Monday, March 31, 2008
Justine was baptized by these 4 amazing woman of God!!
and here are Justine's loving parents!
What an honor it was to witness one of the most amazing miracle happened in our Teen Ministry! Justine's sharing made me cry ok!! Here's a couple of pictures from Justine's baptism. I am so moved by your example Justine! Keep it up, there's plenty of good work ahead of you to glorify God with your new life you've received through Jesus Christ. I believe in you! and I love you girl!! ^-^
Viva Justine!
A Whole New World by Ejay and Johana
Here's our dear TL Ejay and Johana singing A Whole New World with special effects from John Q and Abram as they ride they magic carpet. So funny!!
TL Fun Night!! (March)
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I just want to say that I had such a wonderful time with the TLs on our Fun Night! FYI for teens who didn't know, we TLs get together once a month to hang out and just have fun whether it be over at someone's home, outdoor stuff, restaurants or movies, etc. This week we had our fun night at our home and it was so much fun! I have to say that every single one has such an amazing character that adds into this awesome bunch of servants of God. I love it when we truly live out the Bible just as Marcel has said many times before. In our ministry, it is such a body where everyone has their specific functions and each one is as important than the other. I love the TLs!!
Much Love,
Lyn Lee
Friday, March 28, 2008
K-tan and I have been "examining the scriptures daily" and looking deeper into the book of John when we stumbled on an interesting passage - John 3:8 states:
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Looking deeper into the passage (and yes, at the original Greek!), we discovered that the word for "wind" was in fact πνεῦμα (pneuma), which we retain in English (ie. pneumatics, pneumonia). When translated, pneuma can also mean "breath", or "soul".
But here is the kicker - the word for "Spirit" in the bible is πνεύματος (pneumatos), which is in fact derived from the same word! Whereas our English bibles metaphorically describe the behavior of the Spirit to wind, they have the same etymological roots in the original Greek!
In fact, the study of the Holy Spirit is called "pneumatology", which literally means the study of God's Breath. (I'm sure it's a nice aroma!)
With that insight, we can more greatly appreciate the Holy Spirit that God gives us at baptism - I now see John 3:8 as an peek into the personality of the Holy Spirit. It is like the wind - or - it literally IS the wind! And like the wind, the Holy Spirit is mysterious, powerful, even unpredictable! What an amazing instrument God has chosen to guide our lives.
lybiC/mig.
(And here's a bonus...)
Wind is most simply described as the flow of air - which is in turn a fluid. Fluids have very specific properties that make it unique (hat tip to Wikipedia!):
- Fluids do not resist deformation (or only lightly) - also known as viscosity.
- They have the ability to flow, which is also described as the "ability to take on the shape of the container". Makes you rethink 1 Corinthians 6:19!:
"Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God?"
We are the container, and the Holy Spirit (wind/fluid) is... I'll let you make the connection! :D
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Looking deeper into the passage (and yes, at the original Greek!), we discovered that the word for "wind" was in fact πνεῦμα (pneuma), which we retain in English (ie. pneumatics, pneumonia). When translated, pneuma can also mean "breath", or "soul".
But here is the kicker - the word for "Spirit" in the bible is πνεύματος (pneumatos), which is in fact derived from the same word! Whereas our English bibles metaphorically describe the behavior of the Spirit to wind, they have the same etymological roots in the original Greek!
In fact, the study of the Holy Spirit is called "pneumatology", which literally means the study of God's Breath. (I'm sure it's a nice aroma!)
With that insight, we can more greatly appreciate the Holy Spirit that God gives us at baptism - I now see John 3:8 as an peek into the personality of the Holy Spirit. It is like the wind - or - it literally IS the wind! And like the wind, the Holy Spirit is mysterious, powerful, even unpredictable! What an amazing instrument God has chosen to guide our lives.
lybiC/mig.
(And here's a bonus...)
Wind is most simply described as the flow of air - which is in turn a fluid. Fluids have very specific properties that make it unique (hat tip to Wikipedia!):
- Fluids do not resist deformation (or only lightly) - also known as viscosity.
- They have the ability to flow, which is also described as the "ability to take on the shape of the container". Makes you rethink 1 Corinthians 6:19!:
"Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God?"
We are the container, and the Holy Spirit (wind/fluid) is... I'll let you make the connection! :D
We Have a Tenant
Praise the Lord. I just found out that we found a tenant to rent our home in Fontana. God came through in the clutch right before the end of the month when we needed it. He is good to us.
REAL LOVE! I’m talking ‘bout a real love (Someone to set my heart free!)
Mt 5:43-48
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![b] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[c] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Ya'll youngsters may not know that Mary J Blige song.)
In this passage Jesus, continues to call us to be different. This is arguably the most famous part of His sermon, and probably the hardest to live out. We must first ask, “what does Jesus mean exactly by “loving our enemies?”
In Greek, there are 4 different words for “love”:
1: Storgê: family love i.e. parent to a child
2: Erôs: attraction between the guys and girls
3: Philia: affection i.e. the feeling one has towards their closest friend
4: Agapê: unconquerable benevolence or invincible goodwill.
Jesus never asked us to love our enemies as we would our child, our spouse, or our best friend. But he does challenge us to love in a way that transcends the norm, our feelings, or any other factor other than the fact that it’s the way of Christ. It then becomes a matter of will and not a matter of emotion or instinct. We can only accomplish this with the help and example that Jesus gave us.
Love does not mean that we allow people to do absolutely as they like and leave them unchecked. No one would say that parent love their children if they let them do everything they wish, especially if its destructive behavior. What I mean is sometimes we have to punish, restrain, discipline and protect people from themselves sometimes. But we are never to punish for our own gain, revenge, or protection. We only do it to help them become better people. Christian “punishment” must be aimed at a cure or a remedy.
Let us remember that this is a command for our personal relationships, but extends to the people we only have acquaintance with. And when those people may hurt us, and as we are never to defend ourselves or retaliate, we are, in fact, called to pray for them. We cannot hate someone and pray for them at the same time.
And you may ask, “what’s the point of all this?” Is it just for us to be great moral people? Is it to promote good will on earth? The answer: It is this love that makes men and women like God. Jesus says that if you love like this, “you will be “sons of your father in heaven (v. 45)” And isn’t this our whole purpose for living (not to be confused with our mission)?
Read Genesis 1:26. 26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings[a] in our image, to be like us (NLT)." God desires for us to be like him. We may sin against him. Sometimes we may even be angry with him. He loves us anyway. He loves us conditional of nothing. He sticks to His character and values, and thank goodness love is one of those. I believe he loves us like a father loves a child, or how a friend would do anything for his friend (Jesus). But this is how we can truly be like God: when we can be loving in all situations, in all relationships, and at all times.
Challenge: Think about times, relationships, areas of your heart where you are not loving (c'mon, be real) and think of how Jesus would be in those scenarios.
Then, simply, be like God.
Have a godly weekend.
John Q
("Ooooooo-ou-o-u searchin’ for a real love…")
43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’[a] and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies![b] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,[c] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
(Ya'll youngsters may not know that Mary J Blige song.)
In this passage Jesus, continues to call us to be different. This is arguably the most famous part of His sermon, and probably the hardest to live out. We must first ask, “what does Jesus mean exactly by “loving our enemies?”
In Greek, there are 4 different words for “love”:
1: Storgê: family love i.e. parent to a child
2: Erôs: attraction between the guys and girls
3: Philia: affection i.e. the feeling one has towards their closest friend
4: Agapê: unconquerable benevolence or invincible goodwill.
Jesus never asked us to love our enemies as we would our child, our spouse, or our best friend. But he does challenge us to love in a way that transcends the norm, our feelings, or any other factor other than the fact that it’s the way of Christ. It then becomes a matter of will and not a matter of emotion or instinct. We can only accomplish this with the help and example that Jesus gave us.
Love does not mean that we allow people to do absolutely as they like and leave them unchecked. No one would say that parent love their children if they let them do everything they wish, especially if its destructive behavior. What I mean is sometimes we have to punish, restrain, discipline and protect people from themselves sometimes. But we are never to punish for our own gain, revenge, or protection. We only do it to help them become better people. Christian “punishment” must be aimed at a cure or a remedy.
Let us remember that this is a command for our personal relationships, but extends to the people we only have acquaintance with. And when those people may hurt us, and as we are never to defend ourselves or retaliate, we are, in fact, called to pray for them. We cannot hate someone and pray for them at the same time.
And you may ask, “what’s the point of all this?” Is it just for us to be great moral people? Is it to promote good will on earth? The answer: It is this love that makes men and women like God. Jesus says that if you love like this, “you will be “sons of your father in heaven (v. 45)” And isn’t this our whole purpose for living (not to be confused with our mission)?
Read Genesis 1:26. 26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings[a] in our image, to be like us (NLT)." God desires for us to be like him. We may sin against him. Sometimes we may even be angry with him. He loves us anyway. He loves us conditional of nothing. He sticks to His character and values, and thank goodness love is one of those. I believe he loves us like a father loves a child, or how a friend would do anything for his friend (Jesus). But this is how we can truly be like God: when we can be loving in all situations, in all relationships, and at all times.
Challenge: Think about times, relationships, areas of your heart where you are not loving (c'mon, be real) and think of how Jesus would be in those scenarios.
Then, simply, be like God.
Have a godly weekend.
John Q
("Ooooooo-ou-o-u searchin’ for a real love…")
Rough Riders
God is moving. I just got back from speaking at a rally held at Roosevelt High School (they're the Rough Riders) and it went well. They said I can come back and speak to the Bible club on campus. I also plan on joining a group of students and college students at a coffee shop across the street from the school on Mondays and hopefully get into some Bible studies. Pray for God to make disciples out of the Rough Riders.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
New Record
Yo yo yo yo....turns out the Eagle Rock TBT broke their previous record of 16 guests to 17 guests and 19 people....so pray that it keeps on raising and that we get some disciples out of it...DJ C Money out!
Encouraging Date
I wanted to share that----------
...a couple of saturdays ago...I was taken out on a date by the beautiful...encouraging sister..MARIA....and our awesome and vibrant doubles were...Lyn and Miguel, Chris and Lupe, and Erick and Cynthia....it was a good time with one another....
Maria was the an amazing host as usual....lyn helped her out in the kitchen, Miguel had the best drawings in the game we played (i think its called "cat" or something like that...lol), Chris was the winner in a game of liar's dice, Lupe's testimony shared was heart felt and really a great story to know her deeper, Erick's funny duck "egg" picture had us thrown off to think it was a duck dooky...haha, and Cynthia's servitude to all the guys there, represented women of God in a vibrant way.
The food was delish, games were creative and fun..and the ladies held it down to encourage us guys!
not to mention..we are one Goooood lookin group of peeps. Haha....
I just wanted to share about our great date together.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Justin Family
We need to pray for the Justin Family. Steve and Isabel's youngest son, Sylvester, passed away this past Sunday night. Felix told me that they'll need help financially to help w/the costs for the funeral services. Let's be there for them (1 cor 12:26).
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Just This Once
I'll be nice and remind you that we will be doing the Memory Scripture tomorrow night at devo. If you stay ready you don't have to get ready.
Upcoming events in March
Friday, March 21 @ 7:30pm - Teen Devo w/ Singles Ministry @ Pasadena B&G Club
Saturday, March 22 @ 1pm - All LA Seniors’ Fellowship @ USC Religious Ctr. Rm 108
Sunday, March 23 @ 10am - Easter Sunday Service
Friday, March 28 @ 7:30pm - Youth & Parent Devo @ Pasadena B&G Club
Saturday, March 22 @ 1pm - All LA Seniors’ Fellowship @ USC Religious Ctr. Rm 108
Sunday, March 23 @ 10am - Easter Sunday Service
Friday, March 28 @ 7:30pm - Youth & Parent Devo @ Pasadena B&G Club
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
BIG UPS
yo yo yo.....so hey big ups to you teens...it's hard fightin everyday on those campuses and it truly is encouraging to see you all fightin and doing your thang for the Lord. You all are truly the heart of the Church.....oh...and another double ups for the bible talks...Ill be prayin they are fruitful and give glory to our father. Keep it rollin u guys!!!.... : )
MRS. HALL
We can't forget you KARINA> We appreciate your dedication to our ministry and backin up your man...haha...
MR. HALL
Can I just mention that we have an AWESOME....Teen Minister. We are grateful God has given us a dedicated, hard working servant to lead us.....3 cheers for Mr. Hall... : P
TBt Showing Its Potential
On March 12, 2008, the Eagle Rock High School Truth Be Told was extremely successful. We, Chris and I, had 16 visitors in attendance. Throughout this year, we have been fighting to break the imaginary double digit barrier that seemed to limit the club's potential. The club started off rough as we had a very low number of consistent visitors and we had to change the room location. It was not until last week, while my sick self unfortunately laid in bed, that the club absent of its wonderful president received 10 visitors. And this week received 16 visitors that were much more active in Marcel's enlightning lesson than I have ever seen. God is to be glorified here as he has worked through the hearts of the students at my school. All things are possible with God and the teens in the high schools in Central Region of LA truly need our help, so we must plant TBt in all schools where our teens are present. Also, please pray that we can get all of our visitors to become disciples and attend the upcoming Youth Rally. Let's get it cracking teens, as Marcel would say, and make disciples of all nations (high schools.)
I AM LEGEND
The Spring Rally is this Saturday from 1-3pm! Let's get all our friends out and be praying for the spiritual success of this event. See you there!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Paris Je T'Aime!
"Allons enfant du la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrive!"
Hello Family!
The Guerras are gearing up for our trip to Paris, and we're really praying for a safe and a spiritually meaningful trip.
All you teens be sure and fellowship with the Jr High group while we're gone. We want to make sure they feel loved whether or not we're there...
"Et voici: je suis moi-même avec toi, je te garderai partout où tu iras; et je te ferai revenir dans cette région..." Genèse 28:15
In case you were curious: We'll be heading out Thursday night (Air France Flight 69), and coming back Monday afternoon (Air France Flight 72)...
Hello Family!
The Guerras are gearing up for our trip to Paris, and we're really praying for a safe and a spiritually meaningful trip.
All you teens be sure and fellowship with the Jr High group while we're gone. We want to make sure they feel loved whether or not we're there...
"Et voici: je suis moi-même avec toi, je te garderai partout où tu iras; et je te ferai revenir dans cette région..." Genèse 28:15
In case you were curious: We'll be heading out Thursday night (Air France Flight 69), and coming back Monday afternoon (Air France Flight 72)...
Family Prayer
Long story short. I need your prayers for my mom's move back to the OC. We had someone who was going to rent out our house but just backed out and now we need a new tentant THIS month. So, please pray that God will provide. Thank you so much.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Back to the OC
I wanted to share some good news in my life. My mom and little brother, Deion, are finally moving back to the OC. This is huge because we've wanted to make this happen for a long time. Please pray that this move will help my mom and Deion out spiritually. Also, my voice is back. AMEN!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
HOT DIGGITY DOG!
HOT DIGGITY DOG! We were able to raise over $1200 at Sunday’s Hot Dog Fundraiser. The funds will help teens pay for this year’s teen camp. Everyone did an incredible job staying on task and working together as a team. Hollywood Access
Dinner at the famous Pink’s Hot Dogs in Hollywood, followed by entertaining and amazingly clean comedy was the way the Teen Leaders spent their Saturday night. We first had the chance to taste why people will wait over an hour in line for a hot dog. Was it worth it teen leaders? After scarfing down our food we made our way over to the National Comedy Theatre, home of ComedySportz LA. We will definitely be going back!
Rock n' Bowl
10 bowling teams competed for bragging rights at the Alhambra Bowling Center on Friday night. Strikes… gutter balls…broken down screens… glow in the dark lanes… the teen ministry had it all. There weren’t too many PBA (Professional Bowling Association) Champions amongst us, but that didn’t stop us from having fun. Erick had a magic night with 3 strikes in a game, Chelsea found new and creative ways to bowl with each of her turns, Marcel met his goal of scoring over 100, Justine had herself a little picnic with nachos and a drink on one of the lanes, we met several new friends, and all of us had a great time competing and encouraging one another.
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