Abel Mendez Blog

Behold, He is There!

2012-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

"The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2)

Even in a place of desolation, voidness and darkness, behold the Spirit of the Living God was there! If the Spirit of the Living God hovers over such a place, how much more does He hover over the places where people dwell in darkness, searching for an opportunity to show Himself strong?! How much more then does the Spirit of God dwell even within His own people in their despair?! Take courage beloved brethren for behold, the LORD, He is there!

Your Life Tapestry

2011-11-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

"...In all things, showing yourself to be a pattern of good works..." (Titus 2:7)

Patterns have consistency. Like a striped shirt or like a floral pattern on a rug, there is a shape or object which is repetitive, however in light of the entire tapestry a beautiful design. Our lives should be marked by consistency, being a tapestry of good works. A pattern of beauty made up of actions which ultimately reflect the beauty and love of the Almighty God! O great and mighty God, who revealed yourself through your Son, who had a pattern of good works, a tapestry that was so great not even all the books of the world could even portray it, grant to your bride the anointing to be the tapestry of your love to a lost and dying world. Amen.

Pray for Our Trip Home!

2011-11-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Preparing to Depart

2011-11-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

As I sit to write this I realize it will most likely be our last blog update before departing for LAX tomorrow. It seems like so long ago that we began this journey, yet it went by so quick. Our final day in Tel Aviv was a great last day. We helped transport equipment and supplies to and from the Hotel where the Church is currently meeting until they find a more permanent location. The students were once again able to leads worship, and I believe the theme song for this trip has been "How Great is Our God! We are currently concluding our trip in Jerusalem where the students are getting to have a first hand experience at Calvary Chapel Bible College, Jerusalem campus. It had been awesome to fellowship with the students here, and I already suspect that a couple of the students on our team are entertaining the thought of studying abroad, perhaps at this campus... we shall see! The one thing I have been in awe of most on this trip is God's grace and blessing has been so evident every day we have been here. We are so thankful for all you prayers, we really sense them! The work God begins, God completes. We have had a very busy trip, much work has been accomplished, but above all God has been faithful to His promises. Thanks again for your love, prayers and support, we look forward to being united with you again to share all the wonderful things the Lord has indeed done!

Working to God's Glory

2011-11-25T12:37:00.002-08:00

"Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Today we went to the men's home that Calvary Tel Aviv rents for men who are homeless who actively participate in weekly studies. The focus of our work to day was to reorganize. Due to the fact that the church is in the process of securing a new location, much of the equipment had to be stored at the apartment. As a result, our friend Solomon had very limited space to move around which made his already difficult health problems that much more difficult. Once we completed the task, Solomon stated, "My own people! Israel, will not help me, will not do what you have done for me. You followers of Jesus do what Jesus did, you help." Solomon was so grateful for our work, and though he does not profess to be a believer in Yeshua (Jesus), he was so thankful to God and welcomed our prayers for him.

We finished our day with a walk to Joffa (Joppa in the Bible), and visited the site of Simon the Tanner which is where Peter received his vision from the Lord to take the gospel to the Gentiles, and the nearby port where lumber for Solomon's Temple was delivered and where Jonah departed when he fled for Tarshish in his attempt to avoid God's calling to Nineveh. Thanks for your prayers, we will finish our time in Tel Aviv after serving at tomorrow's Shabbat service before departing for Jerusalem. This trip has gone by so quickly!

Pre-Shabbat Shuke Shindig!

2011-11-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

Esteem and Pray for Our Brothers

2011-11-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work." (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

We made it to Tel Aviv and spent our Thanksgiving organizing and packing hygiene kits, clothing, preparing food and taking it down to the local park for the weekly homeless feeding Calvary Tel Aviv organizes. It has been a blessing to come under the leadership of the missionaries serving here in Tel Aviv.

We were surprised to see how many Sudanese refugees live homeless in Israel. My eyes were opened even more to the difficulties these refugees face trying to make their way to safety. A local pastor shared with us that only 1 out of 3 refugees who try to make it to Israel actually make it. Apart from the difficult journey, they run the risk of death. One threat they face is kidnappers who take them solely for the purpose of selling their organs on the black market. They also face the threat of death from being shot crossing the Egyptian/ Israeli border where Egyptian solders shoot to kill. Many refugees make it to the border with bullet wounds. One man that we talked to asked us to pray for him to see his family again, it was heart breaking to see his pain as he left quickly wiping tears from his face.

These are the people our missionaries serve on a weekly basis. This morning God reminded me to respect and esteem those we have come to serve because of their work. Please pray for the Apples and missionaries that serve alongside them. Please pray for the refugees, that they would discover the love God has for them and come to place all their hope in Jesus. One sudanese brother in the Lord by the name of Immanuel, had a heart for God, and wanted a Bible. He said of all their group only 5 of them are believers. We gave him a Bible and prayed with him encouraging him to teach the refugees the gospel and the word of God. Please pray for Immanuel! We hope to see him at church service at Shabbat.

We thank you for your prayers and pray that your thanksgiving is blessed, above all full of gratitude to God for the abundance of grace He has bestowed.

Our Thanksgiving in the Park!!!

2011-11-24T10:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T03:48:00.000-08:00

Where's Erick?

2011-11-23T12:52:00.001-08:00

A Simple Prayer

2011-11-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21)

Well here we are and we are already done with the work the Lord had for us in Golan. It has been such a great time bonding as a team. There has been so much unity, times of fellowship have been sweet both with one another and also with Pastor Steve.

Today we completed the task of finishing the kitchen. We were able to patch, paint and add light fixtures. The team has been working so well that all the tasks are accomplished timely, effectively and above all, beyond expectation. As we hit the middle point in the trip ,I would ask that you pray for the team to continue in the unity that we have had up to this point. I know that unity is a powerful witness to God, and our next location is going to be much more intense as we venture into the inner city of Tel Aviv. As the Apples have mentioned, we will be going into the highways and byways, to the forsaken of Israel. I believe this is the root of spiritual warfare we are sensing. I believe the enemy wants nothing more than to weaken our bond of love and ultimately cost us our witness. So my prayer request for you all reading is this: Just as Jesus Christ prayed for His body to be one as He and the Father were one, I ask th at you would please take a moment now, ago before the Living God and ask on behalf of our team, that we truly would remain one together in Him! Thank you so much!

"First Supper"

2011-11-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Team viewing Lebanon from the Israeli border at Tel Dan

2011-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

Every Member & Effective Work!

2011-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)

All I can say is the team is a machine! I have been so blessed by the unity of the team, the love of the team and the productivity of the team. We were given many assignments, the team split in teams to accomplish them, and when every thing was done from cleaning the bomb shelter and organizing a shed, to patching walls and priming for paint, I was a blessing to know that Pastor Steve was impressed and blessed! That is the point of this trip, to bless our missionaries and bless the people of Israel.

Afterward we had time to view the head of the Jordan River at Tel Dan,then made our way back by Mt. Bental where God gave us an amazing divine appointment with a Jewish man working at the cafe. After sharing the reality that death is the ultimate consequence for sin, and the fact that a Yom Kippur sacrifice is non existent, we shared Isaiah 53 and showed why we believe Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for sin. The man said he was a moved by our genuine love. He said others have shared, but he was moved by our love. As an act of gratitude he then served us all a hot cup of apple cider on the house! It was such a blessing and such a warm treat for such a cold foggy night! We really sensed God's blessing. Please pray for Kaiphar! It truly was an amazing appointment!

First Sabbath

2011-11-19T22:23:00.001-08:00

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10)

We arrived on Sabbath and due to the fact that there were no stores or restaurants open, we made it to our destination, then gathered whatever snacks we had packed for our "first supper." I am not sure it met the standards of "Kosher" since it was everything from Beef Jerky and Hot Tamale candies to Granola Bars to Chocolate covered espresso beans. But it was more than enough to feed our appetites!

We were up early the next day to have a devotional together and then began to work. Basically doing everything we can to prep for patching and painting. We concluded our work early in order to clean up for home church. That gave us a quick hour to drive down to the Sea of Galilee where we went to view the Mt of Beatitudes. It has been pouring rain the last couple days, so it poured all the way down to the sea, then the clouds parted and we had the most beautiful view I have ever seen of the location. We parked the cars, went to view the sea, read the entire Sermon on the Mount, took pictures, got back into the cars, and then it started to pour rain again! This time we saw a double rainbow over the mount of beatitudes!!! What does it mean?!!!

We ended the night with fellowship with the local church. Our students led worship and the last song was "How great is our God" where the whole room erupted in worship and praise signing the chorus together in English, Hebrew, and Russian! The students were blessed beyond words as we reflected the simple point, that was a taste of heaven! When one day, we from every nation, tribe and tongue will gather together to honor and extol, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

True Direction Revealed

2011-11-10T06:50:00.001-08:00

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Paul was called to be a servant and steward of the "mysteries of God," that is the wisdom of God which are known only by the Spirit of God, who dwells inside every believer. In fact Paul declared simply that in Christ, we have the "mind of Christ" which is the Spirit of God! (1 Corinthians 2:16) The main point here is that every person will have to stand before God, and He will expose the heart of everything that we have done, do or will do. God will expose the true counsel of the heart. As I read this verse, a question came to my mind, that is, "Who counsels your heart?" Do you counsel your own heart? Do you let others counsel your heart? Or do you let the Holy Spirit counsel your heart through the Living Word of God? The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God, and the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world, but in the end, which one is truly worth living for? We are so inundated with information in this world, but all this information is futile in light of eternity! So what is my point? Good question. My point is simple. Get direction from God every day. Get counsel, get instruction, get advice, get direction from the Holy Spirit through reading the Word. For there is coming a day when the Lord comes, and He will reveal the counsels of our hearts.

Faith and Fulfillment

2011-11-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

"Now may the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13)

The good news here is that God is a God of Hope which means He is a God of earnest expectation. It is His expectation of good things to come that fills us with joy, a sense of deep happiness that flows like a well deep from within, a hope which hinges not on any external factors. Not only does the God of Hope fill with hope, but also peace. A rest of calmness and confidence rooted deep within unhinged on any outside factors or circumstances. All of this comes simply in believing in the God of ALL hope! Believe in the Lord, trust in Him, whatever circumstance you find yourself in, have faith in Him and you too can experience hope and peace that surpasses all understanding, a supernatural hope and peace which is ultimately fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Doubt and Denial

2011-10-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard, and the servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." But he deny it before them all..." (Matthew 26:69-70)

This first denial comes immediately after Jesus is being beaten and mocked for claiming to be the Christ. Matthew notes that Peter followed Jesus at a distance as He was taken to the Sanhedrin. Luke notes that immediately after Peter's third denial the "Lord turned and looked at Peter" (Luke 22:61). Peter was obviously able to see everything that was happening to Jesus. I can imagine fear in Peter's soul as he witnesses Jesus being beaten and mocked by the religious giants of the day. Perhaps Peter's fear was for his own life for being a follower of Jesus, or perhaps he was intimidated by the "Established Elite" who "knew everything there was to know about scriptures"which resulted in doubt and ultimately denial. We live in a world that exalts higher education. Our youth go to school and are soon enrolled into institutions of higher learning where many the intellectual elite intimidate with their credentials. Presuming to know better their empty philosophies cause doubt in the minds of followers of Christ. I believe doubt is the first step in the direction of denial. It is important that we stand firm on Jesus who truly is the Christ, the fulfilled Messiah of the Old Testament, Who is the Way the Truth and the Life. We must stand firm upon the Holy Scriptures which have been miraculously preserved and realize the cunningness of the Enemy who stops at nothing using whatever he can to intimidate for the sake of doubt and denial. Be steadfast and immovable always abounding in the Lord's work. Above all stand firm upon the Lord Jesus Christ!

Hope for the Broken

2011-10-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

"...Whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." (Matthew 21:44)

Jesus is clear that the Stone prophesied of old was a Living Stone who is Himself and there are only two options given concerning Him. To fall on the Stone is to willfully cast yourself upon Him. Though the result of such fall is being broken which is painful, but there is hope, for that which is broken has the hope of being restored. The only other choice is to avoid the Stone all together. The result of such rejection is to be ground into powder which is complete and utter destruction. There remains no hope for that which is ground into powder. Fall on the Lord Jesus, throw yourself upon Him casting all of your cares and all of who you are. For though you will be broken, you will having a living hope and in the end you shall be established.

The LORD is Good

2011-09-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

"The LORD is good; a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)

If you have ever read the book of Nahum you will note that it is a a book filled declarations of God against the nation of Nineveh a Gentile Nation. The book at a glance seems so depressing, as it is filled with righteous wrath and anger against a nation that had given itself to perversion and filth. But the fact remains that God is His great love is acting lovingly through sending a warning to this nation and even declaring through the prophet that, "He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7). God is was extending grace for God is a righteous God, and God is a Good God! The promise of scripture is that he will never put to shame those who trust Him! So continue in the Lord in trust for everything!

Remember Grace and Mercy

2011-08-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

The main issue with ancient Judah was worship of God in pretense but not according to truth, nor the Word of Truth. As I have been reading Jeremiah this week, I cannot help but note so many similarities between Judah then and American Christianity today. Just as many in the American Church accept the premise of evolution, Judah said to a stone, "you gave birth to me." Judah was guilty of turning to the LORD, but not with their whole heart, it was "in pretense." Judah grew great, Judah grew rich, Judah grew fat, but yet failed to "plead the cause of the fatherless." Though they were prosperous they failed to defend the right of the needy. Is it any wonder that the LORD would not punish Judah for these things? The scary thing is the word the LORD gives towards any nation that does this saying, "Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?" (Jeremiah 5:29) Judah had the Word of God, but the Word was not their delight! In fact though they had it, and though they went to the temple weekly to hear it, they actually rejected it, following instead the dictate of their own heart. They were all given to covetousness and their shepherds were just as dull-hearted. Therefore their chastisment from the north (Babylon) was imminent! God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Lord may the Nation where I reside, that claims to be called by Your Name repent of its ways, quit it's rebellion of pretense truly take to heart the Living Word spoken from generations past, to understand you and to know you. For though we are deserving of your judgment you "exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth", and all we can plead is the mercy and grace which you extend through your Son Jesus the promised Messiah and Everlasting Redeemer! Amen.

Grace, Grace and then More Grace!

2011-07-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

"I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me" (Psalm 101:6)

God is so wonderful as to give us a promise of more grace. This is wonderful in light of the fact that He ultimately is the Faithful One. Our faithfulness is simply a response to His faithfulness. We love Him because He first loved us! What makes this promise so wonderful is that it reveals God's grace upon grace! The grace of God is so good He gives us more grace upon our response to His grace! The more we respond, the more we receive, so it only gets better and better! O, that we remain faithful and steadfast in the love with which He has first loved, and know that our response will only be met with more grace upon grace! And that my friend is a lot of grace!

The Immesurable Value of the Living Word!

2011-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

"The Law of the LORD is perfect reviving the soul... More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by keeping them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7,10,11)

To remain diligent in the scriptures is to have benefits and reward beyond anything this world could ever offer or produce! That we would learn the true value of the Living Word that God has given! It is more than mere words bound within leather, the Bible is God's breath of instruction and encouragement, sufficient enough to address whatever position of life we may find ourselves in! Remain diligent to His word, stay steadfast and consistent in the Word of God for in it you shall discover the riches of His wisdom, joy, understanding, truth, endurance, satisfaction and reward! For apart from His Word, these things cannot be so!!!

Tactics of the Adversary

2011-07-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

"Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the LORD, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers' house and said to them, "Let us build with you..." (Ezra 4:1)

If you were to take a look at the fourth chapter of Ezra you would gain a big picture of the way the adversary works towards those who have decided to make disciples. Disciple Makers are builder of the temple of God, a house not made with hands made up of living stones being built up into a Spiritual House, the Temple of God. Disciple Makers, or better stated, Temple Builders are a threat to the adversary, Satan, who roars about like a lion seeking whom he may devour. His tactics are subtle at first and very sly. His first tactic is compromise, "come on, let me build with you, compromise with a sin here or there, it's no big deal." He is the Father of lies. When one resists the enemy he flees, but it never means the adversary is done!!! In Ezra 4:4-5 it says that the adversary came back and "discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose." When the adversary is resisted, he is forced to change his tactics. The adversary will come next with discouragement. If you resist, he will come with frustration. If you resist he may come back with force. But take courage. Although the people met resistance, God sent his prophets to say to the people "'Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified' says the Lord" (Haggai 1:7).

Are you meeting resistance? Resistance is a good sign that you are on the right track!!! And if you are not meeting resistance, get building! We are on the earth but for a short time. Let us be productive Temple Builders, active Disciple Makers and do the task our Lord has set us to do for His glory!!!

The Power of Prayer + Praise

2011-05-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

"And David said, " O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithopel into foolishness." While David was coming to the summit where God was worshipped, behold Hushai the Archite came to meet him..." (2 Samuel15:31-32)

There is Power in Prayer when combined with Praise. David was at one of the lowest points in his life. Having been forced from his throne, David is literally running for his life! Upon his ascent up the Mt. of Olives east of Jerusalem, David had a specific prayer for the counsel of his son to be thwarted. As soon has David came to the "Place of Praise" he received his answer. David had the wisdom to see God's answer and to give direction concerning it. O the power of power in connection with the place of praise! May we pray specifically, pray worshipfully, and have the wisdom to see God's answer and respond accordingly!

Samson's Life of "Impact"

2011-04-15T10:48:00.001-07:00

"Then Samson called to the LORD and said, "O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me... Let me die... Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life" (Judges 16:28,30)

Samson made the "Faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11:32). This prayer is the second of two recorded in the life of Samson, but this one is different. Samson's prayer is one of humility and willingness to die to himself, literally. God answered and Samson died a victorious death! It's not how you start the race, it's about how well you finish! Samson finally died to himself "took up his cross" if you will, and God used it to bring victory for Israel and glory for His Name! Furthermore, because Samson was willing to die to himself the Bible states that more lives were "IMPACTED" after his death than during his life. It is so easy to talk smack about people in the Bible, forgetting they were human, just like you and me! Samson is a man of valor! He is a mighty man for God! From God's point of view, the life of Samson is victorious, because Samson finished well and surrendered his life to the will of God. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Jesus; Luke 9:23). If you want a victorious life, surrender your life to the will of God, die to your self, take up your cross and follow Jesus!

Spirit -> Flesh = Foolish

2011-04-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I must say, one of the most perplexing sections of scripture is the historical account of Jephthah's foolish vow found in Judges 11:29-40 (Check it out for yourself). The vow was foolish. It was not commanded by God nor was it commanded to be upheld by God. Jephthah never turned to God in the midst of it, and though I have read commentaries which write it off, the Bible clearly says he went through with his vow. The Bible did not command it, God did not command it, Jephthah simply did something foolish. Jephthah's vow was tragic and foolish because even though he had begun in the Spirit (Judges 11:29), he tried to sway God and secure a victory by his fleshly efforts (Judges 11:30), an act that was unnecessary which in the end cost him his family! Paul spoke of this exact foolishness to the Church in Galatia saying, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? We do the same thing when we turn from our simple faith in God and try to perfect through our flesh a work that can only be done through the Spirit of God! Have you taken control of your own Christianity and placed the burden on yourself and your religion? Repent and relent! Place your confidence in Christ and rely in the power of His Spirit! Don't be foolish like Jephthah!

Big Problem? Simple Solution!

2011-04-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

"And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight with Israel" (Joshua 11:5)

All the opposing nations in their united opposition made it easier for Israel to deal with their enemies with one blow! God was and always will be at the defense of His people. All the enemies joining together does not make a bigger problem for God, but rather makes for a simpler solution! Take courage, even when the odds are stacked against you, no problem is ever too big for God. It is actually an opportunity for God to deal with it and bring resolve, very often, "with one blow!"

Be Without Delay!

2011-04-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

And (Rahab) said, "According to your word, so be it." Then she sent (the spies) away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window." (Joshua 2:21)

The same Scarlet Cord that saved the Jewish spies from the enemies of Jericho was the same Life-Line that would save a Gentile harlot. This Blood Red lifeline speaks of none other than Jesus who is God's line of salvation from above, furthermore there are no other lines. The thing that struck me was the immediacy of Rahab in her obedience to hang the cord from her window. Rahab did not delay until a more opportune time, or wait until the armies of Israel were marching in! She immediately fastened that cord our of her window for all to see. The armies of Israel would see that cord hanging as they would march around the city. The people of Jericho would see but not understand. Regardless of who saw or what they might have thought, Rahab was not about to delay her lifeline, the only thing that would assure her salvation. "Behold, now is the accepted time... now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion" (Hebrews 3:15). Be as was Rahab, be without delay!

God Knows the Wicked Intents of the Heart!

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on "Female Captives" taken from Deuteronomy 21:10-14...

Upon reading this section I was reflecting that God's command was in no way "a command to do" inasmuch a regulation based on foreknowledge of what God knew the wicked intents of the heart would move men to do! God knows the sinful heart of man, therefore for the sake of the women and their self-dignity, God warned Israel by regulating their behavior so that they would not give into the impulses of their flesh! History shows time and again, that women effected by war and invading armies are treated as objects of abuse. God in no way intends for such brutal treatment, therefore a shaved head, a month to mourn, and descent attire for a month would be sufficient time for a man to be free of sexual impulse furthermore allow the women to see that there was something unique about the God of Israel. To see He is a God of love, a God of care, a God of dignity. So many would read this section of scripture and assume that God is somehow a brutal God and this is based on the fallacy that humans are inherently good. On the contrary, God is good, man is evil, therefore in order to assure people do not destroy and degrade one other, God has to step in to regulate. Such regulations in the Bible actually show us how sinful we are at the same time revealing how good God is!

The Heart of the Matter

2011-03-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

"You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey his voice , and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him." (Deuteronomy 13:4)

Though a relationship with God is secure by the work of the Cross, fellowship is maintained by our daily pursuit. Furthermore the degree of our pursuit is determined by the passion of the heart. The command here is to pursue God at all costs from the heart. It is a command to "walk after the LORD," to make progress towards Him daily. To "fear Him" and have reverence, something that is reflected by a life of holiness. To "keep His commandments" which essentially means to own His word in our heart and mind, whether it be a promise to claim or a command to obey. To "obey his voice" is to discern and to do as His Spirit leads us with a still small voice. We are called to "serve Him" being an extension of His love and grace to the world around us, all of which is rooted in faith as we "hold fast to Him," by taking refuge under him like a child holding their daddy's legs! A life of fellowship is a life of action rooted in a deep love for God which takes root in our heart!

The Power of Salvation

2011-03-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

"Has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deed of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?" (Deuteronomy 4:34)

The Salvation of Israel from the midst of Egypt was the most dramatic stage in human history. At that time there was no power that could rival the sheer splendor of Egypt. Furthermore there was no clan that was so small and insignificant as Israel, a family of 12 brothers. How could 12 brothers and their little ones ever rival such a mighty nation as Egypt!? Yet God redeemed Israel with a mighty hand in order to show the world from the earliest accounts of history that HE GOVERNS ABOVE ALL and that HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE! No matter how big the sin, no matter how deep the addiction, look to God. The power of salvation belongs to God and to Him alone!

God's Prayer for His People

2011-03-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26)

There is a peace and a joy that God wants us to experience in Him that remains regardless of any of our given circumstances. The prayer found in Numbers 6:24-26 is a prayer for God's people which is grounded in His wonderful attributes.

The "Blessing" of the LORD is the joy of the LORD over His people and the prayer is that knowledge of this joy would result in the people depending on Him to carry and protect, to guide and provide, to sustain and to guard, and to ultimately to carry His child home!

The "Shining Face" of the LORD is His glory and His radiance, His light unto our path, His power to give awe and to ultimately reflect His light into a dark world. The prayer is that the graciousness of God would be received by the people, for, "Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change" (James 1:17).

The "Countenance" of the LORD is the face of God. It is to ultimately to know Him, be familiar with Him, well acquainted with His ways, knowing who He is! The prayer is that knowing Him intimately would result in peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that remains no matter what difficulties, challenges or circumstances one may face.

God I pray for Your people that they would know Your blessing, shining and countenance in order that they may experience a life of peace and joy that remains regardless of any given circumstances! In the name of Jesus the Messiah, Amen!

Attention to His Word

2011-02-09T08:53:00.001-08:00

"You have seen for yourselves that I have talked with you from heaven. You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make yourselves gods of gold." (Exodus 20:22-23)

God spoke plainly to Moses and to Israel so that no objects in the physical realm would be created in memory of the time when the LORD spoke to the nation of Israel. I am sure the people would have been prone to mimic Egypt by creating their own idolatry to memorialize the moment they encountered God at the Mountain called Sinai. God however did not speak through any physical object in the physical realm. He spoke plainly so that the people would give attention to His Words rather than an object. Therefore we today, must take more earnest heed to set our attention to HIS WORD than any other thing!

Trials are a Part of Our Testimonies

2011-02-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done... All the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the LORD had delivered them" (Exodus 18:9)

How easy it is to ask God "why?" when we face challenges in our journey and lose sight of the fact that "all things" work out for a better purpose! God truly is "Mighty to Save," but do not forget that the prerequisite to be saved, delivered or rescued is to be in grave danger. Great heroes of faith like Paul learned this lesson so deeply that he actually learned to embrace difficulties! (2 Cor 12:10) The father-in-law of Moses learned all the challenges Israel faced and how God was "Mighty to Save" and it moved Jethro himself to "Bless the LORD!" Take courage! God is mighty to save, to bring you through for your benefit and also for the benefit of others becuase trials are what make up our testimonies.

"I Have So Much More"

2011-01-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

"The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are..." (Genesis 13:14)

The LORD had to tell Abraham to "Lift up your eyes..." I wonder what emotions were going through Abrams mind at this point. Lot had just made a decision to take the well watered region of the Jordan Valley, a place so rich it was described as being "like the garden of the LORD!" Lot chose to go the way of Sodom where he received instant riches, instant wealth, and immediate gratification. Perhaps Abram felt he had just missed the opportunity of a lifetime, after all he was the uncle which allowed him the right to choose. Instead, Abram had chosen the path of humility, and gave Lot the first choice. Little did Abram and Lot know, how temporal the richness of Sodom would be! The most encouraging thing is that the LORD in His abundant grace met Abram right where he was, "Lift up your eyes Abram, be content, focus on the place that I have you, and know that I have so much more!" What an encouragement to me! Let us not focus on the temporal gratifications of life, but hope in God Who has so much more than we can ever imagine!

The Cup I Deserve

2011-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

“The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One,   you who are and who were; for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets,   and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”And I heard the altar respond: ‘Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.’” (Revelation 16:4-7)

As I was reading this text I was stuck with the reality, that I personally deserve this cup of wrath, furthermore all the cups of wrath that are still to come upon a God rejecting world. This is the verse God gave me in light of a recent communion service and it moved me to humility. The truth is that all sin, all fall short, all earn and deserve the wrath of God. Yet God, in His infinite grace took my sin and placed it upon His Son, so that today, I can hold a small cup of grape juice, drinking it in honor of Him. For Jesus took the cup of God's wrath that was due for my sin and He drank it all, to the very last drop and said, "It is finished!" Thank you Lord for drinking the wrath I so rightly deserve.

The (Exciting) Life of Worship

2010-11-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols however you were led." (1 Corinthians 12:1-2)

In Paul's instruction to the church concerning the desire for and application of Spiritual Gifts, Ministries, and Activities, he reminds them first of the mindless, redundant, ritualistic dead worship of idols. Serving an idol previously meant going to a temple or location at a set time and going through a traditional set of rituals, such were dead, had no life, variety or change. But serving the living God by serving one another was the new order of worship for the church! I was really struck by this reality as we served at the orphanage this past week. Worship was not a mindless bowing before a statue with incense burning. Worship was playing a game of soccer with the orphans. Worship was the stroke of a paint brush, a roll of the roller in the presence of friends, laughing, joking, and enjoying fellowship. Worship was the application of fresh wax on a floor, with the memorable (funny in hindsight) uninformed orphan walking right through. Worship was the creative challenge of coming up with, drawing and painting a backdrop for a children's play next month. I was simply reminded this week that worshipping the true living God is adventurous, exciting, and always changing. How much more should we desire and live out a life of worship as our God intended!

Going South of the Border

2010-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

Well it is the eve of yet another mission endeavor, and I am excited to include my beautiful wife and my son on the next short term journey to south of the border to Rancho Milagro. Brayden has been begging me to take him on a mission journey and it has always been my dream to expose my own children to "The Real World." No matter how "hard" times are for Americans, it still doesn't compare to the reality of the other 94% population of the world. It is my hope and my prayer that Brayden and myself, seeing other children who don't have parents and witnessing again first hand their standard of living would forever make an impression moving us have deeper compassion and renewed commitment to serve Christ by serving orphans, which truly is pure and undefiled religion.

His Purpose Prevails

2010-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

"Then (Jesus) said to (His Disciples), "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." And he strictly charged and commanded the to tell this to no one, saying "The Son of man must suffer many things... be killed... and on the third day be raised" (Luke 9:20-22)

Jesus had a focus, a work and a purpose to accomplish. Declaration to the masses that Jesus is indeed the Christ, Messiah and Anointed One of God would eventually be proclaimed to the nations, but His name, His title and His position were not His priority. Jesus' priority was the necessary work He had to accomplish for salvation to be sure. How much more should we follow in His steps, not focused on our own titles, but rather simply doing the work of God and fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives!

Quick Recap

2010-09-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

Well due to the fact that we were literally in the middle of nowhere with no access to the outside world communication wise for the duration of the trip, I must some it up in a few words:

From cities, to the bush, to churches to tribes. From land to sea, to an island surrounded by tropical turquoise waters. Yet the most amazing and humbling thing I have seen is the sheer excitement and hunger the people have for God's Word. We in the states get exited about sports, we root for our teams, but these people shout exuberant shouts of joy (and I am not exaggerating) to receive God's Word. People walked over 30 miles just to get a Bible! I was moved to tears at the sound of the excitement that people had for the Bible as I was confronted with the reality, that I have grown to take His Word for granted. God stir in me a renewed desire for Your precious Word.

South Africa -> Swaziland

2010-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Want to give you an update on what is happening. It is 5:00am and I am fully awake. We are supposed to be up in the next hour to load up the vehicles to drive to Swaziland where we will join a church and distribute 70 Talking Bibles. Swaziland currently is the nation in Africa hardest hit by AIDS and we were told that 60% of pregnant women are infected. Please pray that the hearing of God's Word would bring encouragement to the people and also equip them with truth. The Talking Bibles have an AIDS message that teach the true facts we take for granted but also offers a biblical message of hope, for the living God is a God of redemption Who promises to use all things for His glory if we put our faith, confidence, life and trust in Him! Thank you so much for the prayers, we so feel them! We are about to venture into a week of ministry with no doubt much spiritual and physical challenge. God is great! He already has spoken so much encouragement to the team! I am not sure if I will have much Internet access from here on out so please pray daily! Thank you so much!

Amazing How God Affirms His Word Over and Over and...

2010-09-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

God gave me such a profound word the night before I left on this journey in Matthew 6. "Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air...Are you not of more value then they?" God showed me the reason I worry is because I value my own life. He also showed me that He values me so much more, so I have nothing to worry about! As I shared this word with the group for our impromptu devotion in the terminal, a brother in the Lord over hearing caught us a bit while later and gave us so much encouragement that enhanced what we had discussed noting that fear is a synonym for worry, encouraging not to fear. Okay Lord, I got your message loud and clear!

Doing Good in Place of Evil

2010-08-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

"O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of you prosperity" (Daniel 4:27)

So often we think we change our direction by simply stopping a certain habit or behavior, without ever putting something else in place. Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar concerning a vision God gave him as a warning, to break off his sins by doing righteousness. Its not enough just to stop doing sinful things, but we must turn around from it and do righteous things. Repentance means we change direction. If we are walking in the direction of destruction, it does no good to just stop. We must be willing to turn around and walk the other direction. That is what repentance is all about.

Where Real Strength Resides

2010-04-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

"'I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!'" But (Samson) did not know that the LORD had departed from him." (Judges 16:20)

When Samson felt his strongest he was actually his weakest. This has to be one of the saddest verses in the entire Bible! However, what I find interesting is what happens a few verses later. "Samson called to the LORD, saying, 'O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray just this once, O God..." (Judges 16:28). When Samson was weak, willing to die to himself, then he was strong! I think that we can have have the tendency to think we are strongest spiritually when we feel like it. So what do we do when we are weak? Receive grace! As the Apostle Paul said, " When I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

ATF Winter Camp 2010

2010-03-27T11:53:00.001-07:00

Good job Steph!

Surveying Uncharted Territories

2010-03-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

"How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers is giving you?" (Joshua 18:3)

I firmly believe that God created us to be explorers. To search out and discover the wonderful mysteries of the World and amazing promises of the Word! Some of the tribes of Israel were in the land being observers, watching their brothers move ahead, grow and possess the promises of God, all the while remaining stagnant! How many believers are in the same place? Discouraged that others are growing and feeling they are getting nowhere? I have been there! God has taught me, the only way to grow is to do hard work, the work of an explorer. To search out His Word and not to leave until I discover something new! Be an explorer! Do hard work! Possess God's promises!

Reflection on Leprosy

2010-02-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Leprosy is an interesting disease and I wanted to take a moment to record some facts:

It starts under the skin out of sight initially, eventually making itself manifest.
It numbs the nerves, many would not know they had it until they dropped something on their foot and would not feel it. Things that would make them shutter don't anymore.
It separated families and friends.
At the time it had no cure until Jesus came to the scene to heal it.

Leprosy in the Bible is a picture of the effects of sin. It was a sore below the skin, just as sin is below our skin, it is a heart issue. The fascinating thing is when a person was effected head to toe, to the point that it would not spread any longer, it was no longer active and a person would be declared to be clean! (Lev 13:12-13) When we are willing to confess we are total sinners (head to toe) and believe in the Lord Jesus, we are made clean! (Romans 10:9)

To Be Clean or Not to be Clean

2010-02-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Leviticus 11 is about the foods permitted and forbidden for Israel. I have always understood the practical aspect (foods forbidden have been shown to actually be unsafe heath wise especially when not prepared correctly). However today I learned the Spiritual lesson... Consider this... An animal was clean based on the way that it "walked" (i.e. cloven hooves) and the way it ate (i.e. chewing the cud). A question that came up in my study was this, "Are we divided in our own personal walk?" Jesus said, "man shall not live on bread alone but by every word of God." James said, "be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves." So "chew" on that today, and "walk" accordingly!!!

Leviticus!!!!!!

2010-02-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

If you are reading alonging in the One Year Bible... Keep on!!!!

I know Leviticus can be one of the most challenging books... believe me, it is VERY challenging to me too! But if we keep Jesus in mind and dedicate ourselves to understanding, God WILL reveal many wonderful treasures. As Jesus Himself said, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given" (Mark 4:24).

Let's briefly cover the first 5 Chapters you should have completed by today:

The first 3 Offerings (Burnt, Grain and Peace) were voluntary...
Essentially, freewill offerings of worship. The Burnt symbolizes complete dedication and consecration. We complete this by offering our lives in complete dedication to God. The Grain Offering was an offering of complete praise the flour being our sustainence, frankensence a fragrence of praise, the oil a symbol of the spirit. We complete this offering when we worship the Lord in spirit and in truth! The third offering was the peace offering. This was an offering of thanksgiving. We fulfill this when we constantly pray and thank God for all things, just as Paul said to the Church at Thessalonica, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thess 5:16-18).

The Last 2 Offerings (Sin and Trespass) were necessary...
This was something that had to be done. The Sin offering was for the sins that were done in ignorance. Before Jesus we live a life of sin and we are ignorant to it. When we experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit who is the witness of such sin, He reveals to us this sin we come to realize it's sin! The Trespass is the thing that we do, knowing its against God! The amazing thing is God's grace!!! In such case he still gives the witness of the Holy Spirit Who sees all things and testifies even of these things to us, bringing us to that place of conviction and confession. The good news is that these offerings for our sin were fulfilled by Jesus on the Cross!!! As Paul said of concerning Jesus, ...who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thank God for making Jesus our Sin and Trespass offering!!!

I hope that this encourages you to keep reading through this wonderful book!!!!

Serve and Give

2010-01-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

"... the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28)

To serve others and give give your life is to go in the way of the Master.

In the Words (of Satan)

2010-01-08T20:21:00.001-08:00

Here is the video you all have been requesting!

The Richness of His Grace!

2010-01-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

"Abram was 86 years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram. When Abram was 99 years old the Lord appeared to Abram" (Gen 16:16-17:1)

Abram made a huge mistake by trying to take matters into His own hands, and for 13 years he lived with that mistake and did not hear from the Lord the entire time! So when God did appear again the scripture says, "Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him..." How broken and humble Abram must have felt, to perhaps feel as though he had blown it so bad that he would ever hear from the Lord, or feel as though God may have given up on him! So often our mistakes play on our emotions so that we feel somehow we have let God down so bad that He has deserted us. But the truth is God is full of mercy and grace. God did not scold Abram for his mistake, but talked with him, offering Abram a new start. To live a life of repentance and faith in the promises that He had given Abram. O the richness of the grace of God!

The God Who can Relate!

2010-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1)

The text states that Jesus was "led up," which in the Greek can translate: Navigated and Launched to Sea. The Maiden Voyage of our Lord, Jesus' first launch into ministry was not to immediate preaching and teaching what we humans should do... On the contrary, Jesus' first launch into ministry was temptation in a hot, lonely, desolate wilderness. Before any sermon, before any preaching, Jesus felt first hand what it was like to be "tempted in all points that we are tempted daily, yet He went without sin" (Heb 2:18). Jesus did all this so that he could aid us, relate to us, and grant us the grace and mercy we need in our time of need! (Heb 4:15-16). It is so comforting to know that I serve a God Who knows where I am at, to be in my shoes, to understand first hand what it is really like to be human, all so that he can give me the help I need and extend the grace and mercy necessary to enter His presence without shame.

One out of the Archives

2009-12-24T11:33:00.001-08:00

This was a film that was filmed and directed for our "Night at the Oscars" event that we had a couple years ago... I found it and thought I would share it!

A Refuge and Strength

2009-12-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

"The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; and He know those who trust Him" (Nahum 1:7)

I remember being at the British Museum in London a couple years back and seeing engraved stones actually recovered from Ancient Nineveh and it was brutal! The Assyrians prided themselves in their brutality and you could see it in their decorations filled with Assyrian soldiers chopping off heads with knives, spears sticking through victims as the army was depicted on horses trampling over the dead. The book of Nahum is a proclamation to the Ancient Assyrian Empire concerning the severe judgment of God that was to come... The severity of God is very obvious in the text yet we still see God's love and grace as He warns them through the prophet, "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked" (Nahum 1:3). So we see clearly the truth that God is a just Judge, but not only that, but we see opportunity for repentance. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust Him." Although He was going to (and has) make Assyria a heap of ruins, He promised to be a refuge to anyone who would simply put their trust in Him! And yes that includes people, who were so far from Him that they made furniture of human leather!!! God truly is good, repent from sin and put your trust in Him!

Massive Mall Hunt Teaser

2009-12-09T22:09:00.001-08:00

Ready to Come Home

2009-11-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had our last dinner in Israel... Tomorrow we will head up to Jerusalem to drop off our good friend Sosimo, shop a little and then go back to the Airport. Today we had a great time touring Caesarea and Mt. Carmel. Being here has been a really good trip, but I am honestly ready to see my family. I really am grateful for the fact that I can talk with them and see them via iChat but it is nowhere near the same as seeing them in person!

Thank you so much for all your prayers for this journey, we have seen God do so many things! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe journey home. Please keep the missionaries we visited in your prayers... There are so many things that are happening is Israel and around it. Being here has really opened my eyes more and convinced me that we are much closer to seeing many of the most amazing prophesies of the end times fulfilled in our lifetime... We need to wake up from slumber and watch and pray as the Lord commanded us to do!

Love in Deed and Truth!

2009-11-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Today we spent time putting final touches on the decorations at the worship place and soup kitchen. Pat and Stephen were especially stoked with the Chips Ahoy cookies and Chili we brought them back from the states! I had a really good time serving with Stephen helping to set up a new sound system. It brought me back to the old days when they were all on staff at CC Oceanside working together in the work of the ministry. The one thing that really impressed me about the ministry here is the balanced emphasis on spreading the gospel and caring for the poor. As Stephen shared, there was a time when getting the gospel out held more weight and importance in his mind. However as he has been serving in Israel and ministering to the poor, God has taught him, that caring for the poor serves to open the heart in order to receive the gospel. As he noted, back in the states there is the camp which emphasizes getting out the gospel without any service to the community, and then there is the other camp that emphasizes community service with no getting out the gospel! God has taught him that both equally work together, for love in action prepares the heart to listen to and receive the gospel. Because there is so much practical ministry happening, the people in this neighborhood are so open to the gospel and actually look forward to meet more followers of Yeshua (Jesus)! People here in in the immediate area are so much more open to the gospel. Their hearts are touched by love in action! Just as John said, "Let us not love in word of in tongue but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18).

Tel Aviv Outreach

2009-11-28T11:35:00.001-08:00

Well the highlight of the day today was the outreach in Tel Aviv. It is officially the end of Shabbat (Sabbath) as I write this blog, but today was the day when Israel slows down and people gather at the beach to just hang out. We started the day with a worship service and fellowship meal. It is so amazing to witness first hand the ministry that the Lord is accomplishing through the obedience of his servants. The poor and needy are so grateful that followers of Yeshua come to love in action. We have had so many wonderful privileged opportunities to share the Love of Christ to the nation of Israel.

After the worship service we had the chance to take the sound system down to the beach. The students shared with the people through worship music and drama. Horizon School of Evangelism from San Diego is here, so we did the outreach together. 2 people from their team shared their testimony to the people. The Lord allowed for many divine opportunities for conversation and distribution of tracks and copies of the "new covenant" (a.k.a. the New Testament) which is not printed in Israel and difficult to obtain.

Tomorrow we will finish some work at the soup kitchen, and may participate in another outreach and distribution of the "New Covenant." Thanks so much for your prayers. We are witnessing the miracles of God in so many ways I cannot even list them all.

Work Day!

2009-11-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

Just got finished with our work for the day and are enjoying yet another Pita sandwich...

Today we had the opportunity to serve with Horizon School of Evangelism to paint and decorate! It was fun to hang out with the Apples, brought back so many wonderful memories of the days before they came...

The sun here has officially set and so it is Shabbat (a.k.a. Sabbath). We will go to worship in the morning, have food and fellowship with the congregation and then will participate in a street outreach afterward! Thanks for keeping posted on all that's going down!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T22:55:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Tel Aviv and joined up with Horizon School of Evangelism to prepare the facility to minister to the poor with a restaurant style meal. There were so many wonderful opportunities to minister and talk with people. The team had the privilege to experience God's healing power on a woman who had been living with a chronic foot condition. Pat also shared with us last night after our arrival that she had been praying for a church to make knit beanies for the elders they minister to. The wonderful thing is that unknowingly, but obviously orchestrated by God, the youth in the states made knit beanies for us to take to Tel Aviv. A phrase came to my mind last night as we shared and prayed... God is a God of Miracles, and God blesses faith. I know personally, I have felt stretched so much everyday of this trip... The most amazing thing is that God has done amazing miracles everyday. Thanks for the prayers, we feel them. Today we will be painting and decorating the Church in Tel Aviv and tomorrow we will be out on the streets . The trip has been so amazing and there are so many stories to tell, I don't think it would fit! Many blessings to you back in the states, Happy Thanksgiving and Shalom!

On Route to Tel Aviv

2009-11-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

By the grace of God we have completed the first half of the journey to and are in route to Tel Aviv. We began the day with baptisms at the Jordan River and had an amazing time. From there we drove south to the Dead Sea, where we stopped for lunch at En Gedi and then went for a short float in the Dead Sea. From there we made our way towards Tel Aviv. We are currently in Jerusalem for the night and will leave for Tel Aviv first thing in the morning. We will spend our Thanksgiving serving the poor at the food at a shelter! Many blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!!! (Oh, the picture is a lamp that has been constructed to furnish the Temple on the Mount... When it will be built that is!)

Great Day Touring

2009-11-24T08:55:00.001-08:00

We have had a such a busy time the last few days, but got our work done a day early so the team took the day to go touring throughout Northern Israel...

We went to Tel Dan and experienced on of the springs that feeds into the Jordan River and took a look at the Lebanon border. From there we went to Banas a great water fall and Caesarea Phillipi and picked up a bunch of petras for the youth group. From there we went to Mt Hermon (a.k.a. Mount of Transfiguration), Mount Bental which overlooks the Syrian borders. The day was finished off with a Falafel... A GIANT FALAFEL...

We are at the local coffee shop making phone calls, updating facebooks and obviously blogs. The next plan is to grab a box of Magnum Ice Cream and going back to the house to finish off the Sweet 16 Celebration for Kaila!!! Tomorrow we make our way for Jerusalem and from there to Tel Aviv for the final half of the trip! Many Blessings to you all, thank you so much for your prayers!!!

One more thing... I finally tried Cottage Cheese!

2009-11-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not I have never had Cottage Cheese due to the gross texture... But I was challenged to do it on Bleechkies (basically Russian for Crepes). I am not sure if it counts though because I mixed the cream cheese with a ton of Russian jam which actually kinda drowned out any hint of the Cottage Cheese... But the point is, that I ate it!!! The pastors mother in law who is a holocaust survivor shared with us her story, an unforgettable evening to say the least.

Home Improvement

2009-11-23T09:32:00.001-08:00

The Team took the last couple days to work on the house were the Church meets. We repainted the place and decorated it... Place looks amazing and the Pastor seemed to be very blessed and pleased! We are having a great journey, please keep the team in prayer for protection, boldness and God's grace! Thanks!!!!

The First 2 Days....

2009-11-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

God has been doing some amazing things and trying to put it all down on a short blog would be impossible... We spent the first day leading worship and teaching a morning study as well as an evening study. In between we got a chance to tour Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes. After the night service the team did worship and drama on the boardwalk in Tiberias where they experienced mixed reactions... from those who cursed and mocked and Orthodox Jews who actually were moved by the love and compassion of a group of Americans who would actually travel half way around the globe to share the Love and compassion of God with them! We experienced first hand God's miraculous provisions and got a house painted today too!!! And that is just in the first 2 days!!! Thanks so much to everyone for prayers!! Many blessings to you all and Shalom!!!!!

Waiting to Board: Getting Directions for the Road

2009-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Check out these instructions... Someone has to learn Hebrew quick!!!

One Spirit, One Mind, One Strive

2009-11-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for the Journey in 2 days...

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..." (Philippians 1:27)

There are so many things that we as believers have opinions on, and unfortunately we many times allow those opinions to cause division! We as the body of Christ are one! Jesus is the head of the church and we are all a different part of the body. So how can the body with so many different parts, functions and abilities be productive??? Simple, we must have the same strive: Get the gospel out! Conduct is key. We must have one spirit, one mind, one strive... Unity as believers happens when we strive to get the gospel out and not strive against one another!!!

T Minus 1 Week...

2009-11-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well I just sent out emails to missionaries in Israel about final details, set up our communications, am figuring out our budget, got the High School Website updated, Church Website updated... Rental cars, lodging, air, baggage details in order and um.... Lord willing we will be landing in Tel Aviv at this time next week!

Please keep in the team in prayers as we prepare for this journey and stay posted on this blog and on Facebook as this journey unfolds! I want to give a big Thank you to everyone for all their prayers, thoughts and support! God is good!

The Power of Prayer

2009-11-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one" (Ezekiel 22:30)

God here reveals His desire, a person who is willing to set themselves apart to communicate to Him on behalf of others. God longs to communicate and fellowship with people, and even with one person is enough! So often we can lose heart at the state of the world, nation or our community and feel overwhelmed by it. But the reality is, that this is an opportunity to do what God desires the most, to communicate with Him! As my good friend recently reminded me in light of his mission journey, "Pray for us! And don't underestimate the power of prayer!" God is looking for someone willing to build up a wall to guard away all the distractions. God is looking for someone willing to "stand in the gap," to pray on behalf of others!

Be Real

2009-10-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3)

God is not looking for a facade of religion. When people mask themselves it is impossible to know who they are at the core of their being. Abram was willing to ask God genuine questions, like "what?" or "how?" (Genesis 15). Don't be afraid to ask God real questions for He has promised to give us real answers. There are some amazingly awesome things God wants to reveal to us in His Word and concerning this life, but it is going to require one thing from you... Be Real!

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2009-10-12T09:45:00.001-07:00

"This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the LORD their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28)

As I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah, I cannot help but note the similarities between the nation of Israel then and our very own nation today. As the people of Israel then were so enamored with Babylon, our own nation today is enamored with becoming more integrated into a world system. The scary thing is that God gave Israel then over to their desires saying, "Moreover I will deliver all the wealth of this city, all its produce, and all its precious things; all the treasure of the kings of Judah I will give into the hand of their enemies, who will plunder them, seize them, and carry them to Babylon"(Jeremiah 20:5). As the saying goes, "Be careful for what you wish for, because you might just get it!"

The Image and the Painting

2009-09-28T16:50:00.001-07:00

The painting on top was inspired by the photograph below taken by my brother on a surf trip down to Mex last year...

Recieve it... Read it... Spread it.

2009-09-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Get out from your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you, I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-2)

God called Abram to be a pilgrim. A life of pilgrimage is a life of Faith. Faith is not blind, but is grounded in promises. God gave Abram 5 promises to go out on; (1) A Land, (2) A Great Nation (3) A Great Name, (4) A Blessed Life, (5) A Family. Abram did not have a blind faith, he had promises, he believed them, and went on them and "did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief" (Romans 4:20). Abram simply 'obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance" (Hebrews 11:6). The scriptures say that Abram was "fully convinced that what (God) had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:21). The crazy thing is that we have so much more!!! We have the entirety of the Word and understand that Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of prophesy of the Old Testament, that He indeed is the Messiah, the Christ. God has given us promise upon promise upon promise to lay hold of. So what are we to do? (1) Receive the Bible for what it is, God's Word. (2) Read it and search it for it's promises. When you have received promises, (3) Spread them out before God in prayer, taking possession of them by walking in faith accordingly (Isaiah 37:14). Simply put, "lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of you!" (Philippians 3:12).

Watch, Stand, Be Brave, Be Strong

2009-08-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

"Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him" (Job 13:15)

In the thick of his trial, in the depths of his suffering, in the midst of his questions, Job made a decision to trust God to the point of death. Job was determined to trust in the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus said His followers would suffer. Hebrews 11 records the lives of those who suffered for their faith being mocked, scourged, imprisoned, slain, destitute, afflicted, tormented, "of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:36-38). The simple point is this: Trust requires our determination, Resolve and Purpose of Heart! As Paul ended in his letter to the Corinthians, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Rethink Purity Conference October 24th

2009-08-12T13:38:00.001-07:00

Rethink Purity is coming October 24th!

Show Me The Truth

2009-07-30T18:33:00.003-07:00

Orange Thunder and the Unfdahs Short Film from Summer Camp

Attack of the Truth Monster

2009-07-30T18:33:00.001-07:00

All Goodness is From Above

2009-07-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

Uzziah was a very successful King, when he sought God he had success. We was an inventor who created amazing war machines with the ability to shoot arrows and rocks. However his success also led to his fall because of pride. "When he was strong his heart was lifted up to his destruction" (2 Chronicles 26:16). King Uzziah the king went too far to meddle in the affairs of the temple, a job reserved only for priests. His pride led to his fall. His son Jotham on the other hand became mighty because and did not fall because "he prepared his ways before the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 27:6).

God has the ability to give as well as the ability to take away. Greatness can bring God glory or it can bring destruction... it is a matter of the heart. Our responsibility in this life is to approach God in reverence and humility fully aware that any goodness that we have is from God who is good.

What is Truth?

2009-07-03T16:42:00.000-07:00

For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37).

As people ponder the age old question, "What is Truth?" We must realize the whole purpose for the life of Jesus was to reveal truth. God exists and has proven Himself to the World through His Creation, His Word, and His Son. If we honestly reflect on these manifestations, we discover who God is, in His Awesomeness, His Perfection, and His Love.

Don't give into the Distractions and Circumstances!

2009-06-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

"Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us. "(Acts 16:16, italics added)

It was while Paul and Silas were going to prayer when they were met with the distraction from the enemy. And it was after setting this young girl free from oppression that they were put in a difficult circumstance, beaten severely and imprisoned. "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25). Paul and Silas did not allow distractions and circumstances to get in the way of that which matters most, having communion with the Living God!

Our Judeo-Christian Nation

2009-06-16T13:35:00.001-07:00

I know it's not the most flashy video but the content is great. Check it out let me know what you think

Keep going, and going and going...

2009-06-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

There are times of fruit, there are times of harvesting, there are times for planting and watering, there are times to just work hard and sweat. June 1 was officially my 9th year serving in the ministry full time. The past couple weeks have been a time of digging and weeding to be honest. It is not the most fun time, but it is necessary nonetheless... As I was reflecting on this and reading the Word, searching for just one simple nugget of something, I read, and read, and read and then this verse struck me... "The former account I made, O theophilus, of all that Jesus began bothe to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up..."(Italics added, Acts 1:1-2). Jesus just did and taught until He was taken home... God told me something simple in this small statement. Just keep on doing, and keep on teaching, until I decide your work is complete. I hope that this encourages someone who needs it!

Option 1 or Option 2?

2009-05-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

"Shall I yet go out to battle... or shall I cease?" (Judges 20:28)

Super crazy event in the Bible... (if you have a problem with it, sorry... if you need to ask me your q's hopefully I could be of assistance... Anyhow) , check it for yourself... I was really challenged by this chapter. Briefly, Israel had a horrific event happen in their nation, the obvious reaction was a "good cause" so they determined to see that justice was served. They made sure to pray about it, however their exploit was already determined! So they ask God, "who should go?" He says, "Uh... Judah" (Keep in mind this is the Abel Paraphrase). So Judah goes and gets beat down! They ask God again, "shall we go again?" He says, "Uh... sure." So they go again and get spanked!!! Finally, Israel goes before God and basically says, "God what is your will?" He then gives His input and they have victory.

The Main Point: Don't just jump on the bandwagon to a good cause just because it seems like the most natural or sensible thing to do... Find out what is God's will!!! Too often we decide what we are going to do and then we just ask God to bless it. Or we give God only 2 options not considering the fact that He may have option 3 in mind!!! Don't live according to worldly wisdom, ask God for heavenly wisdom... IN ALL DECISIONS!!!

FRIDAY NIGHT : : MAY 15th

2009-04-29T15:42:00.001-07:00

There are 15 Million Orphans in China, only 15,000 are cared for... Help Raise Support! Turn in $25 and your T-Shirt Size to the Youth Room by Sunday, May 10th.

Bring Me Hope on NBC News

2009-04-23T09:21:00.001-07:00

Cool Video on Bring Me Hope. For those of you who were there you know David Bolt shared with the Youth last night!

Only God Remains...

2009-04-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

God just wants us to be content in Him, not our circumstances... God is "I AM." He is constant. Circumstances like economies, governments, taxes, leaders, homes, cars, relationships constantly change... If we try to find contentment in any of these things we are only going to be dissatisfied with life.

Heavy Duty...

2009-04-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

"So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrew in their generation than the sons of light... Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?" (Luke 16:8,11)

So yesterday, the boys discussed this particular text out of the One-Year-Bible reading this week and we discussed the current economic situation. Mammon (unrighteous mammon) means money. When this particular steward (Luke 16) was in a tight bind it forced him to be shrewd with money, to cancel debts and make friends. Today our government and even car companies are dealing shrewdly in the same way. In light of this read verse 8 again, "For the sons of the world are more shrewd than the sons of light." As Followers of Jesus, as sons and daughters of light, we have to ask ourselves, "How am I responding in the current situation?" Are we truly willing to help those in need? Or are we only looking out for our own welfare? Are sons of the world more giving than the Church?

The World is freaking out, looking for answers, and we have the answer... Jesus. Pray that God grants us the grace to be faithful with what God has given us, being willing to give to others. For we know that if we are faithful with earthly means, we will be entrusted with the eternal!

Honor Mom and Dad.

2009-04-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. ²⁰ And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)

This was part of the 1 Year Bible reading for today... I don't have many words to add but simply to say, thank God for grace. He takes disobedience and disrespect towards our parents seriously!

I Gave In...

2009-03-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

I never thought that I would be saying this, but I did it... I gave in... I am now a "Facebook Junkie." It was one of those things that I have been avoiding for some time... But now that I am on, I am thinking it is actually kinda cool... Not to worry though... I will still be posting my thoughts here at my good ol' blogger account!

Look up

2009-03-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

"So it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the serpent he lived" (Num 21:9)

Israel was in snake country and they were getting bit. Instead of getting rid of the snakes, God gave them an object of faith (a bronze serpent), to look at to live. God could have driven out the snakes, but instead He gave them the opportunity to exercise faith. We have hardships too, many of which we have brought on ourselves through stupid decisions, but good news, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).

Rejoice!

2009-03-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

"Then Moses and Aaron took these men who had been mentioned by name, and assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month..." (Numbers 1:17-18)

As we all venture together into the book of Numbers this week in our 1 Year Bible, we hit a portion of text full of tons of numbers and names of people we cannot even pronounce! Why did God inspire Moses to write this stuff??? Well I am sure we could go into deep, apologetic-type reasons which explains family-lines and genealogies and their connection to the Messiah etc... But I am not all that smart, so don't worry, I will not write a 10 page explanation, instead, I will sum it up in 1 word... LOVE.

God loves people. And although these names and people seem so insignificant to us today reading about them, they are not unimportant to God... and neither are you! In Christ, we know according to scripture that our names are written in The Book of Life. God knew all these people by name, and He has forever preserved them in His Eternal Word! And our names will be written down by God too, in The Book of Life! So as Paul encouraged the church at Philippi, I want to encourage you. "... And the rest of my workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:3-4)...

P.S. What do you think of the exited guys I picked? They look like they just found out their names are written in the Book of Life!

Get Up. Thank God. Serve Him.

2009-02-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

"This shall be the law of the leper for the day of his cleansing... The priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot" (Lev 14:2; 14)

There were a couple amazing things about this particular chapter that really minister to me and reminded me of the things we have been reflecting in our studies through 1 Peter on Sundays... First off that there was literally stated "A DAY" for the cleansing of a leper... Leprosy was a condition without cure... except for a miracle, a leper would remain in their state of separation from others because of their disease. But we know from the scriptures that in the days of Jesus, many lepers were made clean by Him. I believe that "the day" is a prophetic statement to the Jewish priests during the time of Jesus. When lepers began to flood the temple in those days, this text would be a powerful testimony concerning this specific word of instruction given to them, by God, through Moses. Furthermore, I find it fascinating that the cleansing ritual for the leper was identical to the cleansing ritual reserved only for the Levitical priest hood! The blood on the right ear, thumb and toe (Leviticus 8). So stick with me for a second....

Leprosy biblically is a picture of sin (it numbs, it spreads, it kills slowly). However through the Sacrifice of Jesus we are healed, cleansed and like a Levitical Priest, blessed with the same privlidge to serve God! As Peter said, In Christ, we are a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). Through Jesus we "have boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19). I will leave you with these final verses, "if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinklnig the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how mush more shall the blood of Christ... cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14).

Simply put, like the healed leper, in Christ we are clean. All sin, past, present and future are washed away in God's sight. We don't have to live in guilt. We don't have to wallow in our regrets. Get up, thank God, serve Him.

Funny Tythe Rap

2009-02-08T12:41:00.001-08:00

Thought that you would like to watch this!

Day 2-4

2009-02-05T22:27:00.001-08:00

Well a ton has happened... guarded the "Presidential Walk" like a wannabe secret service agent (not for the president though... saw the President... met a ton of cool people... visited the national monuments at night in freezing weather... met a professional surfer... in DC... how is that for random? Worshiped with Casting Crowns... Highlight???

Talking to the former Prime Minister of Gabon Africa, as he was so excited about all that he had learned about the sovereignty of God. He said coming to this event was better than 20 Million dollars! He came to the realization that God alone sets up nations, that He picks leaders, that God is ultimately in charge (I think his was a relief). He was so blessed to understand this truth and is now inspired to work with the nations of Africa to have their own prayer breakfast.

First Day Review

2009-02-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today we had a little snow fall in the morning and made our trek down to DC. We arrived at our location and began the process of setting up and getting ready.

It was really neat to get to know so many people from around the country that come out to serve and help put on this event. It is also kind of weird at the same time. There are so many people of influence and seeing them all gathered together in one place is fascinating.

Supposedly the weather is supposed to get worse for the next two days. We will have to wait and see. Another cool thing this week is that a church elder is here on business. I will be getting together with him tomorrow evening for a tour of Washington at night. We are so busy serving here that it looks that this is going to be my only opportunity to see the national monuments. Thanks for your prayers, my throat is not sore and I feel like I am getting much better!

Good Morning... Fresh Snow!

2009-02-03T05:54:00.001-08:00

Our First day and a blanket of fresh snow! We are taking off to DC right now to get things ready for the Prayer Breakfast. I will be sure to post some pictures and details of how the day goes!

Packed And Ready

2009-02-01T22:36:00.001-08:00

Well I am all packed up and the journey is set to begin tomorrow... really early.

I will be leaving San Diego and arrive in DC in the late afternoon. I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for this particular trip. A couple things to keep in prayer, I have the start of what feels to be a sore throat. Pray that God would touch my throat. Pray for my family, especially Chris, the most amazing woman on planet earth! The word on the streets is that they are going to do a special day at Disneyland... We will have to wait and see! Stay posted on things that are going down! I hope to post some pictures.

Just Go: God will Teach You What to Do!

2009-01-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

"Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt... And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do." (Exodus 3:10; 4:15)

Just last week God opened a door of opportunity for me to serve in Washington DC... I am not sure why, but I am seeing already some amazing orchestration. As I have been praying about this upcoming journey, I have pondered so many questions as to why, how, what? As I read this scripture Monday, I was encouraged. Walking in faith is simply going when God says to "Go." We may not have all the details, but the good news is that He does! When I stepped out into the call to Youth Ministry, I had absolutely no clue what to do or how to do it... But God encouraged me with this same scripture back then... "I will teach you what you shall do." If you know God is calling you to do something, to share Jesus with someone, and you fear because you do not know what to say or what to do... just obey! God will teach you what to say, God will teach you what you shall do!