April 23, 2010
IT IS HARD TO FORGET by Robert Soto
James 1:23-24 "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
It seems like everywhere I go there are constant reminders of times past. Ghosts of the past that remind us that this vast parcel of land that is known as the United States of America once was Indian lands. So to remind us of that, they put Indian names on many places. Indian names that reflect the fact that we were once here and are now no more. Names that remind us as Indian people that we were once here and lived in the land. I'm not sure how to impress in your hearts if you are not Indian how it feels. I have tried many times to express in my heart how I would describe this feeling that haunts a lot of our Indian people. But I remember once a friend taking me through a place that they once owned. They had lost their home to the economy. As I walked around the building I could feel a sense of hopelessness and defeat. Each room was filled with memories of their brief time there.
So here we are, two hundred thirty-four years since becoming a nation and we still carry the memories and the whispers of the souls of those who once inhabited the land our feet walk upon. It might not have been our territory, but it is still land that once belonged to a people that maybe were not connected by tribe or language, but by blood. A common blood that made us and makes us who we are, American Indians. So how should we deal with this? Should we just live and forget and pretend that nothing ever happened? Should we say, 'move on with life' or, 'it must have been God's will for if it was not He would have stopped it?' I'm not sure what the answer is, but I do know one thing: America cannot ignore that it happened and that there must be some personal responsibility for what done. I guess ignoring the problem would be like what James said when he wrote, " "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." America cannot continue to walk with a filthy face pretending is clean.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
My friends...Jump in Adam Edelstein
April 21, 2010
My friends...Jump in Adam Edelstein
The truly happy are those who carefully study God’s perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God’s teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
(James 1:25)
What a promise. Happiness comes to those who do what they read! It’s the same with medicine. If you only read the label but ignore the pills, it won’t help. It’s the same with food. If you only read the recipe but never cook, you won’t be fed. And it’s the same with the Bible. If you only read the words but never obey, you’ll never know the joy God has promised.
My friends...Jump in Adam Edelstein
The truly happy are those who carefully study God’s perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God’s teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.
(James 1:25)
What a promise. Happiness comes to those who do what they read! It’s the same with medicine. If you only read the label but ignore the pills, it won’t help. It’s the same with food. If you only read the recipe but never cook, you won’t be fed. And it’s the same with the Bible. If you only read the words but never obey, you’ll never know the joy God has promised.
LOOKING DOWN AT US by Robert Soto
April 20, 2010
LOOKING DOWN AT US by Robert Soto
Ecclesiastes 4:1-2 "Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed-- and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors--and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive."
The other day I sat down and watched the movie "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee." I remember when the book first came out back in the 1970's. I have never been much for pleasure reading but I remember seeing this book at one of the tribal offices of the Seminoles where I spent a lot time. So each time I had to sit and wait, I would read a few pages. It came to the point where sometimes I could not put the book down. Being that I am not much of a reader, I enjoy a good movie that brings to light that which I read. So seeing the movie about Wounded Knee brought to life that which I had read. In the movie they showed Sitting Bull who had voluntarily come to the Rosebud Reservation. But the part of the movie I can't forget is when one of the warriors said, "In this reservation we can hunt our own food." Then he went into a corral with his horse and chased a small calf and shot it. When the calf fell he yelled out his war cries. Then his face turned white with disappointment when he saw the eyes of a very discouraged Sitting Bull.
I'm not sure if this is the way it really happened, but through the night I couldn't help but think of the expression on his face as he remembered what life had been like and what it was today. His disappointment went further than his facial expression; it went down to the heart. Then I started to think of myself as I drove back from the pow wow. I looked at all our Indian people as they yelled the war cries after every song. I heard them complain about the judging and the food that was given. I heard them talk about keeping traditions of the elders and times past. Then it hit me. What would our ancestors of times past think of us today? Would they be proud of our dance, our traditions, our complaints, our gripes, or our lives? Would they be able to sit in the stands and look at us with a happy heart or with tears in their eyes wondering if this is what they died for. Then I thought of the words of Solomon when he was allowed to look at all who had been oppressed. He said, "And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
LOOKING DOWN AT US by Robert Soto
Ecclesiastes 4:1-2 "Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed-- and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors--and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive."
The other day I sat down and watched the movie "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee." I remember when the book first came out back in the 1970's. I have never been much for pleasure reading but I remember seeing this book at one of the tribal offices of the Seminoles where I spent a lot time. So each time I had to sit and wait, I would read a few pages. It came to the point where sometimes I could not put the book down. Being that I am not much of a reader, I enjoy a good movie that brings to light that which I read. So seeing the movie about Wounded Knee brought to life that which I had read. In the movie they showed Sitting Bull who had voluntarily come to the Rosebud Reservation. But the part of the movie I can't forget is when one of the warriors said, "In this reservation we can hunt our own food." Then he went into a corral with his horse and chased a small calf and shot it. When the calf fell he yelled out his war cries. Then his face turned white with disappointment when he saw the eyes of a very discouraged Sitting Bull.
I'm not sure if this is the way it really happened, but through the night I couldn't help but think of the expression on his face as he remembered what life had been like and what it was today. His disappointment went further than his facial expression; it went down to the heart. Then I started to think of myself as I drove back from the pow wow. I looked at all our Indian people as they yelled the war cries after every song. I heard them complain about the judging and the food that was given. I heard them talk about keeping traditions of the elders and times past. Then it hit me. What would our ancestors of times past think of us today? Would they be proud of our dance, our traditions, our complaints, our gripes, or our lives? Would they be able to sit in the stands and look at us with a happy heart or with tears in their eyes wondering if this is what they died for. Then I thought of the words of Solomon when he was allowed to look at all who had been oppressed. He said, "And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
THE KEEPER OF HIS WORD by Robert Soto
April 21, 2010
THE KEEPER OF HIS WORD by Robert Soto
Titus 1:1-2 "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time..."
Recently there have been some good t-shirts with warnings and messages of things to come. One of those t-shirts says, "Sure, you can trust the government - just ask an Indian." It is a funny saying which has given many a good laugh, until you find yourself fighting the very government that millions have died to keep. But how true is the message? Behind the message is over 517 years of broken treaties. Behind the message is the history of a nation that really did not want what was best for another nation, but was determined to find a way to assimilate us into a culture that was foreign to us. So when it comes to the saying, "Sure, you can trust the government - just ask an Indian", you have a group of people whose history includes over two hundred years of mistrust and lies. So how can a group of people trust a governmental entity when it is a relationship based on lies and deception?
Geronimo, who trusted General Miles, was caught in the dilemma that what was promised to him was nothing but more lies. He wrote: "We had no property, and I looked in vain for General Miles to send me to that land of which he had spoken; I longed in vain for the implements, house, and stock that General Miles had promised me." Everything that was promised by General Miles was soon forgotten after Geronimo surrendered to the United States government. It seemed like they had gotten what they wanted and so keeping what they had promised was no longer important. It was just another relationship built on lies and deception. It is because of those times that we ask ourselves, "Who then can we trust?" There is only one answer to this and that is God the Creator of all men and everything we see and do not see. So whatever God the Creator promised you, He will keep. Paul wrote to Titus and said, "...a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time..." People and governments will always lie and break their promises, but our God and Creator will always keep His word.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
THE KEEPER OF HIS WORD by Robert Soto
Titus 1:1-2 "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time..."
Recently there have been some good t-shirts with warnings and messages of things to come. One of those t-shirts says, "Sure, you can trust the government - just ask an Indian." It is a funny saying which has given many a good laugh, until you find yourself fighting the very government that millions have died to keep. But how true is the message? Behind the message is over 517 years of broken treaties. Behind the message is the history of a nation that really did not want what was best for another nation, but was determined to find a way to assimilate us into a culture that was foreign to us. So when it comes to the saying, "Sure, you can trust the government - just ask an Indian", you have a group of people whose history includes over two hundred years of mistrust and lies. So how can a group of people trust a governmental entity when it is a relationship based on lies and deception?
Geronimo, who trusted General Miles, was caught in the dilemma that what was promised to him was nothing but more lies. He wrote: "We had no property, and I looked in vain for General Miles to send me to that land of which he had spoken; I longed in vain for the implements, house, and stock that General Miles had promised me." Everything that was promised by General Miles was soon forgotten after Geronimo surrendered to the United States government. It seemed like they had gotten what they wanted and so keeping what they had promised was no longer important. It was just another relationship built on lies and deception. It is because of those times that we ask ourselves, "Who then can we trust?" There is only one answer to this and that is God the Creator of all men and everything we see and do not see. So whatever God the Creator promised you, He will keep. Paul wrote to Titus and said, "...a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time..." People and governments will always lie and break their promises, but our God and Creator will always keep His word.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Monday, April 19, 2010
Will you STAND with me??? by Adam Edelstein
April 19, 2010
Will you STAND with me??? by Adam Edelstein
I am a soldier in the Army of My God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this Army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army at the rapture or die in this Army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, I am faithful, capable, and dependable.
If My God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in Sunday school to teach children, work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn. He can use me, because I am there!
I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!
I am a soldier. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed!
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.
I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
I am a soldier. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me!
I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him.
I am a soldier in the Army, and I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching Heaven bound. Here I stand!
Will you stand with me?
Will you STAND with me??? by Adam Edelstein
I am a soldier in the Army of My God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of Warfare. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this Army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire in this Army at the rapture or die in this Army; but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, I am faithful, capable, and dependable.
If My God needs me, I am there. If He needs me in Sunday school to teach children, work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn. He can use me, because I am there!
I am a soldier. I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom!
I am a soldier. No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to. I am committed!
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.
I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
I am a soldier. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me!
I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him.
I am a soldier in the Army, and I'm marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching Heaven bound. Here I stand!
Will you stand with me?
STRENGTH GIVEN TO US by Robert Soto
April 19, 2010
STRENGTH GIVEN TO US by Robert Soto
1 Chronicles 29:12 "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all."
There is nothing better for an Indian dancer than a good dance to enjoy ourselves and just come to have fun dancing. This weekend has been one of those weekends. This is the first pow wow I've attended since my heart problem about six weeks ago, in which I could have gotten a heart attack or stroke. Since then I have been preparing myself by exercising four times a week in the morning and walking a little over two miles in the afternoon. I was hoping that all the exercising I had been doing would help me endure a little more dancing since my feet and knees have been hurting a little more than normal. Well, this weekend was the 'proof in the pudding' and I discovered that all the work I have been doing to get into better shape has paid off. I had more energy and a little more strength than normal, thus enjoyed the dancing a little better.
So as I sit here reflecting on the day and all that was accomplished, I could not help but think that God the Creator will always help those who desire to better themselves physically and spiritually. That God the Creator will always honor those who honor Him, and give strength to those who seek Him and desire Him. As I danced a good dance today and danced with power and less pain than I have had in a long time, I thought of what was written in 1 Chronicles: "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." So whatever power or strength I had today did not come because of me, but because of God the Creator who thought it best that He give me just a little more strength and power to enjoy the dance just a little better this weekend.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
STRENGTH GIVEN TO US by Robert Soto
1 Chronicles 29:12 "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all."
There is nothing better for an Indian dancer than a good dance to enjoy ourselves and just come to have fun dancing. This weekend has been one of those weekends. This is the first pow wow I've attended since my heart problem about six weeks ago, in which I could have gotten a heart attack or stroke. Since then I have been preparing myself by exercising four times a week in the morning and walking a little over two miles in the afternoon. I was hoping that all the exercising I had been doing would help me endure a little more dancing since my feet and knees have been hurting a little more than normal. Well, this weekend was the 'proof in the pudding' and I discovered that all the work I have been doing to get into better shape has paid off. I had more energy and a little more strength than normal, thus enjoyed the dancing a little better.
So as I sit here reflecting on the day and all that was accomplished, I could not help but think that God the Creator will always help those who desire to better themselves physically and spiritually. That God the Creator will always honor those who honor Him, and give strength to those who seek Him and desire Him. As I danced a good dance today and danced with power and less pain than I have had in a long time, I thought of what was written in 1 Chronicles: "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." So whatever power or strength I had today did not come because of me, but because of God the Creator who thought it best that He give me just a little more strength and power to enjoy the dance just a little better this weekend.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, April 18, 2010
HE IS IN OUR MIDST by Robert Soto
April 18, 2010
HE IS IN OUR MIDST by Robert Soto
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
We are on the way to a pow wow. It is about eleven hours away, but with every mile that comes along I get more and more excited. There is something about a pow wow that I really enjoy. I will see old friends and make new friends. I will dance to songs that have been around for hundreds of years and I will dance to songs that have been around for only months. But what makes a pow wow so different than other dances and other gatherings? I thought about it the other day and three things came to mind. First of all, there is community in a pow wow. By community I mean that our Indian people, regardless of tribe, come together to enjoy our Indianness. The second thing is culture. The outfits we wear might be colorful in view of our modern times, but they reflect who we are - and who we were. The crafts and the songs and the dances bring us all together as one people. The third thing is what I call Curiosity. People, both Indian and non-Indian who know nothing about pow wows will come with a curious mind. Some will walk away close-minded and others will sit among us and enjoy and see what we see.
But regardless of what they see or do not see; regardless of what we do or do not do, it will not change the truth that we come together as one people and one group. The pow wow brings us together as family. It brings us together as a people. But not just as a people, but as a people which God the Creator created. As a people who see the importance of who we are and how we were created. But the best feeling I get about a pow wow, and is a thought the comes to me from even our non-Indian visitors, is the feeling that God the Creator is in the midst of all that is going on at the pow wow. We feel His presence and those who come in feel the same thing. They feel the spirituality of the people God the Creator created us to be. Jesus said, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." So in the middle of our all dancing, singing and celebrating, God the Creator is with us and in the midst of us.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
HE IS IN OUR MIDST by Robert Soto
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
We are on the way to a pow wow. It is about eleven hours away, but with every mile that comes along I get more and more excited. There is something about a pow wow that I really enjoy. I will see old friends and make new friends. I will dance to songs that have been around for hundreds of years and I will dance to songs that have been around for only months. But what makes a pow wow so different than other dances and other gatherings? I thought about it the other day and three things came to mind. First of all, there is community in a pow wow. By community I mean that our Indian people, regardless of tribe, come together to enjoy our Indianness. The second thing is culture. The outfits we wear might be colorful in view of our modern times, but they reflect who we are - and who we were. The crafts and the songs and the dances bring us all together as one people. The third thing is what I call Curiosity. People, both Indian and non-Indian who know nothing about pow wows will come with a curious mind. Some will walk away close-minded and others will sit among us and enjoy and see what we see.
But regardless of what they see or do not see; regardless of what we do or do not do, it will not change the truth that we come together as one people and one group. The pow wow brings us together as family. It brings us together as a people. But not just as a people, but as a people which God the Creator created. As a people who see the importance of who we are and how we were created. But the best feeling I get about a pow wow, and is a thought the comes to me from even our non-Indian visitors, is the feeling that God the Creator is in the midst of all that is going on at the pow wow. We feel His presence and those who come in feel the same thing. They feel the spirituality of the people God the Creator created us to be. Jesus said, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." So in the middle of our all dancing, singing and celebrating, God the Creator is with us and in the midst of us.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
IT IS A GOOD LAND by Robert Soto
April 17, 2010
IT IS A GOOD LAND by Robert Soto
Psalm 65:9 "You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it."
We are driving through the Texas Hill Country. It has been raining so everything is green and beautiful. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the various arrays of color exemplify the natural beauty that only God the Creator could have imagined. The creation is an amazing thing. Our people saw the creation as a gift from God the Creator for the good of the people. I could write about the creation but in the midst of all this beauty comes the reminder that our people once made their home among these valleys, rivers and creeks. We used to do our hunting and survival among the things God the creator created for us. But when you read the history of the land it seems like people have deliberately forgotten who was here before Columbus first stepped on the Island of San Salvador.
This memory came to mind yesterday as I was invited to share how we used the grant money given to us by the city's Art Council. Before I shared how we used the grant money, I shared a little of our history and how the grant brought everything together in full circle. It was then that I concluded that we are the forgotten people. People that came to our lands and who now make their homes in what used to be our lands have forgotten that we once cared for this land and lived on this land and considered this land sacred and a gift from God the Creator. We took care of the land but at the end we acknowledged that it was not us but God the Creator who worked through us and the gift He gave us. David said, "You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it." It was and continues to be a good land, even though the people who live on it have forgotten.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
IT IS A GOOD LAND by Robert Soto
Psalm 65:9 "You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it."
We are driving through the Texas Hill Country. It has been raining so everything is green and beautiful. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the various arrays of color exemplify the natural beauty that only God the Creator could have imagined. The creation is an amazing thing. Our people saw the creation as a gift from God the Creator for the good of the people. I could write about the creation but in the midst of all this beauty comes the reminder that our people once made their home among these valleys, rivers and creeks. We used to do our hunting and survival among the things God the creator created for us. But when you read the history of the land it seems like people have deliberately forgotten who was here before Columbus first stepped on the Island of San Salvador.
This memory came to mind yesterday as I was invited to share how we used the grant money given to us by the city's Art Council. Before I shared how we used the grant money, I shared a little of our history and how the grant brought everything together in full circle. It was then that I concluded that we are the forgotten people. People that came to our lands and who now make their homes in what used to be our lands have forgotten that we once cared for this land and lived on this land and considered this land sacred and a gift from God the Creator. We took care of the land but at the end we acknowledged that it was not us but God the Creator who worked through us and the gift He gave us. David said, "You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it." It was and continues to be a good land, even though the people who live on it have forgotten.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Friday, April 16, 2010
WORDS THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN by Robert Soto
April 16, 2010
WORDS THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN by Robert Soto
Matthew 5:18 "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
I sometimes sit at night and feel for our leaders of times past. Their world was quickly disappearing and they had no place to go and no one to turn to. They were wanted in both Mexico and in the United States. American soldiers were violating the law by going into Mexico and attacking Apaches. The question is why would our people give up? Why would they insist on keeping on with their lifestyle and way of life if they knew that it would soon end? One reason was that our Apache people, as with hundreds of other tribes, knew that no matter what they were promised, those making the promises were not planning to keep their word. So how could you trust the words of people who would do whatever it took to take what was not theirs - the land? Geronimo, like the majority of those leaders, suffered with the decisions they made, thinking and hoping they were doing what was best for their people.
So there Geronimo sat in prison, realizing that his biggest nightmare had come true. What they promised they did not do. Geronimo said, "For nearly two years we were kept at hard labor in this place and we did not see our families until May, 1887. This treatment was in direct violation of our treaty made at Skeleton Canyon." Everything they ever promised Geronimo was gone. Every word they had given him was considered a lie. Every treaty, signed was lost and now Geronimo stood in prison thinking of those words and seeing his men and women and children die because of his own words and his mark on a paper with words he prayed would be kept. I'm not sure what to say and what to think, but I can say one thing, I am glad that God's Word is not like the promises given to Geronimo and thousands of our tribal leaders in times past. If God promised He would do it, He will do it. If He promised it would come true, it would come true. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
WORDS THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN by Robert Soto
Matthew 5:18 "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
I sometimes sit at night and feel for our leaders of times past. Their world was quickly disappearing and they had no place to go and no one to turn to. They were wanted in both Mexico and in the United States. American soldiers were violating the law by going into Mexico and attacking Apaches. The question is why would our people give up? Why would they insist on keeping on with their lifestyle and way of life if they knew that it would soon end? One reason was that our Apache people, as with hundreds of other tribes, knew that no matter what they were promised, those making the promises were not planning to keep their word. So how could you trust the words of people who would do whatever it took to take what was not theirs - the land? Geronimo, like the majority of those leaders, suffered with the decisions they made, thinking and hoping they were doing what was best for their people.
So there Geronimo sat in prison, realizing that his biggest nightmare had come true. What they promised they did not do. Geronimo said, "For nearly two years we were kept at hard labor in this place and we did not see our families until May, 1887. This treatment was in direct violation of our treaty made at Skeleton Canyon." Everything they ever promised Geronimo was gone. Every word they had given him was considered a lie. Every treaty, signed was lost and now Geronimo stood in prison thinking of those words and seeing his men and women and children die because of his own words and his mark on a paper with words he prayed would be kept. I'm not sure what to say and what to think, but I can say one thing, I am glad that God's Word is not like the promises given to Geronimo and thousands of our tribal leaders in times past. If God promised He would do it, He will do it. If He promised it would come true, it would come true. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Thursday, April 15, 2010
My prayer for you today my friends...by Adam Edelstein
April 12, 2010
My prayer for you today my friends...by Adam Edelstein
Beloved try talking things out just sit down with you problems and give them a fair and honest WARNING.
Tell them how BIG you GOD is, and what he does to problems that plague his people, and that HE is only a prayer away.
Advise them that they have to flee, darkness cannot exist when there is light.
Remind them: of the flood, the wedding, the 5000 feast, the blindness cured, the lame that walked, the walls that fell, the people raised, the resurrection.
Remind your problems of what happens when they show up on the doorstep of a child of GOD, a believer of CHRIST, a son or daughter of the KING of Kings.
Remind them and remember yourself that when all seemed lost, when the improbable was all but impossible, that the GOD you serve is STILL in the miracle business, and that BUSINESS IS GOOD!!!
I promise you my friends that if you do this and BELIEVE that GOD has you back, as long as you walk with him your steps will be lighter and there will be a spring in your step, no matter what you face.
Now WALK like you Know.
BE Blessed
My prayer for you today my friends...by Adam Edelstein
Beloved try talking things out just sit down with you problems and give them a fair and honest WARNING.
Tell them how BIG you GOD is, and what he does to problems that plague his people, and that HE is only a prayer away.
Advise them that they have to flee, darkness cannot exist when there is light.
Remind them: of the flood, the wedding, the 5000 feast, the blindness cured, the lame that walked, the walls that fell, the people raised, the resurrection.
Remind your problems of what happens when they show up on the doorstep of a child of GOD, a believer of CHRIST, a son or daughter of the KING of Kings.
Remind them and remember yourself that when all seemed lost, when the improbable was all but impossible, that the GOD you serve is STILL in the miracle business, and that BUSINESS IS GOOD!!!
I promise you my friends that if you do this and BELIEVE that GOD has you back, as long as you walk with him your steps will be lighter and there will be a spring in your step, no matter what you face.
Now WALK like you Know.
BE Blessed
THE BLESSING THAT NEVER STOPS by Robert Soto
April 15, 2010
THE BLESSING THAT NEVER STOPS by Robert Soto
Psalm 103:17-18 "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts."
It has been an interesting three and a half years of being a grandfather. I have been able to spend a little more time with my grandson than I did with my children. I was in seminary when my children were little. I was taking seventeen to twenty-one hours a semester and going to school through the summer and winter months. So I was in school year round. Furthermore, to help with the finances, I was putting in thirty-five to forty hours a week of work. But in the midst of a heavy three-year schedule, I still tried to spend some time with my children, just not as much as I am now able to do with my grandson. So in these past three years I have seen him develop in ways I did not see my children develop. I have had the privilege of taking walks with him and from time to time stop for five or ten minutes just to stare at a squirrel or a flock of birds. We have stopped to watch a turtle or two sunbathing, or maybe collecting a few rocks and just throwing them in the air.
I am enjoying my time with my grandson. I want him to learn everything he can of who he is and who God the Creator made him to be. I want him to learn about God and His love for us. I want him to understand God's desire for our lives and to learn to love Him. I want him to learn to respect his elders and respect the creation which God the Creator made to speak of Him. I want my grandson to remember the good things that God the Creator has done on behalf of his people. I want my grandson to be a proud Lipan Apache. There is blessing when we teach them to do what is right. God the Creator remembers the things we do and the things we are to accomplish. God the Creator will not forget a people who love Him and honor Him. David knew this and for this reason he wrote, "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Live a life that honors God and see His blessing fall not just onto your life, but also on the lives of your children and grandchildren.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
THE BLESSING THAT NEVER STOPS by Robert Soto
Psalm 103:17-18 "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts."
It has been an interesting three and a half years of being a grandfather. I have been able to spend a little more time with my grandson than I did with my children. I was in seminary when my children were little. I was taking seventeen to twenty-one hours a semester and going to school through the summer and winter months. So I was in school year round. Furthermore, to help with the finances, I was putting in thirty-five to forty hours a week of work. But in the midst of a heavy three-year schedule, I still tried to spend some time with my children, just not as much as I am now able to do with my grandson. So in these past three years I have seen him develop in ways I did not see my children develop. I have had the privilege of taking walks with him and from time to time stop for five or ten minutes just to stare at a squirrel or a flock of birds. We have stopped to watch a turtle or two sunbathing, or maybe collecting a few rocks and just throwing them in the air.
I am enjoying my time with my grandson. I want him to learn everything he can of who he is and who God the Creator made him to be. I want him to learn about God and His love for us. I want him to understand God's desire for our lives and to learn to love Him. I want him to learn to respect his elders and respect the creation which God the Creator made to speak of Him. I want my grandson to remember the good things that God the Creator has done on behalf of his people. I want my grandson to be a proud Lipan Apache. There is blessing when we teach them to do what is right. God the Creator remembers the things we do and the things we are to accomplish. God the Creator will not forget a people who love Him and honor Him. David knew this and for this reason he wrote, "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." Live a life that honors God and see His blessing fall not just onto your life, but also on the lives of your children and grandchildren.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Have you ever been here...on either side by Adam Edelstein
Have you ever been here...on either side by Adam Edelstein
April 14, 2010
Recently, my wife planned a date night out for the two of us: dinner and then a concert featuring a jazz pianist she particularly enjoys. When the actual night arrived, we made the hour-long drive to the town where the performance was, picked up our tickets at the theater, and then made our way to a restaurant we had noticed as we arrived into town.
Called the Copper Grill, we arrived at the restaurant doors with healthy appetites and even healthier expectations of a wonderful meal together. Waiting for us, just inside the door were two smartly dressed women - one of whom was holding a clipboard. The holder of the clipboard delivered a marvelous greeting to us, which we enthusiastically returned. Things were looking good for a nice meal and excellent service in a friendly restaurant.
Mademoiselle Clipboard then asked us our names. I replied that we did not have reservations. The other lady then looked at her co-worker and said, "This is going to happen a few times tonight." They went on to explain that the restaurant was new and not open that night. I glanced at all the people sitting at tables, enjoying themselves, and eating my food. Our greeters then told us how the night was just a practice for the staff and kitchen crew before opening for real. Only people who were friends of employees, and on their list, were being served and eating that night. I told the ladies that I didn't mind eating at the restaurant while they practiced - even if they happened to be rude to me. But no, we weren't in the in crowd and that meant no food for us. Before we left they invited us to come back next week.
As I look back on my initial feelings at being turned away from that restaurant, I can't help but think that they were similar to the feelings that many newcomers have when visiting some churches. For the most part, newcomers to churches are hungry and looking for something in their life and most of the churches they visit have people who are very good at saying, "Hello!" and greeting them.
Sadly, however, in many churches the welcome and the welcoming stop there. New people quickly find out that even though there is lots happening and being offered in the church, it is happening for, and being offered to, only those who have an inside connection to people who are already in the church. Hungry visitors to such cold and unfriendly church fortresses soon learn, with sad disappointment, that like the people in the Copper Grill the night I was there, the church they have gone to is only playing restaurant and has no intention to feed them.
Those who turn the hungry away from their churches in such a way often don't realize they are doing it. Instead they usually just huddle together and wonder aloud, "Why isn't our church growing?" Sadly none of them can see that when new people visit them they greet them by saying, "Welcome! Go away."
April 14, 2010
Recently, my wife planned a date night out for the two of us: dinner and then a concert featuring a jazz pianist she particularly enjoys. When the actual night arrived, we made the hour-long drive to the town where the performance was, picked up our tickets at the theater, and then made our way to a restaurant we had noticed as we arrived into town.
Called the Copper Grill, we arrived at the restaurant doors with healthy appetites and even healthier expectations of a wonderful meal together. Waiting for us, just inside the door were two smartly dressed women - one of whom was holding a clipboard. The holder of the clipboard delivered a marvelous greeting to us, which we enthusiastically returned. Things were looking good for a nice meal and excellent service in a friendly restaurant.
Mademoiselle Clipboard then asked us our names. I replied that we did not have reservations. The other lady then looked at her co-worker and said, "This is going to happen a few times tonight." They went on to explain that the restaurant was new and not open that night. I glanced at all the people sitting at tables, enjoying themselves, and eating my food. Our greeters then told us how the night was just a practice for the staff and kitchen crew before opening for real. Only people who were friends of employees, and on their list, were being served and eating that night. I told the ladies that I didn't mind eating at the restaurant while they practiced - even if they happened to be rude to me. But no, we weren't in the in crowd and that meant no food for us. Before we left they invited us to come back next week.
As I look back on my initial feelings at being turned away from that restaurant, I can't help but think that they were similar to the feelings that many newcomers have when visiting some churches. For the most part, newcomers to churches are hungry and looking for something in their life and most of the churches they visit have people who are very good at saying, "Hello!" and greeting them.
Sadly, however, in many churches the welcome and the welcoming stop there. New people quickly find out that even though there is lots happening and being offered in the church, it is happening for, and being offered to, only those who have an inside connection to people who are already in the church. Hungry visitors to such cold and unfriendly church fortresses soon learn, with sad disappointment, that like the people in the Copper Grill the night I was there, the church they have gone to is only playing restaurant and has no intention to feed them.
Those who turn the hungry away from their churches in such a way often don't realize they are doing it. Instead they usually just huddle together and wonder aloud, "Why isn't our church growing?" Sadly none of them can see that when new people visit them they greet them by saying, "Welcome! Go away."
THE POWER OF YOUR FEET by Robert Soto
April 14, 2010
THE POWER OF YOUR FEET by Robert Soto
2 Samuel 22:33-34 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Every two years or so a sacred ritual happens. It used to be almost every year but later I discovered how to skip a year and go every two years. Well, this time I just managed to keep them for five and a half years. What am I talking about you may ask? I'm talking about the soles of my moccasins. I used to change them every year but now I double the soles and it takes me about two or two and a half years to wear right through them. This time I got kind of lazy though. Not just because I was lazy, but because I did not have the time to sit down and re-sew the new soles on them. It takes four to five days to repair them. So as I took the old soles off, I noticed that the old soles had taken the shape of my feet. I could see where each toe went in. They were a perfect match to each foot.
But in the last four and a half years, these soles have danced in Australia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, France and Canada. That is not counting about twenty or twenty-five states where I danced at pow wows, church services, schools and other events. As I changed the first soles, I could not help but wonder what would happen if they could talk. What would they say about the thousands of lives that heard how God the Creator changed our lives and how their lives could also be changed if they put their trust and faith in God the Creator's hands. What would they say about all the lives that were changed and who are now walking in the path that God the Creator set before them? I am losing some old friends who have served me well. But now I am putting on new ones and with each stitch I wonder what adventures God the Creator has for us. Then I thought about how many times I did not feel like dancing. My feet were hurting too much, my back felt horrible and my knees were telling me to sit down and relax. Then it hit me that whatever new adventures I and the new soles on my moccasins would have together, they will be done through the power of God the Creator. Samuel said, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
THE POWER OF YOUR FEET by Robert Soto
2 Samuel 22:33-34 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Every two years or so a sacred ritual happens. It used to be almost every year but later I discovered how to skip a year and go every two years. Well, this time I just managed to keep them for five and a half years. What am I talking about you may ask? I'm talking about the soles of my moccasins. I used to change them every year but now I double the soles and it takes me about two or two and a half years to wear right through them. This time I got kind of lazy though. Not just because I was lazy, but because I did not have the time to sit down and re-sew the new soles on them. It takes four to five days to repair them. So as I took the old soles off, I noticed that the old soles had taken the shape of my feet. I could see where each toe went in. They were a perfect match to each foot.
But in the last four and a half years, these soles have danced in Australia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany, France and Canada. That is not counting about twenty or twenty-five states where I danced at pow wows, church services, schools and other events. As I changed the first soles, I could not help but wonder what would happen if they could talk. What would they say about the thousands of lives that heard how God the Creator changed our lives and how their lives could also be changed if they put their trust and faith in God the Creator's hands. What would they say about all the lives that were changed and who are now walking in the path that God the Creator set before them? I am losing some old friends who have served me well. But now I am putting on new ones and with each stitch I wonder what adventures God the Creator has for us. Then I thought about how many times I did not feel like dancing. My feet were hurting too much, my back felt horrible and my knees were telling me to sit down and relax. Then it hit me that whatever new adventures I and the new soles on my moccasins would have together, they will be done through the power of God the Creator. Samuel said, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Promise Yourself by Adam Edelstein
April 13, 2010
Promise Yourself by Adam Edelstein
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to everyone you meet.
To make all your friends feel there is something special in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry,
Too noble for anger,
Too strong for fear,
And too happy to permit the presence of trouble
Promise Yourself by Adam Edelstein
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to everyone you meet.
To make all your friends feel there is something special in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry,
Too noble for anger,
Too strong for fear,
And too happy to permit the presence of trouble
HE IS THE ONE WHO MAKES IT RAIN by Robert Soto
April 13, 2010
HE IS THE ONE WHO MAKES IT RAIN by Robert Soto
Zechariah 10:1 "Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone."
I woke up yesterday ready to hit the working trail. I was going to work on the corral for about four hours and then come home and trim one of two trees. I got up with enough time to exercise and get things ready for the day's work. But as I started to open my eyes, I heard something that sounded like rain. I looked out the window and there it was - a rainstorm. It was raining all around. It was not a heavy rain, but enough rain to keep me indoors and prevent me from doing the work I had set out to do when I woke up. I decided I'd wait an hour before changing my plans, but after an hour it was obvious that it was not going to stop but just keep raining throughout the day.
Sometimes life is that way. We plan and pray and prepare and then something like rain keeps us from accomplishing what we feel we need to do. Zechariah said, "Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone." He starts off with "Ask the Lord for rain..." The problem was that I did not ask the Lord for rain. I asked Him for a good sunny day. Rain was the last thing on my mind and in my plans for the day. But the second part of the verse says, "...it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone." What does that mean to us? Well, I might not have prayed for rain or have even prayed that there would be no rain; yet in the end it still rained. It rained because God the Creator felt we needed the rain. After all, we cannot do anything to make it rain but pray. I did not pray for rain. So why did it rain? Because in spite of my selfish desires to do what I wanted to do, God the Creator felt we needed the rain more than I needed to work on the buffalo corral or on trimming the tree. So in the end, it is God the Creator who knows what is best for us and what is not. So we pray and plan and prepare, but ultimately, it is God not us who decides.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
HE IS THE ONE WHO MAKES IT RAIN by Robert Soto
Zechariah 10:1 "Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone."
I woke up yesterday ready to hit the working trail. I was going to work on the corral for about four hours and then come home and trim one of two trees. I got up with enough time to exercise and get things ready for the day's work. But as I started to open my eyes, I heard something that sounded like rain. I looked out the window and there it was - a rainstorm. It was raining all around. It was not a heavy rain, but enough rain to keep me indoors and prevent me from doing the work I had set out to do when I woke up. I decided I'd wait an hour before changing my plans, but after an hour it was obvious that it was not going to stop but just keep raining throughout the day.
Sometimes life is that way. We plan and pray and prepare and then something like rain keeps us from accomplishing what we feel we need to do. Zechariah said, "Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone." He starts off with "Ask the Lord for rain..." The problem was that I did not ask the Lord for rain. I asked Him for a good sunny day. Rain was the last thing on my mind and in my plans for the day. But the second part of the verse says, "...it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone." What does that mean to us? Well, I might not have prayed for rain or have even prayed that there would be no rain; yet in the end it still rained. It rained because God the Creator felt we needed the rain. After all, we cannot do anything to make it rain but pray. I did not pray for rain. So why did it rain? Because in spite of my selfish desires to do what I wanted to do, God the Creator felt we needed the rain more than I needed to work on the buffalo corral or on trimming the tree. So in the end, it is God the Creator who knows what is best for us and what is not. So we pray and plan and prepare, but ultimately, it is God not us who decides.
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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