The Journey of the Inland Empire

Good Friday Service

2009-04-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is the second year in a row, that The Journey will organize and host Centerpoint Church's Good Friday service. Last year's service was a success, so now we have a reputation to uphold. I know we will be expected to do as well, if not better than we did last year. I know several people will come by, just because they're curious to see what this year's service will provide. Journey Leaders have been putting their thoughts and ideas together, and we've come up with several ideas. This year's Good Friday service should be a success. I know that God will help The Journey provide whatever the attendees will need. We will not be alone in this endeavor. God will give us whatever is necessary to reach out to others. We are looking forward to this year's service, and what God has planned for The Journey.

Lenten Fasting

2009-03-19T19:15:00.001-07:00

As a newly Born-again Christian, fasting for Lent is a new concept for me. I never really understood the significance of giving something up for 40 days. I couldn't truly grasp the idea of giving up something to be closer to God. It wasn't until this year, when I decided to give up chocolate (which was something I had really become addicted to), and realized I needed to pray to God for help in controlling the cravings. It's been really difficult, and I find that I go to God more than I ever have before. It has truly been a blessing to know that I'm not going through this alone. God is constantly by my side, and He is just waiting to pick me up if I fall. I now longer have to depend on myself, and it is the greatest feeling ever. I get my strength from Him, and I don't ever have to feel helpless again. I thank God everyday for loving me, because without Him, I have nothing.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T15:46:00.001-08:00

Welcome to 2009! This year is going to be great for Journey members! We have some members getting married, some are expecting babies, and others will be graduating from school. The Journey will also be getting lots of new members, with Ignition's graduating seniors! We are also looking forward to any new people who may be curious aas to discover more about the Journey and Centerpoint Church.

Our Friday night Fuel worship gathering will be getting a new format, which will be revealed starting January 9th, when we have our first Fuel of 2009! Pastor Shawn and our other Journey leaders have a lot of great ideas in the works. I know I can't wait, and hope the rest of you are as curious and excited as I am!

Don't forget about our Subway Groups: College-Age and Twenty-Somethings, which both take place on Tuesday nights starting at 6:30 pm. For updates an information about these groups and any other Journey happenings, go to Towardtruth.com.

Let Freedom Ring

2008-11-25T01:58:00.000-08:00

"I'm singing for freedom/ I know I'm not the only one" (Run Kid Run "Freedom"). According to my favorite song, freedom can be achieved and only one person can grant it. The reasons why it's my favorite is because of the band as artists, the lyrics, and how I relate to it.
I first thing I notice in a song is the music and the vocals that follow. Run Kid Run sing, "Freedom", which is currently my favorite song. They're a newly, popular Christian band. And not solemn hymnal music, though that's great too, I would classify them as a mix between alternative and soft rock. "Freedom" begins with a soft melody by piano playing and soft guitar strums. Drums pick up once the chorus starts bringing dramatical effect. But the one thing I picked up the most, in any song really, is the vocals. David Curtis is the lead vocalist and his voice overwhelms me. It's deep and buzzy pulling his emotions into the music. The last thing that keeps me hooked, is the lyrics. Their metaphorical of a prisoner compared to the life of a follower of God.
Right off the bat, the lyrics begin with imagery. "All my chains I can't disengage/ I don't believe that I want to" (Run Kid Run "Freedom"). The narrator is trapped with no hope of escaping, but he wouldn't want to if he could. I believe this is the result of giving in to temptation and is now faced with the consequences. He continues with the next dilemma, "I keep holding my chains/ No longer bound/ Still you wait patiently" (Run Kid Run "Freedom"). Here the consequences are over; God has released his traps. However, he either doesn't want to give up his sin, or he too ashamed to come to God. And finally he gets a response, " take my hand grace has found you... in the end there's only love" (Run Kid Run "Freedom"). God reached his hand to pull him out of his misery. And though he couldn't see it, love was there, all he had to do is embrace it. But how do these lyrics with the music make it my favorite song?
Well, I can relate to it. I enjoy the concept of freedom, beyond what my country gives me. I often feel enchained by anger the the problems that come my way. In the song, God rescued him as he has for me, and probably will again. I've gone through, from what I can tell, the same things the narrator has. So, it reminds me of difficult times and how God has pulled me out. This shows me, though I struggle too, it's encouraging to know I'm not the only one. This song also gives me a chance to worship. By remembering my past experiences, through the lyrics, I bring adoration to God. As well as, praises for his compassion, love, and forgiveness displayed in the song.
So, though Run Kid Run is searching for freedom through difficulties and complete justice, for the time being, they bring us freedom. Often times we might forget, and they remind us of God's love through their song. They're a great band that bring thoughtful lyrics making "Freedom" an amazing song.

The Journey Update

2008-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's just a quick reminder about our new video series, They Like Jesus But Not The Church, at Fuel in November and December. Tonight we tackle the question of whether Christians are negative and judgmental. We will be meeting in the basement in the main building tonight at 7pm. Childcare will still be available.

FUEL FALL FEST

2008-10-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

FUEL FALL FEST

FRIDAY. Oct 31
7:00-8:30 p.m.

Centerpoint Church
Student Ministries Building
495 N La Cadena Drive
Colton, California

CONTESTS, PRIZES & ALL THE GOODIES YOU CAN EAT!

Cupcake Eating Contest

Best Costume Contest

Marshmallow Mayhem

Punch the Piñata

“They Like Jesus But Not The Church” series kick-off

Prizes include free gas giveaways!

Make Fuel part of your Halloween fun!

Leader Study 2

2008-10-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

I Timothy 1:3-7
... not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work-which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Attitude: Keep an eye on the doctrine I teach and learn. Beware of those that might decieve me in false teaching. Correct those that don't quite have it right. Stay away from myths( I would include false stories, gossip, and superstition) and the study of ancestry (whatever that implys) and meaningless talk. Also, to learn to love with a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. So no concete or personal gain (unless to aid in knowledge), so pride cannot be there. And if it is apparent, pray for God to take it away. Maybe, I should repent before I go to teach, or maybe it means to not live in sin, be holy (set apart from the world). And to have a faith that's true and accurate. Awesome!
Questions: What is genealogies have to do with meaningless talk? What is considered meaningless talk exactly?
Scriptures:
Consequence of false teachers
Prov 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours our lies will not go free.
Beware of false teachers
Matt 7:15-16
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they're ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. (good drama idea)
2 Pet 2:1-3
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Sovereign Lord who bought them...Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of the truth into disreput. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.
What to do (exactly the scripture to remember)
2 Tim 4:2
Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.
I think that's exactly what teachers should do!
Maybe the genealogy thing has to do with class and honor, maybe God doesn't want us to talk about how our ancestors did because that's not our time. Maybe it's discouraging. And meaningless talk is probably just talk that doesn't matter and won't build you up. I struggled with this at first because I like exploring meanings and why this is the way this is and I like to learn, but it's not meaningless because it aids in my knowledge and knowledges is not meaningless.

Leader Study 1

2008-10-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I Timothy 1:1,2
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Insight: Jesus our hope! Paul just has a way with words. And this is probably the theme throughout Timothy to help Timothy in becoming a good leader. Actually, this is the theme throughout the New Testiment. Also, that God would be gracious (grace), merciful (mercy), and provide peace through his growing process. That he would be gracious, merciful, and peace giving. God would show these qualities in Him through Timothy.
Attitude: I think that God's telling me to just focus on these this week. To always remember and rely on the hope of Jesus or just the knowledge that Jesus is hope. Maybe remembering his sacrifice and his teachings and what he does in our lives everyday. That's hopeful. And in order to remember these things I have to stay in his word daily. Wow! Right off the bat he's telling me in order to grow as a leader, I need to be in the word. And he was already telling me that just for our relationship. The Bible, or studying the Bible rather, is really essential. Also, I need to pray for his grace when I don't deserve it, mercy when I screw up, and peace when I'm feeling anxious or overwhelmed at all. As well as God showing his grace, mercy, and peace for the children through me.
Questions: What does "Jesus our hope" mean exactly? What he's done or what he does in our lives who he is and what he's going to do in the future? What is grace, if not mercy? And do these characteristics deal with leadership or just in general?
Scriptures:
Hope in Jesus' comming
Rom 8:24,25
But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
(Also, in hope for peace during a hard time)
Guides us
Rom 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.
Fulfilled prophecy(faithfulness)/ Chosen us/Christ and his sacrifice and the Holy Spirit (which Jesus gave to us)
Rom 1:24,26-27
Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you... the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Also, mercy means unmerited favor.

The Journey Update

2008-10-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

We have a NEW "TWENTY-SOMETHING GROUP" that starts this Tuesday (10/7) in Redlands. The Journey's Twenty-Something Group is an informal small group where we will have the opportunity to delve deeper into God's Word, ask questions, share insight, and support each other in prayer.

This group is perfect for...
- those who are ready to transition out of the College-Age Group
- those who have been attending Thru the Bible but are ready for something a little more in-depth
- For anyone ages 21 to 29 looking for a place to get below the surface in relationship with God and His people.

Details...
Twenty-Something Subway Group
Hosted and led by Shawn and Cristina
Tuesdays @ 6:30-8:00 pm

Email for directions (subway@towardtruth.com)

The Journey Update

2008-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

I have two tidbits to share with you today, and then a closing thought...

First, the bad news is that, as of this week, we no longer have a Young Women's Group on Tuesdays. The good news is that we are not leaving you hanging. We will be starting a new Twenty-Something Group on October 7. The group is open to anyone ages 21 to 29 and will meet at my place in Redlands on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Cristina and I are excited to be able to open our home to you and to get to know you in a more relaxed setting as we grow in Christ together.

Second, I want to invite you to Fuel this month. We will be talking about "God's Gift," how we can become the difference in to each other's lives. We'll be discussing issues like why Christian fellowship is important and how we grow stronger spiritually. Fuel happens Fridays at 7pm in the Student Ministries Building at 495 N La Cadena Drive in Colton.

Just as a reminder: we no longer serve dinner beforehand. But you are welcome to come early to pray in the sanctuary on your own anytime between 6:30-7pm. This is a great time to praise God for His grace, to place the problems of your week in His hands, and/or just prepare your heart for our time of worship together.

Let me add just one more thing. It seems that there are a lot of us right now that are going through difficult times. You may be sick, in a tight spot financially, or in the middle of some sort of relational conflict. This being the case, it is not the time to resign ourselves to our situations but to God's grace. This is a time to examine our hearts and confess our sins. This is a time to seek godly wisdom and discipline in matters of study, sleep, diet, and budget. This is a time to stand firm in the face of temptation and pray against the schemes of the devil. This is a time to seek God in the midst of the trial and to give thanks for ALL He has done! It is time to pray and to press on!

Please keep your fellow journeyers in prayer this week and be open to letting God use you to help and encourage them.

Blessings!
Shawn

The Names and Nature of Messiah, Part 3: Son of Man

2008-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

An important prophecy about the Messiah was recorded over 500 years before the time of Jesus by the prophet Daniel:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

An important part of this prophecy is the term “son of man.” Literally, it simply means what one would guess: “human being.” But in this vision this human being is showing signs of being more than human. He was coming with the clouds, approaching God Himself, taking on authority, glory, and power, being worshiped, and ruling forever! This was no ordinary son of man. One massive question arises: How could this human being in the presence of God be worshiped by every nation and language unless He too was divine? Could this be the Son of God who will reign forever—the promised Messiah?

Of course, the scene described in Daniel has not yet taken place. It is linked to events prophesied in the book of Revelation which describe future events. But it is very significant to us now in understanding Who Jesus was claiming to be when He called Himself the “Son of Man” in the New Testament gospels. For instance, let’s look at Mark 2:1-12:

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

On this occasion, Jesus was claiming to be the “Son of Man” and acting like it. First, He forgave the man of his sin. As the teachers of the Mosaic law rightly pointed out, only God could forgive sins. But the Father had given Him authority as the Son of Man to forgive sins. Second, to show His authority in a tangible way He healed the man. This pointed to sovereign power the Father gave Him as the Son of Man. Note that, though Jesus was also God, He set aside His own authority, glory and power as God when He took on a human nature. From the time of His birth to the moment He died He used only the power and authority given to Him as Messiah by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

While on earth Jesus lived a model life for us. The same Holy Spirit that was available to Him is living in us as Christians. Not only that, but Christ shares His authority, glory and power with us as His ambassadors in this world. Too often we forget that Jesus does not just offer us forgiveness but also eternal life. That means both that we get to live together in fellowship with Him forever and that He now shares the qualities of His life with us. His righteousness, His peace, His holiness, His power, His love, His wisdom, and so much more—God shares Himself with us in Christ through the indwelling of His Spirit! That means that no matter what the situation or temptation may be we are more than conquerors through Christ! So let’s add to our daily prayers a plea for God to teach us how to walk in the fullness of His eternal life every day.

The Names and Nature of Messiah, Part 2: Son of God

2008-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Romans 1:1-4 begins, “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”

In the past, I have had a hard time understanding this passage. I knew that in eternity, before time began, Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father. That is to say that He and the Father have had an unbroken relationship from eternity past and will continue to share in that divine communion forever (the same goes for the Holy Spirit). There is no point at which Jesus became the Son of God. He has always existed; and He has never existed as anything or anyone but the Son of God.

What I did not know was how Jesus, the divine Son of God, could be “appointed” to be the Son of God. Were there other candidates? Who, or what, was He before this appointment? It didn’t line up with what I already knew to be true about Jesus, that is, not until I read about a promise God made to King David almost 1,000 years before Jesus took on a human nature and was born into this world.

David was known as perhaps Israel’s greatest king. At one point, he had decided to he wanted to make a temple for God, a place where the Ark of the Covenant (where God’s presence rested) could be housed and where sacrificial offerings could be made on behalf of the people. But God, through the prophet Nathan, told David that He had a different plan. Instead of David building a house for God, God would build a house (royal dynasty) for David. The promise is in 2 Samuel 7:11-16.

“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by human beings, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”

First of all, this prophecy is about David’s son, Solomon, and subsequent heirs to the throne. Notice the phrase, “I will be his father, and he will be my son.” God is telling David that he is going to adopt Solomon (and those decedents who would sit on David’s throne) as sons and that He would have a relationship with them as their Father. In other words, whoever sits on the throne of David would be called a “son of God,” especially and ultimately the Messiah.

In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews applies this prophecy to Jesus as the divine messiah (1:5-9), who was a descendant of David, and who’s throne will last forever. When we put our faith in Him, we can participate in the relationship that He has with the Father. That is, God will be our Father too, and we His sons and daughters. But this prophecy is also about the future. And when Jesus comes back to establish His throne forever, we will reign with Him. Therefore, the Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:18, feels warranted in extending the prophecy to us as Christians.

So, now that I understand that “son of God” is a title applied to those who sit on the throne of David, I can reason that Jesus never began to be the divine Son of God; He always was. But He was appointed to the office of the “son of God.” In other words, He was appointed to sit on David’s throne as king. Not only that, but this appointment was “through the Spirit of holiness,” which means Jesus was consecrated by the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be the Messiah. Moreover, by His resurrection He was shown to be both God and Messiah Who would deliver us from the bondage of sin.

There’s even more to say about Jesus as Messiah. For those of you who heard the message on Friday, you know I’m adding much more here in writing than I could share with you in just one evening. So please check back soon to read the next installment of “The Names and Nature of Messiah.” Finally, as children of God who will reign with Christ one day, let me challenge you to rule over your own affairs well. Consider reading a chapter a day through Proverbs starting October 1 so that you can acquire practical wisdom for daily life.

The Names and Nature of Messiah, Part 1: The Christ

2008-09-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday at Fuel, we ran out of time, and I was unable to finish my message. So, as promised, I will finish it here online. However, for the benefit of those not with us Friday I will briefly recap from the beginning…

Historical Baggage

The term, “Messiah,” has carried with it a lot of baggage over the centuries. I want to bring some clarity to our understanding of who the Messiah is and what that title actually means.

When Jesus came on the scene the Jewish people were expecting God to send them a warrior-king, like in the times of the judges, from the royal lineage of David, who would deliver them from the rule of the Romans. He would lead the people to victory, give them back their land, and rule over them in righteousness. But this was not exactly what God had in mind when He promised to send a Messiah.

The Christ

Messiah means “anointed one.” In Greek, the word is “Christos,” where we get the term “Christ.” So when we talk about Jesus Christ, we are calling Jesus the anointed one. But what does it mean to be anointed?

It is not much different than how our political system works. Whether McCain or Obama wins the election in November, our next president will not take office until January when he is sworn in. Whether it’s a president, a judge, or any elected official, our representatives in government don't officially take office until they are sworn in. Now, we don’t swear in just anyone, but only those who have already been elected and chosen by the people.

In ancient Israel, priests, prophets, and kings were consecrated into office by being anointed with oil. That’s how they were commissioned for office (2 Kings 11:12). Anointing with oil symbolized anointing by the Holy Spirit, that He was working through the anointed person, thus making that person sacred, or holy, because of the Spirit upon that person. Anointing was an outward sign that God had chosen a person for office and that He would empower that person to carry out his or her duties.

So, when we call Jesus the “Christ,” or the “Messiah,” we are saying He is the “Anointed One.” Specifically, He was anointed by the Holy Spirit. In other words, the Holy Spirit was upon, or with, Him and empowering Him for a certain purpose. But what exactly was He anointed to do?

One day, Jesus read a scripture from Isaiah in the synagogue which sounds a lot like a messianic mission statement: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” After reading it, He claimed that the scripture was being fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:16-21).

On another occasion, Jesus was talking with a Samaritan woman by a well. In the course of the conversation He revealed to her many things about herself that He shouldn’t have been able to know. But, most importantly, He revealed that He was the Messiah. Once she had told the people in her town about Jesus, some believed her based on nothing but her testimony while others came to see for themselves (John 4:16-26, 39-42).

--

He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

“I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

--

I will not be offended if you do not believe in Jesus based on my testimony alone. But you do yourself a disservice if you dismiss Him altogether, without taking the time to find out for yourself Who Jesus really is. You may not have a chance to spend two days with Jesus in person. But at least read through a gospel or two (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) before you decide where you stand. As you read, ask yourself, “Is Jesus the promised Messiah?” and, if so, “What was his mission as Messiah?”

There’s more to come. I’ll be continuing with thoughts about the “Son of Man” and “Son of God” as the week goes on. In the meantime, why not read a gospel? Find out for yourself whether Jesus really is the savior of the world!

The Need to Give

2008-08-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

We need to realize our need in order to receive.
We need to receive in order to give.

The Journey Update

2008-08-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Cristina and I are back from a very enjoyable week in Washington State. We are refreshed and ready to serve the Lord with you again here in the Inland Empire! With Labor Day upon us, the traditional end of summer, we are so thankful for what God has been doing in The Journey these last few months, in our Journey Groups, at Fuel, through Summer Sports Series IV, and through the Be the Difference campaign.

AT FUEL TONIGHT, we will be having our last dinner together for a while. Starting next week, dinner will no longer be served before Fuel, although we will still have dessert afterwards. Instead, we are asking you to come five, ten or fifteen minutes early, not to fellowship, but to pray. Let’s use that time before Fuel to prepare our hearts and pray for God’s presence and provision.

TOMORROW MORNING (8/30) IS YOUR LAST CHANCE to be the difference with The Journey this summer. We are once again going out to feed the homeless of our community. Meet us at Centerpoint at 8am to make sandwiches. Then go with us to show a little bit of God’s love as we talk, pray and pass out food together.

THIS SUNDAY is another important date because that’s the day we begin reading 1 Kings as part of this year’s Storyline Challenge. As we head into the autumn season this may be the perfect way for you to devote yourself afresh to reading the Bible. Just read one chapter a day. And don’t worry about reading ahead or skipping a day; that’s fine. The goal is to develop a regular habit of being in God’s Word and allowing Him to transform us by His truth. I hope you will commit to reading the Storyline Challenge with us.

May God bless your journey!
Shawn

In need of prayer.........

2008-08-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Rex and I could really use some of your prayers right now. This morning, at 6am, my car loan company repossessed my car. Thankfully, the tow truck driver rang the doorbell, and gave Rex a chance to get all of our things out of the car before he took it. That was truly a blessing, because tow truck drivers don't normally do that. I know it's just a car, but that was my car. I had it before Rex and I got married, and even though he helped with most of the payments, it was always seen as mine. I had never owned anything else. We had it for two years, and I believe it would have been paid off sometime next year. Unfortunately, because I'm not working, we got behind in payments. We needed all our available money to pay for rent, utilities, etc. My car payment kept taking a back seat to other bills. We had never intended to get so far behind.

Please pray that God provides a way for me to get my car back. We can't keep using Rex's mom's car, because she'll need it eventually. It belongs to her. She just lets us use it out of the goodness of her heart. If, for some reason God doesn't want me to have my car back, please pray that he provides another means of transportation for us, so we can return Rex's mom's car to her. Thank you.

The Journey Update

2008-08-12T16:29:00.001-07:00

Journeyers!

As you may know, our theme and our goal for this year is to BE THE DIFFERENCE! And we have two important opportunities for you to do that.

First, we are going to be feeding the homeless. We’re going to be making sandwiches and passing out food at a local park. We need people ready to serve and willing to reach out with the love of Jesus. We’re meeting at Centerpoint THIS SATURDAY (8/16) at 8am to carpool. If you can, bring $5 to help cover the cost of food; if you can’t, it’s okay, just come and help. I hope you all can be there!

Secondly, well, I’ll just let Marla explain…

Here at The Journey we need people who are looking for a way to serve God by serving others. Our volunteers help our Friday night FUEL services run more smoothly. Without our volunteers, we wouldn't be able to give our attendees the full spiritual experience they are searching for. In fact, if it weren't for all of our volunteers, Fuel might have never existed!

Currently, we need volunteers in the following areas: childcare (teaching lessons and doing crafts), dinner (planning, purchasing and preparing meals), and technicians (setting up and engineering sound for worship).

If you feel that God has put it on your heart to help others and you want to be a part of the ministry of The Journey, let us know! We are looking for God-loving and God-honoring people to be the difference with us as we serve one another. If you would really like to be one of those people, or if you just want to know more, contact us at serve@towardtruth.com. We would love to hear from you!

So those are our two big BTD opportunities. Also, don’t miss this week’s Fuel as we discuss “Loving the Poor.” Please be praying that God would do great things as we take these steps toward being the difference in His name.

See you on the journey!
Shawn

ALL JOURNEY POT LUCK POOL PARTY

2008-08-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Get ready for an ALL JOURNEY POT LUCK POOL PARTY!!!!! It all starts at 1pm this Saturday (8/9) at Evan & Adda's house in Grand Terrace. Bring a dish or dessert to share, along with a towel and sunscreen! Email us for directions (tj@towardtruth.com).

Coming next Saturday... be the difference by feeding the homeless.

Congratulations Warriors!

2008-07-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

We won the football game on Saturday, which caused us to win the entire series! Love Potion #1 was a tough team to beat, and it was really looking bleak for us Warriors. LP won all the first three events, and WOL were lagging behind. It wasn't until the awesome comeback at the volleyball game, that WOL came within a hair's breadth of the title! We were within 50 points! LP fought back furiously at the Wii Sports Showdown, but WOL managed to win both rounds! So the score was tied as of Friday night. Saturday was the deciding factor, and after a hard fought game between the teams, WOL prevailed! LP gave us some serious competition, but we managed to pull through! Warriors of Love were the victors! Love Potion was a great team to play against, and team captain Bart was always good at pushing his team to do their best. I did my bast as the captain of the Warriors, but because I'm pregnant, and was unable to play in three of the events, I appointed Cristina as my Co-Captain. She did a great job taking over when I wasn't available. Both teams played with a lot of heart, and this years teams had a lot of good sports. Several players were injured in some of the events, but they pulled through and persevered! Some even continued to play through their injuries, unless they were too severe, and they bowed out gracefully. Great job Journey members! I'm proud of ALL of you. I would have to say this has been the best year of competition of the last three years. We had NO poor sports this year, and everyone supported everyone else! That is truly awesome!

For final scores and more details, go to Sports.towardtruth.com. They should be updated soon!

Spending Time With God

2008-07-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

When I was little I always felt guilty if I didn't read my Bible or wanted to do something else instead. And it was wrong to watch tv at the same time. Well, when I started working at Mountain Lakes it would get really boring and I would run out of things to do sometimes, so I brought my Bible and would read in between customers. Then ever since I stopped working I would read my Bible while watching tv after Lily laid down for her nap. I think I do get insights from the Spirit while I'm reading, though I'm not giving my full attention. So, I thought it wasn't really a big deal. But something occured to me one night when I was done reading my usual studying I didn't want to stop, but I was tired of reading. I've been going through kind of a difficult time lately, just not really enjoying my circumstances and I've been waiting for some prayers to be answered for quiet some time. Not that I'm complaining, we all have to go through difficult times to grow. So, the last couple of weeks I've been looking for God's peace and some has filtered through my sorrow some days. So, that night I stared at the scriptures from a distance enough to see the words, but not actually read them. I felt a little relief and I imaged if God would be sitting across from me. And that's when I realized that's what I'm doing when I study the word. I'm spending time with God. Afterall they are his words his history. And how much more insight and peace I would feel if I read with the tv off. And that's why I feel comforted when I read the word.

We're Not Alone

2008-07-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

There was a song in church the other morning that explained how we're free and no longer chained down so we can now shine to the world. Well, the line that explained how were redeemed and been set free really spoke to me. I think that when things get a little difficult we start forgetting what God's done in our lives and we don't feel very free. But though we may feel chained down by drugs, an unhealthy lifestyle, relationships, or just dealing with life itself, we're still free. Jesus doesn't want us to feel trapped by these things that's why he calls us to cast our cares on him. And I think it is still really difficult, but the thought that we have someone looking out for our interests is amazing.
Then it accured to me that we're not alone in our troubles. Yeah, we know that God is always around us and above us and in us. But I think we often take that for granted and don't really grasp it in our minds. And I think we think we feel guilty for not measuring up to what we know were suppose to do or prideful that we need to do and fix our fears or our mistakes or what causes sorrows on our own. I know I struggle with this. And Jesus reaches out to us when we're in need( or tugging at our hearts to come to him). Well, he did die on the cross so that we would no longer face the worst that comes our way all alone. When we're fearful or sad or stressed or angry or trapped by unwanted circumstances, whatever the case may be, he doesn't walk away or leave us to fend for ourselves. He's right there with us every step of the way.
And deeper than that, we are all sinners and whether we're not currently sinning, being tempted, or blinded by the actions we're doing, God still loves us. How could God love such corrupt and sinful people? Honestly, I'm not really sure, it's even hard for me to show love to those that have done wrong to me. I know that God see's our hearts for every spec that it is. Every corruption it has and every future wrong we'll make, but he looks past our sinful nature and love us for the person that we are. And I don't know about everyone else, but that means a lot to me because I'm a girl and hold a few insecurities and the person that created me and will judge me some day loves the person that I am, that's awesome. Think about it, though. You have a huge God has written all our names on his hand and will never faint or grow weary and who created this world with just a few words and see's us for who we exactly are and loves us anyway. So deeply it fact, that we can never ever comprehend or even recipricate to him or anyone else. So, to a loving person that see's everything past present and future and loves us beyond what anyone or anything can seperate why not spill our guts. Afterall, we're not alone and we're free to do so.

Warriors serve up first win.

2008-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Huntington Beach, Ca—Some may say it was the brisk beach air, or the cool cloud cover, but for the Warriors of Love (WOL), it was a plain matter of perseverance. Of course, it looked bleak at first, as the undefeated Love Potion #1 (LP) easily won the first in a best-of-three volleyball match. But WOL kept positive, showing constant support for their teammates and a determination to keep playing the best game they could. With a combination of strong serving and tight defense they won the second round to tie up the match. Now, it was anyone’s game, and both sides knew it. There was plenty of ducking, diving and even a little dancing. Both teams put their best feet forward (especially Jessica Landis of WOL), but in the end game point went to WOL. And as icing on the cake they also walked away with all the bonus points for the day, closing the point gap for the series to a mere 50 points.

VOLLEYBALL SCORE… WOL: 100 + 25 +25 = 150; LP: 0.

CURRENT STANDINGS after four events... LP: 350; WOL: 300.

Friday (7/25) it’s anyone’s game as The Journey introduces Wii Sports for the first time to Summer Sports Series. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Dinner starts at 6pm. Fuel starts at 7pm. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for all the latest Summer Sports Series news.

Shoulder injury wins points.

2008-07-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Colton, Ca—On the brutal battlefield of dodgeball, not everyone survives. This year’s bashfest left two players out of breath on the sidelines and one player, Brendan, with a shoulder out of place. He was able to raise his arm to put it back in place, but the pain will be with him for days. This recurring injury actually needs surgery. The Journey asks you all the pray and trust God with us for a speedy and complete healing. For his great attitude in dealing with the injury, Brendan earned his team, Warriors of Love (WOL), 25 sportsmanship points. WOL also picked up 25 teamwork points. But for all their coordinated assaults, they still could not keep Love Potion #1 from achieving their third straight victory.

DODGEBALL SCORE… LP: 100; WOL: 25 +25 = 50.

CURRENT STANDINGS after three events... LP: 350; WOL: 150.

Love Potion to defend decisive lead in sports series.

2008-07-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Riverside, CA—It was an intense soccer match Saturday at Hunter Park as Love Potion #1’s (LP) team captain, Barton Thrasher, went head-to-head with veteran Summer Sports player, Cristina Candelaria, of the Warriors of Love (WOL). To heighten the drama of the game the soccer field was shortened to a 30 yard square. At one point Shawn Candelaria, acting LP goalie, threw the ball to score a goal from his post, a play which was immediately and unanimously deemed illegal. LP didn’t look worried as they took the lead early on in the game. But WOL came up from behind in the second half to close the point gap, in what looked then like anyone’s game. It was 5-5, With two minutes left to play. The pace was quickening as many attempts by the WOL to score were thwarted. Finally, with 7 seconds on the clock, LP scored the final goal to win the game 6-5. All was not lost for the WOL as pregnant and perseverant team captain, Marla Arnold, led her team to once again garner sportsmanship and teamwork points.

SOCCER SCORE… LP: 100; WOL: 25 +25 = 50.

CURRENT STANDINGS after two events... LP: 250; WOL: 100.

Tonight (7/18) Love Potion fights to protect their lead in a dangerous game of Dodgeball at FUEL. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Dinner starts at 6pm. Fuel starts at 7pm. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for more all the latest Summer Sports Series news.

Love Potion leads Warriors 150 to 50

2008-07-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Love Potion #1 (LP) beat Warriors of Love (WOL), 7-6, in overtime Friday, as the Journey officially kicked off Summer Sports Series IV with Pass, Catch and Shoot. LP also got bonus points for picking their name first and for good sportsmanship because they brought drinks for everyone at half time. WOL also got bonus points for sportsmanship and teamwork. Unfortunately, for all their teamwork, they could not get the ball in the basket for the first half. But their passing game almost paid off when they came from behind to tie the game at the end of the second half.

Current Standings after one event...
LP: 100 + 25 +25 = 150
WOL: 25 + 25 = 50

Tonight the Warriors compete to take back their pride in Soccer competition. Any young adult is welcome to join a team. Meet at Centerpoint at 5pm to caravan to Hunter Park. See Sports.TowardTruth.com for more details.