Aug
30
Aug
26
Not your usual hero
Many if not most people reading this “journey” may never have heard of Corporal Desmond Doss. I ran across his story while doing some research for a class I was teaching. Corporal Doss was the first conscientious objector to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military award. A devout follower of Christ, Doss believed that it was not right for him to kill others, but he wanted to serve his country so he volunteered as a medic. During boot camp, his fellow soldiers ridiculed him for refusing to fire a rifle. They even mocked him when he read his Bible and spent time kneeling beside his bunk at night in prayer. It was in combat that Corporal Doss showed what he was really made of. Fast forward to May 1945. It was during the battle for Okinawa that Corporal Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue scores of wounded men. Through his unselfish actions, he earned the gratitude and respect of his former critics and of those whose lives he saved.
Have you ever faced unjust criticism , ridicule because of your beliefs. It is important to know what you believe as a child of God, and that you be willing to stand up for those beliefs. Is it a problem for you to thank God for the food he has given you, even in a restaurant? Do people look at you funny if you don’t join in a chorus of boos when the referee makes a call that didn’t go as everyone thought it should. What reaction do you get when you say, I am going to worship tonight, I will not be able to go boating. In the face of unjust criticism, Peter told his fellow Christians, “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” After that Peter told the early Christians to; “…in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I feel it is important that we have a strong faith in God and His word, which comes by study, prayer and meditation on his word. As we do this our response to a hurting world that is often hostile to Christ will be one that demonstrates God’s love. It has been said that if we return good for good it is merely human. When we are able to return good for evil that it becomes divine. I don’t know about you, but I want to be more like Christ. To be more like him I must have the ability to return good for evil . God will always be there to help me do this.
Aug
20
Aug
17
Lessons from a donkey
You can only imagine the excitement in our home, when our first child was born. He was perfect! He grew to be a little blond headed boy that we fell in love with from day one. I remember painting and fixing his toy box with pictures from Winnie the Pooh. Our little Christopher Robin was precious. Winnie the Pooh became a favorite in our household. All the characters were special. One of those characters was named Eeyore and he was a donkey. Do you remember that Eeyore was the gloomy friend of Winnie the Pooh who always walked very slowly with his head down. He was the character who saw the negative side of everything.
Do you know any “Eeyore Christians? They may not go walking slowly around the building, but their lives seem to be filled with a negative spirit. They always look on adverse side of everything. An Eeyore Christian might be heard to say; “Sin is rampant everywhere—even in the church.” Maybe you have come across someone who said; “The world is in worse shape than ever.” Maybe they even have said; “God is about to judge us for our wickedness.” Consider for a moment one of the Psalms that was penned by Moses. In Psalm 90 we see Moses in a somber mood as he thought about the differences between God’s eternal majesty and our human frailty. We struggle, we sorrow, we sin, we fear God, and we die (vs. 7-10). Sounds depressing! Sounds like Moses was an “Eeyore Christian.” As one continues to read the Psalm, we realize that Moses didn’t end his psalm in that gloomy mood. It is almost with a crescendo that Moses continues and concludes the Psalm. He wrote; “Satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!” When you and I see the value of each moment and live in the glory of our redemption and the joy of our blessings in Christ, we show our delight in God to our children and grandchildren (vs. 16-17). Reality is, you and I will not be a child of despair if we remember our Father’s love and care. It will help keep us from being an “Eeyore Christian,” and help us to leave behind a legacy of gladness in knowing that I have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. I will have hope that one day I will be in that beautiful place called heaven. I will be able to live each day in peace, knowing that when Christ returns, I will be called home to live forever and ever.
Aug
16
July 2010
My best wishes to you, your family and the church from Maple Hill.
As always, I thank God for brothers generous and committed to the Kingdom of Jesus.
During the month of July were developed important activities in which the objective achieved, and above all to the glory of God was proclaimed.
Then describe each of the activities in order of date:
Singing Speech:
Singing is an important part in the worship of God, congregations usually involved here is not much to improve the quality of intonation. Thus arose the plan of having a singing speech in the congregation of Calanterique.For this activity, I invited Mario Rivera he is director of the Baxter’s singing. This meeting took place on Saturday and Sunday (9th and 10th) and some brothers from other congregations were also present. The talk consists: Better intonation, singing with several voices and tips for worship leaders. The church was greatly joy, and want to repeat at the end of the year.
Travel to Salvador:
I was making a trip with my daughter Elaine to visit my mother’s 19th week, thank God she is ok, and I also had the opportunity to preach in the church she attends. Since some time ago I know Mario Hernandez is an attorney and family friend, and always when he know that I am there he visit me. We have always spoken the message of the Bible, and was on this occasion he decided to obey God and be baptized for the remission of sins.
At the same time we left in search of a river near the city, accompanied by his father, my mom and Elaine. Now he’s bringing in the same congregatio Evangelistic Campaign:
As you know the evangelistic campaigns is the mass medium of preaching the good news where the congregation goes from house to house to invite the neighbors.
This activity is not to for some time. So that is scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday (29, 30 and 31)
Most members with Bible in the hands and pamphlets came to tour the area where is located the building of the church, to invite and if there was room to have an evangelistic study.
During the meetings had an attendance of 60 people despite the rainy weather.
As a result of this activity was the conversion Jenny Mejia 15 years old and the reconciliation of Pedro Tabora who had retired of the church.
I could see another result is that for some members was the first time they took to the streets and talking in public about the gospel.
I Hope to share the joy for those results, because God is good.
I appreciate all your love, support and understanding to me. God continues to bless you.
In Jesus,
Juan C. Santamaria
Aug
1
Live Streaming Audio
Now you can listen live! Click HERE for more information. Whether you have Cable, DSL, or dial-up, you can listen to our services online.
Aug
1