Category Archives: Pastors Corner

What Is Man?

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchBy Pastor Robert Jewett

“O LORD, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow,” (Psalm 144:3-4)

Have you ever stopped to ponder how many stars God created? Just within our galaxy, the Milky Way, there are an estimated 300,000,000,000 stars. Yes, 300 billion! But that is only our galaxy.

Scientists have conservatively estimated that there are 200 billion galaxies. So go ahead and do the math.  300 billion, times 200 billion, equals an estimated 60,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars that God has created. That’s 60 sextillion stars!

If that is not mind-boggling enough, the sun is an average-sized star and 1 million earths can fit inside the sun.

Stop and meditate on these numbers.  Now consider how big man is when compared to the universe.

It is absolutely humbling to conclude that in size comparison to the universe, man is like a grain of sand. It is even more humbling to know that much like God has named every one of his stars (Isaiah 40:26; Psalm 147:4), he has known us before we were ever formed. His thoughts toward us are more abundant than the sand (Psalm 139:15-18). He has even numbered the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30).

May we walk humbly before our God (Micah 6:8)!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona.  For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Out Of (My) Control

By Pastor Tim Eaton

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

Life throws us curve balls. Things don’t go as planned. Pains can break our hearts.

Worrying about any of these things can make us lose our minds. When it seems our world is spinning out of control, we can often get out of control ourselves. No matter how big or small the catastrophe, when our fight or flight instinct is tripped, more problems are on their way.

If we choose to stay and fight, we can lose our cool with devastating effects, hurting our future or other people emotionally or physically.  Unfortunately, when we choose flight we can often fly to exactly the wrong place. Maybe we disengage when we are needed most. Perhaps we hide in a comforting, but damaging, addiction.

What are we to do in the face of catastrophe? Fight and flight are equally poor choices. A better choice is to run into the arms of Jesus Christ. There, we can discover that life is not out of control – only out of our control.

“It’s out of my control.”  It might be frustrating to submit to these words, but it might be one of the most freeing phrases ever spoken. When we are not in control, the worry isn’t ours; the burden of a solution isn’t ours.

Just how comforting those words are has a lot to do with whom we realize is in control. If it is a doctor, boss, or a policy, it might provide some comfort. But, if we realize that God is in control, it can bring true peace.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”  The “because” is the peace.

Isaiah 53:4 reassures us, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.”

When catastrophe strikes, remember that even though it might be out of your control, God is in control.  How much better life will be if we know we are always in His hands. Then, we can avoid the panic, and live in His peace every day.

Discover His Peace at Edgewater this Easter:  Good Friday, April 3, 7pm; Easter Sunday, April 5, 6:30, 8, and 10 a.m.  See their ad on page 12.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Believe God, Not the Deceiver

By Pastor Rob Norris

pastor-rob-norris-the-crossings“Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies,” (John 8:44).

A Long Island businessman in the 1930s bought an expensive brass barometer to mount in his home. However, when the man pulled the instrument out of the box and started to hang it, the arrow that indicated current weather conditions was pointing hard to “Hurricane.”

Angrily, he pounded his palm on the glass face of the barometer. The arrow didn’t move. He shook it and then banged it on the table. The arrow still didn’t move. This thing was obviously defective. So the next morning he fired off a nasty letter to the manufacturer and dropped it in a mailbox on his way to work in Manhattan.

But sure enough, a storm did roar through Long Island that day. And when he drove home in the afternoon, his house was destroyed … in a hurricane.

You see, there is absolute truth and there is deception.

All of life is a choice of who you will believe. Life is a battle between believing the truth and swallowing lies. And because the nature of our hearts – like that of the man in this story – is to doubt the truth and believe deceptions, it takes a deliberate effort to embrace God’s truth as non-negotiable. If we don’t keep our minds in the truth of the Scriptures on a daily basis, we become easy marks for our constant foe, the devil, who is both “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14) and “the father of lies.”

So even when the Scriptures teach something you don’t like, it’s always the right choice to believe God anyway. It’s better to know the truth that a hurricane is coming than to mistakenly think you’re in the clear.

What deceptions have you fallen prey to in the past? How have they burned you?

Live it:  What is God asking you to believe today?

Pray:  For daily, deliberate, ongoing discernment.

Our March Series is, “Grace And Truth;” and join us Easter Sunday for an Easter Celebration and egg hunt following the service.

Trusting and believing with you!

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Near Beliefs

By Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,” (2 Timothy 3:14).

I’m afraid too many of us Christians don’t know what we really believe. Like a cork in the ocean, driven and tossed by the waves, we bounce from opinion to opinion, influenced more by the last book we read than by a lifetime of Biblical study. We’ve become activity junkies, seldom stopping long enough to decide what really matters to us, too busy to determine what’s really worth living for, let alone worth dying for.

As a result we live our lives based upon “near beliefs.” Near beliefs have just enough truth in them to sound strangely familiar to convictions, yet they’re too weak to inspire us or our actions. Too anemic to influence us to make a decision that demands a sacrifice.

Near beliefs wimp out when a teenager is pushing you out of his or her life. Near beliefs won’t keep a marriage together when romance fades. Near beliefs almost always fall silent on such issues as same-sex marriages and homosexuals adopting children. Near beliefs don’t inspire the courage to change a behavior or to press on against disapproval or opposition from “the herd.”

Near beliefs are to blame for a new brand of Christianity that is epidemic in our homes and churches – a faith that has little flavor, little light and little influence. When near beliefs are our only source of motivation, tough stands are never taken, feathers are never ruffled, and absolutes are held very loosely. Without core convictions to help us navigate, we stand uneasily on shifting sand, and we lack the solid footing with which to stage a life of principle and character.

Today is a call to Biblical conviction. A call to spending time studying the Word. A clarion call to challenge you to determine: What do I believe?

What is needed today is a battalion of believers who follow Christ and stand for Him and His truth.

Live It:  If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Pray:  Ask God for the courage to stand for that which you know to be true.

Join us for our February Series “It’s Not You, It’s Me.”

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Amazing Love

By Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!” (Psalm 36:7).

God’s love is truly amazing! His love is poured out on us through his grace, mercy, and patience (Psalm 145:8). Although we are deserving of death, God’s love offers us eternal life (Romans 6:23).

My friend, there is no greater love than this! How will you respond to His wonderful love? David responded this way, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands,” (Psalm 63:3-4).

When we stand in awe of God’s amazing love for us, we will seek for Him to refine us. In response to God’s great love, David prayed, “Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness,” (Psalm 26:2-3).

Respond to God’s love! It is God’s love that will drive you to bring him glory. It is his love that will keep you fixed on him and able to endure until the end (Matthew 24:13).

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona.  For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Love ACTually

By Pastor Tim Eaton

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Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

“People do crazy things when they’re in love.”

This quote from Disney’s “Hercules” may make you think of a time when someone drove you crazy in love. Maybe you couldn’t think straight, or string more than a word or two together in their presence.  Or maybe you simply lost all sense of good judgment.

The quote reminds us about the connection of love and ACTION. But more than losing your mind when you are overcome with love, it’s really about finding motivation and courage to do things you otherwise wouldn’t do.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is known for his passion to help make a better life for others. He said this in a speech about life and love: “I say to you this morning…that if you have never found something so dear and so precious to you that you aren’t willing to die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.”

Wow. That is a powerful love that motivated him to do all he could for his people. Tragically, he did give his life for what he loved, but the greater challenge that he accepted, was to live his life for something every day.

What about you? What do you love? What are you living for? What do you spend your time, money, and energy on? Measure your love with this question:  Can anyone else tell what it is that you love? Is it obvious? Or are you just drifting?

Find your passion, direction, and hope in Jesus. Jesus had direction; He lived for something He would eventually die for… You!  (Matthew 20:82).

Discover the one who has Crazy Love for you, Sundays at 10 a.m.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Fan or Follower?

By Pastor Mark Lee

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

More than 100 million Americans recently gathered around their television sets in celebration of what many consider to be an unofficial national holiday.  Whether these viewers were rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, wearing New England Patriot jerseys, or simply wanted to watch the commercials,  they were – if only for Super Bowl Sunday – football fans.

Although the level of devotion varies by individual, a fan is nothing more than an enthusiastic admirer.  From the teenage girls who display boy band posters on their bedroom walls to the men who memorize team statistics, the beauty of fandom is that we receive joy from the objects of our affection and are not required to provide anything in return.

Many of us tend to approach our faith in a similar fashion.  We embrace our religion because it makes us feel good.    We attend worship services, know the songs, and even place bumper stickers on our cars.   We definitely want what God can give us, but rarely consider what we can do for Him.  Instead of becoming the true followers that He desires, we find ourselves more comfortable resting among the fan base.

Luke 9:23 quotes Jesus as saying, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”  But, how do you know if you are a follower or a fan?  Ask yourself two questions.  First, if none of my life’s dreams come true, would Jesus be enough for me?  And second, if I lost everyone and everything I loved, could I still find my purpose in Christ?

Your answers to these questions may help you define your relationship with God or, if necessary, point you in the right direction.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

“True Comfort”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things,” (John 14:26).

“Comforter” describes the Holy Spirit of God, which means in the original New Testament language “to come to the side of another.” There is something cool about the word “comfort.”  We get the word comfort from two Latin words meaning “con” (in company with) and “fortis” (to strengthen).

We just signed my son, Noah, up for his first organized baseball team.  Along with that comes my responsibility to provide as much encouragement as possible for Noah in his development as a player.  We were practicing batting the other day and he got a little discouraged and just sat down.  I was moved and came along side of him and gave him a few words of encouragement.  He then sprang to his feet, and to both of our joy, he a hit the ball squarely all the way to the outfield grass.  It would have done him no good for me to take the bat out of his hand and hit the ball for him.

We usually think of “comfort” as soothing someone, consoling someone; and to some extent this is true.  But true comfort strengthens us to face life bravely and keep on going. It does not rob us of responsibility or make it easy for us to give up.

God comes along side of us not to remove the difficulty or hardship, but to strengthen us along the way (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Reset the Course

By Pastor Dennis Morales

 

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV).

New phone luster, new clothes, new car smell, new resolutions.  These all seem to fade pretty quickly.

Given the New Year, it is still a great time to reset the course to change. God sets the first course in change, which is to “forget the former things.”  God doesn’t concentrate on your problems or failures.  He says, I am going to do something “new.”

Isaiah was speaking to God’s people who were in captivity.  They had failed miserably, and it seemed they had no way out.  As long as they dwelled on the past, God could not do something new.

The devil would always have you look back, too.  Because when we dwell upon our failures, often fear, shame, and isolation are not too far away.  And that’s the devil’s intention, to get you isolated from God.  Because when we come to God, we find forgiveness and peace.

The Bible says, “Gods mercies are new every morning,” (Lamentations 3:23).  The Apostle Paul practiced, “… forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (Philippians 3:13).  Paul’s life had a strong focus on God that helped him prioritize everything else.

God always fixes our eyes on the things that are ahead because He wants to do something new.  He wants you to have not just a better physique or a better relationship; God wants to give you something deeper.  He wants to free you from sin and set you on the course of peace (Philippians 4:7).

Happy New Year!

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

A BOLD New Year

By Pastor Tim Eaton

 

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Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

Another year has come and gone. What do you have to show for it? Did you grasp your goals for 2014, or have they eluded you? What held you back? Did you come close – taste them, perhaps – and then shrink back? Was it a year of boldness or of timidity?

If you answered yes to those last two questions, please, read on! Maybe you have heard about Jesus being meek and mild and want to emulate Him. But is that what He calls us to be? Let’s look at His example:  “He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross,” (Philippians 2:8)

But what does humbled mean? It does not mean that He believed less than the truth about Himself. Rather, it means He gave Himself in service to others.

A humble athlete doesn’t say, “I’m no good!” Instead, he says, “I will use my gift to serve the team!” That’s what Jesus has done for us, and calls us to do for others. He doesn’t call us to think less of ourselves. Quite the opposite, Jesus constantly calls his followers to step up and live the value He sees in them.

Maybe you feel like you don’t deserve what you are striving for. Are you concerned that God has turned a deaf ear to your prayers because of things you have done in the past? Quite the contrary! Jesus’ humble act of sacrifice has washed away all of these things. We have freedom from the shackles of past mistakes and missteps. Instead we have, “Boldness and confidence through our faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:12).

So step boldly into 2015 with Jesus and call upon Him in times of need, hope, and joy!

Be BOLD and join us Sundays at Edgewater.

Edgewater Lutheran Church, worshipping at Harada Elementary, is located at 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880. Contact them at (951) 479-5575, or visit their website at www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Let It Go

By Pastor Mark Lee

 

pastor-mark-leeUnless you have been living under a rock for the past 12 months, chances are you are aware of the pop culture phenomenon known as Frozen. Disney’s 53rd animated feature has broken box office records, raked in more than $1 billion, and captured the hearts of nearly every little girl in the country. Much of the movie’s appeal can be credited to its catchy soundtrack. And, one particular song has emerged as a fan favorite: “Let It Go.”

As we settle into the New Year, this catchy number offers some good advice. Many of us are carrying the baggage of 2014 with us into 2015. Whether we have a long list of regrets or a catalog of mistakes, the disappointments of the past can prevent us from embracing the future. In fact, even our successes and accomplishments have the ability to hold us back.

In order to move forward, we have to stop focusing on what has happened and instead focus on what happens next. After all, it is impossible to successfully drive down the freeway if we are constantly looking in the rearview mirror. Obsessing about the past is a fruitless endeavor because we can’t control or change what has already happened. It is simply a waste of time.

Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us to “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” The amazing truth about God is that he is far more interested in our future than he is in our past.

So, in the words of the popular Disney song, we need to “let it go” and take advantage of the many opportunities for growth, change, and progress that the New Year brings!

 

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

 

2015? Seriously?

By Pastor Robert Jewett

 

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchCan you believe it is 2015? I remember watching The Jetson’s cartoon when I was a child. The setting of the cartoon was 2062, and one thing that amazed me as a child was when George Jetson’s boss, Mr. Spacely, appeared on a screen and they communicated face-to-face. Although this seemed far-fetched back then, such technology is commonplace today. Such advancements in technology are sobering reminders that we are getting older.

Although each new day brings newer advancements in technology, it also brings us one day closer to meeting our Maker. For those of us who have placed our hope and trust in Jesus, we rejoice that our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). But for those of us who have never placed our trust in Jesus, the Day of Judgment is drawing nigh.

The Bible warns that “no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). Our God is love and desires that we receive his grace and mercy by turning to Him.

May we all live each passing day with the hope and expectancy of eternal life.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

The Miracle of Christmas

By Pastor Tim Eaton

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Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

Christmas is all about the greatest miracle in history. It’s about something distinctly better than the big guy in the red suit making an appearance on Christmas Eve.The birth of Jesus is one of God’s great miracles. And there were many more miracles leading up to Jesus’ birth, with many more to come in His life.One of the joys of Christmas is the joy of giving; but sometimes the logistics of it all can overshadow the joy. Edgewater would like to help. We will be offering FREE (that’s NO donation) gift-wrapping in front of Kohl’s in the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center, on Sat., Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by with your purchases and let us put a little more joy into the joy of giving.

This year, Edgewater will be hosting three Christmas services and two distinct worship experiences. The festivities begin with our “Christmas Music Celebration,” on Tues., Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. This service is perfect for those out of town on Christmas Eve, or those just wanting to experience a joyful, musical celebration with wonderful Christmas music and carols. Just as on Christmas Eve, this service will end with songs by candlelight.

Our beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight services will be offered at both 3 and 5 p.m. All services will be held at Harada Elementary.

Join us, and discover that God is still in the miracle business. This Christmas, Jesus just might be your miracle.

Edgewater Lutheran Church, worshipping at Harada Elementary, is located at 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880. Contact them at (951) 479-5575, or visit their website at www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

They Saw A Star

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

Matthew 2:10 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

How do you respond to Christmas? For some, Christmas sparks fond memory, some exuberance, and for others it’s shopping.

Unfortunately, Christmas has lost its meaning in our modern culture. More are mindful of a tree than the manger. I am all about the festivities and family traditions. I love opening gifts and sharing stories with family. But the true message of Christmas doesn’t lie in gift wrap.

The heart of Christmas is that God gave us the best gift ever in His Son Jesus Christ. We see several responses in the Bible to the birth of our Savior. Creation’s response was a star to tell the world a King had been born (Numbers 24:17). The angels responded with worship (Luke 2:13-14). Magi (wise men) responded with gifts of worship, whom were also guided by the Star (Matthew 2:2). The Shepherds responded by running to see Jesus, then telling everyone about what they saw (Luke 2:17). The Bethlehem Star signified God’s response to the world’s greatest need. That was to be saved from sin and be given hope of Heaven (John 3:16).

The wonder and beauty of Christmas is that Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in Heaven. Our Savior was wrapped in nothing more than common rags. The Star rested over an ordinary manger, which held the greatest gift in the simplest of wrapping (Luke 2:7).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Unopened Gift

By Pastor Robert Jewett

2 Corinthians 9:15 – Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchEvery year Christmas comes and goes like a season. While many celebrate the festive occasion with gift giving, Christians gather to celebrate an even greater gift, Jesus our Savior. The greatest gift of salvation was given to mankind through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

With much of the attention on shopping and gift giving, the remembrance of Christ has slowly faded from the “holy-day.” Families gather to exchange gifts and a meal together but often forget the greatest gift of all. While they may enjoy receiving the latest gadget or trendy clothing, they neglect the gift that won’t break or go out of style.

Although the season of Christmas may come and go, Christ’s gift of eternal life is available 24/7/365. There is no greater love, no greater gift than someone laying down his life for another. Jesus has done this for you!

May this gift not go unopened this Christmas! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

We invite you to join us for Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

 

Curing Your Holiday Heart Condition

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Whether it is the tale of a boy and a BB gun, the account of an old man haunted by ghosts, or the story of an overgrown elf searching for his parents, Christmas movies are one of the most anticipated aspects of the holidays. And, of the hundreds of films created to celebrate the season, one always tops the list of favorites: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The saga of a green guy with a heart “two sizes too small” strikes a chord with audiences – and for good reason.

While some refer to December as the “most wonderful time of the year,” there are many people who would disagree. From relationship problems and financial woes to work responsibilities and time constraints, everyday life is difficult enough. Add in the demands of the holiday season, and you have a recipe for disaster. In fact, studies reveal that depression, anxiety, and stress all peak at Christmastime. Therefore, it is no surprise that many can relate to the Grinch’s heart condition.

One of the reasons our hearts aren’t quite what they should be during the holidays is because of unresolved issues. Owning up to your problems is the first step toward healing. Asking for, or granting, forgiveness is also important. The process of curing what ails you may be painful, terrifying, and unpleasant, but the results are extraordinary.

Proverbs 27:19 says, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.” The way you view Christmas has nothing to do with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and everything to do with the state of your heart. By taking the proper steps, you can ensure that the reason for the season will shine through!

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

 

 

 

Comeback Of The Year

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

pastor-rob-norris-the-crossings

2 Corinthians 4:1 – Through God’s loving-kindness, He has given us this job to do. So we do not give up.

It’s easy to become discouraged when we fail. It’s easy to lose heart and stop trying. That’s why I love stories like this one:

For many years, Bob Brenly was the starting catcher for the San Francisco Giants. But because of a last-minute lineup change in November of 1986, he was pressed into duty at third base. Everything was going fine…until the fourth inning.

That’s when Brenly committed not one, not two, not three, but a record-tying four errors in the same inning – including two on the same play. In fact, he almost had a fifth error.

“I missed a head-high line drive that tipped off the webbing of my glove and went into left field,” Brenly said. “If they hadn’t called that one a hit, my name would have stood alone in the record books.”

The home crowd booed. Brenly’s coaches and teammates avoided even looking at him. But his manager left him in the game. Good thing.

When Brenly came up to bat the following inning, he smashed a solo home run. His next at-bat was a two-run single in the seventh to tie the game. And with the final plate appearance of the day in the ninth inning, he stroked a game-winning homer. His manager later commented, “This man deserves to be the Comeback Play of the Year for this game alone.”

If you’ve been trying to branch out of the ordinary – at home, at work, in your walk with Jesus Christ – don’t let a few setbacks get you down. Keep swinging for the fences. And if it’s your spouse who is failing, like that manager, keep on believing in your teammate.

Live It: Talk about any recent failures in your life or your spouse’s life. Discuss how you can encourage each other to stay with it and keep believing.

Pray: Thank God for how He comforts us and empowers us to keep stepping out in faith. Pray for the perseverance to press on.

Join us Wed., Dec. 24, at 4:30 p.m., for our Christmas Eve Service.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

 

 

 

 

Hungering For More Than Pumpkin Pie

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

Approximately 675 million pounds of turkey, 50 million pumpkin pies, and 40 million green bean casseroles will be consumed this month. In total, the average American is expected to consume at least 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day. And yet, when each person wakes up the next morning, they will most likely eat breakfast. Why? Because hunger is not a one-time need. It is something that needs to be satisfied daily.

Everyone has experienced the craving for food. However, our physical appetites are not the only desires we seek to fulfill. Throughout society, we see examples of people who hunger for everything from power and fame to money, beauty, and success. Even in our own households we experience a thirst for more; more possessions, more status, or simply more time. But what if the things of this world still don’t seem to satisfy your hunger? What if it is actually the nonphysical world that you seek?

The quest for spiritual fulfillment manifests itself in a variety of ways. Some people attempt to achieve moral perfection through service. Others believe that knowledge or justice is the answer. While all of these things are definitely positive, real righteousness comes from the dependence on a higher power. Much like you can’t tempt a starving man with anything but food, the hunger for righteousness can only be satisfied by God.

Spiritual fulfillment is a lifetime pursuit that involves discipline and sacrifice. It means daily dying to self. But, the encouraging news is that God doesn’t just sanctify the righteousness, he sanctifies the hunger. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” You see, it isn’t only about the destination. The journey is just as important.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

 

 

 

 

A Great-Full Heart

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheran

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheran

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Are you ready for it? I don’t mean do you have all the trappings of a fabulous turkey dinner or your plans all set to see family and friends. I mean are you ready to give thanks? Have you started already, or do you not yet have enough to be thankful for? As Thanksgiving approaches, do you have a grateful heart or are you continually seeking more?

It’s hard to be grateful when it seems we don’t have enough. It may seem like there is never enough time, money, resources, or help. It’s not only hard to be grateful, it’s easy to be afraid; afraid that there isn’t enough, afraid we won’t have what we need, and afraid we won’t get what we want.

When a lack of stuff scares us, it isn’t long before we lash out at others – afraid they will take, use, or lose what should be ours. It’s no wonder that an attitude of scarcity grows like a hunger in us that can never be satisfied.

But is it possible that we actually have more than we need? Maybe we have so much that we don’t even realize it could be put to better use. Perhaps it could be better appreciated instead of squandered.

King David wrote Psalm 23 while he was clearly in danger of being killed by his enemies. It may have been written during one of the many times he fled his own kingdom to find safety: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…in the presence of my enemies.” It is likely he took little with him for the journey.

From the attitude of scarcity he seems to have nothing. But David sees life from an attitude of abundance, saying things like: “I lack nothing” and “My cup overflows.” His heart is Great and Full, not because of what he has, but because he trusts that God will graciously provide all that he truly needs.

A Great and Full heart is the antidote to the hunger of scarcity. Have your heart filled every Sunday at Edgewater, and join us for a special Thanksgiving service on Sun., Nov. 23.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

 

Know His Peace

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

After a long day, it’s always my joy to hear my sons yell, “Papa!” when I walk through the door. It’s music to my ears.

One day, their greeting was a bit serious. They jumped up on my lap and said, “Papa, we were playing in our room and we crashed the lamp and it exploded to pieces. But we said sorry.”

I couldn’t help but pick them up in my arms and give them the biggest hugs and kisses.

I believe God teaches us through our children in many ways. It pleases God when His children pray and seek forgiveness. If you have failed God, confess to Him in prayer and move forward in the promises that He has for you. Don’t allow condemnation to keep you from moving forward.

The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:9). Know that God is eager to forgive.

I can’t help but think that God looks at me the same way I look at my two young boys when I pray and seek forgiveness. There was peace in my little boys’ hearts when they realized that I forgave them and hugged them. Soon after they were laughing, playing, and enjoying time with their father.

God desires that you know His peace. The Bible says God’s peace “surpasses understanding,” (Philippians 4:7). God’s peace goes beyond any type of peace that anything or anyone else can offer you.

“God gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace,” (Psalm 29:11).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.