Our Appearance • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Many times as Christians we see how close we can get to sin without it truly being sin. Like trying to wet your feet but not drown. The only problem is that sin is a tsunami, not a pond. We are called to look like and do the total opposite of sin, to go completely out of our way so that people can not even think that we are in sin. What it comes down to is this; are we trying to please ourselves or our Father?
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Listen with a Ready Heart • Matthew 2

In Matthew 2, we read that when Jesus was born God announced it for everyone to see with a star. Most people didn’t notice it; but there were a few “wise men” in the east, who were watching and recognized the significance of what was occurring. They saw the star, and made the long journey to Israel to worship the King whose birth this star announced. Sadly, we frequently don’t notice the messages that God so readily sends us; and, when we do, we don’t respond wholeheartedly to Him. This Christmas, let’s listen to the Lord with a ready heart.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

Disciplined vs. Disqualified • 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). It is human nature to believe that your life is your own and that your decisions only affect you, but we tend to forget that our lives are not our own. Jesus Christ gave His life completely for us, so are we not willing to do the same? Do we discipline our life in a manner that we will not be disqualified? Do we live a life that is truly above the normal standard?
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

A Grateful Approach • Psalm 100:4

To be grateful is to have an appreciation and thankfulness in your life. The interesting thing about thankfulness in the Bible is that it’s always referred to as a choice. You choose to appreciate and value something. It has nothing to do with your circumstances or possessions. It’s an attitude you choose to adopt for yourself as you approach God. As we separate a day for appreciation, let’s make that decision in our hearts to look at our lives in the light of gratitude to God for His faithfulness and blessings towards us. Let’s enter into His gates with thanksgiving!
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

No Greater Name • Philippians 2:9-10

Mention the name of Jesus in a public setting and the responses are “intolerant, politically incorrect, prejudice, and hypocrite”. It sets non-believers on edge. The name of Jesus gets no praise, honor or glory in today’s society. Jesus is Lord of lords, God of gods and King of kings. Read Psalm 136, Revelation 19:16. God has exalted Jesus and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (Philippians 2:9-10). Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
George Lee, Ministry Assitant

HIS Power • Zechariah 4:6

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). When situations come our way, we usually rely on our own strength to deal with them, even though we in our own flesh fail a majority of the time. The sad thing is that we have the Creator of everything in existence on our side yet we tell Him to sit on the side lines while we mess things up. We have a perfect Dad that wants to give us the desires of our heart, we just need to let Him do it.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Interview of a Lifetime • John 19

In John 19, as Pontius Pilate privately interviewed Jesus before the crucifixion, the impression is that Pilate’s general attitude was one of diffidence and apathy. He didn’t want to make a decision about Jesus and he thought that he didn’t have to. Pilate tried to ignore the fact that Jesus really was the king He said He was. It was actually Pilate’s life and eternity that were on trial. One day as Pilate stands before the judgment seat of Christ, he will have to give his own defense. When it comes to Jesus, we all have a decision to make that we cannot ignore.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

Most Wanted • Romans 8:1-4

A résumé describes your qualifications, strengths, and accomplishments. It’s an important part of the job-hiring process for the employer to choose you as a candidate. God doesn’t require a résumé. No background check needed. God chooses you to be on His team despite your shortcomings to shame the wise and mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. You are valuable to God. You are on His “most wanted” list. Therefore, as you receive and believe in Jesus, you instantly become children of God. John 1:12. You are a chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him (1 Peter 2:9-10).
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Most Wanted • Romans 1:1-4

A résumé describes your qualifications, strengths, and accomplishments. It’s an important part of the job-hiring process for the employer to choose you as a candidate. God doesn’t require a résumé. No background check needed. God chooses you to be on His team despite your shortcomings to shame the wise and mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. You are valuable to God. You are on His “most wanted” list. Therefore, as you receive and believe in Jesus, you instantly become children of God. John 1:12. You are a chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him (1 Peter 2:9-10).
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Pray For Each Other • Ephesians 1:15-23

In Ephesians 1:3, Paul’s prayer for the believers is overflowing with God’s love and blessing. His prayer is completely selfless and not materialistic; as mine so often are. Paul’s focus is on knowing our Lord Jesus more. Prayer is not just mumbling vain repetitions nor should it be seen as a task. I have so much to learn about prayer. This starts by getting to know Jesus better, as seen through Paul’s example. As much as I would strive for an abundant prayer life, I know that this is only the result of an abundant relationship with Christ Himself. Let’s read Ephesians 1:15-23 and make it our prayer for each other this week.
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

“Small” Sins • John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10a). Jesus Christ gives to us what the devil’s precise game plan is in our lives. He is only out to steal the gifts God has given or wants to give to us. He wants to kill any trace of the Holy Spirit that resides inside of us, and he wants to utterly destroy us. There’s no such thing as a small sin, any and every form of compromise has one objective in your life, and that is to completely devastate you and whomever you call family.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Final Thoughts • Luke 23:43

The story of the thief on the cross and the transition he went through in that short period of time is fascinating. He went from ridiculing to worshipping. He was understandably skeptical. Why would a king, much less the Son of God, allow Himself to be subjected to such brutality? But, something changed the thief’s mind. Was it Christ’s gracious words of forgiveness or His demeanor? Somehow he made several conclusions: this Man is who He says He is, and He may forgive me. In those last moments, the thief received a promise of forgiveness that carried him over into eternity.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

Finishing Strong • 2 Timothy 4:7

The Christian walk is like a marathon race with challenges, temptations, and trials along the way to the finish line. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God by putting on belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes with the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13-19). Run to win the prize of an imperishable crown. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.) Let us run with endurance, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Keep the faith! Finish the race! 2 Timothy 4:7.
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Eyes Upon God • 2 Chronicles 20:12

Have you ever been in a situation you had no power over and you did not know what to do? In these situations we find ourselves asking questions; Why is this happening to me? What am I going to do? 2 Chronicles 20:12 points out what we need to do in these situations. It says, “We have no power against this nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Change your gaze from inward to upward, because God knows. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Remember that the same power that conquered the grave lives in us.
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Walking In Him • Romans 8:1-4

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1). We do not have to walk with a huge burden of not being good enough. God through Jesus, His Son, satisfied the righteous requirements of the law. He has wiped our slate clean with His blood. If we walk in the Spirit, we have nothing to feel condemned about. However, if we are walking in the flesh, we will. So walk in (Christ Jesus), rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…abounding in with thanksgiving. Colossians 2-6-7.
Daniel Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Merciful Restoration • Ezekiel 28:24-26

In Ezekiel 25–28, Ezekiel’s focus shifts to the sins of the nations surrounding Israel. It almost seems like an interruption in the book’s theme until you read 28:24–26, and you realize that these nations were bitter enemies of Israel. God’s word to Israel is that while they are out in captivity, God will be clearing out the land of anyone who would oppose them. They would be coming back to their own lands, safe and secure from outside threats. They would have freedom to prosper again under God. Even in judgment, God is full of merciful love.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

No, No, Not Me • Isaiah 2:12

Reading throughout the book of Isaiah, we are fortunate to examine the consequences and deadly symptoms of pride. Some indicators of pride are: Neglecting God (17:7-10); Being unreasonable towards God (1:16-20); A desire to rearrange God’s order (5:20-21); and, Devoid of sensitivity to God’s heart (66:1-2, 22:8-13). Isn’t pride the trickiest of sins because it’s always in denial of its state? As with any sin, giving ourselves to God is the only correct way to deal with pride. Praise God who has the solution, graciously sharing with us His amazing “Therefore” (7:14) and “Nevertheless” (9:1a, 6-7)!
Marvin Luna, Ministry Assistant

Equality • Psalm 139:13-14

Exclusive, elite, and VIP are used to distinguish and classify the rich and famous. They receive special privileges everywhere they go. As a result, the average person feels excluded and less important. Let your heart not be troubled because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 139:13-14. We are special in God’s sight. According to God’s economy, the first shall be last and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30. We are all different yet we are equally important to God. Therefore, Jesus is preparing a special mansion for us in heaven because we are of equal importance to Him. John 14:2.
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Pass the Salt • Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? (Matthew 5:13a). Jesus calls us to preserve/season the world around us with His gospel. You don’t have to be a church minister or missionary to be the salt. Wherever you are, you have the power to reflect God’s character positively and powerfully influencing the people in your industry. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17a). If we do not, let us not be surprised at the world’s increasing godlessness and depravity. Pass the salt!
Daniel Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

God’s Comfort • Isaiah 12:1

At life’s worse moments a person really needs God’s comfort. In God’s comfort people can relax and find reassurance and relief. The word comfort means console, calm, cheer up. It is noteworthy to know that Noah is sent by God on a mission that will comfort people at a terrible time (Genesis 5:29). In Jacob’s life, God was at work providing what would be life and comfort for him, his family, and many others (Genesis 37:35). The Bible demonstrates that God is a God of comfort. Blessed be the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulations that we may be able to comfort those in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Razz Vázquez, Senior Pastor

Just Doing Our Job • Luke 17:10

“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (Luke 17:10). We often look for gratification in anything and everything we do, we have become a culture that looks for “thank you” or “good job” after any menial task, yet we forget that we’re just doing our job most of time. We must remember that we are just unprofitable servants and that it’s only through His amazing love and mercy that we get the privilege to do great things for Him and His kingdom.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Trust the Lord • Isaiah 44:1-22

Will we trust the Lord or will we try to take matters into our hands? In Isaiah 44, the Lord gives promises and reassurances to His people, echoing three times the command to not be afraid. Nevertheless, some still make for themselves idols in an attempt to control or manipulate the god they worship, foolishly not realizing that the idols they make are powerless to help them. What are we looking to for our help or salvation? If it’s not God, then it is an idol in our life. God’s call is for us to return to Him.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

The Lord is Good • Lamentations 3:25

Do we know and believe that our Lord is good all the times when we experience personal hardships? Do we see His goodness, faithfulness, and presence in the midst of our trials? The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble (Nahum 1:7). The LORD is good to those who seek and wait for Him (Lamentations 3:25). The LORD is good to all, His tender mercies are over all His creation (Psalm 149:5). God’s desire is for us not to grow weary and to know that our LORD is good all the time and all the time our LORD is good.
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Let’s Walk • Colossians 2:6-7

Friend, Christian, if we have accepted Christ Jesus our Lord, we must then be actively walking in Him. We must not be walking in feelings, emotions, fear, selfishness, hurt, bitterness or anything else that is not in Jesus. The root system of a believer led by these things is very shallow. Any small storm can uproot them. The encouragement is too be deep rooted and built up on the foundation of Christ Jesus. This creates a life of faith that will be established for eternity. This is what we are taught and so with thanksgiving, let’s walk!
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Quench Your Thirst • John 7:38

Are you thirsty? Are you going through a dry spell in your life? Jesus Christ tells us in John 7:37-38, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” All we need to do is go to Jesus to have our thirst quenched. Ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit. If we ask Him, He will come though. Luke 11:13. There is no need to go through dry and empty. Jesus is willing and wanting to quench your thirst.
Daniel Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Where is Your Trust? • Psalm 44:6

It’s always interesting (and rather needed) to look at ourselves and ask, “What am I trusting in?” We find many characters in the Word who have meditated on that same question. David, throughout his life shaking experiences learned a valuable lesson; “Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend” (Psalm 5:11a). Also in the Psalms we find, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). Also check out Psalm 146:3-6.
Marvin Luna, Ministry Assistant

Death Greater Than Life • Ecclesiastes 7:1

“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Freedom is one of the most amazing things that we receive once we devote our lives to Christ, not only freedom from sin and countless things that entrap us but also freedom from death itself. This freedom is what makes our last day on earth so much sweeter than the day we were born into it. Instead of being born into a world of sin and damnation, you are born into the original plan of God, living a perfect life with Him.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

Life Translation • Colossians 3:1

An old English word was used for the work of salvation that God has done in our hearts in Colossians 3:1 – it says that God has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. That word deserves our attention. Job yearned all his life for the day that ‘his change would come.’ David longs in Psalm 17:15 for the day that he would ‘awake’ in the likeness of God. Like a word that is translated, carrying with it the same significance, so God has translated us into the glorious state of being transformed into the likeness of Christ!
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

The Rock • 2 Samuel 22:32

Geologists, petrologists, and all the other kinds of earth surface scientists tell us of the many sorts of interesting rocks found in abundance within our diverse home. Believers in Christ have a special privilege in knowing THE ROCK; unbreakable, unbeatable, ever faithful, ever secure, forever ours. (2 Samuel 22:2-3, 47; Psalm 31:3, Psalm 62:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:4).
Marvin Luna, Ministry Assistant

Move On and Up • Philippians 3:13-14

Stagnant water promotes bacteria, algae, mold and mosquitoes. Thus, it becomes a health hazard. Much like grudges, bitterness and unforgiveness are unhealthy and stops spiritual progress in one’s life. We must forgive and move onward and upward with Jesus. Do not remember the former things (Isaiah 43:18). Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

J.O.Y. • Philippians 1:1-12

Philippians Chapter One gives us a prescription for joy. The prescription is to obey. Verse two says to fulfill my joy by being like-minded to Christ. It goes on to describe three ways in which we need to be obedient as Christ was (to the point of death). First, we need to obey even when it is inconvenient to us (verses 3-4). Second, we need to obey when no one is watching (verse 12). This last instruction on obedience is sometimes the hardest to do. We must obey willingly, without disputing or even complaining. Jesus; Others; and then, You - JOY!
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Don’t Just Listen • Luke 6:47-48

In Luke’s gospel Jesus likens a person, who hears God’s Word and does it, to a well-built house with a good foundation that can withstand a vehement storm. Jesus also likens the one, who hears His Word and doesn’t do it, to a poorly built house that collapses in the storm. What’s the moral of the story? For us to withstand the storms of life, we must not only hear the Word but act on it. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22). James even says that we deceive ourselves for doing one without the other. So don’t just listen, do it.
Daniel Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

His Image • Psalm 17:15

“As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” Even though most of humanity has their portion in the present age, David set himself aside for the Lord. He would truly only be fulfilled when he would wake up in the arms of our Lord. His thirst would only be quenched when he would finally be in the image that He was originally created in. We then also should only be satisfied in our pursuit of righteousness when we are in the presence of our Father and Savior.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

The End in Sight • Hebrews 12:1-2

As Job was facing his trials, he cried out to know his end (Job 6:11) and mistakenly saw nothing good left to live for (Job 7:7). David, too, longed to know his end (Psalm 39:4). It’s natural in painful circumstances to look further down the path and wonder what our end might be. But if we can’t see anything worth fighting for, we aren’t looking far enough away. Hebrews 12:2 says we should look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. At the end of our path lies a person, Jesus Christ, with nail-scarred hands lovingly outstretched towards us.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

Not In Your Book? • Psalm 56:8

Believers have much to be encouraged by! How come? Well, we have an immense God who loves us and can supply us with Himself. When down and deceived by pride; He has the solution (1 Peter 5:6-7). When anxious and void of priorities, He knows just what to say (Matthew 6:25). When we are weighed down, He has something for us (Psalm 55:22). Now what then shall we say to these things? (Romans 8:31). Not only should we be encouraged by God’s counsel but also find ourselves with a growing appetite to continually fortify ourselves within God’s Word.
Marvin Luna, Ministry Assistant

Look Up • Psalm 17:15

When our needs are comfortably met with an abundance of stuff, we tend to not look to God because the stuff keeps us busy and distracted. However during difficult times, we tend to look to God. Look to Me, and be saved…For I am God, and there is no other (Isaiah 45:22). And I…will draw all men to Myself (John 12:32).Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except through Jesus. John 14:6. Believe and trust in Jesus, in Him is salvation and eternal life. Look to Jesus and be saved!
George Lee, Ministry Assistant