REMAIN CHILDREN by Robert Soto
February 28, 2010
Matthew 18:4 "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
I sometimes sit and just observe my grandson. For him, life is nothing but playing, sleeping, and eating when he is hungry. I must also add music, singing and dancing. He seems to have grasped an early childhood desire to be a drummer, both on the Indian drum and modern drumming. But his world is so simple. I love to sit there and observe the simplicity of his mind. I love the way he uses the simplicity of life to figure out problems. I love the way he stalks our poor kitties. They do not have a chance with an Apache stalker. He loves to run, play basketball, and observe Indian dancing videos to figure out those difficult moves the adult feather dancers do. He then tries his hardest to interpret the moves and steps as they do.
My grandson is now three years and four months old. He knows what he knows, because of the people that influence him the most. But the simple mind of a child is so important. It is something we lose as we grow up. Sometimes that is a good thing because we are all expected to grow up. But other times we need to have the heart and mind of a child and not make life so complicated with its rules and regulations. When we allow such things to take over our whole lives, life seems to lose in simplicity and fun. It is like Jesus said, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Greatness comes when we let the simple things of life control us and not make life more complicated than it is. We need to retain a childlike humility and character that is always eager to learn and grow.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Connect through commitment by Rick Warren
Connect through commitment by Rick Warren
February 28, 2010
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
The final key to connecting: Be committed to the relationship.
It takes a lot of time to build a deep connection with somebody. And it requires commitment.
I could not count the number of times that either Kay or I have felt like walking out of our marriage, particularly in the early years. But we didn't. Why? Because we'd made a commitment to God. I am so glad that we did not give up. Today, my wife is my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without her.
Some of you may be in a relationship right now that is hanging on by less than a thread. Some of you are already in the stage of physical separation. Do not give up. We have a miracle-working God. The same God that raises the dead can raise a dead relationship if you're willing to be changed.
But it takes a commitment.
The Bible says this in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times." That means even when it's inconvenient, when you don't feel like it, even when the other person doesn't deserve it, even at personal cost. That's what real friendship is all about.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV), "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." What does "a man of many companions may come to ruin" mean? Mere socializing can keep you from having deep relationships. You can be so busy making acquaintances that you never spend the time, energy and effort it takes to cultivate the deep, satisfying intimacy of a good friendship.
You don't need a lot of friends to make it in this world but you do need a few good ones. One good friendship is better than ten thousand acquaintances. The acquaintances aren't going to be there in the crisis. Friends will. And every important close connection begins with a commitment.
Who are you committed to? And who knows it? Have you gone to someone besides your spouse and said, "I just want you to know that I will always be there for you"? Have you ever established that kind of intentional commitment and said, "I want to grow close to you as a friend"?
Here's the bottom line: You need people in your life who will be courageous, considerate, constructive, candid, confidential and committed. But there is only one way you're going to get people like this in your life: You have to be that kind of friend first.
February 28, 2010
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
The final key to connecting: Be committed to the relationship.
It takes a lot of time to build a deep connection with somebody. And it requires commitment.
I could not count the number of times that either Kay or I have felt like walking out of our marriage, particularly in the early years. But we didn't. Why? Because we'd made a commitment to God. I am so glad that we did not give up. Today, my wife is my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without her.
Some of you may be in a relationship right now that is hanging on by less than a thread. Some of you are already in the stage of physical separation. Do not give up. We have a miracle-working God. The same God that raises the dead can raise a dead relationship if you're willing to be changed.
But it takes a commitment.
The Bible says this in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times." That means even when it's inconvenient, when you don't feel like it, even when the other person doesn't deserve it, even at personal cost. That's what real friendship is all about.
The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 (NIV), "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." What does "a man of many companions may come to ruin" mean? Mere socializing can keep you from having deep relationships. You can be so busy making acquaintances that you never spend the time, energy and effort it takes to cultivate the deep, satisfying intimacy of a good friendship.
You don't need a lot of friends to make it in this world but you do need a few good ones. One good friendship is better than ten thousand acquaintances. The acquaintances aren't going to be there in the crisis. Friends will. And every important close connection begins with a commitment.
Who are you committed to? And who knows it? Have you gone to someone besides your spouse and said, "I just want you to know that I will always be there for you"? Have you ever established that kind of intentional commitment and said, "I want to grow close to you as a friend"?
Here's the bottom line: You need people in your life who will be courageous, considerate, constructive, candid, confidential and committed. But there is only one way you're going to get people like this in your life: You have to be that kind of friend first.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Are you listening...? by Adam Edelstein
Are you listening...? by Adam Edelstein
February 26, 2010
Once there was a man who dared God to speak. "Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God and I will follow. Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God and I will fight. Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God and I will listen."
And so the man went and sat by a bush, near a wall close to the sea and waited for God to speak.
And God heard the man, So God answered.
He sent fire, not for the bush, but for a church.
He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.
He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul.
And God waited for the man to respond.
And he waited ...
And waited ...
And waited...
But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks, not lives; seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing.
Finally he looked at God and asked, "Have you lost your power?"
And God looked at him and said, "Have you lost your hearing?"
February 26, 2010
Once there was a man who dared God to speak. "Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God and I will follow. Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God and I will fight. Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God and I will listen."
And so the man went and sat by a bush, near a wall close to the sea and waited for God to speak.
And God heard the man, So God answered.
He sent fire, not for the bush, but for a church.
He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.
He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of a soul.
And God waited for the man to respond.
And he waited ...
And waited ...
And waited...
But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks, not lives; seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing.
Finally he looked at God and asked, "Have you lost your power?"
And God looked at him and said, "Have you lost your hearing?"
A Faith-Filled Outlook by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
A Faith-Filled Outlook by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 27, 2010
GENESIS 39:21-40:8
If anyone had reason to be discouraged, Joseph did. His mother died when he was a boy. His brothers hated him, sold him into slavery, and convinced his father that he was dead. Joseph worked hard in Potiphar's household but ended up in prison because of false allegations. Yet he was not an angry person.
The Hebrew slave maintained his faith-filled outlook because he consistently relied upon God, who remained with him and gave him success. Even in prison, Joseph was given responsibility over others (v. 21). Like that righteous young man, we might also be "held captive"—by unemployment, ill health, or a difficult relationship. In those hard places, we can nevertheless experience our Father's presence and thrive: His Holy Spirit will produce godly fruit in us when we depend upon Him (Gal. 5:22-23).
Regardless of his circumstances, Joseph refused to focus on himself. When two royal servants were jailed, he had compassion for them and gave them aid. In times of both blessing and crisis, we are to help others in whatever ways we can (2 Cor. 1:3-4). And notice, too, how Joseph didn't shrink back from speaking boldly about God to these men and to Pharaoh. He told the Egyptian leader that the answer he sought would come from the Lord (Gen. 41:16).
Whether enslaved, imprisoned, or serving as Pharaoh's second-in-command, Joseph flourished. He endured much hardship but saw that the Lord had used it for good (Gen. 50:19-20). Because the Holy Spirit's presence is in us, we, too, can have a faith-filled perspective that glorifies God.
In Touch Ministries
February 27, 2010
GENESIS 39:21-40:8
If anyone had reason to be discouraged, Joseph did. His mother died when he was a boy. His brothers hated him, sold him into slavery, and convinced his father that he was dead. Joseph worked hard in Potiphar's household but ended up in prison because of false allegations. Yet he was not an angry person.
The Hebrew slave maintained his faith-filled outlook because he consistently relied upon God, who remained with him and gave him success. Even in prison, Joseph was given responsibility over others (v. 21). Like that righteous young man, we might also be "held captive"—by unemployment, ill health, or a difficult relationship. In those hard places, we can nevertheless experience our Father's presence and thrive: His Holy Spirit will produce godly fruit in us when we depend upon Him (Gal. 5:22-23).
Regardless of his circumstances, Joseph refused to focus on himself. When two royal servants were jailed, he had compassion for them and gave them aid. In times of both blessing and crisis, we are to help others in whatever ways we can (2 Cor. 1:3-4). And notice, too, how Joseph didn't shrink back from speaking boldly about God to these men and to Pharaoh. He told the Egyptian leader that the answer he sought would come from the Lord (Gen. 41:16).
Whether enslaved, imprisoned, or serving as Pharaoh's second-in-command, Joseph flourished. He endured much hardship but saw that the Lord had used it for good (Gen. 50:19-20). Because the Holy Spirit's presence is in us, we, too, can have a faith-filled perspective that glorifies God.
WHO CONTROLS WHO by Robert Soto
WHO CONTROLS WHO by Robert Soto
February 27, 2010
Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death."
Who can control the air that blows among the trees and the earth? Who knows what the future brings, with all its mysteries? Who can determine when, where and how one will die? I can imagine what was in the minds of our people as everything they held sacred and special was quickly slipping from their hands. The freedom they once loved was going. The grounds they called sacred were quickly disappearing and all they could do was run and trust the One who is control of whatever the future would bring. I could never imagine myself in their time. I would not survive just like they would not survive in our time and place. But we both face one similarity - the unforeseen future.
It was Solomon who looked at life and asked the same questions I have just laid before you. Solomon said, "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death." The future is not under the control of your hands. You cannot predict or determine what tomorrow will bring. People lie in cemeteries who had all these plans for the future, but they died before it came to pass. Who can control the wind? Man today says he has the power over the wind because he can harvest wind power to produce energy; but he cannot control the wind - only use it to the best of our potential. No one knows the time of his death. These are all things that are in the power of God the Creator. God the Creator controls the unseen things like the future and the wind - even every heartbeat and breath we take.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 27, 2010
Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death."
Who can control the air that blows among the trees and the earth? Who knows what the future brings, with all its mysteries? Who can determine when, where and how one will die? I can imagine what was in the minds of our people as everything they held sacred and special was quickly slipping from their hands. The freedom they once loved was going. The grounds they called sacred were quickly disappearing and all they could do was run and trust the One who is control of whatever the future would bring. I could never imagine myself in their time. I would not survive just like they would not survive in our time and place. But we both face one similarity - the unforeseen future.
It was Solomon who looked at life and asked the same questions I have just laid before you. Solomon said, "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death." The future is not under the control of your hands. You cannot predict or determine what tomorrow will bring. People lie in cemeteries who had all these plans for the future, but they died before it came to pass. Who can control the wind? Man today says he has the power over the wind because he can harvest wind power to produce energy; but he cannot control the wind - only use it to the best of our potential. No one knows the time of his death. These are all things that are in the power of God the Creator. God the Creator controls the unseen things like the future and the wind - even every heartbeat and breath we take.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Connect be keeping someone's confidence by Rick Warren
Connect be keeping someone's confidence by Rick Warren
February 27, 2010
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
If relationships are going to work, we have to be confidential with information.
Are you the kind of person that someone can trust with confidential information? We tend to think of gossip as one of those little sins, a misdemeanor sin. But when God talks about gossip, He puts it on a list with things like sexual immorality and murder.
Why? Because it is incredibly destructive to relationships.
What is gossip? Gossip is talking about a situation with somebody who is neither a part of the solution nor a part of the problem. And if we're honest with ourselves, what we're doing is making ourselves feel a little more important at somebody else's expense. We're talking about their hurts and their problems, but in a way that makes us feel a little bit superior to them. That's the danger and the hurt of gossip.
There's a story in the Old Testament about a family that struggled with gossip. Moses had a sister name Miriam who one day got caught up in gossiping about Moses amidst the rest of the people. God called them together - Moses and Miriam. He spoke with Miriam and told her what she'd done wrong and immediately He gave her leprosy.
But look at what God did next; he invited Moses to pray for Miriam's healing - to pray for the one who gossiped against him.
Some of you have been deeply hurt by gossip. The story of Moses and Miriam suggests God would say to you, "Pray for that person's healing, the one who gossiped against you. That way you can be released from the hurt that's come into your life."
Perhaps you're the one whose been gossiping. You've been the one talking about other people. This story is in the Old Testament to remind us how serious gossip is, how hurtful it can be to people no matter what side of the situation you're on.
The truth is, when you keep confidences it makes your relationships healthier. It enables you to keep connecting with others in positive and genuine way.
February 27, 2010
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
If relationships are going to work, we have to be confidential with information.
Are you the kind of person that someone can trust with confidential information? We tend to think of gossip as one of those little sins, a misdemeanor sin. But when God talks about gossip, He puts it on a list with things like sexual immorality and murder.
Why? Because it is incredibly destructive to relationships.
What is gossip? Gossip is talking about a situation with somebody who is neither a part of the solution nor a part of the problem. And if we're honest with ourselves, what we're doing is making ourselves feel a little more important at somebody else's expense. We're talking about their hurts and their problems, but in a way that makes us feel a little bit superior to them. That's the danger and the hurt of gossip.
There's a story in the Old Testament about a family that struggled with gossip. Moses had a sister name Miriam who one day got caught up in gossiping about Moses amidst the rest of the people. God called them together - Moses and Miriam. He spoke with Miriam and told her what she'd done wrong and immediately He gave her leprosy.
But look at what God did next; he invited Moses to pray for Miriam's healing - to pray for the one who gossiped against him.
Some of you have been deeply hurt by gossip. The story of Moses and Miriam suggests God would say to you, "Pray for that person's healing, the one who gossiped against you. That way you can be released from the hurt that's come into your life."
Perhaps you're the one whose been gossiping. You've been the one talking about other people. This story is in the Old Testament to remind us how serious gossip is, how hurtful it can be to people no matter what side of the situation you're on.
The truth is, when you keep confidences it makes your relationships healthier. It enables you to keep connecting with others in positive and genuine way.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Connect by being candid by Rick Warren
February 26, 2010
"An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." Proverbs 24:26 (GNT)
The fourth key to connecting with people is this: Be candid about problems in the relationship.
Being candid and being connected go together. You don't have one without the other. Genuine, healthy, deep, meaningful relationships are built on honesty, not on flattery. Flattery is a sign of a manipulator, not a sign of somebody who is genuinely your friend.
All of us have blind spots. The question that really matters is, do you have anybody in your life who loves you enough to point them out? You cannot grow unless somebody points out the things that you can't see in your life, but that need changing. Let me give you three rules for being candid in relationships:
1. Compliment in public, correct in private. Do this with your children, your spouse, your employees, and your friends.
2. Correct when they're up and not down. When I'm feeling good, I can handle almost any correction. When I'm feeling tired, I can't handle anything. Timing is everything when you're being candid.
3. Never offer correction until you've proven that you are also willing to be corrected. Remember, seek to understand before seeking to be understood. You open up your life before you expecting someone else to be open with you.
Connecting means we care enough to be candid. Who do you need to get honest with? Is there an issue you need to be candid about? "An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." (Proverbs 24:26 GNT)
"An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." Proverbs 24:26 (GNT)
The fourth key to connecting with people is this: Be candid about problems in the relationship.
Being candid and being connected go together. You don't have one without the other. Genuine, healthy, deep, meaningful relationships are built on honesty, not on flattery. Flattery is a sign of a manipulator, not a sign of somebody who is genuinely your friend.
All of us have blind spots. The question that really matters is, do you have anybody in your life who loves you enough to point them out? You cannot grow unless somebody points out the things that you can't see in your life, but that need changing. Let me give you three rules for being candid in relationships:
1. Compliment in public, correct in private. Do this with your children, your spouse, your employees, and your friends.
2. Correct when they're up and not down. When I'm feeling good, I can handle almost any correction. When I'm feeling tired, I can't handle anything. Timing is everything when you're being candid.
3. Never offer correction until you've proven that you are also willing to be corrected. Remember, seek to understand before seeking to be understood. You open up your life before you expecting someone else to be open with you.
Connecting means we care enough to be candid. Who do you need to get honest with? Is there an issue you need to be candid about? "An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." (Proverbs 24:26 GNT)
Roads...by Adam Edelstein
Roads...by Adam Edelstein
February 25, 2010
So many roads, so many paths, so many oceans to navigate through...
Why do people choose the easiest?
The shortest?
The one most taken?
Why do they choose to BELONG to this world?
To live by it's rules?
To go by it's ways?
All to find out that at the end awaits only darkness, pain and even death.
Why?
If these roads are full of lies, sadness and defeat.
Why?
When there's a road less taken waiting to be run through, trampled over or just walked through even if it's only by curiosity.
A road that brings life, love, happiness and shelter from the storm.
And though it may be a tough, trying road but it promises joy, forgiveness and most importantly a Guide who will never leave us or betray us.
He leads us, loves us, and puts us in victory.
Even when we're so tired we can't go a step further He simply picks us up and carries us until we get back on our feet.
And the best part...He leads us Home.
February 25, 2010
So many roads, so many paths, so many oceans to navigate through...
Why do people choose the easiest?
The shortest?
The one most taken?
Why do they choose to BELONG to this world?
To live by it's rules?
To go by it's ways?
All to find out that at the end awaits only darkness, pain and even death.
Why?
If these roads are full of lies, sadness and defeat.
Why?
When there's a road less taken waiting to be run through, trampled over or just walked through even if it's only by curiosity.
A road that brings life, love, happiness and shelter from the storm.
And though it may be a tough, trying road but it promises joy, forgiveness and most importantly a Guide who will never leave us or betray us.
He leads us, loves us, and puts us in victory.
Even when we're so tired we can't go a step further He simply picks us up and carries us until we get back on our feet.
And the best part...He leads us Home.
Faith: A Fixed Focus by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
Faith: A Fixed Focus by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 26, 2010
GENESIS 39:1-20
Abiding in God's will requires a steady, trust-filled focus upon Him. The life of Joseph provides us with a good illustration.
Keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord helps us remain faithful in the midst of hardship. Joseph's brothers hated him so much that they sold him to a caravan on its way to Egypt. Upon arrival, he became the slave of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. Joseph handled his betrayal and bondage in a godly way. Instead of becoming bitter or refusing to cooperate, he chose to perform every duty with excellence. As a result, he was promoted to oversee Potiphar's household. The entire time, Joseph kept his gaze centered on the Lord who prospered him.
Having a focus of faith allows us to avoid temptation and choose godliness instead. Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph, but he rejected her advances. When he refused to sin against God (v. 9), she falsely accused him of attacking her—and her lies were believed. Ignoring Joseph's record of hard work and faithful service, Potiphar unjustly imprisoned him. Had we been in Joseph's place, we might at this point be asking our heavenly Father why this happened—or thinking how unfairly we were being treated. However, Joseph did not turn his attention away from the Lord. His belief continued to sustain him.
Adversity reveals the substance of our faith. In hard times, we discover how much we really trust in the Lord. If doubt about God and His promises takes root in our thinking, it can lead us off His chosen path. Because of Joseph's steady belief, he recognized God's constant presence and flourished.
In Touch Ministries
February 26, 2010
GENESIS 39:1-20
Abiding in God's will requires a steady, trust-filled focus upon Him. The life of Joseph provides us with a good illustration.
Keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord helps us remain faithful in the midst of hardship. Joseph's brothers hated him so much that they sold him to a caravan on its way to Egypt. Upon arrival, he became the slave of Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. Joseph handled his betrayal and bondage in a godly way. Instead of becoming bitter or refusing to cooperate, he chose to perform every duty with excellence. As a result, he was promoted to oversee Potiphar's household. The entire time, Joseph kept his gaze centered on the Lord who prospered him.
Having a focus of faith allows us to avoid temptation and choose godliness instead. Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph, but he rejected her advances. When he refused to sin against God (v. 9), she falsely accused him of attacking her—and her lies were believed. Ignoring Joseph's record of hard work and faithful service, Potiphar unjustly imprisoned him. Had we been in Joseph's place, we might at this point be asking our heavenly Father why this happened—or thinking how unfairly we were being treated. However, Joseph did not turn his attention away from the Lord. His belief continued to sustain him.
Adversity reveals the substance of our faith. In hard times, we discover how much we really trust in the Lord. If doubt about God and His promises takes root in our thinking, it can lead us off His chosen path. Because of Joseph's steady belief, he recognized God's constant presence and flourished.
BEWARE OF DECEPTIVE WORDS by Robert Soto
BEWARE OF DECEPTIVE WORDS by Robert Soto
February 26, 2010
Matthew 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
It's hard to trust a snake when you know that the snake is out to get you. It's hard to trust a mountain lion when you know that it might be lurking around trying to destroy you. Surely you will not dance hand in hand with a wild grizzly bear. Wild animals have one thing in common - their desire for survival. They will do whatever it takes to survive. So based on their instinct and reactions, one would not tend to trust them. To our people, history has proven that the things that were promised to us were not kept. It seemed that our history tells us that they had one thing in mind, to steal whatever we had that they wanted. It seemed to be a repetitive understanding that our people could not trust them. Geronimo understood this truth so when General Miles promised the world, he found it hard to believe. Geronimo told him, "All the officers that have been in charge of the Indians have talked that way, and it sounds like a story to me; I hardly believe you." To that General Miles responded, "This time it is the truth."
Geronimo took the words of a white man that day and even though he found it hard to believe, he decided to trust them one more time. But how many times can a man trust the words of another who has a history of broken promises? Many have told me many times over to forgive, forget and move on. I have forgiven and I have moved on, but forgetting, I find hard. I remember the first time I got bit by an alligator. My first bite came when I dropped my guard and forgot that the alligator I had in my hands was not my friend. It was then that it opened its mouth and not being able to move my hand fast enough, two of my fingers fell victim to his mouth and received deep wounds. For the next three years, I learned my lesson, never to drop my guard and never to trust an alligator. It is not a matter of trust, it is a matter of wisdom. God the Creator wants us to use the wisdom He has given us so that we can learn from the past and not forget. Forgive I can do. Move on I have done plenty of times. But forget, I cannot do. "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Beware of those who say one thing with their mouths, but do not practice what they preach. By the way, General Miles forgot his words once he got what he wanted.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 26, 2010
Matthew 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."
It's hard to trust a snake when you know that the snake is out to get you. It's hard to trust a mountain lion when you know that it might be lurking around trying to destroy you. Surely you will not dance hand in hand with a wild grizzly bear. Wild animals have one thing in common - their desire for survival. They will do whatever it takes to survive. So based on their instinct and reactions, one would not tend to trust them. To our people, history has proven that the things that were promised to us were not kept. It seemed that our history tells us that they had one thing in mind, to steal whatever we had that they wanted. It seemed to be a repetitive understanding that our people could not trust them. Geronimo understood this truth so when General Miles promised the world, he found it hard to believe. Geronimo told him, "All the officers that have been in charge of the Indians have talked that way, and it sounds like a story to me; I hardly believe you." To that General Miles responded, "This time it is the truth."
Geronimo took the words of a white man that day and even though he found it hard to believe, he decided to trust them one more time. But how many times can a man trust the words of another who has a history of broken promises? Many have told me many times over to forgive, forget and move on. I have forgiven and I have moved on, but forgetting, I find hard. I remember the first time I got bit by an alligator. My first bite came when I dropped my guard and forgot that the alligator I had in my hands was not my friend. It was then that it opened its mouth and not being able to move my hand fast enough, two of my fingers fell victim to his mouth and received deep wounds. For the next three years, I learned my lesson, never to drop my guard and never to trust an alligator. It is not a matter of trust, it is a matter of wisdom. God the Creator wants us to use the wisdom He has given us so that we can learn from the past and not forget. Forgive I can do. Move on I have done plenty of times. But forget, I cannot do. "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Beware of those who say one thing with their mouths, but do not practice what they preach. By the way, General Miles forgot his words once he got what he wanted.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Connect by using constructive words by Rick Warren
Connect by using constructive words by Rick Warren
February 25, 2010
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
The third principle for connecting with people is to be constructive with your words.
Use your words to build people up. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (NIV). God wants us to take these words and use them to build people.
Did you know that the words that come out of our mouths are like a tool? Sometimes they're like a sledgehammer. We swing away without thinking and end up with a pile of relational rubble. Sometimes they're like a saw, cutting people down. If we keep using these tools, inevitably our relationships are going to suffer.
One reason we aren't constructive with our words is we don't realize how powerful they are; yet, I bet you can still remember things people said to you in a thoughtless way as far back as grade school or college. That's how powerful words are. They leave a lasting impact. So when it comes to your mouth, think of it as a power tool and be very careful with it.
Here's how to build instead of destroying with your words --
1. Stop excusing. Stop saying, "I didn't really mean to say that." Realize that what you say impacts everyone around you.
2. Talk less. If it's a power tool, you don't have to use it as much. One of the reasons we get in trouble is we just talk too much sometimes. We need to talk less and then ...
3. Listen more. If I listen more, I can understand people's needs.
4. Start building. Think first of all, "What do they need?" How can I use a word of encouragement to build them up? How can I use a word of challenge to make a difference in someone's life? How can I use my words to build up the people I love the most?
February 25, 2010
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
The third principle for connecting with people is to be constructive with your words.
Use your words to build people up. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (NIV). God wants us to take these words and use them to build people.
Did you know that the words that come out of our mouths are like a tool? Sometimes they're like a sledgehammer. We swing away without thinking and end up with a pile of relational rubble. Sometimes they're like a saw, cutting people down. If we keep using these tools, inevitably our relationships are going to suffer.
One reason we aren't constructive with our words is we don't realize how powerful they are; yet, I bet you can still remember things people said to you in a thoughtless way as far back as grade school or college. That's how powerful words are. They leave a lasting impact. So when it comes to your mouth, think of it as a power tool and be very careful with it.
Here's how to build instead of destroying with your words --
1. Stop excusing. Stop saying, "I didn't really mean to say that." Realize that what you say impacts everyone around you.
2. Talk less. If it's a power tool, you don't have to use it as much. One of the reasons we get in trouble is we just talk too much sometimes. We need to talk less and then ...
3. Listen more. If I listen more, I can understand people's needs.
4. Start building. Think first of all, "What do they need?" How can I use a word of encouragement to build them up? How can I use a word of challenge to make a difference in someone's life? How can I use my words to build up the people I love the most?
Why God Closes Doors by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
Why God Closes Doors by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 25, 2010
JEREMIAH 10:23-24
A blockaded opportunity is a useful teaching tool. God's ultimate objective is to mold us into the image of His Son, and toward that end, He at times prevents us from doing or having something we desire.
- Closed doors prevent mistakes. Just because a path is clear does not mean it is the one God intends for us to follow. Sometimes we won't have the information we need to make a wise decision, so He bars the way either spiritually or physically. The Holy Spirit can see the whole road map for our lives, which is why we are to follow His guidance.
- Closed doors redirect our walk. Rest assured, God never leaves a willing servant with nothing to do. The alternate opportunity He has in mind will yield bigger fruit, more satisfaction, and greater glory for Him.
- Closed doors test faith and build perseverance. Waiting for the Lord to speak or act is hard, particularly when our desire has been denied. But we'll learn wisdom, patience, and trust by pausing prayerfully until He reveals His will.
- Closed doors buy us time. We are not always as prepared as we'd like to think. God may temporarily hold shut an opportunity for service until a believer is properly equipped for kingdom work.
In spite of the repeated use of "closed door" in this devotion, the real message is that God opens doors. He has created a perfect pathway for us to follow. Keep your feet on it, and you will walk over thresholds leading to service, satisfaction, and glory for your Lord.
In Touch Ministries
February 25, 2010
JEREMIAH 10:23-24
A blockaded opportunity is a useful teaching tool. God's ultimate objective is to mold us into the image of His Son, and toward that end, He at times prevents us from doing or having something we desire.
- Closed doors prevent mistakes. Just because a path is clear does not mean it is the one God intends for us to follow. Sometimes we won't have the information we need to make a wise decision, so He bars the way either spiritually or physically. The Holy Spirit can see the whole road map for our lives, which is why we are to follow His guidance.
- Closed doors redirect our walk. Rest assured, God never leaves a willing servant with nothing to do. The alternate opportunity He has in mind will yield bigger fruit, more satisfaction, and greater glory for Him.
- Closed doors test faith and build perseverance. Waiting for the Lord to speak or act is hard, particularly when our desire has been denied. But we'll learn wisdom, patience, and trust by pausing prayerfully until He reveals His will.
- Closed doors buy us time. We are not always as prepared as we'd like to think. God may temporarily hold shut an opportunity for service until a believer is properly equipped for kingdom work.
In spite of the repeated use of "closed door" in this devotion, the real message is that God opens doors. He has created a perfect pathway for us to follow. Keep your feet on it, and you will walk over thresholds leading to service, satisfaction, and glory for your Lord.
A NATION BLESSED BY GOD by Robert Soto
A NATION BLESSED BY GOD by Robert Soto
February 25, 2010
Genesis 24:31 "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD," he said. "Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels."
Several yeas ago, during one of our hot summers I had the privilege of hosting a group of kids from a church in Ohio. They had come to South Texas to help in our church and to work with an orphanage in Mexico. At the orphanage, we were to spend two nights in the same building with the orphans. It was an interesting experience. The keepers of the orphanage made sure when the teens were not working that they were playing and working with the fifty-five plus orphans. Most of the orphans just wanted to be touched or hugged and have their hand held. Evening came and we all went to bed. I must confess, it was the middle of our summer which brings temperatures between 104 to 110 all day long. Nights only get down to the high 80's to low 90's. Very quickly, the kids discovered that they could not sleep in such hot muggy conditions. One teenage girl said, "How can the children sleep in such misery?"
It wasn't before long that another church group knocked on our door and said, "Why don't you and your team come to the rooftop and sleep on the roof. At least you have the wind to cool you off. So everyone gladly grabbed their sleeping bags and moved to the rooftop. It was a four-story building and the roof was flat. We joined the other group for a time of meditation and all I heard was how fortunate we were to live in America. It was then that I decided to go to the edge of the rooftop and see the lights shining on the other side of the river that now divides our two countries. It was then that I saw my town through the eyes of a poor person from Mexico. It looked like the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. It glittered with all its glory. It lit up the sky like diamonds glittering in the sky. Then two things struck me: one was how blessed we are to live in the United States, and the second was why the poor in Mexico would do whatever it takes to get to the other side and be a part of our prosperity. So then I saw that we are truly blessed. That for some reason, God the Creator has chosen to bless our nation, regardless of our imperfections. Laban said, "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD..."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 25, 2010
Genesis 24:31 "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD," he said. "Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels."
Several yeas ago, during one of our hot summers I had the privilege of hosting a group of kids from a church in Ohio. They had come to South Texas to help in our church and to work with an orphanage in Mexico. At the orphanage, we were to spend two nights in the same building with the orphans. It was an interesting experience. The keepers of the orphanage made sure when the teens were not working that they were playing and working with the fifty-five plus orphans. Most of the orphans just wanted to be touched or hugged and have their hand held. Evening came and we all went to bed. I must confess, it was the middle of our summer which brings temperatures between 104 to 110 all day long. Nights only get down to the high 80's to low 90's. Very quickly, the kids discovered that they could not sleep in such hot muggy conditions. One teenage girl said, "How can the children sleep in such misery?"
It wasn't before long that another church group knocked on our door and said, "Why don't you and your team come to the rooftop and sleep on the roof. At least you have the wind to cool you off. So everyone gladly grabbed their sleeping bags and moved to the rooftop. It was a four-story building and the roof was flat. We joined the other group for a time of meditation and all I heard was how fortunate we were to live in America. It was then that I decided to go to the edge of the rooftop and see the lights shining on the other side of the river that now divides our two countries. It was then that I saw my town through the eyes of a poor person from Mexico. It looked like the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. It glittered with all its glory. It lit up the sky like diamonds glittering in the sky. Then two things struck me: one was how blessed we are to live in the United States, and the second was why the poor in Mexico would do whatever it takes to get to the other side and be a part of our prosperity. So then I saw that we are truly blessed. That for some reason, God the Creator has chosen to bless our nation, regardless of our imperfections. Laban said, "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD..."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Connect by being considerate by Rick Warren
Connect by being considerate by Rick Warren
February 24, 2010
"Look out for one another's interests, not just our own." Philippians 2:4 (GNT)
The second principle for connecting with people is to be considerate of other people's needs.
In other words, if you want to connect with people, you've got to start with their needs, not your own. That's how you make that initial connection. There's an old Chinese proverb that says, "Seek to understand before seeking to be understood."
The Bible talks about this in Philippians 2:4: "Look out for one another's interests not just your own." That is such a counter-cultural verse. Everything in our culture -- from the moment we're born - tends to train us to think 'me first.' As a result, we're all disconnected because we're all thinking about ourselves and not thinking about the needs of other people.
Yet, as I wrote in The Purpose Driven Life, "It's not about you!" The world doesn't revolve around you just as it doesn't revolve around me. You're very special in God's eyes. You were created for a purpose ... but the world does not revolve around you.
Here's another truth -- If you want your needs to be met, first start focusing on meeting the needs of other people. Why? Because God wants you to learn to be unselfish. He wants you to learn to love, to be generous like Him. Colossians 3:13 says, "You must make allowances for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember God forgave you so you must forgive others" (NLT). Part of being considerate of other people's needs is making allowances for their faults.
Dear Abby once ran a letter from a divorced woman. She wrote, "I'm 44 years old. I'd like to find a man my age with no bad habits." Abby wrote back, "So would I." There simply aren't any people with no bad habits or faults. We have to make allowance for each other's faults.
Proverbs 17:9 says, "Love forgets mistakes." It's not that you are blind to someone else's faults; rather, you choose to overlook them. Great friends are good forgetters. They forget the bad stuff intentionally. They don't rub it in, they rub it out.
February 24, 2010
"Look out for one another's interests, not just our own." Philippians 2:4 (GNT)
The second principle for connecting with people is to be considerate of other people's needs.
In other words, if you want to connect with people, you've got to start with their needs, not your own. That's how you make that initial connection. There's an old Chinese proverb that says, "Seek to understand before seeking to be understood."
The Bible talks about this in Philippians 2:4: "Look out for one another's interests not just your own." That is such a counter-cultural verse. Everything in our culture -- from the moment we're born - tends to train us to think 'me first.' As a result, we're all disconnected because we're all thinking about ourselves and not thinking about the needs of other people.
Yet, as I wrote in The Purpose Driven Life, "It's not about you!" The world doesn't revolve around you just as it doesn't revolve around me. You're very special in God's eyes. You were created for a purpose ... but the world does not revolve around you.
Here's another truth -- If you want your needs to be met, first start focusing on meeting the needs of other people. Why? Because God wants you to learn to be unselfish. He wants you to learn to love, to be generous like Him. Colossians 3:13 says, "You must make allowances for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember God forgave you so you must forgive others" (NLT). Part of being considerate of other people's needs is making allowances for their faults.
Dear Abby once ran a letter from a divorced woman. She wrote, "I'm 44 years old. I'd like to find a man my age with no bad habits." Abby wrote back, "So would I." There simply aren't any people with no bad habits or faults. We have to make allowance for each other's faults.
Proverbs 17:9 says, "Love forgets mistakes." It's not that you are blind to someone else's faults; rather, you choose to overlook them. Great friends are good forgetters. They forget the bad stuff intentionally. They don't rub it in, they rub it out.
Letter from Jesus by Adam Edelstein
Letter from Jesus by Adam Edelstein
February 23, 2010
Dear Friend,
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you.
Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited; you never called. I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of me; I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into a glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work-you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.
I love you! Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you! I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of the flowers.
I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and composed love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent.
My love for you is deeper than the ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care. I died just for you.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him. He cares, too. Fathers are just that way.
So please call Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus
February 23, 2010
Dear Friend,
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you.
Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped that soon you'd want Me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you. I waited; you never called. I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn't even think of me; I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into a glorious morning for you. But you woke up late and rushed off to work-you didn't even notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.
I love you! Oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you! I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant colors of the flowers.
I shout it to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and composed love songs for birds to sing for you. I warm you with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's sweet scent.
My love for you is deeper than the ocean and greater than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care. I died just for you.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him. He cares, too. Fathers are just that way.
So please call Me soon. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait because I love you.
Your Friend,
Jesus
Connect by taking the initiative by Rick Warren
Connect by taking the initiative by Rick Warren
February 23, 2010
"For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them." 2 Timothy 1:7 (LB)
The first principle for connecting with people is this: Be courageous and take the initiative!
Don't wait on somebody else to connect with you. You must take the initiative to connect with them. This often takes courage. Why? Because when we're full of fear and anxiety, we don't get close to each other. In fact, we back off from each other. We're afraid of being rejected, manipulated, hurt, or used.
This fear is as old as mankind. When Adam and Eve sinned and God came looking for Adam, Adam said, "I was afraid ... and I hid" (Genesis 3:10 ESV). We hide our true selves. We don't let people know what we're really like. Why? Because we think, "If I tell you who I am and you don't like me, I'm have no alternative." So we wear masks and we pretend.
Fear does three terrible things to relationships:
* Our fears make us defensive. We're afraid to reveal ourselves. When people point out weaknesses we retaliate and defend ourselves.
* Our fears keep us distant. We don't let people get close to us. We want to withdraw and hide our emotions. We don't want to be open and honest.
* Our fears make us demanding. The more insecure we are the more we try to control or dominate things. We try to have the last word in a relationship. It's always a symptom of fear and insecurity.
Where do you get the courage for taking the first step in connecting with someone? You get it from God's Spirit in your life: "For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people but to be wise and strong [courageous] and to love them and enjoy being with them" (2 Timothy 1:7 LB).
How do you know when you're filled with God's Spirit? You're more courageous in your relationships. You love people. You enjoy being with them. You're not afraid of them because God's Spirit is in your life. The Bible says "God is love" (1 John 4:16 NLT) and "Love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18 NASB). The more of God you have in your life the less fear you'll have.
So the starting point in connecting with anybody is to pause and pray and say, "God, give me the courage to take the first step."
February 23, 2010
"For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them." 2 Timothy 1:7 (LB)
The first principle for connecting with people is this: Be courageous and take the initiative!
Don't wait on somebody else to connect with you. You must take the initiative to connect with them. This often takes courage. Why? Because when we're full of fear and anxiety, we don't get close to each other. In fact, we back off from each other. We're afraid of being rejected, manipulated, hurt, or used.
This fear is as old as mankind. When Adam and Eve sinned and God came looking for Adam, Adam said, "I was afraid ... and I hid" (Genesis 3:10 ESV). We hide our true selves. We don't let people know what we're really like. Why? Because we think, "If I tell you who I am and you don't like me, I'm have no alternative." So we wear masks and we pretend.
Fear does three terrible things to relationships:
* Our fears make us defensive. We're afraid to reveal ourselves. When people point out weaknesses we retaliate and defend ourselves.
* Our fears keep us distant. We don't let people get close to us. We want to withdraw and hide our emotions. We don't want to be open and honest.
* Our fears make us demanding. The more insecure we are the more we try to control or dominate things. We try to have the last word in a relationship. It's always a symptom of fear and insecurity.
Where do you get the courage for taking the first step in connecting with someone? You get it from God's Spirit in your life: "For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people but to be wise and strong [courageous] and to love them and enjoy being with them" (2 Timothy 1:7 LB).
How do you know when you're filled with God's Spirit? You're more courageous in your relationships. You love people. You enjoy being with them. You're not afraid of them because God's Spirit is in your life. The Bible says "God is love" (1 John 4:16 NLT) and "Love casts out all fear" (1 John 4:18 NASB). The more of God you have in your life the less fear you'll have.
So the starting point in connecting with anybody is to pause and pray and say, "God, give me the courage to take the first step."
Confronting Closed Doors by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
Confronting Closed Doors by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 24, 2010
ACTS 16:5-10
Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.
How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs: The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (vv. 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.
The Bible does not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entrance to a new mission field. Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God's purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward—perhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.
When an opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Rom. 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.
In Touch Ministries
February 24, 2010
ACTS 16:5-10
Facing a "closed door" can be extremely frustrating. The apostle Paul knew exactly how that felt. On his second missionary journey to share the gospel in Asia, he repeatedly found the way blocked by the Holy Spirit. Eventually the apostle was stuck in Troas with the sea before him and closed doors behind.
How strange it must have seemed to Paul that God would prevent him from spreading the gospel. But he knew this wisdom from the book of Proverbs: The Lord will make a straight path for anyone who chooses to trust God rather than himself (vv. 3:5-6). Instead of getting angry or trying to force his way into new territory, Paul got on his knees.
The Bible does not record how long he and Timothy lingered in Troas, but we can be sure that the apostle did not move until the Lord revealed the entrance to a new mission field. Christians in a period of watchful waiting should view the situation as a chance to seek not only God's purpose but also His guidance. This is the time to ask the Lord why He has barred the way forward—perhaps the timing is wrong or we need to deal with unconfessed sin. Whatever the reason, we must be sensitive to the Spirit's leading. We want to be ready for the door that will open.
When an opportunity is blocked, God has a reason. And He is providing love and protection, even in your disappointment. The Lord is also keeping His promise to work everything for your good (Rom. 8:28). When one door has closed, a greater one is about to open. Be wise and watch for it.
LOOK TO THE SIGNS, LOOK TO GOD by Robert Soto
LOOK TO THE SIGNS, LOOK TO GOD by Robert Soto
February 24, 2010
Matthew 24:3 "...You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
Today, I woke up and got dressed for a nice warm day. I had an appointment at 9:30 AM. So I ran out the door wearing shorts and a t-shirt. As I ran out I discovered that it was not hot any more. It was actually drizzling and in the high 40's. I started to freeze but did not have time to change so I grabbed my jean jacket and went on my way. I guess you can imagine that people stared at me all morning long. Cold weather was the last thing I expected since yesterday was in the mid 80's. But the cold weather should not have taken me by surprise. If I had lived in the old days the way my people used to live, I would have known that it was going to be a cold day. You see, God the Creator gave us an early warning system since this is winter time. The day before it gets cold, the temperatures get hotter than normal for wintertime.
So in many ways, this is God using His creation to warn us and help us prepare. There are many warnings if we just open our eyes. We are so spoiled today with all our modern technology that we forget how God the Creator speaks and warns mankind. We are so busy that we forget who God the Creator is and what He has done for us. Matthew wrote, "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." But then a thought came to me too, that today we are missing one thing that our ancestors of the past had. Even though we can interpret the signs of the sky, we have lost the ability to see God. Our people could see the signs that God the Creator gave us for each day of their lives, but they also saw God. We can see weather and what it will bring to us today with the technology we have, but we have forgotten about God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 24, 2010
Matthew 24:3 "...You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
Today, I woke up and got dressed for a nice warm day. I had an appointment at 9:30 AM. So I ran out the door wearing shorts and a t-shirt. As I ran out I discovered that it was not hot any more. It was actually drizzling and in the high 40's. I started to freeze but did not have time to change so I grabbed my jean jacket and went on my way. I guess you can imagine that people stared at me all morning long. Cold weather was the last thing I expected since yesterday was in the mid 80's. But the cold weather should not have taken me by surprise. If I had lived in the old days the way my people used to live, I would have known that it was going to be a cold day. You see, God the Creator gave us an early warning system since this is winter time. The day before it gets cold, the temperatures get hotter than normal for wintertime.
So in many ways, this is God using His creation to warn us and help us prepare. There are many warnings if we just open our eyes. We are so spoiled today with all our modern technology that we forget how God the Creator speaks and warns mankind. We are so busy that we forget who God the Creator is and what He has done for us. Matthew wrote, "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." But then a thought came to me too, that today we are missing one thing that our ancestors of the past had. Even though we can interpret the signs of the sky, we have lost the ability to see God. Our people could see the signs that God the Creator gave us for each day of their lives, but they also saw God. We can see weather and what it will bring to us today with the technology we have, but we have forgotten about God.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Taking our lives back...part 1 by Adam Edelstein (Christ in Tech)
Taking our lives back...part 1 by Adam Edelstein
Christ in Tech
February 23, 2010
Lets not let satan distract us from GOD Principles (pray for each other)
It's weighing heavy on me. It's all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer, I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me----- those in this world who have barely enough food for this day, and those who don't have a roof over their heads at night.
I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have leukemia, for the many people who are dying of brain tumors, for the hundreds of thousands who are laid waste with other terrible cancers, for people whose bodies have been suddenly shattered in car wrecks, for those who are lying in hospital with agonizing burns over their bodies, whose faces have been burned beyond recognition.
I pray for people with emphysema, whose eyes fill with terror as they struggle for every breath merely to live, for those who are tormented beyond words by irrational fears, for the elderly who are wracked with the pains of aging, whose only "escape" is death.
I pray for people who are watching their loved ones fade before their eyes through the grief of Alzheimer's disease, for the many thousands who are suffering the agony of Aids, for those who are in such despair they are about to commit suicide, for people who are tormented by the demons of alcoholism, and drug addiction.
I pray for children who have been abandoned by their parents, for those who are sexually abused, for wives held in quiet despair, beaten and abused by cruel and drunken husbands, for people whose minds have been destroyed by mental disorders, for those who have lost everything in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
I pray for the blind, who never see the faces of the ones they love, or the beauty of a sunrise, for those whose bodies are horribly deformed by painful arthritis, for the many whose lives will be taken from them today by murderers, for those wasting away on their deathbeds in hospitals.
Most of all, I cry out for the millions who don't know the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ.... for those who in a moment of time will be swept into Hell by the cold hand of death, and find to their utter horror the unspeakable vengeance of eternal fire. They will be eternally damned to everlasting punishment. O God, I pray for them.
Strange, I can't seem to remember what my problem was.
In Jesus name I pray,Amen."
Be Blessed
Christ in Tech
February 23, 2010
Lets not let satan distract us from GOD Principles (pray for each other)
It's weighing heavy on me. It's all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer, I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me----- those in this world who have barely enough food for this day, and those who don't have a roof over their heads at night.
I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have leukemia, for the many people who are dying of brain tumors, for the hundreds of thousands who are laid waste with other terrible cancers, for people whose bodies have been suddenly shattered in car wrecks, for those who are lying in hospital with agonizing burns over their bodies, whose faces have been burned beyond recognition.
I pray for people with emphysema, whose eyes fill with terror as they struggle for every breath merely to live, for those who are tormented beyond words by irrational fears, for the elderly who are wracked with the pains of aging, whose only "escape" is death.
I pray for people who are watching their loved ones fade before their eyes through the grief of Alzheimer's disease, for the many thousands who are suffering the agony of Aids, for those who are in such despair they are about to commit suicide, for people who are tormented by the demons of alcoholism, and drug addiction.
I pray for children who have been abandoned by their parents, for those who are sexually abused, for wives held in quiet despair, beaten and abused by cruel and drunken husbands, for people whose minds have been destroyed by mental disorders, for those who have lost everything in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
I pray for the blind, who never see the faces of the ones they love, or the beauty of a sunrise, for those whose bodies are horribly deformed by painful arthritis, for the many whose lives will be taken from them today by murderers, for those wasting away on their deathbeds in hospitals.
Most of all, I cry out for the millions who don't know the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ.... for those who in a moment of time will be swept into Hell by the cold hand of death, and find to their utter horror the unspeakable vengeance of eternal fire. They will be eternally damned to everlasting punishment. O God, I pray for them.
Strange, I can't seem to remember what my problem was.
In Jesus name I pray,Amen."
Be Blessed
How to connect with people by Rick Warren
How to connect with people by Rick Warren
February 22, 2010
"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)
One of the deepest needs we have in life is the need to be understood. We all desperately need to feel that somebody can feel what we're feeling and understand what we're thinking. We all need people who connect with us.
A study by the California Department of Health Mental found that if you're disconnected from other people -
* You're two-to-three times more likely to die an early death;
* You're four times more likely to suffer from emotional burnout;
* You're five times more likely to suffer clinical depression, and;
* You're ten times more likely to be hospitalized for an emotional or mental disorder.
We need human connections for physical, emotional, spiritual health. We need people who understand us, who relate to us and who can connect to us.
Learning how to connect with people on a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul level is one of life's most important skills. Unfortunately, nobody ever teaches us how to do this. You learn science and geography, history and math in school, but nobody teaches you how to connect with people. You may be brilliant in some subject, but if you don't know how to connect with people, you're still not going to go very far in life.
Over the next six days, we'll look at the six principles of how to connect with people. It doesn't matter your age or stage of life. If you're a parent and you want to know how to better connect with your children, you can use these principles. If you're engaged or married and you want to know how to better relate to that other person, you can use these principles. If you're a teacher or an employer or employee, no matter who you are, if you need to get close to anybody in life, you need these principles.
Together, we'll see that human connections are good medicine and a "sweet friendship refreshes the soul."
February 22, 2010
"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)
One of the deepest needs we have in life is the need to be understood. We all desperately need to feel that somebody can feel what we're feeling and understand what we're thinking. We all need people who connect with us.
A study by the California Department of Health Mental found that if you're disconnected from other people -
* You're two-to-three times more likely to die an early death;
* You're four times more likely to suffer from emotional burnout;
* You're five times more likely to suffer clinical depression, and;
* You're ten times more likely to be hospitalized for an emotional or mental disorder.
We need human connections for physical, emotional, spiritual health. We need people who understand us, who relate to us and who can connect to us.
Learning how to connect with people on a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul level is one of life's most important skills. Unfortunately, nobody ever teaches us how to do this. You learn science and geography, history and math in school, but nobody teaches you how to connect with people. You may be brilliant in some subject, but if you don't know how to connect with people, you're still not going to go very far in life.
Over the next six days, we'll look at the six principles of how to connect with people. It doesn't matter your age or stage of life. If you're a parent and you want to know how to better connect with your children, you can use these principles. If you're engaged or married and you want to know how to better relate to that other person, you can use these principles. If you're a teacher or an employer or employee, no matter who you are, if you need to get close to anybody in life, you need these principles.
Together, we'll see that human connections are good medicine and a "sweet friendship refreshes the soul."
Just Do It by Adam Edelstein (Christ in Tech)
Just Do It by Adam Edelstein
Christ in Tech
February 23, 2010
Just walk it.
Just talk it.
Just preach it.
Just teach it.
Just tell it.
Just live it.
Just give it.
Just wear it.
Just share it.
Just shout it.
Just sing it.
Just proclaim it.
Just prove it.
JUST DO IT.
Live For Jesus!
Christ in Tech
February 23, 2010
Just walk it.
Just talk it.
Just preach it.
Just teach it.
Just tell it.
Just live it.
Just give it.
Just wear it.
Just share it.
Just shout it.
Just sing it.
Just proclaim it.
Just prove it.
JUST DO IT.
Live For Jesus!
A Gift for Every Believer by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
A Gift for Every Believer by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 23, 2010
1 PETER 4:10-11
Even though the Bible clearly states that every believer receives a spiritual gift, some people nevertheless think they were overlooked. So these men and women mosey through life refusing opportunities to serve. Other folks are so busy wishing they had a different ability that they do not use the one bestowed by the Holy Spirit. Both of these attitudes are sinful.
God has a specific purpose and ministry for every Christian. Our spiritual gifts help us to fulfill His plan. We learn which one (or ones) we possess by getting involved in the life of the church. In other words, a believer will know his divinely appointed abilities when he begins to exercise them.
Moreover, God has a general purpose for handing out spiritual gifts. Christians exercise their special skills for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). Everyone profits when believers do God's work though the power of the Holy Spirit. We're to use our gifts for equipping, edifying, and encouraging one another (Eph. 4:11-13). To appreciate how this works, we may have to broaden our understanding of words like evangelist, prophet, and teacher. Biblically, these terms describe co-laborers who share Christ, spiritual mentors who explain biblical truths to new believers, friends who uplift the discouraged, and others doing similar work.
Every member of the Christian fellowship is important, and each one has a work to do. There are no excuses for bypassing God's will. Where He has gifted us and opened doors of opportunity for ministry, He also provides the strength and courage to exercise our abilities.
In Touch Ministries
February 23, 2010
1 PETER 4:10-11
Even though the Bible clearly states that every believer receives a spiritual gift, some people nevertheless think they were overlooked. So these men and women mosey through life refusing opportunities to serve. Other folks are so busy wishing they had a different ability that they do not use the one bestowed by the Holy Spirit. Both of these attitudes are sinful.
God has a specific purpose and ministry for every Christian. Our spiritual gifts help us to fulfill His plan. We learn which one (or ones) we possess by getting involved in the life of the church. In other words, a believer will know his divinely appointed abilities when he begins to exercise them.
Moreover, God has a general purpose for handing out spiritual gifts. Christians exercise their special skills for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). Everyone profits when believers do God's work though the power of the Holy Spirit. We're to use our gifts for equipping, edifying, and encouraging one another (Eph. 4:11-13). To appreciate how this works, we may have to broaden our understanding of words like evangelist, prophet, and teacher. Biblically, these terms describe co-laborers who share Christ, spiritual mentors who explain biblical truths to new believers, friends who uplift the discouraged, and others doing similar work.
Every member of the Christian fellowship is important, and each one has a work to do. There are no excuses for bypassing God's will. Where He has gifted us and opened doors of opportunity for ministry, He also provides the strength and courage to exercise our abilities.
TO THE DUST WE WILL GO b Robert Soto
TO THE DUST WE WILL GO by Robert Soto
February 23, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3:20 "All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."
Today came the closing chapter of my friend's death. She was cremated and stated in her will that she wants her ashes spread in a secluded place. We chose the desert because my friend loved the heat. She lived for a hot day to go and work or just relax in the warmth of the sun. We arrived and had to slowly make our way through the wild cactus and thorn-infested brushland of Texas. With every step I checked for rattlesnakes which are now slowly coming out of their winter hibernation. After going a short distance into the brush desert, we found the place. My son and daughter sang a traveling song followed by a farewell song as my friend's sisters spread their sister's ashes into the wind which eventually fell to the ground. It was a time full of emotion as I felt we were closing the final chapter of my friend's life.
But as the ashes spread through the air I could not help but think to myself, "Is this all there is to life?" If the essence of who we are can be reduced to dust that will fit in a small bag that goes into a small container, then what is life all about? Science says that the human body is made up of 65-75% water. So when the body dies and we return to the dust of the ground, there is not much left of us to admire. Solomon said, "All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return." We all start on an equal plane and we all end on the same plane. We all came from the dust of the earth and to the dust we will return. So the question we must answer is, "What is life?" Life is what you do from the beginning to the end. Life is not what we were before birth and what our bodies will become afterwards; life is what we do in between. Life is what people will remember of us and the things we accomplished, not in our own lives but in the lives of others who God the Creator has brought our way. I will always remember my friend - not for what she was, but for what she did for others and how she touched others' lives with her life.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 23, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3:20 "All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return."
Today came the closing chapter of my friend's death. She was cremated and stated in her will that she wants her ashes spread in a secluded place. We chose the desert because my friend loved the heat. She lived for a hot day to go and work or just relax in the warmth of the sun. We arrived and had to slowly make our way through the wild cactus and thorn-infested brushland of Texas. With every step I checked for rattlesnakes which are now slowly coming out of their winter hibernation. After going a short distance into the brush desert, we found the place. My son and daughter sang a traveling song followed by a farewell song as my friend's sisters spread their sister's ashes into the wind which eventually fell to the ground. It was a time full of emotion as I felt we were closing the final chapter of my friend's life.
But as the ashes spread through the air I could not help but think to myself, "Is this all there is to life?" If the essence of who we are can be reduced to dust that will fit in a small bag that goes into a small container, then what is life all about? Science says that the human body is made up of 65-75% water. So when the body dies and we return to the dust of the ground, there is not much left of us to admire. Solomon said, "All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return." We all start on an equal plane and we all end on the same plane. We all came from the dust of the earth and to the dust we will return. So the question we must answer is, "What is life?" Life is what you do from the beginning to the end. Life is not what we were before birth and what our bodies will become afterwards; life is what we do in between. Life is what people will remember of us and the things we accomplished, not in our own lives but in the lives of others who God the Creator has brought our way. I will always remember my friend - not for what she was, but for what she did for others and how she touched others' lives with her life.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Monday, February 22, 2010
Joshua Bell: Something To Think About (Posted on Facebook by Dulany Sriner from Pat Sriner and also found on numerous websites.)
Joshua Bell: Something To Think About
(Posted on Facebook by Dulany Sriner from Pat Sriner and also found on numerous websites.)
Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning
in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.
During that time approx 2 thousand people went through
the station, most of them on their way to work. After
3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician
playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few
seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw
the money in the till and, without stopping, continued
to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him,
then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him
along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the
violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child
continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This
action was repeated by several other children. Every
parent, without exception, forced them to move on.
45 minutes:
The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed
for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to
walk their normal pace. He collected $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one
noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any
recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell,
one of the best musicians in the world. He played
one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with
a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before
Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the
seats averaged $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito
in the metro station was organized by the Washington
Post as part of a social experiment about perception,
taste and people's priorities. The questions raised:
in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour,
do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment
could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one
of the best musicians in the world playing some of
the finest music ever written, with one of the most
beautiful instruments ....
How many other things are we missing?
(Posted on Facebook by Dulany Sriner from Pat Sriner and also found on numerous websites.)
Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning
in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.
During that time approx 2 thousand people went through
the station, most of them on their way to work. After
3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician
playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few
seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw
the money in the till and, without stopping, continued
to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him,
then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him
along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the
violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child
continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This
action was repeated by several other children. Every
parent, without exception, forced them to move on.
45 minutes:
The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed
for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to
walk their normal pace. He collected $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one
noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any
recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell,
one of the best musicians in the world. He played
one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with
a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before
Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the
seats averaged $100.
This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito
in the metro station was organized by the Washington
Post as part of a social experiment about perception,
taste and people's priorities. The questions raised:
in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour,
do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment
could be:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one
of the best musicians in the world playing some of
the finest music ever written, with one of the most
beautiful instruments ....
How many other things are we missing?
DO by Adam Edelstein (Posted on Christ in Tech)
DO by Adam Edelstein
Posted on Christ in Tech
February 19, 2010
There it is. Now it's gone. A chance to do something, say something, make a difference, or make no difference at all except for having the chance and taking it.
I call them the "Shoulda Dones."
I shoulda done this or I shoulda done that.
I often talk about living life fully. Making every moment count. I tell you not to live this day as if it were your last, but to live it like it was the first day. A day so full of surprise and opportunity that the mere thought of having another day, makes you jump out of bed excited.
I love the "stop and smell the roses" people.
I love to read about people who saw a need and decided to fill it.
I rejoice in the stories I read about people who stopped running the rat race and did what they loved to do.
I remind you to always kiss them goodnight, tell them "I love you!," say "thanks" and mean it and smile, really smile a lot.
Today will bring you many chances to...
o Say "I love you" or "Thank you!"
o Stop what you are doing and do something silly
o Buy flowers and give them away to strangers
o Pay for a stranger's breakfast
o Run ahead to hold the door
o Let a driver cut in front of you
o Call a friend you haven't spoken with in a long time
o Check on a neighbor
o Paint, write, or sing out loud
o Dance to the music in the mall
Life was meant to be LIVED...not worried about, stressed over, endured. Hard times come...but they also go. The constant is that for the time we have here...LIVE your life, and make it pleasing to the one who gave HIS life for you...The one who offers you eternal life.
JESUS loves you, wants you to be happy, and most importantly wants to be with you forever...Just choose to accept , follow, live for HIM...don't make that choice a "Shoulda Done"... DO!!! BE Blessed
Posted on Christ in Tech
February 19, 2010
There it is. Now it's gone. A chance to do something, say something, make a difference, or make no difference at all except for having the chance and taking it.
I call them the "Shoulda Dones."
I shoulda done this or I shoulda done that.
I often talk about living life fully. Making every moment count. I tell you not to live this day as if it were your last, but to live it like it was the first day. A day so full of surprise and opportunity that the mere thought of having another day, makes you jump out of bed excited.
I love the "stop and smell the roses" people.
I love to read about people who saw a need and decided to fill it.
I rejoice in the stories I read about people who stopped running the rat race and did what they loved to do.
I remind you to always kiss them goodnight, tell them "I love you!," say "thanks" and mean it and smile, really smile a lot.
Today will bring you many chances to...
o Say "I love you" or "Thank you!"
o Stop what you are doing and do something silly
o Buy flowers and give them away to strangers
o Pay for a stranger's breakfast
o Run ahead to hold the door
o Let a driver cut in front of you
o Call a friend you haven't spoken with in a long time
o Check on a neighbor
o Paint, write, or sing out loud
o Dance to the music in the mall
Life was meant to be LIVED...not worried about, stressed over, endured. Hard times come...but they also go. The constant is that for the time we have here...LIVE your life, and make it pleasing to the one who gave HIS life for you...The one who offers you eternal life.
JESUS loves you, wants you to be happy, and most importantly wants to be with you forever...Just choose to accept , follow, live for HIM...don't make that choice a "Shoulda Done"... DO!!! BE Blessed
The Holy Spirit: Giver of Gifts by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
The Holy Spirit: Giver of Gifts by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 22, 2010
ROMANS 12:1-13
Do you feel ill equipped to serve the Lord? A sense of inadequacy is one of the many excuses people use to avoid ministering for Him, but it is not a valid one. Failing to follow His call has three consequences: 1) we hinder God's work on earth, 2) we miss a blessing for obedience, and 3) we lose out on rewards in heaven.
Jesus Christ knew all about the human tendency to feel inadequate. That is why He assured His followers they would receive a Helper—the Holy Spirit—who would come to abide in them forever. The Spirit enables, energizes, and equips believers to serve the Lord. One of the ways He aids us is by providing spiritual gifts, which are special capabilities given to believers.
Our heavenly Father has a ministry in mind for each of His followers. Therefore, necessary spiritual "equipment" has been selected to help us carry out His work. These gifts will complement and augment the natural talents our Creator built into us before birth. It is His purpose that we combine the two in order to serve Him with all of our heart. Even the smallest job contributes to the Great Commission and the strengthening of Jesus Christ's body, the church.
The Lord has a plan for every believer. To ensure that we can meet the Lord's expectations, He first builds natural talents into us. At salvation, He adds a spiritual gift. Then God opens doors of opportunity and the Holy Spirit manifests His power so that we can carry out the work set before us.
In Touch Ministries
February 22, 2010
ROMANS 12:1-13
Do you feel ill equipped to serve the Lord? A sense of inadequacy is one of the many excuses people use to avoid ministering for Him, but it is not a valid one. Failing to follow His call has three consequences: 1) we hinder God's work on earth, 2) we miss a blessing for obedience, and 3) we lose out on rewards in heaven.
Jesus Christ knew all about the human tendency to feel inadequate. That is why He assured His followers they would receive a Helper—the Holy Spirit—who would come to abide in them forever. The Spirit enables, energizes, and equips believers to serve the Lord. One of the ways He aids us is by providing spiritual gifts, which are special capabilities given to believers.
Our heavenly Father has a ministry in mind for each of His followers. Therefore, necessary spiritual "equipment" has been selected to help us carry out His work. These gifts will complement and augment the natural talents our Creator built into us before birth. It is His purpose that we combine the two in order to serve Him with all of our heart. Even the smallest job contributes to the Great Commission and the strengthening of Jesus Christ's body, the church.
The Lord has a plan for every believer. To ensure that we can meet the Lord's expectations, He first builds natural talents into us. At salvation, He adds a spiritual gift. Then God opens doors of opportunity and the Holy Spirit manifests His power so that we can carry out the work set before us.
WARNING THROUGH THE WINDS by Robert Soto
WARNING THROUGH THE WINDS by Robert Soto
February 22, 2010
Amos 4:13 "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name."
Psalm 104:4 "He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants."
I listened to the wind today and guess what I heard? I heard the voice of God speaking to me in the wind that blew through the trees. I know that may sound funny to you but have you ever stopped and listened to the wind? The wind tells you a lot about a God and Creator who loves you. The wind tells you when a rainstorm is coming by the smell that the wet earth carries as the winds blow. The wind reveals the presence of danger if you take the time to learn the signs. The wind gives you energy to keep on going as it cools your body on a hot, humid day. The wind speaks of God's power - that He exists in the hearts of mankind.
David wrote of the winds when he said, "He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants." Our people would stop and listen to the wind. They could smell the soldiers coming down the beaten path miles before they arrived. The wind pointed us to the buffalo or deer in the distance. The wind warned us of danger, like the smell of a rattlesnake hiding behind a rock or bush. The wind told us of danger to come like tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes. The wind is a gift from God the Creator. Amos said, "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name." Next time the wind blows, listen and hear the Creator speak to you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 22, 2010
Amos 4:13 "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name."
Psalm 104:4 "He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants."
I listened to the wind today and guess what I heard? I heard the voice of God speaking to me in the wind that blew through the trees. I know that may sound funny to you but have you ever stopped and listened to the wind? The wind tells you a lot about a God and Creator who loves you. The wind tells you when a rainstorm is coming by the smell that the wet earth carries as the winds blow. The wind reveals the presence of danger if you take the time to learn the signs. The wind gives you energy to keep on going as it cools your body on a hot, humid day. The wind speaks of God's power - that He exists in the hearts of mankind.
David wrote of the winds when he said, "He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants." Our people would stop and listen to the wind. They could smell the soldiers coming down the beaten path miles before they arrived. The wind pointed us to the buffalo or deer in the distance. The wind warned us of danger, like the smell of a rattlesnake hiding behind a rock or bush. The wind told us of danger to come like tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes. The wind is a gift from God the Creator. Amos said, "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name." Next time the wind blows, listen and hear the Creator speak to you.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, February 21, 2010
NEVER STOP DREAMING by Robert Soto
NEVER STOP DREAMING by Robert Soto
February 21, 2010
Philippians 3:13 "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."
I felt kind of guilty, as I looked into her belongings. I felt I was violating her privacy. But I was called by her sisters to come and take all of her Indian stuff and see where they could be used for good. We packed her beads and hair pipes. We packed a lot of material scraps and over a hundred spools of thread. We packed several of her Indian dresses and a couple of Indian shawls. We looked into her two suitcases and decided which would stay and which would go. We found a couple of boxes of feathers that I would use sometime in the future. We found unfinished projects and designs of future projects. We laughed at some of our memories and we cried as we looked through some of her stuff. She wanted me to have all these and to use it or distribute it as I saw fit.
But as I went through her stuff and saw all these unfinished projects and little bag after little bag of beads I was reminded so much of a person who kept on dreaming. A person who did not know what the future held but a person who kept on planning and dreaming until the day she fell asleep on earth and woke up in heaven. We never stop dreaming. We never stop hoping. We never stop looking to what the future brings. Paul said, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." No matter what the unknown future may bring we never stop planning and we never stop dreaming and we never stop hoping. As I looked through the boxes of my friend, I knew she was a dreamer, one who would keep planning and working until the day she was called home.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 21, 2010
Philippians 3:13 "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."
I felt kind of guilty, as I looked into her belongings. I felt I was violating her privacy. But I was called by her sisters to come and take all of her Indian stuff and see where they could be used for good. We packed her beads and hair pipes. We packed a lot of material scraps and over a hundred spools of thread. We packed several of her Indian dresses and a couple of Indian shawls. We looked into her two suitcases and decided which would stay and which would go. We found a couple of boxes of feathers that I would use sometime in the future. We found unfinished projects and designs of future projects. We laughed at some of our memories and we cried as we looked through some of her stuff. She wanted me to have all these and to use it or distribute it as I saw fit.
But as I went through her stuff and saw all these unfinished projects and little bag after little bag of beads I was reminded so much of a person who kept on dreaming. A person who did not know what the future held but a person who kept on planning and dreaming until the day she fell asleep on earth and woke up in heaven. We never stop dreaming. We never stop hoping. We never stop looking to what the future brings. Paul said, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." No matter what the unknown future may bring we never stop planning and we never stop dreaming and we never stop hoping. As I looked through the boxes of my friend, I knew she was a dreamer, one who would keep planning and working until the day she was called home.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Harvest Principle: Give generously by Rick Warren
Harvest Principle: Give generously by Rick Warren
February 21, 2010
Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" John 6:8-9 (NLT)Â
Whenever you have a need, acknowledge your faith by planting a seed. In other words, take your focus off your need and look at ways you can provide for the needs of others, planting a seed in their lives.
This isn't easy; it goes against our nature; it's totally illogical. If I'm out of money, I'm probably going to think, 'I can't give away any money?' Or, if I'm out of time, I'm probably going to think, 'Why should I spend more time on something else?' Or, if I don't have any energy in a relationship, I'm probably going to think, 'How can I give more energy away?'
Yet, God says this is exactly what demonstrates faith: when you have a need, you plant a seed.
You can see this principle imbedded in our blood. When you give away blood, you get more blood. You don't end up with less blood; you end up with as much blood or more than you had before.
God often works through this harvest principle, that when you have a need, you give - and what you give away, God replenishes. Faith is like a seed, so it has to be planted - deposited.
Remember the story of the little boy who had five loaves and two fish? He gives them away, and God uses it to feed 5,000 people. Jesus takes what the boy gives; He breaks it; He blesses it; and He uses it.Â
That's what God does in our lives. He takes us; He breaks us; He blesses us; and He uses us. He multiplied a little into a lot because it was planted as a seed.
February 21, 2010
Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" John 6:8-9 (NLT)Â
Whenever you have a need, acknowledge your faith by planting a seed. In other words, take your focus off your need and look at ways you can provide for the needs of others, planting a seed in their lives.
This isn't easy; it goes against our nature; it's totally illogical. If I'm out of money, I'm probably going to think, 'I can't give away any money?' Or, if I'm out of time, I'm probably going to think, 'Why should I spend more time on something else?' Or, if I don't have any energy in a relationship, I'm probably going to think, 'How can I give more energy away?'
Yet, God says this is exactly what demonstrates faith: when you have a need, you plant a seed.
You can see this principle imbedded in our blood. When you give away blood, you get more blood. You don't end up with less blood; you end up with as much blood or more than you had before.
God often works through this harvest principle, that when you have a need, you give - and what you give away, God replenishes. Faith is like a seed, so it has to be planted - deposited.
Remember the story of the little boy who had five loaves and two fish? He gives them away, and God uses it to feed 5,000 people. Jesus takes what the boy gives; He breaks it; He blesses it; and He uses it.Â
That's what God does in our lives. He takes us; He breaks us; He blesses us; and He uses us. He multiplied a little into a lot because it was planted as a seed.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Steps of Faith by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
Steps of Faith by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 20, 2010
DEUTERONOMY 10:12-13
The Bible portrays the Christian life as a walk. It speaks of walking in the Spirit, in God's ways, in love, and in truth. Our lives, then, shouldn't be stagnant; they ought to move and develop to be increasingly like Jesus'. Scripture calls this "sanctification."
But what if you feel that you're going backward instead of forward? Do you know how to turn around? Only by faith in Christ can any of us move in the right direction. Here's how to correct your course:
- First, have assurance that God keeps every promise. The Bible contains an amazing number of guarantees for believers, including wisdom for the asking, God's constant presence, and peace when we focus on Him.
- Second, anticipate the Father's response. In other words, prepare for what He will do because of your confidence in His promises.
- Third, be aware daily of His involvement in your life. By spending time in the Word, prayer, and meditation, you will become sensitive to what He is doing.
- Fourth, pray boldly because you are God's child (Heb. 4:16). Approaching the Father in such a manner isn't a prideful confidence, but an overflow of your assurance in Him.
- Finally, obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the true test of your belief—in fact, the Bible says that without action, faith is dead (James 2:17).
Can you sense that your life is progressing and you are maturing into Christ's likeness? Or do circumstances and character traits seem to hold you back? God promises to continue making His children beautiful throughout their lives. You can resist Him or cooperate with His gracious work in you.
In Touch Ministries
February 20, 2010
DEUTERONOMY 10:12-13
The Bible portrays the Christian life as a walk. It speaks of walking in the Spirit, in God's ways, in love, and in truth. Our lives, then, shouldn't be stagnant; they ought to move and develop to be increasingly like Jesus'. Scripture calls this "sanctification."
But what if you feel that you're going backward instead of forward? Do you know how to turn around? Only by faith in Christ can any of us move in the right direction. Here's how to correct your course:
- First, have assurance that God keeps every promise. The Bible contains an amazing number of guarantees for believers, including wisdom for the asking, God's constant presence, and peace when we focus on Him.
- Second, anticipate the Father's response. In other words, prepare for what He will do because of your confidence in His promises.
- Third, be aware daily of His involvement in your life. By spending time in the Word, prayer, and meditation, you will become sensitive to what He is doing.
- Fourth, pray boldly because you are God's child (Heb. 4:16). Approaching the Father in such a manner isn't a prideful confidence, but an overflow of your assurance in Him.
- Finally, obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the true test of your belief—in fact, the Bible says that without action, faith is dead (James 2:17).
Can you sense that your life is progressing and you are maturing into Christ's likeness? Or do circumstances and character traits seem to hold you back? God promises to continue making His children beautiful throughout their lives. You can resist Him or cooperate with His gracious work in you.
Harvest Principle: God alone supplies by Rick Warren
Harvest Principle: God alone supplies by Rick Warren
February 20, 2010
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)Â
You must decide you will look to GOD ONLY as your source of supply. You need to tell God that you're going to look to Him alone to provide for your needs and that you won't look anywhere else.
We get ourselves in trouble when we confuse the channel with the source. God may use your paycheck from work as the channel to supply your needs, but your employer is just the channel for God's provision - and he can shift to another channel anytime he wants.
When you start to look to something or someone else to meet you needs, when you begin to confuse the channel with the source, there is a clear warning sign: Worry!
Say you've started looking to your job as the source, instead of the channel. You may start worrying, "What if I loose my job?" You knoiw what - the channel may have closewd, but the source of your every need is still active and providing for you. When God turns off one channel, He can turn on another one.Â
Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He chooses to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different than you choose; in fact, God may delieberatly choose a different channel in order to teach you to keep looking to him for all your needs.
I have learned - as a Christian for nearly forty years - that it's exciting to just to let God be God. It's exciting to watch God meet a need in a way that you never thought possible or could have never thought up on your own.
God alone is the source of your supply.
February 20, 2010
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)Â
You must decide you will look to GOD ONLY as your source of supply. You need to tell God that you're going to look to Him alone to provide for your needs and that you won't look anywhere else.
We get ourselves in trouble when we confuse the channel with the source. God may use your paycheck from work as the channel to supply your needs, but your employer is just the channel for God's provision - and he can shift to another channel anytime he wants.
When you start to look to something or someone else to meet you needs, when you begin to confuse the channel with the source, there is a clear warning sign: Worry!
Say you've started looking to your job as the source, instead of the channel. You may start worrying, "What if I loose my job?" You knoiw what - the channel may have closewd, but the source of your every need is still active and providing for you. When God turns off one channel, He can turn on another one.Â
Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He chooses to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different than you choose; in fact, God may delieberatly choose a different channel in order to teach you to keep looking to him for all your needs.
I have learned - as a Christian for nearly forty years - that it's exciting to just to let God be God. It's exciting to watch God meet a need in a way that you never thought possible or could have never thought up on your own.
God alone is the source of your supply.
RESTING IN PEACE by Robert Soto
RESTING IN PEACE by Robert Soto
February 20, 2010
Psalm 55:6-7 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert."
I was thinking of our desert today. It is more of desert brush land. I love going there because of the peace and quiet that is all around it. You might see an occasional bird or two. You might see a snake sliding through the brush. Of course we have to be careful we are not anywhere near a rattl snake. I love the various kinds of cactus, especially in spring when they start blooming. I love the wind blowing through the mesquite trees. I love to eat the wild berries when they are in season. I love to find a small pile of rocks. Sometimes if you look closely enough you will find an arrowhead or two. There is a certain smell to the desert. No pollution in the air. As I said before, there is a certain peace and tranquility to the desert. If I had the money, I would buy a piece of the desert to enjoy.
I mention the desert because that will be the final resting place for my friend. We will go out in the middle of nowhere and spread her ashes. It will be a quiet place and a million to one, no one will ever build anything there, where there is no water or electricity. David said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert..." David knew there was peace in the desert. David knew there was a sense of awe in the desert. David knew that in the midst of peace and quietness, we can hear God speak to us. It will be a nice to place to rest. It will be a nice place to remember a friend.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 20, 2010
Psalm 55:6-7 I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert."
I was thinking of our desert today. It is more of desert brush land. I love going there because of the peace and quiet that is all around it. You might see an occasional bird or two. You might see a snake sliding through the brush. Of course we have to be careful we are not anywhere near a rattl snake. I love the various kinds of cactus, especially in spring when they start blooming. I love the wind blowing through the mesquite trees. I love to eat the wild berries when they are in season. I love to find a small pile of rocks. Sometimes if you look closely enough you will find an arrowhead or two. There is a certain smell to the desert. No pollution in the air. As I said before, there is a certain peace and tranquility to the desert. If I had the money, I would buy a piece of the desert to enjoy.
I mention the desert because that will be the final resting place for my friend. We will go out in the middle of nowhere and spread her ashes. It will be a quiet place and a million to one, no one will ever build anything there, where there is no water or electricity. David said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest--I would flee far away and stay in the desert..." David knew there was peace in the desert. David knew there was a sense of awe in the desert. David knew that in the midst of peace and quietness, we can hear God speak to us. It will be a nice to place to rest. It will be a nice place to remember a friend.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Friday, February 19, 2010
True Lenten Discipline by Adam Edelstein (To members of Christ in Tech)
True Lenten Discipline by Adam Edelstein
To members of Christ in Tech
February 18, 20010
Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences;
Feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness;
Feast on the reality of all light.
Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry;
Feast on God's providence.
Fast from complaining;
Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures;
Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility;
Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety;
Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement;
Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress;
Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy;
Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken;
Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow;
Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
To members of Christ in Tech
February 18, 20010
Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences;
Feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness;
Feast on the reality of all light.
Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry;
Feast on God's providence.
Fast from complaining;
Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures;
Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility;
Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety;
Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement;
Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress;
Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy;
Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken;
Feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow;
Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Walking by Faith by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
Walking by Faith by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
February 19, 2010
2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-8
In the Christian community, we often hear the term faith. However, when such a word is used frequently, it can become familiar, and then we sometimes grow immune to its great depth of meaning. So today, we will consider what faith actually entails.
All people have faith. For example, it takes a measure of confidence to sit down in a kitchen chair without first testing its strength. Yet belief in the fact that furniture will hold our weight is quite different from entrusting almighty God with our lives. A wrong judgment concerning the first may result in a physical bruise, whereas the latter determines not only our success in this life but also our eternal existence.
So what, exactly, is a biblical definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us that it is ". . . the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." And we know that it is impossible to please the Lord without faith (11:6). In fact, there is nothing we can do that will earn salvation; the only way to heaven is by having confidence in Jesus' substitutionary sacrificial death on the cross, which paid the penalty we owed for our sin. What's more, faith is nothing we can create within ourselves; Scripture is clear that it is a gift of God (Rom. 12:3).
Have you accepted the Father's gift of faith and embarked on the wonderful journey that He invites you to share with Him? God responds to searching hearts. If you are unclear whether you have trusted your life to Him with full confidence, ask Him to guide you and reveal truth.
February 19, 2010
2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-8
In the Christian community, we often hear the term faith. However, when such a word is used frequently, it can become familiar, and then we sometimes grow immune to its great depth of meaning. So today, we will consider what faith actually entails.
All people have faith. For example, it takes a measure of confidence to sit down in a kitchen chair without first testing its strength. Yet belief in the fact that furniture will hold our weight is quite different from entrusting almighty God with our lives. A wrong judgment concerning the first may result in a physical bruise, whereas the latter determines not only our success in this life but also our eternal existence.
So what, exactly, is a biblical definition of faith? Hebrews 11:1 tells us that it is ". . . the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." And we know that it is impossible to please the Lord without faith (11:6). In fact, there is nothing we can do that will earn salvation; the only way to heaven is by having confidence in Jesus' substitutionary sacrificial death on the cross, which paid the penalty we owed for our sin. What's more, faith is nothing we can create within ourselves; Scripture is clear that it is a gift of God (Rom. 12:3).
Have you accepted the Father's gift of faith and embarked on the wonderful journey that He invites you to share with Him? God responds to searching hearts. If you are unclear whether you have trusted your life to Him with full confidence, ask Him to guide you and reveal truth.
We know God's Truth Jesus Christ by Rick Warren
We know God's Truth Jesus Christ by Rick Warren
February 19, 2010
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)
The Bible says that Jesus was full of grace and truth. Truth is not a principle. Truth is a person; truth is Jesus Christ.
One of the clearest and best-known statements by Jesus is: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NLT)
Notice Jesus says, "I and the truth ...." He doesn't say truth is a religion, or a ritual, or a set of rules and regulations. He says "I." Truth is a person.
This is what separates Jesus Christ from every other leader of every other faith. Other leaders have said, "I'm looking for the truth" or "I'm teaching the truth" or "I point to the truth" or "I'm a prophet of truth." Jesus comes and says, "I am the truth."
A lot of people say, "I think Jesus was just a great teacher." But he couldn't be just that: No great teacher would claim to be God if he wasn't. Either Jesus is conning 2.3 billion people who believe a lie, or he was nuts, or Jesus is who he said he was.
Everybody's betting their life on something. I'm betting my life that Jesus is who he said he was.
What do you do with the truth once you've discovered it? Four things:
1. Believe the truth!
2. Do the truth -- Truth is not just an intellectual exercise; it's something you obey.
3. Stand for the truth -- The Bible tells us our responsibility is to never oppose the truth but to stand for it at all times.
4. Spread the truth.
The Bible says, "Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you were in dead earnest about it." (Titus 2:7) There's a lot in the Bible that I don't understand and that makes me uncomfortable. But the fact is, it is the truth. It is a map that always takes me where it promises.
"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!'" (John 14:6-7, NLT)
February 19, 2010
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)
The Bible says that Jesus was full of grace and truth. Truth is not a principle. Truth is a person; truth is Jesus Christ.
One of the clearest and best-known statements by Jesus is: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NLT)
Notice Jesus says, "I and the truth ...." He doesn't say truth is a religion, or a ritual, or a set of rules and regulations. He says "I." Truth is a person.
This is what separates Jesus Christ from every other leader of every other faith. Other leaders have said, "I'm looking for the truth" or "I'm teaching the truth" or "I point to the truth" or "I'm a prophet of truth." Jesus comes and says, "I am the truth."
A lot of people say, "I think Jesus was just a great teacher." But he couldn't be just that: No great teacher would claim to be God if he wasn't. Either Jesus is conning 2.3 billion people who believe a lie, or he was nuts, or Jesus is who he said he was.
Everybody's betting their life on something. I'm betting my life that Jesus is who he said he was.
What do you do with the truth once you've discovered it? Four things:
1. Believe the truth!
2. Do the truth -- Truth is not just an intellectual exercise; it's something you obey.
3. Stand for the truth -- The Bible tells us our responsibility is to never oppose the truth but to stand for it at all times.
4. Spread the truth.
The Bible says, "Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you were in dead earnest about it." (Titus 2:7) There's a lot in the Bible that I don't understand and that makes me uncomfortable. But the fact is, it is the truth. It is a map that always takes me where it promises.
"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!'" (John 14:6-7, NLT)
LIFE IS MORE THAN A BOX by Robert Soto
LIFE IS MORE THAN A BOX by Robert Soto
February 19, 2010
Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
Tonight we had our final goodbyes to a friend, a family member and a just all-round good person. She almost made it to her fifty-second birthday. In the midst of the service, I heard testimony after testimony of people that were touched by one lady's life. They talked about her faith in God and her desire to see her people come to Christ. They shared of her selflessness and her love for all people that came her way. I heard how she helped others in need and counseled others in the path they should follow. In the end it was all over and I was truly blessed by her life and the love that others had for her. As people left the building to the dining room for the reception I picked up the box with her ashes and carried them with me to the other room.
As I walked along this lonely, rainy sidewalk I looked down at that small box I was carrying and then it hit me. Was this all there was to life? Here, the essence of who my friend was in the body, had been reduced to a small box. My friend who I had I known was reduced to ashes. All she was before she went to the other side was now in a small box. Then I remembered the words of Job when he wrote, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." All she ever accomplished and all that she was, was not in a small box; and just as she came empty-handed, she will return empty-handed. She came with nothing and now she leaves with nothing. But then I was reminded of her through the words of Job when he said, "...may the name of the LORD be praised." Because at the end of life, all that we accomplish will not be compared with what is in store for us when we arrive in the presence of our Lord and Savior. As I walked with my friend in a small box, I sang a farewell song and reminded her that soon we would all be there with her in His presence.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 19, 2010
Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
Tonight we had our final goodbyes to a friend, a family member and a just all-round good person. She almost made it to her fifty-second birthday. In the midst of the service, I heard testimony after testimony of people that were touched by one lady's life. They talked about her faith in God and her desire to see her people come to Christ. They shared of her selflessness and her love for all people that came her way. I heard how she helped others in need and counseled others in the path they should follow. In the end it was all over and I was truly blessed by her life and the love that others had for her. As people left the building to the dining room for the reception I picked up the box with her ashes and carried them with me to the other room.
As I walked along this lonely, rainy sidewalk I looked down at that small box I was carrying and then it hit me. Was this all there was to life? Here, the essence of who my friend was in the body, had been reduced to a small box. My friend who I had I known was reduced to ashes. All she was before she went to the other side was now in a small box. Then I remembered the words of Job when he wrote, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." All she ever accomplished and all that she was, was not in a small box; and just as she came empty-handed, she will return empty-handed. She came with nothing and now she leaves with nothing. But then I was reminded of her through the words of Job when he said, "...may the name of the LORD be praised." Because at the end of life, all that we accomplish will not be compared with what is in store for us when we arrive in the presence of our Lord and Savior. As I walked with my friend in a small box, I sang a farewell song and reminded her that soon we would all be there with her in His presence.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Stay Connected...by Adam Edelstein
Stay Connected...by Adam Edelstein
February 16, 2010
When I was a boy there were bikes to ride but no cell phones to text on. There was a river for swimming but no world wide web for surfing. There were basketballs to bounce but few video games to play. There were paths to walk but no reality televison shows to watch. When we did sit in front of the tv we could choose between two channels and had to go outside and turn the antenna to get in the second one. When we wanted to make a call too we had to sit in the chair next to the phone, pick up the receiver gently to make sure noone else was taking on the party line, and then slowly dial each number on the rotary wheel.
These days my home is wireless and yet has more wires than I can count. I have a mobile phone, cell phone, and computer. I have two televisions and a hundred cable channels. I have CD and DVD players. My daughter has an i-pod and a cell phone with more functions than she could ever hope to use. I am connected with friends and family all over the globe and can communicate at the speed of light. I am a part of the vast electronic web that encircles our world.
I know too that there is no going back to the simpler age that I grew up in. Still, there are times each day when I shut down my computer and turn off my televisions and cell phone. I do so to spend some quiet time in prayer, to talk to my children and hear about their day, to chat with my friends and neighbors, to read a good book, to pet my dogs, and to take a walk outside and watch the birds flying across the sky. I do so to stay connected to things far more important than the internet. I do so to stay connected to God, to love, to life, to humanity, and to my own soul. Without these connections technology is nothing more than a meaningless distraction.
Use your technology wisely then. Stay connected not distracted. Live your life, share your love, nourish your soul, and make this world a better place both online and off.
February 16, 2010
When I was a boy there were bikes to ride but no cell phones to text on. There was a river for swimming but no world wide web for surfing. There were basketballs to bounce but few video games to play. There were paths to walk but no reality televison shows to watch. When we did sit in front of the tv we could choose between two channels and had to go outside and turn the antenna to get in the second one. When we wanted to make a call too we had to sit in the chair next to the phone, pick up the receiver gently to make sure noone else was taking on the party line, and then slowly dial each number on the rotary wheel.
These days my home is wireless and yet has more wires than I can count. I have a mobile phone, cell phone, and computer. I have two televisions and a hundred cable channels. I have CD and DVD players. My daughter has an i-pod and a cell phone with more functions than she could ever hope to use. I am connected with friends and family all over the globe and can communicate at the speed of light. I am a part of the vast electronic web that encircles our world.
I know too that there is no going back to the simpler age that I grew up in. Still, there are times each day when I shut down my computer and turn off my televisions and cell phone. I do so to spend some quiet time in prayer, to talk to my children and hear about their day, to chat with my friends and neighbors, to read a good book, to pet my dogs, and to take a walk outside and watch the birds flying across the sky. I do so to stay connected to things far more important than the internet. I do so to stay connected to God, to love, to life, to humanity, and to my own soul. Without these connections technology is nothing more than a meaningless distraction.
Use your technology wisely then. Stay connected not distracted. Live your life, share your love, nourish your soul, and make this world a better place both online and off.
Reasons to HOPE when you are hurting by Adam Edelstein
Reasons to HOPE when you are hurting by Adam Edelstein
February 17, 2010
1. God is truly in control. If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission. While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times. "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on god who can raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8,9
2. There is an eternal life to come. "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later." Romans 8:18 "He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns." 1 Corinthians 1:8
3. The story isn't finished yet. Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit. "But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.'" Genesis 50:19,20
4. God has not given up on you! Don't give up on him. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
5. There is likely purpose in your pain. Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:2-4
6. You are loved! Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you. "He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lords' favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory. Isaiah 61:1-3
7. Your prayers are heard. You parents - if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him? ~ Matt. 7:9,10
8. You are not facing this alone. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" ~ Hebrews 13:5,6
9. Others have made it through - you can too. Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength and encouragement. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back- to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple- braided cord is not easily broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12
10. Reach out to someone else who's struggling. Place your focus on someone else and invest your life in him or her. You may discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
February 17, 2010
1. God is truly in control. If God is God, then nothing happens apart from His knowledge and permission. While it is difficult to imagine why God allows some painful things to happen, His character, revealed in the Bible and through the testing of generations, leads us to the conclusion that He is willing and able to sustain you during the worst of times. "We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on god who can raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8,9
2. There is an eternal life to come. "Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later." Romans 8:18 "He will keep you strong right up to the end, and He will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns." 1 Corinthians 1:8
3. The story isn't finished yet. Time after time, the Bible records hopeless situations that ultimately ended in victory. Think of Job's sickness, Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, David's adultery and the many who were healed in mind, body and spirit. "But Joseph told them, 'Don't be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.'" Genesis 50:19,20
4. God has not given up on you! Don't give up on him. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
5. There is likely purpose in your pain. Ask God to reveal His purpose in allowing this difficulty in your life. That's a legitimate question to ask. Often, the answer comes in the process of dealing with your circumstance. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. James 1:2-4
6. You are loved! Even the most unlovable person in the world is actually loved so much by God, that He let His Son die a terrible death to restore their relationship. God does love you! He sees your pain and weeps with you. "He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lords' favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory. Isaiah 61:1-3
7. Your prayers are heard. You parents - if your children ask you for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him? ~ Matt. 7:9,10
8. You are not facing this alone. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" ~ Hebrews 13:5,6
9. Others have made it through - you can too. Try to connect with others who have gone through similar situations. You will find hope, strength and encouragement. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back- to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple- braided cord is not easily broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12
10. Reach out to someone else who's struggling. Place your focus on someone else and invest your life in him or her. You may discover that your peace of mind is found in being a source of hope for another. All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
We Know God's Truth through God's Commandments by Rick Warren
We Know God's Truth through God's Commandments by Rick Warren
February 18, 2010
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)Â
If I discover truth from the Bible, how do I know the Bible is true? There's a world of objective evidence, both external and internal, that says the Bible is true.
External evidence proves the Bible is a historical book that you can rely on. There are 5,366 copies of the Bible dating from the time it was written to just 70 years afterwards. That fact dispels the urban legend that the Bible was changed as it passed through generations and languages.
External evidence also includes many archeological discoveries. For example, historians used to say that Solomon couldn't have had the horses the Bible says he had because no one had horses at that time. But then thousands of horse stables were found in an archeological dig.
There's also the internal evidence of the Bible itself. In a court of law, a prosecutor with two or three eyewitness accounts has a good chance of making his case. The Bible is filled with eyewitness accounts. Moses was there when the Red Sea split; Joshua was there to watch Jericho fall; the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus.
The internal evidence of the Bible also includes the fact that it tells one story with consistency - though it was written over 1,500 years on three different continents by 40 different authors from every walk of life. No human being could account for that. It's an amazing example of God's abilities.
The Bible says, "There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, MSG)
February 18, 2010
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)Â
If I discover truth from the Bible, how do I know the Bible is true? There's a world of objective evidence, both external and internal, that says the Bible is true.
External evidence proves the Bible is a historical book that you can rely on. There are 5,366 copies of the Bible dating from the time it was written to just 70 years afterwards. That fact dispels the urban legend that the Bible was changed as it passed through generations and languages.
External evidence also includes many archeological discoveries. For example, historians used to say that Solomon couldn't have had the horses the Bible says he had because no one had horses at that time. But then thousands of horse stables were found in an archeological dig.
There's also the internal evidence of the Bible itself. In a court of law, a prosecutor with two or three eyewitness accounts has a good chance of making his case. The Bible is filled with eyewitness accounts. Moses was there when the Red Sea split; Joshua was there to watch Jericho fall; the disciples saw the resurrected Jesus.
The internal evidence of the Bible also includes the fact that it tells one story with consistency - though it was written over 1,500 years on three different continents by 40 different authors from every walk of life. No human being could account for that. It's an amazing example of God's abilities.
The Bible says, "There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2 Timothy 3:15-17, MSG)
MEMORIES OF LIFE by Robert Soto
MEMORIES OF LIFE by Robert Soto
February 18, 2010
Genesis 42:8-9 "Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected."
It is funny what triggers memories. A word or two in the right order brings back memories. A story told around the campfire brings back memories. A book you read in the privacy of your home brings back memories. Maybe a bird in the air or a mountain bring back memories. A song sung on the radio brings back a lot of memories. But today as I started to put old photographs back into a photo album, it brought back a lot of memories of a person who once was happy and another person who is no longer with us. They brought memories of an Indian mother and son in the land of Peru and their desire to come to America to do ministry and work among their Indian people. The smiles on the faces of the city Indian, the jungle Indians and the mountain Indians as I, along with a team of four women, danced for the Indian people of Peru. By the way, you heard me right, I was assigned to take a team of five dancers including myself, four of them being women, with two women translators.
Today was a day full of memories. Remembering the good days of the past along with the bad days. Remembering the happy times I spent with friends and remembering the bad times we had. Remembering a life that affected not just one person, but many before she took her last breath on earth. As Joseph greeted a few strangers that had come for food, he recognized their faces and he remembered. Moses wrote, "Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected." Memories bring back the past. Memories bring back the good days and the bad days. They bring back the good thoughts and bad thoughts. Memories are God's way of reminding us that He is in total control of our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with each day of our lives.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 18, 2010
Genesis 42:8-9 "Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected."
It is funny what triggers memories. A word or two in the right order brings back memories. A story told around the campfire brings back memories. A book you read in the privacy of your home brings back memories. Maybe a bird in the air or a mountain bring back memories. A song sung on the radio brings back a lot of memories. But today as I started to put old photographs back into a photo album, it brought back a lot of memories of a person who once was happy and another person who is no longer with us. They brought memories of an Indian mother and son in the land of Peru and their desire to come to America to do ministry and work among their Indian people. The smiles on the faces of the city Indian, the jungle Indians and the mountain Indians as I, along with a team of four women, danced for the Indian people of Peru. By the way, you heard me right, I was assigned to take a team of five dancers including myself, four of them being women, with two women translators.
Today was a day full of memories. Remembering the good days of the past along with the bad days. Remembering the happy times I spent with friends and remembering the bad times we had. Remembering a life that affected not just one person, but many before she took her last breath on earth. As Joseph greeted a few strangers that had come for food, he recognized their faces and he remembered. Moses wrote, "Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected." Memories bring back the past. Memories bring back the good days and the bad days. They bring back the good thoughts and bad thoughts. Memories are God's way of reminding us that He is in total control of our lives and the lives of those we come in contact with each day of our lives.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
God Makes Us to Be Like Him by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
God Makes Us to Be Like Him by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 18, 2010
ROMANS 8:28-31
The Lord manifests His love for mankind in many ways, including a beautiful planet filled with creation's wonders, the promise of His care and protection, and an offer of eternal life with Him. But have you ever considered that God also shows His care through the transformation of His children? The Bible tells us that He is in the process of conforming believers to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29).
In the beginning, God's design was to make humanity in His image (Gen. 1:26). But the plan seemed disrupted when Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation. Of all the privileges they forfeited—Eden's perfect environment, harmony in relationships, and a pain-free life—the greatest loss was their likeness to the Creator. A sinful man and woman do not look much like their holy God. Since each of us has inherited the first couple's "flesh" nature, we don't closely resemble Him either.
God wasn't surprised by this turn of events. His plan went on just as He'd always intended, in that He still provided salvation for mankind. Through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, sins are forgiven and the sinner is reborn as a holy and blameless person. The Holy Spirit enters each new believer's life and begins molding the renewed heart and mind into Christlikeness.
Like any good Father, God is pleased by a child who resembles Him. He is glorified when we put Scripture into practice and act like Him, talk like Him, and live like Him. What could bless the Lord's heart more than for you to bear His likeness to those around you?
In Touch Ministries
February 18, 2010
ROMANS 8:28-31
The Lord manifests His love for mankind in many ways, including a beautiful planet filled with creation's wonders, the promise of His care and protection, and an offer of eternal life with Him. But have you ever considered that God also shows His care through the transformation of His children? The Bible tells us that He is in the process of conforming believers to the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29).
In the beginning, God's design was to make humanity in His image (Gen. 1:26). But the plan seemed disrupted when Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation. Of all the privileges they forfeited—Eden's perfect environment, harmony in relationships, and a pain-free life—the greatest loss was their likeness to the Creator. A sinful man and woman do not look much like their holy God. Since each of us has inherited the first couple's "flesh" nature, we don't closely resemble Him either.
God wasn't surprised by this turn of events. His plan went on just as He'd always intended, in that He still provided salvation for mankind. Through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, sins are forgiven and the sinner is reborn as a holy and blameless person. The Holy Spirit enters each new believer's life and begins molding the renewed heart and mind into Christlikeness.
Like any good Father, God is pleased by a child who resembles Him. He is glorified when we put Scripture into practice and act like Him, talk like Him, and live like Him. What could bless the Lord's heart more than for you to bear His likeness to those around you?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
19 Horses by Adam Edelstein
19 Horses by Adam Edelstein
February 1, 2010
One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant. The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighboring village.
The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man's last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.
The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses that is ten horses to the son. One fourth of 20-that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One fifth of twenty-that is 4 horses were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.
The villagers were simply dumfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.
The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God's name and then go about facing the day's happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).
The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God's name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.
But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land.
February 1, 2010
One rich man owned 19 horses when he died. In his last will and testament he had written that upon his death, half the horses he owned should go to his only son; one fourth to the village temple and one fifth to the faithful servant. The village elders could not stop scratching their heads. How can they give half of the 19 horses to the son? You cannot cut up a horse. They puzzled over this dilemma for more than two weeks and then decided to send for a wise man who was living in a neighboring village.
The wise man came riding on his horse and asked the villagers if he can be of any help to them. The village elders told him about the rich man's last will and testament which stated that half of the (19) horses must be given to his only son, one fourth must go to the temple and one fifth to the faithful servant.
The wise man said he will immediately solve their problem without any delay whatsoever. He had the 19 horses placed in a row standing next to one another. Then he added his own horse as the 20th horse. Now he went about giving half of the 20 horses that is ten horses to the son. One fourth of 20-that is 5 horses were given to the temple committee. One fifth of twenty-that is 4 horses were given to the faithful servant. Ten plus five plus four made 19 horses. The remaining 20th horse was his own which he promptly mounted, spoke a few inspiring words, and rode back home.
The villagers were simply dumfounded, full of disbelief and filled with admiration. And the parting words of the wise man were inscribed in their hearts and minds which they greatly cherished and passed on to their succeeding generations till today.
The wise man said: In our daily lives, in our daily affairs, simply add God's name and then go about facing the day's happenings. Ever come across problems in life that are seemingly insurmountable? (Like the villagers, do we feel that such problems cannot be solved?).
The wise man continued: Add the God Principle in our daily lives and the problems will become lighter and eventually will disappear. In the manner of the ice which, with the addition of the heat principle will turn into water, and that will eventually evaporate as steam and disappear. And how do we add God's name in our daily lives? Through prayers, filled with true love and devotion with sincerity of purpose and dedication that only total faith can bring about. Meditation is a powerful means of directing the mind Godward.
But without true love and devotion entering into it, it remains like a boat without water. It is not difficult to push a boat that is floating in water, but extremely hard to drag the same boat on dry land.
God in Three Persons by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
God in Three Persons by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
February 17, 2010
MATTHEW 28:18-20
Years ago, after I preached about God's Spirit, a woman came up to complain, "Why do you talk about the Holy Spirit when people need to hear about Jesus and God?" Sometimes even those who have been Christians for a long time regard the Trinity as a hierarchy. To their way of thinking, the Father is God, Jesus is slightly beneath Him in rank and seniority, and the Holy Spirit is their servant. While this may conform to human models of authority, it is not biblical.
According to the Scriptures, all three members of the Trinity are fully God:
- God the Father—Jesus Christ referred to His Father as God (John 6:27).
- God the Son—John 1:1 identifies Jesus as divine. While Christ never specifically called Himself "God," His Father did apply the title to Him (Heb. 1:8). Furthermore, Jesus acknowledged having unlimited power—an attribute possessed only by the divine Creator (Matt. 28:18)—and also accepted worship (Matt. 14:33; John 9:38).
- God the Holy Spirit—After declaring that God raised Christ from the dead, the New Testament goes on to credit the Holy Spirit with the resurrection (Acts 4:10; Rom. 8:11). Jesus reinforced that idea when He commanded the disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible confirms that each member of the Trinity is equally God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit function as a unit—no one is more important or less essential than the others. All three are focused upon their plan for mankind: salvation, transformation, and glory for God.
February 17, 2010
MATTHEW 28:18-20
Years ago, after I preached about God's Spirit, a woman came up to complain, "Why do you talk about the Holy Spirit when people need to hear about Jesus and God?" Sometimes even those who have been Christians for a long time regard the Trinity as a hierarchy. To their way of thinking, the Father is God, Jesus is slightly beneath Him in rank and seniority, and the Holy Spirit is their servant. While this may conform to human models of authority, it is not biblical.
According to the Scriptures, all three members of the Trinity are fully God:
- God the Father—Jesus Christ referred to His Father as God (John 6:27).
- God the Son—John 1:1 identifies Jesus as divine. While Christ never specifically called Himself "God," His Father did apply the title to Him (Heb. 1:8). Furthermore, Jesus acknowledged having unlimited power—an attribute possessed only by the divine Creator (Matt. 28:18)—and also accepted worship (Matt. 14:33; John 9:38).
- God the Holy Spirit—After declaring that God raised Christ from the dead, the New Testament goes on to credit the Holy Spirit with the resurrection (Acts 4:10; Rom. 8:11). Jesus reinforced that idea when He commanded the disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible confirms that each member of the Trinity is equally God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit function as a unit—no one is more important or less essential than the others. All three are focused upon their plan for mankind: salvation, transformation, and glory for God.
MOURNING: IT IS PART OF LIFE by Robert Soto
MOURNING: IT IS PART OF LIFE by Robert Soto
February 17, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."
Death has been in our hearts lately as we just lost a great friend who was more of a sister to us than a friend. It is interesting as I have observed people this week and seen how they react. Some sort of act like it does not bother them at all. Some cannot understand so they sort of question God. I'm sure some are even bitter as they do not understand why God would allow such a thing to happen to a good person like this. Some of us are just sad because she will be greatly missed. Death is not an easy thing when it comes along. We know it is going to happen and many times we prepare ourselves for it but even so when it happens, it still hurts.
I was once told that our people in times past did not have the time to mourn. They were too busy trying to survive another day from the hands of the Mexicans of Mexico and the Whites of the United States. They usually left the bodies unburied because their enemies were near and ready to take their lives. But regardless as to how one mourns, it does not change the fact that mourning is a part of life. Solomon wrote: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Life is full of life and death. Life is full of gain and loss. So that in life, there is a time for every season and for everything that happens. Death brings out the emotions of a person, but it is God who controls them.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 17, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."
Death has been in our hearts lately as we just lost a great friend who was more of a sister to us than a friend. It is interesting as I have observed people this week and seen how they react. Some sort of act like it does not bother them at all. Some cannot understand so they sort of question God. I'm sure some are even bitter as they do not understand why God would allow such a thing to happen to a good person like this. Some of us are just sad because she will be greatly missed. Death is not an easy thing when it comes along. We know it is going to happen and many times we prepare ourselves for it but even so when it happens, it still hurts.
I was once told that our people in times past did not have the time to mourn. They were too busy trying to survive another day from the hands of the Mexicans of Mexico and the Whites of the United States. They usually left the bodies unburied because their enemies were near and ready to take their lives. But regardless as to how one mourns, it does not change the fact that mourning is a part of life. Solomon wrote: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Life is full of life and death. Life is full of gain and loss. So that in life, there is a time for every season and for everything that happens. Death brings out the emotions of a person, but it is God who controls them.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
We Know God's Truth through Careful Consideration by Rick Warren
We Know God's Truth through Careful Consideration by Rick Warren
February 17, 2010
Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Proverbs 4:26 (HCSB)Â
When you tell God, "I want the truth more than anything else," he will reveal his truth to you in a variety of ways, such as through creation or your conscience and also through careful consideration.
In other words, truth is knowable. You can test it; you can experiment with it; you can prove it.
If I want to go to San Francisco and I follow a map that takes me to San Francisco, and the next week I follow the same map to San Francisco again, eventually I figure out that the map is true.
The same is true of the Bible: If you follow its map again and again, you'll find it to be true. It always takes you where it says it's going to take you. You may not always like where it takes you, but it always takes you where it says it's going to take you.
Often people say, "Why won't God just write it in the sky?" Why would God do that? He gave you a brain. But most people never slow down long enough for such careful consideration. Most people just drift through life.
The Bible tells us, "Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established." (Proverbs 4:26, HCSB)
Spend some time in careful consideration, in thoughtful observation, and ask yourself: "Am I on a true path?"
February 17, 2010
Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established. Proverbs 4:26 (HCSB)Â
When you tell God, "I want the truth more than anything else," he will reveal his truth to you in a variety of ways, such as through creation or your conscience and also through careful consideration.
In other words, truth is knowable. You can test it; you can experiment with it; you can prove it.
If I want to go to San Francisco and I follow a map that takes me to San Francisco, and the next week I follow the same map to San Francisco again, eventually I figure out that the map is true.
The same is true of the Bible: If you follow its map again and again, you'll find it to be true. It always takes you where it says it's going to take you. You may not always like where it takes you, but it always takes you where it says it's going to take you.
Often people say, "Why won't God just write it in the sky?" Why would God do that? He gave you a brain. But most people never slow down long enough for such careful consideration. Most people just drift through life.
The Bible tells us, "Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established." (Proverbs 4:26, HCSB)
Spend some time in careful consideration, in thoughtful observation, and ask yourself: "Am I on a true path?"
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rocking Horse Christian by Adam Edelstein
Rocking Horse Christian by Adam Edelstein
February 15, 2010
Rowland Hill, the great evangelist and preacher, visited once a home and saw a child riding a rocking horse. After watching the little boy for some time, he said with his natural wit, "He reminds me of certain Christians. There is plenty of motion, but no progress."
Such "rocking horse" Christians are in evidence everywhere in the professing church. They are running here and there; they are taken up with much service; social service, charitable service; and service for different kinds of improve-ments. There is almost a perpetual motion in "Churchism" today. But where is the real spiritual progress?
Like the child on the rocking horse, there is no progress; and sometimes with all the motion, getting nowhere, the rocking horse instead of remaining stationary, slips back. Real spiritual progress is not achieved by continual motion in Christian service.
It is conditioned on two things: The first is prayerful, daily study of the Bible. This takes time. We do not mean the mere reading of a chapter each day, but the meditation of what God has spoken. Such intense meditation means listening to God. It is in this we keep in fellowship with our Father and with our Lord. There can be no spiritual progress without an earnest, prayerful reading of God's Word. A believer may belong to every society in Christendom, be first in every Christian service, but if he neglects the real study of God's Book, he is and remains a rocking horse Christian.
The second condition is prayer. In our long Christian experience we have found that the best incentive, the greatest encouragement to prayer is listening to His voice, as He speaks to the heart through His Word.
Thus the two go together. Only as we spend much time on our knees speaking to Him in worship, in thanksgiving, raise, supplication and intercession, do we make real progress. Far be it from discrediting Christian service. But the genuine Christian service is the result of spiritual progress. Are you a rocking horse Christian?
February 15, 2010
Rowland Hill, the great evangelist and preacher, visited once a home and saw a child riding a rocking horse. After watching the little boy for some time, he said with his natural wit, "He reminds me of certain Christians. There is plenty of motion, but no progress."
Such "rocking horse" Christians are in evidence everywhere in the professing church. They are running here and there; they are taken up with much service; social service, charitable service; and service for different kinds of improve-ments. There is almost a perpetual motion in "Churchism" today. But where is the real spiritual progress?
Like the child on the rocking horse, there is no progress; and sometimes with all the motion, getting nowhere, the rocking horse instead of remaining stationary, slips back. Real spiritual progress is not achieved by continual motion in Christian service.
It is conditioned on two things: The first is prayerful, daily study of the Bible. This takes time. We do not mean the mere reading of a chapter each day, but the meditation of what God has spoken. Such intense meditation means listening to God. It is in this we keep in fellowship with our Father and with our Lord. There can be no spiritual progress without an earnest, prayerful reading of God's Word. A believer may belong to every society in Christendom, be first in every Christian service, but if he neglects the real study of God's Book, he is and remains a rocking horse Christian.
The second condition is prayer. In our long Christian experience we have found that the best incentive, the greatest encouragement to prayer is listening to His voice, as He speaks to the heart through His Word.
Thus the two go together. Only as we spend much time on our knees speaking to Him in worship, in thanksgiving, raise, supplication and intercession, do we make real progress. Far be it from discrediting Christian service. But the genuine Christian service is the result of spiritual progress. Are you a rocking horse Christian?
The Truth About the Trinity by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
The Truth About the Trinity by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
February 16, 2010
JOHN 14:26-27
The word "Trinity" cannot be found in the Bible, but the truth of it can. While there's only one God, the Godhead consists of three distinct persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All are equally omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, and unchanging, but each one has unique functions.
Scripture shows how each member of the Trinity fulfills His specific role, and it also reveals how those three roles interrelate. Let me express this idea in simple terms: The Father creates a plan, Jesus Christ implements the plan, and the Holy Spirit administers the plan.
The way of redemption showcases these roles in a clear manner. The Father designed and organized how mankind would be redeemed (Gal. 4:4-5). He set into motion a complex set of events, actions, and prophecies which culminated in the life and death of a Savior. The Son carried out the plan (John 6:37-38). He followed the Father's instructions to come to earth, even though that meant He would have to die. The Holy Spirit sees to it that every person feels a call toward God's saving grace (John 14:26; 16:8; Romans 1:19-20). Furthermore, He transforms the lives and hearts of those who receive salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Father, Son, and Spirit are equal in their divine attributes. Yet each relates to mankind in a different way because He has a specific role. It's very important to understand this distinction: We do not have three gods; we have one God in three persons functioning uniquely and perfectly.
In Touch Ministries
February 16, 2010
JOHN 14:26-27
The word "Trinity" cannot be found in the Bible, but the truth of it can. While there's only one God, the Godhead consists of three distinct persons—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All are equally omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, and unchanging, but each one has unique functions.
Scripture shows how each member of the Trinity fulfills His specific role, and it also reveals how those three roles interrelate. Let me express this idea in simple terms: The Father creates a plan, Jesus Christ implements the plan, and the Holy Spirit administers the plan.
The way of redemption showcases these roles in a clear manner. The Father designed and organized how mankind would be redeemed (Gal. 4:4-5). He set into motion a complex set of events, actions, and prophecies which culminated in the life and death of a Savior. The Son carried out the plan (John 6:37-38). He followed the Father's instructions to come to earth, even though that meant He would have to die. The Holy Spirit sees to it that every person feels a call toward God's saving grace (John 14:26; 16:8; Romans 1:19-20). Furthermore, He transforms the lives and hearts of those who receive salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Father, Son, and Spirit are equal in their divine attributes. Yet each relates to mankind in a different way because He has a specific role. It's very important to understand this distinction: We do not have three gods; we have one God in three persons functioning uniquely and perfectly.
THE BEGINNING OF LIFE Robert Soto
THE BEGINNING OF LIFE Robert Soto
February 16, 2010
I Thessalonians 4:13 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."
From time to time I am called to perform ceremonies among our people besides the traditional Christian ceremonies like weddings and baptisms. Sometimes I am called to conduct naming ceremonies among our people. I treat it seriously and with great care before I choose a name. I have been asked to bless homes. So I gather my fan and my small pot with sage, and go from room to room and pray for each part of the house. I have been asked to bless animals and farms and once I was asked to bless a tepee. But there is one ceremony I have been asked to perform several times that I will never get used to, and that is the Mourning ceremony where the person wants their hair cut off because of tragedy and death in the family. As I prepare to cut the person's hair, I have a memorial song sung as I pray and cut. It takes a lot of emotion for me because normally I know the person who I am singing for and the person whose hair I am cutting. It is then that it strikes me and tears start to come.
There is nothing wrong with mourning a person. It is part of the natural order of life and the way God the Creator made us. It is normal to know that the person you are now honoring will never be seen again on this earth. Mourning is just a part of life. There is nothing wrong with mourning a loved one or a family member who has moved on to the other life. When it becomes wrong is when the mourning overtakes your life and you begin to walk like one who has no hope. Paul wrote, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope." For our hope is not in the here and now, but in the afterlife that comes when we put our faith and trust in God the Creator's Son. When we believe, our hope is not in this life, but in the life that comes through our faith. I did a mourning ceremony today. I cried as I cut my daughter's hair. But my tears were not tears of hopelessness; they were accompanied by the faith that someday soon I will see my friend again.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 16, 2010
I Thessalonians 4:13 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."
From time to time I am called to perform ceremonies among our people besides the traditional Christian ceremonies like weddings and baptisms. Sometimes I am called to conduct naming ceremonies among our people. I treat it seriously and with great care before I choose a name. I have been asked to bless homes. So I gather my fan and my small pot with sage, and go from room to room and pray for each part of the house. I have been asked to bless animals and farms and once I was asked to bless a tepee. But there is one ceremony I have been asked to perform several times that I will never get used to, and that is the Mourning ceremony where the person wants their hair cut off because of tragedy and death in the family. As I prepare to cut the person's hair, I have a memorial song sung as I pray and cut. It takes a lot of emotion for me because normally I know the person who I am singing for and the person whose hair I am cutting. It is then that it strikes me and tears start to come.
There is nothing wrong with mourning a person. It is part of the natural order of life and the way God the Creator made us. It is normal to know that the person you are now honoring will never be seen again on this earth. Mourning is just a part of life. There is nothing wrong with mourning a loved one or a family member who has moved on to the other life. When it becomes wrong is when the mourning overtakes your life and you begin to walk like one who has no hope. Paul wrote, "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope." For our hope is not in the here and now, but in the afterlife that comes when we put our faith and trust in God the Creator's Son. When we believe, our hope is not in this life, but in the life that comes through our faith. I did a mourning ceremony today. I cried as I cut my daughter's hair. But my tears were not tears of hopelessness; they were accompanied by the faith that someday soon I will see my friend again.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Monday, February 15, 2010
We Know God's Truth through Creation by Rick Warren
We Know God's Truth through Creation by Rick Warren
February 15, 2010
But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! Romans 1:19 (MSG)Â
About 35 years ago, I was at a camp in the mountains. Alone in a room, I prayed, "God, if there is a God, I'm open. If you're real, I want to know you're real. And, Jesus Christ, if you can change my life, if there is a purpose for my life, I want to know it."
You know what happened? I didn't get goose bumps. I didn't cry. No bright lights shown down. Nothing like that.
Yet, still, it was the turning point in my life - because I was no longer biasing myself against God. I wanted to know the truth, even if it was inconvenient.
Truth can be discovered, but first we have to have an attitude of openness that says, "I want the truth more than anything else." Once you choose that attitude, you can discover the truth. How?
First, through creation --
We learn a lot about God, a lot about truth, just by looking at nature. This is why science is so important. It helps us understand God and His universe.
For instance, by knowing that there are 60,000 varieties of beetles, we learn God likes variety. By seeing a volcano, a tidal wave, or an earthquake, we learn God is powerful. From the delicately balanced ecosystem, we can observe God is incredibly organized.
The Bible says, "The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse." Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)
God will also lead us to the truth through conscience, careful consideration, God's commandments, and through Jesus Christ.
February 15, 2010
But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! Romans 1:19 (MSG)Â
About 35 years ago, I was at a camp in the mountains. Alone in a room, I prayed, "God, if there is a God, I'm open. If you're real, I want to know you're real. And, Jesus Christ, if you can change my life, if there is a purpose for my life, I want to know it."
You know what happened? I didn't get goose bumps. I didn't cry. No bright lights shown down. Nothing like that.
Yet, still, it was the turning point in my life - because I was no longer biasing myself against God. I wanted to know the truth, even if it was inconvenient.
Truth can be discovered, but first we have to have an attitude of openness that says, "I want the truth more than anything else." Once you choose that attitude, you can discover the truth. How?
First, through creation --
We learn a lot about God, a lot about truth, just by looking at nature. This is why science is so important. It helps us understand God and His universe.
For instance, by knowing that there are 60,000 varieties of beetles, we learn God likes variety. By seeing a volcano, a tidal wave, or an earthquake, we learn God is powerful. From the delicately balanced ecosystem, we can observe God is incredibly organized.
The Bible says, "The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse." Romans 1:19-20 (MSG)
God will also lead us to the truth through conscience, careful consideration, God's commandments, and through Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE SAYING by Robert Soto
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE SAYING by Robert Soto
February 15, 2010
Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
Last night while I was walking around the circle, a thought came to mind. I say walking around the circle because my doctor gave me strict orders not to dance. I couldn't help but think of the hundreds of people who are no longer with us. People who brought joy to my heart and who from time to time gave advice on my dancing or outfit or a word or two of encouragement when things were not going the way I wished. I remember elders who in times past saw potential in me yet needed to talk to me about my behavior. I remember words from friends that are no longer with us. I remember handshakes from newfound friends from other Nations who were visiting the event. I remember people who might not be with us in body any more, but whose memories I will carry until I take my last breath.
Then last night as I left the circle, a young Indian man came to me and said, "It was good seeing you again!" Another young Indian girl came to me and said, "Mr Soto, I'm sure sorry you hurt your foot. Please get better so we can see you dance again." Another young Indian boy who has done the hoop dance alongside of me for several years came to me and said, "Maybe someday we can do the hoop dance together again." One young Indian girl and her brother just came to me and gave me a hug and said, "Please take care of yourself. We want you around for a long time." So as I reflected on the day last night, I could not help but think that some day soon, I will only be a memory around this circle. Some day, the only things future generations will know of Robert Soto are the stories I leave behind for this present generation to tell. Then I remembered the words of Moses when he wrote, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." What will you teach your children and the children of those who call you friend? What will they remember about you, after you take your last breath on this earth?
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
February 15, 2010
Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
Last night while I was walking around the circle, a thought came to mind. I say walking around the circle because my doctor gave me strict orders not to dance. I couldn't help but think of the hundreds of people who are no longer with us. People who brought joy to my heart and who from time to time gave advice on my dancing or outfit or a word or two of encouragement when things were not going the way I wished. I remember elders who in times past saw potential in me yet needed to talk to me about my behavior. I remember words from friends that are no longer with us. I remember handshakes from newfound friends from other Nations who were visiting the event. I remember people who might not be with us in body any more, but whose memories I will carry until I take my last breath.
Then last night as I left the circle, a young Indian man came to me and said, "It was good seeing you again!" Another young Indian girl came to me and said, "Mr Soto, I'm sure sorry you hurt your foot. Please get better so we can see you dance again." Another young Indian boy who has done the hoop dance alongside of me for several years came to me and said, "Maybe someday we can do the hoop dance together again." One young Indian girl and her brother just came to me and gave me a hug and said, "Please take care of yourself. We want you around for a long time." So as I reflected on the day last night, I could not help but think that some day soon, I will only be a memory around this circle. Some day, the only things future generations will know of Robert Soto are the stories I leave behind for this present generation to tell. Then I remembered the words of Moses when he wrote, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." What will you teach your children and the children of those who call you friend? What will they remember about you, after you take your last breath on this earth?
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
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