Dawning of a New Day
The clouds have begun to lift and a rainbow - the reminder of the new covenent between God and His people – is beginning to appear in the sky, faint but ever present. While Satan seeks to kill and destroy, to rain on the believers parade and to draw them down into the abyss in which he himself will spend eternity after the final judgement has been dealt, God is victorious and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able but with every temptation will provide the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I have read this passage many times but it was not until recently that the word “the” leaped from the page. God does not simply promise to provide “a” way of escape but “the” way of escape. He knows the trials and tribulations we will face and He in His omniscience also knows the perfect way of escape – the way. It brings to mind John 14:6 when Jesus states “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus is the way, not “a” way. So perhaps while we have been searching every nook and cranny, every self help book in Borders and in every psychotherapists office for the answer – “the way of escape” - it has been right in front of us all the time – Jesus.
It all comes full circle back to Jesus. He is the answer we seek and in Him all answers are found. All we are in need of is salvation from sin; and once sin is removed the bonds are broken and we are released into the life which God originally planned for us in the Garden of Eden. Jesus is the way to salvation. Jesus is “the way” of escape. The veil has been torn (Matthew 27:51, Marke 15:38, Luke 23:45)and we are free to enter into the throne room of God through the blood of Christ. Can I get an Amen! and a Hallelujah! and a Praise God!
Mountain Top
There are days on the mountain top and then there are days in the valley. Usually when I think of days on the mountain top it is in reference to experiences that have left me feeling on top of the world, close to God and experiencing a spiritual awakening; what I would call a Mount Sinai experience – when God is revealed in all His Glory. Recently, however, it has come to my attention that the mountain top experience is not always one that leaves you filled with happiness and joy. Like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives (i.e. mountain top), a mountain top experience can be filled with agony as we experience the pressure of the reality of the task that lies ahead (Luke 22:42-44). These are not the mountain top experiences that we pray to have but that we pray to get through.
With God’s strength and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we do make it through these experiences but not unchanged. Surprisingly, it is usually these experiences that yield the most fruit because they cause us to draw ever closer to God, hanging on to His Mercy, Grace, Comfort and Strength for dear life (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy”. James tells us “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (1:2-4).” It is during these times of pressing that we discover truly who we are – that we are far less than we hoped for and desperately in need of a Savior.
Are you in the garden of Gethsemane, so to speak, and discovering, once again, your desperate need for a Savior? Our pride can get us through the day when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping but when the rain clouds gather and the storm begins to brew, we are faced with the reality of who we really are – a sinful, fallen man/woman. And, unfortunately, like the disciples on the sea of Galilee during the storm (Mark 4:37-39), we may be filled with little more than self doubt and fear in the face of obstacles greater than ourselves. But we are not alone and have a hope in Jesus, our relief from the storms of life. It is His power alone that can save us – not just from the storms of life but from our own doubt and despair.
Meet Ylena
Ylena Parks, a native Californian, is married to a godly man and has two beautiful step-children. She has a Master's in Community/Clinical Counseling from Eastern University and presently works as an MFT Intern at OC Chrisitan Counseling in Garden Grove, CA.Ylena came to Christ at Calvary Chapel-Monterey Bay in 2001. It is through Christ's work in her that she conquered a 10-year battle with Anorexia, a disorder which consumed her 20s and led her along a path of self-destruction ... and eventually into the arms of Christ.
OC Christian Counseling- Mindful Eatingby Dr. Curtis Lehmann Mindful eating refers to the practice of remaining aware and attentive to feelings of hunger and fullness, to thoughts about food and eating, and to the sensations of smell, taste, and texture. Mindful eating does not begin when you put a bite into your mouth. It is an ongoing practice that […]
- Our First Annual Valentine’s DanceEvery couple needs to nurture their friendship while having fun and building great memories together. And that’s just what we did at our Victorian Valentine’s Dance on Saturday night! Our Christian couples found out that Victorian dancing is stylish, elegant, and simple to learn. We began the evening with Victorian Set Dances, taught by Mr. […]
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- Tim Tebow and Living for God January 31, 2012by Dr. Curtis Lehmann Unless you have been living in a cave, you have probably heard about Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He has been a polarizing figure because of his forthcoming and conspicuous admission of his faith in Jesus Christ. Some have complimented his public displays of faith, while others, even Christians, […]admin
- The Romance of Dance January 30, 2012by Dr. Debi Smith The image of a man and a woman dancing together in three-quarter time is the best metaphor for (and experience of) a romantic relationship as it should be. More specifically, a couple dance provides much of the information we need in order to understand what makes a romantic relationship work well. […]admin
- Intimacy in Marriage: The Role of Sex January 24, 2012by Dr. Curtis Lehmann Some people struggle with a philosophical question: what is the role of sex in marriage? Historically, sex has been seen as simply the means for procreation and building a family. But in a modern context where contraception is used to prevent procreation, we have to ask whether sex serves another function. […]admin
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- Slaves to Porn January 6, 2012Internet porn has become an epidemic that has taken hold of Christian and non-Christian alike. In this informative presentation designed to be helpful for those who know someone who struggles with pornography, as well as those who themselves struggle, Dr. Curtis Lehmann addresses how people become enslaved to pornography and offers real suggestions about how […]admin
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- Save $40 on “He Said, She Said” CE Workshop November 29, 2011January 20, 2012 (Friday) He Said, She Said: An Integrative Model for Couple Therapy Psychologists or BBS: 6 CE Credits* Presenter: Debi Smith, PsyD, PSY21711 Time: 9 am – 4 pm Location: Newsong Church, Irvine Cost: $145 + $25 CE Fee Note: Register by December 1, save $40 Target Audience: Couples Counselors Skill Level: Intermediate, […]admin
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- Tim Tebow and Living for God January 31, 2012