Tag Archives: Calvary Chapel Eastvale

Pastor’s Corner: Stand in Faith

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong…”

1 Corinthians 16:13
Pastor Dennis Morales
Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

This is the final encouragement to a church from the Apostle Paul.  Paul planted the Corinthian church, but the church had issues that needed addressing.  The final comments to them is a calling to “stand fast.”  This is actually a military term meaning to “hold your position” or “to refuse to be defeated.”  There is to be no retreat. Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to remain strong in the faith because opposition will come.  Trials will ensue.  Are you going through a time of drought?  Are you going through a time of discouragement?   Paul says, “stand firm and be brave.”  I believe we need to share this encouragement all the more today.   I am reminded how “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”   This Scripture says God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:8-9).  Under Babylonian rule, Daniel turned his back on the luxuries of the king’s court because eating defiled food would have been a compromise of his faith.  God honored Daniel’s stand and he earned the respect of the chief of the eunuchs, because Daniel’s courage impressed him.   Daniel stood for God and was strong.  He didn’t seek man’s approval, but God’s will.   If we allow ourselves to be dissuaded from doing anything unless we have complete approval, it almost assured we will never accomplish anything of value. Instead of being discouraged by opposition, we should take comfort in (God’s faithfulness) and keep on doing what is right. Whatever you find yourself up against today, remember that “one,” with God, is the majority.   “If God is for “you” who can stand against you (Romans 8:31).  He sees what you don’t see.  Faith is trusting and believing God.  God does the impossible (Matthew 19:26).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 and 10:30am / Wednesdays 7pm @ Clara Barton Elementary (calvaryeastvale.org). 

Worry Not

Pastor Dennis Morales,
Calvary Chapel Eastvale

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

Philippians 4:6-7

A recently licensed pilot was flying his private plane in a cloudy day. He was not very experienced in instrument landing. When the control tower was to bring him in, he began to get panicky. Then a stern voice came over the radio, “You just obey instructions, we’ll take care of the obstructions.”  The devil likes to keep our eyes on the obstructions.  These obstructions lead to a stress filled life. 

It’s no secret.  We are a stressed-out society today.  The American Institute of Stress (yes this is real), states that 77% of people in the US regularly express physical symptoms due to stress.  We’re constantly moving, going from one thing to another, from one worry to another. Stress has a tendency to grip or paralyze a life and steal us of joy.  We rush, we stress, we get frustrated, we feel unaccomplished, we feel depressed.  All are signs of worry.  Worry can be overcome.  Jesus encouraged us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33).  The first step to defeating worry is to put God first among other options.   What’s the next step?  Communicate with God.  Prayer recently has been scientifically proven to have an effect on brain activity.  Dr. Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson Hospital has been studying the effect of prayer on the human brain for more than 20 years, injecting radioactive dye into subjects and watching what changes inside their heads when they pray.  These changes, says Newberg, are signs of the power of prayer to heal. Said Newberg, “We see not only changes in the activity levels, but in different neurotransmitters, the chemicals in our brain.”  Funny how God already knew this.  Scripture says that prayer will also bring God’s peace, which is the most fulfilling peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 and 10:30am/Wednesdays 7pm @ Clara Barton Elementary 7437 Corona Valley Ave. Eastvale.  (calvaryeastvale.org). 

The Proof

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.…”

Luke 24:2

A man and his five-year old son were driving past a cemetery and noticed a large pile of dirt next to a freshly dug grave when the little boy said, “Look, Dad, one got out!”  Every Easter, we come to celebrate the central aspect of Christianity.  The foundation of the Christians faith is the empty tomb.  The truth is that the grave could not hold Him.  The stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out, but to let all those in the garden tomb in to be witness that Jesus had risen.   In 1901 Abraham Lincoln’s casket was opened because it was feared that his body was not there. Christ’s tomb was opened to prove He is not there.  Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die (physically), he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?” (John 11) Because Christ died and rose, we can have the hope of heaven.  Our bodies will cease to function one day, but there is life beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).  Christ’s resurrection guarantees that all of His followers will be resurrected as well.  Because Jesus rose, we too will rise. He promised, “Because I live, you also will live”  (John 14:19).  If you have put your faith in the risen Lord, then you will live again. You no longer need to fear death. Because He came back in a resurrected body, He has given us the assurance that God will give each of us a glorified body one day.  Next time you drive past a cemetery, think of the One Whom the grave could not hold.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays at 8:30am and 10:30am, Wednesdays at 7:30pm at Clara Barton Elementary 7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale. http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Pastor’s Corner: The Cross

“Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still…”


Luke 7:14 
Photo Courtesy: Pexels

By Pastor Dennis Morales

There is no arguing that one of the most painful occurrences in life is losing a loved one.  Jesus came upon a widow who had just lost her only son.  .  According to old Jewish custom, the women would precede a funeral procession because women were believed to have brought death into the world in the line of Eve.  This widow would be the first person He would see and He looked at her with compassion (Luke 7:13).  It was custom for family members and friends to come and touch the coffin, which would halt the procession, and say a few words of comfort to the survived. Then the procession would continue.  According to custom, Jesus stood at the procession and touched the coffin.  Jesus tells the woman “do not weep.”  He then tells the young man in the coffin to “get up.”  “So that he who was dead sat up and began to speak” (Luke 7:15).  What Jesus did was unprecedented.   Under normal circumstances the funeral procession would have continued.  But when Jesus stopped the funeral procession, and it never continued!  Jesus essentially stopped death in its tracks.  This is what Jesus has done for all mankind through the Cross.  He has halted the effect of sin and eternal death upon all those who believe in Him (Jn 3:16).  Jesus’ death on the Cross defeated sin and He further punctuates this by His Rising from the dead.  In this is the Easter message.  (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 55-57)   Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 and 10:30am/Wednesdays 7pm @ Clara Barton Elementary (calvaryeastvale.org).  EASTER SERVICES:  Good Friday @ 7pm and Easter @ 9:30am

Tax Time

Pastor Dennis Morales of Calvary Chapel Eastvale

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth…” Luke 2:1-5

I ran across a quote that read “IRS auditor to taxpayer, as nurse prepares a syringe: “She is going to numb the area around your wallet.”  In most cases, when we hear the word tax, our minds do go to our wallets.   It was no accident that Dr. Luke mentioned the name of Caesar Augustus. This man signed a tax bill that the whole world (of that day) be taxed. He needed money to raise an army to control his vast empire and to live in luxury himself. 

It was prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem of the house and lineage of King David (Micah 5:2) 700 years before.  Mary and Joseph resided in Nazareth.  At the very time for Mary to give birth, all were summoned to the house of their ancestry for the census (Luke 2:1-5).  All who were of the lineage of David were to visit Bethlehem.  Both Mary and Joseph are of the lineage of David, so both had to go to Bethlehem.

Precisely according to Bible prophecy, and God’s sovereignty, Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:14 prophesied 800 years before). Such an event rooted deeply in prophesy and is proven that man could not orchestrate something of this magnitude. 

Joy came to the world in miraculous fashion.  This was a taxation time in history where we look back at the and its forever linked to our hearts, not our wallet.  God orchestrated when the Messiah, Jesus, was to be born into this world to save mankind from sin and instill hope forever into all who believe.  He did this for you.   

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets at Clara Barton Elementary in Eastvale.  Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am.  Wednesdays at 7pm.   Celebrate Christmas with us on December 23.

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor’s Corner: Things That Matter

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, Ihave kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul the Apostle is nearing the end of his life.  He is contemplating the things God had called him to accomplish.  This is his swansong.  I am immediately impressed with the confidence with which he is able to say “I finished.”  It’s been said that “a wasted life is really nothing more than a collection of wasted days. As God gives us life, each one of us starts the new year with the same number of opportunities—365—that we can choose to either use and invest in eternal things or allow to drift by without taking advantage of the gift we have been given.”  I was walking through a cemetery after afuneral service and my eye caught a headstone that read “a life stillunfinished.”  We would naturally say thatabout anyone that had passed from this world at a young age, but this wassomeone who passed at 78!  I don’t wantto come to the end and think of all the things I should have done or the ways Ishould have stepped out in faith.  Paulcalls life a “race.”  My favorite racesin the Olympics are the sprints.  Theseraces are literally over in seconds, but I am always impressed with the amazingspeed of the athletes.  The race referredto by Paul is likened to a “long distance” run. A long distance run takes faith, endurance, and focus.  Jesus “for the joy that was set before Himendured the cross, despising the shame.” (Hebrews 12:2).  God calls us to focus and invest in thingsthat matter so that we might finish well. 


Calvary Chapel Eastvale Meets Wednesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 8:30 and10:30 am  at Clara Barton Elementary 7437Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale. 

Growing

By Dennis Morales

1 Corinthians 3:1 “I couldn’t talk to you as…spiritual people…”

 

My two boys have just moved up another grade in school.  It’s really hard to assimilate sometimes in my parental cortex, but they are growing.  I couldn’t be happier that they are growing and healthy.  Paul spoke to an audience dealing with stunted growth, not in a physical sense, but a spiritual sense.  People had told us prior to our sons being born; don’t talk baby talk, because it will affect their maturity and speech.  When Paul spoke to the Corinthian church, he said that he couldn’t speak in spiritual terms because they were still spiritual babies.  They should have grown or progressed, but they were immature.  They should have passed up the milk and gone on toward food that requires you to sink your teeth into it.  Paul says that immaturity was evident because of the things that were happening among them like strife, divisiveness, immorality, and envy (1Corinthians 3:3).  Their behavior didn’t change, and they weren’t maturing.   Unfortunately, many people have never grown up spiritually. They made an initial commitment to follow Christ but have never really understood what it means to be committed in following Jesus.  Saying a prayer of commitment to Jesus is not all a Christian life is.  Jesus becomes Lord and you begin to understand what it means for Him to lead your life.  Spiritual growth should not just be Christian radio listening to sermons or music but cutting into your own food.  We need to learn how to feed ourselves the spiritual food.  Your foundation starts with your Bible.  The Bible is likened to bread (Matthew 4:4), meat (Hebrews 5:11-14), and even Honey (Ps 119:103).  As we take steps closer to God, we experience His goodness, grace and glory in our lives in new ways.  Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets at Clara Barton Elementary in Eastvale.  Services are held Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30am. Wednesdays at 7pm. 

 

Where He Leads

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Be strong and of good courage…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  – Joshua 1:9

The children of Israel were ready to cross the Jordan into the Promise Land, but there was one thing in their way, the Jordan.  It was Harvest and it was a torrent of rushing water and virtually impassible (Joshua 3:15).  God instructed Joshua that they were to cross regardless.  God added He will be with them and He would make the Jordan passable.  In a “step of faith,” the priests were instructed to go first and to take the Ark of the Covenant and start the process.  God said when the feet of the priests dip in the edge of the water that the waters would part.  So God lead them and parted the waters the moment the priests dipped their feet in the water just as He said He would.  God also told the priests to stand on the dry river bed until every last person had crossed.  Why?  The Ark of the Covenant stands as a reminder of God’s presence.  He wanted the people to know He was with them as they passed through the waters.  Where is God leading you?  Does it seem difficult or impossible?  Remember wherever God leads you, He will be with you.  Daniel was lead to the Lion’s den as a result of his faithfulness to God but God shut the mouths of the Lions.  Jesus told His disciples “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).  God reminds His people in Scripture “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).  God’s strength is realized in allowing God’s leading.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

Empty Is Good

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”  Luke 24:24

There was a city where a building wall collapsed because the foundation caved into an empty tomb-it was unknown and hidden when they built it. Now if the men intentionally built a building with a hole as a foundation they would be fools. When we look at God and His ability to “hang the earth upon nothing” we think differently. The church as we know it has a foundation that is in fact the empty tomb. If His tomb hadn’t been emptied there wouldn’t have been any hope. The empty tomb gives us assurance that Jesus is who He said He is. Jesus “was declared the Son of God (with power) by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom 1:4). The empty tomb is proof of acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind (Rom 5:18).   The empty tomb means death is defeated. There is now no death for those who are in Christ Jesus! “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”(1 Cor. 15:51-57).  Because of the empty tomb, you and I, by faith in Him, have life today and life forever!  He is risen!  SPECIAL EASTER SERVICES:  Good Friday at 6pm and a combined service on Easter Sunday at 9:30am with a Family BBQ following.  Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets regularly Sundays, 8:30am & 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.clavaryeastvale.org.

 

 

 

 

 

“His Way”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8

My sons are 5yrs and 7yrs old.  They are the best of friends.  But even the best of friends can have disagreements sometimes.  I was watching my boys play a board game then all of sudden they started quarreling.  What were they quarreling about?  They were accusing each other of not playing correctly.  They both made the same argument.  What was it? “You have to play it my way!”  I think sometimes we are guilty of the same attitude when it comes to our decisions.   Naaman is a classic example in the Bible (2 Kings 5).  He was an army commander for the king of Syria.  His wife’s servant girl was led captive from Israel.  She suggested that he seek healing by consulting Elisha, the prophet.  Naaman was ready to do anything, but he didn’t want to go to Elisha, he wanted Elisha to go to him.  Because of his position, Naaman expected to be served.  Elisha sent Naaman instruction to bathe seven times in the Jordan River.  Naaman felt disrespected and refused at first, then later he humbled himself and went to the Jordan.  That is when Naaman found healing.  Naaman finally humbled himself and did things God’s way.  That’s when Naaman found healing.  How many times have you told God “I want to do it this way!”  But later we always find that His way is the best way.     “Selfish” pride should never be what guides us.  Humility seeks God’s ways (Psalm 25:9).  Though you may not always see the result in view, God’s ways make “better sense.” (Isaiah 55:9).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

 

 

 

 

“The Finish”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul the Apostle is nearing the end of his life. He is contemplating the things God had called him to accomplish. This is his swan song. I am immediately impressed with the confidence with which he is able to say “I finished.” It’s been said that “a wasted life is really nothing more than a collection of wasted days. As God gives us life, each one of us starts the new year with the same number of opportunities—365—that we can choose to either use and invest in eternal things or allow to drift by without taking advantage of the gift we have been given.” I was walking through a cemetery after a funeral service and my eye caught a headstone that read “a life still unfinished.” We would naturally say that about anyone that had passed from this world at a young age, but this was someone who passed at 78! I don’t want to come to the end and think of all the things I should have done or the ways I should have stepped out in faith. Paul calls life a “race.” My favorite races in the Olympics are the sprints. These races are literally over in seconds, but I am always impressed with the amazing speed of the athletes. The race referred to by Paul is likened to a “long distance” run. A long distance run takes faith, endurance, and focus. Jesus “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” (Hebrews 12:2). God calls us to focus and invest in things that matter so that we might finish well.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.

“Our Everything”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”Psalm 18:2

David, the author of this Psalm, writes eight titles referencing God and His reliability.  He experienced God’s hand of protection and deliverance from his enemies and now David is worshipping God for His faithfulness during battle.  I’m sure David sang often in battle.  I heard it once said a young boy was trying to pull a large weed from his front yard.  Suddenly, the weed came out, root and all, and the boy was thrown back and fell in the process.

A man happened to be passing by and replied to the young boy, “That sure was a hard pull!”  The boy replied, “It sure is tough when you have the whole world pulling against you.”  We can all feel what this boy said at times.   The cares and concerns of the “pulling world” have a way of fading away in God’s presence.  Pressures, demands, deadlines, and failures are no match for the reliability of God.   He strengthens you when you are at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:9).  David rejoiced that God was everything he needed to get through the most difficult of situations.   When the battle rages or the world pulls, it takes strong faith to worship.  But as you worship, you will find the One supplying the strength to worship is your “stronghold.”  God is closer than you think and He is “able to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”  (Phil 4:19).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). 

Where He Leads

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Be strong and of good courage…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  – Joshua 1:9

The children of Israel were ready to cross the Jordan into the Promise Land, but there was one thing in their way, the Jordan.  It was Harvest and it was a torrent of rushing water and virtually impassible (Joshua 3:15).  God instructed Joshua that they were to cross regardless.  God added He will be with them and He would make the Jordan passable.  In a “step of faith,” the priests were instructed to go first and to take the Ark of the Covenant and start the process.  God said when the feet of the priests dip in the edge of the water that the waters would part.  So God lead them and parted the waters the moment the priests dipped their feet in the water just as He said He would.  God also told the priests to stand on the dry river bed until every last person had crossed.  Why?  The Ark of the Covenant stands as a reminder of God’s presence.  He wanted the people to know He was with them as they passed through the waters.  Where is God leading you?  Does it seem difficult or impossible?  Remember wherever God leads you, He will be with you.  Daniel was lead to the Lion’s den as a result of his faithfulness to God but God shut the mouths of the Lions.  Jesus told His disciples “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).  God reminds His people in Scripture “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).  God’s strength is realized in allowing God’s leading.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

God Listens

EV - Dennis Morales.jpgBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Psalm 54:2  “Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth…”

A young boy was saying his prayers before bed with his mom and dad one night.  He began to pray in a loud voice  “Lord, thank you for my family, thank you for my teachers, and bless my grandma.  Also, please make sure she remembers that I would like the brand new red bike we saw today for my birthday!!”  His parents told him he didn’t have to pray so loudly and that God can hear him just fine.  The boy answered “I know, but Grandma is in the next room and she can’t hear very well.”    David in Psalm 54 is running from a jealous king and is calling out to God for help (1 Samuel 24).  God eventually delivers him in miraculous fashion as only God can do.  David had confidence that God would hear and come through.  This is one of the reasons that God calls David a man after His own heart.  Davids prayer ignited his faith to see beyond impossibility.  If it seems that God isn’t listening to you, maybe He is prompting your faith.  Remember God’s delays aren’t necessarily his denials.  Faith sees what our physical eyes can’t.  Remember God is always working through the details and God is never hard of hearing.  The answer is around the corner.  Have peace knowing that God know every detail of your prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

 

His Voice

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

John 10:3  “The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep recognize His voice and come to Him. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.…”
We lost one of our sons at a crowded amusement park once.  Absolutely, not a good feeling.  Our family began shouting his name.  This went on it seemed for about 1 or 2 minutes.  Then I jumped in at the top of my voice and shouted my son’s name.  A few seconds later, I was relieved to see a security attendant coming over holding my son’s hand.   She explained that my son went to her and said he was looking for his papa.  All of a sudden he began to say “Papa! Papa!”   He then quickly took her in the direction of my voice.  Out of a crowd of thousands, my son heard my voice.  When God says something, it’s for good reason and worth obeying.  When he calls, it may be to say “stop,”  “go this way,” or it may even be “not that way!”  His voice is one that calls us, guides us, and protects us.  God spoke audibly to some such as Moses and Abraham, but God also speaks clearly through the pages of the Bible.  There is a lot of noise in the world that can get in the way.  The noise can be in the form of social media, TV, or even politics.  But the more you read the Scriptures, the more readily you will know when God is speaking.  The word “leads” in this verse speaks of “leading out.”  He has the way and He is ready to lead you out of whatever you are going through and into His green pastures (Ps 95:7).  “If you hear His Voice.”

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

Burn Out

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Leviticus 6:12  “And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out.  And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning…”

A first-grader wondered why her father brought home a briefcase full of work every evening. Her mother explained, “Daddy has so much to do that he can’t finish it all at the office.” “Well, then,” asked the child innocently, “why don’t they put him in a slower group?”  I believe there is much truth to this.  We find our fast paced environment creeping its way into our lives more often these days.  We can walk into worship at church lacking energy and being a spectator rather than a willing participant.  This may not always mean it’s time for vacation, but it may be an indicator to at least “slow down.”  The fire on the altar of “burnt offering” was to never go out.  If your time with God is dissipating, you will burn out.  God is calling upon us to burn brightly for Him in our daily lives, but there needs to be fuel for the fire.  The priests would throw wood on the fire every morning to keep the fire burning.  It may be time to prioritize, slow down, and put wood on the fire.  There is no greater fuel for the Christian heart than the Bible.  In Luke 24 after Jesus rose from the dead, he met two disciples on a road and opened the Scriptures to them.  After their encounter with the Risen Christ they proclaimed “did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us?” (Luke 24:32)  Make it a priority to get back into the “daily” practice of reading your Bible and praying.  It will bring fuel to your life.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 8:30 a.m. and 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

Your Platform

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me…” Nehemiah 2:18.

You have a platform.  It’s essentially something that enables you to be heard.  Speakers often stand upon a “soapbox” or a “stage” to be heard and make plain their message to their hearers.   Whether it is adversity, struggle, or triumph, it is a platform for faith.

Nehemiah was in captivity and was the king’s cupbearer.  He used his seemingly ill position as a platform for faith and to bring awareness of Gods plan.  As a result, Nehemiah was given favor with the king and necessary resources to fulfill God’s plan and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah’s opposition was ever present and men sought to discourage his faithful plan, but Nehemiah had faith and trusted in God.  Nehemiah knew God was for him and God turned the enemy’s plot to nothing (Neh 4:14-16).  The people rallied and completed the walls in record time.  God is faithful in adversity.

I am reminded of Bethany Hamilton who entrusted herself to her faithful Creator. She didn’t quit living when she lost her arm.   She gave her life to God. She deposited her life for safekeeping into His hands; and now, God has given her an international platform from which to share her story and bring Him glory.  What is your platform today?  Trust God to give you strength and lead you today (Proverbs 3:5,6).

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

Magnitude

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

1 John 4:9  “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

No doubt we live in earthquake territory.  Some people react differently to such a seismic event.   I have lived in California all my life, so I barely react unless it’s an earthquake of higher magnitude.  I usually turn to the news to try to find out what the magnitude force of the earthquake was and where it was centered.    After an earthquake, we may hear that it was a “magnitude 4.0” which is the measure of energy concluded by a Richter Scale.  Magnitude is defined in mathematics as the relative size of an object.  In Astronomy, magnitude is a measure of brightness and brightness differences.  This got me to think upon the love of God.  There is no measure for God’s love.

The Bible says “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 8:38, 39).   We can conclude that no measure of life, no measure of power, no measure of time, and no measure of space can outdo any measure of God’s love for you.

If you are feeling weighed down today, Jesus said in love to give Him your burdens and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  In faith, He has forgiveness and healing in His hands because His love for you is immeasurable and unfailing (Numbers 14:18).   We cannot help but to be moved by God’s love (2Corinthians 5:14).  Did you feel that?

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

 

Quality Time

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“And these words … You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house…” Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Dad is on his phone checking the scores and Mom is cuddled up with her tablet reading her favorite blogs or updating her status.   The children can also be seen on their tablets playing their favorite games or watching movies. Unfortunately, this scene is a growing trend in our current family structure.   Now I am all for technology, but sometimes it can blur the lines of responsibility for us as parents to schedule “quality time” with our kids.

The Bible is clear about parental responsibility to engage their children in deep heart-to-heart conversations about the Lord that impart more than facts, but teach solid wisdom.   We can do things like “conversational walks” with our children or go on short drives to the store for “one on one” time. A characteristic of a strong family is that they spend quality time together.  Our Heavenly Father exemplifies this to us in His desire to spend time with us (Exodus 29:43).  Our children are a heritage from the Lord and “teachable moments” are all around us. If my son is scared, it’s an opportunity to teach him about God’s presence.  Jesus did this when he taught His disciples through a storm. The Bible says to make the “best use of our time” (Ephesians 5:16) and to “make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5). Our opportunity is now to prepare our children to trust God in every situation.  Time is a gift and it is short.

 

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.

 

“Heavenly Interruptions”

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

“Sticky notes” are my friend.  I have lists of “things to do” for almost everything.  Sometimes I can get a little carried away, but I consider myself a planner. I once planned out our whole vacation and took my lists of things to do for everyday. Let’s say it was short lived. There was a time when no one could get between me and my schedule. When it was interfered with, I felt like the wheels fell off my day.

How do you go about your plans? How do you handle interruptions?  We have vacation plans, weekend plans, a retirement plan, plans for school, and the list goes on.  There’s nothing wrong with making plans but Proverbs says no matter what plans you may make, God decides where those plans will lead us.  We can plan the day as usual, but expect some Heavenly interruption. These interruptions come in all shapes and sizes.  They can come in the form of a son or daughter seeking direction, a spouse seeking your attention, a neighbor in need, or need I say (parents) “urgent care.”  We can make all the plans we want to make, but we better figure God in there somewhere.

God has a way of editing our schedule at times. Without God in your plans, you’re going to feel real lost; your life is going to feel empty and meaningless. God has a plan for you.  It involves a bright future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust the Lord in your planning and you’ll find He gives meaning, purpose, and life to your plans (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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