Mark 14:36, And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

Jesus prays this three times to Father, ‘all things possible with you, take this cup from me’. Then He says, nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will. Incredibly, our salvation was founded on an unanswered prayer!

If God had said, ‘Okay Jesus, I’ll remove the cup I have set before you to drink from. Let’s abort these humans and My plan, we’ll just let them go be damned…’. If the Father had done that, we would not have been redeemed. It’s because the Father said ‘no’ to the Son, ‘you have to drink of the cup’, that becomes the basis of our salvation.
 
So what can we learn from Jesus? That God may be doing greater things through your unanswered prayers than He could do through answered prayer.
God may have agendas greater than our experience and understanding. We need to lean into that. We don’t have to understand what He is doing to keep believing and trusting Him.
-Pastor Mike

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
Therefore the world does not know us, 
because it did not know Him.” I John 3:1 NKJV

Father’s Day is a great time to show some love to the dads and mentors who have always been there for us. It also reminds us of our perfect Father in heaven, who loves us no matter what and stays by our side, even when life or people let us down.
 
Remember celebrate all the dads out there with a plate of meat and full bellies.

Love you all. - Valentino Nevarez

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.  Psalm 111:10 (NKJV)

Committing our lives to God is not something that can be done with a puffed-out chest and an inflated ego. Instead, it requires humility and a healthy reverence for God. When we assume this posture, we are ready to receive His truth and wisdom.

God’s wisdom, revealed through His Word and applied by His Spirit, equips us to live lives that are morally upright, skillful, and pleasing to Him. As we obey His commands, our understanding grows, demonstrating the truth of the psalmist’s words.

-Pastor Keith

Exodus 8:18-19 “Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.“

This past month, our theme in Children’s Ministry has been “New Beginnings.”

Scripture reminds us that “to everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

The greatest new beginning anyone can experience is being spiritually born again through faith in Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, we are now new creations in Him, filled with the Holy Spirit and secure in the hope of eternity.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” 2 Corinthians 5:17

You may be walking through a new season filled with unknowns or challenges ahead. But take heart! As believers, we never walk alone. God is never caught off guard, and He remains faithful through every season He allows us to walk through.  

   -Evan

“It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.” Mark 1:9-10

It says “And immediately, coming up from the water”. This fits with Mark’s style of a fast-paced narrative where we see he uses this word “immediately” more than any other gospel writer. As bible students it is fun just to pick out differences in the style of various gospel authors and it reminds us that God uses man in His unique way. The particular characteristics of every man used by God can be applied to all of us who believe in Jesus Christ.

I am always amazed how God works in the church body. How He places people with spiritual gifts that are useful to everyone who attends services here at CCPL.
When we study the gospels, keep your eyes open to differences in the written words, yet look for the unity of the Holy Spirit in the message spelled out in the lives of men. A characteristic of the body of Christ in the church today.

We are truly blessed!     -Bob

Psalm 73:2-5 (NLT) But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.

Life can be a real challenge sometimes. We can end up like the children of Israel during the time of the Exodus. We go along in our lives becoming completely dissatisfied. Looking at our neighbors and wishing we could do the things that they do. By the way, it didn’t work out well for them. Keep reading…
Psalm 73:17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

Reading a verse like this puts our lives in perspective and back on track. When you read the Bible and learn about the final Judgment, and how God wants to save us; we realize we have a great, merciful God who dearly loves each one of us.     -Tim

"Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children." -Billy Graham

Mothers are truly a blessing from God, guiding their children through this broken and uncertain world. Mothers are the hands that mold our character from an early age, making sure we form a desire to follow after God's word and purpose for our lives. She is the one who goes unnoticed, quietly working in the background, yet their influence on our lives is plain to see. She gracefully balances the weight of countless responsibilities, and still makes it look effortless.

 To all the mothers out there, thank you for the time you spend with us, even when we don't deserve it. Thank you for your love that seems never-ending. Thank you for being that friend we always needed, and, most of all, for being a symbol of unwavering faith in our lives.

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed.
-Benjamin

All of us make time to eat—at least one to three times a day. And we thank God for the food that nourishes our bodies.
Now imagine if we had that same commitment to the Word of God-making time to read it, meditate on it, and memorize it.

In Matthew 4:4, we are reminded that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Of course, eating is important. But just as we organize our day to feed our bodies, we should also make time to feed our souls.
In the end, it all comes down to how we choose to manage our time.   -Alejandro

Matthew 22:39 …You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
 
Jesus said this was the second greatest commandment, after loving God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. How are we able to accomplish such a task as loving our neighbors…meaning all people, and at all times?

It has been well said, “God’s commandments are His enablements”. Romans 5:5 says that it’s God’s love that pours out of our lives to those around us. What He asks us to do, He accomplishes in and through us.
Not feeling love for someone? Don’t wait for emotions to swell first, but put love in action and the feelings will soon follow.

In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you ’love’ your neighbor- act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less."

The second commandment is just a byproduct of living out the first commandment.
Love God, love people.

Agape! Pastor Mike

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 
Jeremiah 29:13

Building relationships is tough. It takes constant work and dedication. To have a solid relationship with someone you need communication. Your relationship with God is no different. He gave us His word which is how He communicates with us.

But if all you do is listen to God and say nothing in return, not much of a relationship. That is why He says to pray continually. Praying is our way of communicating with God.

Stay in His word, Continually pray, And obey His word. I love you all.

- Valentino Nevarez

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Exodus 20:2–3 (NKJV)

Although God spoke these words to the Hebrews who left Egypt, they can serve as a reminder that God has delivered us from our own “Egypt.”

As we remember and give thanks for His deliverance, may we never return to the idols we once followed (whether knowingly or unknowingly). Instead, may we walk faithfully with the Lord, trusting that He has far better things in store for those who belong to Him.

 - Pastor Keith

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it."

I love how Paul illustrates that we are on this earth to run; and to run a race you must train to compete. In the same way we go through this life with obstacles and trials that help train us and shape us into a Christian that lasts.

However, we don't just want to last; we want to win that prize to be with The Lord for all of eternity.    

- Joshua

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV) “Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

In this chapter, the Lord’s deliverance of His redeemed people, and His ability to satisfy a longing soul is illustrated. After crying out to the Lord in their distress, and experiencing deliverance- variations on verse 1 are repeated. It mentions those wandering in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, with fainting souls; those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound in various ways; fools living in sin and afflicted as a result of their poor choices, and those tossed about in rough seas. A theme emerges: “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:31).

This Psalm reminded me of the invitation for true rest, recorded in Mathew 11: 28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly.”   

 -Roy

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." (Acts 4:13)

Throughout the bible over and over we see God work through ordinary people. The Holy Spirit gives us power to do things that accomplish God's will without a lot of fanfare or sensation. Certainly there are supernatural healings, but mostly it is this quiet power from God like it says in Acts 4. Perhaps it is simply encouraging someone with God's word or praying for them or maybe just listening.

Our preparation for being used by Him? Spending time with Jesus.  

-Bob

2 Kings 5:11,
I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me!
Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed!

This is one of the many examples in the Bible which demonstrates obeying God from the start helps us find His blessing He has for us faster than if we do our own solutions first.

-Tim

Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Is Bible study just a waste of time? One time Henry Ford hired an efficiency expert to evaluate his company. After several weeks, the expert made his report, which was favorable except for one thing: “There’s a man down your hall, and every time I go by, he’s just sitting there with his feet up on his desk. He’s wasting your money.”  Ford replied, “That man once had an idea that saved us millions of dollars. At the time, I believe his feet were planted right where they are now!”

Maybe it would be good for you to put your feet up and save yourselves a million dollars – or a million heartaches –or a million bad choices- by reading and meditating on the Word of God!    

-Pastor Mike

"And it came to pass at midnight that the Lord struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock.”  ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV

After repeated warnings and opportunities to obey, Pharaoh’s hardened resistance to God’s will resulted in devastating judgment (the death of the firstborn). The difference between life and death that night was whether the blood of the lamb had been applied in obedience to the Lord’s command.

Thankfully, this sobering account also points us to hope. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the firstborn of Israel, so Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, delivers us from future judgment and from the bondage of sin. Praise God that He not only desires a relationship with us, but also provides deliverance to all who are willing to receive the gift of salvation.  -Pastor Keith

John 14:2-3 “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. 3 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.”

God is going to prepare a place for you. But that's only half of the story. Not only has Jesus been preparing a place for us but He is preparing us for that place.
And once you are ready, you will be in God’s presence and enjoy what He has prepared for you forever. Until then, enjoy the process of being readied.  -Joshua

Psalm 75:36-38 NKJV “Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth; And they lied to Him with their tongue; For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant. But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath.”

In this chapter, an overview of the Israelites exodus from Egypt is provided, complete with many of the miracles that God performed. A pattern seemed to emerge where the Israelites vacillated between periods of faith and obedience, to periods of doubt and rebelliousness. In spite of this God blessed them by safely bringing them through the Red Sea, providing not only manna but quail to feed them, and causing water to spring forth from a rock.

Thank God for his ability to provide for them in spite of their shortcomings, and how encouraging that can be for us, as we struggle at times with things that distract us or try to hinder our walk. It reminds me of a verse Pastor Mike often references, that I believe we can all relate to- about God’s patience with the bruised reed, and the smoking flax- from Isaiah 42:3.    

-Roy

So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” (Esther 5:2).

Even though God is not mentioned by name in this historical book, His fingerprints can be found throughout the whole story. Like many of the accounts found in scripture, the book of Esther depicts what we see today: the kingdom of Satan attacking God’s people.

  Notice it says Esther "found favor". This is where we see God was in control.
We also see the king in this verse responds by holding out to Esther his golden scepter. This is a picture of a true fact we have with our King. The King of kings, Jesus Christ.   Hebrews 10:19-22 says "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
 
We can readily approach the King, because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, knowing God is fully in control.     -Bob

Psalm 111:1-4 (NLT) Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

It was so encouraging to discuss the many attributes of God as taught by Pastor Keith Wednesday night at the yogurt shop. It is refreshing to hear the power and majesty of God, discussed and witnessed, at work in our daily lives; by the young and the more
experienced.
Verse 9b sums this up very well. What a holy, awe-inspiring name He has!

-Tim

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Too often, we find ourselves celebrating—or even longing for—things that do not deserve our admiration. Rather than lifting us up, they quietly drain our joy. The Lord, however, never falls into that category.

He is not only worthy of our praise, He also counsels, encourages, and equips us as we pursue His will. As you step into this New Year, take an honest inventory of the things that distract your heart, and intentionally give more of your time to the Lord. You will not be disappointed; He richly rewards those who seek Him.

-Pastor Keith

Genesis 42:3-5 "So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan."

Here we see a man named Jacob whose name is later changed to Israel. He is struggling to let his son go for fear of losing him. In this text, it is evident that Israel’s eyes are not focused on the Lord, but on losing another one of his sons. The name Israel is translated as “he struggles with God”. And here we see Jacob, again struggling to let go.

God sometimes allows tests and trials in our own life to see what we are willing to let go of in order to see how much we trust in Him.

 -Joshua