Category Archives: Pastors Corner

Inspirational faith based articles from local Pastors in the Eastvale area.

Eastvale: One Of A Kind

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

People come in all shapes and sizes, with different tastes and talents, likes and dislikes. We all have traits that are good and other traits that need some work. Sometimes our differences make life together a challenge. On a worldwide scale we see this challenge as nations struggle to keep peace. On a smaller scale it can make living in the same house difficult.

But just think for a moment…what would life be like if we were all the same – all carbon copies with the same look, same tastes, and same thoughts? Would it really be better if everyone was just like you? I mean JUST like you? I suspect that it would not be a world we would want to live in. Who would challenge us? Who would bring color to our lives? Who would we be attracted to (remember, opposites attract)?

In his wisdom, God has made each of us unique. Even identical twins are not duplicates of each other. Ephesians 2:10 says it this way: “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus.” The only thing more unique than each of us is the way God loves each of us! His love is one of a kind. If you have children, you know that you love each one differently for their own unique reasons. So also our Heavenly Father loves each of us for different reasons. But, he has shown us all the same measure of love by sending his son, Jesus, to forgive those traits in each of us that could use a little work.

Give your children the opportunity to discover God’s unique love at Edgewater’s Vacation Bible School. “Weird Animals: Where God’s Love Is One of a Kind!” This event will take place June 23 through 27, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Ramirez Intermediate School. Edgewater’s VBS is FREE and includes dinner for the kids each night. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now by registering online at www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Forgiveness for a Price

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.”

I don’t know anything at all about what caused it, what led up to it, or even what came of it. But I’m sure it was hard for people not to notice a full-page ad in a Jacksonville newspaper one morning that read: “Please believe the words in my letter. They are true from my heart. I can only hope you will give me the chance to prove my unending love for you. Life without you is empty and meaningless.” It was a full-page, $17,000 advertisement, and plea for forgiveness.

According to the ad’s author, his wife of 17 years had left him two weeks earlier. She was living temporarily with her parents in a gated community, beyond the reach of her husband. Even her cell-phone number had been changed to keep him from contacting her. But relatives told him that she had indeed seen the large display ad and had left the room crying.

I pray that they were able to work things out. But, again, not knowing the circumstances, this still goes to show you that marriage, unlike any other human relationship, is the joining of two hearts into one flesh. The pain of living at a distance, even temporarily, feels like a limb being torn away. We can’t think straight. We can’t enjoy ourselves.

This is why your marriage must be a place where mercy and forgiveness are regularly being asked for and extended. Given, received and embraced. None of us are able to always be everything our spouse wants us to be. Only through the power of grace and forgiveness can you live through seasons of disappointment – with yourself and with one another – and come out feeling united again. It might even save you $17,000 and even more heartache.

Live it: Is there anything between you two today? Is there anything that you need to ask forgiveness for, or forgive one another for, right now? Just do it.

Pray: Thank the Lord for His full forgiveness of our disappointments and for the ability to extend the same to each other.

Eastvale: After Graduation

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

This month, thousands of students across the nation will experience an intellectual rite of passage known as graduation. Signifying the conclusion of an educational journey, a graduation ceremony is definitely reason for celebration. But when academic pursuits end and real life begins, many graduates find themselves asking, “What am I supposed to do with myself?”

This question regarding life’s purpose has plagued mankind throughout history. The need for fulfillment and the desire to make a difference in the world are things that nearly everyone – from teenagers to retirees – can appreciate. The feeling that you were created to contribute something special to society is understandable. After all, we are all wonderfully and uniquely made. Each individual has his or her own specific role that they were meant to play.

So, how do you discover your purpose? The answer is simple: by examining your life and experimenting with your interests. First, ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing? What gifts have people seen in me? Where have I seen results?” Then, utilize your talents in a variety of different settings. If at first you don’t succeed, try something else. Eventually, you will discover something that brings you joy and provides your life with meaning.

The true key to finding fulfillment, however, can be found in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

When even the most menial of tasks are completed with a thankful heart, you will soon find that life becomes more pleasant. And, when you entrust your future to the One who created the Heavens and Earth, how could you ever go wrong?

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

 

 

Be Ready

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchThe Bible is very clear that we need to “be ready” for Jesus’ return, as there will be no time upon His arrival to “get ready” (Matthew 24:37-39, 25:31-46). Upon His arrival, those who are living in obedience to Him will receive eternal life, but those who are living a life of disobedience to Him will receive his wrath and fury (John 3:36, Romans 2:6-8). We also know that he is coming at an hour that we do not expect, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10). Thus, his coming could be at any time, so it is paramount that we know what it means to “be ready”.

The foundation to being ready is that we have repented from our sins and have placed our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord (Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9-10). Once we have done that, we must understand that we are no longer darkness, but are now light in the Lord.  So we must begin to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). The Bible gives much practical instruction on what it looks like to be walking in the light.

Please consider joining us as we continue to study through the book of Romans and looking at this practical instruction. For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

 

Compassion Of Christ

BY PASTOR ROBERT JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchAlthough Jesus’ entire ministry was focused on reconciling a lost world to himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), he could not help but have compassion on the lost and hurting. Large crowds would gather to see him work miracles, but many would reject him as Messiah. This could not, however, prevent him from showing compassion on them. Even to the point of death, hanging on a cross looking down upon those desiring his death, he prayed, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do,” (Luke 23:34).

Over and over again we see Jesus having compassion for the people. He had compassion on those who were full of internal turmoil and hopelessness (Matthew 9:36), and upon those who were sick (Matthew 14:14). He had compassion on the widow who lost her only son (Luke 7:11-15), and upon those who were hungry (Matthew 15:32). He also has compassion on you today in your circumstances.

Sometimes we try to ignore the fact that we are messed up and in need. Instead of humbling ourselves, we puff ourselves up and miss the amazing compassion that Christ has for us. Turn to Christ today and receive his love and compassion!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; 850 East Parkridge Avenue, Suite 110, Corona 92879. For more information call (909) 235-WORD, or visit their website at http://www.wordoftruthcc.com.

Eastvale: Faith and Science

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

The debate between faith and science has raged for centuries. For some people of faith, science is a dark subject and the mention of it strikes fear

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

Could there be another way? Could they be compatible? Could they, in fact, be helpful to one another? This is not a new idea. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), was the father of physical astronomy. A strong believer, he had intended to become a minister but accepted a position as a teacher of mathematics and astronomy. He discovered three mathematical laws of planetary motion (elliptical orbits of the sun). He even sought to reconcile these ideas with scripture. In this regard, he is famous for his quote: “Thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”

Kepler’s introduction of physics to the study of astronomy was initially rejected by the scientific community. It was his faith that strengthened his resolve to press on and publish his groundbreaking research in the face of opposition.
I invite you to discover the very interesting connections between faith and science on May 18, as Edgewater welcomes special guest speaker, Dr. Ken Ebel, Professor of Biology at Concordia University Irvine. Come discover the harmony for yourself as Dr. Ebel discusses faith in the light of science.

Eastvale: Good Company

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him,” (1 Samuel 22:2).

David takes a few men, not perfect men, not model citizens, but men who are stressed, in debt, and have issues. Notice they are distressed, bankrupt, and discontented or literally “bitter of soul.” They were looking for something different in their lives, something better. So God led these 400 men to David. The pressures of life caused these men to seek refuge with David. These men came to David in distress, but they didn’t stay that way. David made them into the kind of men described in 1 Chronicles 12:8: “Mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.”

David eventually trains these 400 men into a well-oiled fighting force of great discipline and bravery. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). David dealt with the physical, but Jesus heals the spiritual. When you give your life to Christ, He goes to the heart of the problem, which is the heart (Jeremiah17:9). Jesus doesn’t focus on what brings you to Him, but on what He brings to you. He brings forgiveness, peace, and true change. “…Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun,” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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

Eastvale: I Will Say It Again: Rejoice!

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

When most people think of the month of May, two special occasions come to mind: Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. But, did you know that more than 70 obscure holidays are observed this month? From Mother Goose Day on May 1 to National Macaroon Day on May 31, there is a reason to celebrate every single day this month. And yet, some of us will find it hard to be happy on even one day. Have you ever had a bad morning? Has that bad morning ever evolved into a bad day or bad week? So often, we fixate on the negative. We see the grumpy boss and not the paycheck. We hear the temper tantrums, but tune out the laughter. We complain about dirty dishes, but forget to be thankful for dinner. And, when you focus on the negative, it multiplies. Soon, all you see are the negative aspects about your job, your marriage, etc.

Life can be overwhelming. Whether you are struggling with broken relationships, financial difficulties, or simply trying to get the kids to school on time, it is easy to get discouraged. It is a lot harder to be positive, especially in the midst of tribulation. But, in Philippians 4:4, Paul tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

It takes discipline to be happy. Every day, we need to make a conscious effort to focus on the positive and rejoice in the little stuff. This is what the month of May – and its 70 plus holidays – reminds us. Whether it is National Star Wars Day on May 4 or Dance like a Chicken Day on May 14, we need to find a reason to celebrate!

 

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

 

 

 

Eastvale: God’s Building Program

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on a rock,” (Matthew 7:24).

In the 1870s, when the citizens of Swan Quarter, North Carolina, began looking for a piece of property for a new church building, their sights fell on a nice piece of elevated land where the structure would be reasonably protected from coastal flooding. But the landowner had more lucrative plans for the property and declined their offer.

So the church was built on another site and dedicated on Sept. 16, 1876. Within a matter of days, however, a monster hurricane reached landfall at this precise location. One casualty of the storm was the brand new Swan Quarter United Methodist Church, which was lifted up off its pilings by the surging tide of storm water and carried north—floating, intact—and then inexplicably east, eventually coming to rest on the very tract of land its leaders had originally requested. As legend tells it, the property owner came with trembling hand to sign over the title deed to the church.

Yes, God is in control. Since 1994, as I have attempted to walk with God, on more than one occasion I have had to admit that I don’t have the foggiest idea about what He is up to. He is God and I am not. I don’t understand the loss of a child, a chronic or terminal illness, the death of a young mom or dad, and a thousand other things that make zero sense, humanly.

What I do know from the Scriptures is that God has a unique purpose for every person and for everything that happens to us. He made us to trust Him, regardless of the circumstances. And that is reflected in the new name of that Methodist church in North Carolina that God moved to solid ground: Providence United Methodist Church.

Live it: What are you or a family member facing right now that is testing your trust in God? What are your alternatives?

Pray: Confess any lack of belief in God that He is in control, and express your faith that you want to trust Him because He does know what He is doing, even if you don’t.

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 www.atthecrossings.com.

 

Pastor’s Corner: That You May Live

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church

By Pastor Robert Jewett

“And they stripped [Jesus] and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him,” (Matthew 27:28–31).

 

Were you able to read these verses without any troubles? If so, read these verses again…but this time, slow down and consider the magnitude of what is happening. We should never become calloused to the things Christ endured out of obedience to the Father and compassion for the lost. Just because eternal life is a free gift, we must never think that it was cheap. For our sake, Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, disrespected, humiliated, and murdered.

 

Dear friend, it is time once again to be reminded of all that Christ endured on your behalf. He not only endured brutal and humiliating treatment for you, He gave his very life so that you may live.

 

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

EASTVALE – Helping Others Can Help Ourselves

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

By Pastor Mark Lee

According to a report issued by the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are approximately 64 million people in the United States who donate more than 8 billion hours of time to their communities annually. In terms of the national economy, these contributions are valued at nearly $175 billion dollars. However, the rewards for the volunteers themselves are priceless.

While the United States celebrates April as National Volunteer Month, much will be said about the ways volunteerism benefits communities. But, we should also remember that there is much to be gained through community service. As the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

Studies show that volunteer work has the ability to increase self-confidence, combat depression, and diminish the symptoms of chronic pain. And these are just the health benefits! Serving others can also improve professional skills, build relationships, and provide career experience. However, the greatest benefit of unselfish, humble service is the fact that it gives us the opportunity to mature and grow as individuals.

In Acts 20:23, the apostle Luke wrote, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remember the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Sure, there are a million reasons why you can’t volunteer – you don’t have the time, you don’t have the money, and you may not even have the desire. And true, the world will continue to revolve if you do not serve. Your community will continue to thrive and your neighbors will be okay. But will you?

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

 

Easter. Fact.

 

By Pastor Tim Eaton

If Easter is new to you, the bunny who lays eggs may seem very strange indeed. If going to church on Easter Sunday is one of your family traditions, it may seem to be nothing more than just that: a quaint holiday tradition. But, if on the first Easter a man rose from the dead, just as he said he would, it would be stranger than a bunny laying eggs and the start of the most powerful tradition in history.

In his testimony, one of Jesus’ followers named Peter, says this: “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty,” (2 Peter 1:16).

You may note that the above quote is from the Bible. No matter, history records the life of Jesus outside of the Bible as well. Consider these two examples: The Roman Emperor, Nero, blamed the fire of Rome in the year 64 on followers of the one called Christ. The first Easter was just 31 years earlier. Perhaps even more convincing is the major change of life patterns after Jesus rose from the dead. Faithful Jewish people stopped worshiping on Saturday, as they had done for thousands of years, and instead began to worship on Sunday – the day Jesus rose from the dead.

How will the facts of Easter change your life? Join us as we give thanks for the price Jesus paid with a moving service on Good Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m.; and then join us this Easter Sunday, April 20, at 10 a.m. as we rejoice in the fact of Easter; Jesus is ALIVE!

Edgewater Lutheran Church

Sundays at 10 a.m.

Worshipping at Harada Elementary

12884 Oakdale Street

Eastvale, CA 92880

http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org

Eastvale: Temperature Control

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)

“Doing what is right will bring peace and rest.  When my people do that, they will stay calm and trust in the Lord forever,” Isaiah 32:17.

When you enter a room — whether it’s a Sunday School class, a company meeting or maybe a lunch event — it’s usually not very hard to gauge the mood of the place.  It’s warm, it’s cold, it’s engaging, it’s distant, it’s comfortable, or it’s stuffy.

Anybody can be a thermometer.  We are not called to be thermometers in our homes but thermostats.

That’s because thermostats don’t just read the temperature. They guide it. They determine how warm or cool the home environment will be.

In the same way, parents determine whether a home environment will be fun, peaceful, authentic, or full of grace.  Will it be a quiet sanctuary from the hard press of life?  Will it be a place of joy and celebration and fellowship?  Many parents today feel helpless in adjusting the climate of their home. They feel as if they can’t control the predominant tempo and rhythm of the day. They’ve grown weary of fighting the TV-watching, video game-playing, or tuned-out isolation of individual family members.  In the process, far too many homes have lost a sense of purpose and direction.  They’ve become little more than random activity centers, with no grown-ups willing to set the tone.

I encourage you to counter the frantic, frenetic pace of modern life by creating an environment that limits the endless noise of bustle and commotion.  Train your children to be still and read a book, to interact, to ponder and to create.

Don’t be a thermometer. Set the temperature.

Live it:  Take a look at the thermometer.  What is the climate in your home?  Now name some of the things you love best about the way your home operates.  Talk about how you can reset the temperature of your home.

Pray:  Ask the Lord to unite your family around similar convictions; and where you meet pockets of resistance, pray for the determination to keep pushing for your principles.

Join us Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. for a celebration service and egg hunt.

Trusting and believing with you,

Pastor Rob

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 their website at http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Diamond Bar: Through The Bible in a Year

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Easter Sunday is only a month away.  I am even more excited than usual about Easter this year because that is when we are going to begin a year long journey through the whole Bible.

Our goal is to provide a brief overview of every book in the Bible in one year, from Easter 2014 to Easter 2015.  You may already know that there are 66 books in the Bible and only 52 weeks in the year.  So a few times we will have to cover two smaller books on one Sunday in order to reach our goal.  If you are unfamiliar with the Bible, I hope you will consider joining us on this amazing journey.

One of the best tools I have found that provides a clear overview of the Bible is a seminar called, “Walk Thru the Bible”.  It is a two-day, live event that will give you a framework to understand how the Bible fits together.  As we begin our year-long journey through the Bible, we will be offering this seminar at our church.  It will begin on Sunday, April 27th.   A small tuition fee is required and each participant will receive a useful study guide.

If you already have a church home, you can listen to our journey on our website each week.  If you are not currently attending a church, we invite you to come each Sunday morning and learn what the Bible is all about.

 

The Walk Thru the Bible live event is open to the community.  Please contact our church office or check out our website to learn more about this two-day seminar.

I hope you will join us on our one-year journey through the Bible beginning on Easter Sunday, and take advantage of the Walk Thru the Bible live event on April 27.  You will be amazed at how much you will learn.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services:  9:00 and 10:45 a.m.

Website: www.efreedb.org

Eastvale: Absolute Truth

BY PASTOR ROB JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchSince God is love (1 Jn. 4:8), his attributes are absolutely wonderful.  David described God this way, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Ps. 145:8-9).  One way God has demonstrated these amazing qualities is by giving us his word…the Bible.

God’s word is truth and endures forever:  “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Ps. 119:160). Since God’s word is truth, all of his precepts are trustworthy (Ps. 111:7).  In a world dominated by relativism, it is absolutely critical to realize that absolute truth still exists.  God’s truth does not change based upon people’s opinions or emotions.  It remains firmly fixed forever (Ps. 119:89).

In response to God’s absolute truth, we should cherish his word…study his word…and abide in his word!  As a result, our lives will be lived out in faithfulness and uprightness and will be pleasing to the Lord.  Please consider joining us as we study God’s word verse by verse together.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit wordoftruthcc.com or call (909) 235-WORD.

Eastvale: Happiness Is…

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

You fill in the blank. Happiness is what so many are trying to determine in life.  Some may ponder “what is happiness?”

Believe it or not, but my two boys love when I do yard work or clean out the garage.  Why? You say.  They love it because they have an opportunity to help me and it gives them a chance to hold a broom.  Yes, hold a broom.  I have a photo of my son Noah holding a push broom the day of his first birthday with such intrigue and joy.  It actually brought him joy and fulfillment to help his dad.  This was another glimpse of the Lord teaching me through my son.

In the Upper Room, Jesus took a towel and wrapped it around His waist.  He then took a basin and began to do the work of a servant as he washed the disciple’s feet (John 13).  Jesus then said “if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).  The word “blessed” here is translated “happy.”  Jesus shares with us the source of real happiness in this scene.  Jesus essentially shows us that happiness cannot be defined by prestige or power, only in terms of knowing and doing God’s will for our lives.  To my son, pushing a broom may not be the most exhilarating experience in itself, but when it’s connected to blessing his dad, it makes him happy.

Life without God is empty, shallow, and lacks purpose. When you allow Christ in your life, He makes it worth living.  Serving the Lord and others in His name adds a dimension of happiness.  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD” (Jer 17:7).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 11:30 am at Clara Barton Elementary 7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale. www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Eastvale: March Madness

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Easvale

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

For sports fans, March is a month known for madness. During the exciting final weeks of the college basketball season, teams across the country battle for the national championship. This rapid succession of single elimination games is commonly referred to as “March Madness.” However, anyone who has ever driven a Southern California freeway can tell you that madness is not exclusively reserved for the month of March.

According to the 2008 Mental Health Organization report entitled “Boiling Point,” 32 percent of people say they have a close friend of family member who has trouble controlling their anger. At the same time, more than one out of every four people admits to occasionally worrying about their own anger.

The unfortunate truth is that we live in the age of rage. This becomes exceedingly evident during a trip to any sporting event, shopping mall, or elementary school parking lot. People are angry. But, this doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Anger, if channeled properly, can be a source of motivation.

Anger can encourage you to work harder, persevere longer, and move faster. It can also result in significant change. After all, it was anger that led to the American Revolution and the Civil Rights Movement. It is anger that drives us to find cures, enact social reform, and make a difference in the world.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” The Bible does not condemn anger. Instead, it advises us to control our behavior when we are angry. It is okay to get mad, but it is not okay to act bad.

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

Eastvale: Avoiding the Traps

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

Psalm 31:4 – Protect me from hidden traps and keep me safe.

Try to picture this scene: With 50,000 men watching intensely, a 15-year-old young man (Trent, blindfolded and barefoot), begins stepping cautiously across an outdoor stage. Before him are a dozen steel animal traps with their jaws wide open. Each is labeled with words like Peer Pressure, Drugs and Alcohol, Sexual Immorality, Rebellion, and Pornography – the “traps” that can easily ensnare teenagers today.

On the opposite end of the platform stands the boy’s father, Tom, anticipating his son’s every move. After two tentative steps, the boy’s third step places him directly in the path of the biggest snare on the stage, a bear trap powerful enough to absolutely crush his leg. It had taken three grown men just to set it.

Before his son can raise another foot, Tom yells into the microphone, “Trent, stop! Don’t take another step!” Circling the traps, he positions himself in between his son and the bear trap. After whispering some instructions, he turns his back to the boy. Trent eagerly places his hands on his father’s shoulders. Then slowly, they begin navigating the trap field together. When the two finally reach the other side and the blindfold is removed, the father and son hug each other.

The applause at this Promise Keepers event swelled to a thunderous standing ovation across the stadium. Above the roar, the host said, “Men, that’s what God has called us to as fathers; to be there and guide our children through the traps of adolescence!”

For Tom and Trent, the trap demonstration was a setup on a stage. But for you and your child, the traps of adolescence are all too real and treacherous. Don’t allow your children to risk the journey on their own. Grab them by the hand, watch your step, and move out together. Let God guide you through.

Live it: What do you not know about the traps in your child’s world? Make plans to find out.

Pray: For God’s ongoing protection over your children and for your ongoing vigilance as their parents.

Join us at The Crossings, Sundays at 10 am.
Meeting at River Heights Intermediate School.
7227 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880
951-847-6836
http://www.atthecrossings.com
Trusting and Believing with you!

Eastvale: The Seasons of Love

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Easvale

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

In the popular 80’s song, “Love Stinks,” the J. Geils Band sings, “And so it goes, ‘til the day you die. This thing they call love, it’s gonna make you cry.” At no time does this seem truer than during the month of February. While the greeting card industry bombards consumers with images of chubby, arrow-wielding babies, many people are left filled with dread at the thought of facing yet another Valentine’s Day.

It has been said that romantic love, much like nature, goes through seasons. If your plans for February 14th include crying into a pint of Häagan Dazs, you are most likely in the midst of a season of winter. Whatever your relationship status may be, love during this particular season can be hard and gloomy. And what do most people do when the months turn cold? They either move to a warmer climate, or they hibernate. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

While winter may appear to be a time of stagnation, it is important to remember that each season serves a purpose. During the cold of winter, the earth is getting ready for the spring. And while it may be hard to see on the surface, beneath the ground the roots are growing deeper and stronger. The same can be said for love. Instead of hibernating, embrace this season of difficulty for what it is: A period of preparation.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” If your season of preparation is lasting longer than you had hoped, don’t give up. Spring is right around the corner and the blessings are greater than you could ever imagine!

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

Eastvale: One Impossible Possiblity

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”

 Colossians 3:13

Are there things that someone has done to you that you think you could never forgive?

You are not alone. Ron Luce, president of Teen Mania Ministries, shares a story that many can identify with.

Ron came to faith in Christ as a teenager after enduring an abusive home life. Not long after his conversion, God began to convict him of his need to forgive his mom for the evil things she had done and said to him as a boy. Things like hitting him in the face, crushing a cigarette butt out on his back, telling him when he was 13 years old, “Why don’t you do me a favor and kill yourself?”

Initially, Ron reacted with typical human disbelief. How could he forgive his mom? She didn’t deserve it. But in time, God broke through, and Ron decided he needed to forgive his mother.

So Ron started carrying around Scriptures on little cards–verses about forgiveness he could meditate on and memorize. He began desperately praying that God would give him the ability to give up his right to punish her. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. But one day as a senior in high school, he remembers praying, “Lord, You need to reach my mom and touch her, because I love her.”

He couldn’t believe what he’d just said. “I love her?” He had never spoken those three words before in his entire life! “But I do love her. I do love my mom, and You’re the One who put it there, Lord. You must have done it.”

We can forgive, because He forgave us. He shows us a better way. A way of freedom from bitterness and punishment. Christ does it through us, and He can do it through you.

Live It:

What impossible injustices–things you’ve grown weary of dealing with on your own–do you need to hand over to Christ? Make a list and ask Him to lead you to full forgiveness.

Pray

Pray for whatever He must do in you to free you to forgive.  Meeting at River Heights Intermediate School,

Sundays @10:00 7227 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880 951-847-6836 http://www.atthecrossings.com.  Trusting and Believing with you!

Pastor Rob