Category Archives: Pastors Corner

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

Is it Time to Take Action?

By Pastor Mark Lee

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

In the entertainment industry, the month of May marks the beginning of the blockbuster movie season.  From now until the end of July, the film industry will be releasing some of their most highly-anticipated films of the year.  Not surprisingly, the majority of these films are in the action genre.  In fact, during the first few days of May, two of the most popular franchises will debut their newest offerings – Captain America: Civil War and X-Men: Apocalypse.

By definition, an action film is one in which a resourceful character successfully overcomes incredible odds, including horrible situations and villainous opponents. Their fast-paced plots and exciting stunts draw large audiences and make a lot of money.  The popularity of this type of movie is not surprising.  After all, who would pay to watch a movie about a man who just sits around and hopes that his problems will go away?

Much like action film heroes, we often find ourselves facing obstacles that are seemingly insurmountable. When our backs are up against the wall, the primary response should always be to turn to God.  However, this isn’t where our involvement ends.  For example: the unemployed don’t just pray for God’s provision, they also start applying for new jobs.

James 2:17 says, “In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”  We have all heard the popular saying, “God helps those who help themselves.”  While this is not entirely true (He does, after all, intervene when we are helpless), the truth is that we cannot expect God to provide for our every need as we sit idly by.  Yes, we need to have faith that our Heavenly Father will take care of us.  However, we also need to remember that faith often requires action.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Fifty Years Faithful

By Pastor Rob Norrisrob-norris-BW-2x2

“For love is as strong as death.” – Song of Solomon 8:6

Only 10 months into their marriage, during an otherwise calm Sunday drive to church one July morning, a young Navy couple’s car was broadsided by a streaking ambulance racing through an intersection. The driver of the car, R. L. Alford, sustained some minor injuries. His wife, Hilda, was thrown from the vehicle, suffering a massive head injury that left her not only a quadriplegic, but also legally blind and unable to speak.

That was 50 years ago—50 years of communicating with his wife through little more than the nods of her head. Fifty years of pushing her wheelchair or (his preferred way) carrying her in his arms. Fifty years of emptying her urine pan and cleaning up her bowel movements. And in the last few years, even feeding her through a tracheal tube and learning how to insert her catheters.

Along the way, R. L.’s brand of marital loyalty has drawn some unexpected notice (“Undeserved,” to hear him say it). When a longtime family friend spearheaded a drive in the mid-80s to raise funds to build the Alfords a new home, help came from such high-ranking places as Florida governor Bob Martinez, who not only gave them a brand-new refrigerator but also spent a day working at the construction site. President Ronald Reagan sent a check for $500, followed by another for $1,000.

“When R. L. was asked to repeat the vow ‘for better or worse,’” a neighbor said, “he heard it real loud. Medically, it’s a miracle Hilda is still alive. But she’s not alive because of all those doctors. She’s alive because R. L. gave his life to her.”

In September 2006, the Alfords celebrated their golden anniversary. Looking back, R. L. humbly remarked, “Sure, it’s been rough in some ways. But it’s been rewarding.”

Fifty years of being there. May all our promises to each other be that long lasting.

Live It! Talk about what you would do for one another if the unthinkable happened. Promise you’ll be there, regardless.

Pray: While asking God for many more years together, pray it with a promise that you’ll remain faithful no matter what those years entail.

 

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, visit atthecrossings.com.

 

Thanks Mom!

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

 

How often have you heard that?  Maybe not often enough.  Even when you have heard it, the thankfulness might not last long.  An even worse reality is that kids often say “Thanks Mom” sarcastically because they are not thankful at all.   You might say that most of the time, being a mom is a thankless task. That’s exactly why we have Mother’s Day. It’s not that we should say thank you only one day a year, but it’s a reminder to give moms thanks all year long.

Don’t worry. Wanting your children to say thank you isn’t a selfish desire – It’s a character building exercise for them.  God Himself gives the command: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you,” (Exodus 20:12). He even echo’s your own statement: “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you right back out of it.”  This is the only commandment with an “or else” clause.  Obviously, He takes it very seriously and knows just how little thanks you can get.

So picture this: You’ve done something incredibly nice for your children, which they may not deserve, but they end up being jewels and thank you for it.  How long do you have before they forget all about it?  Does it have something to do with how long they enjoy what you have done for them?

It sounds like you need a break.  And the kids need a gift that will last.  Why not bring them to Vacation Bible School at Edgewater?  You will have five nights with three hours of free time, and you won’t have to feed them!  They will get to hear about Jesus who loves them and promises, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20). Join us for VBS June 6th-10th from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each day. Free dinner is included!

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

A New Identity

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

While some of us have tried our best to maintain our reputations, others have just flat out blown theirs.  Regardless if our reputation is solidly intact or if it has become like a stained garment that everyone has noticed, the gospel changes everything.  You see, no matter how hard you try to “be good”, your sin still separates you from God.  No matter how “bad” you have been, your sin is not beyond the forgiveness of God.

God’s revealed Word to us clearly informs us that there are none who are righteous because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:10-12, 23).  God does not measure what we perceive as our “bad” and our “good” and determine whether or not we merit forgiveness and eternity with him.  No matter how much “good” we think we have done, we have all broken God’s law and therefore deserve God’s righteous judgment.

Friend, the only one who is good is God.   He alone is merciful and loving and draws man unto himself to receive his grace and forgiveness of sins.  He calls us to repent from our sins and to place our hope and trust in Jesus Christ.  When we do this, we get a new identity.  No longer do we represent ourselves…we now represent Jesus. God’s word says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).

If you have repented of your sins and placed your trust in Jesus, live out your faith for the glory of God.  If you have yet to repent and trust in Jesus, I encourage you do so now and start your new identity in Christ today.

Lakeshore City Church meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Circle City Center (formerly Fender Museum), 365 N. Main St. in Corona. For more information, visit lakeshorecitychurch.com.

Marching Orders

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers . . . the powers . . . the world forces of this darkness.
Ephesians 6:12

Whether you realize it or not, you are engaged in a spiritual battle every day. You live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to your faith. The devil and those who promote his self-indulgent agenda are relentless in their assault on your mind and affections. You can’t afford to drop your guard for a minute.

Here are some suggestions for surviving—and thriving—in the battle:

  1. Don’t engage the enemy alone. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Whatever temptations you’re facing right now, it is His strength alone—not yours—that can see you through. Keep on surrendering daily to the Master.
  2. Employ every piece of your spiritual armor. As Ephesians 6:13 says, to resist the schemes of the devil, you must “take up the full armor of God.” Not just the belt of truth, but also the shoes of His gospel, the breastplate of His righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of His salvation and the sword of His Spirit—the Word of God (see verses 14-17). Don’t head off into battle without them.
  3. Go on the offensive. It’s not enough just to play defense. Though people without Christ may seem fulfilled and self-satisfied, the truth is that they need to know God’s forgiveness.
  4. Quit wasting time. You and I are fighting for the soul of future generations. So turn off the television. Put down the sports page. Unplug from the internet. The consequences of your life are too eternal to waste on forgettable moments.

Never forget that your marriage is taking place on a spiritual battlefield, not on a romantic balcony. Help one another maintain your “war footing.” If you do, you won’t be a casualty.

Live It: Identify two or three areas where the constant pull of the world has been wearing down your spiritual sharpness lately. Talk about what you need to do.

Pray:  Pray for strength when you’re weak, attentiveness when you’re tired and new discoveries of what it means to put your trust in God.

The Crossings meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at River Heights Intermediate School, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale.    For more information, visithttp://www.atthecrossings.com

Don’t Give Up

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Thomas A. Edison was the most prolific inventor in modern times—perhaps ever. He made scores of attempts to invent the light bulb.
After an unsuccessful effort, one of his associates said, “Well, you have failed again.
“No,” replied Edison, “I have succeeded again. I now know another way how not to invent a light bulb.”
After 10,000 attempts, Edison had every reason to be discouraged. However, he had the ability to turn what many saw as failure into fuel for success. God’s desire for you is to succeed and be fruitful in life. The Devil would have you to focus on the failure and measure success by world standards. This can be exhausting. Whether it is a ministry, a business, a college plan, being a teacher, or being a parent, be faithful in what you do. God reminds us that success will come, if we don’t lose heart. Sometimes to appreciate success, we may experience pressure or failure. Dwell on the blessing to come. In nature, as well as in our lives, there are different seasons. We have seasons to plow and seasons to reap blessing.
Remember it was “Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross” (Hebrews 12:2). The joy Jesus had was in knowing He would soon be seeing victory over death and the blessing of lasting relationship with you. It’s a great privilege to do Gods work. Don’t grow weary. “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” (Philippians 4:13)
Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.

Follow Me

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

I recently had the opportunity to watch The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay – Part 2.  The movie follows the journey of Katniss Everdeen, as she prepares to wage war on President Snow.  Throughout the film, she is used by various powers because she is someone to follow.  People of all ages, from all walks of life, see the truth in her, and multitudes follow her with complete faith.

Unless you are a trailblazer like Katniss, most people want someone to follow.  You might even say we need someone to follow; someone to believe in.  But WHO or WHAT are you following?  Your friends?  Social Media?  Your hopes and dreams?  Are these things providing you with what you need?  And, most importantly, are they reliable and truthful – or will they only use you?

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  Throughout his time on earth he encouraged people with truth.  He came into the world not to condemn the world, but so that the world would be saved through Him – and he lived his life as a shining example of who to follow.

Join us as we follow Jesus, every Sunday at 10 a.m. Come, and find the truth.  “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:32).

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

The Approval Addiction

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee
Last month, a satirical video of Ben Affleck created a buzz when it was posted online. The short clip spotlighting the Batman vs. Superman star’s melancholic response to his movie’s negative reviews quickly went viral. Millions of viewers were drawn to “Sad Ben Affleck” because it comically combines images of the actor’s downtrodden expression with the sorrowful strains of a popular song. Of course, the video’s appeal also stems from the fact that everyone understands the disappointment that comes with disapproval.
The disease to please infects us all. Whether you are a mother cooking a meal, an employee preparing a report, or a pastor preaching a sermon, everyone enjoys receiving positive feedback. In the same vein, it can be extremely disheartening to invest your time and effort into something only to receive less-than-stellar reviews (Right, Ben Affleck?) While the need for approval can drive us to accomplish great things, it can also have negative results. Anxiety, fear of failure, avoidance, and exhaustion can occur when we work hard to please others.
An acquaintance recently explained her absence from social media by stating, “I realized I was looking for approval in all the wrong places.” This statement is universally true. In our quest to receive “likes” from the world, we often fail to question whether our actions would be pleasing to God.
2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, you must “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Doing so may not turn Batman’s frown upside down, but it could sure help me!

Give Thanks

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

 

“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” Psalm 86:12

David proclaimed “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.” (Psalm 7:17)  David endured many difficult situations that weighed heavy on his emotions.  In spite of his feelings, and his circumstances, he brought thanksgiving to the Lord. You see, whether or not David understood God’s purpose for his circumstances, he knew that God was righteous and good.  He would remind himself of God’s wonderful deeds and give him thanks with his whole heart. (Psalm 9:1)

It is God’s will for his children to give him thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)  It does not matter if you do not understand why certain trials are in your life.  You can still thank God because he has promised to work all things together in your life to make you more like Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29)  He has also promised that he will not allow anything in your life beyond which you are able to bear and He will give you the resources to endure the trial. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  Therefore, you can thank him at all times…regardless of your circumstances.  If times are good…thank him!  If times are difficult…thank him!  Praise him in the calm and in the storm for he is good!  In doing so, you will glorify his name!

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

 

The Resurrection

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

After just celebrating Easter, it dawned on me that there might be those in our city who are not Christians, and who may be wondering why the followers of Jesus make such a big deal about the resurrection.  It is to such curious minds that I humbly offer this brief explanation.

Jesus made a lot of claims.  He claimed to be divinity – the very Son of God.  Jesus claimed to be the only way to God.  Jesus said that He came to die in our place-to pay the just penalty for our sins.  He said that if we accept what He did on our behalf and commit to follow Him as the Master of our lives, that we could then be justly forgiven, reconciled to God, and receive the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven.

But what proof do we have that what Jesus claimed, said, and promised is true?  The resurrection is that proof.

What other religious figure ever said he could die for our sins; was willing to die for our sins; and that he would resurrect after three days of confirmed biological death to demonstrate that he really does have power over death, and because of that, can resurrect us to new life as well?

The resurrection is the “proof in the pudding” so-to-speak, that Jesus is who He claimed to be; that what He said is true; and that He can do what He promised to do.

Now if it could ever be shown that the resurrection did not literally happen, then Christianity would crumble, disintegrate, collapse, and go completely out of existence because the resurrection is the very lynchpin upon which the whole Christian faith stands or falls.

This is why the resurrection is so important.   And since the resurrection of Jesus is an irrefutable historical fact, it should come as no surprise that every year we Christians can be found celebrating and making a big deal about it.

If the religious leader you are following did not resurrect, a question you may want to consider asking is this: “What’s the proof that what he/she said and taught about the afterlife is true?”

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

Keep Going

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27

We don’t talk a lot about cross carrying. That’s more the fine print of being a follower of Christ–the part we don’t generally go around advertising to those we’re hoping to draw into Christian faith. But as I understand Jesus’ words in Luke 14:27, you and I cannot truly follow Him unless we are carrying a cross.

The cross is not just a popular piece of jewelry but also a unique Christian symbol that represents suffering and sacrifice. So it is with the cross He has asked you to carry. Your cross will undoubtedly extract pain and a price.

Cross carrying is not a one-time decision. No, we must choose daily to pick up our cross, again, and follow Him. We are to continue carrying it over the long haul.

Do you know what your cross is? Think with me for a moment. When the Savior asks you, “Pick up your cross and follow Me,” what exactly is it that He is asking you to carry?

Is your cross:

  • A chronic health issue–physical or emotional?
  • Giving up fame, prestige and popularity?
  • Giving up material wealth, financial security and living a lifestyle that you’ve become accustomed to?
  • The loss of a dream–infertility, a past divorce, infidelity or the betrayal of a friend?

The bottom line? Cross carrying represents death. Death of the easy way–the world’s way. Death to desires. Death to self.

Cross carrying demands focus on Christ (see Hebrews 12:1-3), coming after Christ with faith (see Hebrews 11:6), and perseverance.

Keep carrying your cross–through the balance of the work week, through the long months of a family crisis, through the hard-fought seasons of moral struggle.

Keep carrying your cross.

What does carrying your cross mean to you right now? What cross has God called you to carry right now as you follow Him?

Pray that you won’t rebel against what God is asking of you but that you’ll submit willingly to His claim on your life and pick up your cross and follow Christ.

Join us Easter Sunday for a Celebration Service and a Easter egg hunt for the kids and the adults.

The Crossings meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at River Heights Intermediate School, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale.    For more information, visithttp://www.atthecrossings.com

“His Cross”

Dennis Morales X-ORIG18Colossians 1:20 “…having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
By Pastor Dennis Morales

Why a cross?  When we see a cross today we may think of it as a symbol of Christian faith.  Some wear it as a piece of fine jewelry and some hang it on a wall as an element of décor.  In reality, the cross was the cruelest form of punishment known to man during Rome’s rule.  It was known to the people of the day as a bloody symbol of cruelty and torture.  It was designed to humiliate a person.  The cross was a brittle piece of wood and it was meant to bring the most excruciating pain allowing for the slowest possible way of death.  Truthfully, if there was any other means of forgiveness, I don’t think God would have allowed His Son to suffer in such a way.  If we could access Heaven through good deeds and a moral life, the Bible says then Jesus would have “died in vain” (Galatians 2:21).  But the fact is that Jesus did die because there was no other way and He paid the price of sin at the Cross.  In Jesus, salvation is made available to the whole world.  The “good news” is that death could not hold Him and that He rose!  (1 Peter 1:3).  Death died at the Cross (Hebrews 2:14).  It has no more power!  Have you doubted God’s love for you?  Jesus willingly stretched out His arms on that Cross for you and me.  Remember, it was love that held Jesus to the Cross.  Easter Services at Calvary: Good Friday at 7 p.m./Easter Sunday at 8 a.m./10:30 a.m.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., and Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.

Answered Prayers

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

In the first church the Lord enabled me to plant, there was a little girl by the name of Mandy.  Mandy was born with serious kidney problems and at just fourteen months old she had to have surgery.

When the tubes were put down her throat, Mandy’s vocal cords got lacerated.  The medical professionals made it clear to her parents that Mandy might never be able to speak, and that if she did it would be with a low, gravelly kind of voice.

At age three, Mandy still had not made any vocal sounds, so her parents began to teach her sign language.  It was at about this same time that Mandy’s parents brought her to the church elders and myself to pray that God would intervene. (See James 5:14, 15)

Within six months, not only was Mandy speaking but singing!  And what was especially confounding was that, from a physiological standpoint, Mandy should not have had the capacity to sing because of her lacerated vocal cords.  It had been unlikely that she would ever be able to speak, but sing?  Well, that was simply never going to be a possibility.

And, yet, Mandy sang.  And at age five, Mandy was actually singing solos in the adult worship services – with a voice so strong and pure that it left the listeners amazed that one so young could sing so beautifully.

Let me say again, from a physiological standpoint, Mandy did not have the capacity to sing because of her lacerated vocal cords.  But there she was on the stage making it clear to everyone who heard her that God is still in the business of performing astounding miracles in response to the prayers of his people.

Folks, in every area of life, the followers of Jesus are authorized to pray for healings and miracles of all kinds.  And out of his great love, mercy and grace, God in his sovereignty will regularly choose to intervene and grant some of those healings and miracles.  So I want to encourage you, dear ones, to never hesitate to pray and ask God for them.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road.  For more information, visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

March Is The Real Month For Love

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

Last month, an estimated $13 billion was spent celebrating Valentine’s Day.  Approximately 200 million roses, 180 million cards, and 58 million pounds of chocolate were purchased in the name of love.  Despite all of the money that consumers shelled out, many people admitted that they were less than enthusiastic about February 14.  In fact, nearly 40 percent of the population did not observe the holiday at all.

Whether they consider it an unnecessary hassle or simply an excuse for consumerism, the detractors are unanimous in their belief that Valentine’s Day has little to do with real love. Even the holiday’s fans would be hard-pressed to deny that it is romance, and not love, that serves as their motivator when booking reservations and buying gifts.  Romance may be all about warm and fuzzy feelings, but love is much more complicated.  It is unconditional, sacrificial, and not based solely on emotions.  Whereas romance is a noun, love is a verb.

So, why write about love in March?  Isn’t Valentine’s Day over?  Aren’t all of the heart-shaped candies on clearance? Sure!  But, this year we will be celebrating Easter on Sunday, March 27.  And, while Valentine’s Day has chocolate and roses, Easter has the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  What greater example of love is there than this?

In Romans 5:8, the apostle Paul wrote “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  The truth is that it doesn’t matter whether your social calendar was booked solid last month, or if you were a member of the broken hearts club.  Who needs a valentine when you have a Savior?

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sunday’s at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The Living Hope

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

Perhaps the most important day for Christians the world over, Resurrection Sunday – or Easter – has such profound meaning because it all happened just as Jesus Christ said that it would, and it also showed that He had victory over death. It gave hope to believers as no other event would ever do.
More than 500 witnesses verified that they saw Him after He was placed in the grave and the stone was rolled in place. When the women who loved Jesus went to visit the grave, an angel of the Lord, sitting upon that same stone – now opened – told the women not to be afraid.
In Matthew 28, that angel tells them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Can you imagine this scene, especially having recently witnessed the crucifixion? Your heart is broken, you’ve come to mourn – and yet you are about to be filled with a miraculous glory in the one true Living Hope. He is risen!
Thanks be to God for our Living Hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4 tell us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
Come find out more about our Living Hope by joining us this Easter Season at Edgewater. We will hold a very poignant Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on March 25; and three services on Easter Sunday – beginning with a Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m.; and additional services at 8:00 and 10 a.m. There is something special to share with your family and friends…all happening at Harada Elementary.

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

Holes in the Wall

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

 

“Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established.”
Proverbs 4:26

The Great Wall of China is one of the great wonders of the world, a true masterpiece of engineering. It’s the only man-made structure that can be seen from outer space. Five to six horses could trot side by side on top of it. It is awesome to see this massive structure snake its way through the mountains.

The wall was built, of course, to protect China from invasion. Watchtowers and various battlements dot its construction at frequent intervals. But in the first hundred years after the wall was completed, enemies managed to invade the country three times, breaching the security of this enormous, rock-solid defense. How?

They didn’t go over it. They didn’t go through it. They didn’t need to knock it down. Because, while China was building this impenetrable defense system, it was apparently neglecting to build character into its children’s lives.

All the invaders had to do was bribe the gatekeepers.

I think of that story whenever I hear parents talk of the dreams and goals they have for their children. Many parents today are vitally concerned with the education their kids receive and the skills they develop. They spend hours shuttling them to school and to various extracurricular activities, looking forward to the day when they will earn scholarships and enter the working world, establishing themselves in successful and lucrative careers. But none of these accomplishments are worth anything without the character to back them up.

It’s our children’s CQ, not their IQ–their “character quotient,” not their intelligence–that will secure their futures and enable them to stand strong in battle.

Live it!  Think of a time when you modeled character to your children–and they got the message! Talk about what you both need to do to develop each of your children’s CQ.

Pray!  Ask for the faith to maintain your own integrity–and the opportunities for your children to see it in you.

The Crossings meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at River Heights Intermediate School, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale.    For more information, visit http://www.atthecrossings.com

The Lord God Almighty

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:12–14

When was the last time that you sat still and said nothing while communing with God?  Perhaps you have tried to do so and your mind just runs wild with all the things that need to be done.  God tells us to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10).  It is vitally important that we remember who God is…the Lord God Almighty.

As the Lord God Almighty, he is the one who made the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) As the Lord God Almighty, he is our Maker and the one whom we are to worship and bow down. (Psalm 95:6) As the Lord God Almighty, he is the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. (Revelation 1:8)  As the Lord God Almighty, he has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)  When we stand in awe of his holiness and greatness, our prayers are filled with thanksgiving and much of our prayers are focused on loving him and loving others. “…Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory…” (Revelation 19:6–7).

Friend, I encourage you today to stop and ponder God’s work and to meditate on his mighty deeds.  The Lord God Almighty is forever faithful so trust and rest in him!

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

Paul the Church Planter

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

The Apostle Paul is known for many things.  He was used by God to write most of the New Testament, he was a bold witness, and he was a martyr.  But do you know what else he was? Paul was a church planter.

Church planters are a special breed.  Not everyone is called by God to be a church planter, and not everyone has been wired by God to plant a church.

Typically, church planters go to new, emerging communities that don’t have any churches. Or, they go to areas that need more churches.  But any way you slice it, church planting is enormously difficult work.  In no way is church planting ever to be thought of as an ‘easy path.’   Quite the contrary- it is one of most difficult paths a person can travel in ministry.

In most cases church planters have to raise support from friends, family members, their home church and the like.  They have to recruit people with a pioneering spirit to join in the venture.  They have to go where they don’t really know anyone.  They have to have a spouse that is supportive of the call God has placed upon their life.  And they have to establish a congregation from scratch.  They and their team have to set up and tear down their “church in a trailer” for years, because years is how long it takes to get to a point where the new congregation can secure land and then build a church facility.

Why do men and their families put themselves through all the years of struggle that are inherent in planting a new church?  They do it because they love God and people, and because they want to make sure that the residents of the new emerging communities they go to have a ministry that will share the saving message and love of Jesus with them.

Eastvale residents, you are blessed to have among you nine church planters that have come to you specifically to plant churches for you and your families.   I encourage you to treat them with love and respect.  Additionally, I encourage you to connect with one of the churches they are planting and help them in this great effort.   They have sacrificed much and deserve your support.  They are heroes of the faith and should be recognized as such.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visithttp://www.newdaycc.net.

Forgive

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Psalm 86:5 “…For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

A man was having a discussion with a friend about his relationship with his wife.  The man said “Every time we have an argument she gets historical.” The friend corrected him and said, “Do you mean hysterical?” “No, I mean historical.  When we argue, she brings up stuff from the past and holds it against me!”

The devil would love to have you to hold grudges, because a grudge can move to bitterness.  If there isn’t forgiveness, what the Bible calls “a root of bitterness” will take place. (Hebrews 12:15)  The devil aims to divide marriages, families, and friends through un-forgiveness.  Un-forgiveness can kill any relationship.  Because we live in an imperfect world, we are bound to mess up sometime.

Has someone wronged you or betrayed you?   You may not be able to fix everything, but one thing you do have the power to do, it is to forgive.  Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery.   At the end of Joseph’s story, he forgives his brothers.  He had complete trust in God and what He can do through forgiveness.   Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob for his blessing. Jacob asked “who are these boys?”  Joseph said “These are my sons.  God has given them to me in Egypt.”   “Manasseh” means “forgetful” and “Ephraim” means “successful.”   (Genesis 48)  Joseph knew the power and success of forgiveness.   He simply forgave and forgot.   God has essentially done the same with us! (Psalm 103:12)

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

The Road to Humility

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

As our country prepares to elect the next President of the United States, the men and women vying for the position face off in a series of televised debates.  These verbal battles are where campaigns are bolstered, promises are made, and plans are outlined.  During these events, the candidates’ speaking abilities, political knowledge, and personalities will be on display.  One thing that most likely will not be on display, however, is their humility.  In fact, some people believe a humble politician is a creature as mythical as a unicorn.

Humility isn’t only rare in politics.  Several social commenters have noted that we are stuck in the era of “me, me, me.”  One has to look no further than social media to see that self-promotion is now the norm.  Haven’t we all taken a selfie at some point?  With so much time being spent focusing on ourselves, is humility even possible?

Author C.S. Lewis once wrote “Humility is not thinking less of yourself.  It is thinking of yourself less.”  Common thought is that humble people are weak or lack confidence.  In reality, a humble individual realizes that their talent is a gift, their success was achieved with help, and their strength is tempered with gentleness.  A humble man gives credit where credit is due, acknowledges that he has limitations, and admits when he makes mistakes.

Luke 4:11 says “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  True humility is a journey that we can choose, or be forced, to take.  And, the funny thing about this journey is that as soon as we feel we are reaching our destination, we have moved further from the finish line.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.