hillsboro-sda

Remaining Calm in the Last Days

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:09:59 GMT

End-Time perspective:

Talking about the end times is a subject that almost all people are interested in, but many either obsess over it or avoid it altogether. Biblically speaking, end-time passages are written in only partial detail, often coded in mystery until the events have come to pass. I think this is intentional. If God wanted us to know exactly how things would occur, he would not communicate through prophecy, using symbols to give us pictures of things to come. No, he would tell us plainly. But God is after more than just giving us the details of the future to help us plan. He wants to prepare people spiritually and emotionally to be ready for his kingdom to come. Mark chapter 13 outlines Jesus' words about the “last days” for the people of Israel with the destruction of the temple. Jesus fields questions about what those times and the times of the end will look like, and Jesus simply warns them about keeping a certain attitude regarding the end times. That attitude is summed up in one key idea at the end of the chapter.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Alert, watchful, sober-minded, on-guard, are some of the descriptions of how we are to live in the last days. We are to live with vigilance in the days we are on earth, knowing the end is near, and we do not know when our “last days” might arrive.

Jesus gives us an attitude to adopt, rather than a roadmap to plan for his second coming. There is something about the condition of the soul that he cares about way more than merely telling us what exactly will happen. Jesus also reminds us that we are not to fear or be in a state of trepidation about life amidst unfolding calamities and tribulations. We are to stay

focused on Him and fulfill his purpose for our lives. That purpose is singular–to share the everlasting gospel of Christ to the world in the last days. That purpose supersedes any other prerogative we might have in our lives, and guides us into the proper application of our prophetic understanding. So remain steadfast in sharing the good news of Jesus. And when life gets hard, anchor yourself to that good news that rescued you, and rescued me from this dark world.

Pastor Troy Wallace

Anchored in Christ's Love and Sacrifice

Fri, 23 May 2025 20:59:14 GMT

Seventh-day Adventists believe in the assurance of salvation, grounded in God's unchanging love and the assurance found in Christ's sacrifice. They see Christ as their anchor, a stable hope in a world of uncertainty. This assurance isn't based on personal feelings but on the unchanging truth of God's promises and Christ's righteousness.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Assurance of Salvation:

Seventh-day Adventists believe that salvation is a gift from God, not earned through good works. They emphasize the importance of personal faith and obedience to God's law as a response to his grace. Assurance is not about being free from all doubt or worry but about having confidence in God's promises and Christ's atoning sacrifice. Adventists are encouraged to persevere in faith, recognizing that the journey of sanctification is ongoing.

Christ as Anchor:

The image of Christ as an "anchor" in Hebrews 6:19 is a strong biblical metaphor for the stable hope that Adventists find in Him. This hope is rooted in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, which provides a sure foundation in a world marked by change and suffering. Just as an anchor holds a ship steady in a storm, Christ provides stability and assurance in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties.

Key Points about Assurance:

Assurance is not about being perfect but about having a firm belief in God's promises and Christ's power to transform lives. Adventists are encouraged to cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and acts of service, which strengthens their faith and reinforces their assurance. While assurance is a gift, it's also a responsibility to persevere in faith and live a life that reflects the love and grace of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris Camacho

The Motherhood of Mary

Wed, 14 May 2025 20:13:28 GMT

Last weekend, as we reflected on the significance of mothers, we highlighted Mary as one of the most elevated examples of godly motherhood. She is one of the very few people in the Scriptures with an almost spotless record of righteous living and is called “blessed” among women.

What’s remarkable about Mary is not her great feats of strength or her overcoming incredible obstacles to achieve something, but rather her willingness to accept and support the mission God gave her. What makes her stand out is her humble obedience.

From Mary, we learn what a reverent fear of God looks like when the angel Gabriel first visits her with the announcement of her virgin conception. We then see her courageously accept this gift and submit to the plan God lays out for her life.

As her life progresses, she takes on the role of an equipper—especially to her son Jesus—when he demonstrates incredible insight and wisdom rooted in the Torah. Later in Jesus’ life, we see his mother continually encouraging him to step into his mission, such as at Cana, when she prompts him to turn water into wine.

Throughout Mary’s story, she demonstrates what real parenting should look like. Being a mom is a calling, and that calling involves equipping your children to accept God’s purpose for their lives and to live it out.

I’m so thankful for stories like Mary’s, which help us understand what raising children in this world should look like—and what making disciples should look like as well. After all, it’s the same mission: to raise and equip a generation to reveal Christ to the world!

Blessings,

Pastor Troy Wallace

The Race of Perseverance

Wed, 07 May 2025 19:02:28 GMT

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we’ve all been called to run a race. Not a physical one—but a spiritual race. We don’t run for applause or comfort—we run to finish . The Christian life isn’t about how fast you start, but whether you endure to the end.

Romans 1:8. "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."

Your Faith – That is, your loyalty and devotion to Christ, YOUR CHRISTIANITY!

Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel [a]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1-2 "Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony."

Faith isn't just a belief; it's a dynamic life experience. It's about trusting in God's promises, even when we don't see them, and living in a way that reflects that trust. It's a journey of growth, where we learn to depend on God in all areas of life, trusting in His wisdom and power, even through difficult times.

Faith as a Foundation:

• Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His blessings and grace.

• It's confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see, as described in Hebrews 11:1.

• Without faith, it's impossible to please God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6.

Faith in Action:

• Faith is not just a belief system; it's a way of living.

• It's trusting God's plan for our lives, even when we don't understand.

• It's acting on God's Word and trusting in His promises.

Faith and Trials:

• Trials can be opportunities to grow in faith and endurance.

• We can trust that God will guide us through difficult times, and even bring good from them.

• Wavering in faith can hinder our spiritual growth and hinder our ability to receive God's blessings, as James warns.

Faith and the Future:

• Faith gives us hope for the future, even when we don't know what it holds.

• It's a source of peace and joy, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

• It's faith that will carry us through this life and into the eternal life to come.

Hebrews 12:1-2. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

The Christian life is a race, but the finish line is certain.

We must run with endurance, cast off distractions, and always look to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1–2 is a powerful reminder to us that we’re surrounded by a cloud of faithful witnesses. We’re called to throw off every weight, run with perseverance, and most importantly— fix our eyes on Jesus , the One who not only began our faith journey, but will finish it with us.

Are you tired in your race? Distracted? Weighed down by sin?

Come to Jesus today. Fix your eyes on Him again and let Him carry you through to the finish line.

Friends, you may feel tired. You may be limping spiritually. You may have fallen under the weight of sin, guilt, or disappointment. But today, Jesus—the Author and Finisher of your faith—is standing at the edge of your life, whispering:

“Don’t quit. Don’t look at others. Look at Me. Finish the race.”

You weren’t called to just start the Christian walk—you were called to finish with Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris Camacho

“The Story of Scripture”

Thu, 01 May 2025 15:22:46 GMT

Last Sabbath we as a church got to explore the meta-narrative of the Bible– the big overarching

story. Surprisingly, the biblical story follows a very predictable plot line comparable to almost

every other compelling story out there! It begins with peace that leads to disruption, bringing

about a tension that requires resolution. Then a hero arises to resolve the tension, and that hero

is Jesus! However, many don’t read the bible in the lens of a big narrative, but instead often

treat it like a manual, a lawbook, a devotional book, or some other resource. At its core though,

it’s the story of God, and it’s the story of us.

Like all good stories, the hearer of that story gets signals about what may be coming down the

line. The bible does an astounding job, masterfully weaving in signposts of what will happen,

and repeating cycles of events that retell the main points of the message. For believers, the

cycle of events that keeps coming up is the journey of the slave to the deliverance that awaits in

the promised land. Israel first encounters God as deliverer when they are rescued from Egypt,

and begin their journey through the wilderness towards their glorious destination.

But they stumble, and fail to achieve their true deliverance because of it. But Jesus comes, and he

relives their story, never faltering in the journey, and realizes the complete deliverance of God,

when his lifeless body returns from death back to life. With that salvation, He then offers to all of

us that same gift, and a return to the tree from where the whole story of Scripture begins. The

cross is that tree revisited– the opportunity to begin again with Jesus and live in his redeemed

story.

Will you say yes today to starting again with Jesus?

Pastor Troy Wallace

Trust the Lord and be grounded in your Foundation

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:23:56 GMT

Trust in the Lord to have a solid foundation.

We all know that since the Garden of Eden, that there has been sin in the world. And with that, comes a multitude of attacks on Christ through us, one of which is trust.

With all the world throws at us today, I believe the biggest struggle is with doubt, which imitates distrust. If the evil one can put doubt or mistrust in our beliefs, he then makes us question our Faith.

A ripple affect from that is distrust in all other avenues of our life. One mistrust in our faith has the ability to contaminate the way we see the world. When we believe what social media has to say, instead of going to the Bible, or are unable to answer questions with a solid answer and understanding, we can then start to question our own biblical foundation.

The Bible tell us in Psalms 125:1 “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.” But what does that really mean? I believe that means we need to have a solid and grounded foundation in our belief. Not just knowing the Bible but having a clear and solid understanding of what it tell us.

Evil wants to break our faith, our foundation of truth, and wants us to question what we believe is true. By studying the Word, understanding our Faith and having trust in the Lord we can build a solid foundation of Truth and Faith.

Just as we build the house we live in on a solid foundation, our spiritual house is to be built on a solid foundation of Christ, which means we need to trust Him.

Let today be the day that you consecrate your life in the Lord and know His truth, as this is the foundation to our Salvation.

Elizabeth

Reckless or Bold

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:47:15 GMT

To be bold in your faith,

To be bold in your faith, as encouraged by the Bible, means to stand firm in your beliefs and convictions , even when facing opposition or fear, and to share your faith with others. It's about having courage to live out your faith authentically and without shame.

One of the biggest excuse that keeps us from talking about Jesus is fear. Society today, wants to silence the voice of truth. They want everyone to be politically correct according to their standards and will try to shame anyone who steps out of there imagined paradigm. And because of that we are afraid to talk to someone we don’t know. We are afraid of how they will respond. We are afraid of looking foolish or saying the wrong thing. We are afraid of getting into a conversation that will go over our heads. Fear paralyzes.

In Acts 3-4, Peter and John were headed to the temple in Jerusalem to worship when they encountered a man who couldn’t walk. Sensing the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit, Peter reached out his hand to this man and miraculously healed him.

While everyone saw this miracle as a mighty movement of God, the religious leaders were not so excited. Peter and John were quickly called before the high court and interrogated by the very men that had plotted the death of Jesus. You would think that in this intense and intimidating situation Peter and John would cower in fear — but they didn’t.

Acts 4:8-13

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The Name of Jesus Forbidden

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. NKJV

My Brothers and Sister, the Holy Spirt can make you bold and He will lead you to do radically courageous things.

Now far from being fearful or quiet, Peter and John became bold. They boldly spoke the name of Jesus. On the out side it may appear that they were reckless. The Bible says that they declared that Jesus died and rose from the dead. They even radically proclaimed that Jesus is the only way to salvation. And their boldness was shockingly noticeable!

Look again at Verse 13: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John … they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Peter and John were common, ordinary men standing before the most learned and religious men of their day.

They certainly didn’t have the education and knowledge that the Pharisees and religious leaders had, but they did have one thing boldness because they were filled with the Holy Spirt. They were courageous and unafraid. That is what God wants from you and me a courageous boldness to step into any situation and declare the hope we have in Jesus. And it is God who will supply the measure of the Holy Spirit to enable us to be bold and courageous.

Now afterward, Peter and John were warned and released. And quickly they ran back to the other disciples and they all began to pray. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness,” (Acts 4.29 NIV). Notice they didn’t pray, “Lord, protect us from these leaders,” or, “Lord, help us be wise in how we react to these threats.” They prayed for boldness to speak unashamedly and fearlessly.

God desires to fill us with the Holy Spirt so that may live a life of Boldness for the Lord. May He who is above all fill you with His Glory that you may be a bold beacon of light in this dark world. Maranatha

God Bless,

Christopher Camacho

“The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men and women can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God.” GW p.18

Living Spirit Filled

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 03:47:19 GMT

Science has told us that a human body can only last about 7 days without water. But what does it mean to "need" water? Needing water isn't just washing ourselves in it, soaking in a pool, or rinsing it over our bodies. We have to drink the water, we need it inside of us. As we drink, the water becomes part of us, not just inside us, but it actually becomes part of us, hydrating us on a cellular level. Without it we get dehydrated, sick and sometimes even die.

Such is the Holy Spirit. You cannot just be around Him, hear about Him or even just read about Him. You need to consume Him. What does that mean? That means you have to INVITE Him into you. Allow Him to consume you, on a spiritual level and a cellular level. When Mary got pregnant with Jesus, the Holy Spirt was in her, on a much more intimate level than anyone has ever been. She was growing a child, the Christ child inside her.

We need to imagine ourselves the same, as the Holy Spirit is to live IN us. We are to ask Him to transform us, to change us, to mold us into the Christ like child God has intended us to be. What does that mean for us? Well just as water binds to us and helps us live, so should the Holy Spirit. Binding to us doesn't mean to just ask for Him to live within us, but to become one with Him. On a much deeper level, as water binds to our cells.

Just like when you have drank the water, it stays within us. But you can't just drink water today and expect it to last everyday. We need 8 - 8oz glasses a day. Just like we need to ask for the Holy Spirit to bind to us, we need to ask every day, if not many times a day.

And just like hydration, it takes work. We have to continue to drink the water of our Lord & King. We need to allow Him to do His job. If you drink water that is made into juice, it isn't as pure and effective as if you drink pure water. We have to filter our water, just like we need to the Holy Spirit to filter out the sin by asking the Holy Spirit to help us..

Matthew 7:7 KJV Tells us: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" You need to seek out the Holy Spirit, invite Him in, Let Him be your living water and most of all, let Him hydrate you and wash away the sins of our human nature.

I will drink of His Spirit...... will you?

Elizabeth

Rejection does not mean Rejected

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:35:26 GMT

For some of us, as a child, life has dealt us challenges that make us feel like nothing we do will ever amount to anything. Sometimes we are born into families where we are even rejected.

I know all to well what those things feel like. Growing up always brought obstacles and hurdles that seemed insurmountable, even just existing was somehow not good enough. When you grow up the “outcast, the one talked about, the one talked down to and ridiculed, you grow up believing that you will never be worthy enough for the Lord. Even to the point of being disowned and thus feeling unwanted nor needed by those you call relation.

But just as the Bible says, God uses all things for His good. Those same people may one day need you. Rather God needs you. And those who rejected you are now coming to you for help and aid.

In the book of Judges it speaks of such a man who also went thorough that, Jephthah. From before birth his family thought less of him then others and I am sure growing up for him was challenging and difficult. Wanting so bad to just be accepted and belong. As he got older he was actually shunned to the point that he fled to another land. But we know that God always has a plan. And His plan was later to use Jephthah to help the Israelites conquer the people of Ammon.

1 Corinthians 1:26 tell us that: "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:" KJV

So when you think that you are not worthy by man, Remember you are still worthy to God. And only through Him can we accomplish great things. And God chooses those who are less chosen to do and accomplish great and mighty things, for His Glory.

Elizabeth

Qualifying for the Kingdom of Heaven

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 22:45:25 GMT

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:15.

Whosoever… the question is are you DETERMINED? Determination in the dictionary is described as firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

So, the question I have for you is, are you determined?

Christ does not acknowledge any caste, color or grade as being necessary to be a subject of His Kingdom. Admittance to His Kingdom does not depend upon wealth or a superior heredity.

But those who are born of the Spirit are the subjects of His Kingdom. Those who are determined to be there.

Spiritual character is that which will be recognized by Christ. His Kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. A key to change is, yup you guessed it, determination.

And this grace is given them of God. Christ does not find His subjects fitted for His kingdom, but He qualifies them by His divine power.

Are you determined to change? God will provide the Grace to enable you to change.

Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened to spiritual life. And this can only happen if we are determined to change. We don’t have the ability to change ourselves but if we are determined, God will send His Spirit to work in us to help us to change.

The faculties which God has given them for Holy purposes are refined, purified and exalted, and they are led to form characters after the divine similitude.... After the character of Christ!

Christ draws them to Himself by an unseen power. He is the light of life, and He imbues them with His own Spirit. As they are drawn into the spiritual atmosphere, they see that they have been made the sport of Satan's temptations, and that they have been under his dominion; but they break the yoke of fleshly lusts, and refuse to be the servants of sin....

They realize that they have exchanged captains, and they take their directions from the lips of Jesus. As a servant looks to his master, and as a maid looks to her mistress, so these souls, drawn by the cords of love to Christ, constantly look unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of their faith. By beholding Jesus, by obeying His requirements, they increase in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He hath sent.

Thus they become changed into His image from character to character until they are distinguished from the world, and it can be written of them: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9, 10)

And this all starts with Determination! Come this Sabbath to hear the rest of the story! May God's blessings be poured out upon you as you determine to walk with Him!

https://whiteestate.org/devotional/ag/02_13/

Excerpts from The Review and Herald, March 26, 1895.

B.I.B.L.E.

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 03:14:41 GMT

“B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”

I am sure like many, there has been a day that we wished we had all of the answers to life and all its problems. Well lucky for us.... we do. The Bible... God gave us our ancestry line, a history book and an instruction manual. If you have a problem we are told to go to God... That also means going to The Word. The Bible... When nothing else has the answers ( like how to find Jericho) we turn to.... The Bible...

25 "Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."

Luke 24:25-27 KJV

Jesus says, "Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

What he is telling them is that it was written…. That their hope for something different should have been already solidified in the writings of Old Testament. That speak of his sacrifice and the whole sacrificial system. That indeed the Bible is our basic instructions, and if we look, study and search for answers….. we will find them.

"We would have hoped" had to have been so disappointing to Jesus. After all they had witnessed first hand and experienced, and to still have wanted something else. Jesus reminded them to forget their hope and remember what they were taught and instructed to do.

It was all written down for us to use, for us to study and for us to follow. As large as this book is, it really is simply “Basic” to be a Christian. To be Christ like and to Love. Our instructions are given to us, and when we follow them, we get to leave this earth to spend eternity with our King.

Happy Sabbath

Elizabeth

Healing Through Christ

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:30:43 GMT

Healing is a biblical discipline that encompasses physical and emotional wholeness. This discipline will continue until we're made whole, when Jesus returns for His people.

By seeking God's healing through prayer, faith, community support, scriptural meditation, repentance, healthy living, emotional healing, forgiveness, anointing with oil, and patience, we can pursue healing according to the principles found in the Bible. Remember that God is the ultimate healer, and His desire is for His people to experience restoration and wholeness in every aspect of their lives.

Here are ten things Christians could pray for to promote physical and spiritual healing, along with a corresponding Bible verse from the English Standard Version (ESV) for each one:

Pray for Healing from Sickness:

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." - James 5:14

Pray for Emotional Healing:

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3

Pray for God's Comfort:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:3

Pray for Forgiveness and Spiritual Healing:

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

Pray for Strength in Times of Weakness:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Pray for Inner Peace and Calmness:

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

Pray for Spiritual Renewal:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10

Pray for Freedom from Fear:

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

Pray for Wisdom and Guidance:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5

Pray for God's Presence:

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

These prayers encompass both physical and spiritual healing, acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of restoration and wholeness in all areas of life. By seeking God's healing and comfort through prayer and aligning their hearts with these biblical verses, Christians can promote healing in their lives and in the lives of others.

Happy Sabbath

Gary Snyder

"Stop Striving and Start Trusting"

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 19:47:04 GMT

Good morning ☀️

Happy New Year ��

Morning Manna :

Starting the Year

Aligned with God’s Will

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Key Scripture:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Devotional Thought:

Welcome to a brand-new year—a blank canvas, a fresh chapter, a reset button on life. But let’s be honest. It’s easy to charge into January with big dreams and bold resolutions, only to find ourselves off-course by February. That’s why today’s focus isn’t just about starting strong—it’s about starting aligned.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is more than a verse; it’s a GPS for life. It reminds us that true direction doesn’t come from leaning on our own limited understanding but from leaning into God. Trusting Him wholeheartedly means handing Him the steering wheel instead of riding shotgun, giving Him full control of our plans, priorities, and pursuits.

Now, let’s be clear—alignment with God’s will doesn’t mean perfection. It means positioning. Think of it like a car that’s out of alignment. It might still move, but it’ll drift and wear down faster. Many of us are pressing the gas on life, but we’re veering off track because we’re not aligned with God’s direction. The solution? A spiritual realignment that begins with surrender.

Practical Application:

1. Check Your Heart. – Alignment starts with inspection. Are there areas of your life where you’ve been leaning on your own wisdom instead of God’s Word? Identify them and invite God into those spaces.

2. Pray for Guidance. – Prayer isn’t just about speaking; it’s about listening. Spend time in God’s presence, asking Him to make His will clear as you step into this new year.

3. Walk It Out. – God’s direction doesn’t always come as a map; sometimes, it comes as a step-by-step process. Move forward in faith, trusting that He’ll light the next step as you go.

Closing Encouragement:

As you start this year, don’t settle for running in circles. Make 2025 the year you walk in step with God—one decision, one prayer, one act of obedience at a time. When you trust Him with all your heart, He won’t just show you the path—He’ll clear it, straighten it, and bless it.

Let this be the year you stop striving and start trusting, because when your life lines up with God’s will, you’ll always arrive at the right destination—on time and on purpose.

Blessings,

Elder Chris Camacho

“God is in Messy Stories“

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 21:49:30 GMT

Jesus birth is far from what you’d expect a kings entrance story to be. It’s a messy story, a very messy story. And it’s messy for a reason. His story is so messy because our stories are messy. Sometimes we think our lives happened wrong. Our past was a mistake, our present is all screwed up, and our future is going to be a disaster. But through all the mess God brings order. God has good intentions and a perfect plan through every event that seems to have been a mistake. And we can trust that our lives have not been in vain. Even our screwups lead to something amazing with God at the wheel. This Christmas, take comfort in a God who turns a mess into something to bless, and has ordained a great plan through lives as screwed up as ours.

Matthew 1:18-25

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

“God is in Messy Stories“

Pastor Troy Wallace

Before Abraham was, I AM

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:24:18 GMT

We continue with the conversation between Jesus and the Jews with Jesus saying, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56 ESV). Jesus had identified their father spiritually as the devil and now he identifies Abraham as their father in the family tree. Abraham is not only their father, but he is the father of the whole Church (See the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:1 – 17). Spiritually, Abraham looked ahead and saw the coming of Jesus and what that meant for the people of faith. In some way God allowed Abraham to see the coming of Jesus and all that he would provide in establishing his kingdom. Abraham was able to see it and he was glad.

As expected, the Jews respond by saying to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (John 8:57 ESV). The implication is that Jesus is not old enough to have seen Abraham, who died many centuries before. Notice that Jesus never said that he saw Abraham, but that Abraham saw his day. That is quite different.

To that Jesus responds with a most powerful claim which we will see brings the Jews to the point of attempted murder. “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am”” (John 8:58 ESV). The Jews pointed out that Jesus was not old enough to see Abraham. Jesus then claimed that he was alive before Abraham, over 2000 years ago. Claiming to exist over 2000 years ago raises himself above man to the existence of God. In this, Jesus claims to be eternal and in fact is identifying himself as the I AM who spoke to Moses at the burning bush. The Jewish opponents understood this claim clearly and picked up stones, to stone him to death for blasphemy.

“So, they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple” (John 8:59 ESV). According to Leviticus 24:16, stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy. However, the Jews were wrong in attempting the execution themselves. This means of punishment was to be the result of righteous judgment, not mob violence. The Jews were not successful because it was not yet time for the death of Jesus, which was to occur on the cross. Jesus somehow eludes them as chapter 8 ends.

Prayer

Father, if anyone reads the scriptures with an open mind to learn what it has to say, I find it hard to understand how anyone cannot see Jesus for who he is, but I also know from our study of John that without your draw on a person, that person will be unable to understand. Father, thank you for giving me an understanding of who Jesus is and a desire to want to come to him for salvation.

Author: Stephen Weller

Source: https://www.anchormyfaith.com/blog/jn152

“Kingdom Peace”

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:39:46 GMT

The Holiday season can bring a lot of things— joy, family, presents, nostalgic music and movies, and many other positive experiences. But it can also come with a lot of stress, anxiousness, sadness, and sometimes loneliness. God came into the world and was called the “Prince of Peace.”

How can we transform our lives to reflect more of his peace, and what s standing in our way that needs to be removed for us to have real joy and real peace in our lives? God shows us there is a battle in our hearts over who we really worship when we are stuck in anxiousness, stress, and loneliness, and it’s no surprise that it isn’t Him! So come and be encouraged to seek God’s kingdom and you will reap the peace that God desires you to have.

Pastor Troy Wallace

Trials & Tragedy to Triumph & Truth

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 23:07:15 GMT

Many of us have gone through trials, been in situations that we would call tragic, and some have even experienced things that were traumatizing.

When you are in the midst of your struggles, sometimes it hard to see or even understand how something that hurts so bad could bring something so beautiful and profound from it.

Imagine for a moment, the trials and struggles Mary had to work through as Jesus grew in her womb. A young unwed women, promised to a man who did not yet know she was pregnant. Imagine the thoughts and struggles she may have brought to God as she traveled to see her cousin. Hoping that someone she knew would believe her.

In Jewish custom sexual activity traditionally was viewed as a grave sin if it is outside of the bounds of marriage. This new chapter could have very well have cost her, her marriage before it even began. And yet, the bible tells us that when she met with Elizabeth, this is what she humbly said:

46 "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. " Luke 1:55 KJV

When you turn trials into triumph, it brings great things. And for us, Mary’s first trials meant bringing forth “Truth”, our Lord and Savior, our King, Jesus Christ.

Let Christ pull us through our trials and let Him be your triumph.

Elizabeth

Always Thankful

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 21:49:44 GMT

One of the repeated themes in the New Testament when it comes to how we approach God is the theme of thanksgiving.

We are commanded to bring everything before God with gratitude. But is this some sort of ideal or is this a posture we can actually realize.

I believe we can become that filled with gratitude that our whole life reflects it. But the “hard work” that developing that character requires is an ever deepening understanding of who God is. For people like Paul, his encounter with Jesus transformed his entire life, including his thankfulness.

May we all discover the richness of God’s goodness, and may it transform us as people to be a people with overflowing gratitude.

Pastor Troy Wallace

How to Turn Trials into Triumphs

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:51:15 GMT

It's been many years, but it still feels like yesterday., since I have become a Christian. Before finding the Bible, I was just drifting through life, deeply confused about who I was and wondering if life held any purpose. It wasn't until I was at the lowest point in my life when I found true meaning. Once I started to read and study the Bible, I quickly discovered why this is the number one bestseller in the world.

I can't even begin to tell you what the Bible has done for me. It's the awe-inspiring living Word that has the power to transform human hearts.

Jesus said, "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you'll know the truth and the truth will make you free.”

And this is still the truth today. And it's the reason that I'm standing here, thankful to be able to proclaim His Word and eager to bring hope to those in need. I truly believe that today’s message is going to fulfill that desire and leave you with a rich blessing.

The athlete that has won the most medals of any athlete in the world is Michael Phelps, in many categories of swimming. I saw a very interesting picture of one of his final gold medals that he won. He was kissing the medal while standing on the podium and you can see the tears come into his eyes as they're playing the national anthem. It's a pretty grueling process to get to the Olympics. First of all, anyone who makes it to the Olympics is a champion because there, they are representing their country because they've already gone through incredible discipline, training, trials, tribulations, before they experience the triumph of being chosen to even go to the Olympics. But to win in the Olympics is a whole another level of training.

I went online and looked at some statements from Michael Phelps regarding his regimen of training. By the way, he won, was it 28 medals? Twenty-eight Olympic medals, twenty-three of them gold medals, in all different categories of the swimming events. Becoming the most decorated Olympian ever doesn't come cheap. He has to grind more often and harder to get there. His workouts were punishing. His body is well suited to swimming, which plays into his success, but his real secret to success is how hard he worked in the gym, in the pool, every day. His workout was intense, his diet pretty extreme.

But if you're going to aim for becoming the best of the best, then you're going to have to push yourself further than the rest. Michael says, "In preparation for Beijing, I started adding weightlifting to my dry land work. Since then, we've been expanding the amount of weights I'm using and I'm running more than I ever have. Push ups and pull ups also have to be essential. For me, some of the most effective drills focus on vertical kicking and underwater kicking." Phelps said, "It's painful but very effective." It's painful. "In Beijing, when my goggles filled with water, I didn't panic."

Can you imagine that? You're in an Olympic race, you dive in the water, and your goggles fail and they fill up with water and you're blind now and you've got to race several laps. "When my goggles filled with water, I didn't panic." He says, "I went back to all of my training. I knew how many strokes it would take me to get up and down the pool, so I started counting my strokes. I didn't reach the time I wanted, but I did win the race." I think sometimes we don't know how much training is involved.

They say that there's trials and tribulations of training before you can turn that into triumph. Well, God wants you to receive the gold. He wants you to walk on the golden streets and get your golden crown, and you are in training right now. And it feels like trials and tribulations, but this is par for the course. Because the Lord loves us, you're going to experience trials. They teach us to trust.

Blessings,

Elder Chris Camacho

Brokeness

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 23:47:11 GMT

Good Evening Friend,

As we enter into the Sabbath this evening, I am reminded of a story that taught me such a beautiful lesson as a young child.

I lived in a very small town, very small. So small that our 1st - 8th grade were all taught in the same small 4 class building and each room had a combined class. Our city population was about 100 (including pets). That didn’t stop the Lord though from letting us experience culture and life from around the world.

Our teacher, who also taught foreign exchange students outside of teaching our 5th/6th grade class, brought 5 young women who were visiting from Japan. We got to experience a first hand look at what life was like somewhere out of our local life. And while we learned about many things from them, the one thing that stuck with me throughout my life was the lesson of Kintsugi.

What is Kintsugi?

Kintsugi — which means “join with gold” — is the Japanese art of repairing broken objects, often ceramic pottery or glass. Traditionally, gold lacquer is used to piece shards together again, creating a more beautiful object through the acts of breaking and repair. Kintsugi encourages us to fix rather than discard, thus placing a higher value on the objects we bring into our lives. It teaches us that in life we can turn adversity into something that is beautiful and resilient

Types of Kintsugi

Traditional: reassembles broken pieces at the cracks, connecting the parts with thin lines of golden lacquer.

The “Piece” Method: called “makienaoshi” replaces an entire portion of missing material with gold lacquer, so the lost piece looks like it has been transformed into gold.

Joint-Call Kintsugi: The final type, replaces a missing fragment of the object with some other material, often with a different pattern or look. The intentional non-matching patchwork creates a new object that carries the echoes of others.

We are all broken, we are born into sin. The wonderful news is that the Bible tells us “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalms 147:3 KJV

The Lord repairs the broken cracks, replaces portions of things that are missing in us, and Jesus creates that patchwork of our life to create new. Out of imperfection comes perfection.

Prayer:

Lord place me back into Your hands, the potters hands. Take what is broken and reconnect me back to you. Add more of Yourself to my life, filling all that has been lost or broken. Transform me. Replace in me these fragments of imperfections with the patchwork of Your lessons, creating in me a new version. A better version of you to the world…. So that I may echo to others what new creations one can become through Christ Jesus. Lord, thank you for not discarding me when I am broken. Thank you for allowing me to be your clay. Mend me to be more like you Lord. Amen

Happy Sabbath and God Bless,

Elizabeth

The Best Is Yet to Come

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:57:12 GMT

I want to share a story with you that I read awhile back, actually it was around 22 years ago when I first started in ministry.

The sound of Martha's voice on the other end of the telephone always brought a smile to Pastor Jim's face. She was not only one of the oldest members of the congregation, but one of the most faithful. Aunt Marty, as all of the children called her, just seemed to ooze faith, hope, and love wherever she went. This time, however, there seemed to be an unusual tone to her words.

"Pastor, could you stop by this afternoon? I need to talk with you." "Of course, I'll be there around three. Is that okay?"

It didn't take long for Jim to discover the reason for what he had only sensed in her voice before. As they sat facing each other in the quiet of her small living room. Martha shared the news that her doctor had just discovered a previously undetected tumor. "He says I probably have six months to live". Martha's words were naturally serious, yet there was a definite calm about her.

"I'm so sorry to..." but, before Jim could finish, Martha interrupted. "Don't be. The Lord has been good. I have lived a long life. I'm ready to go. You know that." "I know," Jim whispered with a reassuring nod. "But I do want to talk with you about my funeral. I have been thinking about it.....

The two talked quietly for a long time. They talked about Martha's favorite hymns, the passages of Scripture that had meant so much to her through the years, and the many memories they shared over the years Jim had been with Central Church.

When it seemed that they had covered just about everything, Aunt Marty paused, looked up at Jim with a twinkle in her eye, and then added, "One more thing, preacher. When they bury me, I want my old Bible in one hand and a fork in the other."

"A fork?" Jim was sure he had heard everything, but this caught him by surprise. "Why do you want to be buried with a fork?"

"I have been thinking about all of the church dinners and banquets that I attended through the years," she explained, "I couldn't begin to count them all. But one thing sticks in my mind.

"At those really nice get-togethers, when the meal was almost finished, a server or maybe the hostess would come by to collect the dirty dishes. I can hear the words now. Sometimes, at the best ones, somebody would lean over my shoulder and whisper, 'You can keep your fork.' And do you know what that meant? Dessert was coming!

It didn't mean a cup of Jell-O or pudding or even a dish of ice cream. You don't need a fork for that. It meant the good stuff, like chocolate cake or cherry pie! When they told me I could keep my fork, I knew the best was yet to come!

"That's exactly what I want people to talk about at my funeral. Oh, they can talk about all the good times we had together. That would be nice. But when they walk by my casket and look at my pretty blue dress, I want them to turn to one another and say, 'Why the fork'?

"That's when I want you to tell them, that I kept my fork because the best is yet to come!’"

To save a fallen race, Christ gave Himself to a death of shame and humiliation. We cannot afford to lose heaven, lose eternal life, lose the eternal weight of glory. We cannot afford to lose all these riches, this exceedingly precious, immeasurable happiness.—EGW, Testimonies, p. 698, par. 2.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18

The key words here are " In Christ ." If you are In Christ you will live again. Accept Jesus as your personal Savior. Fall in love with Him. Serve Him. Become as much like Him as you can. Someday you will see Him face to face never more to part.

Blessings,

Elder Chris Camacho

The Sabbath and Salvation

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 03:25:10 GMT

The Bible teaches about rest in a way we never expect. Rest is not simply stopping activity, but it’s an experience gifted to us by God. We can’t master rest, but we can appreciate it as we more deeply experience gods saving power in our lives. May you experience God’s rest as a gift to you today.

Pastor Troy Wallace

Hebrews 4:9-11 says There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Abiding in Christ

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:19:34 GMT

A branch recently separated from the vine may appear alive for a while, but it will surely wither and die because it has been cut off from the source of life. By the same token, we can receive life only through our connection with Christ. But in order to be effective, this union must be maintained.

Devotional time in the morning is essential, but our communion with the Lord has to continue throughout the day. Abiding in Christ means seeking Him constantly, asking for His guidance, praying for His strength to obey His will, and begging for His love to fill us. One of the most deceitful traps is to try to live the Christian life independently from the Lord.

Without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5, NKJV). Without Him we cannot resist even one temptation, overcome one sin, or develop a character in His likeness. The new spiritual life can grow only by means of an uninterrupted communion with Christ. By reading the Word and meditating on it, we are nourished and strengthened. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life , said Jesus (John 6:63, NKJV). Treasured in our hearts and minds, these words will inspire our prayers in order to keep us in contact with the Lord. Though it’s easy to be distracted by the cares of this world (Mark 4:19, NKJV), we must make a concentrated effort to abide in Jesus.

Blessings,

Elder Chris Camacho

Practice makes perfect?

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 19:04:19 GMT

Have you ever tried to show someone how to do something and came to realize that you didn't really know how to do it? That you yourself haven't perfected those skills? What does it mean to be perfect? And how do we get there?

The Bible tells us"be ye therefore perfect*, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48

There is this saying..... "Practice makes perfect" But what does that really mean? Well, just like learning to ride your bike, you have to do something many times to understand how to perfect doing it.

My dad said to me the other day "this up coming week will give me an opportunity to practice" We need to practice at being perfect and one day, when our Lord & Savior returns "practice will make perfect!"

*The greek translation for Perfect in this verse means to be "complete" in Christ

Elizabeth

Narrow is the way

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 03:36:41 GMT

The Bible tells us "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many

there be which go in thereat: 14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

Matthew 7: 13, 14 KJV

Often this passage can lead us to feel like the Christian journey is impossibly hard, and we never quite get it right.

Some of us doubt our ability to be ready for heaven when that time comes.

But Jesus has good news for us about how to make the ‘narrow gate’ a little more accessible for people like you and me.

Happy Sabbath

Pastor Troy Wallace

Something Better

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 17:18:48 GMT

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Reaching

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 20:24:52 GMT

How many of you have decided to take on a new hobby, and thought to yourself…. This will be so fulfilling and exciting, only to find out it isn’t so much fun to do alone? Or you decided to take on landscaping, remodeling or redecorating; only to realize it is way more work then you initially anticipated?

Well, guess what? No matter what job you are taking on, or new hobby you decided to get into…. Jesus is there to walk along side you. You just have to reach out, and ask Him to be. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, there are no special or right ways to say, just simply ask….. Jesus, today I am going on a walk at the nature park…. Would you like to join me?

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Luke 11: 9 & 10 KJV

God is asking us to reach out to Him. And His response is clear, ask - receive.

The Bible isn’t talking about asking for riches or fame, it is about the Holy Spirit. Asking for the Holy Spirit to be with you, and in you as we finish this journey to eternity.

Reach out to the Lord and ask Him to join you, right here, right now…. Doing whatever is it you are doing. Ask Jesus to join you.

Elizabeth

The Promise

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:20:49 GMT

Have you ever considered someone family that you are not related to? Where it seems like the more you got to know them, the closer you feel to them…. Your relationship deepened so quickly that you often can't pin point the actual moment it happened. A second of knowing them suddenly feels like a lifetime, I know I have.

This is what it means to take a stranger and turn them into family.

Jesus has made a promise to us to do exactly that, to make us family. Even though the Lord has known us before we were formed, many have never known Him or have drifted away from Him, and therefore have become strangers to Him. But the more you get to know Him and the closer you become, you go from someone He doesn’t know to a Child of God.

And this promise is for everyone that chooses to make the effort to KNOW the Lord God. The Bible tell us that the promise God made was for ALL

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39

Don’t sit back and let Jesus be a stranger, get to know Him and let Him become your Family.

Elizabeth

The Guidance of the Spirit

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:09:12 GMT

The Holy Spirit is God’s powerful Agent who pours out the love of God into our hearts (Romans 5:5), leads us into a true saving experience (John 16:7-11), guides us into all the truth (John 16:13), and empowers us to fulfill the gospel mission (Acts 1:8). Because it is the Holy Spirit who counteracts the degenerating work of Satan, it is no surprise that Satan tries by all means to distort our understanding of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. While some deny His personality, others emphasize the gifts of the Spirit over His transforming power

The children of God are those who are being guided by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14) into all the truth of God’s word (John 16:13, John 17:17). Jesus warned in clear terms, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21-23, NIV). This means that the Holy Spirit never guides anyone away from God’s Word — which He Himself inspired — but rather always leads us into conformity to that Word.

The same Holy Spirit that guides us into all the truth also empowers us in leading others into that wonderful truth (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). While fulfilling our sacred mission, we have His special assistance. So, morning by morning, we must kneel before the Lord and renew our vows of consecration to Him. If we do this, He will grant us the presence of His Spirit, with His reviving, sanctifying power.

We must, however, be open to His leading by making conscious choices, every day, to do what we know is right and avoid what we know is wrong. That is, only by seeking, in our God-given strength, to live as we should, will we be open to receiving that power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which God promises us.

Why is it so important, morning after morning, to pray ourselves into an openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives?

Posted on December 13, 2022 by Sabbath School Lesson

https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-guidance-of-spirit/

Therefore we ought to:

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:31:59 GMT

Christ is the “Son of God” He is the Word,

In heaven, angels were given the instruction to minister to us, The Word. We were given the privilege to be Holy messengers to the rest of humanity. To be Holy means to be dedicated and consecrated to Christ’s purpose, which is our salvation. Our Holy purpose is to declare our dedication to the salvation of others.

Hebrews 2:1 says “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

By keeping the word close, and not going out and sharing what God has given us The Word, we are letting it slip… We have been told, "with out our ministering to others, we are not growing in Christ." And thus putting the Salvation of humanity at risk.

God wants us to unite in His purpose, of Love. To love Him, to Love others and to love ourselves. To do that we must Love others and ourself the way Christ Loves us, self-sacrificing & unconditional.

Make no conditions or exceptions around speaking about the Lord. Listen to the Holy Spirit and act upon His convictions.

Elizabeth

The Spirit of Truth

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:41:56 GMT

The way our brains were created to work for us and especially to connect us with our heavenly Father is one of the many wonders of His creation. But after thousands of years of living on a planet in rebellion from His creative care, our brains no longer work to their full design capacity. One of the most limiting defects that I’ve noticed is expectation bias. Where we are so certain we know what’s being said and seen that we fail to understand the true situation.

For example, when I was a young boy my parents told me there was a gift in a box on the end of their bed and I was instructed to go and get it. I returned to tell them there was no gift on their bed. They sent me again into their bedroom to find the box on the end of their bed. And I returned again to insist there was no gift. Finally they went with me into their bedroom to show me the big red bicycle that was leaning against the end of their bed.

Being raised in an Adventist home, schools, and churches has been a tremendous blessing. It’s a community where God’s word is read, studied, and appreciated. However, we have not always appreciated the need for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and with repetition can come an expectation bias that can mislead. Our understanding must always be guided by receiving and living in the Spirit.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth ... John 16:13 KJV

Blessings in Him to His saints!

Gary Snyder

Communication is Key

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:21:46 GMT

Language is nothing more than a set of codes that we call words, that we agree on their

meaning. We have problems communicating when my definition is different from your definition.

- Joe Stankavic

Joe told me once that he wanted someone to do a sermon on how computers and the internet

compare to God. Even though Joe is gone I hope this will do his wish justice.

God has His own internet with unlimited bandwidth, infinite speed, and unlimited storage. All we

have to do is connect to it through prayer and Bible study.

-Dave Lyons

Steadfast Unto the End

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 04:09:46 GMT

In the second letter addressed by Peter to those who had obtained "like precious faith" with himself, the apostle sets forth the divine plan for the development of Christian character. He writes:

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

These words are full of instruction, and strike the keynote of victory. The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress, every step of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of which there is to be no standstill. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round, mounting step after step, to the height of Christ's ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

God has called His people to glory and virtue, and these will be manifest in the lives of all who are truly connected with Him. Having become partakers of the heavenly gift, they are to go unto perfection, being "kept by the power of God through faith." 1Peter 1:5 .

It is the glory of God to give His virtue to His children. He desires to see men and women reaching the highest standard; and when by faith they lay hold of the power of Christ, when they plead His unfailing promises, and claim them as their own, when with an importunity that will not be denied they seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him.

- Chris Camacho

STATEMENT OF BELIEF

Thu, 30 May 2024 19:42:50 GMT

We believe that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It tells of Jesus, how to live, and what to believe as truth. In it there are prophecies that are even now coming to fulfillment.

Jesus lived a perfect life for us and died to take the penalty for our sins, so He can forgive us and give us eternal life with Him.

God loves everyone and gave us His only Son to save us from our sins, if we will accept the gift.

The Holy Spirit is in the process of changing the willing follower of Jesus and making them more and more like Jesus. As we study the Bible and follow it, He supplies the power to change the willing follower from the inside out.

Bible prophecy is clear. God is going to end the problem of sin and suffering. We believe that Jesus will rescue His people from this earth and take them to heaven to live with Him there. He will also raise the dead to life at His return for a huge celebration/reunion with Him in the clouds. At the end of the 1000 years (Revelation 20) God will create a new heaven and a new earth and we will forever be with Him with no sin, pain, or suffering. This is the good news that prophecy points us forward to. In the meantime, as one Bible prophecy after another is fulfilled, we should realize that God’s rescue could be very soon!

We believe that Jesus will rescue people from many different backgrounds and that they will all be trusting in Jesus as their Savior and the Bible as their authority. Some may have a much fuller understanding of God’s Word than others, but the point is they are fully surrendered to what God has revealed to them. Said another way, the good news is God knows your heart, the bad news is God knows your heart. God overlooks ignorant sin but not known, rebellious sin. This is why in these times we should lovingly follow everything we find in God’s Word.

We should each do all in our power to share God’s love and truth with as many people as possible.

Published By: Tim Roosenberg

https://islamandchristianity.org/about

Testifying with Assurance

Fri, 24 May 2024 01:31:40 GMT

What assurance of eternal life do the Scriptures give us that allows us to testify of our salvation in Christ with certainty?

Read 1 John 5:11-13; Hebrews 10:19-22; and 1 Corinthians 15.1-2.

If we do not have the personal assurance of salvation in Jesus, it is not possible to share it with someone else. We cannot share what we do not have ourselves. There are conscientious Christians who live in a state of perpetual uncertainty, wondering whether they will ever be good enough to be saved.

As a wise, old preacher once said, “ When I look at myself, I see no possibility of being saved. When I look at Jesus, I see no possibility of being lost” . The Lord’s words ring with certainty down through the ages, “Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22).

Our Lord wants each one of us to rejoice in the salvation that He so freely offers. He longs for us to experience what it means to be justified by His grace and be free from the condemnation that the guilt of sin brings. As Paul says in Romans 5, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NKJV). He adds that we can have the assurance that “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NKJV). The apostle John confirms that “he who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12, NKJV).

If by faith we have accepted Jesus, and He lives in our hearts through His Holy Spirit, the gift of eternal life is ours today. This is not to say that, once we have experienced the grace of God and salvation in Christ, we can never lose it (2 Peter 2:18-22, Hebrews 3:6, Revelation 3:5). We always have the free choice to walk away from Him, but once we have experienced His love and understood the depths of His sacrifice, we should never choose to walk away from One who loves us so much. Day by day we will look for opportunities to share with others the grace given us in Jesus.

Do you have assurance of salvation in Jesus? If so, on what do you base it? Why do you have that assurance? Where is it found? On the other hand, if you are not sure, why are you not sure? How can you find that assurance?

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Sabbath School Lesson

https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-testifying-with-assurance/

Lessons of Faith

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:56:38 GMT

God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified, yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the path for them. It was "by faith" that "they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land." Hebrews 11:29. In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet.

The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, "Go forward." We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, "Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;" but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things. "Patriarchs and Prophets, page 290”

Chris Camacho

Spotting a counterfeit

Thu, 09 May 2024 20:33:34 GMT

If you were to hold a counterfeit bill in your hand, would you know it wasn’t real?

Some may answer yes, but are you being honest with yourself? The Secret Service training to identify a counterfeit has nothing to do with identifying the fake markers on a bill but in knowing and identifying the real markers on money. Counterfeits are constantly changing to keep up the deception, truth never changes. Like Christ, it is consistent from beginning to end and everything in between. By the end of their training, the Secret Service can simply touch a bill and tell if it is real or not.

The devil is the counterfeit to Christ, working hard to mask the real thing. He wants to BE Christ, but always falls short of “being” God.

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." Revelation 16:13

In the book “God Cares” C. Mervyn Maxwell writes “We are intrigued that dragon, beast and false profit constitute three entities, just as there are three members of the Holy Trinity.”

Let us not forget, Satan is hard at work to confuse and deceive us to believe that he is God. The bible tells us, even going as far as performing miracles.

"For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:14

This verse speaks volumes to the trials we will face at the end times. Evil will go to great lengths to come between us and God. Nothing is off limits, from miracles to deception, even using our leaders to convince the whole world that it is okay to worship God but only on Sunday. Satan's goal is not just a few souls, it is the whole world. And some will fall, all because they can not recognize the difference between what is truth and what is counterfeit.

Armageddon is not a war of any one land, but a war among leaders of all nations and all the world. Everyone will be at war. Remember, this war is not about “where” you are, but the “revelation of issues” (where your heart is & who you choose). This war is between Heaven and Earth, between Christ and Satan, for your soul……..and it's YOUR choice!

Elijah's Mount Carmel experience speaks about choice.

"Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. 38: Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39: And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God." 1 King 18: 37- 39

Do you follow what “feels” right, what people say is right, and what the rest of the world is following? Or do you follow the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life to salvation? The one true God.

Are you going to walk with the counterfeit or with Christ?

The choice is yours. Know the Truth (the Word) so when it matters you know what is real and are not fooled by the counterfeit. Our only safety is living with and in the Word of God.

May God always be with you & in you,

Elizabeth

Everyone Has a Story!

Thu, 02 May 2024 16:16:52 GMT

How we face trials says a lot about who we are and whom we worship. What a profound thought.

We have all been given a testimony. Some are ant-size, some are giant-size. But whatever circumstances life has given, we all have a testimony to share. Through the apostle Paul, Jesus assures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). In other words, my weakness can become my testimony through His grace and power.

The Bible is filled with these testimonies. Job, for one, comes to mind. Perhaps no character in all of Scripture, aside from Christ, suffered more loss and affliction than did Job. Yet his testimony was “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Certainly David’s testimony in the twenty-third psalm has been a comfort to countless millions down through history, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Ps. 23:4, KJV).

Hebrews 11 is a record of the giants who carried with them this testimony of faith in the midst of affliction, pain, and death. Here’s the most amazing thought: you and I are included in this chapter. After listing all the giants by name, there’s a description of many groups of people who bore a testimony of faith in terrible circumstances, such as confronting lions, fire, sword, torture, stoning, scourging, prison, persecution, destitution, affliction, torment, homelessness. But here we find ourselves included in Hebrews 11:39, 40: “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

So there we are, ants among giants, receiving “something better” by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus. It will be worth whatever circumstance comes our way in this old world. Amid our afflictions we can say, “This is my testimony.” The opportunities to share our testimony may not be in a hospital or a church. Instead, they will likely occur in unexpected ways in the daily course of living our lives at home, at work, at school, at play, in the mundane, in the unusual, and in the tragedies of life—the hurricanes and earthquakes, fires and floods of life.

In one such tragedy, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote a series of books entitled The Gulag Archipelago, reflecting on his years of imprisonment in Russian labor camps. In this series he makes an amazing observation: “I turn back to the years of my imprisonment. . . . And I say . . . : ‘Bless you, prison, for having been in my life.’” Sounds a lot like the apostle Paul, a lot like Joseph, and a lot like the woman I met in the hospital. How often I’ve wished that my reaction to adversity had been as positive.

Let’s face it, people observe how we handle the trials of life. Our colleagues are watching, our friends can see, our families are affected. Do our afflictions overwhelm or anger or irritate, or do they become our testimony, whether silent or spoken?

So what is your Testimony?

God Bless,

Chris Camacho

Eternity is a long time

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 23:55:47 GMT

Saying goodbye is never easy for anyone. It is especially harder when you have made good friends and memories. A lifetime sure goes fast, but when I look back in my life, I see all the memories that I created with so many good people, and makes my life feel whole. I sometimes wonder why Jesus had to leave so soon. Couldn’t He have stayed a little longer? There was something better for the human race if He left. More than His presence but His promises and personal testimonies lived on with all those who met Him or heard Him. I have many faces in my mind from childhood, I am sure I will never see them again on this world. I have said many goodbyes, many for the last time, but there is a hope I have inside of me, that I will see some of those people again. Whatever is lost or maybe even forgotten on this world can be found in the world to come.

I will cherish the memories of this church. All your faces will be etched in my mind for a long time. I can only say how blessed I am to have been a part of your life. There are no guarantees in life, we never know for certain what our future holds, but I do know that God continues to lead us to new and wonderful places. We have a faithful God and He is the one that will keep us together for the rest of time. Our work on this planet is almost done, let us stay focused on what we have to do. This world was never our final home, and God has a place for all of us.

It was an honor to have been called your pastor, I realize our time was short, but I’ve made enough memories to carry me until I see you again. I’ve enjoyed the work God has given me to do. I am sure I did not do everything right, but I don’t think that was the goal. I had an opportunity to grow with you, to explore the world with you, and make a difference with you, and for that I am truly grateful. Once we get to heaven, we will have a little corner for a reunion, this time I will be there to welcome you into our eternal home. We will get to hug and laugh and spend our entire day living in bliss. If you want to make an appointment with me, let’s spend a thousand years exploring the worlds together. Eternity is a long time, but living together with my friends seems like great way to spend it.

May the Lord Bless you, don’t ever give up on Jesus. Hold on my dear friends, we got a little work to do, and we will be home. Jesus is coming again!

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Parents Are the Most Highly Ordained Pastors a Child Will Ever Meet

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:36:20 GMT

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT

Ephesians 5:33 in the KJV calls for wives to reverence their husbands. That is powerful, because the Bible never tells anyone to reverence a priest or a prophet. That word “reverence” for the father tells me, a parent is not only the first teacher but also the first and most important pastor.

I love Christian schools, and have dedicated my time and money to them. I believe in their mission with all my heart. Yet, sometimes when we promote Christian schools, I think we sometimes give credit to the schools that actually belongs to the parents. Of course I understand it is the parents who utilize the school in their home ministry.

I went to Adventist Schools from Grades 1 through college. My schools averaged around 100 students a year with different students coming and going throughout my 12 grades. A while back, I went through my year books, and I could count on both hands, and maybe a couple of toes the number of kids who remained in the church after we grew up. Upon further investigation I found, for the most part, the families who remained in the church after growing up, were families that had worship every night in the home. They also encouraged their children to study the Bible for themselves. That is why their children are still in the church.

Church schools are great, they are wonderful, they are ordained by God, but they are not ordained to take the place of the mother and father and do the work the mother and father are ordained to do. (I understand there are situations, like my late friend Quong, who came to the United States from Vietnam, and was put in an Adventist School, only because it was private. While his parents were atheist, Quong, accepted Jesus, and was forced out of his home at 14 years of age! He slept at the school every night till he found a new family to live with. Thank God for that school!)

A while back I was giving a devotional for chapel at a Christian School. I asked the lower grade students how many of them have family worship at home. Out of about 45 students only 5 hands were raised. I begged the other students to ask their parents to have family worship with them every night, by studying the children’s Sabbath School lessons and Bible together, and prayer.

The mother and father are more to a child than any priest, pastor, teacher, or even general conference president will ever be. The ordination of mother and father is a much higher ordination than any priest or pastor, and a child should learn to listen to and respect their parent more than they respect any priest, pastor or teacher.

Posted on December 29, 2014 by William Earnhardt

https://ssnet.org/blog/parents-highly-ordained-pastors-child-will-ever-meet/

Preparation for the End Time

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:18:45 GMT

In the final hours of Jesus’ earthly sojourn in human flesh, He spoke these words of comfort to the disciples:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know”. (John 14:1-4, NKJV).

Though they certainly didn’t fully understand the meaning of what He said nor the time in which His promise would be fulfilled, the men surely drew comfort from Jesus’ words. A room in His Father’s house? A place that Jesus Himself was preparing for them? Surely this would be better than wherever they might find themselves in this world now.

Indeed, not too long before, as He sat with the disciples, Jesus gave them a quick survey of what would happen before He returned. It was kind of a “history of the future”, and it was not pretty. Wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, famines, and earthquakes were all, Jesus said, just “the beginning of sorrows”. Persecutions, betrayals, deceptions, and trials were on the horizon, as well.

Today, from our vantage point in the flow of history, we can see that nearly all of what Jesus warned about has come to pass, and just as He predicted, too. We can see the fulfillment of two major time prophecies, as well. The first is the “time and times and the dividing of time” of Daniel 7:25 (see also Rev. 12:6, Rev. 12:14; Rev. 13:5; Num. 14:34), which began in the sixth century A.D. (A.D. 538) and ended in the late eighteenth century (A.D. 1798). Then, too, the longest time prophecy, the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, reached its fulfillment in the year 1844.

Surely, then, we are now living in “the end of the days” (Dan. 12:13). But not only do we not know when the end — climaxing with the second coming of Jesus — will come, we don’t need to know. We need to know only that it will come, and that when it does, we must be prepared.

How? Perhaps the best answer is found in this text: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6, NKJV). In other words, with so many world events, so many headlines, and so many theories about end times, it’s easy to get diverted, focusing too much on the things that we think are leading to Christ’s coming instead of on Christ Himself, who alone is the key to our preparation.

This quarter the focus is on the end time, but not totally. The real focus is on Jesus, but in the context of the last days and how to be prepared for them. Yes, we need to look at historical dates, at world events, at history itself, because the Bible talks about them in relation to the end. But even in this context, the Bible talks about Jesus, about who He is, what He has done for us, what He does in us, and what He will do when He does return. Christ and Him crucified must be the center of our faith; or, as Paul said: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2, NKJV). The more we focus on Him, the more we become like Him, the more we obey Him, and the more prepared we will be for all that awaits us, both in the immediate future and in the end, the day when we do enter “the place” that Jesus has prepared for those who love Him.

Norman R. Gulley, PhD, is a research professor in Systematic Theology at Southern Adventist University.

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Sabbath School Lesson

https://ssnet.org/blog/preparation-for-the-end-time/

One Choice

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 15:33:35 GMT

I can’t fathom how many choices we have to make in a day. There are simple choices like what clothes to wear, but there are many important decisions that will have a great impact in our future. I don’t know if there are “right” decisions, but each choice we make takes on a different path. I was thinking about the thief on the cross, the “good” one. It has been written that this man was not necessarily a bad person. He had been struggling with his life, and got himself in a bad situation. A fateful decision got him sentenced to die on a cross. Not every decision he was making was “wrong”, but one very poor one got him into trouble.

I’ve heard some people ask me if one mistake will take me out of the kingdom.

I don’t think it works like that. The future is not lost by one decision, but all the decisions in our life brings us to a place. It is the culmination of our decisions that make us or break us. This does not take away from the fact that there are “bigger” decisions that has more ramifications. For all the poor decisions that the young man made, he had an opportunity to think about his life while hanging on his cross. Jesus in a moment before the end of his own life wanted to have one more chance to save another. This was the last chance for this poor man, and he had one more important decision to make, he did not miss his last opportunity. He grasped for any amount of faith left in his soul, and asked Jesus for eternal life. He was sorry for how he got there, but if he had another chance, he would make better choices. Jesus saw his heart, and told him the truth. This final choice to choose life would lead him to eternity.

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

God will not give up on his people. We might be taking a round and windy path in life full of questionable choices, but there is one choice that can set us in the direction to eternal life. I will guarantee you mistakes will be made, bad choices will be lead us to hard times, but Jesus is ever there leading us to follow Him. He is the light, that shines in our path, and wherever He leads, we are safe in Him.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Navigating Our Digital World

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:07:15 GMT

Learn how to help for anyone who loves kids who love screens

Every Parent's Guide to Navigating Our Digital World helps you think and talk differently about digital media, as you learn from inspiring and creative parents like you who navigate these ever-changing waters day after day.

Drawing from the best research on media and youth, as well as our own conversations with parents and teenagers, this workshop offers new breakthroughs for your most pressing tech-related dilemmas:

How to teach your kids to use social media responsibly.

How to set limits on when, where, and how much you use devices in your family--without isolating your kids from their friends.

How to handle the tough stuff: inappropriate sharing, bullying, and porn.

How to make digital media a force that knits your family together rather than ripping you apart at the seams.

I chose you

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 21:44:44 GMT

Do you remember when you were in elementary school and your teacher would ask the class a question? You knew the answer and so did a few other kids, then hands would go up in the air. There was a great satisfaction when the teacher would choose you. You had something to say, you had an answer and the teacher would give you the time to express yourself to of all the class. Somewhere deep inside us we want to be known. We want people to notice us, we want people to appreciate us, we want people to love us. We all want to feel special and wanted by someone who is important to us. Does God wanting you make you feel special?

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

We worship a pretty special God. Within all the pagan deities in this world we as humanity have to approach god. We have to make ourselves special somehow and make ourselves known to this higher power, so it might give us the blessings we are asking for. Think how different the God that we worship is. We didn’t come to Him, He comes to us, He saw something in us, something so special that He chose us. There are billions and billions of people and God chose us.

“But didn't He choose everyone?” I don’t know about that. All humanity is created of God, but not everyone are children of God. There is something in you, just like Abraham. God saw the potential in Israel, and He chose that nation to be the representation of His glory. God wants you; He wants you to be the bridge to others, that they might know the feeling inside of them is not an accident, but that they have also been chosen, and if they would recognize that fact they would be changed forever.

Being chosen does not guarantee salvation. The Bible is full of stories of people relinquishing their uniqueness. Being chosen is an opportunity to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe. Being chosen is a responsibility to others who need to be made aware of their “chosenness”. We are blessed indeed, God has found something in us that will resonate in Him. Let us not discard our special gift but embrace the One that has called us to be His and walk the life that will lead us to eternity.

Connected to the Vine -

Pastor Danny

To Know Jesus

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:08:41 GMT

To Know Jesus

PHILIPPIANS 3:10-11 That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death:

11 In order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

There’s a distinct difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing someone.

You may know my wife but not the same way that I know her.

Similarly, there are many people today who know a lot about Jesus without relationally knowing Jesus . Paul had the same concern with the Corinthian church:

“But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you had not received, or a different gospel, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!” 2 Cor. 11:3

The process of knowing Christ is a lifelong endeavor. Knowing Christ is meant to both drive and consume our lives. Too often, distractions around us cause us to loose focus on truly knowing Christ. The result is that we settle for something far less, allowing ourselves to become content where we are, and in the process, missing a depth of relationship with the Lord that should be ours.

COLOSSIANS 3:1-2 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your mind on the things above, not the things on earth.

In the stream of time that we live in, we need to take every opportunity we can to develop that personal relationship with Jesus. As we look to the end of time we need to seek the Holy Spirit more earnestly to help us to draw closer to our dear Savior, so that we can form that bond that ties us to Him for all eternity.

God Bless

Christopher Camacho

This World Is Not My Home

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:58:08 GMT

“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.” These are words of a song that has been in my mind for a very long time, but words that ring true to my ears. I wonder if a fish living in an aquarium understands that there is a life outside that fish tank? I believe even animals understand that we are living in some sort of prison. We can pretend all we like, but this world was never meant for us. Millions of people are living their daily lives believing that this life is the only life, and how tragic that is.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

As children of God, we have been given a new citizenship. We have a passport now to our new home, and we will leave this world with no earthly possessions. Our time here is only a temporary one, and life will truly begin in the heavens above. This is the reality we must understand. There are only two consequences in this world. One, to prepare our hearts and minds for the holy kingdom, and two, to bring those we have created relationships with us to the eternal kingdom. Everything else on this planet has no consequence.

There have been good times and bad, but everything we have been through and will go through is for our preparedness to our eternal future. They call this world a rat race, spinning in circles and going nowhere. This is not so with us, we are running a race and there is a finish line, and Jesus will be there to welcome us home. The only way to lose this race is not to finish it, let us not give up the fight. Whatever comes our way, let’s keep our eyes on the prize, it has been promised to us, we are citizens of a new country. We are almost home. Hold on my friends, let our focus be resolute, and our hope sure. God bless.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Jesus is my Security!

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:05:13 GMT

Sometimes the world can seem like a very unsafe place. We live in a world without security and this can cause a lot of stress in our lives. There is a deep psychology in the mind of a Christian. No matter what is happening our lives, God is there and has not left us alone. Each of us have decisions to make as we navigate our lives, will we trust or will doubt overcome our soul?

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us. Romans 8:31

No one can always make the right directions or do the right things, but we can all try to do as God has asked. No person is free from error, but as long as our heart is honest and true, God can get us through. We do not have certainty that our outcomes will be our desired wish, but we do have a confidence, that God will help us.

Living as a Christian is not always easy. There will be moments we will be tried. There will be times when everything might seems hopeless. God wants us to be alerted to our dependency on Him. The old Hymn comes to my mind, “Trust and Obey, there is no other way.”

We are a people that lives by faith and not by sight. We don’t always understand the path in front of us, but we know that God will be there on our worst and best days. Stay honest and true my friends, there is no point of trying to fool God or ourselves. God’s wish is for us to follow His path, even if it might not be the most pleasant. If we veer off the path, God wants us to get on track. Let’s believe in God’s promises, trust Him, and may truth guide you forward.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Let Jesus be your GPS

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:03:51 GMT

Have you ever gone on a long road trip? If so, it is likely that you have used GPS. Maybe you use GPS to go to the east side, or even to the grocery store. The thing with GPS is that the system needs to know 2 things: where you are starting, and where you are going.

In work, in church, in life, we need to know where we are, and where we are going. Where are you today? How are you today? What are your struggles and fears? Where would you like to be? What are your dreams and desires for the future? What kind of person do you want to be? What is your purpose in life?

These are real, soul-searching questions. And surely the disciples were wrestling with these questions. But then a strange rabbi named Jesus approached them, and said “follow me.” That changed everything for them. Much like a GPS, Jesus engaged with them at a starting point, but where were they headed?

What is the aim of discipleship? Let’s explore that question this Sabbath.

Pastor Danny Kim

Hillsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church

As It Was In The Days of Noah

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:02:01 GMT

And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26, 27.

God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking; He had given them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver and debasing themselves by indulging appetite without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. Marriage was in God’s order; it was one of the first institutions which He established. He gave special directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty; but these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion.

A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without restraint.... Multitudes feel under no moral obligation to curb their sensual desires, and they become the slaves of lust. Men are living for the pleasures of sense; for this world and this life alone.... The picture which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast hastening....

As the time of their probation was closing, the antediluvians gave themselves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those who possessed influence and power were bent on keeping the minds of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure, lest any should be impressed by the last solemn warning.

Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christ’s second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of God’s law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ are offered pardon.

God's Eternal Love

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:00:40 GMT

God in His wisdom has created incredible ways that we might know Him. Words are just the beginning. God uses symbolism, metaphors, stories, examples, physical objects, mental pictures, relational connections, and so much more. We have an infinite God trying to communicate with finite humans beings, and we have so much to learn and understand.

I believe the most powerful way to teach us about God is through Love. Hence, God is Love. It is the most powerful force in our hearts and minds, we can’t live without it, we crave it from our inner most being. We are made in God’s image, and I don’t think God is talking about our bodies, we were created to Love.

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven

from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2

It is significant to see that in the earliest of creation, God gave us two institutions. Sabbath was the day, that man could be in full relationship to God, and Marriage was a covenant that brought man and woman together for all life time. God exists in a three form entity, and with marriage we have an opportunity to understand this. We can look in the position of the creation, we have the creator, husband, and wife. Love exists in a three form idea. Look at the most basic family, we have the Father, Mother, and child, another three-fold unit to understand love. Love is about giving, receiving, and witnessing.

I have personally experienced, that Love takes on a new form once I became married. Whatever understanding I had in love, it grew exponentially, once I started into a marriage. Marriage has taught me about love, I previously had no understanding. And even with that, having my own children opened new paths I had to clue of it’s existence. Love is indeed deep. All the feeling and knowledge I have and continue to learn about love, teaches me about God’s love for me. God is alive, there is a give and take I can barely process in my mind, there is a stir in my soul, that God is why I am here. There are no true words to verbalize what God’s love means to me, all of us. In many ways I am left in awe.

God is constantly loving and wooing us. In fact, He is in love with us. Marriage is one of the greatest gifts to humanity, to show us what God’s loves means in real time. You don’t have to guess why the enemy hates marriage so much. God’s love will be an idea that all of us will study, for all of time. Love will be something we experience for all eternity, constantly finding new expression, and living a life of bliss and in love.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Making Choices

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:56:33 GMT

Maybe you have heard of Calvinism. It is a theology that John Calvin had formulated but I think people have taken his idea and made it much more than intended. The concept of predestination takes out choice from a person. How can we change what God has already set in motion? I don’t know if Calvin was stating that we didn’t have choice, we always have a choice to choose one path or another but the situations in life is something Calvin felt was chosen to us by God, and we humans had to make the right choices according to the life “given” to us. For Calvin, God gave us a path, but it was for us to accept the path given to us.

I understand what Calvin is thinking, but I want to see God and life a little differently. We choose our lives, we make our choices, and then it is God that adjusts to our choices. Not to say God doesn’t set things before us, which He does, but there is always choice. We can’t have love without the possibility of of loss, Love demands choice, always has, always will be.

We humans have the habit of making the wrong choices. How many times have we gone on the “wrong” path? How many times have we set in motion pain and suffering to ourselves and others? Our lives can get pretty tangled at times, but this where God comes in. God can fix our messes. God can take our “wrong” choices and make then beneficial for His purposes.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

God works in His people and believe it not He uses people not of His fold. God also needs people outside of his elect to help Him for the welfare of his chosen. There is truly nothing God can or will not do for the protection of HIs people. This coming sermon, I will talk about three different people who lived before the flood. Cain, Enoch, and Methuselah. One, the first murderer but not first sinner, one who walked with God, and finally a man who represented the last person on earth. It is God working through people, and He is still doing that today.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Farewell

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:36:40 GMT

Dear Hillsboro SDA Family,

It is with a mixture of emotions that I write to you today, announcing my departure from the cherished role of pastor at Hillsboro Seventh-day Adventist Church. These three years have been an incredible journey, a chapter in my life that I will forever hold close to my heart.

Together, we have shared laughter, tears, prayers, and moments of profound connection. The warmth and love that permeate this congregation have left an indelible mark on my soul. Through your support and kindness, I have experienced personal and spiritual growth that I never thought possible.

In the embrace of this community, I learned not only about God but also about myself. Your unwavering faith, dedication, and love for one another have been a source of inspiration. The lessons I've gleaned from each of you have been invaluable, shaping me into a better person and a more compassionate servant of God.

As I bid farewell, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your openness to change, your commitment to the teachings of Christ, and your genuine care for one another have created a church family that is truly special. The memories we've shared will forever be etched in my heart.

While this goodbye is bittersweet, I am confident that the seeds we've planted together will continue to grow and flourish. As I embark on a new chapter of my journey, I carry with me the love and lessons imparted by Hillsboro SDA. I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of serving as your pastor and for the profound impact you've had on my life.

May God continue to bless and guide each one of you. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, a spirit rejuvenated, and the knowledge that the bonds we've forged will endure, transcending the physical distance between us.

With love and blessings,

Victor Reina

The Choice of Love

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:47:52 GMT

Love is a most fascinating concept. Humanity can’t live without it, but at the same time, we struggle with it. How many songs have been written about love? How many lives have been consumed by love? How many people suffer in loneliness because they can’t find any love in their lives? Without love, there is no point of living.

God tells us that He is love. He is the first love that sets all other forms of love in motion. We exist because we are part of this Love relationship that comes from God. Love is the baseline to which all creation and God exists, but here comes the “hitch”. Love is a choice after all. You can’t have love, without the possibility of someone or something walking away from it. God knows this, but that didn’t stop Him from going forward anyway.

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

1 John 4:10

There was always a possibility of sin. A separation. A path not centered on love. There had to be. God understood this, and before the creation of the universe a plan was devised. A God would take the responsibility for sin, and take the punishment of this sin, and even die for this sin. It was an amazing transaction. Mankind who has no concept of sin, would be given a second chance, and God who never participated in sin would take its horrible results.

When we think about this God that we worship, He is deeper and wiser than any human can imagine. God pictured the perfect universe, and He understood the high costs to make it possible. This did not stop God, no, Jesus could not be stopped. He loved us, and nothing was going to separate Him from us. Never say freedom is free, it is not. The cost of eternal life was paid by the principal architect. A Deity came down to the depths of depravity so that depraved could have a part of the divine. If this story wasn’t real, I could hardly believe to be possible. I have felt this love in my heart, I have been touched by the love that is higher than anything.

“I love you Lord, your goodness and patience overwhelms me.”

There are no other words, well maybe. “Thank you.”

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Proper Building Blocks

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:23:47 GMT

Happy New Year everyone. May your year be blessed.

I imagine all of you have played with Legos. Those little toys that kids love playing with, and those annoying pieces that you step on in the middle of the night. Whatever your thoughts on Legos, they can be quite a fun toy to use your imagination. You first start with an idea, and you start putting pieces together to bring your creation to life. It is exciting to see what you can piece together, and when your masterpiece is done, you have a sense of joy and accomplishment. I wish having your dream come together was always the case, but usually it does not. In most cases, I run into a huge problem. Where are the pieces I need? I don’t have the color or shape I need to finish the dream. I often to have to resort to some run around, to get around the lack of desired pieces. If and when I finish my less than masterpiece, it is not what I had hoped for, actually it is far from it.

Theology is important. Good theology is even more important. I don’t know how much time we spend to process what we believe and why we believe it, but it is essential to us we understand where are beliefs come from. When I query people to understand why they believe in what they believe, I get some interesting facts. People believe in the Bible, but how they get the information from the Bible is usually from a secondary source. Most people and I am also included in this group, we get information and ideas from others. Either by books or sermons, or ideas passed from people they trust or even maybe a comment made by a stranger in a church. We collect ideas that sound good to us, and we start creating our own personal theology. We all do it in some form or another. We all believe in a God and start forming ideas about our God.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52

Jesus learned about God and himself through the Word. It took years of study and guidance from the Holy Spirit. All the information was contained in the Holy Scriptures. Jesus put together the stories of old and understood what God was trying to teach His people and more importantly this young Messiah. Jesus saw himself in the scriptures and understood His place in this great history.

We are all part of this great history. We have our place and we have our part to play. The Bible will teach us more about God and more about ourselves. The Holy Spirit is teaching us everyday if we would listen, how we can come together with this great Higher Being. It starts with the pieces, it starts with the Word of God.

In the coming months or maybe this next year, we are going to look at some foundational theological pieces all from the book of Genesis. This first book contains every idea and wisdom of God. Pieces to build our own theology from the source itself. My goal is not just to expound on the scriptures, but hopefully give you theological pieces so as more pieces are worked together, each of us can build a better idea of God.

I hope this next year of sermons will be helpful to you, as they will be helpful to me. You will know many of the topics I will be talking about, but as we dig, may the Lord guide you into all truth. May the Lord bless us in our endeavor together. God Bless you.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

New Year Promises

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:57:38 GMT

The end of the year has come, and now it’s time to consider what we should promise to do for the start of the new year. It is time for New Year’s resolutions, or maybe this year we just skip it? I know it’s a common theme to set goals for the new year. The old year is gone, and here is an opportunity to set things right for all the things we didn’t accomplish. We do this every year, and sometimes we wonder to ourselves, is this worth it? How many of us actually finish the year actually keeping our New Year resolutions?

I know this might be a semi-depressing thought, but maybe we have this resolution thing all backwards? Maybe, the goal shouldn’t be actually accomplishing all that we set out to do, thereby setting us for disappointment, but rather it’s a road that we need to take, every year. We need challenges, we need goals, we want to accomplish things out of our comfortable safe spaces, and what better time than a new year to embark on this journey. The goal is not necessarily to accomplish all that we want to do, if we made resolutions on the basis of having to finishing the task, I wonder how many new resolutions we would actually make?

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

I am grateful this morning because God has set into my heart a spirit of determination. You and I have failed many times, and to our shame we have failed on the same points over and over again. Does this mean we give up? No. In 2024, we set our goals anew, we take God for His promises, and He will once again be at our side to change us into new creatures. What makes me believe that we can do something different this year? God is our hope. I may fail, but God will never give up on me. Time to dust off 2023, and march into 2024, with hope and anticipation.

Happy New year my church family. May 2024 bring a year of growth and peace. May we learn to walk with our Master even closer, and may each year bring us a new hope, that every year that goes by, we are one day closer to the coming our Lord.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Merry Christ-mas

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:39:26 GMT

I am thinking of all of you during this Christmas season. I hope the spirit of joy and peace be something that is experienced by your family. Whatever your life is at this moment, may Lord rest with you and give you a time to pause and enjoy what Jesus did for us.

I know life can be hectic, I know we can pulled in a hundred different directions, but we can rest assured that Jesus loves us, and we are not alone. Of all the things to do in the universe, Jesus has put us in the center of His life. He never stops thinking of us, and He can’t wait to bring us all home so we can spend eternity with Him.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23.

Let us come into His presence this Holiday season, may our thoughts be of God’s love and protection. May His peace come over your souls, so that you might be united with His Spirit. The world can be a distraction, but let us never lose sight of what is important to all of us.

I am thankful for my family and I am thankful for my church family. I am blessed to have each person in our church. I love all the different and quirky parts to all of you. I pray the Lord will continue to bless your hearts, and may His Spirit guide to all truth and joy.

Merry Christmas my friends, we have much to celebrate. Happy New year! God Bless you all.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Advent Descent

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:18:05 GMT

Can you remember a time you felt helplessly alone? I remember as a child going to daycare and going to a new school for the first time. I felt great anxiety, fear, and nervousness as I faced my new reality alone. Even as a young adult, I drove off to Walla Walla University knowing basically nobody. I was alone, but in spite of this I knew God was near.

Perhaps this year has been the loneliest in your life. Perhaps you have lost a loved one, or are separated from someone, or feel alone even though you have people in your life. When we go through trouble, the hardest part may not be the trouble itself, but the fact that we convince ourselves that we are alone. That nobody will understand. How could they? But I’ve found that when we reach out we find out that we are not alone. We all know what it means to struggle.

Millenia ago the people of Israel were struggling because they were in exile. They were alone in a strange place, and they were faltering in their faith and in their obedience to God. Prophecies had declared that Israel would struggle, yet there in their exile good news came to a prophet. In the prophecies found in Daniel Chapter 9, the lonely nation in exile had been praying for God to act. Daniel was seeking the Lord, hoping in God’s promises when he was visited by an angel. This visitation promised that the Messiah would come. And that He would save his people. Someone was coming! They wouldn’t be alone!

But then they struggled some more. They waited.

400 years had passed since there was any prophetic activity among the children of God, and then everything changed.

Just as an angel visited Daniel, an angel visited a young girl, explaining that she would miraculously be with child, and this child would be the promised one. Mary was her name, and she was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter. When he noticed she was showing, he struggled too. He wasn’t sure what to do. He decided to quietly call the whole thing off. And then, just like Daniel, just like Mary, Joseph had an angel visit him.

Can you imagine, struggling in your own thoughts, feeling alone as you wrestle and pray, and then suddenly have a divine being appear before your eyes? At that point you would know you weren’t alone.

Here is what the Angel said:

"Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:20-21

JESUS. A Savior. The name that the Bible says is above all names. He will be called Jesus (Yeshua), which means “one who saves.”

After Joseph hears the news of Jesus, the scripture continues:

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us). - Matthew 1:21-23

You see, God in sending Jesus was declaring himself to be the “with us God.” We may struggle, we may face pain and endure great difficulty, we may feel alone, but we can know that God is not away and indifferent, but near and with us.

Burning the Midnight Oil

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:32:30 GMT

“For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. … Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:7, 9)

Have you ever attended a wedding? While the exchange of covenant vows between a man and woman who love each other is a blessing in any culture, there are aspects of the Jewish wedding celebration that are rich in spiritual truths.

This ancient ritual prophetically points to the coming of the Messiah and the great celebration of the marriage supper of the Lamb. It also teaches us unique lessons about God’s covenant love for His people.

There is parable that Jesus used to teach about preparation and choices to getting ready for His soon return.

In this parable, all had lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no difference between them. So, with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge of the scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach and confidently expect His appearing.

But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried and when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him', many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. They are destitute of the Holy Spirit.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Revelation 21: 1–2)

When Messiah returns for us, and everything in the world today indicates that this will be very soon, we will celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb with Him and our joy will be beyond measure.

But there will be those who won’t share in our joy or celebrate with us because they do not know Jesus!

Now is the time to reach out to them, while we are still in the engagement period, before the Bridegroom comes.

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. … The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come.” (Revelation 22:12, 17)

In this parable, the Savior taught us how to prepare for His Second Coming. In these last days, the Lord has said, “Be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom”

Connected to the Vine,

Chris Camacho

Happy Thanksgiving

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:58:08 GMT

I want to wish all of your a very Happy Thanksgiving. Whatever your life has wrought this year, I hope that we can be thankful for everything that God has done for our lives. Life is never an easy ride, but I am glad that the Lord is there for us. As I think about my family and my church, I have much to be thankful for. I know I should never take my health for granted. Sickness is a part of our lives, and I pray whatever ails you or your family, will be a trial that will make you stronger. I want to thank all of your for your continued financial support for our church. We want to continue to use what God has given us to further the ministry in our community. I appreciate all the relationships at church. People loving on each other and praying for each other. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. For all the people who do so much for the church, I am amazed how much effort and love your give for the benefit of others. When I step back and realize how God continues to lead us, I can have faith that God has plans for us.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We are not alone. God cares for us, and wants the best for us. With such a loving God, how could I not appreciate all that God continues to do in our lives? May you have have a blessed holiday season. It is my prayer you will be able to spend it with family and friends. Our family have much to be thankful this year, and thank you for being a part of this.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Danny Kim

Judgement or Understanding?

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 02:50:06 GMT

Mankind has two expressions that are quite easily expressed, but are polar opposite when it comes to the effect they have on another human being. One is judgement and the other is understanding. Judgement is of a cruel disposition, when we cast shame or blame on another human being. The goal is not to lift up the other person but rather somehow make us feel above them. Judgement comes from egotistical heart, we believe we are somehow better than the other person. This type of expression undoubtably brings disconnection and pain.

Understanding on the other hand is one of the more merciful things we can do for the other person. It does not put down but rather puts us on the plane of the hurting or confused individual and we want to relate as humans. The greatest need humanity has is to be loved, and in many ways, listening and understanding is love.

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

Jesus in His greatest act of love, came to our world as a human being. To be perfectly honest I don’t quite understand how this happened, but it did. Jesus came in the form of a human being, not the perfect one that was Adam, but a broken one that had been weakened by 4000 years of sin. Jesus didn’t just look down upon this fallen world, but came to live with us. Jesus became 100% acquainted with our frustration, pain, and loneliness. He understood was it meant to be tempted and He showed us the connection we humans need to survive and thrive in this world. Jesus came to earth to understand us, to love us, and finally show us the way.

Humans are starving for connection, that’s what we truly need and want. Everything we have learned about Jesus is to help us connect to others in ways that tears down fears and pride. Blessed be the ties that unite us. Let us always work for each other not against each other. None of us have anything figured out, let's listen to each other and love on each other, and do as Jesus has done for us.

Connected to the Vine

-PastorDanny

The Servant Leader

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:03:52 GMT

One of the least appreciated people in society are the people who serve. Most of us pass them by, they don’t garner much attention. People with less education doing work that we wouldn’t want to do being paid just enough to survive at times. Through out history, our history has been written on the backs and hands of these faithful workers. There is no shame in good work, not everyone is cut out to be a ruler or a business owner. We tend to show affection to the upper class, but without the servants and the “lower” class, there would be nothing to celebrate.

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? James 2:5

Jesus has shown to us that He did not come to this world in pomp and circumstance but rather chose to come as the most helpless babe. The God of the universe needed help from a teenage mother. The King came not to Lord his power and grace, but rather came to this world to serve humanity. It is really difficult to understand why a God would do this. I am a loss of words to comprehend a Deity taking a form of a creation to help and save His creation? How is this possible?

It is one thing to come to this world, but the way He came still amazes me. God came to serve us? God became a servant, He laid all his power and rights as God to mingle with his people. Jesus didn’t come to make a verbal statement or some proclamation, He came to show what God’s love actually meant. He is everything that we want to be, He showed His greatness by being the most humble.

Humility, what a word. Humanity struggles with that word. We who are in reality nothing want to be something. Our ambitions push us to attain the top prize. Jesus did the exact opposite. Of One who had every right to claim honor and praise, laid it all down. We are drawn to Jesus not of His power, no, we are drawn to Him because He became nothing for our behalf. I guess nothing isn’t the right word, He personified Love, that we might understand what Love truly meant.

I am humbled by my Lord. I have no words. I can barely understand. All I can say is thank you. Jesus, I humbly bow before you, our just and kind Servant.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Our King

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 23:32:16 GMT

Kings are not voted for, they are born. We follow them, not because they are brilliant or charming. Kings and Queens are separate part of society, they rule because they have been positioned into society to do so. We need their leadership, and hopefully do the right thing for their kingdom. We in America has never had a king, we threw out the monarchy, and decided that a republic democracy was a better way to rule than the former. People are corrupt in nature, and kings and lords are not free from this corruption. This has lead to many atrocities committed by the ruling class including kings. We have found hope in democracy, but I fear that our own democratic experiment is ending, and we have created our own ruling class all over the democratic world.

We need a hero, we need a savior. Our world is looking for someone to save humanity from its own selfish-interests. What we don’t have in ourselves, we are looking, hoping for a person that can give us guidance. We are lost nations looking for leadership, hoping beyond hope that someone can act in the best interest of a nation to create a more equitable nation. Can someone please help us from this malaise?

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. " Matthew 28:18

2000 years ago, a king took claim to this world. He told us that He created this world by His breath, and the rulership of this world was lost by a decision made by the caretakers of this world. Jesus came to this world to claim what was rightfully His. There is only one true King, and all of heaven and earth are subordinate to Him. His rule is a just one, it is a principled one, it is an enduring one. His laws and leadership can stand the test of time, and this government can continue for eternity.

There is no government like a beneficent King, a wise king that understands the needs of His people. A King that has laws and exacts those principles throughout his kingdom. A true king brings peace, a true king protects His people, a true King provides the foundation for a prosperous society. Jesus is our King. No other name qualifies for this position, and His rule will bring healing to the nations.

His kingdom has come, and this kingdom resides in our hearts. This kingdom heart will eventually find its home, and we will reside with our King for all eternity. We are saved, and sin will be no more. Long live the King!

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

The Prodigal Son - Finding Purpose in God's Love

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:35:28 GMT

In our journey to discover our purpose, we often encounter detours and distractions that lead us away from the path God has set for us. The story of the prodigal son is a timeless tale of redemption, forgiveness, and finding one's true purpose through God's unending love. As we delve into this parable, we'll explore how it can guide us on our own path to purpose.

The Prodigal's Journey:

The parable of the prodigal son begins with a young man who demanded his inheritance and set off on a self-indulgent adventure. He squandered his wealth on a life of recklessness, ultimately finding himself in a state of despair. He had lost his way, lost his sense of purpose, and was reduced to feeding pigs.

Practical Application:

Consider the prodigal son as a practical example of someone who lost their purpose in pursuit of worldly desires. We may find ourselves in similar situations, whether it's chasing material success, seeking approval from others, or indulging in destructive habits. When we lose sight of our purpose, our lives can spiral out of control, leaving us feeling empty and lost.

But the turning point in this story is when the prodigal son realizes his folly and decides to return home. He recognizes his need for his father's love and forgiveness. This powerful moment serves as a reminder that our ultimate purpose is to be in a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Finding Purpose in God's Love:

In the embrace of his father, the prodigal son experiences grace, forgiveness, and the restoration of his purpose. This moment illustrates the depth of God's love and His desire to see us return to Him when we've strayed.

Just as the prodigal son found his purpose in the arms of his father, we can discover our purpose in God's unwavering love. It's a love that forgives, redeems, and guides us back to the path He has prepared for us.

Path to Purpose Series:

As we embark on our last weekend of "Path to Purpose" series, we'll explore more stories from the Bible that reveal how God can use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. We'll discover that our true purpose lies in aligning our lives with God's will and experiencing the profound transformation His love brings.

Join us for this life-changing series where we will delve deeper into the stories that inspire and guide us on our journey to purpose. Together, let's find our way back to the Father's loving embrace and fulfill the purpose He has prepared for each one of us. Don't miss a single session of the "Path to Purpose" series – your life's purpose awaits you.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Victor Reina

Finding Your Purpose in God's Plan

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 03:46:09 GMT

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

In the vast tapestry of the Bible, one story that profoundly illustrates the theme of purpose is that of Joseph. Joseph's life, as recorded in the book of Genesis, beautifully showcases how God's plan can be hidden in the most unexpected circumstances.

The Story of Joseph:

Joseph, the son of Jacob, was a young man with a promising future. But his life took an unexpected turn when he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Despite this unjust hardship, Joseph remained faithful and devoted to God. He went on to serve as a trusted steward in the house of an Egyptian official.

However, Joseph's true purpose was not in managing someone else's affairs. His purpose was revealed when he was unjustly imprisoned. It was in the darkness of the prison that Joseph discovered his God-given gift of interpreting dreams, a skill that would eventually lead him to a position of great influence in Egypt. Joseph's purpose became evident as he interpreted Pharaoh's dream, foretelling seven years of plenty and seven years of famine.

Consider the story of John, a modern-day example of someone who found their purpose in an unexpected place. John had a successful career as a lawyer, but he felt unfulfilled. He volunteered at a local shelter one weekend, where he discovered his passion for helping the homeless. Over time, John founded a nonprofit organization that provided shelter, food, and job training to those in need. He found his true purpose by serving others, just as Joseph did.

The Path to Purpose Series:

Join us for our evangelistic series, "Path to Purpose," where we will explore stories like Joseph's and practical examples like John's to help you discover your purpose in God's plan. Through biblical truths and real-life application, you will gain insights and tools to uncover the unique purpose that God has for you.

Don't miss out on this transformative series. Join us as we embark on the "Path to Purpose." Your journey to a more fulfilling life in Christ begins here.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Victor Reina

Discovering Your Purpose: A Journey of Faith

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:11:59 GMT

In the quiet town of Bethany, nestled among the hills of Judea, there lived a young woman named Sarah. She was known throughout the village for her kindness and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Yet, despite her warm heart and loving nature, Sarah often found herself pondering the purpose of her life.

One evening, as she sat on her porch gazing at the stars, a feeling of restlessness stirred within her. "What am I meant to do with my life?" she whispered to herself. Little did Sarah know that her quest for purpose would lead her on a profound spiritual journey, guided by the wisdom of the Scriptures.

Bible Verse 1: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Finding Purpose in God's Plan:

Sarah's journey began with the realization that God had a plan for her life. She discovered that her purpose was intricately woven into the divine tapestry of God's intentions. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, God's plans are not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. Sarah's restless heart found peace in knowing that she was a part of God's grand design.

Bible Verse 2: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Seeking Guidance Through Faith:

Sarah understood that finding her purpose required a deep and abiding trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminded her to lean not on her own understanding but to submit herself to the Lord. As she prayed and sought God's guidance, she began to see her life's path becoming clearer. Her faith grew stronger, and she embraced the journey of discovering her purpose with confidence.

Bible Verse 3: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Living Out Your Purpose:

Sarah soon realized that her purpose was not about grand achievements or worldly success. Instead, it was about being a vessel of God's love and grace, doing the good works He had prepared for her. Ephesians 2:10 reminded her that she was God's handiwork, created to make a positive impact on the world through her faith and actions. With renewed determination, she set out to live a purpose-driven life, bringing joy and hope to those around her.

Conclusion:

Sarah's journey to discover her purpose brought her closer to God and filled her heart with contentment. If you, like Sarah, find yourself searching for your life's purpose, take comfort in the knowledge that God has a plan for you. Trust in Him, seek His guidance through prayer, and be open to the good works He has prepared for you.

Path to Purpose Evangelistic Series:

If you're eager to explore this topic further and embark on your own path to purpose, we invite you to join our upcoming evangelistic series titled "Path to Purpose." In this series, we will delve deeper into the Scriptures, share inspirational stories, and provide practical guidance to help you uncover your God-given purpose. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the profound meaning and fulfillment that come from aligning your life with God's divine plan.

May you find your purpose in Him, just as Sarah did, and experience the abundant life that God has prepared for you.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Victor

In Remembrance of Me

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:07:53 GMT

Jesus says come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. There are days, when you can use a hug. There are days you want to forget about the world and all of its troubles and want to rest in the bosom of a friend. Jesus understands all that troubles us, He knows our every desire, and He knows what we need in life. Take a deep breath, and turn to your Master. He loves you, and He understands you, and He will be there for you every step of the way.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:7

There is a prerequisite to this peace that we are all wanting. You have to come to Him. You have to leave your fears, you have to leave your stress in order to lay at His feet. We have to leave our way of fixing things, we have to give up control, we have to do it God’s way. Maybe it’s about time we mend our fences, maybe it’s time to stop giving into temptation, maybe it’s time to time playing with the world and do what God has asked of us. God can not give us peace if our mind is so focused on ourselves and the world.

This Sabbath, we celebrate our communion service. It is a time to remember what is truly important in our lives. The world has a way to draw us away from what is important. Our relationship to our God, and our relationship with our loved ones, everything else is secondary. We will eat of the bread of life, and sustainer of our souls. We shall drink of the wine that cleanses us from sin. We get to be reminded that we are made clean every day. Let nothing come between you and your God.

Be at peace my friends, God is ever close. Whatever missteps we have made or frustrations in our path, God rejoices of being your Savior. Live, in the remembrance of Him.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

What's in a Name

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 03:26:17 GMT

Magicians have always fascinated me. The ability to play tricks with our minds and eyes. We can’t help but look in awe as we try to comprehend what we just witnessed. If you look deeper into the tricks of the trade, you still understand that these tricks are just that. You have been fooled. One of the finer arts of the magician’s trade is called Misdirection. You are told to look over here, then something happens in places we don’t see, and when we come back to over there, Magic happens. The real trick is to keep people distracted enough to keep them fooled, and most cases we are.

The enemy (I don’t even like to give him name) is called the father of lies. In him began the craft of deception and misdirection. He takes truths and bends it for his benefit. If you spend enough time listening, you will end up buying whatever he is selling. There is a reason, people call fake medicine snake oil. The enemy promises cures and vitality, but all we get are empty bottles, wasted money, and a possible sickness from the lies we just swallowed.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

If I was going to make Christianity as simple as possible, it would be this: Learn of Christ. Learn of Him, dream of him, study of Him, sing of Him, whatever you can, make Him the everything of your life. The Bible talks about a precious jewel, we must sell everything we have for this most precious Jewel. Every gain or privilege we have should be used for one purpose, Jesus. There is no other name that inspires, that changes, that motivates, that lives than the name of Jesus. That is why He is our song, all the day, everyday is an opportunity to be transformed. Our enemy knows this, that is why he has formed a mountain of distraction. He has blocked off any possibility to learn of this great Name. He is working with all his might, but there is a hole, a problem that he can’t fix, it’s you.

You are the light of the world. We can show Jesus to a dying world that Jesus Himself can’t today. Whatever Jesus means to you, if we can shine that light, we can change the world. Everything that is good and holy. Everything that is pure and noble, if we would let Jesus transform our lives, we can be His heart to a world needing a savior.

-Connected to the Vine

Pastor Danny

Our Super Power

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:23:16 GMT

There is an idea pervading throughout our society,

that people have the possibility of some great super power. Movies, tv shows, books and various fiction have romanced on the idea of a world where super power exists. From Superman to the belief in some inner god, we crave for such power. We might dismiss these fanciful ideas, but I don’t believe these claims are necessarily false.

If we really think about some super power, there is actually one source that is provided to every believer. Prayer. I am talking about the most under appreciated gift given to God’s people. I know I am guilty of not fully grasping what we have before us. I can’t fully understand why. Maybe because it just so easy to do, maybe we take it for granted, maybe we don’t believe it does anything tangible. Something so important, we just keep it on our shelf sometimes like a good ole book. That kind of reminds me of our Bibles, but that is another topic for another blog.

Let’s really think about what we have here. We get a direct access to God. The God of the universe takes time to hear our prayers and actually does something about it. God acting on our behalf is an amazing concept. God can be touched by our hearts, and He is moved. Not in some annoying way, but because He cares, He wants to help us. How incredible is that. Prayer not only touches God, it also touches us. God speaks to us through our prayers. Thoughts and ideas come to light because prayer has activated a part of us that is dormant. We are carnal, but God is spiritual, prayer lets us access something we don’t have in ourselves.

“pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Paul tells us to wrap our lives with prayer. When we rise in the morning, before we go to bed at night, before we eat, before we make any decisions, put everything before the Lord. He delights when we ask for help. For He is able to help us in any time of need or trouble. God’s people do not need to worry or fret, we have a superpower greater than any imagined in this world. This superpower is real my friends, and there is truly nothing we can not do. God has already gone before us, will we take that road that God has already paved?

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

The Ripple Effect of Evangelism

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:30:28 GMT

In our Christian journey,

one of the most powerful ways to grow in our faith is through evangelism, the act of sharing our faith and testimonies with others. It's not only important for those receiving the message but also for the person giving the testimony. Let's explore why, using a practical illustration.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Imagine standing by the shore of a calm lake. You hold a small pebble in your hand, and you decide to toss it into the water. As the pebble hits the surface, it creates a series of ripples that spread out in all directions. This simple act of tossing a pebble has a far-reaching impact.

1. Impact on the Giver:

When you share your faith and testimony with someone, you are like that person tossing a pebble into the lake. As a Christian, you might wonder, "What impact does my testimony have on me?" Just like the pebble's ripples eventually return to shore, the act of evangelism can have a profound impact on your own faith.

- Deepens Your Understanding: Sharing your faith forces you to articulate your beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding of your own spirituality.

- Strengthens Your Convictions: When you share your faith, you reaffirm your commitment to Christ, strengthening your own convictions.

- Invites God's Presence: Remember, as you obey the Great Commission, Jesus promised to be with you always. You experience His presence more intimately when you evangelize.

2. Impact on the Receiver:

Now, think about the person receiving your testimony. Just like the ripples from the pebble affect the entire lake, your testimony can impact others in ways you may never fully grasp.

- Seeds of Faith: Your testimony can plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those who hear it, leading them toward a relationship with Christ.

- Encouragement: It can provide encouragement and hope to someone facing challenges, helping them see God's work in your life.

- Strengthening Others: Your story might be the catalyst that strengthens the faith of others, inspiring them to share their own testimonies.

In your Christian journey, remember the power of evangelism. Just like the pebble creates ripples that reach far beyond its initial impact, your testimony has the potential to touch the lives of many. It not only deepens your faith but also has a profound effect on those who hear it. So, let's embrace evangelism, knowing that through our words and actions, we can create a ripple effect of faith, hope, and transformation in the lives of others.

Blessings.

__________

Victor Reina

Associate Pastor

Hillsboro Seventh Day Adventist Church

Gone Camping

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:07:19 GMT

Fort Stevens

On to Fort Stevens we go. Nothing like spending some quality time with God and the church family. Summer has come to an end, and it already feels like fall, so let’s spend some last few days of sunshine out on the beautiful coast. We will be there from Friday till Sunday, if you want to drive out there for the day, you are certainly welcome. I know some won’t be able to make it out, and if that is your case, I hope you have a peaceful Sabbath wherever and however you choose to spend it.

Connected to the Vine

Pastor Danny

Shalom

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:03:16 GMT

Shalom. I am sure there many of you know that word means, but there might be some who don’t have the faintest idea what that word means. Shalom is a Hebrew word for peace, and now all of you know what that words means. Language and understanding is an interesting thing, we start off by knowing nothing, over time and learning we begin to understand words and ideas, as we learn these important concepts they become a major part of our lives. Words and ideas resonate with what we think and feel inside, and words begin to define who we are.

People say some amazing things, but at the same time we say things that doesn’t make sense. “God doesn’t exist”, that is a curious thing to say, because either there is a God in heaven, or you are a god. Something has to exist, we are here right? If we do exist, we must understand who we are and how we got to this place. Searching for God is making sense of our own existence. As I have pondered on our existence, I have come to a conclusion that there is a Mighty God outside myself.

Another phrase I have heard is that “we don’t need the Old Testament, only the New.” I think there needs to be some clarification. There is no such thing as Old and New Testaments. There is only ONE testament. The whole testament is about Jesus, and about how a Loving God saved His people. The Old Testament describes a story before the coming of the Christ, and the New Testament is the story after His birth. Both stories are one, and can not be separated from each other. Moreover, all understanding of the New testament comes from the Old.

If you ever wanted to study the book of Revelation, the last and amazing book of the Bible, the prerequisite would be an understanding of the Old Testament. Majority of the ideas and symbols of Revelation comes from the Old Testament. All the ideas of the New Testament comes from the Old. Jesus sets nothing new after His birth, but rather brings to light what has been said in the Old.

Our ideas and words define us, thus we should always be careful in what we say and what we believe in. The Word of God contained in the majestic 66 books tell our story in Light of our Creator.

This Sabbath, we have invited a Rabbi to look into the Hebrew to share what Jesus shared. That the Old Testament ideas and New Testament ideas are one, because Jesus is One. I hope to see you this weekend, and if possible stay for the afternoon. May the Lord bless us as we dig deeper into God’s Word.

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny

Give God Your Best

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:16:45 GMT

Imagine a skilled artist standing before a blank canvas.

With a vision in mind, they carefully select the finest brushes, the most vibrant colors, and the highest quality canvas. As they pour their heart into each stroke, they're not merely painting; they're offering a piece of themselves to the world. In the same way, when we give God our best, we approach life as that artist approaches their canvas. We bring our finest qualities, our deepest dedication, and our unwavering love to everything we do.

Consider the story of Mary and Martha from the Gospel of Luke. Martha was busy with preparations, anxious to provide a perfect meal for Jesus, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, soaking in His teachings. Martha's intentions were good, but her focus on tasks overshadowed the precious opportunity to be in the presence of the Lord. Mary, on the other hand, chose to give her best by setting aside distractions and devoting herself entirely to Jesus. Jesus commended Mary's choice, highlighting that giving our best involves not only doing things for God but also being present with Him.

Translating this into our lives, we encounter opportunities every day to give God our best. It might mean putting aside our worries during moments of prayer, truly listening when a friend needs us, or approaching our work with diligence and integrity. Just as the artist poured heart and soul into each brushstroke, and as Mary embraced the chance to learn from Jesus, we too can infuse our actions with intention and devotion. By consistently offering our best, we strengthen our connection with God and become living testimonies of His love in the world.

Join us this Sabbath as we will be unpacking this concept of giving God our best. Hope to see you there.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Victor Reina

Going Digital

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:22:29 GMT

I recently received an advertising brochure from an Adventist company. They asked me if I wanted to send thousands of copies of “The Great Controversy” to our community. I took some time to think about what this would look like, and the first question in my mind was this, “Do people in read anymore?” People still probably read, but do people really read books? History books? Spiritual books? I can imagine the challenge our society faces when staring at a religious book.

The internet and our phones connected to the internet has changed “everything.” I find myself taking in shorter bits of information. Manicured for my quick consumption. It has gotten so bad, that if I have to scroll down, I am already thinking that this article is too long. We have Youtube, (the most popular site in the world), Google News, Facebook, Instagram, Tick-Tock, and a million other websites. Unless you are living without technology, and if that is true, those people don’t even know this blog exists, we are all tied into this great World Wide Web. Maybe the founders had an ironic taste, because we have literally been caught in a web.

This has put our church in the cross hairs. We are teaching from one of the oldest books with themes that go back to the beginning of human time. We study a book that takes months to read, with such deep concepts, that our minds can barely fathom the nuances. This begs the question. How do we reach out to a world with a book that confuses them from the start? Don’t even get me started with what an average person would do with a King James Version.

It would be too optimistic and demanding to ask the world to understand the Bible. The Holy Spirit is limited by our own brain capacity. Over time, I believe people can become more proficient in reading and thinking, but we need to start with where people are at. This now brings me to our church initiative, we are going digital.

We have been blessed with some people who speak this digital language. Believe or not, our first church impression starts at Google. Our website is the first thing people see even before they step into our church. We have sermons online on Youtube, people already know what I believe in before they hear a sermon in person. Our community already knows what we do by reading all the various activities we have posted online. Many people live in a digital world, and we are doing what we can to be a presence in their world. We want to take this gospel, and make it understandable for this new digital age. God has a plan, I don’t always understand it, but God’s work will not be stopped.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Danny Kim

Welcoming Back with Open Arms

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:47:09 GMT

As we come back to our church community, we are reminded of the importance of acceptance and the value of each individual within our congregation. Today, let us reflect on the essence of acceptance, setting the stage for an upcoming sermon on this vital topic.

Scripture: Romans 15:7 (NIV) - "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."

1. Embracing Grace:

As we welcome each other back into the church, let us embrace the grace that Christ has extended to us. Just as He lovingly accepted us with all our flaws and imperfections, let us also accept one another without judgment or prejudice. In doing so, we become vessels of God's love and bring praise to His name.

2. Celebrating Unity in Diversity:

Our church family is composed of diverse individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches our community and provides a beautiful opportunity to practice acceptance. As we gather, let us celebrate the unity found in Christ, recognizing that our differences are opportunities for mutual learning and growth.

3. Rebuilding Relationships:

Coming back after a week off gives us an opportunity to reconnect with one another. Some may have faced challenges during the week, and others may have experienced times of joy and celebration. Let us approach each other with open hearts, seeking to rebuild and strengthen our relationships through acceptance and understanding.

4. Extending a Warm Welcome:

As we enter the church today, let us purposefully extend a warm welcome to everyone we encounter. A simple smile, a kind greeting, or an affirming word can go a long way in making someone feel valued and accepted. Let our actions reflect the love of Christ, drawing people closer to Him.

5. Teaser for Sermon on Acceptance:

In the upcoming sermon, we will delve deeper into the topic of acceptance. We will explore how Jesus' radical acceptance of all people challenges us to break down walls of prejudice and embrace the marginalized. Together, we will discover how acceptance can transform our hearts, our church community, and the world around us. Join us next week as we explore the profound impact of acceptance and how it aligns with God's ultimate plan for His people.

As we welcome back the church family today, let us remember the significance of acceptance in our lives as followers of Christ. Embracing grace, celebrating unity in diversity, rebuilding relationships, and extending a warm welcome are steps toward creating an inclusive and loving church community. Let us eagerly anticipate the upcoming sermon on acceptance, seeking God's guidance to open our hearts and minds to this transformational message. May we grow in acceptance, reflecting the love of Christ to everyone we encounter.

Blessings.

__________

Victor Reina

Associate Pastor

Hillsboro Seventh Day Adventist Church

Those Who Passed By

officemanager@hillsborosda.org (Hillsboro SDA) — Sun, 28 May 2023 23:19:46 GMT

The Bible records that, “Those who passed by blasphemed Him.” Mark 15:29

I want you to consider the people who callously passed by the Savior as He hung on the cross. How heartless they were!

But before we rush to judge them, let’s remember that many are still doing it today. They fall into three groups:

Those who want a cross without Christ. It’s possible to revere a symbol without the Savior. Some may clasp in their hand a miniature cross made of wood or gold, but that emblem will never atone for even one sin. It is Christ alone who redeems our souls with His precious blood.

Those who want a Christ without a cross. They want a conqueror, not a dying Lamb. They would cry, “Come down from the cross!” Mark 15:30.

Then there are many who desire a good example, or a great teacher, or a triumphant king.

Their gospel is one of works. They despise the gospel that declares we are justified by faith in One who shed His blood on the cross.

An finally, there are those who want neither Christ nor His cross. They are untouched by His sorrow, unmoved by His suffering, and unrepentant of their sins that He bore. They have never exclaimed as did the songwriter John M. Moore, “All my iniquities on Him were laid—He nailed them all to the tree. Jesus the debt of my sin fully paid—He paid the ransom for me.”

So, who are you? In which category to do find yourself today? Friends, there is always hope when you except Christ as your Lord and King. I invite you to come this Sabbath to explore this topic further.

Walking the Tight Rope

officemanager@hillsborosda.org (Hillsboro SDA) — Sun, 28 May 2023 20:43:42 GMT

Imagine a tightrope walker stepping onto a slender rope, stretched across a breathtaking abyss. With arms gracefully outstretched, they begin their daring journey. As the crowd holds its breath, they marvel at the walker's poise and perfect balance, inching forward step by step.

In our lives, we too are called to navigate the tightrope of balance. On one side lies the pitfall of excess, where we become consumed by worldly desires and lose sight of our higher purpose. On the other side awaits the chasm of neglect, where we fail to attend to important aspects of our lives, leaving them unfulfilled and lacking meaning.

Imagine if the tightrope walker focused solely on their destination, fixating on reaching the other side. They might lose their balance and fall, unable to enjoy the journey or appreciate the beauty surrounding them. Similarly, when we fixate solely on our ambitions or goals, disregarding everything else, we risk losing our equilibrium.

True balance requires us to embrace both sides of the tightrope. It's about finding harmony between work and rest, between giving and receiving, between pursuing our dreams and nurturing our relationships. Just like the tightrope walker adjusts their weight and movements to stay centered, we must make conscious choices and prioritize what truly matters.

A life of balance is not about dividing our time equally among different areas; it's about being fully present in each moment and giving our best. It means recognizing that some seasons may demand more attention in one area, but always returning to restore equilibrium in the others.

Let us remember that the rope beneath the tightrope walker represents the solid ground of our faith. When we build our lives on a foundation rooted in God's wisdom and guidance, we can find stability and courage in the face of life's challenges. With God as our anchor, we can trust that He will help us maintain balance and guide us on this incredible journey.

As we strive for balance, may we seek God's wisdom, cultivate self-awareness, and listen to the gentle prompting of our hearts. Just like the tightrope walker, may we navigate the challenges with grace, appreciate the beauty around us, and inspire others by living a life of balance that brings honor to God.

This Sabbath we will be unpacking more the idea of balance and what does having balance in a christian experience really mean.

Connected to the Vine,

Pastor Victor Reina