Fatigued Faith • James 2:17-26

“…Faith without works is dead…” (James 2:20) Faith is one of the many muscles in our walk with the Lord. In order to gain spiritual mass, it must be tested, stretched, torn, and repaired again and again in order to grow continually in our faith with Him. These times of silence, the times when we barely sense the Lord in our lives, the seasons we question His judgment, this is when we are exercising the muscle. It’s a beautiful time to grow and to still have faith while there’s nothing to hold on to except the last command we received from Him.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

Don't Be Negligent • Haggai 1:9

Nowadays, we are so over saturated with commercials and TV programs promoting the lifestyle of the rich and famous. They stir up false needs to splurge lavishly on self-indulgences “because we deserve it” and all the while, close relatives and friends are in need or enduring a personal crisis. It is our Christian duty to perform an act of benevolence and to refresh others when it is within our power to do so. We should never neglect to perform a benevolent act of kindness. (Proverbs 3:27-28; 11:24-25) As you give willingly and generously, Jesus will bless you abundantly! (Psalm 84:11)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

A Perfect Potter • Jeremiah 18:1-6

"'…Can I not do with you as this potter?' says the LORD. 'Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand…'" (Jeremiah 1:6) Clay never speaks, it doesn’t complain, it doesn’t move it just waits, trusting in the Potter to do what is perfect in His eyes, allowing the Potter to have His way in its life, giving Him absolute reign of it’s existence. We must not move, nor complain, only allow Him to move us and shape us to His perfect will. We only need to be continually cleansed and watered with His word and the Holy Spirit.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

The Man Who Never Repented • 1 Samuel 26:21

The example left to us by King Saul is a testimony to a wasted life. Even though, in his life, there was no shortage of being made aware of his disobedience, foolish impetuosity, and rebellion (1 Samuel 13:13; 14:45; 15:19); the one thing he never did was to repent of his sin. Although it’s rare, there’s even several passages where he acknowledged that he had done something wrong (1 Sam. 26:21); but it’s not enough to just admit we’re wrong (even though that’s a great first step). We have to repent, which means allowing God to change our ways and stop living our life that way.
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles’ Pastor

Take Time to Wait • Isaiah 64:4

Technology is supposed to improve productivity and efficiency, thereby letting us have free time for a better quality of life. However, we’re busier than ever with our insatiable appetite for more; as a result, we become impatient and always in a hurry. Haste makes waste! No time for friends, family, God, prayer or church. We settle for less than God’s best since we don’t have time, wisdom, or patience to seek and wait upon God. “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:25-26)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Less Is More • John 3:30

It’s easy for us to say we want more of God, but it’s difficult to accept that this requires self-sacrifice. We tend to approach the things of God apprehensively, as if He would burden us with something that is not good. Once we realize God has the best for us, why would we choose anything else? It’s not God who is holding back, it’s our “more of me” attitude, which shows a lack of trust in Him. Less of me is truly more of Him. John the Baptist understood this when he said “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Victory Through Trust • 1 Samuel 2:9

The virtues that the Lord honors and exalts are humility and brokenness before Him. God is in the habit of taking those who have humbled themselves before Him and exalting Himself through their lives. We live in a culture that values strength, but 1 Samuel 2:9 says that “by strength no man shall prevail.” In God’s economy, triumph comes not to the strong, but through surrender to the Lord and trust in His faithfulness. The victory over the battles of a Christian’s life goes to those who look to God for their salvation, defense, rescue, and deliverance.
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles' Pastor

Unchanging Truth • Hebrews 3:8

Nowadays, dishonesty, lies, fraud, and deceptions are becoming rampant, whereas honesty, integrity, and truth are the exceptions. We know God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17), it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18), and the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). God’s Word is a never changing truth touching hearts and changing lives in ever changing times. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 3:8).
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Never Failing • 2 Peter 1:5-11

“…Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will NEVER stumble…” (2 Peter 1:10). As believers, we often think that it’s totally impossible to live a perfect life and to some extent that’s true, but the trouble is that we use this as justification to give in to our flesh. The Lord has given countless ways through scripture how to live a perfect and blameless life. We just need to be more diligent in bringing our flesh into subjection so that when we preach, we won’t be disqualified.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

Be Careful! • Joshua 23:11

There seem to be inconsequential moments in history. From one day to the next, millions of things will happen that never really appear to alter the course of things. However, as you look down into the microcosm of our lives, surprisingly, little things can herald immeasurable consequences. It’s so important for us to exercise discernment and wisdom. We can’t afford to cater to compromise and capitulate in our convictions before the Lord and His people. Like Joshua, we must ‘take careful heed to ourselves,’ in our lives, in our loves, and in our examples towards others.
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles' Pastor

Pleasing God • 1 Chronicles 29:14

Our tendency is to give importance to earthly things rather than to God. We are created to praise, worship, and bring pleasure to Jesus. Instead, we worship and give priority to the created things over the Creator. Since God so loved us that He gave His only Son for us, we are to love our Lord with all our heart, mind, and strength. All that we are and have comes from God and belongs to God. Therefore, we must live our lives to bring glory and pleasure to Him “...For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” (1 Chronicles 29:14)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Problem or Solution? • Proverbs 16:18-20

Where there are people, there are problems, but where there are problems, there are solutions. Now, we are all people, but the question is whether we are part of the problem or the solution. A life without Jesus is a problem- a pride problem. Proverbs says that pride comes before destruction. As stated above, where there are problems, there are solutions and Jesus is the answer to this problem: Surrendering our life to Him not only prevents us from destruction, it also makes us part of the solution. Now, don’t keep that to yourself, help others become part of the solution!
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Who God Values • 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

In our world, the list of “who’s who” points to people that are very famous, important, and successful. A lot of times, the person who has the most fame, influence, and reputation, is most sought after and considered most important. God’s love is real and so different, that it seeks out the weak, the foolish, and the base. This helps us to see that God will love anyone and everyone who comes in humility, repentance, and surrender. He seeks all. God is the initiator and anyone in right relationship to Him is the responder. For true life, right response to Jesus is necessary. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Razz Vazquez, Senior Pastor

Worthy of Our All • Phil. 3:7

When Paul saw Christ on the road to Damascus, everything changed for him. He had been excelling in the path of legalism and had earned, through lots of hard work, a name and reputation for himself among his people. I can’t help but to imagine that he spent those three years in Arabia after his revelation (Gal. 1:17) calculating the cost of his conversion to Christ. We read the result of his decision in Phil. 3:7; Paul decided to start over again in a faith-based relationship with Christ because of the unfathomable glory of the Savior that had gripped his life.
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles’ Pastor

Live it! • Romans 14:8

Why must we remain on earth and continue living after converting from a fleshly life to a Spirit-filled life? The reason is for God’s lifelong sanctification process of perfecting the imperfections and purifying the impurities in our lives. Thereby, we can be Jesus’ representatives as sweet smelling fragrances unto others who do not know our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we’re sowers of good seed and we plough the hardened hearts of others. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:8)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

STAND • Ephesians 6:13

Psalm1:1-2 tells us, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners,” but did you know the Bible also tells us where should stand? We’re to stand in grace (Romans 5:2). We’re to stand in the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1). We’re to stand in courage and strength (1 Corinthians 16:13). We’re to stand in faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). We’re to stand in liberty (Galatians 5:1). We’re to stand in unity (Philippians 1:27). We’re to stand in the Lord (Philippians 4:1). We’re to stand perfect and complete in the will of God (Colossians 4:12). So, “having done all…stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

He Knows • John 6:6

“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.” (John 6:6) Throughout life, we ask the Lord what are the reasons are for various events in our lives. The problem with this is that we are losing our focus; our primary focus should always be on Him not on the reason or the trial. Just as Peter began to sink when he began to look at the waves and the storm, we also will sink if we don’t put our complete trust in Him. Who greater to put our trust in than the Author and Finisher of our faith?
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

If You Do Well... • Genesis 4:7

We’re created for a deep, meaningful relationship with our Creator; but our selfishness interferes. God often finds us in the same place He found Cain – sulking over petty disappointments and frustrations. I say ‘petty,’ not to trivialize our struggles but because they’re so easily fixed. God’s response to us is the same, “if you do well, will you not be accepted?” Yet instead of surrendering to His will, we foolishly pit up our will against His. Such stubbornness only leaves our hearts vulnerable to sin; which will lead us further away from God’s desire for our lives. Will you not yield your heart to Him today?
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles’ Pastor

Upside Down? • Mark 9:35

"If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." (Mark 9:35) My needs, wants, and desires come first, according to me. However, according to Jesus, it’s no longer about me. Instead, others come first and I am last. We must be selfless and compassionate in order to see and meet the needs of others above our own needs. In God's economy, up is down and down is up: When we are poor, then we are rich; when we are weak, then we are strong; when we are humbled, then we shall be exalted.
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

What Do We Seek First? • Matthew 6:33

Are we seeking the acceptance of others over God’s? Do we compromise relationships just to fit in? Often, we compromise just to receive a compliment. We constantly protect our image and wonder how others perceive us. We fret about what others are saying and judge photos based on whether we looked good in it or not. We need to reverse this attitude and seek first the kingdom of God; try caring about what He’s thinking of us. God’s love for us is everlasting. His compliments are better than what any other person can give. Let’s seek His righteousness first and watch God add all these other things.
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Immovable • Acts 20:24

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself…” (Acts 20:24). This life we live is indeed a bumpy one, but it isn’t our own to begin with. It’s a gift from God and Christ promises us tribulation throughout it. Why then do we let the menial things affect us to such a grave degree? We must take comfort in that when we fix ourselves upon Him, nothing can move us and nothing should move us. We ought to just stay so focused on Him, that no matter what comes against us, we are running towards Him.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

Death by Tiny Compromises • 1 Cor. 10:12-13

Former playwright become president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, said that the method he discovered to be most effective when it came to resisting the Communist Regime was not to focus on vague ideological arguments, but to seize upon specific attainable things you want changed and determine to not give up until it’s changed. This general strategy revolutionized the government of his country. When I read this, it occurred to me that the devil attacks us the same way. He focuses on the tiny, attainable, specific disobediences in us and relentlessly chips away at our resolve. Most fallen Christians attribute their demise to many, tiny compromises.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles' Pastor

Be careful out there! • 1 Peter 5:8-9

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...” (1 Peter 5:8-9). Be careful, it’s a jungle out there! Satan desires to have you for lunch using crafty lies and by luring you into a false sense of security through his friendship. If you let your guard down, you are sucked into his world of self-indulgence, disobedience, and sin. Don’t be the devil’s friend; instead let Jesus be your only true friend. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? (James 4:4)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Resistance Vs. Submission • 1 Peter 4:6

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The Bible instructs us to submit ourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt us in due time (1 Peter 4:6). Obeying God only when it is convenient and not allowing God full reign in all areas of our lives is passive resistance toward Him. In resistance, we become more and more rigid until we break. In submission, we become more and more flexible until we can be shaped. Allow God to shape your life; submit to Him.
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Fear Not • 1 Kings 6:16

“So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." (1 Kings 6:16) Elisha and his servant were completely surrounded by their enemy, an enemy seeking to kill them, yet Elisha is able to know everything will be fine. He knows all will work out for the good, not because he’s focusing on the physical problems, but on the super natural Father. The odds are always with us if we are sons or daughters of the living God- no matter what the circumstance, we are not to fear, for He has overcome the world.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

A Transformed Life • 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

The apostle Paul that wrote a most of the New Testament books shows up as two very different people in the Bible. He was introduced as an embittered madman, tearing wildly at the fabric of the church. Skip a few books ahead and he’s centered, consistent, and determined to give all of himself for the glory of Christ and the building up of His church. 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 bridges the gap for us in his story: He met Jesus, and was reborn spiritually. The great favor that was shown to him stirred him to commit his life to the Lord.
Christopher Rodriguez, Singles' Pastor

A New Lifestyle • 1 Peter 4:3-5

Our non-Christian friends regard us as strange; they slander us and are surprised since we no longer indulge with them in their foolish ways of immorality, reckless spending, insensitive jokes, cursing, gossiping, wild parties, and the like which don’t bring pleasure to God. We don’t participate because we are new creations in Christ. Our old life is now crucified with Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Jesus who died on the cross and was raised to life again for our sake. 1 Peter 4:3-5, 2 Corinthians 5:15-18, Galatians 2:20-21
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

The Way John • 14:6

On an overnight hike with about 30 youth, an unexpected weather change put us in a bad situation. The two local leaders who were with us went to get help but got lost, so the main guide left me in charge. Before departing, his instructions to me were to keep walking and to stay on the current path. At that point, I would have been a fool to try finding another way on my own. Sure enough, the rescue vans came as we stayed on that path. As Jesus departed, He showed us the path to stay on. Who am I to try finding any other way on my own? Narrow is the way that leads to life. (Matthew 7:14 & John 14:6)
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Servant of the Most High • Ephesians 6:5-8

“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” When Jesus becomes our ultimate Master, then hopefully we will be ready and willing to do anything for Him motivated by our love for Him. May we never hold back on our service or walk with the Lord by trying to serve Him with strings attached. As we give our Savior our all, we will continue to grow deeper and stronger in Him.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

Silent But Real Warfare • Ephesians 6:10-18

During the Civil War, people close to battles reported not hearing any sound from the battle, while people further away were clearly hearing the booming of artillery. This phenomenon is called an acoustic shadow, defined as pockets of silence created by rare atmospheric conditions. It occurs to me that it’s easier to deny a battle if you can’t hear it and we, as Christians, are too easily fooled by the silence of our fellow believers in Christ. Scriptures tell us differently. We’re told to endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3) and live prepared for battle (Eph. 6:10-18).
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles Pastor

Got Fruit? • Matthew 7:20

Do people think you’re a Christian because you regularly attend church, own a Bible, pray before a meal, and greet with “God bless you”? These are commendable things you do but they need to be accompanied and evidenced with spiritual fruit. “By their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:20) It’s essential that a true Christian have a spiritual diet of meditating in God’s Word & spending personal time in prayer daily. As a result, the fruit of the Spirit will be evident in your life which are “...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

His Righteousness • Matthew 6:33

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) “For the kingdom of God is...righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) Why do we strive so much as Christians? Whenever we strive to attain something, then we have to strive to maintain it. The lasting righteousness we desire as Christians comes from a relationship with Christ. Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk in the Spirit then we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Being filled with the Spirit will naturally result in His righteousness.
Adrian Caballero, Youth Pastor

Trusting Perfection • Job 13:15

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” (Job 13:15). Sadly many of us who call Jesus our Lord live in a manner that says otherwise. We go against what He tells us and we don’t follow the instructions He has given us in His word. We second guess Him even though there’s absolutely no reason to. He is the creator of everything and He is our perfect Father. It requires that faith like a child and the discipline of a solider to trust Him and to do as He tells us. He will never lead us astray; we just have to trust Him.
Zak Vazquez, Ministry Assistant

Nourished & Disciplined • 1 Peter 2:2

It’s important for us to remember the basics. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” Just like babies can’t grow without food, neither can followers of Christ grow without pure spiritual nourishment of the Word of God. 1 Timothy 4:7 reminds us to “exercise [ourselves] toward godliness.” Another element crucial to growth is our need for discipline. We must train ourselves in the things of the Spirit so that we may grow in skill and effectiveness in our ministry for Christ. Focus on these and your spiritual life will be strong and fruitful.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor

Our Help Comes From God • Psalm 112:1-2

In emergency situations, we dial 911 for assistance and help. Who do we call when we are in a hopeless crisis where 911 and all our earthly resources are helpless? “Where does our help come from? Our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth,” (Psalm 112:1-2). When Jesus was troubled and deeply distressed, He called out “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:33-36). God, our Father in Heaven, is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).
George Lee, Ministry Assistant

Not My Own • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“You are not your own. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Many times, we get frustrated about the things going on in our lives. We may get angry when things don’t go our way or when things come against us, when all along we forget that this life isn’t our own; Jesus paid for it. It belongs to Him alone, and yet He loves us so much that He will bless us beyond measure when we do live solely to glorify Him.
Zak Vázquez, Ministry Assistant

God Sees and Knows • Acts 23:11

In Acts 23:11, after what might easily have felt like a completely failed attempt to preach, Paul finds himself stirring an uproar in the Jewish courts and being imprisoned by the Roman government. Then the Lord steps in with this encouragement, “Just like you testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must witness in Rome.” God knew exactly where Paul was at emotionally and a close inspection reveals that God was affirming to Paul that what happened in Jerusalem was “for” Him, and not a failure. God sees the work you do for Him and He knows your heart.
Christopher Rodríguez, Singles’ Pastor