Category Archives: Pastors Corner

Be Exalted, O God

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchOne of the most common ways that man is deceived is through self-exaltation. We are taught at a very young age to believe that we are somebody special. The enemy is very crafty in getting the world to believe that they are the center of the universe and that there is no need for God. Satan’s cunning tactics deceive us to believe that everything is all about us.

In reality, we are nothing when compared to God. God is all-knowing (omniscient); we are not. God is almighty (omnipotent); we are not. God is present everywhere at the same time (omnipresent); we are not. When we understand the magnitude of how great God is, we will agree with David, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth,” (Psalm 57:5).

We must acknowledge that the Lord is the only one worthy to be exalted over all the earth. If we focus on the splendor of the Lord, we will be humbled to see how we do not even come close to comparing to him. Instead of exalting ourselves, we will be humbled by his majesty and will exalt him above the heavens!

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.

 

Florescent Faith

By Pastor Dennis Morales

 

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

My 3-year old gave us a huge scare one day when he got lost in Downtown Disney. So we quickly scrambled into action going in his last direction, which was toward a stuffed bear workshop. My wife called out his name, looked around the store, and instinctively ran upstairs to where a birthday party was in progress.

To our surprise, and relief, there was our 3-year old engaged in the party. Within minutes he was wearing a birthday hat, had supplies in hand to build his own bear, had a piece of cake, and was mingling. Our little party crasher innocently blended right in with the little partygoers.

It’s no doubt we live in an “everything but Jesus” culture. I have seen faith-filled friends compromise and buckle to ungodly trends. Trends are enticing, but short-lived. The devil’s tactic is to get you to compromise your personal borders, blend in, and lead you down a path of obscurity and destruction.

It takes courage to faithfully “persevere” in today’s culture. Your strength to stand out in faith in the midst of pressure and difficulty is found in Christ (Philippians 4:13). God is calling you to set the standard and allow people see that Jesus reigns in your life. A spiritual battle ensues, but be courageous and stand firm in faith. The Lord is your shield (Proverbs 30:5).

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.

 

 

An Incredible Family

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

 

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

Have you seen the movie, “The Incredibles?” It tells the story of a family of superheroes. In the movie, the family eventually works together to solve some serious problems. Each of them has something to contribute with their incredible powers. Of course, it’s a happy ending and an inspiring vision of a united family – with extraordinary abilities.

The Incredibles gives us a nice image, but it’s not reality. Instead of being inspiring, it just might be a frustrating image; we begin so far from its ideal. Maybe our own family is fractured, dysfunctional, embittered, or disengaged. Could we ever be an incredible family?

There is hope when we realize that the Incredibles begin in the same boat. They are frustrated by the very things that make them great. They are disinterested in life and each other. So what transformed their family?

The Incredibles were changed when their family came together to overcome an obstacle that threatened them all. There may be things that threaten us, too. We might even be the obstacle.

Jesus invites us to see that He can overcome any obstacle to a family. 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 holds out hope for restoring an incredible family: “But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

Join us this fall and discover the power of forgiveness, blessings, honor, truth, commitment, and love for your own incredible family.

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

Eastvale: VantagePoint Church Transforming Halloween Celebration

Staff Report

 

Eastvale – VantagePoint Church is adding a unique new twist to their popular Halloween celebration.

For the past five years, the church has hosted a highly-successful Trunk or Treat event for the residents of Eastvale.  This year, they were searching for a fresh concept that would not only be fun, but would also promote a sense of community.

“While Trunk or Treat was one of our largest outreach events with approximately 4,000 people attending last year, it was also becoming too large for our venue,” said Monique Whritenour, Director of Community Outreach at VantagePoint Church.  “This year, we decided we would go in a different direction.  Instead of the community coming to our one large event, we will bring multiple events out to the community.”

The result is the “Halloween Block Party.”

“We will have ten houses throughout Eastvale hosting large block parties sponsored by VantagePoint Church,” Whritenour explained.  “At each house, we will be serving hot dogs, hot chocolate, and handing out candy.  The ten main houses will also feature different fun activities.  Some will be showing Halloween movies, some will provide games with prizes, some will have bouncers, one will have a petting zoo, and one will even have a haunted house.”

In addition to the large block parties, numerous other houses throughout Eastvale will be hosting smaller celebrations.  Each block party will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.  Admission is free and open to everyone, not just immediate neighbors.

“Our goal is to provide a neighborhood event for Eastvale families to get to know their neighbors.  People can visit one house in their neighborhood, or they can have fun at multiple houses,” Whritenour said.  “We want to increase the sense of belonging within our community and what better way to do that than having a party for our neighbors?”

For the location of a “Halloween Block Party” near you, call the VantagePoint Church office at (909) 465-9700.

 

 

Keeping It Real

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

 

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

A recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found that nearly 50 percent of adults in the United States were planning on wearing a Halloween costume this year. In fact, the costume industry is expected to bring in more than $2.5 billion during the Halloween season. Judging by these numbers, many people find the prospect of being someone else appealing – even if only for a day.

While Halloween provides us the perfect opportunity to pretend to be someone we are not, the reality is that many people feel the need to always wear a mask. Presenting a superficial face to the world is something we have all done at some point, whether as a defense mechanism or a method of survival. However, problems arise when our attempts to hide our struggles and flaws make us forget who we really are.

Being real or genuine is great, but it is not always easy. When you open yourself up to others, you become vulnerable. However, being transparent in your troubles can provide you with the opportunity to help others. For example, imagine how encouraging it would be for a person struggling with alcohol abuse to hear about the successful recovery of an alcoholic friend. Or, think of how inspiring it could be for a new mom to discuss the trials and tribulations of motherhood with a seasoned parent.

Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

A closed up life is the safest way to live, but it is also boring. Putting away our masks may actually strengthen our relationships and bring our community closer together.

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

Is It I?

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

 

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchWhen it was evening, [Jesus] reclined at a table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” (Matthew 26:20–22).

This is possibly one of the most intriguing interactions in the Bible. How is that none of the disciples knew that Judas was going to be the betrayer? One would assume that they must have seen something different in him. Not only did they not see any outward evidence indicting Judas, but they all asked, “Is it I, Lord?”

Think about Judas’ life. He followed Jesus; he witnessed the miracles of Jesus; he performed miracles in Jesus’ ministry; he was included in The Twelve. As far as anyone could tell, Judas was sold out for Jesus. The reality, however, is that Judas did not follow the requirements of being a disciple according to Jesus. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me,” (Luke 9:23). Instead of living for Me, Myself, and I, the child of God lives for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

 

 

 

Love at Sublevel

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

Love one another, even as I have loved you (John 13:34).

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Danny Akin, a seminary president with the bold audacity to write a book on sexual intimacy, shares this true, touching story:

A woman had been diagnosed with breast cancer so severe that the doctors had no choice but to do a radical mastectomy. And like most any woman who awakens from this unsettling surgery, the blow to her self-esteem was deep and profound. Not only was she dealing with the loss of her breast, but she could see in the mirror how her hair was matted and her face was swollen from reaction to the antibiotics.

One day during her hospital stay, when her husband entered the room, she burst into tears. “Look at what I look like!” she moaned through her sobs.

Immediately, he left the room and returned soon thereafter with a cart of shampoo, creams, and lotions. He picked her up in his arms, carried her to the sink, and set her down on his lap. Then leaning her head back over the basin, he washed her hair. He combed it out. He blew it dry. Then with unsteady hand, he applied her makeup the best he could—blush, lipstick, mascara.

She looked at herself in the same mirror that had earlier sent her into convulsions of vanity, and saw someone she recognized: herself. She was back again. All because her man had loved her well through those crucial moments when her world had been crumbling around her.

Today, even though this woman’s experience with breast cancer qualifies as perhaps the lowest point in her life, one of her favorite moments from all of her marriage has become those few precious moments in her hospital room – when her husband loved her in a way any woman would have understood.

“Husbands . . . , live with your wives in an understanding way” (1 Peter 3:7).

Live It: Tell each other about a time when your spouse’s love spoke volumes to you.

Pray: Pray that God will always keep you sensitive to the exact expressions of love your mate needs from you, at any individual moment.

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.

Just Do It

By PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church

People have a natural tendency to do things their own way. Thus, God instructs us to not lean on our own understanding, nor be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5, 7). God graciously reminds us that his thoughts and ways are far higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Since God knows everything, we would do well to heed His every word (Psalms 139:4; 1 John 3:19-20).

Sadly, many still choose to live according to their own way. Much like a person going through the cafeteria line, many people pick and choose things they like about Jesus and pass over the things they do not like. They pick the things that make them feel good (2 Timothy 4:3), and avoid the things that expose their sin and make them feel convicted (John 3:20).

Since God is good, loving, and faithful (Psalm 100:5), we can trust His word to be for our good and his glory. You will find great peace and victory in just doing what God says without questioning it. Begin today to focus your attention on pleasing God through complete obedience, knowing that God desires obedience more than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

For  information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

 

Inside Baseball

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

 

“I know that you want truth to be in my heart. You teach me wisdom deep down inside me,” Psalm 51:6.

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Sometimes in the midst of correcting your kids, you can easily lose sight of the main reason you discipline them in the first place. It’s not just to get their clothes picked up, or to eat the meal you’ve prepared, or to stop hitting a sibling. The reason for discipline is to develop inner character, the kind that knows and is learning how to respond to life’s challenges.

The core of a baseball is made of hard rubber. But imagine if the core were marshmallow. What would happen as the string wrapped around it or when a bat smacked it hard several times? It would smash into a mess.

It’s the inside that counts; the character you’re growing in your children. As life begins to happen, as circumstances and decisions begin to wrap around them, it’s their character that will hold them together.

Tami and I define character as “response-ability” – the ability to make the right choices in response to authority and to life’s circumstances. From the time your children leave the cradle, your work as a parent is to turn life situations into teaching situations, growing their “response-ability” one day at a time, teaching them how to respond to you, to others, to life and to God.

In the next few days, you’ll have plenty of opportunities either to overreact to your children’s behavior or to address the roots of their development, and to deal with externals or to train their hearts. Remember, you’re growing character here. It’s only the ones who grow strong at the center – especially as character is strengthened by commitment to God’s Word – who are able to hold up to the challenges they will face in life.

Live it: One of the biggest challenges to a parent is building character on the fly, in the midst of a busy schedule and a family with a multitude of different needs. Talk about how you can take advantage of natural teaching opportunities to train your children in how they should respond.

Pray: Pray for God to give you the discernment to know what issues need to be addressed and what issues you need to let go.

 

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.

 

Summer is Over, Let the Stress Begin

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

As the temperatures decrease, the days become shorter, and the kids return to school, one thing becomes increasingly clear: summer is over.

For a brief period of time, many of us are excited to get back to our regular routines. We look forward to everything getting “back to normal” until the reality of “normal” kicks in. Suddenly, we find ourselves just as stressed as we were before summer began.

Did you know that the average office worker currently has approximately 36 hours of work piled on his or her desk? Or, that the average person now sleeps two hours less per night than they did 100 years ago? In fact, people are so busy these days that frozen juice sales have plummeted simply because nobody has the time to wait for it to defrost.

While stress is a part of life and many of us work best under pressure, problems arise when we allow it to get too intense or go on for too long. Being busy and under pressure negatively affects our health and damages relationships. However, reducing stress and improving your life is much more complicated than getting rid of a few obligations. The real key is identifying what it is that makes you push yourself so hard. Often, our desire to become someone better or be something more is what drives us to over commit.

1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time.” We need to shift our focus from what we wish we were to what God wants us to become. By handing over the control and allowing God to advance us in His time, we can achieve true happiness.

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

 

The God Who Sees You

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

 

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

PastorTim Eaton-Edgewater Lutheren

Do you feel overlooked, forgotten, invisible, or underappreciated? Does it seem like no one understands what you are going through?

There is at least one person who takes note of you, and what you are going through. We remember the song about Santa Clause, “He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake…” Maybe it sounds a little creepy. It strikes enough fear in children to get them to behave for a month or so. But in Exodus we discover God sees us for a very different reason: “The Lord said, I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering,” (Exodus 3:7). What a different understanding of seeing – not to judge, but to care and assist.

Maybe no one on earth has noticed, but God has taken note of your life and he has done so with compassion. After God sees the misery of His people in Exodus, Chapter 3, He takes action. Because of his concern for his dearly loved people He performs one of the greatest acts of deliverance by having them march out of slavery right through the middle of a sea, yet on dry ground.

Make no mistake, God sees you. And He is not just an onlooker. He will participate lovingly in the story of your life, because he cares for you.

Ladies, be inspired by the God who sees you at the Edgewater “Pearls of Wisdom” Women’s Luncheon, coming to Eastvale on September 27th. It will feature guest speaker, Tammy Maltby, author of “The God Who Sees You.” See the ad on this page for more information.

K-NewEdgewater

 

VantagePoint Church Event to Provide Free Entertainment Labor Day Weekend

BY MONIQUE WHRITENOUR

Eastvale – This Labor Day Weekend, VantagePoint Church will conclude its successful Summer of Love campaign with a free evening of entertainment for the whole family.

The event, Flicks and Food Trucks, will be held on Sunday, August 31 at the Roosevelt High School outdoor amphitheater.  In addition to food trucks and a screening of the film “How to Train Your Dragon,” the festivities will also include games, raffles, an inflatable obstacle course, and a rock climbing wall.

“This summer, VantagePoint Church went out into the community and passed out water, Starbucks coffee cards, and Redbox movie codes.  We also fed the homeless and served more than 325 athletes at our Friday Night Lights Football and Cheer Camp,” said Monique Whritenour, director of community outreach.  “Flicks and Food Trucks is the final event in our Summer of Love.  It will provide the entire community with free entertainment in a safe environment.”

This is the second year that VantagePoint Church has hosted Flicks and Food Trucks.  Last year, more than 1,000 people were in attendance.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by the band Western Express.  The movie will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Everything will be free, with the exception of food purchases.

“This summer, VantagePoint Church invested 1,025 service hours into being living proof of a loving God,” Whritenour said.  “Flicks and Food Trucks will be a great way to wrap up our successful Summer of Love campaign and will also allow us to celebrate Labor Day with our local community.  It is going to be a blast!”

For more information, contact Monique Whritenour at (909) 465-9700.

 

 

 

Women of Renown

By PASTOR TIM EATON

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

When we think of great characters in the Bible, several come quickly to mind: Abraham, Moses, Paul, and of course, Jesus, to name a few. But what about the women? Did you know there are many important women in the Bible? A few with pivotal roles in history are Ruth, Rahab, Esther, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

These women have a place in the Bible and history itself because of their strong character and great faith. Their roles were not cameos or fluff; they often did the heavy lifting for God’s plans. At one point in history the fate of God’s people – and the line of the Savior himself – were in jeopardy. Who do you think God entrusted with this great dilemma? Esther! She was chosen, “For such a time as this,” (Esther 4:14). With her inner beauty of faith she trusted God and risked herself for the sake of the people that she loved. She foreshadowed the same kind of action from our own Savior – and because of her faith and trust, God’s people were delivered.

Centuries later, when the early church needed a boost, it was Lydia, whose prosperous business and gift of hospitality helped Paul and Silas bring the news of Jesus to more people.

At Edgewater, we want to support and equip today’s women to continue that tradition of faith, trust, and impact set in motion by these women of renown.

Join us for a special Edgewater Women’s Luncheon: “Pearls of Wisdom,” to be held on September 27 at the Eastvale Community Center. The event will feature Tammy Maltby, a renowned author and speaker. Tickets and information are available at EdgewaterEastvale.org.

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

 

The Summer Of Love

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

During the warm months of 1967, thousands of people from across the United States converged upon the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco as part of a hippie counterculture movement that became known as, “The Summer of Love.”

47 years later, VantagePoint Church created its own version of the Summer of Love. The goal of the campaign was simple: To be living proof of a loving God. From giving away water, coffee, and Redbox rentals to hosting a football and cheerleading camp, church members were committed to serving the residents of Eastvale.

One of the many benefits of this special campaign was that it helped promote the importance of community. Researchers have repeatedly found that people with strong social connections have happier lives, less stress-related health problems, lower risk of mental illness, and faster recovery from trauma or illness.

So, how do you foster a greater sense of connectedness? The answer is twofold. First, you need to be real. While we often feel the need to present a perfect image to the outside world, the truth is that you can only be loved to the extent you are known. In joining our lives with others, we also need to be accepting. Realness doesn’t happen without acceptance. After all, who wants to open themselves up if they know they will get hurt?

Psalms 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” There is power in community. Whether you get to know your neighbor, become involved in your city, or simply open your heart to another person, you will be blessed.

 

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

It’s a Good Day

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

How was your day today? For some, today was a good day. When I get to spend quality time with my wife and boys, I consider it a great day. Or, maybe a great day is the start of a vacation.

Some days are challenges. I don’t have to share that these are some challenging days we live in. There is drought, doubt, debt, division, and distress all around us. I can even have a tendency to bring stress on my own day. I can be standing in the line that says “15 items or less,” and there I’ll be, counting everyone’s items in front of me, and heaping stress upon my day.

Psalm 118 assures us that God is with us and He is for us despite what the day may hold. God made today for you to experience Him. This is a day to know that God is with you in the midst of challenge (118:5), that He is your strength (118:14); and most importantly, that God is your salvation (118:14).

The people sang and rejoiced as Jesus entered into Jerusalem. They were rejoicing because they thought Jesus would rule an earthly kingdom, which wasn’t the case. He would be crucified shortly thereafter. What Jesus desires is to reign in people’s hearts. If Jesus is in your heart today, whatever today would hold, you can rejoice.

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.

Eastvale: Why Go to Church?

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchWhile many people go to church for varying reasons, many others do not go to church for just as many reasons. Biblically speaking, it is the body of believers who are the church…not the building where they gather. This begs the question, “Why should anyone go to church?”

While many will argue, “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian,” the reality is that going to church should strengthen our faith and encourage us to walk as Jesus walked. The Bible says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near,” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Hence, going to church is about being built up in the Lord.

Going to church gives opportunity for individual believers to be encouraged and to encourage others. With all the cares of this world, it is easy to get our minds focused on anything but the Lord. By going to church, we are instructed in God’s Word, encouraged by fellow believers, and refocused on what truly matters.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

Home Fires

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” (Psalm 78:4)

Five grown siblings came together at the event of their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. When the time came to express their thanks to each parent for the one thing that stood out above all in their memories, each of them – without consulting the others – thanked their father for his leadership in family worship.

One of the brothers said, “The oldest memory I have, Dad, is of tears streaming down your face as you taught us from Pilgrim’s Progress on Sunday evenings. No matter how far I went astray in later years, I could never seriously question the reality of Christianity. I had seen it in you.”

Whenever the subject of family worship comes up, you may feel guilt at your failure in this area. I understand that. Few things seem harder to pull off or easier to put off. But when you consider the impact this one commitment could make in your own children for a lifetime, what could be more important?

It doesn’t have to be tightly preplanned. Take five or ten minutes before school to read a devotional with your children. Schedule one night a week when you’ll all be home to read a story and Scripture, sing (or make a joyful noise) and have some outrageous fun. Watch for those opportunities to practice “sandbox theology,” turning your children’s everyday events into spiritual training moments.

Don’t miss this: Dad and Mom, your ultimate assignment as parents is to introduce your children to God; His Son, Jesus Christ; and His Word. It may be hard to start and a challenge to continue, but it will make a huge difference in how they finish.

Live It: Talk about what each of you can do to be helpful and encouraging to each other in getting family worship started or in keeping it going.

Pray: Pray for priorities to firm up in your life, for incidentals to be seen for the waste of time they are, and for God’s Word to recapture each of your hearts.

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.

The Business of Busyness

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

In 1963, Nat King Cole famously sang about the “Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer.” However, idleness was associated with the warmest months of the year long before this catchy tune was released. And while some people look forward to their daily pace slowing down when the weather heats up, others see it as an opportunity to pack even more activities into an already-busy routine.

From Fourth of July picnics to Labor Day barbecues, our calendars quickly fill up with activities and obligations. In fact, we often find ourselves wanting these long days to be even longer. If your summer schedule leaves you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it may be time to take action.

As the parents of four children, my wife and I are often approached with the question, “How do you manage to do everything?” The answer is simple: We don’t. The first step in ending the business of busyness is to realize that some things won’t happen. We were not designed to do it all.

The next step is to recognize that some responsibilities were meant to be shared. It may be hard to give, but sometimes it is even harder to receive. Admitting you need a helping hand can actually open the door to great blessings such as new friendships, fulfilling fellowship, and vital support.

 

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

 

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Everyone knows what if feels like to want a little extra time in their day. But, instead of needing more hours, we actually need a greater appreciation for those hours we already have. Hand your summer over to God and see what amazing things are in store!

 

Killing Me Softly

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

 

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

I have become mute; I do not open my mouth (Psalm 39:9).

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. The husband realized he needed to be awakened early one morning to catch a business flight, but he didn’t want to be the first to break the silence. So he left a note on his wife’s side of the bed that read, “Please wake me at 5 A.M.”

By the time bright sunshine roused him the next morning, it was 9 a.m. Furious, he threw back the covers and shouted to his wife (who was nowhere to be found), “Why didn’t you wake me up like I asked you to?” That’s when he saw, stuck to the lamp on his bedside table, a note in her handwriting that read, “It is 5 a.m. Time to wake up.”

It doesn’t take much to make us angry and create emotional distance from each other. But it does take great, courageous effort to fight through the silence to a place of forgiveness and oneness. Isolation seems to offer us protection, a certain kind of self-preservation. There is a type of peace found in avoidance that appears much more appealing than the pain of dealing with reality.

Silence feels like a security blanket. But in fact, it is one of Satan’s most deadly disguises. The silent treatment is perilously deceptive and ultimately destructive.

When you find yourself tempted to square off against each other, retreating to your corners and refusing to give in, remember that Jesus could have given us the cold shoulder. He could have taken one look at our many, many sins and shortcomings and never sought to draw us out. May His reaching, redemptive love be our model and motivator. We serve a God who both seeks and speaks. Be sure you’re a spouse who does the same.

Live it:   What, if anything, drives you into silence? Discuss what your spouse should do when you are silent.

Pray: That God will show you both what you should do if one or both of you becomes silent.

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.

 

 

Desiring God?

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchSearch me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24).

David, a man whom God declared was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), desired to live righteously before God. With his eyes fixed on the Lord, David welcomed God’s correction in his life. David understood that God knew every detail about him and that there was nothing that he could hide from the Lord (Psalm 139:1-16). Thus, he willingly opened himself up for correction and discipline from the Lord.

Correction and discipline are never a pleasant experience: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” (Hebrews 12:11). We are instructed not to “despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

In response to the Father’s love, pray today and ask Him to search you and know you, to reveal any wicked way in you, and to lead you in the way everlasting.

 

Pastor Rob Jewett is with the Word of Truth Community Church. For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.