Judges 11:1-12:5; John 1:1-28; Psalm 101:1-8; Proverbs 14:13-14
"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
I listened to a conversation this week on talk radio as a caller and host discussed their "feelings" about whether or not a good God would make people go to hell for eternity if they didn't believe in Jesus. The caller believed God would eventually reconcile Himself to everyone...Buddhists, Atheists, Muslims, etc. --- especially if they were basically "good" people.
Two things about the conversation really bothered me. First, that "theology" completely minimizes the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. And secondly, the caller was clueless as to what scripture says about getting to heaven or going to hell. He simply made up his own rules.
I know of others who have convinced themselves God will eventually draw everyone to Him ---- either in this life or in an afterlife. That sounds nice (especially for non-Christians), but the problem is scripture contradicts the theory. The truth, as my Bible describes it, is that God is a good God who loves us very much. That is why He gave us a way out of being punished for our sins. Whether we take Him up on His offer is entirely up to us. That doesn't make HIM bad if we turn Him down.
Today's passage tells us God gives us the RIGHT to become children of God when we receive Jesus. Jesus already took the punishment for us on the cross. I'm not willing to take the risk that God didn't mean what He said...I take Him at His Word and feel a responsibility to share that wonderful offer with others.
How about you?
Blessings,
Pastor Susan
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
April 29
Judges 9:22-10:18; Luke 24:13-53; Psalm 100:1-5; Proverbs 14:11-12
After the Resurrection
In the New Testement reading today, we see some of the disciples walking along the road after the resurrection.
"13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him."
As if life had finally returned to normal, the "show" was over and it was time to go back to a life without Jesus. Does that ever happen to you and me? Do we ever forget the resurrection? Easter Sunday was a very big day for Hillcrest, the excitement, the new building and all the friends celebrating the new life of our church. But now it is after the resurrection. We may decide to go down the road again minding our own business, deciding that the show is over.
Friends, now is just the beginning. We should learn from the scriptures today that Jesus is ready to walk in a new life. He has defeated our enemy and now a new day has risen on the road. Let's follow the example in verses 30 and 31.
"30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight."
Let us give thanks, let our eyes be opened and let Him dwell among us today. I love the fact that as soon as they recognized that He was there with them He disappeared. I believe that was to remind them that His presence is always near, even when we don't see Him. Is He near you today?
Blessings,
Pastor David
After the Resurrection
In the New Testement reading today, we see some of the disciples walking along the road after the resurrection.
"13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him."
As if life had finally returned to normal, the "show" was over and it was time to go back to a life without Jesus. Does that ever happen to you and me? Do we ever forget the resurrection? Easter Sunday was a very big day for Hillcrest, the excitement, the new building and all the friends celebrating the new life of our church. But now it is after the resurrection. We may decide to go down the road again minding our own business, deciding that the show is over.
Friends, now is just the beginning. We should learn from the scriptures today that Jesus is ready to walk in a new life. He has defeated our enemy and now a new day has risen on the road. Let's follow the example in verses 30 and 31.
"30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight."
Let us give thanks, let our eyes be opened and let Him dwell among us today. I love the fact that as soon as they recognized that He was there with them He disappeared. I believe that was to remind them that His presence is always near, even when we don't see Him. Is He near you today?
Blessings,
Pastor David
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 27--Shofar So Good
Judges 7:1-8:17 Luke 23:13-43 Psalm 97:1-98:9 Proverbs 14:7-8
As a French horn player, I cannot imagine using a horn to lead a battle against an army of tens of thousands. I do, however, notice that the French horns start playing at the high points of many films. In fact, a former French horn player from Hillcrest Church moved to Los Angeles to play just such dramatic parts for movie sound tracks in Hollywood. There’s something about that sliding change of pitch you get on a horn that tells you the good guys are about to win! Dah dahhhhh! Dah dahhhh. Can you hear it? Be ready!
In our One Year Bible reading today from Judges chapters 7 and 8, we read the exciting conclusion to the story of Gideon. He has risen from his humble fear-filled beginning to become the fearless leader of the 300 Israelites who blew their rams’ horns, broke their clay jars, held their torches high and yelled, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” With that began God’s awesome conquest of over 120,000 enemy soldiers! Psalm 98:6 in today’s readings says, “With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn, shout for joy before the Lord, the King.” Gideon and his troops did just that. They blew the rams’ horns and God provided the victory!
Gideon’s victory, with the horns blaring, is a great word of encouragement for us. Gideon’s story proves that God can use any of us, and any number of us, to accomplish great things for His kingdom. As a horn player myself, I know that Gideon’s victory also foreshadows the final victory for all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. The trumpet or ram’s horn refers to the shofar. The shofar is still used today in church’s and synagogues and we look forward to the day that Jesus will return with the sound of the trumpet/shofar: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Our New Testament reading for today has a clear word for anyone who has not yet decided to be listening for that final shofar blast and to put their faith in Jesus Christ, the one and only way to eternal life in heaven. In Luke 23:42-43, a thief on the cross turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Friends, be listening for the horns blowing, not just on movie sound tracks, but for that day when Jesus comes back. No matter what your life may have been like up until today, you can choose to be with Jesus in paradise! You can also choose to be a leader bringing others to that saving knowledge of Christ.
Encourage each other with these words!
Pastor Paul
As a French horn player, I cannot imagine using a horn to lead a battle against an army of tens of thousands. I do, however, notice that the French horns start playing at the high points of many films. In fact, a former French horn player from Hillcrest Church moved to Los Angeles to play just such dramatic parts for movie sound tracks in Hollywood. There’s something about that sliding change of pitch you get on a horn that tells you the good guys are about to win! Dah dahhhhh! Dah dahhhh. Can you hear it? Be ready!
In our One Year Bible reading today from Judges chapters 7 and 8, we read the exciting conclusion to the story of Gideon. He has risen from his humble fear-filled beginning to become the fearless leader of the 300 Israelites who blew their rams’ horns, broke their clay jars, held their torches high and yelled, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” With that began God’s awesome conquest of over 120,000 enemy soldiers! Psalm 98:6 in today’s readings says, “With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn, shout for joy before the Lord, the King.” Gideon and his troops did just that. They blew the rams’ horns and God provided the victory!
Gideon’s victory, with the horns blaring, is a great word of encouragement for us. Gideon’s story proves that God can use any of us, and any number of us, to accomplish great things for His kingdom. As a horn player myself, I know that Gideon’s victory also foreshadows the final victory for all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. The trumpet or ram’s horn refers to the shofar. The shofar is still used today in church’s and synagogues and we look forward to the day that Jesus will return with the sound of the trumpet/shofar: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Our New Testament reading for today has a clear word for anyone who has not yet decided to be listening for that final shofar blast and to put their faith in Jesus Christ, the one and only way to eternal life in heaven. In Luke 23:42-43, a thief on the cross turns to Jesus and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Friends, be listening for the horns blowing, not just on movie sound tracks, but for that day when Jesus comes back. No matter what your life may have been like up until today, you can choose to be with Jesus in paradise! You can also choose to be a leader bringing others to that saving knowledge of Christ.
Encourage each other with these words!
Pastor Paul
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Digging Up The Roots
I am currently working on a project in my back yard. There are two big stumps that need to be uprooted to I can plant grass and make a beautiful yard. So I started to dig. And dig. And dig. The more I dig, the more roots I find that kept the ugly bushes alive in my yard. They need to be dug up and severed so that the bush will never come back.
There are things that grow in each one of our lives that have been there for many years that seem normal to us, but really have their roots in ungodly attitudes, behaviors, or thinking. Here is a for instance from my own life lately: it is natural for anyone to feel a little “down” when money is tight. I have noticed that when money is tight, I get angry, on edge, down, and Teresa and I tend to fight more—that doesn’t happen nearly as much when money is good. The Lord challenged me the other day with that reality and rebuked me saying, “In whom/what do you really have your trust?” Yikes. I didn’t even recognize such a thing was growing in me until the Lord pointed it out. I am always amazed that however long you have walked with God, He always seems to find another root to sever that was feeding some type of growing ungodliness.
Psalm 94:12 says, “Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from Your law.” The blessing of God’s discipline is 1) It is so we will be more like Him, 2) it is done skillfully and expertly in such a way that we will never forget it, and 3) it is done with perfect and loving intentions.
You want to know a dangerous prayer? It is also a prayer that will set you free—but it’s a prayer that God will take very seriously and answer very quickly. It’s a prayer that I have prayed many times and have never failed to have an answer to: “Lord, please take anything out of my life that you want, and put in anything that you want. I am Yours. I give You permission to do with me as you will.”
If you are willing to be corrected and disciplined by the Lord, though painful at times, it will result in freedom from things you didn’t even know were happening in your life. Every one of us has things growing that God wants to take out. The process can be long and difficult, but ALWAYS worth it in the end. I want to encourage you today to have ears to hear, a humble heart to obey, and a life that is completely surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit in you—His job is to make us more like Jesus! He is faithful to complete the work that He has started in you, so don’t cut the work short!
Growing together to be more like Jesus,
Pastor Kyle Bauer
April 24
Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalms 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 14:1-2
The Blessing of The Lords Supper
The reading of the Gospel of Luke 22:15-20 is truly exquisite because of the deep spirituality of time when our Lord Jesus establishes something new to his disciples and of course for His church, to which we can say with great joy that we belong.
The Lords Supper or Last Supper as this event is called, has a very significant meaning for us as Christians for various reasons. First of all it was the desire of Jesus to celebrate it with His disciples, which shows us His immense love for them, a love that today spills over into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Second, it has a special meaning because of the establishment of the New Covenant that does not have an expiration date, because this new covenant is based on Him and not on men which makes it one hundred percent guaranteed because Jesus makes it based on His own blood that represents the price He paid for the forgiveness of our sins.
Lastly, I find that this moment of the supper is wonderful because it establishes the foundation for the unity of what is the Church of the New Testament, a perfect unity based on a perfect love.
I would like for the next time that you participate of the Lord’s Supper to take time to enjoy this wonderful moment knowing that there will be a moment in the future that we will celebrate it with our King. We will be next to the others who were redeemed, the ones that one-day believed in the gospel of our Lord Jesus, were saved and their names were written in the book of life.
I would have liked to have been with the disciples in the Last Supper, but I rejoice in my spirit to know that I will not miss the next supper when as we see in verse 16 of Luke chapter 22 “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” We will be there for that special reunion right? In what is to come, we will live with gratitude because we have a wonderful Savior in our King Jesus.
Happy resurrection day to all of our Hillcrest Church family, that today we begin a new and wonderful faith journey!
Sincerely,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Jueces 2:10-3:31, Lucas 22:14-34, Salmos 92:1-93:5, Proverbios 14:1-2
La bendición de La Cena del Señor
La lectura del Evangelio de Lucas 22:15-20 es realmente exquisita por la profundidad espiritual del momento en que nuestro Señor Jesús establece algo nuevo para sus discípulos y por supuesto para su iglesia, a la cual con mucha alegría podemos decir que pertenecemos.
La Santa Cena o la Ultima Cena como se le llama a este evento tiene para nosotros los cristianos un significado muy especial por varias razones. Entre las cuales podemos decir en primer lugar que fue el deseo de Jesús el celebrarla con sus discípulos, lo cual nos muestra por supuesto el inmenso amor del Señor por sus discípulos, amor que hoy se derrama en nuestros corazones a través del Espíritu Santo.
En segundo lugar, tiene un significado muy especial por el establecimiento de un Nuevo Pacto que no tendría fecha de expiración puesto que este nuevo pacto esta basado en El y no en los hombres lo cual hace que será cien por ciento seguro pues el Señor Jesús lo hace en base a su propia sangre que representa el precio que pago para el perdón de nuestros pecados.
Y en tercer lugar este momento de la Cena me parece maravilloso porque viene a establecer la base de unidad de lo que es la Iglesia del Nuevo Testamento, unidad perfecta en base a un amor perfecto.
Me gustaría mucho que la próxima vez que usted participe de la Cena del Señor, se tomara el tiempo para disfrutar de tan hermoso momento sabiendo que habrá un momento en el futuro que de nuevo la celebraremos delante de nuestro Rey y junto a todos los redimidos que un día creyeron en el Evangelio de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, fueron salvos, y sus nombres escritos en el libro de la vida.
Me hubiera gustado estar con los discípulos en la Ultima Cena, pero me alegro en mi espíritu de saber que no faltare a la próxima cena cuando como lo dice el verso 16 del capitulo 22 de Lucas "Porque os digo que no la comeré mas, hasta que se cumpla en el reino de Dios." ¿Allí estaremos para esa reunión tan importante verdad? En lo que nos viene viviremos con gratitud por tener un Salvador tan Maravilloso como el Rey Jesús.
Feliz día de resurrección para toda la familia Hillcrest Church que empezamos hoy otra jornada de fe que ¡será maravillosa!
Atentamente,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
The Blessing of The Lords Supper
The reading of the Gospel of Luke 22:15-20 is truly exquisite because of the deep spirituality of time when our Lord Jesus establishes something new to his disciples and of course for His church, to which we can say with great joy that we belong.
The Lords Supper or Last Supper as this event is called, has a very significant meaning for us as Christians for various reasons. First of all it was the desire of Jesus to celebrate it with His disciples, which shows us His immense love for them, a love that today spills over into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Second, it has a special meaning because of the establishment of the New Covenant that does not have an expiration date, because this new covenant is based on Him and not on men which makes it one hundred percent guaranteed because Jesus makes it based on His own blood that represents the price He paid for the forgiveness of our sins.
Lastly, I find that this moment of the supper is wonderful because it establishes the foundation for the unity of what is the Church of the New Testament, a perfect unity based on a perfect love.
I would like for the next time that you participate of the Lord’s Supper to take time to enjoy this wonderful moment knowing that there will be a moment in the future that we will celebrate it with our King. We will be next to the others who were redeemed, the ones that one-day believed in the gospel of our Lord Jesus, were saved and their names were written in the book of life.
I would have liked to have been with the disciples in the Last Supper, but I rejoice in my spirit to know that I will not miss the next supper when as we see in verse 16 of Luke chapter 22 “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” We will be there for that special reunion right? In what is to come, we will live with gratitude because we have a wonderful Savior in our King Jesus.
Happy resurrection day to all of our Hillcrest Church family, that today we begin a new and wonderful faith journey!
Sincerely,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Jueces 2:10-3:31, Lucas 22:14-34, Salmos 92:1-93:5, Proverbios 14:1-2
La bendición de La Cena del Señor
La lectura del Evangelio de Lucas 22:15-20 es realmente exquisita por la profundidad espiritual del momento en que nuestro Señor Jesús establece algo nuevo para sus discípulos y por supuesto para su iglesia, a la cual con mucha alegría podemos decir que pertenecemos.
La Santa Cena o la Ultima Cena como se le llama a este evento tiene para nosotros los cristianos un significado muy especial por varias razones. Entre las cuales podemos decir en primer lugar que fue el deseo de Jesús el celebrarla con sus discípulos, lo cual nos muestra por supuesto el inmenso amor del Señor por sus discípulos, amor que hoy se derrama en nuestros corazones a través del Espíritu Santo.
En segundo lugar, tiene un significado muy especial por el establecimiento de un Nuevo Pacto que no tendría fecha de expiración puesto que este nuevo pacto esta basado en El y no en los hombres lo cual hace que será cien por ciento seguro pues el Señor Jesús lo hace en base a su propia sangre que representa el precio que pago para el perdón de nuestros pecados.
Y en tercer lugar este momento de la Cena me parece maravilloso porque viene a establecer la base de unidad de lo que es la Iglesia del Nuevo Testamento, unidad perfecta en base a un amor perfecto.
Me gustaría mucho que la próxima vez que usted participe de la Cena del Señor, se tomara el tiempo para disfrutar de tan hermoso momento sabiendo que habrá un momento en el futuro que de nuevo la celebraremos delante de nuestro Rey y junto a todos los redimidos que un día creyeron en el Evangelio de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, fueron salvos, y sus nombres escritos en el libro de la vida.
Me hubiera gustado estar con los discípulos en la Ultima Cena, pero me alegro en mi espíritu de saber que no faltare a la próxima cena cuando como lo dice el verso 16 del capitulo 22 de Lucas "Porque os digo que no la comeré mas, hasta que se cumpla en el reino de Dios." ¿Allí estaremos para esa reunión tan importante verdad? En lo que nos viene viviremos con gratitud por tener un Salvador tan Maravilloso como el Rey Jesús.
Feliz día de resurrección para toda la familia Hillcrest Church que empezamos hoy otra jornada de fe que ¡será maravillosa!
Atentamente,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Saturday, April 23, 2011
April 23
Judges 1:1-2:9; Luke 21:29-22:13; Psalms 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12
When my children were growing up, I told them to always do the right thing, because "even if nobody else sees, God ALWAYS sees." I laid it on pretty thick, praying that the idea of God watching them would keep them walking the straight and narrow...
As I read today's passage, I realize I could have turned up the heat a bit. God isn't the only one watching what we do...even when we think nobody else is. He has commanded His angels to guard us in all our ways. Of course they see us if they're guarding us. They see everything.
Hmm. I'm not even thinking about my kids anymore...that puts more pressure on ME. You see, I can handle it if God sees when I mess up. Because, well, God is God. He already knows I'm not perfect. But His angels are watching, too?
I'm sure that over my lifetime I've given my angels plenty to shake their heads over. As I think back, there are times they must have worked overtime to protect me from my youthful craziness before I put Jesus in control of my life. It's probably a good thing they were there.
In all seriousness, we can think only God and His angels know what's going on. But the truth of the matter is, our lives are often on display when we don't realize it. We are a living, breathing testimony for Christ. To the believer and non-believer alike...what do our words, our actions, our Facebook posts, and all the rest of our choices say to them?
The things people see (when we don't see them seeing us) can cause them to recognize something different in us...something they don't have, but wish they did.
For me, that's reason enough to try to always do the right thing. I pray each of our lives will forever be a shining beacon that points people to Christ!
God bless you!
Pastor Susan
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12
When my children were growing up, I told them to always do the right thing, because "even if nobody else sees, God ALWAYS sees." I laid it on pretty thick, praying that the idea of God watching them would keep them walking the straight and narrow...
As I read today's passage, I realize I could have turned up the heat a bit. God isn't the only one watching what we do...even when we think nobody else is. He has commanded His angels to guard us in all our ways. Of course they see us if they're guarding us. They see everything.
Hmm. I'm not even thinking about my kids anymore...that puts more pressure on ME. You see, I can handle it if God sees when I mess up. Because, well, God is God. He already knows I'm not perfect. But His angels are watching, too?
I'm sure that over my lifetime I've given my angels plenty to shake their heads over. As I think back, there are times they must have worked overtime to protect me from my youthful craziness before I put Jesus in control of my life. It's probably a good thing they were there.
In all seriousness, we can think only God and His angels know what's going on. But the truth of the matter is, our lives are often on display when we don't realize it. We are a living, breathing testimony for Christ. To the believer and non-believer alike...what do our words, our actions, our Facebook posts, and all the rest of our choices say to them?
The things people see (when we don't see them seeing us) can cause them to recognize something different in us...something they don't have, but wish they did.
For me, that's reason enough to try to always do the right thing. I pray each of our lives will forever be a shining beacon that points people to Christ!
God bless you!
Pastor Susan
Thursday, April 21, 2011
April 21
Proverbs 13:18 exhorts every one of us to rightly respond to criticism and thus benefit from it.
If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. (New Living Translation)
Here are three important lessons I have learned about criticism:
1. Most criticism contains at least a measure of truth. This is why it stings! A key to learning from criticism is to sincerely search for any element of truth it may contain. Distinguish between criticism that merely distorts or exaggerates your faults and that which is outright fabrication or slander. Learn from the former and ignore the latter!
2. Much wisdom can be gained by searching for any truth in criticism. This can be very hard to do when it comes from an opponent or enemy because of our emotions and past history with the people involved, but evaluating all criticism objectively yields rich dividends.
3. Criticism from our closest friends can be the most painful, but also the most profitable. Proverbs 27:6 is worth remembering in this regard: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted. (NIV)” Always remember that when a friend criticizes you, they are only trying to help you. I love the way the most common French version of the Bible renders this verse, “Les blessures d’ un ami prouve sa fidélité,” literally, “The wounds of a friend prove his faithfulness.”
When you receive this email, I encourage you to pray this prayer,
“Father, Help me learn from my critics. Give me an open mind to any truth that may be in what they have to say, even if they are biased or unfair. Guard my heart from any effort of the enemy to discourage, distract, or defeat me through gossip or slander. Help me grow through criticism and never retaliate just because it hurts. In the name of Jesus, Amen!”
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 20--Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Joshua 21:1-22:20 Luke 20:1-26 Psalm 89:1-13
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee.” “All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!” Sing it! That song by Thomas Chisholm comes to mind as I reflect on the central theme of our One Year Bible reading today in Psalm 89 and Joshua 21. God is there, fulfilling His promises for us, day after day after day with answered prayers for salvations, lives transformed by the Gospel, financial provision, forgiveness, healing, protection, wisdom, joy and all we need. Psalm 89:1 declares, “I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” The Bible captures God’s faithfulness, records it in verses like Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” EVERY promise was fulfilled. “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them.” (Joshua 21:43-44).
Lest there be any doubt about His faithfulness, God sent His one and only Son. Jesus came and proved God’s faithfulness. He brought the Good News. As we see foreshadowed by Jesus Himself in Luke 20 today, no matter how cruel the world’s rejection of Jesus, though they would kill Him, He would become the Savior when he rose from the dead. The God who “founded the world and all that is in it” (Psalm 89:11) sent Jesus to save us. More than that, God sends His Holy Spirit to empower us to be and to do all He has promised. God’s faithfulness is directed toward us.
We are like the people of Israel who Joshua led into the Promised Land to see every promise fulfilled. Each of us was created by God to experience and declare His faithfulness. We do so by entering into a relationship of mutual faithfulness, putting our faith in Jesus as our Savior and letting Him, by the Holy Spirit, equip us each day to be faithful. Like those tribes described in today’s chapters of Joshua, each of us has specific promises unique to us. Our passions, our talents, our unique abilities, our spiritual gifts position us to have specific promises fulfilled in our lives. Through our unique contributions, we can build God’s kingdom just as the tribes of Israel established themselves in the Promised Land. In doing so, we can and must declare God’s faithfulness, declaring it to our children and to all generations.
May we ever sing: “Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!”
Pastor Paul
“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee.” “All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!” Sing it! That song by Thomas Chisholm comes to mind as I reflect on the central theme of our One Year Bible reading today in Psalm 89 and Joshua 21. God is there, fulfilling His promises for us, day after day after day with answered prayers for salvations, lives transformed by the Gospel, financial provision, forgiveness, healing, protection, wisdom, joy and all we need. Psalm 89:1 declares, “I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” The Bible captures God’s faithfulness, records it in verses like Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” EVERY promise was fulfilled. “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them.” (Joshua 21:43-44).
Lest there be any doubt about His faithfulness, God sent His one and only Son. Jesus came and proved God’s faithfulness. He brought the Good News. As we see foreshadowed by Jesus Himself in Luke 20 today, no matter how cruel the world’s rejection of Jesus, though they would kill Him, He would become the Savior when he rose from the dead. The God who “founded the world and all that is in it” (Psalm 89:11) sent Jesus to save us. More than that, God sends His Holy Spirit to empower us to be and to do all He has promised. God’s faithfulness is directed toward us.
We are like the people of Israel who Joshua led into the Promised Land to see every promise fulfilled. Each of us was created by God to experience and declare His faithfulness. We do so by entering into a relationship of mutual faithfulness, putting our faith in Jesus as our Savior and letting Him, by the Holy Spirit, equip us each day to be faithful. Like those tribes described in today’s chapters of Joshua, each of us has specific promises unique to us. Our passions, our talents, our unique abilities, our spiritual gifts position us to have specific promises fulfilled in our lives. Through our unique contributions, we can build God’s kingdom just as the tribes of Israel established themselves in the Promised Land. In doing so, we can and must declare God’s faithfulness, declaring it to our children and to all generations.
May we ever sing: “Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!”
Pastor Paul
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19
My maternal grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she was filled with common sense and she was an astute student of human nature. She used to say things like,
“Everyone needs three things in life in order to be happy: Something to do; someone to love; and something to look forward to.”
One of the Proverbs in our reading for today underscores the third part of her observation,
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12 NLT)
Hope is one of the most powerful forces that influences human behavior. When people have hope, it is amazing what they can put up with and overcome. Losing hope, on the other hand, can rob them of their vitality, personality, and even their will to live.
Sometimes people hold on to hope without it having any connection whatsoever to reality. By contrast, biblical hope is grounded in our conviction regarding the gracious, merciful, and bountiful character of God. That is why the Scriptures also say,
“No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame…” (Psalm 25:3 NIV)
The longer and more closely we follow Jesus, the more we see Him intervene time and time again in the most desperate seasons of our lives. Our past experience gives us hope in our present circumstances. The Apostle Paul articulated this connection between experience and hope in his letter to the Christians at Rome,
“Tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope…” (Romans 5:3-5 KJV)
“…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3–5 NIV)
This does not mean that if we follow Jesus everything will always turns out the way we would like for it to. It means that God will show up in those moments where we need Him the most…!
Pastor Mark
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What Are You Waiting For?
I love today’s reading in Joshua 17:16-18: the fear is so human, but Joshua’s response is just like God. In this portion of the book of Joshua, Israel is dividing up the land that the Lord promised them as their inheritance. They were to dispossess the peoples of the land and inherit their destiny. In the same way, God has a destiny for each one of us. He has promises that He has made to you. He has a destiny for our church, and now is the time to begin to advance into what He has given us.
It came turn for the tribe of Joseph to receive its inheritance, they realized they needed more land, and they also came to Joshua complaining saying, “And all the Caananites who live in the plain have iron chariots…!” Iron chariots were the ancient day equivalent of tanks. From a human perspective there was reason to be afraid. There is always a human reason to fear advancing into God’s promises. Only God knows what lies ahead of our church’s advancement into our future, and in your personal calling and destiny—but rest assured there will be battles. The future is not free—it is won through spiritual warfare. That can be a scary proposition, but Joshua’s response is so matter-of-fact, so nonchalant, so oblivious to everything except God’s promises! In the same breath, Joshua both deals with the land issue and gives them the answer to the iron chariots. He doesn’t even make a second sentence! You can almost see him deal with the problem and then drop the last part over his shoulder as he’s walking away, “and by the way, though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” What? That’s it?
You see, God had given a promise and a specific instruction. 1) The land is your inheritance. 2) Go and take it and I’ll give it to you! Apparently that was good enough for Joshua. He didn’t care what the other side had, did, or said…it was really immaterial and irrelevant. What was relevant was the fact that God had spoken. Fear is the greatest distraction and deterrent to living in God’s destiny and promise for us. If God has spoken it, then what in Heaven, hell, earth, sea, or sky could possible take His promise away from you? What is it that you are afraid of? What is God’s promise to you? What has the enemy put in your way? What are you waiting for? Never be afraid to do what God has asked you to do! Go and take it… "you can drive them out!”
Taking the land together!
Pastor Kyle Bauer
Saturday, April 16, 2011
April 16
Joshua 13:1-14:15; Luke 18:1-17; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 13:7-8
"People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have Him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'." Luke 18:15-17
I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that a Children's Pastor would select these verses out of today's passage to write about. We can safely assume, based on their actions, that the disciples didn't want children "wasting Jesus' time". After all, in their opinion, He had more important things to do --- perhaps with the grown-ups. But Jesus rebuked them and said not to do anything that would keep children from coming to Him.
The disciples' reactions weren't all that strange. Even today, many people question whether children can understand enough to get saved at an early age. But the beauty of the gospel is it's so simple a child absolutely can understand it. It's the adults who add all the rules and make it so complicated...
Children haven't been calloused by the world. Their hearts are trusting and they are ready to believe. The secularists haven't had time to poison them with arguments that contradict and ridicule a Creator God. It's not a struggle for them to let Jesus be in charge of their life - they welcome Him with open arms. The earlier a foundation of faith is established in their life, the less likely it is for them to stumble and fall. The time to share the Gospel with boys and girls is while they are still open and willing to listen.
I love the story about the famous American evangelist, Dwight L. Moody. He returned home from a church meeting one night and was asked if anybody got saved. "Yes," he replied, "Two and a half were saved."
"Two adults and a child?" asked the questioner.
"No, two children and an adult," replied Rev. Moody. Three souls were saved and two and a half lives. The children who came to Christ had their whole lives to serve and live for Him. The adult only had a part of his life to follow Jesus.
We should place a high priority on helping children find Jesus. At the same time, we must also remember Christ's warning to us. We need to have that same innocent, trusting, surrendering faith of a child in order for US to receive the kingdom of God!
God bless you!
Pastor Susan
P.S. If you've forgotten what it's like to be a child, make yourself available in the perfect place to remember...your church's Children's Department!
"People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have Him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'." Luke 18:15-17
I'm sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that a Children's Pastor would select these verses out of today's passage to write about. We can safely assume, based on their actions, that the disciples didn't want children "wasting Jesus' time". After all, in their opinion, He had more important things to do --- perhaps with the grown-ups. But Jesus rebuked them and said not to do anything that would keep children from coming to Him.
The disciples' reactions weren't all that strange. Even today, many people question whether children can understand enough to get saved at an early age. But the beauty of the gospel is it's so simple a child absolutely can understand it. It's the adults who add all the rules and make it so complicated...
Children haven't been calloused by the world. Their hearts are trusting and they are ready to believe. The secularists haven't had time to poison them with arguments that contradict and ridicule a Creator God. It's not a struggle for them to let Jesus be in charge of their life - they welcome Him with open arms. The earlier a foundation of faith is established in their life, the less likely it is for them to stumble and fall. The time to share the Gospel with boys and girls is while they are still open and willing to listen.
I love the story about the famous American evangelist, Dwight L. Moody. He returned home from a church meeting one night and was asked if anybody got saved. "Yes," he replied, "Two and a half were saved."
"Two adults and a child?" asked the questioner.
"No, two children and an adult," replied Rev. Moody. Three souls were saved and two and a half lives. The children who came to Christ had their whole lives to serve and live for Him. The adult only had a part of his life to follow Jesus.
We should place a high priority on helping children find Jesus. At the same time, we must also remember Christ's warning to us. We need to have that same innocent, trusting, surrendering faith of a child in order for US to receive the kingdom of God!
God bless you!
Pastor Susan
P.S. If you've forgotten what it's like to be a child, make yourself available in the perfect place to remember...your church's Children's Department!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April 15
Joshua 11-12:24; Luke 17:11-37; Psalm 84:1-12; Proverbs 13:5-6
"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalm 84:10
Would you be a doorkeeper? I don't know about you but I wonder what our lives will be like in heaven. I definitely don't think we will be sleeping on clouds playing harps for all eternity. Nothing in scripture gives us that impression of eternal life. One of the most intriguing job descriptions given is in this week's psalm. Yes, a doorkeeper in the house of God. Would I be qualified as a doorkeeper in heaven? Not just in your home in heaven, but for the house of God!
Can you imagine opening the door to the Lord's house? Who would you see? Maybe that famous preacher, teacher or missionary? I think more often we would see faces as familiar as family but people we had never seen before. Those prayer warriors that had prayed for us and the many thousands in our town, country and world. Who would we want to see and wish they accepted the Lord's invitation to eternal life? Would we see our mother, father, brother or sister? Would we see our best friend, neighbor or co-worker? Would we see our children? Would we open the door to all the loved ones in our lives?
Guess what? You are the Doorkeeper. Right now, today, this very hour, you can open the door to all those in your heart. We have been given the keys to heaven, the words of life, the answer to eternal life. Don't wait to receive this job in heaven, do the work in the present. Open the door... Jesus is waiting.
Lord I thank you for giving me opportunities today to share your love with people you lead me too. Father help me to be intentional in my conversations and actions. I am a Doorkeeper. In Jesus Name. Amen
Pastor David
"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalm 84:10
Would you be a doorkeeper? I don't know about you but I wonder what our lives will be like in heaven. I definitely don't think we will be sleeping on clouds playing harps for all eternity. Nothing in scripture gives us that impression of eternal life. One of the most intriguing job descriptions given is in this week's psalm. Yes, a doorkeeper in the house of God. Would I be qualified as a doorkeeper in heaven? Not just in your home in heaven, but for the house of God!
Can you imagine opening the door to the Lord's house? Who would you see? Maybe that famous preacher, teacher or missionary? I think more often we would see faces as familiar as family but people we had never seen before. Those prayer warriors that had prayed for us and the many thousands in our town, country and world. Who would we want to see and wish they accepted the Lord's invitation to eternal life? Would we see our mother, father, brother or sister? Would we see our best friend, neighbor or co-worker? Would we see our children? Would we open the door to all the loved ones in our lives?
Guess what? You are the Doorkeeper. Right now, today, this very hour, you can open the door to all those in your heart. We have been given the keys to heaven, the words of life, the answer to eternal life. Don't wait to receive this job in heaven, do the work in the present. Open the door... Jesus is waiting.
Lord I thank you for giving me opportunities today to share your love with people you lead me too. Father help me to be intentional in my conversations and actions. I am a Doorkeeper. In Jesus Name. Amen
Pastor David
April 14
Although the Book of Joshua bears one individual’s name, it is about much more than the life of a single person. It is the story of an entire generation. As such, it has tremendous power to speak to each one of us as we journey toward the promises God has made us.
What does it take to be a member of our own “Joshua Generation” and fulfill our destiny?
1. Being a member of the Joshua Generation is not a matter of age, but of attitude.
Both young and old people died off in the desert during Israel’s wanderings. While the majority of those who crossed Jordan were younger instead of older, when we reach chapter fourteen, we will see eighty-five year old Caleb still full of courage, strength, and faith as he embarks on God’s will for the rest of his life!
2. Being a member of the Joshua Generation requires an ability to process enormous change in a constructive way.
As they crossed Jordan, the Israelites were moving from a vagabond existence to a settled existence; from a slave mentality to a warrior mentality; from an economy where their food fell daily from heaven to a system where God expected them to plow, sow, plant, and harvest. The Joshua Generation was not unsettled by these profound paradigm shifts. They thrived on following God through profound transition.
3. Being a member of the Joshua Generation requires trusting God for supernatural help.
Whether in the early chapters of the book when we see priests stepping by faith into the Jordan River with the full expectation that God would do what He had promised and roll back the waters so they could walk across on dry ground, or in later chapters when Caleb vanquishes the enemies in his high-country inheritance, we repeatedly see men and women step out by faith, convinced God would keep His word to them.
4. Being a member of the Joshua Generation carries with it a personal promise.
When God called Joshua to lead the people into their destiny, He promised Joshua that he would personally possess every place he set the sole of his foot. God’s plan for the man was inextricably tied to His plan for the people. It was by investing his life in helping others fulfill their destiny that Joshua would receive his own inheritance.
As we walk through this unique and special time between two at Hillcrest Church, let’s believe God for a “Joshua anointing” to settle upon us all…!
Pastor Mark
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 13--Money
Money Joshua 7:16-9:2 Luke 16:1-18 Psalm 82:1-8 Proverbs 13:2-3 The communion that day was actually the sharing of a watermelon. Everyone got a piece. It was cut and it's red flesh was shared there in the sand between posts in a roofless little "church" on the shore of Lake Managua. The people lived in small huts and survived on fishing and subsistence farming. At the end of the church service, their little pigs showed up and rooted the rinds from the sand between the rough-hewn board "pews." The meal after the church service was for us visiting missionaries and students from the Baptist Seminary. Members brought chairs from their homes and we ate outside for there was no home big enough for 6 guests and a family. Half-way through the meal of fish soup, I realized that we guests were the only ones eating. The family insisted. They would fish later and make more soup. That experience in Nicaragua was the culminating event of my year in Central America. That time left such an impression on me and my walk with Jesus, that I devoted the next 10 years to serving God by helping refugees. I wanted to serve God and, for years, I took a vow of poverty and wanted little to do with money. In today's reading from the Gospel, Jesus tells us about money. He says that we cannot "serve two masters" and we "cannot serve both God and Money" (Luke 16:13). In my own spiritual journey, I became so impacted by poverty (like that of the people of that watermelon communion) that I felt to even have much money meant I did not serve God. I soon learned what Jesus suggests in the full context of this passage. As I was faithful in my work, in using my talents to serve the Lord and "in handling worldly wealth" and "someone else's property" my own wealth increased (see Luke 16:11-12). By God's grace, my wife and I have now been able to give more to God's work in the church and through missions than we had ever expected. I believe my experience has made sense of this verse: "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings" (Luke 16:9). As we are blessed, may we be a blessing. May we never let money be our master, but may we wisely use wealth to help others fall in love with Jesus as we have. May we look forward to being welcomed into their homes in heaven! Blessings, Pastor Paul
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Way-Making God
It sounds cliché to say that God will make a way when there is no way—but it’s not. It is unmistakable and irreversible truth. We have been reading through Israel’s story over the past couple months and God has shown Himself time and again as the Way-Maker.
· There was no way for a group of slaves to be freed from bondage—and He worked miracles.
· There was no way to escape Pharaoh’s attempt to either slaughter Israel or bring them back into the captivity from which they had just been freed—and He opened the Sea.
· There was no way to stay alive in the desert for forty years—and He provided food and water where there was none.
God has shown His people that He can make a way when there is none. He can bring freedom to those who have given up hope as they are bound in chains of addiction, bondage, sin, depression, rejection, or pain. The God who has the power to deliver from our chains of slavery also has the power to make an end of it when after serving the Lord, it attempts to rise again and take us back. God also has the power to sustain us through whatever life can throw at us. Do you believe that? It’s easy to believe that God can do it for them…but what about you? He can and He will.
There was another way that God made for the people of Israel. This is the one that many of us get stuck on. Perhaps we can believe for freedom from bondage, but what about God’s ability to make a way for your future and your life’s calling and destiny? Just as God made a way for every other part of Israel’s life and journey, why would He stop making a way right when they were getting to the very purpose for which they were freed? Israel was standing at the boarder of their Promise, and God, once again, made a way for them—He stopped the flow of water so they could pass. Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” God brought you to Himself for a purpose, and He will not stop leading and guiding you until His purpose is fulfilled in and through you to the world around you.
But Pastor Kyle, what is God’s destiny for my life? My answer is two-fold: 1) I don’t know. 2) God does know and wants to lead you into it if you will follow and obey Him. God gives Joshua some excellent advice that we can follow in Joshua 3:2-4: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Do what God has called you to do right now. The purpose to keep 2000 cubits between them and the Ark is so that they wouldn’t get ahead of God’s way-making ability! He made a path toward their destiny by parting the waters, now He is making a clear path into their destiny by leading them with His presence. Keep yourself in God’s presence and HE WON’T LET YOU MISS HIS PLAN FOR YOU! Take time each day to be in God’s presence—He will lead you and make a way for you into the good future that He has promised you!
The best is yet to come for our church and for your life!
Pastor Kyle Bauer
Sunday, April 10, 2011
April 10
Deuteronomy 34:1 - Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs
12:26
If Hillcrest Church Was Joshua
Hello friends, brothers and sisters of this great Hillcrest family. I¹d
like to share with you a phrase that I felt in my heart after reading Joshua
1 and 2. I was impacted to think how this passage could be applied to
Hillcrest Church being as we are about to cross a very important point in
this great church in Dallas.
Normally this passage in Joshua is applied to Christians to encourage them
and strength to go on, but, what if instead of applying it to a person we
applied it to our church as a congregation?
So this is my thought: If Hillcrest was Joshua
What would God tell Hillcrest now that we are 2 weeks from starting a new
spiritual journey?
Taking Joshua 1:1-8, this is what He would say:
1. Hillcrest you have a beautiful history behind you, but now like Joshua
rise up and cross over to a new part of your history. Verse 2.
2. Hillcrest, remember that I have given you promises and like Joshua,
believe them. Verse 3.
3. Hillcrest, you have moved from 12123 Hillcrest Rd. but like Joshua,
your territory will be the entire Metroplex. Verse 4.
4. Hillcrest, remember that like Joshua you will defeat every impossible
thing that crosses your path. Verse 5.
5. Hillcrest, as with Joshua, be strong and courageous with the
challenges that you have in front of you. Verse 6.
6. Hillcrest, put into action your best effort, put forth the best effort
in everything you do because that will yield results. Verse 7.
7. Hillcrest, as the Joshua that you are take care of the mission and
vision that I have given you. Do it. Verse 7.
8. Hillcrest, always have your spiritual ear to the voice of your Lord
God, not to the voice of the ones that talk just to talk. Verse 8.
Brothers and sisters of Hillcrest, I hope that this passage in Joshua will
have great meaning, because in a very clear way we are all one church and we
need to row the boat in the same direction. Joshua applied this chapter to
his life very well and he obtained the results that were promised to him.
We will also see a better tomorrow as we hold on to God¹s hand, because the
history of Hillcrest is not finished yet, as the best chapters are yet to be
written. Those are the chapters what each one of us will write and be a
part of in this wonderful Hillcrest Church family.
Have a blessed Sunday!
In Christ,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Deuteronomio 34-1 Josue 2:24, Lucas 13:22-14:6, Salmo 79:1-13, Proverbios
12:26
Si Hillcrest Church Fuera Josue.
Hola amigos, hermanos, hermanas de esta gran familia Hillcrest deseo
compartir con ustedes una frase que me llego al corazón después de leer
Josue capítulos 1 y 2. Mi pensamiento se impacto al imaginar como este
pasaje pudiera aplicarse a Hillcrest Church siendo que estamos a punto de
cruzar un punto importante en la historia de esta querida iglesia aquí en
Dallas.
Normalmente el pasaje de Josue se aplica a los cristianos para darle animo y
fortaleza a fin de que sigan adelante, pero, ¿que tal aplicarlo en vez de a
una persona a la Iglesia como Congregación?
Entonces este es el pensamiento: Si Hillcrest fuera Josue.
¿Que le diría Dios a Hillcrest ahora que estamos a dos semanas de iniciar
una nueva jornada espiritual?
Tomado Josue 1:1-8 esto es lo que nos diría:
1. Hillcrest hay una historia muy bonita detrás de ti, pero ahora como un
Josue Levántate y Pasa, a una nueva parte de tu historia. Versículo 2
2. Hillcrest recuerda que Te he dado promesas y como Josue debes
creerlas. Versículo 3
3. Hillcrest te has movido de 12123 Hillcrest Rd. pero como a Josue tu
territorio será todo el Metroplex. Versículo 4
4. Hillcrest recuerda que como Josue vencerás todos los imposibles que se
te pongan por delante. Versículo 5
5. Hillcrest al igual que Josue, pórtate con valentía frente a los
desafíos que tienes por delante. Versículo 6
6. Hilcrest pon en acción ahora tu mejor esfuerzo, el máximo esfuerzo a
todo lo que emprendas porque eso te dará resultados. Versículo 7
7. Hillcrest como un Josue que eres, Cuida la Misión y la Visión que Te ha
dado, realízala. Versículo 7
8. Hillcrest siempre ten tu oído espiritual a la voz del Señor tu Dios, no
a la voz de los que solo hablan por hablar. Versículo 8
Hermanos de esta gran familia Hillcrest, espero que sea significativo a
todos ustedes este pasaje de Josue, porque en una manera muy clara todos
nosotros somos una sola iglesia y debemos empujar el barco para el mismo
lado.
Josue aplico muy bien este capitulo a su vida y obtuvo los resultados que se
le prometieron. Nosotros también veremos una mejor mañana tomados de la
mano del Señor, porque la historia de Hillcrest aun no se termina pues
faltan los mejores capítulos y esos los escribiremos cada uno de los que
somos parte de esta hermosa familia Hilcrest Church. ¡Que pasen un
bendecido domingo!
En Cristo,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
12:26
If Hillcrest Church Was Joshua
Hello friends, brothers and sisters of this great Hillcrest family. I¹d
like to share with you a phrase that I felt in my heart after reading Joshua
1 and 2. I was impacted to think how this passage could be applied to
Hillcrest Church being as we are about to cross a very important point in
this great church in Dallas.
Normally this passage in Joshua is applied to Christians to encourage them
and strength to go on, but, what if instead of applying it to a person we
applied it to our church as a congregation?
So this is my thought: If Hillcrest was Joshua
What would God tell Hillcrest now that we are 2 weeks from starting a new
spiritual journey?
Taking Joshua 1:1-8, this is what He would say:
1. Hillcrest you have a beautiful history behind you, but now like Joshua
rise up and cross over to a new part of your history. Verse 2.
2. Hillcrest, remember that I have given you promises and like Joshua,
believe them. Verse 3.
3. Hillcrest, you have moved from 12123 Hillcrest Rd. but like Joshua,
your territory will be the entire Metroplex. Verse 4.
4. Hillcrest, remember that like Joshua you will defeat every impossible
thing that crosses your path. Verse 5.
5. Hillcrest, as with Joshua, be strong and courageous with the
challenges that you have in front of you. Verse 6.
6. Hillcrest, put into action your best effort, put forth the best effort
in everything you do because that will yield results. Verse 7.
7. Hillcrest, as the Joshua that you are take care of the mission and
vision that I have given you. Do it. Verse 7.
8. Hillcrest, always have your spiritual ear to the voice of your Lord
God, not to the voice of the ones that talk just to talk. Verse 8.
Brothers and sisters of Hillcrest, I hope that this passage in Joshua will
have great meaning, because in a very clear way we are all one church and we
need to row the boat in the same direction. Joshua applied this chapter to
his life very well and he obtained the results that were promised to him.
We will also see a better tomorrow as we hold on to God¹s hand, because the
history of Hillcrest is not finished yet, as the best chapters are yet to be
written. Those are the chapters what each one of us will write and be a
part of in this wonderful Hillcrest Church family.
Have a blessed Sunday!
In Christ,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Deuteronomio 34-1 Josue 2:24, Lucas 13:22-14:6, Salmo 79:1-13, Proverbios
12:26
Si Hillcrest Church Fuera Josue.
Hola amigos, hermanos, hermanas de esta gran familia Hillcrest deseo
compartir con ustedes una frase que me llego al corazón después de leer
Josue capítulos 1 y 2. Mi pensamiento se impacto al imaginar como este
pasaje pudiera aplicarse a Hillcrest Church siendo que estamos a punto de
cruzar un punto importante en la historia de esta querida iglesia aquí en
Dallas.
Normalmente el pasaje de Josue se aplica a los cristianos para darle animo y
fortaleza a fin de que sigan adelante, pero, ¿que tal aplicarlo en vez de a
una persona a la Iglesia como Congregación?
Entonces este es el pensamiento: Si Hillcrest fuera Josue.
¿Que le diría Dios a Hillcrest ahora que estamos a dos semanas de iniciar
una nueva jornada espiritual?
Tomado Josue 1:1-8 esto es lo que nos diría:
1. Hillcrest hay una historia muy bonita detrás de ti, pero ahora como un
Josue Levántate y Pasa, a una nueva parte de tu historia. Versículo 2
2. Hillcrest recuerda que Te he dado promesas y como Josue debes
creerlas. Versículo 3
3. Hillcrest te has movido de 12123 Hillcrest Rd. pero como a Josue tu
territorio será todo el Metroplex. Versículo 4
4. Hillcrest recuerda que como Josue vencerás todos los imposibles que se
te pongan por delante. Versículo 5
5. Hillcrest al igual que Josue, pórtate con valentía frente a los
desafíos que tienes por delante. Versículo 6
6. Hilcrest pon en acción ahora tu mejor esfuerzo, el máximo esfuerzo a
todo lo que emprendas porque eso te dará resultados. Versículo 7
7. Hillcrest como un Josue que eres, Cuida la Misión y la Visión que Te ha
dado, realízala. Versículo 7
8. Hillcrest siempre ten tu oído espiritual a la voz del Señor tu Dios, no
a la voz de los que solo hablan por hablar. Versículo 8
Hermanos de esta gran familia Hillcrest, espero que sea significativo a
todos ustedes este pasaje de Josue, porque en una manera muy clara todos
nosotros somos una sola iglesia y debemos empujar el barco para el mismo
lado.
Josue aplico muy bien este capitulo a su vida y obtuvo los resultados que se
le prometieron. Nosotros también veremos una mejor mañana tomados de la
mano del Señor, porque la historia de Hillcrest aun no se termina pues
faltan los mejores capítulos y esos los escribiremos cada uno de los que
somos parte de esta hermosa familia Hilcrest Church. ¡Que pasen un
bendecido domingo!
En Cristo,
Dr. Oscar Camacho O.
Pastor Iglesia Hispana Hillcrest
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)