Four things to remember about God

always forget things. I’m guessing you’re in the same boat. We forget our keys, where we are going, people’s names, and what someone said two minutes ago.

In all the forgetting we do in life, it’s paramount that we remember what God does. It gives us hope that he will do it again.

Here are four things to remember about God.

God chose you, and you are his.

Zachary Elliott

Special

to Valley News

Does an elephant ever forget?

No one knows. But they do have exceptional memories when it comes to finding places, and they can pass that knowledge down to their offspring. Even if it’s a great distance away, they can find things without a maps app.

Well, I’m no elephant, and I

The Bible says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Have you ever seen a group of people at the zoo or Disneyland, and they’re all wearing the same shirt? It might even have the family name or a slogan on it. That’s kind of what happens when you come to know Jesus. Except your shirt would be cool, and it would say something like: Chosen by God, Out of Darkness, or God’s Special Person. And you’re never embarrassed to wear it.

God is the only one who can save.

Have you ever thought if you try harder, God will love you more, and maybe he will let you into heaven?

So many people feel that way. But it’s not God’s way.

The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians

2:8-10)

Do you know what that means? It means you can’t save yourself. Only God can do that.

“He has saved you and called you to a holy life — not because of the left side of his upper torso,” the Menifee Police Department reported. That man was rushed to a hospital with stable vital signs, authorities said.

Detectives found that the man and woman knew each other, and it was an isolated incident, officials said. Machuca was arrested on suspicion of several felony charges including attempted murder. No further information was immediately available.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact detective Onye Agbodike at oagbodike@menifeepolice. org anything you have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2

Timothy 1:9-10)

God’s purpose is the one that wins.

Raise your hand if your life has turned out exactly as you planned. I didn’t think so.

The Bible says, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)

You should never forget that “the plans of the Lord stand firm forever the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11) Ask for his purpose to be fulfilled in your life.

God is the one who makes things grow.

If we’re not careful, we can try and one-up each other and take the credit when we don’t really deserve it. God does.

The Bible says, “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are coworkers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:7-9)

As we serve God, let’s always remember that he’s the only one who can bring fruit out of our service to him. So, let’s give Him the glory and not ourselves.

Zachary Elliott is the lead pastor of Fusion Christian Church in Temecula. For more information, visit www.fusionchristianchurch. com, www.encouragementtoday.tv or on Instagram.

Jehovah’s Witnesses return to the PGA Farmers Insurance Open event

SAN DIEGO – For more than 70 years, San Diego has hosted a PGA Tour event. This year’s Farmers Insurance Open welcomed back travelers and spectators the world over to Torrey Pines Golf Course. Often called a “golfer’s paradise,” the course is framed by panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, towering cliffs and mountains. Add the warm Southern California sunshine in the winter, and there is no wonder the event draws crowds upwards of 100,000 yearly.

It is also time for the return of another tradition in the tournament area. Jehovah’s Witnesses accompanied their mobile display carts for the first time in two years, offering a message of hope.

“People would walk past on multiple occasions and say, ‘We are so glad to see you guys here,’” Jacob Arevalo, who assists in organizing the yearly volunteer event for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said.

Out of concern for the health and safety of the community, Jehovah’s Witnesses suspended their public ministry in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In September 2022, the Witnesses resumed their activity, including offering a positive message to attendees at events such as the

PGA tournament.

“We love people, and especially enjoy connecting and having conversations in person,” Shem Bostick, a local representative for Jehovah’s Witnesses in California, said.

Nearly 150 volunteer participants stood beside mobile display carts welcoming the diverse crowd.

“We were eager to follow the joy of sharing good conversations with people in a beautiful, picturesque setting on a beautiful San Diego day,” Joel Frager said.

The featured website, http:// jw.org is available in more than 1,070 languages, including sign language and some nearly extinct indigenous languages.

“Since this event draws such an international crowd, it is fitting that we have the most widely translated website in the world.

We’re excited to be able to give people a positive message to take home,” Bostick said.

Visitors can disconnect from the daily stresses of life and business concerns and take in the natural surroundings.

“People were very energized,” Cindy Frager, a volunteer in previous years from Oceanside, said.