April 4, 2010
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE by Robert Soto
I Timothy 4:9-10 "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."
Yesterday I had plenty of time to dream and think things out as I worked on the buffalo corral. I looked at everything I have done so far and I looked at what still needs to be done and it brought a peaceful feeling to my heart just to know that the end is near and soon a couple of buffalo will be under my care. So as I worked, I continued to dream and think. I thought of the things I had done in times past and the things I have accomplished. I thought of the good times and the bad times. I thought of the happy times I had with my friends and family and I thought of the bad things or those things that I would have not included in my life and path. I thought of things that I had not thought about in years. I thought of people who I would never see again on this earth. I thought of all my accomplishments and concluded that no matter what had happened, it was okay.
Then I started looking at life and my timeline. I looked at the bad that had happened and how each situation and circumstance that had come my way made me the person I am today. Each situation was a molding process that molded me into the person God the Creator intended me to be. The choices I made, whether good or bad were all part of making me the person I am today. The problem is that in looking back and seeing this whole scope of life, that we may become stagnant and satisfied with the status quo. It becomes a problem as we get older. We start living in the past and the victories of our past and forget that we still have a future to live, regardless of how many days or years we have left. So what should we focus our lives on? Paul wrote, "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Regardless of the future, we focus on God the Creator who holds our future, and let Him keep guiding our lives, regardless of the years we have left.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Trust God one day at a time! by Adam Edelstein (Christ in Tech)
March 31, 2010
Trust God one day at a time! by Adam Edelstein
Christ in Tech
Just for today! I will begin the day by praying: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Just for today! I will say, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
Just for today! I will not worry about my needs, for "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Just for today! I will not fear, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7)
Just for today! I will not harbor doubt and lack faith, for "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Just for today! I will not lack strength, for "...the Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1b)
Just for today! I will not admit defeat, for God "...always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, ..." (II Corinthians 2:14b)
Just for today! I will not lack wisdom, for, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask Cod, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Just for today! I will not feel condemned, for "..., there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
Just for today! I will not be worried or frustrated: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Just for today! I will not be depressed, "...for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22b,23)
Just for today! I will not feel alone for Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)
Just for today! I will not be discontented, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:llb)
Just for today! I will not feel worthless, for "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:21)
Just for today! I will not be confused, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…" (I Corinthians 14:33a KJV)
Just for today! I will not let the pressures of life bother me, when Christ said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)
Just for today! I will not feel like a failure, when "…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
Trust God one day at a time! by Adam Edelstein
Christ in Tech
Just for today! I will begin the day by praying: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Just for today! I will say, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
Just for today! I will not worry about my needs, for "...my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Just for today! I will not fear, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity; but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7)
Just for today! I will not harbor doubt and lack faith, for "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Just for today! I will not lack strength, for "...the Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1b)
Just for today! I will not admit defeat, for God "...always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, ..." (II Corinthians 2:14b)
Just for today! I will not lack wisdom, for, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask Cod, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Just for today! I will not feel condemned, for "..., there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
Just for today! I will not be worried or frustrated: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
Just for today! I will not be depressed, "...for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22b,23)
Just for today! I will not feel alone for Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b)
Just for today! I will not be discontented, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:llb)
Just for today! I will not feel worthless, for "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:21)
Just for today! I will not be confused, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…" (I Corinthians 14:33a KJV)
Just for today! I will not let the pressures of life bother me, when Christ said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33b)
Just for today! I will not feel like a failure, when "…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO WILL COME by Robert Soto
April 3, 2010
PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO WILL COME by Robert Soto
John 17:20-21 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. "
It always feels good to sit and relax after a good day of hard work. The buffalo project I have been working on for about nine months is almost complete. Today I dug a trench for the rail of this heavy iron fence that will eventually be the entrance to the corral. The trench was sixteen inches by twelve inches by twenty- eight feet long. It was a lot of work and at the end I stopped and stared at a job well done. Well, as well done as a trench could be. I was tired and I was sweaty and some of my muscles and joints even hurt a little. Then I started walking around the small piece of land that I am leasing and imagined where the garden that will grow some natural vegetation will go. I imagined where the picnic table with a barbeque pit will be. I imagined where the shed to store the hay will be. I closed my eyes and saw two or three tepees in the small camping area. The more I imagined the more my heart became satisfied with a job well done, so I felt.
But as I imagined what this will look like when it is complete, I sensed a little voice telling me, "Go around the corral and pray for each post and speak as I direct your tongue to speak." So I walked around and touched each post and prayed as God the Creator directed me. I prayed for the future of our people. I prayed for our chairman and our council. I prayed for the tribal membership and for all those who are struggling with what to do with their newfound culture. I prayed for our enemies and those who had harmed us. I prayed for the children - the future of our tribe. I prayed for land that we could call our home. I prayed for the buffalo, that this would be a humble beginning to a dream that will help our people. I prayed for God's provision and direction. I prayed for myself, for strength, health and wisdom as I continue to seek him each day of my life. So as I prayed, I remembered another prayer. It was a prayer by Jesus - not for those who were following Him then, but for the future generations that were yet to come. Jesus said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO WILL COME by Robert Soto
John 17:20-21 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. "
It always feels good to sit and relax after a good day of hard work. The buffalo project I have been working on for about nine months is almost complete. Today I dug a trench for the rail of this heavy iron fence that will eventually be the entrance to the corral. The trench was sixteen inches by twelve inches by twenty- eight feet long. It was a lot of work and at the end I stopped and stared at a job well done. Well, as well done as a trench could be. I was tired and I was sweaty and some of my muscles and joints even hurt a little. Then I started walking around the small piece of land that I am leasing and imagined where the garden that will grow some natural vegetation will go. I imagined where the picnic table with a barbeque pit will be. I imagined where the shed to store the hay will be. I closed my eyes and saw two or three tepees in the small camping area. The more I imagined the more my heart became satisfied with a job well done, so I felt.
But as I imagined what this will look like when it is complete, I sensed a little voice telling me, "Go around the corral and pray for each post and speak as I direct your tongue to speak." So I walked around and touched each post and prayed as God the Creator directed me. I prayed for the future of our people. I prayed for our chairman and our council. I prayed for the tribal membership and for all those who are struggling with what to do with their newfound culture. I prayed for our enemies and those who had harmed us. I prayed for the children - the future of our tribe. I prayed for land that we could call our home. I prayed for the buffalo, that this would be a humble beginning to a dream that will help our people. I prayed for God's provision and direction. I prayed for myself, for strength, health and wisdom as I continue to seek him each day of my life. So as I prayed, I remembered another prayer. It was a prayer by Jesus - not for those who were following Him then, but for the future generations that were yet to come. Jesus said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message..."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Comfort From an Empty Tomb by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
April 3, 2010
Comfort From an Empty Tomb by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Matthew 28:1-8
A sad group of women walked to Jesus' tomb on the Sunday morning after His death. Their Savior—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings—had been brutally beaten and then crucified. The women's hearts must have been heavy with disappointment and grief. Yet in an instant, mourning was turned to joy. An angel greeted them to offer this comfort: "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6).
So many of the confusing things the Lord had said now suddenly made sense. Not only had He prophesied about His own death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but He had also explained His relationship with God as a "oneness" (John 10:30). The grave cannot hold the Almighty. The resurrection put to rest any doubt Christ's followers may have harbored about who He was.
God kept every one of His promises and prophesies regarding the Messiah. For example, Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers decided the break the legs of those being crucified (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). But they pierced His side with a spear to be certain of His death (Isa. 53:5). At what seemed to be the end, Christ was buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9); however, He did not stay in the grave.
Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father's right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2).
Comfort From an Empty Tomb by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Matthew 28:1-8
A sad group of women walked to Jesus' tomb on the Sunday morning after His death. Their Savior—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings—had been brutally beaten and then crucified. The women's hearts must have been heavy with disappointment and grief. Yet in an instant, mourning was turned to joy. An angel greeted them to offer this comfort: "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6).
So many of the confusing things the Lord had said now suddenly made sense. Not only had He prophesied about His own death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but He had also explained His relationship with God as a "oneness" (John 10:30). The grave cannot hold the Almighty. The resurrection put to rest any doubt Christ's followers may have harbored about who He was.
God kept every one of His promises and prophesies regarding the Messiah. For example, Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers decided the break the legs of those being crucified (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). But they pierced His side with a spear to be certain of His death (Isa. 53:5). At what seemed to be the end, Christ was buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9); however, He did not stay in the grave.
Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father's right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2).
On Mission: Turn excuses into creative thinking by Rick Warren
April 03, 2010
On Mission: Turn excuses into creative thinking by Rick Warren
The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Jeremiah 1:7 (NLT)
"If you want to be like Jesus, you must care about what he cares about most; you must have a heart for the whole world! "
Here are some common excuses for not being on mission -
* 'I only speak English.' This is actually an advantage in many countries where millions of people want to learn English and are eager to practice it.
* 'I don't have anything to offer.' Yes, you do! Every ability and experience in your SHAPE can be used somewhere.
* I'm too old or too young.' Most mission agencies have age-appropriate short-term projects.
Whether it was Sarah claiming she was too old to be used by God or Jeremiah claiming he was too young, God rejected their excuses. "Don't say that," the Lord replied, "for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you." (Jeremiah 1:7-8, NLT)
Maybe you've believed that you needed a special "call" from God, and you've been waiting for some supernatural feeling or experience, but God has already stated his call repeatedly. God doesn't want to use just some of his people; he wants to use all of his people. We're all called to be on mission for God. He wants his whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
If you want to be like Jesus, you must care about what he cares about most; you must have a heart for the whole world! You can't be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over six billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found.
The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance. Jesus said, "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live!" (Mark 8:35, TLB)
On Mission: Turn excuses into creative thinking by Rick Warren
The Lord replied, "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Jeremiah 1:7 (NLT)
"If you want to be like Jesus, you must care about what he cares about most; you must have a heart for the whole world! "
Here are some common excuses for not being on mission -
* 'I only speak English.' This is actually an advantage in many countries where millions of people want to learn English and are eager to practice it.
* 'I don't have anything to offer.' Yes, you do! Every ability and experience in your SHAPE can be used somewhere.
* I'm too old or too young.' Most mission agencies have age-appropriate short-term projects.
Whether it was Sarah claiming she was too old to be used by God or Jeremiah claiming he was too young, God rejected their excuses. "Don't say that," the Lord replied, "for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you." (Jeremiah 1:7-8, NLT)
Maybe you've believed that you needed a special "call" from God, and you've been waiting for some supernatural feeling or experience, but God has already stated his call repeatedly. God doesn't want to use just some of his people; he wants to use all of his people. We're all called to be on mission for God. He wants his whole church to take the whole gospel to the whole world.
If you want to be like Jesus, you must care about what he cares about most; you must have a heart for the whole world! You can't be satisfied with just your family and friends coming to Christ. There are over six billion people on earth, and Jesus wants all his lost children found.
The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance. Jesus said, "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live!" (Mark 8:35, TLB)
Friday, April 2, 2010
On Mission: Pray for specific countries by Rick Warren
April 02, 2010
On Mission: Pray for specific countries by Rick Warren
If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours. Psalm 2:8 (NCV)
"People may refuse our love, or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. "
A good way to begin thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries. Get a globe or map and pray for nations by name. The Bible says, "If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours." (Psalm 2:8, NCV)
Prayer is the most important tool for your mission in the world. People may refuse our love, or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. Like intercontinental missiles, you can aim a prayer at a person's heart whether you're ten feet or 10,000 miles away.
What should you pray for? The Bible tells us to pray for opportunities to witness, for courage to speak up, for those who will believe, for the rapid spread of the message, and for more workers. Prayer helps us do what God calls us to do, and it makes you a partner with others around the world.
You should also pray for missionaries and everyone else involved in the global harvest. Paul told his prayer partners, "You are also joining to help us when you pray for us." (2 Corinthians 1:11)
On Mission: Pray for specific countries by Rick Warren
If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours. Psalm 2:8 (NCV)
"People may refuse our love, or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. "
A good way to begin thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries. Get a globe or map and pray for nations by name. The Bible says, "If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours." (Psalm 2:8, NCV)
Prayer is the most important tool for your mission in the world. People may refuse our love, or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. Like intercontinental missiles, you can aim a prayer at a person's heart whether you're ten feet or 10,000 miles away.
What should you pray for? The Bible tells us to pray for opportunities to witness, for courage to speak up, for those who will believe, for the rapid spread of the message, and for more workers. Prayer helps us do what God calls us to do, and it makes you a partner with others around the world.
You should also pray for missionaries and everyone else involved in the global harvest. Paul told his prayer partners, "You are also joining to help us when you pray for us." (2 Corinthians 1:11)
What Jesus' Blood Can Do by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
April 2, 2010
What Jesus' Blood Can Do by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Revelation 5:6-10
There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain. I have defined and discussed all of them many times in sermons and writings, but I am doing so again because they are so essential. Being confident in our beliefs is ever more important as cultures become bolder about persecuting Christians.
Jesus' shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the "veil" of Christ's blood, which makes them pure and holy. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12). A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God "drains out" our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.
These five words tell the story of our faith. Meditate upon the verses related to each one, and pray that God will write the meanings on your heart. When we're confident in our beliefs, we can be a light to others instead of crumbling at the threat of pain.
What Jesus' Blood Can Do by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Revelation 5:6-10
There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain. I have defined and discussed all of them many times in sermons and writings, but I am doing so again because they are so essential. Being confident in our beliefs is ever more important as cultures become bolder about persecuting Christians.
Jesus' shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the "veil" of Christ's blood, which makes them pure and holy. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12). A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God "drains out" our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.
These five words tell the story of our faith. Meditate upon the verses related to each one, and pray that God will write the meanings on your heart. When we're confident in our beliefs, we can be a light to others instead of crumbling at the threat of pain.
HARD TO KNOW THE TRUTH by Robert Soto
April 2, 2010
HARD TO KNOW THE TRUTH by Robert Soto
Jeremiah 29:8-9 "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."
What if you were given the opportunity to go back to the past and share with your ancestors what was yet to come? How the newcomers who seemed to be coming in peace would turn against the essence of who God the Creator had created us to be. What would you say to them to convince them that your words were truth, and to warn them of the deception, annihilation, destruction and stealing of lands we considered sacred and a gift from God the Creator? How would you convince them and communicate to them about the holocaust that was yet to come? I read the words of Geronimo and how I wish I could have gone back and tried to convince him of disasters and travesties that followed the path of lies and broken promises.
Yes, I do know what I would do or what I would say, but I'm convinced that Geronimo already knew that the words from the those representing the government and the political officials were lies. As Geronimo sat with General Miles, he said, "When we had made the treaty General Miles said to me: 'My brother, you have in your mind how you are going to kill me, and other thoughts of war; I want you to put that out of your mind, and change your thoughts to peace.' Then I agreed and gave up my arms. I said: 'I will quit the war path and live at peace here after.' Then General Miles swept a spot of ground clear with his hand, and said: 'Your past deeds shall be wiped out like this and you will start a new life.' But what kind of new life did they mean? What guarantees did they give him that life would actually be different and better? For Geronimo, words the were spoken meant the truth, but for the Whites, they were just words given to get what they wanted. Which in many ways, has not changed much today. Even today, if it sounds too good, it must not be true. Jeremiah warned the people of such individuals whose words were like the forked tongue of a snake. He said, "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
HARD TO KNOW THE TRUTH by Robert Soto
Jeremiah 29:8-9 "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."
What if you were given the opportunity to go back to the past and share with your ancestors what was yet to come? How the newcomers who seemed to be coming in peace would turn against the essence of who God the Creator had created us to be. What would you say to them to convince them that your words were truth, and to warn them of the deception, annihilation, destruction and stealing of lands we considered sacred and a gift from God the Creator? How would you convince them and communicate to them about the holocaust that was yet to come? I read the words of Geronimo and how I wish I could have gone back and tried to convince him of disasters and travesties that followed the path of lies and broken promises.
Yes, I do know what I would do or what I would say, but I'm convinced that Geronimo already knew that the words from the those representing the government and the political officials were lies. As Geronimo sat with General Miles, he said, "When we had made the treaty General Miles said to me: 'My brother, you have in your mind how you are going to kill me, and other thoughts of war; I want you to put that out of your mind, and change your thoughts to peace.' Then I agreed and gave up my arms. I said: 'I will quit the war path and live at peace here after.' Then General Miles swept a spot of ground clear with his hand, and said: 'Your past deeds shall be wiped out like this and you will start a new life.' But what kind of new life did they mean? What guarantees did they give him that life would actually be different and better? For Geronimo, words the were spoken meant the truth, but for the Whites, they were just words given to get what they wanted. Which in many ways, has not changed much today. Even today, if it sounds too good, it must not be true. Jeremiah warned the people of such individuals whose words were like the forked tongue of a snake. He said, "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ANCESTORS THAT SPEAK by Robert Soto
April 1, 2010
ANCESTORS THAT SPEAK by Robert Soto
Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
I enjoy listening to the history of our Indian people and their tribes and their stories of survival. The victories and defeats that made us who we are and that have gotten us this far. As I hear the stories I hear the same thing, "They tried to destroy us but we survived to tell the story." I remember a long time ago I was invited to see a display of a very good Seminole Indian artist. He called me to see his display and as I looked at each painting, I stood there in awe as to how good and authentic each painting looked and reflected the history of the Seminole Indians. As I looked at each painting he asked me, "What do you see different in my paintings than all the other paintings you have ever seen of our Indian history?" I looked and looked at each painting carefully and the only thing I could say was, "They all follow a similar history, the history of the Seminole Indian?" He asked me to look even more carefully but to no avail. He then said, "I have always wondered how it would be to live and breathe with the elders of times past. So I decided to paint myself in each picture so that each picture brings to me a little glimmer of what it might have been like to walk among our great ones of the past."
So as I stared into the eyes of the paintings I saw him sitting with some of the great Seminole Chiefs like Osceola, Mikanopy, Chupco and Jumper. It was then that it came to me and I asked, "What would life be like living among the great chiefs of our people. What would life be like living alongside of chiefs like Poca Ropa (my great, great grandfather) El Cabezon (my great, great, great grandfather) Yucca Poca Ropa (Son of Poca Ropa), Magoosh, Flacco, Torocio Soto (My great, great grandfather) Cuelgas de Castro and Costalites. To feel what they felt, to fear as they feared and to look at their people and wonder what they wondered. To see the pain that they carried as life as they knew it was quickly disappearing with the invasion of the Europeans. I do not know what they felt and what they wondered or what they feared, but I do know that God the Creator was with them and because He was, we survived to see another day and to see us as Lipan Apaches in the twenty-first century. We need to remember and never forget. The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Never forget, that we are here today because of what they did to survive in the past.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
ANCESTORS THAT SPEAK by Robert Soto
Hebrews 13:7 "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
I enjoy listening to the history of our Indian people and their tribes and their stories of survival. The victories and defeats that made us who we are and that have gotten us this far. As I hear the stories I hear the same thing, "They tried to destroy us but we survived to tell the story." I remember a long time ago I was invited to see a display of a very good Seminole Indian artist. He called me to see his display and as I looked at each painting, I stood there in awe as to how good and authentic each painting looked and reflected the history of the Seminole Indians. As I looked at each painting he asked me, "What do you see different in my paintings than all the other paintings you have ever seen of our Indian history?" I looked and looked at each painting carefully and the only thing I could say was, "They all follow a similar history, the history of the Seminole Indian?" He asked me to look even more carefully but to no avail. He then said, "I have always wondered how it would be to live and breathe with the elders of times past. So I decided to paint myself in each picture so that each picture brings to me a little glimmer of what it might have been like to walk among our great ones of the past."
So as I stared into the eyes of the paintings I saw him sitting with some of the great Seminole Chiefs like Osceola, Mikanopy, Chupco and Jumper. It was then that it came to me and I asked, "What would life be like living among the great chiefs of our people. What would life be like living alongside of chiefs like Poca Ropa (my great, great grandfather) El Cabezon (my great, great, great grandfather) Yucca Poca Ropa (Son of Poca Ropa), Magoosh, Flacco, Torocio Soto (My great, great grandfather) Cuelgas de Castro and Costalites. To feel what they felt, to fear as they feared and to look at their people and wonder what they wondered. To see the pain that they carried as life as they knew it was quickly disappearing with the invasion of the Europeans. I do not know what they felt and what they wondered or what they feared, but I do know that God the Creator was with them and because He was, we survived to see another day and to see us as Lipan Apaches in the twenty-first century. We need to remember and never forget. The writer of Hebrews wrote, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Never forget, that we are here today because of what they did to survive in the past.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Where the Battle Is Won by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
April 1, 2010
Where the Battle Is Won by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Matthew 26:36-46
The garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was one of the Lord's favorite places to pray throughout His earthly ministry (Luke 22:39). But believers remember it best as the site of a great spiritual battle. The story of Jesus pleading with His Father is extremely meaningful to Christians, and one of the reasons is that the Lord looked so human. From the gospel's description, we can see that Jesus, the God-man, experienced fear, anxiety, and dread as He prayed. In other words, He reacted to His imminent ordeal with feelings we can relate to and understand.
Satan taunts believers by telling them they can't be like Jesus because He is God. But He was God cloaked in human flesh, which means that He experienced the world as we do. Yet He won every spiritual and life battle he faced. The secret to His success is what He did at Gethsemane. He secluded Himself and prayed until His will was fully surrendered to the Father. The battle was won on His knees.
Jesus left the garden a prisoner, but at the same time He walked out a winner. He accepted God's will for His life, even though pain was a guarantee. Our Savior had been called to die, and He knew that the potential blessings and consequences were all in His Father's hands.
Believers confront fearsome trials too. God uses these hardships to conform us to His Son's image (Rom. 8:29). If we are to be like Jesus, we must learn from His actions. In the face of difficulty, we should seek God's will, commit to following it, and leave the consequences in His almighty hands.
Where the Battle Is Won by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
Matthew 26:36-46
The garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives was one of the Lord's favorite places to pray throughout His earthly ministry (Luke 22:39). But believers remember it best as the site of a great spiritual battle. The story of Jesus pleading with His Father is extremely meaningful to Christians, and one of the reasons is that the Lord looked so human. From the gospel's description, we can see that Jesus, the God-man, experienced fear, anxiety, and dread as He prayed. In other words, He reacted to His imminent ordeal with feelings we can relate to and understand.
Satan taunts believers by telling them they can't be like Jesus because He is God. But He was God cloaked in human flesh, which means that He experienced the world as we do. Yet He won every spiritual and life battle he faced. The secret to His success is what He did at Gethsemane. He secluded Himself and prayed until His will was fully surrendered to the Father. The battle was won on His knees.
Jesus left the garden a prisoner, but at the same time He walked out a winner. He accepted God's will for His life, even though pain was a guarantee. Our Savior had been called to die, and He knew that the potential blessings and consequences were all in His Father's hands.
Believers confront fearsome trials too. God uses these hardships to conform us to His Son's image (Rom. 8:29). If we are to be like Jesus, we must learn from His actions. In the face of difficulty, we should seek God's will, commit to following it, and leave the consequences in His almighty hands.
On Mission: Great Commission Eyes by Rick Warren
April 01, 2010
On Mission: Great Commission Eyes by Rick Warren
Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it. Habakkuk 1:5 (NLT)
"The best way to develop Great Commission eyes is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! "
These are exciting days to be alive. There are more Christians on earth right now than ever before. Paul was right: "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives ..." (Colossians 1:6, NLT)
One way to develop global thinking is to read and watch the news with "Great Commission Eyes." Wherever there is change or conflict, you can be sure that God will use it to bring people to him. People are most receptive to God when they are under tension or in transition. Because the rate of change is increasing in our world, more people are open to hearing the good news now than ever before.
As God told Habakkuk, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." (Habakkuk 1:5, NLT)
The best way to develop Great Commission eyes is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! There's simply no substitute for hands-on, real life experience in another culture. Quit studying and discussing your mission and just do it! I dare you to dive into the deep end.
Set a goal to participate in a mission project to each of these four targets. I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short-term mission trip overseas as soon as possible. Nearly every mission agency can help you do this. It will enlarge your heart, expand your vision, stretch your faith, deepen your compassion, and fill you with a kind of joy you've never experienced. It could be the turning point in your life.
On Mission: Great Commission Eyes by Rick Warren
Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it. Habakkuk 1:5 (NLT)
"The best way to develop Great Commission eyes is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! "
These are exciting days to be alive. There are more Christians on earth right now than ever before. Paul was right: "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives ..." (Colossians 1:6, NLT)
One way to develop global thinking is to read and watch the news with "Great Commission Eyes." Wherever there is change or conflict, you can be sure that God will use it to bring people to him. People are most receptive to God when they are under tension or in transition. Because the rate of change is increasing in our world, more people are open to hearing the good news now than ever before.
As God told Habakkuk, "Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." (Habakkuk 1:5, NLT)
The best way to develop Great Commission eyes is to just get up and go on a short-term mission project to another country! There's simply no substitute for hands-on, real life experience in another culture. Quit studying and discussing your mission and just do it! I dare you to dive into the deep end.
Set a goal to participate in a mission project to each of these four targets. I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short-term mission trip overseas as soon as possible. Nearly every mission agency can help you do this. It will enlarge your heart, expand your vision, stretch your faith, deepen your compassion, and fill you with a kind of joy you've never experienced. It could be the turning point in your life.
Jesus... by Adam Edelstein
Jesus... by Adam Edelstein
April 1, 2010
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
April 1, 2010
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
On Mission: Shift from local to global thinking by Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Connection)
March 31, 2010
On Mission: Shift from local to global thinking by Rick Warren
Purpose Driven Connection
Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind. Psalm 67:2 (LB)
"Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods "
God is a global God. He has always cared about the entire world. "God so loved the world...." (John 3:16) From the beginning He has wanted family members from every nation He created. The Bible says, "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be." (Acts 17:26, CEV)
God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him.
Much of the world already thinks globally. The largest media and business conglomerates are all multi-national. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods. Probably most of the clothes you're wearing, and much of what you ate today was produced in another country.
We're more connected than we realize and God can use that connectedness as a means for us to fulfill his Great Commission. Jesus gave us a pattern for such involvement: "... You will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world." (Acts 1:8, CEV)
His followers are to reach out to their community (Jerusalem), to their country (Judea), to other cultures (Samaria) and to other nations (everywhere in the world). Note that our commission is simultaneous, not sequential.
We are called to be on mission to all four groups in some way. How would you identify these groups in your community? What nations do you believe God has called you to serve in some form?
On Mission: Shift from local to global thinking by Rick Warren
Purpose Driven Connection
Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind. Psalm 67:2 (LB)
"Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods "
God is a global God. He has always cared about the entire world. "God so loved the world...." (John 3:16) From the beginning He has wanted family members from every nation He created. The Bible says, "From one person God made all nations who live on earth, and he decided when and where every nation would be." (Acts 17:26, CEV)
God has done all this, so that we will look for him and reach out and find him.
Much of the world already thinks globally. The largest media and business conglomerates are all multi-national. Our lives are increasingly intertwined with those in other nations as we share fashions, entertainment, music, sports, and even fast foods. Probably most of the clothes you're wearing, and much of what you ate today was produced in another country.
We're more connected than we realize and God can use that connectedness as a means for us to fulfill his Great Commission. Jesus gave us a pattern for such involvement: "... You will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world." (Acts 1:8, CEV)
His followers are to reach out to their community (Jerusalem), to their country (Judea), to other cultures (Samaria) and to other nations (everywhere in the world). Note that our commission is simultaneous, not sequential.
We are called to be on mission to all four groups in some way. How would you identify these groups in your community? What nations do you believe God has called you to serve in some form?
The Precious Blood of Jesus Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)
March 31, 2010
The Precious Blood of Jesus Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
1 PETER 1:17-21
Many churches today have erased all mention of Jesus' blood from their worship. But the shedding of blood is essential to the Christian faith—without a sacrifice, no one can have a relationship with God. For that reason, the Lord wove the story of death, renewal, and reconciliation like a red thread from Genesis to Revelation.
What do you have if you take all the blood from a body? A lifeless corpse, right? The same thing is true of the Bible. Scripture would be no more than historical literature if we edited the "unpleasant" bits regarding animal sacrifice, Jesus on the cross, or the power of His blood.
God designed the redemption system in such a way that anyone could understand the connection between shed blood and freedom from sin. The Lord gave detailed instructions for offering a perfect animal sacrifice so that His holiness would be satisfied. God also wanted His followers to understand that sin brought terrible consequences and resulted in death. The first fatality in Scripture was the animal whose skin was used to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness (Gen. 3:21). Every time an Israelite brought to the priests a lamb or a pair of doves, he recognized that "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23).
God chose a graphic solution to the world's sin problem. Therefore, believers cannot be squeamish about explaining what truly happened at Golgotha. The words we choose influence listeners; "Jesus shed His blood for you" is a powerful statement. It is also the message God repeats throughout the Bible.
The Precious Blood of Jesus Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries
1 PETER 1:17-21
Many churches today have erased all mention of Jesus' blood from their worship. But the shedding of blood is essential to the Christian faith—without a sacrifice, no one can have a relationship with God. For that reason, the Lord wove the story of death, renewal, and reconciliation like a red thread from Genesis to Revelation.
What do you have if you take all the blood from a body? A lifeless corpse, right? The same thing is true of the Bible. Scripture would be no more than historical literature if we edited the "unpleasant" bits regarding animal sacrifice, Jesus on the cross, or the power of His blood.
God designed the redemption system in such a way that anyone could understand the connection between shed blood and freedom from sin. The Lord gave detailed instructions for offering a perfect animal sacrifice so that His holiness would be satisfied. God also wanted His followers to understand that sin brought terrible consequences and resulted in death. The first fatality in Scripture was the animal whose skin was used to cover Adam and Eve's nakedness (Gen. 3:21). Every time an Israelite brought to the priests a lamb or a pair of doves, he recognized that "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23).
God chose a graphic solution to the world's sin problem. Therefore, believers cannot be squeamish about explaining what truly happened at Golgotha. The words we choose influence listeners; "Jesus shed His blood for you" is a powerful statement. It is also the message God repeats throughout the Bible.
HEALTHY GOD, HEALTHY LIVING by Robert Soto
March 31, 2010
HEALTHY GOD, HEALTHY LIVING by Robert Soto
Deuteronomy 6:3 "Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you."
I was laughing today, not so much at my son, but at the words he shared with me. We were talking about jobs and he told me something like this, "I thought of how wearing long pants in this job kills me with this weather. As long as I can wear my baggy sport shorts and a t-shirt, I'm happy in this heat." I laughed because I gave up the suit thing a long time ago. My normal attire is a pair of shorts and a nice cool t-shirt. That has become the trademark of most of my brothers. Most people say, "No wonder, when your great great grandfather was Yucha Poca Ropa and your great great great grandfather was Poca Ropa. 'Poca Ropa' is Spanish for the one with very little clothes. Which was the perfect attire for walking home today in our mid-80's weather.
My goal was to walk back home which was a mile and a half. It was my plan as I have resumed exercising four times a week in the morning, to then walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles every afternoon. Well, as I was walking back I kept thinking of my ancestors who walked and ran a lot, and who wore very little clothing because of the heat and who not only ate meats like deer, buffalo, wild turkeys and ducks, wild pigs and quail, but who loved to eat fruits and vegetables like berries and seeds along with wild beans, wild potatoes and yes, even wild onions. (By the way, I am the biggest onion hater in the world.) So as I walked the mile and a half back I thought to myself: "Well, I feel very indigenous today. I hunted at Wal Mart and am carrying the spoils of my hunt. I'm walking back home wearing short and a t-shirt, braving the hot sun and strong winds. Now I need to go home and eat something indigenous to our people." So I went to my back yard and saw the fresh bright green young leaves of a cactus plant and I carefully cut one, took the small splinters off and cooked me a nice cactus snack. I ate a healthy snack that reminded me of the days when our people lacked nothing, not even health, because our hearts were right with God the Creator. Moses wrote, "...and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey..."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
HEALTHY GOD, HEALTHY LIVING by Robert Soto
Deuteronomy 6:3 "Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you."
I was laughing today, not so much at my son, but at the words he shared with me. We were talking about jobs and he told me something like this, "I thought of how wearing long pants in this job kills me with this weather. As long as I can wear my baggy sport shorts and a t-shirt, I'm happy in this heat." I laughed because I gave up the suit thing a long time ago. My normal attire is a pair of shorts and a nice cool t-shirt. That has become the trademark of most of my brothers. Most people say, "No wonder, when your great great grandfather was Yucha Poca Ropa and your great great great grandfather was Poca Ropa. 'Poca Ropa' is Spanish for the one with very little clothes. Which was the perfect attire for walking home today in our mid-80's weather.
My goal was to walk back home which was a mile and a half. It was my plan as I have resumed exercising four times a week in the morning, to then walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles every afternoon. Well, as I was walking back I kept thinking of my ancestors who walked and ran a lot, and who wore very little clothing because of the heat and who not only ate meats like deer, buffalo, wild turkeys and ducks, wild pigs and quail, but who loved to eat fruits and vegetables like berries and seeds along with wild beans, wild potatoes and yes, even wild onions. (By the way, I am the biggest onion hater in the world.) So as I walked the mile and a half back I thought to myself: "Well, I feel very indigenous today. I hunted at Wal Mart and am carrying the spoils of my hunt. I'm walking back home wearing short and a t-shirt, braving the hot sun and strong winds. Now I need to go home and eat something indigenous to our people." So I went to my back yard and saw the fresh bright green young leaves of a cactus plant and I carefully cut one, took the small splinters off and cooked me a nice cactus snack. I ate a healthy snack that reminded me of the days when our people lacked nothing, not even health, because our hearts were right with God the Creator. Moses wrote, "...and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey..."
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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