

hen you become a Christian, one of the more notable changes is that you will give up many of the things you once did. Of course, this depends on your lifestyle prior to your conversion. But for many of us, a dramatic change will take place.

I have heard people share their stories of how they came to Christ and the great sacrifices they made to follow Him, saying things like, “I had a great life…I went to parties…I had so much fun…But I gave it all up for Jesus Christ, hallelujah! I left it all for the glory of God!” The Apostle Paul put it all into perspective for us when he wrote, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him (Philippians 3:7-9, NIV)

What did you give up?

When I hear statements like that, I feel like asking, “What in the world are you talking about?

You gave it all up? What did you give up?”

If they were to look at those things honestly and realistically, they would come to the same conclusion that Paul did. He said, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:7-8).

Paul was saying that the stuff that used to be so important, the stuff he once valued so highly, meant nothing to him now in comparison with the awesome privilege and value of belonging to Jesus.

Slowing you down or speeding you up?

We might do well to bring certain activities or habits in our lives under the same scrutiny. It’s a good idea to periodically ask ourselves, “Is this thing that I am doing slowing me down or speeding me along in my walk with God? Is it building me up spiritually or is it tearing me down?”

The conclusion has to be the same:

If anything is keeping you from an intimate, open-hearted relationship with God through Jesus Christ, whatever that thing may be, you must count it as a loss.

Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

He began his pastoral ministry at the age of 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed that small group into a church of some 15,000 people. Today, Harvest is one of the largest churches in America.

For more about Pastor Greg, visi t : www.greglaurie.com Used by permission from : Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514

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By Henry Miller and LeCrae

Valley Christian Magazine was given the opportunity to sit with Christian rap artist Lecrae recently at the Student Evangelism Conference at BT McAllen. Following are his thoughts regarding today’s youth, their music and other subjects, in his words:

On the youth conference: It’s always an encouragement to come to a place where there’s an emphasis on developing people spiritually and just growing them, maturing them. For me to be able to play a part in that, that’s always an encouragement. To work alongside the body as they grow people is special.

I’m excited to be here. I’m blown away at what I’m seeing in the passion of the people here.

There’s also something significant or special when they use the music we do.

There’s tons of music out there. The fact people see the reality, the need for the message we articulate in our music is very encouraging.

On his mom’s influence: I think my mother encouraged me in terms of seeing the world and expanding my mind. That’s always something I hold near and dear to me. She always encouraged me to keep pressing, to finish what you start. So even in the most discouraging times there’s some nurturing that’s been done in me by her that says keep pressing, keep moving forward, keep developing, keep growing, keep learning.

You haven’t arrived.

That’s a real encouragement.

I’m glad to be able to serve the way I’m serving now.

On the music industry and competing as a rapper: More than anything, it’s the only example I’d seen so I didn’t know any different. Becoming a Christian for me, the first place I started getting developed was with a very strong community of believers who emphasized truth and The Bible. That was a big deal for me. On top of that you have the first artist I listened to was Cross Moon Man and they were heavy laden with truth and the words meant a lot.

They didn’t waste words so that’s all I’ve ever known and I stretch to do the same thing.

I never felt like I was competing. I felt like I was a voice screaming out in the midst of it all. I never felt like I was in competition with these guys - I was burdened for them. I want to scream and say something. In the Christian culture there were only a few voices that I think were speaking out in a very relevant way.

On his favorite scripture: It always changes. We say Romans 1:16 a lot because the whole idea of being unashamed of the Gospel. Personally, though, it changes as I’m studying the Word. Right now it’s 1 Corinthians 4 and 5. Paul just says ultimately God will judge the motive of our hearts and He’ll praise us for the motive of our hearts. Lord, will You praise me for the motives of my heart?

Are my motives pure as I’m up here doing all the things I’m doing There’s plenty to deter your motive to be something other than giving His name the Glory.

Giving a message to youth: You are God’s workmanship. He made you, He designed you, He gave you purpose.

You’re significant because He made you and not because of the clothes you wear or the people who know you or don’t know you. Not because you’re captain of the team or you have this cute girl or guy who really likes you.

Your significance isn’t wrapped up in your talents, your gifts, your money, your popularity. It’s wrapped up in God and the more you know you’re created by Him the more you know your significance and your purpose.

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Look at Romans 6:10, “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all. But the life that He lives, He lives to God.” Some Bible teachers argue that change is all about God and not about us at all. All we really need to do in order to experience the transforming power of the Gospel, they say, is lean back in our recliners, put our feet up, and let God do it all.

Now hear this: That is not what the Bible teaches! Of course we need God’s help, but we cannot be changed without making the choice to change ourselves. Notice Paul’s command in Romans 6:12: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body.” What’s that if it’s not a choice?! Do not let sin reign in you! Make a choice.

“Well, sin has been ruling my life,” you say. Listen; it doesn’t have to. Don’t let it; make a choice.

The power of sin is unplugged—don’t plug it in. Don’t let it rule you.

The next time temptation steps up to you and says, “Do it! Go ahead, do it!

Go ahead,” just answer: “Get off me! You are not in charge! Shut up! Stop bossing me around. Don’t tell me what to do! I’m not that person anymore! I’m a new creation in Christ!” That’s what Paul meant when he said, “Don’t let sin reign.”

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Choosing to Change

By Dr. James MacDonald

Get involved! Choose to change! With your commitment and God’s help, you can.

Day 3: I went for a walk down the same street. I fell in the same hole. I got out quickly. It is my fault.

Maybe you’re saying “Well, how do I choose? Teach me how to choose. I want to choose.” Here’s a neat little story my mom gave to me, called “Choosing to Change in Five Days.” I don’t know the source, but it’s helped me out of a few “holes” in my life.

Day 4: I went for a walk down the same street. I saw the hole. I walked around it.

Day 1: I went for a walk down a street. I fell into a hole. I didn’t see it. It took me a long time to get out.

It’s not my fault.

Day 2: I went for a walk down the same street. I fell in the same hole. It took me a long time to get out.

Why did I do that?

Listen to Walk in the Word locally weekdays at 5:30 a.m.

Day 5: I went for a walk down a different street. I can’t handle it when I go down that street. Every time I go down that street, I feel something sucking me down that hole! I’m not going down that street anymore! I don’t like what happens on that street.

And when I get there, I can’t handle it. I don’t want sin to reign in my body so I’m not going down that street anymore.

Living for God is day by day. Choose it.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor

at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago.

James’ teacing canbe heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America. To subscribe to the Weekly Walk, a weekly e-devotional, visit www.walkintheword.com Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023.

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The Only Time is Today It’s a blessing to discover areas in our life that must change, but I have found there is a counter –productive tendency to get down and beat ourselves up after our need to change has been exposed-even after repentance.

Too often we dwell on the fact that there were many things we squandered over the years related to being blind to the effects of our behavior.

We think about how we could have spent more time with our kids, ministered to others, spent fewer hours on counter-productive thoughts and activities, spinning our wheels trying to meet the imposed expectations of others, the list go on.

So often, we say to ourselves, “why didn’t I do this sooner,” only to bury ourselves with regret and disappointment. One alternative, when we become aware of our

By Mike Masso

character flaws (blind spots), is not to change in order to avoid dealing with the guilt, blame, and regret for the wake of hurt relationships and lost time. Unfortunately, this approach will require a lifetime justifying ourselves and blaming others, which only extends and multiplies the problems.

Some may try to avoid the whole cycle of regret and decide not to acknowledge the need for change and wonder why they’re not appreciated and why everyone else is so messed up and against them.

In my prayer time, God began to show me something very liberating regarding the tendencies toward the regret of “squandered time” that can help us deal with these challenges within our soul.

In our human world we relate to events within the realm of time, but with God, He is not limited by time. He does not measure His plan in days or years. God interacts with us from the basis of His purposes and principles alone. He measures “reality” against His Word.

The only time that exists in relation between God and man is today. “Today is the day of salvation,” not “it should have been yesterday, years ago, or even tomorrow.” Yes, we most likely will experience certain consequences for sins and poor decisions of yesterday, but those consequences are to produce the purposes of God in our lives today, as well as in the lives of others.

The results of our consequences are not limited by how we should have done something earlier in time.

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God’s purposes and principles transcend our earthly limitation of time. He is the Alpha and Omega! Sounds like spiritual hype and intangible for us mere mortals, but the reality of this in our practical little world means that we are able to “rejoice” in today, not yesterday, and not tomorrow, but TODAY! God’s Word proclaims “Today is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” When we truly trust the Lord today, we do not have to worry about the past or future.

So let’s take the joyful steps of personal change by acknowledging the truth of our limitations and flaws and rejoice in the freedom that our Lord is able to perform His purposes in our lives and the lives of others if we repent, trust and celebrate today!

Mike Masso is married to Robyn Masso and they have four children.

Mike and his family have been involved in the Rio Grande Valley community most of their lives in ministry and business ventures. Mike is the Director for Leadership Development Alliance, LLC, President of Viva Life Christian Book Shop and Owner-Broker of Prime Ventures Commercial Real Estate.

faithscreenprinting

@yahoo.com

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Shawn Patterson remembers the first time she considered going to a Women of Faith Conference.

“I was picturing these little white-haired grandmothers talking about things that didn’t matter to me,” said the McAllen resident and mother of three. “My age group was late 30s, early 40s and I didn’t think it would be a fit.”

t

Still, the super-active mom/wife/volunteer/community events organizer took on the task of getting a group of women together for last year’s event in San Antonio. It didn’t take her long to realize her vision – though maybe correct aesthetically - was way off in the grand scheme.

ofFaith o men W Women’s

Ministry

By Henry Miller

4 88

“These were the hippest, coolest, most down to earth grandmothers ever,” she said. “They were so full of real-life experiences and were completely transparent.

They are true leaders and they let all of us know that God will be there for us, the same as he was for them.”

million

women hav -plus a Women oe attended f Faith even

t

oss cities acr merica North Asted a have ho of Faith Women event

350,000

The event so inspired Patterson that she once again is task-mastering bringing a group of area women to the Oct. 21-22 Women of Faith Conference in San Antonio’s Alamodome. This year’s conference is entitled “Over the Top,” and will have Amy Grant and Mandisa as its musical guests. Conference speakers include Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty and Lisa Whelchel, among others.

(and counting)

have dicated fi for Christ at in a Women ofrsFt-a time decisions ith event

Patsy Clairmont

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Mandisa

Amy Grant

Lisa Whelchel

6 9 19

f Faith o n e om ear W The y

Women of Faith is a faith-based women’s organization encouraging women of all ages and stages in life to grow in faith and spiritual maturity through a relationship with Jesus Christ and an understanding of God’s love and grace. Using humor and honesty and with an objective to see women set free to a lifestyle of God’s grace by offering events, books, resources and publication, Women of Faith promotes the message that “beyond a shadow of a doubt, God loves you – regardless of where you are in life.

A ground-breaking UCLA study discovered a high correlation between friendships among women and lower stress levels. Patterson said she couldn’t agree more and believes a conference like the Women of Faith will only strengthen those bonds.

Conference:

began

160,000

(so far) – Child Vision by Wreonm sponsored through World en of Faith atten dees

r The yea f o Women an g Faith be

28

“Over The Top”

“As women we are pre-programmed – we get to deal with some ridiculously complicated things that men don’t have a clue on whatsoever,” Patterson said, adding as an example “honey, welcome to womanhood.”

“All these women getting together is so inspiring and motivational. We share stories, we tell our testimonies and meet and learn about each other. We make new friends, catch up with others. It’s just a beautiful event all around.”

DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND the Women of Faith Conference, Oct 21-22 in San Antonio?

-Call Shawn Patterson at:

(956) 330-4492 Search “McAllen Area Women of Faith” on Facebook to get more details (there’s a group page and an events page)

Check out

www.womenoffaith.com

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Fellowship

Small Groups

Youth

Children

Worship ship Wor

Welcome

Serve Together ~ Grow Together

Discover Life Together

First Baptist Church of McAllen 1200

Beech Avenue, McAllen, www.fbcmcallen.com

Texas

Sunday Services: 8:00 am, 10:50 am, and 6:30 pm Sunday Spanish Service: 9:25 am Wednesday Service: 6:30 pm For more Information call our office at (956)686-7418. / / 26 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com

At press time, Courageous was scheduled to be shown at the following Rio Grande Valley theaters: Cinemark Hollywood USA 17 Cinemark 16 100 W. Nolana 401 S. Expressway 83 McAllen / / 27 / www.valleychristianmagazine.comHarlingen

l

e v e B n e K r ta s s u o e g a a r n o s r Cou e p s ’ e i v o m o t s e t a l re Miller VCM’s Henry terview with Exclusive In

d on ting his da ork e e m id k a er w s as remember ery day aft Ken Bevel ville, Fla., corner ev home. a Jackson g him all the way and racin st. ys didn’t la a d e s o h t ely Unfortunat

tI of 8 or 9 tha of e g a e th d n id ewhere arou nt,” Bevel sa “It was someing something differe to alcohol pretty started se e lost his job, got in took that downhis dad, “H ent to drugs. He just bad and w l.” ward spira officer Nanforcement ovie Courae w la s a rs ing m Bevel sta tures, in the upcom than Hayes duced by Sherwood Picerwood geous, pro aking ministry of Sh ood the moviem lbany, Ga. It’s Sherw roof,” Church in A t release since “Firep . It Pictures’ firsependent film of 2008 el” in d e the No. 1 inthe Giants” and “Flywh ories st g h n g joins “Faci impacting lives throu pastor te d u to ching an ith. Bevel is an associa fa d of hope an od Church. o and up at the Sherw o willingly st Deh w rs ce ffi o y. ses on four row their wa The film focuallenges the streets th e preparedness to th ch to whateverdy for that, they all lack a re . spite being challenge: fatherhood e of the ger vie after som o m e tackle a big th h it rsonally w e relates pe ing up. h s y sa l e v e B child. e faced grow for me as a an. No one was lt challenges h cu fi if d ry m e a sv rooting e how to be ad left, it wa “After my d no one there to show mcisions or cheering and with There was w me how to make de id in a phone interview a. “When there to sho uraging me,” Bevel sa hometown in Albany, G ell.” me on, encoian Magazine from his iral out of control as w sp with the Valley Christouse, it caused me to h hanging out is mom e d e rt a st l e he left th v H alcohol. é then. Be ecame clich g involved in drugs and his eyes reading b e n e sc e h T d verwhelmd, also gettin e ground an wrong crow to keep his feet on th Peer pressure and an o y friends always triedbut it was to no avail. kept him with his part the Gospel, of losing a father figure ing trauma and ways. ~~~~~

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his hile, his for a little w w lo y la history and s and that he was ld cou r and a d ra e d n e n a a th st r ce m e ase u s influen float und It may have circ ntly saved. While on b him t. h g u His mother’ ugh, kept tugging ca t e rece on he ever g nd told training, thoand Bevel knew he n een the best bad decisi salva- she met with him a re going e b is rt w h a s e rine t from it led to at his h that the Ma arges. Then she nd a way ou ever made ch ll a needed to fiad influences of p ted to dro tion. here he wan d w e l ll e v ca e under the b im captive. e B h d r e ask eeks late what held h “A couple w evel said. “He told to go. e g a t a B s ,” sI back d Marine e n e a m ,’ th p d o e from here a st in y to a jo s w a u “I a o w y r is fa ld h s “A id. “T me ‘I to ading my lied.

17,” Bevel sa with a lot of e he started ree procedure can,” he rep n n o e ti th a iz n a Jath th f o in an org g st e to b in Okinawa, said badde ts p e h u g th d ri e – d n ty e e e l. ri e th H rtia noto the other great time in r a court ma n. There, on far removed a d p te bad. I had a. But the one thing fo n a w I . net pped Marine Corp don’t teach is how “My heart droI wanted to com- of the pla from memories of y s ll e y. n ca a ri si w his what phy ho the Ma to run a absence, of didn’t know er, a man w his father’s f his addictions it suicide. I know how to to be a fath integrity in what m id peers and o down for years, stands with aches about growto do but I dnees and pray. I te k that held himfound Godly men. the Bible get on my you can hear me I The Word. g in rn a if le d d is where he at Bevel learned st ing an said ‘Go now. I’ve lo t ld h o g y ri m u o to y It’s there th man of God. His ack need “So I went b how to be a nging for the good, all hope.’” d e w o ways.” fl ace life was cha . id that a pe rrender. ren’t an sa a l s e e v n e ri B a M su t and for God But the im after tha t’s gonna h a r th e e horns v n o o ti a iz guys organ ok me by the to listen you’re e to d re n d a o th s r e “G k te ri la s it’s tim play three stnately for Bevel, “A few week art parking lot and told me eak,’” Bevel said. u rt M lfo a n d W U e n e u t. m sp u fo o in th – ‘Now, I ed in d that and e and asked en I’ve trust and me up to m . I told them no he discovereng hopeless. th ca ce in “S d d in Him himself feeli if I was save be,” Bevel said.

Him, believee.” ch e to re d sc e e a n g e to but I right in ave coura “My life cam n one First Serepted Christnd the Christ h cc el can so a e “I h w lt a lot a see why Bev ’s persoing h g n , I know in ca n rk u te a o is p Y ‘l t y e a m ie m th is mov changing geant told been doing and relate with h ayes, a man who me started circumstances e in ’v u o y to t H in a h n g a w e been gettin life. Even thstarted to change.” na Nathp sans father or Godly what you’ve uty time,” Bevel e m d n grew u u aro on your off-doing to ask you to ere led w s ce mentors. n a st g said. “‘I’m ou don’t I’m going Those circum nitor. Monitors d see ous looks aning thru a base mo r and influence e stop and if you go to a court y g b ra u o “C we fficers go to request y have the porines to different four police omay first look at a ’” M l. e ia r v mart to mo r made he life. People it’s a guy movie – One monito ere Bevelever, Bevel s. w o se h a l, b e b re h it and think e ase w Still a b th e f o th le to f tt o li y a thought veryr threat - that was w as stationed. She knew w promise – o im. He figured he h re laid befo

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it’s not – it’s a movie for the family. It takes a look at reallife trials families go to and how they can go to the Word of God. It’s for that struggling wife who doesn’t know what’s going on with her husband but it’s also for the husband or father who didn’t learn how to be a Godly man or who wants to teach his children to be Godly. It’s for everyone.”

Right from the start, the movie will capture the audience’s attention. In that first scene Nathan Hayes (Bevel) is getting gas for his truck. He steps away for a moment and someone hops in his truck and takes off. Hayes immediately jumps onto the truck and tries to climb in the window. The purported thief finally shoves Hayes off before smashing the truck into a tree. The thief then runs off.

Bevel, shaken but undeterred, gets himself to his feet and opens the back door of his truck.

There, crying and scared, is his 2-year-old son.

“When I watch that first scene, it’s very intense,” Bevel said.

“I look at the natural aspect of it as a guy trying to take my material possessions and loved ones and I get very tense about it. But there’s also the spiritual aspect – here’s the enemy trying to take what’s rightfully mine – my spiritual and physical possessions; everything about me.”

The crying son was Bevel’s real-life 2-year old son Kaleb. He also had a 3-year-old daughter Kyra – giving him two more connections to a movie about being a dad.

“Having them teaches me that I need to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ because I want to teach them,” Bevel said. “It’s been so different doing these movies. When you do a movie like ‘Fireproof’ that’s touching nations all over the world, you have to do a self-exam. Am I doing this on my own or because You called me to do this. We pray about it all the time.

“I can’t allow pride to get in the way – it’s not me, it’s Christ working through me. I also have to understand that my witness directly impacts others. I have to be very guarded with what I say, where I’m at and who I’m with.”

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McAllen P.D.’s “Courageous” Officer: Ricardo Guzman Ricardo Guzman

When McAllen police officer Ricardo Guzman looked over the things happening in his life – and not necessarily at work – he started to feel the pressure.

A soft-spoken and respectful man, Guzman has been on the police force for nearly 27 years.

He has faced and beaten that stage where he brought work home with him. He raised three children but now outside familial pressure was starting to weigh mightily on him.

“I was having financial problems and stuff at home going on. My son was in trouble financially and had issues,” said Guzman, who has been in nearly every department of the McAllen police. “My other son was in college and needed some things and my daughter was getting married. There were so many things happening.”

But instead of doing what he’s trained to do on the streets – solve problems – he surrendered.

“I always liked church; I always attended church and always read the bible. But for a while I had stopped going to church,” Guzman said. “Then I realized I needed church and started going back.

Then I gave all these problems to the Lord, just raised them up to Christ. I prayed and prayed and just gave it all to Him. “Now things are better.”

Loui Canchola, pastor of Cornerstone Church in McAllen where Guzman regularly attends, says Guzman has been on a wonderful trip, growing in the Lord.

“Over the course of this past year’ he’s had a remarkable journey surrendering to the Lord. It’s amazing what the Lord is doing with him and his beautiful wife and family. He has taken of in his faith this year and God is leading his life.”

Canchola said it’s crucial for the men and women who serve and protect have an outlet to give over all the terrible things they have to see and deal with on a regular basis.

“They have so much to carry – at work and then at home – that if their faith in not strong in the Lord, it becomes such a huge burden to bear. Fortunately Jesus said He would bear our burdens.

“What a beautiful thing it is though when you do surrender. In an officer or a fireman or any of those amazing professionals who protect us, when they understand the Lord’s purpose for their lives, they see it as a calling and they embrace that calling and live it out – that’s powerful.”

Guzman’s said his entire family is saved, adding that his son will call him once in a while with questions about his faith and why certain things are happening.

“I tell him that God is testing him, that God is changing him,” Guzman said. “Just because we accepted Christ it doesn’t mean that we are suddenly totally changed. We have to work at it, always.”

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her means giving her to Him

For the past seven years I’ve grown as a daddy. It has been the most wonderful time of my life – laughing, crying, hugging….joy-filled days and nights.

It wasn’t until recently, however, that I realized that all during this father-growing phase I’ve also grown in my selfishness.

She’s MY daughter. I’LL take of her. I’LL provide for her. Nobody else can or will do what I can, should and will.

My Christian path has taken me down what I like to believe as a simpler life, not dependent on “things” and trying daily to grow in that spiritual walk. Now let me say this – I FAIL DAILY… REGULARLY… A LOT. But I continue to wipe the dust off and get back on the path. Because the joy on this path is worth every trial and tribulation that comes my way.

But not too long ago, I started delving into a Keith Green’s song “Pledge My Head.” It’s been a song that I’ve kept close to my heart. But one verse just kept hammering me. It goes like this: “Well I pledge my son to heaven for the gospel.

Though he’s kicked and beaten, ridiculed and scorn.

I will teach him to rejoice, and lift a thankful praising voice, And to be like Him who bore the nails and crown of thorns.

I’m your child, and I want to be in your family forever.

I’m your child, and I’m going to follow you, No matter whatever the cost, I’m gonna count all things lost.

Well I’ve had the chance to gain the world, and to live just like a king, But without your love, it doesn’t mean a thing.”

I talked with some strong Christian friends about my inability to do this for my daughter to let go. I pray regularly for God to help me provide for her, I would tell them. One response, however, struck me down to see where I had failed.

It’s my charge to teach her – not just for school, but for something much greater. Proverbs 22:6 states “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (ESV) I now see that I must develop my relationship with Jesus Christ more than ever – so she can see me do it and so I can teach her how.

Providing

for

“Henry, you’re not the one who provides for her – He does,” my friend said. “Sure, He gives you the strength, the wisdom, all you need to provide for her – but make no doubt about it – He’s the one who’s providing. Not you.”

I now realize that I must fervently walk that righteous path, whatever the cost.

I now know that teaching her about salvation and the Gospel is my responsibility. It is what I can, should and will do. And by doing that, I’ll be providing her with the path toward a glorious eternity.

Henry Miller has been in the publishing business for 25 years. His work has been in more than 150 newspapers and he has been a syndicated radio personality on more than 60 stations nationwide.

He and his daughter Camilla (7) attend Palm Valley Church, where Henry teaches in the Palm Valley Kids Church.

E-mail him at henry@valleychristianmagazine.com

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5 Ways God Answers Prayer

By Luis Palau

Over the years, I’ve discovered from Scripture and experience that God loves to answer ourprayers. Here are five of his most frequent answers:

1

“No, I love you too much.”

The Lord of the universe isn’t under obligation to say yes” to every prayer. That’s a good thing considering some of the things we request!

But sometimes God says no” to our most heartfelt requests. Have you discovered this to be true in your own life? I certainly have.

When my friend Diane started losing her hearing. When my motherin-law came down with polio.

When my nephew contracted AIDS. I would be known as Luis Palau Jr. if it weren’t for the fact that God said “no” to my most earnest childhood prayers. Shortly after my tenth birthday, my father, Luis Palau Sr., contracted bronchial pneumonia and died ten days later.

Death became, to me, the most undeniable reality under heaven.

Everything else can be rationalized and wondered about and discussed, but death is there, staring you in the face. It’s real. It happens. Even to the most godly people. No matter how hard we pray. Why? Because we still live in a fallen world.

I’ve been reminded of this repeatedly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America. Tens of thousands of lives were spared.

But God said no” to thousands of other prayers. Will good come of their deaths? I believe so.

Without a doubt, the death of my father has had more impact on my ministry than anything else in my entire life, besides my own conversion to Jesus Christ.

My wish and desire is that people get right with God, settle the big question, and die happy, knowing...like my father...that they will be with Jesus, which is better by far” (Philippians 1:23). Does that mean we shouldn’t bother to pray? Just the opposite. Over the years, traveling throughout the world, I’ve discovered four other ways God frequently answers prayer. Believe me, He loves to say yes!”

2 .

“Yes, but you’ll have to wait.” Immediate answers to prayer. You want them. I want them. But God simply does not always work that way. And to get His best, we must be patient. In some cases, we must wait until 11:59 for His answer to come.

Phil Callaway didn’t know what to say when his young children asked if Mommy was going to die.

His wife, Ramona, suffered horrible seizures. Hundreds of friends and relatives prayed, but Ramona’s weight eventually slipped to ninety pounds. Medical specialists tried everything, but by the fall of 1996, the seizures were occurring daily, sometimes hourly.

Phil rarely left Ramona’s side.

He wondered if she would even make it to her thirtieth birthday.

One evening, when things looked utterly hopeless, Phil paced their dark backyard, then fell to his knees. God!” he cried out. I can’t take it anymore. Please do something!”

As he stood, a doctor’s name came to mind. Phil called the doctor, who saw Ramona the next morning and diagnosed a rare chemical deficiency. Within a week, Ramona was a different person. The seizures ended.

Her eyes lit up with the sparkle that had first attracted Phil to her.

The miracle was so incredible Phil says, God gave me back my wife.”

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

3

“Yes, but quite different from how you thought I would answer.” Have you ever asked God to use you? If so, expect the unexpected!

National Football League running back Sherman Smith, the Sherman Tank,” stood six feet four inches tall and packed two hundred twenty-five pounds of the most muscle you’d ever want to tackle. His reputation for bowling

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over defen sive linesmen raised his celebrity to near-cult status in the Pacific Northwest, where he played for the Seattle Seahawks. He was treated like royalty.

Then, without warning, the Seahawks traded their most popular player to the San Diego Chargers.

Everything changed overnight for this running back whose Christian faith was as rock solid as his rib cage. He wasn’t with the Chargers for more than a few weeks when he blew out his knee. While in rehabilitation, he wondered, Lord, why did you ship me to San Diego?

But while his knee mended, Sherman had the opportunity to lead one of his teammates to the Lord.

That converted party-man, Miles McPherson, has since become an outstanding youth evangelist who reaches tens of thousands each year.

Why was Sherman traded to San Diego? He now knows God wanted to use him, all right! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

4

“Yes, and here’s more!” Ever wonder if the Lord knows what you want and need?

Australian David Smallbone felt God leading him to promote Christian concerts. He started in a country where Christianity had taken root among only five percent of the people. When too few fans filled seats during one major tour, however, David took a $250,000 bath in red ink.

Creditors swiftly repossessed his home, and the father of six looked for work elsewhere. A top artist offered him a job in Nashville, so the Smallbones sold their furniture and other possessions and purchased tickets to America.

A few weeks after they arrived in the U.S., however, David was

informed that his position was “no longer available.” He literally could not get out of bed for several days. Then he and his wife explained what happened to the children. They got on their knees and asked God to help them.

Then the most interesting things happened. God provided bags of groceries, a minivan, and odd jobs. Then the biggest surprise of all...a recording contract for David’s oldest daughter, Rebecca, age fifteen. She recorded her first album using an old family name, St. James.

Flash forward to today. David promotes his own daughter’s sold-out concerts. Rebecca St. James has become one of the hottest Christian artists in America. Christianity Today magazine has named her one of the top fifty up-and-coming evangelical leaders under age forty. We love asking her to sing at our evangelistic festivals around the country.

All along...no surprise...God knew what he was doing!

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

5

“Yes, I thought you’d never ask.” Many people think prayer is complicated. Actually, the simplest prayer can bring you the miracle you need, when you need it.

After a serious fall, an older gentleman named Luke Mulder prayed to receive Jesus Christ. He then prayed for his wife, Clara, who was visiting her sister in California. That very same day Clara heard a Gospel presentation and trusted Christ.

Christian cartoonist Ron Wheeler dreamed of creating evangelistic tracts, but he needed a new computer. He did his homework, found out what he needed, and started to pray. Two weeks later, a friend called Ron out of the blue and offered him a new computer...the exact model Ron had been praying about.

Shortly after setting up the computer, Ron received a phone call from American Tract Society asking him to design a whole series of evangelistic cartoon tracts.

Luis Palau (loo-EES puh-LAOW) and his ministry have shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic events and media. He has spoken in person to 25 million people in 72 countries with more than 1 million registered decisions for Jesus Christ. He has authored close to 50 books and countless articles on issues of faith, and has counseled with business and political leaders and heads of state around the world.

Luis’ radio broadcasts in both English and Spanish are heard by millions on 3,000 radio outlets in 48 countries. His outstanding and significant contribution to the field of Christian communications was recognized in 2008 with the National Religious Broadcasters William Ward Ayer Distinguished Service Award.

Luis Palau festivals have produced some of the largest audiences ever recorded in cities from south Florida to South America. His ministry also includes a number of alliances that allow partners in ministry to connect, draw from Palau’s vast experience, and become equipped to reach the world for Christ. More than 200 evangelists are currently a part of the Next Generation Alliance®, and the Livin It® Alliance is dedicated to action sports ministries, film and video outreaches.

His book, A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian, quickly became a bestseller in China and released in the United States in February 2008.

Luis and his wife, Pat, live in Portland, Oregon, where they have twelve grandchildren and four sons, three of whom are actively involved with the ministry

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My friends Esteban and Carmela Tosoni were driving one of the highest mountain passes in the world when their car broke down at dusk. They were twenty miles from the nearest town. So the Tosoni family prayed for God to send help. When they opened their eyes, a mechanic appeared out of nowhere, walked straight over to their car, immediately asked if he could help, fixed their gas filter, then departed.

Coincidences? Hardly!

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

I have a confession to make…

At times, I’ve been tempted to skip portions of a story I’m reading to my children at bedtime. Nothing significant, only minor descriptive fill-ins. It seems that during those moments, it has less to do about saturating my children with an insatiable hunger for the world of literature and more to do with my personal levels of fatigue after a long day.

Another confession… I’ve set up mock races that serve to accomplish the same goal. “Okay kids…! Let’s see who can take a bath the fastest.” Again the objective has less to do with hygiene and more about my comfort.

and someone to see. In fact, we are quick to remind others and ourselves of this very thing when we greet one another. All too often, the immediate response to “how’s it going?” is “I’ve been busy.”

Interestingly, we can say this to one another almost as if our exhaustion were some sort of trophy and our ability to multitask life, family and stress a true mark of real character. The busier we are, the more important we seem to ourselves and, we imagine, to others. After all, aren’t these the new signs of a successful life?

Our world has become like the world of the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland: “Now here, you

“Its power swells…it reaches out seeking always to lay hold of ever-younger victim…” This is as true today as it was when it was penned in the 1800s.

Daily, we are bombarded with so much information and external stimuli. More than we could possibly process in a week, much less in a day. Yet it is imperative we don’t simply exist within the speed of life.

“For many of us,” writes John Ortberg “the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.”

Learning to Pause

by jerrell Jobe

One last confession… Sometimes when I’m approaching an intersection where the light is turning red, I do a quick scan of both lanes and internally calculate which lane will move fastest once the light turns green. While I’m confessing, I sometimes do this at the grocery store, while choosing a checkout lane. Which line has the fewest people, with the fewest items? Who’s most likely to use a check?

see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!”

Do you ever feel like you’re hurrying from one thing to the next, only to then rush off to somewhere, something, or someone else?

What about you? When a person is talking slowly, do you ever find yourself nodding in an effort to keep them moving along? Or perhaps, finishing the sentence for them?

Busyness and hurry are the great enemies of the spiritual life in our day. Hurry can destroy our souls. Busyness can keep us from living well. As we become busier and busier in the world around us, our hearts are prone to experience death – lifelessness.

We live in a culture where it seems everybody has somewhere to go, something to do

“The press of busyness is like a charm,” wrote the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

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The fall can be an especially busy time of year. School, practices and a myriad of activities easily evolve into a crowded schedule and hectic pace of life.

None of these are necessarily inherently evil, however, if not careful, they can subtly begin to choke out the very life within us and draw us away from the One and True Source of Life – Christ. In the midst of busy lives, it’s imperative that we learn the art of slowing down and pausing. Unless you learn to pause, its been said, nothing worthwhile will catch up to you.

Here are ideas to help us slow down...and learn to pause.

The Practice of Slowing.

One of the ways to combat our

addictions to speed is to deliberately place ourselves in positions where we have to wait.

Over the next month deliberately drive in the slow lane on the expressway.

Declare a fasting from honking. Put your horn under a vow of silence.

For a week, eat your food slowly. Force yourself to chew at least 15 times before each swallow.

For the next month, when you are at the grocery store, look carefully to see which checkout line is the longest. Get in it. Let one person go ahead of you.

Go through one day (Saturday) without wearing a watch, phone, etc…

Often people worry that if they don’t rush, they will accomplish less. In fact, researchers have found that there is no correlation between hurry and productivity. On the contrary, studies show the correlation between hurry, multi-tasking and unproductivity.

The Practice of Solitude.

In the Gospels, Jesus frequently engaged in solitude for the purpose of being with the Father, fasting and prayer. If Jesus, being the Son of God, made it a priority to pull away from the busyness of life and ministry simply to be with the Father, how much more should we do the same?

Take some time (with God) and evaluate your schedule(s), weekly commitments and pace of life. Is it healthy? Is it sustainable? What changes need to be made?

Over the next several weeks, carve out some time (2-3 hours each) for the expressed purpose of getting along with God in solitude. Perhaps go to a park or some other quietplace, free of distractions. Take a journal. Create space to be quiet, listen and write. Direct your attention on simply beingwith-God.

“I AM WHO I AM.” – Exodus 3:14

Jerrell Jobe is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children: Michah (8), Naylah (5), and Avi (4).

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?

I’VE BEEN DISAPPOINTED SO MANY TIMES

BY HUMAN LOVE, AND I THINK THIS HAS GIVEN ME A FAULTY VIEW OF GOD’S LOVE. CAN YOU HELP ME UNDERSTAND HOW HIS LOVE IS DIFFERENT FROM HUMAN LOVE

H

uman love is convenient. It suits the needs of the person at the time and works into his schedule.

God’s love is eternal. You are always on God’s itinerary.

Come and go as you wish, but he’s always there.

Human love is limited. It can only love as much as it wants to give.

God’s love is unlimited. He has ample amounts of love and even uses words like abundant when talking about pouring out his love on people.

Human love is emotional. Feelings dominate a human’s love landscape. We feel as though we’re in love, or we don’t feel as though we’re in love. Hormones, sleeplessness, worry, past hurts, Mexican food – all complicate these emotions.

God’s love is committed. While God has feelings for us, his feelings don’t dictate his love. His love is based on a decision to love us. Your actions don’t increase or decrease his commitment. His love is a deeper and more secure love than the fluctuating Ferris wheel of feeling.

Human love is selfish. It must suit our needs and be there for us. To love, we must be loved.

God’s love is unselfish. In fact, if you never love God, he will still love you. Your love has no bearing on the amount of love he lavishes on you.

One thing human love has going for it is that you can see it – in the twinkling of your father’s eye, in the smile of a spouse, in the joy in your children’s voices.

God’s love is just as real but not as tangible. We will see it, in time and for eternity, as we gaze at the face of God and his Son, Jesus Christ, while we stand in his presence in heaven.

“Max on Life” Max Lucado Copyright Thomas Nelson Publishing, April 2011 Used by permission.

Our goal as Christian should be to express God’s love in our human relationships so people will never make the statement you made. We should all have someone in our lives on whom we can look back and say “I saw God’s love in that person.”

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H

ave you ever stopped to think about your thoughts and how they influence your actions? We are so used to hearing “you are what you eat” and I dare to say “you are what you think.” So the question is...What are you thinking today?

The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. Another translation says, where the mind goes, man follows.

This is the way the mind works…

-Your words influence your THOUGHTS -Your thoughts influence your emotions -Your emotions influence your decisions -Your decisions influence your actions -Your actions become habits -Your habits form your character -And your character takes you to your final destination in life...

Negative thoughts produce negative outcomes: Spend your time thinking about calamity and you will live afflicted.

Entertain thoughts of sickness and you will end up ill.

Fix your mind on lack and you will never have enough.

So, what should I think about?

I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious — the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Phil 4:8)

What Were You ! ? g n i k n i Th

Our actions are a direct result of the way we think, the things we ponder and meditate on. The mind is the part of you that didn’t get saved the day you received a new heart by confessing Jesus the Lord of your life. And this is why Paul writes to the Romans “do not conform to this world BUT be transformed by the renewing of your mind SO that you may test and approve God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for your life” (Rom 12:2-3) Satan is the enemy of our soul and desires to see us oppressed, depressed and destroyed. Jesus said that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy (Jn 10:10a) He can only influence our minds and he must have our permission to do so. He’s not out to get your money, your job or possessions...his mission is to get your mind. He has watched you, studied you and he knows your weakness.

There are three keys to resisting the enemy and his evil schemes and that’s through the Word (study it), Praise (live it), and Prayer (do it) So next time he brings up your past, your failures and sins get into God’s Word, Praise Him in spirit and in truth, and never cease to pray and remember to THINK about who you are in Christ…

A child of the Most High God, Fearfully and wonderfully made, Heir and joint heir in Christ, The head and not the tail, Blessed in the city and blessed in the field, Royal priesthood, The apple of His eye and His prized possession… should I continue?

Think about those things…

Shalom.

Milton Gonzalez is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy and is a member of The Family Church in McAllen. He is married to Elena and has a son, David. / 41 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

The

Trouble with Jesus

Author: Joseph M. Stowell Oprah Winfrey once said, “There couldn’t possibly be just one way to God.” When George Bush was asked if we Christians and Muslims worship the same God, he responded, “I think we do. We have different routes of getting to the Almighty.”

The implication is that Jesus is not the only way to know the True God. Talking about God or knowing God is not really a problem. What happens when claims about Jesus as the Son of God and the only way to God are mentioned? The Trouble with Jesus is a book in which Joseph Stowell boldly points out that the name of Jesus is being muted out. He suggests how Christians should respond.

9/11 was a turning point in the United States for

God. Church attendance increased quickly. People needed God. God was re-welcomed into many people’s lives. Stowell points out that God is not a problem, but Jesus is. Stowell observes that many people, even religious leaders, think that no single religion should claim to be the only way to know God. What we know about Jesus is not what makes the difference; it is how we engage with the people we encounter. Stowell outlines five commitments that instruct us how to live in our world that does not respond well to the exclusive claims of Jesus and his followers. The five points for application are the following: Declaration – Speaking Up for Jesus Demonstration – Showing Up for Jesus Compassion – Reaching Out for Jesus Community – Loving for Jesus Consecration – Living for Jesus Stowell’s book is written is clear language that makes it an easy and quick read. The book also contains accurate historical and Biblical insight by a scholar.

The Christians of the early church lived in times not too different from our own in regard to the challenge of speaking an unwelcome message. Stowell’s lively and relevant style engages you in order to engage a world that is not too excited about Jesus.

Dethroning Jesus Exposing Popular Culture’s Quest to Unseat the Biblical Christ Authors: Darrell L. Bock & Daniel B. Wallace It’s a simple enough question, yet it’s plaguing the world like never before: Who was the man they called Jesus?

Christians call him the Messiah, Christ, Son of the living God – as they have for two millennia. But there is another gospel circulating the halls of academia.

Scholars such as Elaine Pagels, Bart Ehrman, and James Tabor are attempting to dethrone Jesus.

Yet, authors Darrell L. Bock and Daniel B. Wallace aren’t ready to surrender Jesus’ divinity – not now, not ever. In Dethroning Jesus, Bock and Wallace deliver their own judgment as renowned scholars, helping readers sift through the hype to separate fact from fiction on many subjects.

In an easy-to-understand style, Bock and Wallace take on the attempts to redefine Jesus in a careful, convincing, and engaging way. Dethroning Jesus will assure readers that Christ’s divinity is as trustworthy and sure as it ever was.

Reviews by Miguel Paredes Is a teacher at Edinburg Northand earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four children, Diego (9), Karla and Andrea (6) and Charis (2).

Books and Music featured available at:

6601 N. 10th St., McAllen / (956) 631-5452 www.vivalifeonline.com

/ 42 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

All Is Grace Author: Brennan Manning

It has been over twenty years since the publication of The Ragamuffin Gospel, a book many claim as the shattering of God’s grace into their lives. Since that time, Brennan Manning has been dazzingly faithful in preaching and writing variations on that singular theme - “Yes, Abba is very fond of you!”

But today the crowds are gone and the lights are dim, the patches on his knees have faded. If he ever was a ragamuffin, truly it is now. In this his final book, Brennan roves back his past, honoring the lives of the people closest to him, family and friends who’ve known the saint and the sinner, the boy and the man. Far from some chronological timeline, these memories are witness to the truth of life by one who has lived it - All Is Grace.

Billy Graham in Quotes

By Franklin Graham and Donna Lee Toney

A stunning collection of quotes from a longtime warrior for Christ.

not a fan Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus

By: Kyle Idleman If Jesus were to sit down with you right now and have a DTR (Define the Relationship) conversation, how would you respond? Are you truly his follower or just a fan—or perhaps someone who doesn’t even care about the difference?

Not a Fan invites you to make Jesus not merely the object of your admiration, but the very center of your life.

A note from Franklin Graham: “My father, Billy Graham, is known for speaking out about the one and only thing that matters in this world: the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers the call of God seven decades ago to preach the Word of God to all those who would listen about salvation that comes only through Christ. He took this high calling with seriousness and boldness in obedience to God and once said, ‘I will travel anywhere in the world to preach if there are no strings on what I am to say.’

“My father has always prayed that his words would reflect God’s standard of truth as the basis to claim, ‘I have given them Your word’ ( John 17:14). In this book, I believe you will see that he has faithfully spoken God’s Word that quenches the thirst of those seeking to draw from the wellsprings of Life. It is highly meaningful to see these statements now collected in one volume.”

BONHOEFFER

By Eric Metaxas

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace, a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler. A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism.

After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double-agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer, and was hanged in Flossenberg concentration camp at age 39. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the 20th century.

Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the 20th century, and uncovers never-before-revealed facts, including the story of his passionate romance.

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Description: Are you a follower of Jesus?

Don’t answer too quickly.

In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand.

You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period.

In any case, don’t take the question— Are you a follower of Jesus?—lightly.

Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.

Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

A PlaceWhere Called Blessing Hurting Ends and Love BeginsTrade Paper

By Dr. John Trent and Annette Smith Five-year-old Josh and his two older brothers lose their parents in a drunk-driving accident. A series of foster homes and a shocking tragedy eventually separate them, leaving Josh alone, angry, and distrustful of most everyone. At age eighteen, Josh strikes out on his own to find work. With only a high school education and few life skills, he is one step away from homelessness when Providence brings him to a place where he finds much more than physical shelter. For the first time in his life, Josh receives unconditional love and something every human being craves, the gift of “the blessing.”

Fresh-Brewed Life A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul Trade Paper

By Nicole Johnson

With wit and wisdom, Nicole Johnson leads readers in a journey of awakenings.

Living a fresh-brewed life requires that women encounter a beautiful awakening in three areas. First, to God as they respond to His tender, passionate love for them; second to themselves as they embrace their identities as women, their gifts, and their dreams; and third to others as they learn to love and communicate in ways that bring joy.

In this substantial revision—including new chapters and a study guide—of the successful 1999 Fresh-Brewed Life, Nicole offers a freshly brewed, wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee guide to living life to the fullest. She encourages Christian women to recognize the areas in their lives where they are sound asleep—and let God wake them up again.

So Long, Insecurity Author: Beth Moore

You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us

So Long, Insecurity, by Beth Moore, will strike a chord with women everywhere. Beth speaks truth into the lives of readers, showing them how to deal with their innermost fears, rediscover their God-given dignity, and develop a whole new perspective - a stronger sense of self. Women of all ages and backgrounds will resonate with this message of security and discover truths that will free them emotionally and spiritually and lead them to a better life as they walk with God.

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It Is Well With My Soul “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job…” ~Job 1:1 God described Job as His servant. A blameless and upright man, one who feared God and turned away from evil; one-of-a-kind on the earth.

Job lost everything. Job lost his livestock, his property, his servants and his children - all in the same day. Job’s response was certainly not what society would expect.

Job worshipped. Job blessed the name of the Lord. He did not sin, did not blame God, and did not curse God. When Job was at the lowest point in his life he said, “Though He [God] slay me, I will hope in Him.” ~Job 13:15 Horacio Spafford was a 19th Century Job. Spafford was a wealthy Chicago attorney and real-estate developer. His life’s successes all changed in 1871. Spafford lost his 4-year old and only son to scarlet fever. Then the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city, destroying almost everything he owned. Two years later, Spafford’s four daughters and wife were sailing the Atlantic for Europe when their ship sank. Spafford’s daughters were lost at sea.

Only his wife survived.

Like Job, Horacio Spafford lost everything. And just like Job, Spafford did not turn his back on God. Instead, Spafford turned directly to God. While sailing to Europe to meet

with his wife, Spafford penned the hymn It Is Well With My Soul. The first verse symbolizes the tragedies he had recently experienced. In the remaining verses, Spafford acknowledges, preaches and proclaims that God’s grace is sufficient.

By Lance Phy

It Is Well lyrics

Spafford knew there were better days beyond life on earth – there was something to look forward to. And, while we live out life, we have an assurance that comes from knowing God’s amazing grace. It is God’s grace that enables us to cope with whatever comes our way.

The depth of Spafford’s relationship with God is seen in the substance of his writing. He was suffering from grief, certainly despondent, and by all human standards, should have been hopeless. No one would have blamed him for writing a selfindulgent song memorializing his losses.

Instead, he praised God for “whatever” situation he was in, and then gave the Gospel to the world in the next five verses.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Essentially, Spafford’s hymn of praise was him saying, “God, even though you might slay me – I will trust you. It is well with my soul.”

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

When our soul has been rescued, when our soul lives because of God’s Amazing Grace, we have a “peace that passes all understanding” – the peace that only the Holy Spirit can give – which compels us to say, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.

Lance Phy is a Houston native living in McAllen. He is Asst. Music & Media Director for First Baptist McAllen and has been a performing musician for 27 years. e-mail him at: lance@valleychristianmagazine.com

/ 45 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Lessons in Lifesongs are packed with meaning, each one slightly different, but together they unite to form something far louder and larger. Together they are stronger.

By Reuben Morgan For Valley Christian Magazine

It

might be short and simple, but the title of the latest Hillsong LIVE album is packed with Godinspired wisdom and Kingdomshaped truth. In every season, in every situation, being reminded that God Is Able can help keep hearts on fire and lives on track.

How do I know this? Because that’s precisely what I’ve experienced for myself.

But this is not going to be a testimony piece. My life has been no harder, no more dramatic than anyone else’s. Yes, there have been times of great rejoicing, times of suffering, tears of happiness and tears of sorrow, and some of you will have known greater grace, more dramatic rescues or harder journeys home to our Father.

The title song was written last year with a specific weekend in mind.

We were approaching our annual event where we gather as a church and make a deliberate choice to give money in support of a unique mission - often overseas, always doing something to overcome injustice and build the Kingdom here on earth. It’s a great time and I’m always amazed and encouraged by the passion and commitment which people put into it.

Many will put aside extra money all year so that they can lend their support.

So, knowing this was coming up, I wanted to write a song that reminded us of God’s amazing ability to use our generosity in powerful ways. When it comes to the matter of giving, generous hands will never be empty because - as we are reminded in Ephesians 3 - God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

So I suppose I should have

The lessons and experiences that I want to share are the ones that are woven in and out of the songs on God Is Able. These

/ 46 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

seen it coming. I thought the song would inspire people a little, encourage them in their giving and maybe lead some to think about the ways in which God could transform others through their kindness. I had no idea that the three simple words - God is able - would become so important to us, but they did. As Australia was shocked

God is Able by floods and cyclones, as we watched our neighbors deal with earthquakes and saw friends from further away go through the horrors of further earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear crisis, those three little words became our anchor in the storm. Troubles come, but God is Able. Sorrow rips at the soul, but God is Able. Hope appears lost, but God is still always and forever - Able.

What started out as a song of celebration ended up sustaining us through our desperation.

Isn’t that a great illustration of the power of praise? What happens when our hands are lifted high can often end up helping us when our heads hang low. So many of the songs on the album are linked by this theme of overcoming - from “Rise” to “The Lost Are Found,” “With Us” to “You Are More” - and yet it is not an album of laments. This sort of paradox is typical of worship, and it seems to me that there is always something upside down about singing songs to God. I suppose it’s even there in the titles: we start with “Rise” and come towards the end with “The Cry of the Broken.”

Normally it’s the brokenness that precedes the standing up, but in God’s order everything is different: when we rise up and sing it, there should never be too long before we’re aware of the world beyond the walls and our call to be among the people whose journey back to God is still in motion.

The other day I heard someone say that some people

meet Jesus on the road to Damascus, but for others, their conversion is more like the road to Emmaus: a gradual realization that Jesus is with them, alongside them, igniting their hearts and opening their eyes. It struck me that this is another good thing to remember - not just when we are praying for our friends and family who do not yet know God for themselves, but for those of us within the church as well. Sometimes God acts with such power we are left stunned and silent, but at other times, He works quietly, almost imperceptibly, gently warming our hearts to Him. Remembering this makes me even more amazed at the power of those three little words that sit on the cover of the album: God is able to work in ways that we can never hope to predict.

One last thing. If you take a look at the album cover you will see some pretty fancy, handmade art. It took a long time and a lot of patience to create the piece, and again it’s a beautiful illustration of church. Thread is such a fragile thing, and only when it is combined with other strands can it really begin to stand out. Isn’t that just like the local church?

None of us are strong enough on our own, but together we are stronger. And there’s one essential ingredient we must never forget: it is only when these threads are taken in the hands of the artist and transformed over time that they become something that is truly beautiful and beautifully true.

1. MercyMe:

Move CD: The Generous Mr. Lovewell

2. Sidewalk Prophets

You Love Me Anyway CD: These Simple Truths

3. Royal Tailor:

Hold Me Together CD: Black And White

4. Jamie Grace with Tobymac Hold Me CD: Hold Me - EP

5. Laura Story : Blessings CD: Blessings

6. Chris Tomlin

I Lift My Hands CD: And If Our God Is For Us…

7. Steven Curtis Chapman: Do Everything CD: re-creation

8. Matthew West

Strong Enough CD: The Story Of Your Life

9. Peter Furler: Reach CD: On Fire

Reuben Morgan is Hillsong Church’s worship pastor, and leads the Hillsong Church Worship and Creative Arts team along with Joel Houston. Leading Hillsong tours around the world, Morgan has also written numerous worship standards, including the Dove Award winning and current No. 1 Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) song, “Mighty To Save,” sung by an estimated 40 million people every week in church services around the world.

/ 47 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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Mom’s bags packed for a guilt trip Dear Dave, My mom makes $20,000 a year, and without telling me she took out a Parent PLUS Loan for $16,000 to help me with college. She’s saying she can’t pay the loan, and it’s been in deferment. Now, she wants me to pay it.

I’ll be making good money a few years after I graduate, but I don’t have the money to pay the loan now. What should I do?.../Jill Dear Jill, A Parent PLUS Loan would not have your name on it, so you have no legal obligation to pay this bill. The real question is this: How much do you want to help your mom after she screwed up big time?

She’s obviously done a horrible job communicating with you and managing her own situation. Under the circumstances, I’m sure that leaves you torn between your loyalty to her and being angry that she messed up. In these cases, I think the best thing is probably to sit down and have a good heart-to-heart talk with her about what she’s done and how to fix things in her own financial world. I know you love your mom, but she’s done a really dumb thing here and gotten herself into a mess. Now, she’s trying to lay a guilt trip on you.

That’s not cool.

To be honest, I wouldn’t feel a lot of guilt if I were in your position. If you get yourself in a good financial situation after college and want to pick up part of the tab, just to say thanks, then that would be fine. But don’t get dragged into some kind of dysfunctional family drama and end up paying something out of guilt that’s not your responsibility!...Dave

*

Who is Murphy? /

Dear Dave, I’ve just started listening to you and trying to clean up my finances. Who exactly is this “Murphy” you always talk about?

Jennifer Dear Jennifer, The Murphy I talk about isn’t an actual person, or even a real family. There’s an old adage called Murphy’s Law, and it goes something like this: “If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.” In other words, if you’re alive and walking around, bad stuff will happen to you sooner or later. It’s not even about being pessimistic or negative, it’s just a fact. Sooner or later it’s going to rain, and that’s why you need an umbrella.

I tell people all the time that having an emergency fund of three to six months’ worth of expenses saved up is great Murphy Repellant. Think about it. A lot of your big problems seem to leave when you have $10,000 to $15,000 sitting around. An emergency fund can turn a disaster into nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

So, it’s just a saying. But there’s still a whole lot of truth in that little saying, Jennifer. If you’re properly prepared, you can keep Murphy away from your door! ...Dave

For more financial help please visit:

www.daveramsey.com Dave Ramsey is a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national radio personality.

His three New York Times best-selling books—Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Makeover— have sold more than 6 million copies combined.

His latest book, EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches, releases in September 2011.

/ 50 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Chick-fil-A at Jackson Avenue is proud to support the Rio Grande Valley

1300 East Jackson Avenue, McAllen, TX 78503 (Located in front of Sam’s Club)

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It is fair to say that when I first set out to become a lawyer, I was focused on accumulating wealth, power and prestige.

However, after practicing law for the last 18 years, I realize that I have a higher purpose and calling. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail.”

Had I held on to this truth since I first became a lawyer, it is clear that my journey would have taken a different path. But, all is not lost. I also understand as the Bible says in Genesis 50:20 “That which was meant for evil, God meant for good, to bring about this purpose in me.” In my years of practice, I’ve had my peaks and valleys. I understand now that even as Christ washed the feet of his disciples, I, too, am called to serve my community in whatever capacity I am asked to help.

It is my desire to serve in that Christ-like manner and honor God in all my dealings.

As Micah 6:8 says, “The Lord has shown you what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” I pray that the Lord will enable me and empower me to do that which He requires of me.

So whether your case pertains to personal injury law, family law, business law, criminal law, a real estate matter or estate planning, I will see your arrival at my office as a divine appointment.

I recognize that in honoring God, I will be honoring you, my esteemed and valued 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: / rrodlaw@hotmail.com / 52 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com