Saturday, November 29, 2008

MUSICIAN'S FELLOWSHIP


(Psa 33:3) Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.


The Musician's Fellowship meets the last Friday of every month in the Chapel at 7:00pm. Everyone is invited!


This is Mike, Mandy, Craig, and John.


Mandy is putting the word out for more sisters to come out so she won't have to tolerate us bros so much!








Louie and Mike jammin'!





We pass out worship chord charts and work on praise songs.



Cesar on the left keeping the rhythm on the Djembe!

Tyler in the green playing a Taylor guitar.




John Molinari on the left is playing his brand new guitar he bought that day!


We are trying to be staged for the camera but weren't too successful!


Notice Craig's 80's guitar!











It should be illegal for a pastor to have this much fun!

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE


(Psa 100:4) Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

What a great Thanksgiving Eve Service we had! We worshipped with songs that emphasized giving of thanks. We then had open sharing time where people were given the opportunity to share what they were thankful for. Jason Davitt then gave an appropriate message from God's Word about giving of thanks in good times and bad. Communion followed and then an open prayer time. Afterwards we felt ready for Thanksgiving!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING THOUGHT

WHAT IS YOUR NEED TODAY?

(Exo 3:14) And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"


In the Old Testament, Jehovah (or Yahweh) is used along with other words to construct a compound name. These compound names of Jehovah tell us that God is self-existent and is able and ready to meet any need His people might have:

To those upon beds of sickness He is known as JEHOVAH-RAPHA, "the Lord that heals" (Exo 15:26). Pressed by the enemy they call upon JEHOVAH-NISSI, "the Lord our banner." (Exo 17:8-15) Cumbered with care, they learn that He is JEHOVAH-SHALOM, "the Lord our peace." (Judg 6:24) As pilgrims in the earth they feel the need of JEHOVAH RA'AH, "the Lord my shepherd." (Psalm 23:1) Conscious of condemnation and needing justification they hopefully call upon JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, "the Lord our righteousness." (Jer 23:6) When in need they learn that he is JEHOVAH-JIREH, "the Lord who provides." (Gen. 22:14) And when the kingdom of God shall have come upon the earth He shall be known as JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, "the Lord is there." (Eze 48:35) (From "Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible" by Myer Pearlman; Gospel Publishing House; 1937).

What need do you have today? The LORD is able and willing to meet that need. Just give it now to Him!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

LEADING SOMEONE TO CHRIST (Early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

LEADING SOMEONE TO CHRIST

(John 1:40-42) …Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. {41} He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). {42} And he brought him to Jesus…

I heard it again the other day. I heard a preacher on the radio ask his audience “When was the last time you led someone to Christ?” And again I felt guilty. Yes, I’ve heard the statistics that very few Christians have ever led someone to Christ. Classes are offered on how to witness. Books are written on how to share your faith. We highly respect those who seem to have that natural boldness. But most of us cringe when we think about walking up to someone and shamelessly presenting the truths of the gospel. Therefore I see the necessity of bringing this under discussion.

The Bible speaks of the gift of evangelism that some people have. (Eph 4:11) And He Himself gave some to be…evangelists… These I believe are specially gifted by God to proclaim the good news of Jesus. They have a special burden for the lost and seek for ways to share the way of salvation through Christ. It seems to be the top priority of their lives. You see them so naturally talking to people about the Lord. You admire them for that. And the interesting thing is people seem to respond.

But do all possess this gift? The Bible goes on to speak of other gifts that people will have. The Word declares that we are all part of the body of Christ and will have varying gifts. These gifts will be predominant in our lives. The important question at this juncture would be should we relegate the proclamation of the gospel to the gifted evangelists? Or should we force ourselves to get out of our comfort zone and tell people about the Lord?

I would like to put it this way: Though some are evangelists we all are called to evangelize. Now what does that specifically mean? I think it means that if we are not called to be an evangelist, God will call us to share our faith in a unique way with others. It could be taking a neighbor to the doctor. It might be watching your nephew’s soccer game because his mom is at work. It could be you remembered your fellow employees birthday and brought a cake in and celebrated. Situations like these open the door for people to see the Lord in your life and to ask questions. Prayerfully they will respond and give their lives to the Lord. (Mat 5:16) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

I believe that up in heaven there will be surprises. There will be people there that you led to the Lord. Maybe you didn’t pray the sinner’s prayer with them but you did lead them to Christ. When they came into your life you said by your life and love, “He’s over there!” Later they gave their life to the Lord. And when you see them in heaven they’re going to say, “Thanks!”

Louie

Monday, November 24, 2008

MEN'S RETREAT


We had a blessed time at the Men's Retreat this past weekend at Alpine Christian Conference Center in Twin Peaks!



We studied the book of 1 Timothy. Our theme was ARE YOU A PILLAR? from the scripture: (1 Tim 3:15) but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.




We had a nice meeting room all to ourselves and very conducive for study.




Roy Center teaching 1 Timothy 2.



Cesar leads worship Saturday morning.







Watch this video clip of Jeremy Britton teaching 1 Timothy 3. You'll see men eager for the study of God's Word!






Mike Harrison teaches 1 Timothy 4.



The fellowship keeps going inbetween the studies!



Yes, more food for the brothers at Lake Arrowhead Saturday afternoon.




Listen to the praise band playing Saturday night!

Ron Ayala and Steve Rice play-act a skit about witnessing to others. Ron was asking men to join the GO! Team door-to-door ministry on Saturday mornings.


Brother Michael Campbell was kind enough to share a few songs he had written. We discovered his giftings from the Lord at the Musician's Fellowship. He gives all glory to God!



Brother Tony Fasano did a good job with 1 Timothy 5.


More praise. These brothers love the Lord! After the Saturday night study we turned down the lights and had an Afterglow. We worshipped, had communion, and then just waited on the Lord. There were some great encouragements from the Lord that came forth. We spent a lot of time sharing our hearts and praying for each other. What a highlight!

I left for home a little before midnight to get ready for the Sunday morning services. I missed Jason Davitt sharing from the Word in 1 Timothy 6. Once I get some photos of him I'll be posting them. (Any brothers that have more pics of the retreat, please send them to me so I can post them!)

Thank-you Jesus for men who are pillars. Strong in the Lord and in the power of His might to be that foundation and support in these last days!



Thursday, November 20, 2008

PASTOR GEORGE


Pastor George passed away this week. He was 95 years old! (He's seated in the chair in the middle) He was such a blessing to all of us pastors in the Corona-Norco area who meet every Thursday morning for prayer. George would always say the closing prayer and pray like thunder for revival. He told us he would pray for us pastors every morning during his devotions. He would always be such an encouragement when you would talk with him. He almost died at 81 years old but the Lord kept him alive. I'm glad because he has had a significant impact on so many.
(Psa 116:15) Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

THANKSGIVING 2008 (Early release of Shepherd to Sheep


SHEPHERD TO SHEEP
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION
(October 3, 1863)


It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.


We know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?


We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.


But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(Psa 103:2) Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits


Here’s the assignment this year. Gather together and read Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation (how fitting post-elections!), read Psalm 103:1-5 and then have each person share what they are thankful for. It’s been a tough year for our country but we have so much to be thankful for. And as you give thanks please remember to say a prayer for our soldiers and missionaries oversees.

The Lord richly bless you and your family this Thanksgiving!

Louie

ROBED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS


(These are notes from the study on November 9)

The Bible talks a lot about the righteous man. What makes a man righteous?

1) Surely not our own righteousness!

(Titus 3:5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

(Isa 64:6) But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

2) The righteousness of Christ makes a man righteous.

(2 Cor 5:21) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(Isa 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Are you robed in the righteousness of Christ?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

MEN'S TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER WARRIORS

Guess what Calvary Chapel Norco? These men have you covered in prayer! Every Tuesday they get together at 6am to pray for you and your prayer needs. If you have a prayer request you can fill out a Prayer Request form at church and place it in the Agape Box. You can also email a prayer request at prayer@ccnorco.org. Or just call the church at (951) 272-WORD. We make it easy... but these men do the hard work.

(Col 4:12) ...always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Any other men prayer warriors out there? Come join us and let's do the hard work...togehter!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

CHERYL'S BIRTHDAY IN OAK GLEN


(Psa 32:11) Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Today we went to Oak Glen for Cheryl's birthday. We had such a great time as you can see. We didn't have time to pick apples but we did some shopping and ate some lunch and then did some more fun things and then had some apple pie.


This man was playing this instrument (called the 3 Octave or something like that) from the late 1800's. He asked what song we would like to hear and we said Amazing Grace. It was beautiful. Sounded like glorified wind chimes praising God and filling the air for all to hear.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

GO! MISSIONARY SCOTT BOWMAN

Scott Bowman came by the church today. He's a GO! missionary who has served in Siegen, Germany. He's home now in the Redlands area seeking the Lord on what God has for him next. He's praying about going back out on the mission field after the first of the year. Please keep him in your prayers. He excited about the future and all God has for him.
(Jer 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERYL


Today we celebrated Cheryl's birthday at the church office. (Her real birthday is this Sunday, Nov. 16). Here she is with the GO! sisters. (from left: Nancy; Cheryl; Mary Ann; Gracie, Carol, and Linda) You should of tasted this yummy strawberry ice-cream cake. MMMmmm!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

STAY BRUTAL (Early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

STAY BRUTAL

(Heb 6:11-12) And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, {12} that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

It was one of those rare, lazy and carefree days. You know the kind I’m talking about. Everything is going good and things are flowing for you. You’re feeling fine and life is good and if you have any problems you’re not thinking about them. You’re in the moment. The vibe is relaxed and lighthearted and maybe even celebrative. Things are groovin’ and life is movin’. You’ve got food in your belly and your mind is like jelly. Life has been too serious and possibly delirious. You’re mental downshifts into a comfortable and mellow lane. You wish this mood could always be your atmosphere of choice.

Well, I was in one of those frames of mind one day out in public. I had been through a lot of battles and when this atmosphere descended over me I became absorbed. But something started to tweak. I was getting into it way too much. Without knowing it I was removing my armor. I was looking around and seeing a friendly and inviting world and I wanted to be a part of the society. I was tired and just wanted to go with the flow. I was weary of the fight and just wanted things to stay light. I was coveting an untroubled existence and was ready to join the lazy river of the masses. You know that attitude of “It’s over” and “I’m so done with this” and “Put a fork in it!”

But then something happened. A young man walked by wearing a T-shirt that said “STAY BRUTAL!” on it. That saying hit me hard. It smote my heart. It jolted me out of my laissez-faire attitude. Through it God was saying to be careful. Keep your armor on. Be sober and vigilant. Don’t let your guard down. Stay fierce against sin. Be severe against compromise. Be vicious against fleshly impulses and tendencies. Gird up the loins of your mind. Don’t let your mind get weak. Let God be the peace of your mind and life. Trust Him to strengthen you to carry on in the fight. Heaven is coming and your prize will be eternal. Wait on the Lord and don’t let your heart be weighed down. Rest in the Lord. The reward is coming.

Oh, brothers and sisters…let’s stay brutal against sin! It’s not time to relax into this world. We must persist and resist. We must fight in the night. May our resolve be steel and our steadfastness be unwavering. Never take your armor off. Sleep in it. Wake up with it. Go to work in it. Relax with it. Converse with others fully girded. Don’t give Satan an inch. A centimeter. A moment. A second. Stay brutal. I’m putting a call out to my fellow soldiers. Stay on the battlefield. Be courageous. You’re in a war zone and the fight is to the death. The Captain of our salvation knows when to call it over. It’s sooner than you think! (1 Pet 4:7) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Louie

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

THE GO! SISTERS

These are the GO! sisters who work in the office of Calvary Chapel Norco/GO! Ministries:



Above is Linda Dewsnap. Below is Carol Casey.




Below is Gracie Fasano and Nancy Stitzel. What a blessing they are as they serve the Lord and the GO! missionaries.





Saturday, November 8, 2008

MARRIED COUPLES FELLOWSHIP

What an awesome event we had tonight. The couples of our church got together in the Chapel for a time of fellowship in the Lord. The theme was Christ being the foundation for our marriages.

(1 Cor 3:11) For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We had a time of worship and then Gabriel and Mercedes (below) shared a testimony of God moving in their marriage. Then Mahlon and Linda (above) took turns sharing encouragement to the couples in the Lord. Afterwards we hung out together and enjoyed some tasty desserts. What a great evening and a time of strengthening our marriages in Christ!

Friday, November 7, 2008

A WORD ABOUT ALCOHOL

We are studying Proverbs on Sunday nights and the topic of drunkeness (alcoholism) is coming up repeatedly. Read this section of Proverbs on being addicted to alcohol and the following current information of how alcohol is affecting our lives in our country.


(Prov 23:29-35) Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? {30} Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. {31} Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; {32} At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. {33} Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. {34} Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: {35} "They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?"


Alcohol Statistics

Each year, a typical young person in the United States is inundated with more than 1,000 commercials for beer and wine coolers and several thousand fictional drinking incidents on television.

Alcohol is involved in 50% of all driving fatalities.

In the United States, every 30 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic accident.

Over 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol. 500,000 are between the age of 9 and 12.

Each year the liquor industry spends almost $2 billion dollars on advertising and encouraging the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Americans spend over $90 billion dollars total on alcohol each year.

An average American may consume over 25 gallons of beer, 2 gallons of wine, and 1.5 gallons of distilled spirits each year.

Pregnant women who drink are feeding alcohol to their babies. Unfortunately the underdeveloped liver of the baby can only burn alcohol at half the rate of its mother, so the alcohol stays in the baby's system twice as long.

Each year students spend $5.5 billion on alcohol, more then they spend on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee, or books combined.

56% of students in grade 5 to 12 say that alcohol advertising encourages them to drink.

6.6% of employees in full time jobs report heavy drinking, defined as drinking five or more drinks per occasion on five or more days in the past 30 days.

The highest percentage of heavy drinkers (12.2%) is found among unemployed adults between the age of 26 to 34

Up to 40% of all industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.

In 2000, almost 7 million persons age 12 to 20 was a binge drinker; that is about one in five persons under the legal drinking age was a binge drinker.


The 2001 survey shows 25 million (one in ten) Americans surveyed reported driving under the influence of alcohol. This report is nearly three million more than the previous year. Among young adults age 18 to 25 years, almost 23% drove under the influence of alcohol.

Drunk driving is proving to be even deadlier then what we previously know. The latest death statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using a new method of calculation show that 17,488 people where killed in alcohol related traffic accidents last year. This report represents nearly 800 more people where killed than the previous year.
Alcohol is the number 1 drug problem in America.

43% of Americans have been exposed to alcoholism in their families.

Nearly one out of 4 Americans admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems or are undiagnosed alcoholics being diagnosed for alcohol related consequences.

Alcohol and alcohol related problems is costing the American economy at least $100 million in health care and lost of productivity every year.

Four in ten criminal offenders report alcohol as a factor in violence.

Among spouse violence victims, three out of four incidents were reported to have involved alcohol use by the offender.

In 1996, local law enforcement agencies made an estimated 1,467,300 arrests nationwide for driving under the influence of alcohol. (www.drug-rehabs.org/alcohol-statistics.php)

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Calvary Chapel Living Water

Last night I had the privilege of sharing God's Word at Calvary Chapel Living Water in Corona at their midweek study. It was amazing how it all happened. In the morning I felt impressed to text pastor Jerry Simmons to just say hi and to give him a "God bless you." He texted me back and said hello and gave me a blessing as well. Four minutes later he texted again and said he had bronchitis and could I share at the Bible study that night. Isn't God amazing? It really taught me to always be ready to serve the Lord.

(1 Pet 3:15) ... always be ready...

By the way, Calvary Chapel Living Water is a great church with a very loving body and they are doing so much for missions. We have so much in common as well as being on a corner! God bless you all at Living Water!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

LOOK FOR THE GOOD (Early release of Shepherd to Sheep)


SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

(1 Cor 13:7) (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

The recent elections were monumental. So much was on the line with a new president and some important state propositions. Some things we voted for came to pass and other things we voted for didn’t. What do you do when things don’t come out the way you expected? How do you keep yourself from disappointment over an important scenario that didn’t develop as anticipated? What do you do when your hopes are high and then your bubble is popped and you feel yourself descending? LOOK FOR THE GOOD!

Many Christians disagreed with our president-elect over moral/political issues. But one thing I believe we can celebrate is how far our nation has come in regards to civil rights issues. I’ve seen a lot of great things happen in my lifetime and this is one of them, along with the fall of the iron curtain in Europe and the elimination of apartheid in South Africa. For that I praise God and will choose to LOOK FOR THE GOOD.

We live in a fallen world. Things aren’t the way they should be. Our world is rapidly declining into moral decay. It’s just as the Bible predicted. (Mat 24:12; 2 Th 2:3; 2 Tim 3:1)

But one of these days Jesus will rule and reign over the earth. Things will be right. Sin will be judged. Justice will prevail and righteousness will flow like a mighty stream. (Is 32:15-18; Amos 5:24) Until then we’ll have to operate in a less than perfect state of affairs. And we’ll have the challenge to LOOK FOR THE GOOD. I believe that’s the outlook the Lord wants us to have.

Think of how Joseph had to live among the Egyptian pagans. How about Daniel in the Babylonian courts? The early church among the debauchery of Roman culture? They retained their spiritual poise and dignity without compromising their integrity. There was moral declension all around them but they kept being a light and a positive force for Jesus Christ.

Historically times of moral and religious apostasy has served to strengthen the church. Christians tend to became lukewarm and apathetic when things are comfortable and complimentary to their faith. But when things change and the world turns against our beliefs then the challenge is really on. I have been concerned about the state of apathy in the church for some time now. And I believe what is going on in the world will serve to demand more of our faith and commitment. Could this be the beginning of a true revival? (Is 64:1)

In every situation we find ourselves in let’s LOOK FOR THE GOOD! Because if you LOOK FOR THE GOOD you just might find it!

Louie

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

WORLD SERIES

You know when I saw the Phillies celebrating their World Series victory I was thinking about what heaven is going to be like. Just think about the celebration the first day in heaven when we see Jesus for the first time. It' going to be so glorious. Here's a question. Do you think every day will be a celebration like that? I kind of think so because of Revelation:

(Rev 5:8) Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.------(Rev 5:14) Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

You see the church is always falling down and worshipping the Lord! I believe we will be contstantly responding to the revelation of His grace:

(Eph 2:7) that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

This thought should give us hope as we grapple with things down here on earth:

(2 Cor 4:17-18) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, {18} while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Are you getting to celebrate?

Saturday, November 1, 2008

THE PROMISE

Wow! A rainbow over our house yesterday morning. I went out to get the morning paper and look what I got. I ran in the house and told Cheryl and we enjoyed the rare sight together.

God gave Noah the rainbow and promised never to drown the earth again (Gen 9:13-16). And He has fulfilled that promise to this day. Is there a promise you are claiming from God's Word for your life? Has the Lord spoken to your heart about your future? Then claim that promise and tell the Lord you believe in Him. What He said will come to pass. It's just a matter of time. Be encouraged today!

(2 Cor 1:20) For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.