Wrote and performed by our own Moriah Peters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcHJX8H_f30&feature=related
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
PULSE
Does your heart beat for God? We want to come back to the heart of worship...Join us!
November 7 2009 in the Calvary Chapel Chino Valley Banquet Hall...
We will be having a night of worship specifically for those who are in junior high and high school...
Come expecting God to move!
November 7 2009 in the Calvary Chapel Chino Valley Banquet Hall...
We will be having a night of worship specifically for those who are in junior high and high school...
Come expecting God to move!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Do You Get it!
Have you ever felt the Lord telling you, “You just don’t get it!”
In Matt. 12: 7 Jesus says to the Pharisees, “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ You would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Sometimes we can think that God takes a day off. It always seems this day is the one we need Him most. The day of the Sabbath is a day of rest. Rest in the Lord.
Jesus has tried over and over to explain Himself and people just would not get it. He even tries to use stories they would know, like the one about David or the one about the priests and the temple. The Pharisees new these stories and how the Lord showed favor. They still refused to accept the truth that was right before their very eyes.
Is your spiritual receiver picking up what Jesus is trying to say to you? May be you are not tuning in to the right channel! Jesus speaks clearly and directly. His message is for you. Listen and apply to your life what the Lord is saying to you today.
In Matt. 12: 7 Jesus says to the Pharisees, “But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ You would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Sometimes we can think that God takes a day off. It always seems this day is the one we need Him most. The day of the Sabbath is a day of rest. Rest in the Lord.
Jesus has tried over and over to explain Himself and people just would not get it. He even tries to use stories they would know, like the one about David or the one about the priests and the temple. The Pharisees new these stories and how the Lord showed favor. They still refused to accept the truth that was right before their very eyes.
Is your spiritual receiver picking up what Jesus is trying to say to you? May be you are not tuning in to the right channel! Jesus speaks clearly and directly. His message is for you. Listen and apply to your life what the Lord is saying to you today.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Decisions
Lucifer was the greatest of all creatures, not because of who he actually was, but because of who he could become. His greatness lay in the magnificent potential for love which he had. But this also implied that he had an unthinkable potential for evil. And a decision started the difference. The difference between a Hitler and a Mother Teresa started somewhere with a small decision.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Could you want a better Master?
I would rather have Jesus Christ as my Master than anyone else I know. He loves me, He knows all about me, He made me, He knows the future, and He gives me the powere I need to serve Him acceptably and fruitfully. When I fail, He forgives me and helps me start over again. He never leaves me or faorsakes me, and He rewards me graciously, though I don't deserve it. Could you want a better Master than that?
Warren Wiersbe
Warren Wiersbe
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Spiritual Food For Thought 3
Matthew 11:1 “After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Before we continue notice that Jesus finished what He wanted to say, He completed each task before He moved on to the next. Jesus made sure the 12 were ready to carry out their first mission before he continued His ministry in Galilee.
In verses 2-3 notice that God will not always reveal things to us in the way we choose. They ask a simple question and are given a profound answer.
In verse 4 John’s disciples are told to “Go back and report what they hear and see.” When we are close to Jesus there is no chance of us falling away. He declares, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (Verse 6)
Notice in verse 10 what Jesus says. “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” A true messenger of the Lord will always prepare those to receive from the Lord, what the Lord has to say to them.
Verse 19 declares, “wisdom is proved right by her actions.” God has sent both John and Jesus in specific roles, and Jesus would be known by His miraculous works.
Matt. 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Here again the Lord invites us to come, Do not carry your burdens or the burdens of others. As you have allowed yourself to become weary, now come and rest in the Lord. When need to learn from the Lord. Learn that He came doing His Fathers business so if something goes wrong it’s the Fathers concern not His and not ours. We need to truly learn what it means for our souls to find rest in Him. In the Lord things become so much easier for us. We do not except things as our problems or concerns but we lay them at the Lords feet and say, “Lord what are you going to do about this?” We approach Him not in a demanding way but in faith. Are you feeling tired and weary? Come to the Lord! Find your rest in Him!
Before we continue notice that Jesus finished what He wanted to say, He completed each task before He moved on to the next. Jesus made sure the 12 were ready to carry out their first mission before he continued His ministry in Galilee.
In verses 2-3 notice that God will not always reveal things to us in the way we choose. They ask a simple question and are given a profound answer.
In verse 4 John’s disciples are told to “Go back and report what they hear and see.” When we are close to Jesus there is no chance of us falling away. He declares, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” (Verse 6)
Notice in verse 10 what Jesus says. “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” A true messenger of the Lord will always prepare those to receive from the Lord, what the Lord has to say to them.
Verse 19 declares, “wisdom is proved right by her actions.” God has sent both John and Jesus in specific roles, and Jesus would be known by His miraculous works.
Matt. 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Here again the Lord invites us to come, Do not carry your burdens or the burdens of others. As you have allowed yourself to become weary, now come and rest in the Lord. When need to learn from the Lord. Learn that He came doing His Fathers business so if something goes wrong it’s the Fathers concern not His and not ours. We need to truly learn what it means for our souls to find rest in Him. In the Lord things become so much easier for us. We do not except things as our problems or concerns but we lay them at the Lords feet and say, “Lord what are you going to do about this?” We approach Him not in a demanding way but in faith. Are you feeling tired and weary? Come to the Lord! Find your rest in Him!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spiritual Food For Thought 2
Matt. 10:5-6 “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
The Lord has given the direction in which we ought to go in life. We need to be going in the direction of the lost sheep.
It is interesting that Jesus sent out the 12 and commanded them. He gave them a direct order. In verse one it says, “He gave them power over unclean spirits.” We need to go not on our own strength but in the Lords power as we minister.
In verse 7 the disciples are told to preach because the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We need to remember as we see those around us that many have no idea that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. They need to know!
Jesus goes on and tells them not to bring anything with them. This needs to be us. Bring no other motives but the simple truth of the gospel.
Matt. 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
It is very important as we go, that we go with wisdom and discernment. No matter what or who the adversary may be in your life we can continue to be as gentle and harmless as a dove because the Lord is our strength and we remember the adversary is against the Lord not us.
The Lord has given the direction in which we ought to go in life. We need to be going in the direction of the lost sheep.
It is interesting that Jesus sent out the 12 and commanded them. He gave them a direct order. In verse one it says, “He gave them power over unclean spirits.” We need to go not on our own strength but in the Lords power as we minister.
In verse 7 the disciples are told to preach because the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We need to remember as we see those around us that many have no idea that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. They need to know!
Jesus goes on and tells them not to bring anything with them. This needs to be us. Bring no other motives but the simple truth of the gospel.
Matt. 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”
It is very important as we go, that we go with wisdom and discernment. No matter what or who the adversary may be in your life we can continue to be as gentle and harmless as a dove because the Lord is our strength and we remember the adversary is against the Lord not us.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spiritual Food For Thought
Matt. 9:27-30
When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." And their eyes were opened.
Have you thought lately about the struggles in your own life, that if you just get to Jesus and let Him know that, "Yes, I do believe Lord you can take care of my needs." may be this is what He is waiting for in our lives. For us to have the same faith as these 2 blind men. To come to Jesus with our needs and truly believe that He will heal and cleanse our lives. Notice that Jesus placed His hand right on the need and gave these men the sight they were longing for.
When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you." And their eyes were opened.
Have you thought lately about the struggles in your own life, that if you just get to Jesus and let Him know that, "Yes, I do believe Lord you can take care of my needs." may be this is what He is waiting for in our lives. For us to have the same faith as these 2 blind men. To come to Jesus with our needs and truly believe that He will heal and cleanse our lives. Notice that Jesus placed His hand right on the need and gave these men the sight they were longing for.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
God's Love
God loves us; not becasue we are lovable but becasue He is love, not becasue He needs to receive but becasue He delights to give.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
With God Our Trust
With God our trust can be abandoned, utterly free. In Him are no limitations, no flaws, no weaknesses. His judgment is perfect, His knowledge of us is perfect, His love is perfect. God alone is trustworthy.
Eugenia Price
Eugenia Price
Monday, March 17, 2008
Expect
Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
Valuable
You are valuable just because you exist. Not because of what you do or what have done, but simply because you are.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Running the Race
As many of you seniors face the final year of your high school education, take into consideration how you will finish. The Bible, in Hebrews 12: 1 - 2, likens our faith in Jesus Christ to a race, a very fitting analogy. In these encouraging verses, the author of Hebrews encourages us to throw off "every weight that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." As you are running the high school race, be mindful of your faith, and determine that, with God's help, you will finish the race well. Do not be encumbered with snares such as drinking, drugs, pornography, lust, and the like, but fix your eyes on Jesus. And in doing so you will leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness and Godliness to your friends - one that will not easily be forgotten.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Drowning
"You don't drown by falling in the water, you drown by staying there."
We have winter retreat coming up this weekend. What are you expecting from God? How would you like Him to change your life? What are you willing to let go of? Are you willing to let the Lord rescue you from drowning?
So many times we feel so helpless and hopeless and yet if we simply got out of the water. Pulled, kicked and screamed for help. Not wanting to drown often times we need to first recognize the longer we are in the water, the better chance the current will pull us out to sea.
If we only only cried out to the Lord "SAVE ME!" The Lord desires to save you but you have to want to get out of the water. You have to want to be save from harm.
Allow the Lord to be your shelter. Your hiding place. Your peace. Allow the Lord to calm the storms in your life. Allow Him to pull you out of the water.
We have winter retreat coming up this weekend. What are you expecting from God? How would you like Him to change your life? What are you willing to let go of? Are you willing to let the Lord rescue you from drowning?
So many times we feel so helpless and hopeless and yet if we simply got out of the water. Pulled, kicked and screamed for help. Not wanting to drown often times we need to first recognize the longer we are in the water, the better chance the current will pull us out to sea.
If we only only cried out to the Lord "SAVE ME!" The Lord desires to save you but you have to want to get out of the water. You have to want to be save from harm.
Allow the Lord to be your shelter. Your hiding place. Your peace. Allow the Lord to calm the storms in your life. Allow Him to pull you out of the water.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Boy's/Girl's Discipleship
For those of you currently attending Epic's Sunday morning or Wednesday evening studies, but desire for a more personal and intimate environment, try Sunday night Boy's or Girl's discipleship. These studies are designed to supplement the Bible studies your hear on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, and increase your knowledge of the Scriptures through question and answer (discussion) format. It allows personal involvement and one-on-one mentoring. So, come to Sunday evening discipleship - it will strengthen your walk with Christ.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Are you being used by God?
"Having a vibrant and honest relationship with the Savior is the ongoing source of our power, and obedience is the basis of our ability to fulfill His mission." Tom Stipe
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What is Truth?
"What is truth?" (John 18:38). The same question that Pilate asked over 2,000 years ago is still relevant today. People constantly ask: "Is truth absolute and knowable, or is truth relative?" Undoubtedly, this question will present itself to young people frequently throughout their educational career. And the answer is more important than you think. But how will you answer the question? What do you believe about truth? Is truth absolute and knowable, that is, is truth something we can fully understand and can be known by all? Or, is truth relative (meaning, depending on certain factors and changing from time to time)? Let us know...
Monday, January 7, 2008
A Changed Life
Devotion on January 7
From
“The One Year Book of Christian History”
“His life was changed by an ugly car, a pretty girl, and Mr. Pridgen.”
By the age of thirteen, Johnny Hunt was already heavily abusing alcohol. His mother worked two jobs to provide for her family, and Johnny capitalized on the lack of adult supervision by getting into all kinds of trouble. When he was fourteen, he found a fake ID and gained entrance to the local poolroom, where he began playing pool five to eight hours a day. Johnny dropped out of school at sixteen and was hired as the manager of the poolroom.
His first car was an old beat-up junker that was so ugly he was embarrassed to be seen in it. So instead of driving it, he had his friend drive him home from work each day. One day when his friend was in a hurry, he dropped him off a few blocks away from his neighborhood, where Johnny saw a beautiful girl twirling a baton outside her house. After that, Johnny asked his friend to drop him off there everyday, hoping to catch a glimpse of her as he walked by her house. His strategy paid off – they met and were married within the year!
His wife, Jan, soon began to talk about their need for church. Johnny was trying to be a good husband, but going to church was not part of his plan. Then a man named Mr. Pridgen began coming into the hardware store where Johnny had taken a part-time job. As Mr. Pridgen paid for his purchases each week, he would tell Johnny how Jesus had changed yet another life and invite him to church. Week after week Johnny was hounded by both Jan and Mr. Pridgen. He finally gave in.
They began attending Mr. Pridgen’s church, and after a few weeks Johnny was surprised to feel the Lord working in his heart. “Things began to change. I went to church, and everything seemed fine so long as there was preaching or singing. But when the pastor would say, ‘We’re going to stand together and sing an invitation hymn,’ I would begin to weep. While others bowed their heads in prayer, I’d ease out a handkerchief and wipe my tears.”
During the morning service on January 7, 1973, Jan noticed his tears. She questioned him, but he didn’t have words to describe what was happening to him.
That afternoon Johnny asked Jan whether she was interested in attending the evening service. And added, “Jan you know that I have tried to clean up my act, but I have failed. Well, if Jesus Christ can change my life, He’s welcome to it.” She could hardly believe her ears! That night, when the invitation was given, Johnny went forward and put his trust in Jesus.
From that moment on, Johnny Hunt was a changed young man. He went to all his old hangouts, sharing with his old friends what Jesus had done for him. When a skeptic asked him, “What are you going to do now that you’re saved and going to heaven?” His answer came easily, “Take as many people with me as I can.”
To achieve this goal, Johnny decided to become a pastor. He finished high school, attended college and then seminary, and became a Southern Baptist pastor. After years in the ministry he still has the same message: “Jesus took me from the poolroom to the pulpit, and he changed my life. He can change your life, too!”
He often prays, “Thank you, Lord for rescuing this wayward son. Thank you for that ugly car, for that pretty girl, and for Mr. Pridgen.”
Reflection
Have there been circumstances in your life that God has used to draw you closer to him? You may not have realized at the time that it was God working in your life. Thank Him for where He has brought you and where He will take you!
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
From
“The One Year Book of Christian History”
“His life was changed by an ugly car, a pretty girl, and Mr. Pridgen.”
By the age of thirteen, Johnny Hunt was already heavily abusing alcohol. His mother worked two jobs to provide for her family, and Johnny capitalized on the lack of adult supervision by getting into all kinds of trouble. When he was fourteen, he found a fake ID and gained entrance to the local poolroom, where he began playing pool five to eight hours a day. Johnny dropped out of school at sixteen and was hired as the manager of the poolroom.
His first car was an old beat-up junker that was so ugly he was embarrassed to be seen in it. So instead of driving it, he had his friend drive him home from work each day. One day when his friend was in a hurry, he dropped him off a few blocks away from his neighborhood, where Johnny saw a beautiful girl twirling a baton outside her house. After that, Johnny asked his friend to drop him off there everyday, hoping to catch a glimpse of her as he walked by her house. His strategy paid off – they met and were married within the year!
His wife, Jan, soon began to talk about their need for church. Johnny was trying to be a good husband, but going to church was not part of his plan. Then a man named Mr. Pridgen began coming into the hardware store where Johnny had taken a part-time job. As Mr. Pridgen paid for his purchases each week, he would tell Johnny how Jesus had changed yet another life and invite him to church. Week after week Johnny was hounded by both Jan and Mr. Pridgen. He finally gave in.
They began attending Mr. Pridgen’s church, and after a few weeks Johnny was surprised to feel the Lord working in his heart. “Things began to change. I went to church, and everything seemed fine so long as there was preaching or singing. But when the pastor would say, ‘We’re going to stand together and sing an invitation hymn,’ I would begin to weep. While others bowed their heads in prayer, I’d ease out a handkerchief and wipe my tears.”
During the morning service on January 7, 1973, Jan noticed his tears. She questioned him, but he didn’t have words to describe what was happening to him.
That afternoon Johnny asked Jan whether she was interested in attending the evening service. And added, “Jan you know that I have tried to clean up my act, but I have failed. Well, if Jesus Christ can change my life, He’s welcome to it.” She could hardly believe her ears! That night, when the invitation was given, Johnny went forward and put his trust in Jesus.
From that moment on, Johnny Hunt was a changed young man. He went to all his old hangouts, sharing with his old friends what Jesus had done for him. When a skeptic asked him, “What are you going to do now that you’re saved and going to heaven?” His answer came easily, “Take as many people with me as I can.”
To achieve this goal, Johnny decided to become a pastor. He finished high school, attended college and then seminary, and became a Southern Baptist pastor. After years in the ministry he still has the same message: “Jesus took me from the poolroom to the pulpit, and he changed my life. He can change your life, too!”
He often prays, “Thank you, Lord for rescuing this wayward son. Thank you for that ugly car, for that pretty girl, and for Mr. Pridgen.”
Reflection
Have there been circumstances in your life that God has used to draw you closer to him? You may not have realized at the time that it was God working in your life. Thank Him for where He has brought you and where He will take you!
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Have You Become Closer?
The theme for 2007 was "Closer." As your leaders, we desired that you become closer individually, corporately, and evangelistically. Reflect on this past year. Have you achieved a closer relationship with God? If not, explain some of the hindrances you have faced. If you have become closer, explain how God moved in your life to bring you closer to Him.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Equipping People In Christ
We're excited to announce that we now have our new blog and website up and running. Check out our new website at www.epic4life.org and check this blog often as we will be using this as a place to not only encourage and equip, but to answer questions. If there is anything that you'd like to be discussed here, please feel free to email us at epicyouth@gmail.com.
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