Vacation and Break

I am on vacation... so... I really wont be updating the blog for a week or so.
I finally get to enjoy my wife and KID.
Keep checking back!

Merry Christmas with Merry Worship

I was thinking about my history of Christmas. I have never been much of a Christmas guy, just because it always seemed to me like a business season, more than a spiritual season.
I was reading an article from a book that talked about the importance of Worship in Christmas; the author contended that Christmas without worship is just a regular holiday. Honestly, that has really call me to worship; Christmas without worship is just Independence Day, the reason that we celebrate Christmas is because we want to remember that our God became flesh long ago so that he could die for our sins.
So this season as you celebrate Christmas do what you usually do; eat, give gifts, have fun, and add a big entree of WORSHIP.

Here is my favorite Carol to help you get started:

Hark the Herald!

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Semester Over...

Thursday marked the end of my fall semester. As you can imagine, i am relieved, mainly since I have not had much time off this year (2007).
One thing that is hard about ending the semester is letting go, letting go specifically of school work and knowing that all has ended is a great sigh of relief. I will start again in 2008, I am taking a winter class that starts the second week of January and from then on the spring semesters will start with a vengence.
One thing that I wanted to do is to write down things that I have learned in this semester through school. At times it seems so hard to even look back and remember what happened after such a grueling time, but here are some things.

I learned

1) Melissa's unwavering support while I'm school.
2) To love the Old Testament in my Introduction to OT Exegesis
3) The importance of Context
4) How much I need to learn about Pastoral Ministries
5) The importance of prayer
6) God's provision in different areas of my life.
7) The relevance of God's Word.
8) God's constant care for my family.
9) To be detailed as I try to interpret the scriptures
10) Grammar matters in Scripture

Melissa's Birthday

Today is my Hero's Birthday! It's my wife's Melissa's Special day.
Melissa Ruth was born in Van Nuys, CA. some years ago and she has been one of the greatest sanctifying tools that God has ever used in my life.
I am thankful for Melissa because she is a great encouragement and great friend to me; she is also a great mom to Cael.
Here is to Melissa!

Please Pray! Darius and Audra

God is so good! He always brings people in our lives that are not only great friends, but they minister to us. Such is the case of Darius and Audra, God has done a marvelous work in both of their lives and they have been great friends to Melissa, Cael and me.
So this Sunday they are getting married and they asked me to officiate. Pray for them as they embark in one of life's most wonderful journeys; pray that God will be glorified in their wedding and in their marriage.
So here is to you both!

gap

Christmas and Carols

Yesterday we sang this carol that is almost forgotten by many.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

Who is He in yonder stall
At Whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain

’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to Whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Refrain

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Refrain

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Refrain

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Refrain


words by Ben­ja­min R. Han­by

The Busyness of Finals

Finals week is here. I noticed that this semester is not like others semesters; it much harder. I was thinking this morning that when I was in High School finals were my favorite times of the year because we had a shorten schedule and it meant that school was OVER. Bah!... Silly me, Finals do not mean the same, in graduate school, they mean long hours finishing writing papers, long hours finishing reading books, long hours studying for exams, and long hours figuring out how to balance the rest of my schedule.
Yes, this is a hectic time, but I am excited that I am closer to graduation, hopefully 2 more semesters!
So, all that to say that I have not been posting as much, but I will come back soon with avengence.

Pray for me!

Love One Another

Hillside is the name of our Bible study. We meet in Shadow Hills, CA about 5 miles away from our Church. I have been shepherding that study for the last three years and going there since 2003 when it merged with another study.
For the last 3 years we have taught through Colossians, James, and this year we have been going through the One Another's. This has been one of the hardest things that I have ever done while at that bible study. Teaching every-week on something that I fail at a lot has been convicting, because these one anothers have stared at me for weeks before I preached them.
This week wont be any different, I will be doing my last sermon on Romans 12:9-13, Love One Another. Needless to say, even reading the passage will be most convicting to us.
Please pray for me as I continue to prepare this message in the midst of term papers and finals next week.
I will keep you posted,

gap

The Lighter Side of US

Check out what Melissa made... Click here

Cael's First Email

Cael is a pretty precocious child. At six months, he is already emailing me.
Let me share with you his wisdom:

Subject: Bhnbhbfhtrtrgf

Body: E?d4d ;sfsSS Ai0k,,ikokp oio ;u uytyu t yumi I oi piol[op564fvl, gmnklvt
nkv4mly5dvlm;y dr5 .cxv ;o xp I rdtmkl dtfnmkl dnme djo nml dnl

I am not sure how to decipher this, but I am sure that he wrote me to tell me how much he appreciates me.

Update

Praise GOD!
My dad is home now; he is doing much, much better.
The ball is now on his court, he needs to take care of himself =)

Thanks for your prayers and your concern for my dad.

Why Do We Go to Church? Part 2

Friday, I had the opportunity to teach on Hebrews 10:25. 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

And there we found 2 reasons for going to church.

The first one was To Worship Corporately
There is no indication in the context of Hebrews as to why these believers were forsaking the assembly. Some commentaries suggested that it was because they were Jewish belivers, they were probably involved in some sort of Synagogue, other commentaries suggested that it was because of Spiritual pride, while others might think that it was fear of persecution. Either way, these were forsaking gathering together and were in turn forsaking worshipping with the other saints.

The Second reason is to Encourage Others
As the day draws near is an allution to the coming of the Lord. Again, the writer, encourages his readers not only to come to the assembly, but come ready to encourage others. The church is the body of Christ and this body is comprise by members that need one another to survive and glorify God.

Application-- I think that there is a problem in our society, we have become Spiritually individualistic and feel as though we do not need anyone. That is why we are called to not forsake our assembly, but in turn encourage others. As we do this we are able to practice the one another's of Scripture.

gap

--Update--

I went to see my dad after work today. He is doing much better, he will be released from the hospital tomorrow.
I am indebted to the Lord for his great work in my dad's life.
Continue to pray for a good recovery; my dad wont be able to work until January.
Thanks again for all of your prayers lifted up on his behalf.

Praise HIM!

gap

--Quick Update--

My dad is doing better. He has been tranferred to a private room, though he is still under careful watch. Please continue to pray for him.
Last night I went to see my dad and I read this Psalm to him, I pray that this will be an encouragement to you as it was for him and my mom.

Psalm 116
1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.

2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave [a] came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

4 Then I called on the name of the LORD :
"O LORD, save me!"

5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.

6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.

7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,

9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.

Please Pray for my Dad

Last night I got a call at around 9:20 PM from my mom telling me that she was with my dad at the hospital because he had some chest pains. He ended up having a heart attack and going into surgery to have a procedure done that will clean his obstructed arteries. He is doing well now, but please pray for his recovery. I was reminded last night of God's sovereignty and his fatherly care for my own dad. As I was talking to my mom and brothers, we were all reminded that God cares a lot more for my dad than I ever would and that he is using this to sanctify him further.
So please pray for him, his name is Ruben.
I will keep you abreast of the latest.

Thanks.

Why do we go to church?

This week at our Bible study, as it is customary this semester, I will be preaching on the one another's: This week we will be going through Hebrews 10:

22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

I will be emphasising why church? Why must we be at church? Why is it that God chose Christians to be part of a body? This is a tough assignment in our individualistic society, yet God's word never stutters. We are call not to forsake our own assembling together.

Pray for me, I will let you know how it goes.

Article: Be A kinder Calvinist

Abraham Piper writes a great article on being a kinder calvinist... and a good husband as well.

Click here
gap

Cael got us sick!

Today I stayed home from work. I have a nasty cold, which I can feel getting better.
While I am licking my wounds reading/studying, Melissa is decorating for Christmas, what a trooper.

I will be back tomorrow.

By the way, we took Cael to see Santa, he had no idea what was going on and even though he will never believe in Santa, but we still thought it would be cute to take a picture of him. So here it is:

The One Another's

I found this on The Kairos Journal Website; by the way, excellent website.


“Exceeding Love and Brotherly Kindness”—Dionysius of Alexandria (c. 190 – c. 264)

Dionysius the Great was bishop of Alexandria, in Egypt, from 247 until his death. During this time, the Christians in Alexandria suffered persecution under the Emperor Decian. For several years Dionysius led the church whilst in hiding. A number of his surviving letters contain horrific descriptions of believers being tortured and murdered because they would not deny Christ. However, persecution was not the only threat; the city also suffered civil strife, plague and famine. In one letter, Dionysius writes about a time when Alexandria was struck by a severe plague. He describes the response of the surrounding pagans—one of utter selfishness. When the pagans abandoned their fellow-men, the Christians stayed to help.

[The heathen] thrust aside any who began to be sick, and kept aloof even from their dearest friends, and cast the sufferers out upon the public roads half dead, and left them unburied, and treated them with utter contempt when they died, steadily avoiding any kind of communication and intercourse with death; which, however, it was not easy for them altogether to escape, in spite of the many precautions they employed.

However, in spite of the way they had suffered at the hands of their neighbors, the behavior of the Christians could not have been more different.

Certainly very many of our brethren, while, in their exceeding love and brotherly-kindness, they did not spare themselves, but kept by each other, and visited the sick without thought of their own peril, and ministered to them assiduously, and treated them for their healing in Christ, died from time to time most joyfully along with them, lading themselves with pains derived from others, and drawing upon themselves their neighbours’ diseases, and willingly taking over to their own persons the burden of the sufferings of those around them. And many who had thus cured others of their sicknesses, and restored them to strength, died themselves, having transferred to their own bodies the death that lay upon these. And that common saying, which else seemed always to be only a polite form of address, they expressed in actual fact then, as they departed this life, like the “off-scourings of all.” Yea, the very best of our brethren have departed this life in this manner, including some presbyters and some deacons, and among the people those who were in highest reputation: so that this very form of death, in virtue of the distinguished piety and the steadfast faith which were exhibited in it, appeared to come in nothing beneath martyrdom itself.1



Footnotes:

1 Dionysius of Alexandria, “Epistle XII – To the Alexandrians”, in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 6, trans. S.D.F. Salmond (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1886), 108-109.

Thank You!

I thought of making a list of the things that I am thankful for; this list is not EXHAUSTIVE, but it helps me to have a worshipful thanksgiving.




The ABC's : I AM THANKFUL FOR:

A. Angels (Baseball)
B. Basketball: The Lakers
C. Cael Athanasius, my son and funniest baby around. A Great Blessing!
D. Decree of God
E. Eternal Life
F. Friends: Their Love and encouragement
G. Grace Community Church
H. Our Bible Study; Hillside, the best ever.
I. Imputation
J. Jesus, the Lamb of God
K. Kenosis
L. The Lawler Family: Melissa's parents and sisters
M. Melissa, my wife, my best friend and helpmeet. A Great Blessing!
N. Nature: That we see everyday
O. Organic Milk
P. The Pidal Family: My extended Family
Q. Quiet Times with the Lord
R. Radiohead's Music
S. Salvation; the fact that God chose me before salvation and that I am not longer an enemy of God.
T. The Master's Seminary:how much God has challenged me through that endeavor.
U. USA: For living in a Country where we are able to worship God freely.
V. Vitamins and Veggies
W. Weyerhaeuser: My job and God's provision
X. X-Mas and Xylophones
Y. Yogurt: my favorite snack
Z. Zucchini: my favorite vegetable

The Heart of Thankfulness

Yesterday we discussed how Christians must be thankful and we said that thankfulness is what separates us from unbelievers. After writing that last night, I thought to myself. Why? Why must we, as Christians have to be thankful?
Thess. 5.18 says, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
As I read this passage there is one simple reason as to why we need to be thankful, It is God's will for us.
The importance of thankfulness can be seen in this passage, thankfulness is not an option for us, it is God who wants us to be thankful.
We answer the why, but what do we need to be thankful for? The passage says, "in everything." This is all comprehensive, there is nothing that fall outside that realm; good things and bad things. God wants us to have the attitude of thankfulness at all times, regardless of the circumstances that we are going through.

So as you celebrate thanksgiving, remember what Paul wrote, that it is God's will for us to thankful and that we must give thanks at all times regardless of our situation.

here is another great psalm to cultivate a thankful heart.

Psalm 118

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."

4 Let those who fear the LORD say:
"His love endures forever."

5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

15 Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high;
the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

17 I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.

21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;

23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]

27 The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up [b] to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Thanksgiving vs. Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is coming up: This is the time when people stuff themselves with food, mediocre movies come out, and people remember their families and friends.
Unfortunatelly, thanksgiving has been hijacked by most of our society and turned into "Turkey Day." In fact, I saw this poll in the history channel website that is very telling about what Thanksgiving has become in our society; a holiday about football, food, folktales, and family.
History aside, thanksgiving, for the believer, should be one of the most important holidays ever, for the mark of a Christian is thankfulness.
So this thanksgiving enjoy the food, enjoy the football, enjoy the folktale, and enjoy your family. However remember to have a heart of true thankfulness to our God; for this is what separates us from the unbelievers. This is a good article about unthankfulness.

Here is a psalm that will fuel up your thanksgiving:

107:1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble [1]
3 and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5 hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
till they reached a city to dwell in.
8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9 For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
prisoners in affliction and in irons,
11 for they had rebelled against the words of God,
and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
they fell down, with none to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
and burst their bonds apart.
15 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze
and cuts in two the bars of iron.

17 Some were fools through their sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from their destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

23 Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the Lord,
his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men
and were at their wits' end. [2]
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad that the waters [3] were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Fathers and Sons

Cael was sick last night. He has a cold and had this pain induced cry that I had never heard before. This morning, as I was driving to work, I thought of Psalm 103.13, " 13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him."

Last night, I would have done anything for Cael not to suffer as he was breathing; and even though it was not a big deal, I still wished that I was the one with the cold, and not him.
Spurgeon wrote about this Psalm, " Fathers feel for their children, especially when they are in pain, they would like to suffer in their stead, their sighs and groans cut them to the quick: thus sensitive towards us is our heavenly Father. We do not adore a god of stone, but the living God, who is tenderness itself. He is at this moment compassionating us, for the word is in the present tense; his pity never fails to flow, and we never cease to need it." (C.H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David; Exposition of Psalm 103).

How amazing is that we have a God who is living and a tender God. His pity never fails us!

Cael? He is doing much better and so is my heart.

Praise the LORD! : An Article

Dr. Mark Noll writes on Singing and Worship here

Two Quick Rants...Actually make that Three

Today is Friday so I will rant for a bit.

This time it's about blogs and bloggers.

Why is it that a lot of bloggers have in their titles, "Confessions of a ...." What are they confessing? Why do I need to hear their confession? Am I a priest?

Why is it that everyone assumes that I want to laugh on Friday with their "Friday Funnies"? (That includes my wife's blog)

Why is it that we all have become dependent on Google reader to read our blogs? (I love google reader).

This is all for now.

PLEASE ADD YOUR RANT!

gap

My Friday Tribute

I am very tired this friday; it must be because school and work are finally catching up to me. So I am going to do the easy thing, post something from someone else.
I grew up without snow... I always wanted to do this:
By the way, Click on the image!
Enjoy

Quote of the Week

In his book From Exegesis to Exposition, Dr. Robert Chisholm Jr. writes about the importance of translating the Scriptures in a correct fashion, he says, "What passes for translation, however , is often a wooden, slavishly word-for-word rendering that is stylistically abominable and reflects few real interpretative decisions. Only the most basic exegetical skills are developed and the student is rarely, if ever, shown how to exegesis impacts interpretations, let alone sermon preparation." (p. 9)

What Shall I Read To Cael?

As a new parent, I have wondered what do I read to my child?
Dr. Mohler gives us something to think about here.

gap

Trusting God Tuesdays (Chapter 5)

Today we had a short, but great interaction about chapter 5 of this great book. We discussed God rule over the nations. I was perplexed when reading this chapter being reminded that God is ultimately in control of all; even the evil of some dictators around the world. Sometimes I think that God took a nap when Hitler came to power, but He was actively working during this time.
The convicting part for me was to think about politics and a sovereign God. Sometimes I tend to be dissapointed on our earthly leaders, yet God still rules and chooses whom He wills; no matter who wins the elections.
According to Bridges, God does rule over the nations and the way that we need to put this into practice is to be like Daniel, though he understood that God was a sovereign God he still prayed. Daniel knew that only the sovereing God to whom he prayed would be the only one that could ACT.

gap

Wedding Coming Up:

Just a quick prayer request:
Please pray for My Friends Spencer and Julie. They are getting married this Saturday. It is my first time officiating a wedding.
But no matter, pray for them as they commit their lives to one another. This couple has been an immense encouragement to Melissa, Cael and me.
So this Saturday, when you are reading the morning paper and sipping on your designer coffee, please think of Spencer and Julie and pray that God will bless their union.

I love you guys!

gap

Blog in Spanish: Eduardo's Blog

Sujetos a la Roca= Clinging to the Rock is a blog that I found on the internet created by Eduardo.
Eduardo lives in Paris with his wife and has created a great resource for people all over the Spanish speaking world. He is the Spanish Challis; his blog is filled with book reviews, book lists, topic reviews and great links.
So today I salute Eduardo.

Excelente Trabajo Amigo!

gap

Quote of the Week- C.S. Lewis

Here are two quotes from the great C.S. Lewis.
I know that some of you are quite the fans of his.



Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.
C. S. Lewis
If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.
C. S. Lewis

A Case of The Mondays? Ah... Nope!

This morning I awoke very early around 3:30 AM. No, I am not that dedicated, but I have a humongous exam that I need to study for. Thus, after I woke up and made myself a latte I started to study the Greek Cases. At around 5 AM, I heard this laughter coming from Cael's room; he was awake, which means that daylight saving's time means nothing to him. So I proceeded to get him and sit him next to me. He looked at me as wondering, "Where is Mom?" So I did what any other father would do in my shoes, I put him in his Rainforest Jumperoo. He jumped himself to laughter until about 5:45, at that time he became fussy. That is when it was time for us to wake up Mommy and for daddy to go to work. As I was driving to work, I thought to myself how often I tend to forget that God uses small things in our lives to draw worship out of us; in this case he used about 50 minutes with my son to remind me that a child finds happyness in the smallest of things, even jumping up the Rainforest Jumperoo.
Cael is already teaching me a lot about myself. He is teaching me what Jesus said about faith like a child, he is teaching me contentment, dependence, and to appreciate my wife much more than I ever before.
So today while I'm at work, I will think of the Jumperoo and thank God that he uses the small things in life to remind us that he is the giver of all.

Please pray for STMs

Missions have always been a priority to my home church.
Tomorrow we have a STM (Short Term Missions) meeting to inform people of the opportunity to serve next summer.
We have 20 teams going out this time.

Please pray for them, Lord willing I will be leading my first mission's trip to Albania, Eastern Europe.

I will keep you abreast as to how to specifically pray for us.


gap.

Article: Worship Matters Blog

I love reading Worship Matters.

Why?

Here is why.

Quote of the Week (Humorous)

These come courtesy of Scott Adams, probably one of my favorite cartoonists.


"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he'll buy a funny hat. Talk to a hungry man about fish, and you're a consultant."
Scott Adams, Dogbert; Dilbert cartoons

"If there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Do they get smart just in time to ask questions?"
Scott Adams

Happy Reformation Day!

Today, October 31st marks another anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Theses.
I am thankful for men like Luther, who were willing to suffer ridicule, lose their job, and ever be persecuted for the sake of a clear Gospel.
Also today is Halloween, here is some information for making a wise, Biblical decision regarding how to celebrate it.
I will be celebrating in my own way. I am wearing a Space Ghost Tie to Seminary.

Trusting God Tuesday: God's Sovereingty over People

One of the hardest areas of trusting God is in the arena of people. When people give us a hard time, when we are persecuted, even when we are mistreated.
Bridges addresses this in chapter 4 of the book. He says that it is much easier to trust God in big events in our lives, but not with our struggles with people. This chapter is filled with examples from Scripture of our heroes of the faith and how they reacted when they had encountered trials.
Someone this morning mentioned that Trusting God is easier when it comes to catastrophic events, but when it comes to our lives, specially dealing with people we fold and begin to doubt.
Another great point that someone made this morning was to equate God's Sovereignty with God's Lordship; so to say that God is Sovereign, it's to say that God is Lord of all.
One more thing, after reading this chapter, I found that I tend to use the sovereignty of God as an excuse for my irresponsibility or my lack of trusting. I tend to use that as a cop-out, instead of taking comfort on the fact that our God Reigns and thus is sovereign.

How Listen to a Sermon

Not sure if you have seen this.

John Piper shares with us some keys on how to listen to a sermon.

Almost Famous; Not God!

I was reading a poll on the internet on Friday that was talking about who are the most famous people in the whole wide world.
The idea was to identify who was the most recognizable figure in the world; the most famous one. The answers ranged from world-leaders (Bush, Tony Blair, Fidel Castro); to Religious Figures (Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II); to sports figures (Tiger Woods, David Beckham); to famous personalities (Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Homer Simpson).
But according to Psalm 76 God is known in Judah. He is known because of his works, he is known because of his justice, and his judgment.
Our God is famous; everyone pales in comparison to his deeds. So today, Monday, as you think of God, remember that he is famous; that is He is known throughout the world.

gap

Daylight's savings time? No, at least not for a week

Usually, I have my Wonderful MAC computer rule my life. It tells me what to do, since I have programmed the calendar to tell me what is going on in my life.
But it failed me. I downloaded a program to go with my iCal to remind me when Daylight's saving time starts and ends. So being the computer dependent person that I am I proceeded to make an annoncement at Bible study about making sure to set our clocks an hour back for this sunday. I was met by astonished looks as they proceeded to tell me that "fall back" was going to take place on November 4th; I could not believe that my MAC was wrong. When I got home I did some research and found out that our President had changed the date one week, so my Mac was not completely wrong, it was outdated.
Here is the website.
I still love my Mac and like it better than all other computers combined.

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The World Series

I remember when I first got into baseball that there were some teams that were lovable losers. The Cubs, not winning a World Series since 1906 were a team that was truly never going to win, but you liked them since you felt sorry for them.
The Red Sox were such team for me; part of me always pulled for them because they were the lovable losers, the curse of the Bambino, was haunting them. Their many mistakes in the post season, specially in the World Series; Bill Burkner and his disastrous mistake. Even a few years ago, the poor Red Sox were suffering for their being the lovable losers.
That all changed in 2004, when they won the World Series, their arrogance has truly sour me on the whole Red Sox experience. Also the fact that there seems to be more Sox fans here in Cali than anywhere in the States; What's up with that?
The moral of the story is: I liked the Red Sox when they were a novelty; now they are plain annoying.

peace,

gap

Quote of the Week

This week's quote is another Hymn.
This hymn deals with God's constant care for us even though we have no idea that he leads us all the way.


All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

(Fanny Crosby)

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Distrusting God Thursday

If you have been reading my blog at all, you know that I have been writing my thoughts about the book "Trusting God." Unfortunately, I have found out lately, that my first reaction, when something unexpected happens, is not to Trust God, rather to distrust God.
Distrusting God is quite a problem because it is the symptom of a total ignorance of the theology that I already know.
Verses such as,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
—Proverbs 3:5-6

The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
—Proverbs 29:25

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
—Philippians 1:6

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
—1 John 5:14-15

Sometimes, I need to remember these verses... This is where we need to find solace.

gap

BU-SY!

Sorry you all, I am busy taking midterms and writing papers.
I will be back soon....

Don't miss me!

gap

ps. here is something for you keep you busy in the meantime.

Nothing is Outside of God's Control

As you know there are a lot of our brothers and sisters in Christ that live in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Please pray that they will be reminded that God is still on the throne as they suffer loss and the fear of losing.

Praise God For He still Reigns!

Habakkuk's Response

For my Hebrew class I have been living, sleeping and eating this passage.
This passage deals with Habakkuk's response to God's judgment on his people.
May You and I have this response to trials.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.

For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

(NIV)

The Obligatory Politics Post

Years ago, John MacArthur wrote a great book "Why Government Can't Save You" This book is a call to Christians to consider their citizenship.
In years past, I remember seeing this as a cop-out for people that did not vote. I believed, as many people do, that being involved in Politics was something that we all needed to do as followers of Christ. I even volunteered in two presidential elections because I believed that this was a way to help/encourage other Christians.
All of it changed after a conversation with a friend of mine with very different views. He challenged me to think about my citizenship. Even as I was talking to people overseas, I realized of my wasted opportunities and that the way to impact our culture is from the Gospel.
This summer I was challenged to read the gospels and to be serious in becoming a follower of Jesus' teachings. If we are Christians "little Christs," then we need to be those that love people, share the gospel to them, and are not entangled by the everyday things of this world.
The government can't save you, but Jesus CAN!

gap

ps. A HUGE DISCLAIMER-- PLEASE, PLEASE, Do not misunderstand. I have never said that we should NOT vote, I have never said that we should not be involved in one way or another. What I did say is NOT to be entangled by the world and its pursuits; this means not letting anything take your focus away from Christ Jesus.

Quote of the week: Jehovah reigns—He dwells in light

This quote of the week comes from our brother Isaac Watts.
Mr Watts was a prolific hymn writer. Though I have never sang or even heard this hymn, it has ministered to me.

Jehovah reigns—He dwells in light,
Girded with majesty and might:
The world, created by His hands,
Still on its first foundation stands.

But ere this spacious world was made,
Or had its first foundation laid,
Thy throne eternal ages stood,
Thyself the ever-living God.

Like floods, the angry nations rise,
And aim their rage against the skies;
Vain floods, that aim their rage so high!
At Thy rebuke the billows die.

For ever shall Thy throne endure;
Thy promise stands for ever sure;
And everlasting holiness
Becomes the dwellings of Thy grace.

Trusting God Tuesday

This morning the discussion on our book turned to praxis.
We had three urgent prayer requests that required us to come before the Throne with petitions. 1) A fellow student is going through the trial of having melanoma, what an amazing time of prayer with him. To see his total confidence in the Lord, yet his admission of weakness when confronted with this trial. 2) The unborn grandchild of one of our Elders/Shepherds. 3)The sister of one of our undershepherds and their struggle with their unborn son.
My first reaction was to think, "when it rains, it pours." What an unbiblical reaction! Our God has given us trials so that we would grow. Often I look at them as an obstacle between 'where I am' to 'where I want to go.'
Thinking Biblically will force us to think of them as they are: A TOOL from our Loving Father to Mold us.

James 1.2-4 (NIV)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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Hope for the Homely: Good Theology?

This is an amazing article. Laugh with me.

Patience is a Virtue: A Documentary

On friday I had the opportunity, as it is most fridays, to teach at our Bible study on the one anothers.
The turn was for "Being Patient with One Another." It was a different than all other messages, I decided to frame it as a documentary is framed/written/filmed. I started with the necesity and definition for patience and why do we need to be patience when dealings with others and finished with 4 (Four)reasons why it is critical that we exercise patience with one another.
1) Being Patient demonstrates your genuine faith
2) Being Patient demonstrates that you are walking in the Spirit (Fruit of the Spirit)
3) Being Patient demonstrates that you are like your Father (God is patient)
4) Being Patient demonstrates that you are in line with the Godly Heroes of the Bible. (Abraham, Job, Elijah, Jesus, Paul, etc).

gap

A Short Absence and Awesome Quote

For the three of you that read my blog, I wanted to let you know that I did not quit, but I had quite a busy week.
I am back, until I have more stuff due for school.
I would appreciate your prayers.

I do want to leave you with a great quote I saw the other day,

"By pursing excellence in art and music, and not using our craft merely as a means of preaching, teaching , evangelizing, or rebuking, we bring a smile to the face of God who created beauty and pleasure."

-- Michael S. Horton, "Where in the World is the Church"


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Trusting God Tuesday

Do you trust God?

This is the issue. One thing is knowing things about God, quite another is to truly know and trust God. Knowing God for who He is we know that he is ultimately Good. This means that God is not evil nor is evil found in him. Yet it seems like when we go through trials we tend to doubt God ultimate goodness.
This morning we talked about this. We discuss reminding ourselves of the theology we already know; we know that God is good and that there is no evil in Him. So why don't we put this into practice. Our guess is that we freeze up and forget.

So as I encounter trials, I need to remind myself that God is Good I need to trust Him.

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Today is Abuela's Birthday!

Today, October 9th, it is my Abuela Angela Miotti de Picatto's Birthday.
She is turning 89 years old.
My grandmother was born in Sanford, a small rural town of central Argentina to Italian immingrants. At the age of 11, her mother died, making her the mom of the family, since she was the oldest. By God's grace, through the example of her grandmother, she came into salvation soon after being left without a mom .

Now, she is a widow, that has 3 daughters, 13 grandchildren, 10 grandchildren-in-law, 18 great-grandchildren, and one Great-great-grandchild.

My abuela has been an example to me as a faithful mom and a amazing grandmother. But the thing that I love most about her is that when my brothers and I spent the weekend at her home, she would sit with us, when putting us to bed, to read a Psalm and pray for us. That spoke volumes to me, a hyper-active 5 or 6 year old, she was willing to spend the time with her grandkids so that they would be blessed from the Scriptures and her prayers.
I know that she still prays for us, even though all of us are married with our own kids.

So, this one is for you:

Feliz Cumpleaños Abuela!!!!


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Yankees LOSE!!!

I wanted to give props to the INDIANS for beating the woeful Yankees.

Here is something I hope Cael wears when he turns one.

Also, I wanted to give my good friend Josh Thiessen my condolences.

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Lessons from a Syntactical Analysis

Hebrew Exegesis has been a trial and a joy for me. Trial because, as you could imagine, I have a hard time reading, parsing, and making sense of the different Hebrew constructions and intricate grammar. But it also has been a great joy for me because I have seen the scriptures come alive in its original language.
For our Hebrew Exegesis class, one needs to pick a passage; in my case, Habakkuk 3:17-19 and live, sleep, eat, and commune with it. We have to write five papers, I am on paper number two, it deals with a syntactical analysis of the text: taking word for word, construction by construction to bring out the meaning of the text.
I was quite surprised on what I have found so far:
1) Hebrew is hard
2) There are way too many words/constructions that I don’t know
3) However, it is important to notice that God chose this language for a reason.
4) People throughout history had to learn Hebrew, including our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul, and many heroes of the faith.

It is easy for me to be perplexed by Greek and Hebrew, yet as I was reminded by one of our professors, even our heroes from the faith had to learn them and one must continue the struggle to be able to cut it straight.

God used this syntactical analysis to remind me that the original languages are worth learning and mastering. He also reminded me through this exercise that I am, but human. Lastly, God is a God of excellence and demands my best even in a paper. (Even writing this is convicting me).

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