Last week, we were blessed with the opportunity to be able to attend the annual Mitarbeiter (Leadership) Conference. This conference is available for any of those who serve in ministry within their church. I believe that this was the 3rd or the 4th year that this conference has taken place. Calvary Chapel Siegen hosts the conference. Pastor Ricky Ryan from Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara brings with him a group of other pastors from and many other servants to minister to all of the laborers here in Europe. Prior to the conference I (Joey) made the decision to let my wife go to the conference and be blessed and ministered by it. I always need to be growing in my faith, but throughout the years I have been to many conferences and so this time, I decided to let her go and let me stay home with the kids. But a day or two before the conference started Rebecca said that she wanted me to go too! So we decided that I would go the two half days (the beginning and the end) and that she would go on the two full days. We were both extremely blessed by this conference. The days that I had the opportunity to go to the conference, the Lord ministered to me in such a radical way! I was extremely blessed by the messages of all of the pastors. The Lord definitely spoke through them in a radical way!!!! I heard that the teachings will be available online here within the next couple of days or so. You should be able to download them. I know that you will be extremely blessed by them.
It was such a blessing to be a part of this conference. To have the opportunity to meet some people from some different churches throughout Europe was also a blessing. I look forward to going to next years conference, but next year, we will all go as a family!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Practical Prophecy - Serving God in the Last Days
Ehe Seminar Pics
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Himmelfahrt (Ascension Day)
To all of you who read this blog - you must understand that you must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus ALONE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is ONLY through HIM that you can get to the Father. Your good works will not be good enough, for the Bible says that there is none good, no not one. For all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But because God has loved us with an everlasting love, He sent His one and only begotten Son to go to the cross for us! He who knew no sin became sin for us upon that cross that we might become the righteousness (have a right standing before God) in Him. Not only did He go to that cross for us, but He rose again 3 days later, conquering sin and death! Forty days after His resurrection was the Ascension Day. He has gone before us to prepare that place for us! AMEN and AMEN!
My question to you is this...
Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation? Do you know for sure that if you died today that you would spend eternity with Him in heaven? If not, just simply pray to Him now and ask Him for forgiveness of your sins. Repent (or turn away) from your sins and ask Him to come into your life and to give you a new life in Him!
If you choose to do that - would you please comment on this blog and I would love to get in contact with you to pray for you!
God Bless you!
Here I am to Worship
Well, can you believe it, I just finished another book! I will be honest with you, this is just a little book! Well, as most of you know, I am currently overseeing the worship here at Calvary Chapel Herborn. This was probably the last thing that I thought I would be doing here in Germany, but I do see how the Lord is using it in a mighty way in my life. Now I want to be honest with all of you, I LOVE WORSHIP!!!! I love listening to it, I love singing it, I love being a part of it, I love playing it, but leading it - this is out of my "comfort" area. So one of the things that I began to do a couple of months ago was begin to invest in this area of worship in my own life. I have been listening to messages on worship by a brother of mine in the Lord, I have been reading through the Psalms in my personal devotion (which is full of worship throughout them), and now I have begun to read books on the topic of worship. To put it plainly, I have so much to learn in this area. If you are a worship leader or a part of a worship ministry, I think you know what I am talking about! There is so much in the area of worship, where do I even start? So as I have already stated, I have started to invest in my own life first before I begin to share with others on this topic.
First of all, I want to thank my bro Dominic Balli for hooking me up with these books on worship. Thanks Dom and Reality Carpinteria for blessing me with these books! Thank you so much.
Ok - now lets get to the point of this little blog. I would encourage anyone who is involved in the area of worship to read this little book by Tim Hughes. This is just a little 160 page book that is very practical for all of those involved with, interested in, are praying about being a part of the worship ministry at your local church. Tim shares very practical steps in the areas of leading worship, leading a band, choosing a song list, musical dynamics, practical tips, small-group worship, and a whole chapter on the area of writing worship songs. In this little book, I was most blessed by the first three chapters that had to do with the ONE THING, SHAPING OF MY HEART, and NEVER LOSING THE WONDER.
Here are a couple of verses or quotes that were shared in these chapters:
Here I am To Worship - Tim Hughes - Pg. 23-24
"If we're not learning how to worship before God on our own. Then how can we stand before others and led them in worship?"
Here I am To Worship - Tim Hughes - Pg. 34-45
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Power of a Praying Husband (Overview)
Well, a couple of weeks ago I finished reading The Power of a Praying Husband. I received this book from CC Chino Hills in the support package. Thank you so much Chino Hills for sending this book as well as the rest of the items that were in the box. It was truly a blessing. Rebecca and I are so blessed that you would send this to us and invest in our marriage!
Now I have to be honest with you all, I am not the greatest at finishing books. I love reading my Bible and commentaries in studying through the Bible. I have read through many commentaries throughout the years, but to just read a book, I am not always the greatest at finishing them. I usually start them and read a big portion of them and then get into another book that catches my eye. So when I finished this book, it was a big thing for me.
I would definitely encourage any husband or husband-to-be to read this book. I actually had to tell Rebecca that I was sorry that I had not read a book like this in the past. It was amazing to see that as I read through this book and began to pray for my wife in the specific areas that it challenged me in, it was exactly the prayers that she needed and exactly the areas that she would be spiritually attacked in. It is so important for me as a husband to be praying for and with my wife. Now I can definitely say that I already knew that, but just to be challenged in it and to be further taught on how I can pray for my wife, was a tremendous blessing! So once again, I would challenge all of you husbands to get this book - read it - and be praying with and for your wife! There is no better time than NOW to invest into your marriage!
A Letter to Pergamos
On Sunday, May 17th, I was blessed with the opportunity to be able to teach here at the church once again. Pastor Edmund Sr was teaching for his son up in Düsseldorf, since Edmund Jr and his wife Anne were celebrating their 10 year anniversary. So I continued to teach through the series entitled, "Are We Listening?" It is a series looking at the 7 letters written in the book of Revelation. So we picked up the series and studied through the letter to Pergamos.
Background of Pergamum
Pergamum was a city chiefly noted as a religious center of the province of Asia
Vs.13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is…where Satan dwells.”
It was the center of four of the great pagan cults honoring:
Zeus – in Greek mythology is the king of the gods, the ruler of Mount Olympus and the god of the sky and thunder.
This is a portion of a replica of the altar of Zeus Athena – the goddess associated with wisdom
Ascleipius – the god of healing
This is the sign for the god Asclepius - do you recognize it?
Each deity had a beautiful temple. As you can see – this was a place full of PAGAN WORSHIPNote again what vs.13 says - This is where Satan’s throne was – where Satan dwelt! This church in Pergamos was right in the middle of all of this.
Revelation of Jesus
Vs.12 “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:”
Jesus reveals Himself as He who has the sharp two-edged sword. Why? Because He intends to use it. There are things that needs to be fixed in this church. And the SWORD is going to be the tool that He will use to fix the church!
What is the big deal about a double-edged sword? What does it remind you of?
Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
(1.) The word of God is a sword; it is a weapon both offensive and defensive, it is, in the hand of God, able to slay both sin and sinners.
(2.) It is a sharp sword. No heart is so hard but it is able to cut it; it can divide asunder between the soul and the spirit, that is, between the soul and those sinful habits that by custom have become another soul, or seem to be essential to it.
(3.) It is a sword with two edges; it turns and cuts every way. There is the edge of the law against the transgressors of that dispensation, and the edge of the gospel against the despisers of that dispensation; there is an edge to make a wound, and an edge to open a festered wound in order to its healing. There is no escaping the edge of this sword: if you turn aside to the right hand, it has an edge on that side; if on the left hand, you fall upon the edge of the sword on that side; it turns every way.
Jesus’ Words to Pergamos
You Hold Fast to My Name
Vs.13 “And you hold fast to My name…”
Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
• You HOLD FAST to My name
Hold Fast - to keep carefully and faithfully
Think about this statement in the midst of where they lived. This was a location where Satan had placed his throne. This was a place where tons of PAGAN WORSHIP was being done. Think of the difficulty or the PRESSURE they came against when they PROFESSED the name of JESUS CHRIST as LORD!!! Zeus was proclaimed at the king of the gods. JESUS IS THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!!!!
You Did Not Deny My Faith
Vs.13 “… and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, where Satan dwells.”
Once again, think upon the PRESSURE they must have faced to DENY this faith of Jesus Christ! Jesus is COMMENDING them for staying true to the Faith in Him!
You have those who hold the Doctrine of Balaam
What is the Doctrine of Balaam? You can read about the story of Balaam in Numbers (4th Moses) 22-25:3. But ultimately it is...Eat things sacrificed to Idols & To commit sexual immorality. This was the COMPROMISE that was in the church
• Yes – they held fast to His name!
• Yes – they did not deny His Faith
• BUT
• They Allowed sin into the camp
• They didn’t discipline these who believed and taught this
You also have those who hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans – which thing I hate
Nicolaitans – Rulers over the people – it literally means “He overcomes the People”
• Nico – Rulers, Kings, Judges, a status in religious setting that ought not to exist
• Laitans – the people; laity
• HE OVERCOMES THE PEOPLE
• Jesus said – I hate it!
Matthew 20:25-28 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
The church of Pergamos allowed these things in the church. They compromised! They lived in an area of Compromise. And they allowed it into the church. Yet – JESUS DOESN’T ALLOW THAT
• So what does He tell them?
REPENT
Vs.16 “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”
Notice how Jesus says this statement. I will come to YOU quickly and will fight against THEM with the sword of My mouth.Who is it that Jesus is telling to repent? I believe it is the angel (pastor) and the church. Why them? Because they have allowed these false doctrines into the church. They didn’t believe in them – they just allowed them in. Jesus is saying that if they do not REPENT and discipline these people – then He will come with the Sword of the Word and fight against them!
ARE WE LISTENING?
Vs.17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
I ask you and I today...What have we allowed into our lives? What have we allowed into our homes? What have we allowed into our church? How have we compromised? Are we listening today to God’s Word?
Galatians 5:9 “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
Ehe Seminar
On Saturday, May 16th, we had a Marriage Seminar here at CC Herborn. We were hoping that we would have been back in the building by this weekend, but we were not. So we had to do the event in our temporary building. But to be honest, I don't think it really mattered what building we were in, the Lord desired to work in the hearts of the people and that is what mattered most!What a blessing it was! we had around 30 couples come to the event. We had Pastor David Ball our from CC Kaiserslautern (K-town) come out and teach the three sessions. The first session was "The Spirit-filled Wife." The second session was "The Spirit-filled Husband." And the third session was "The Spirit-filled Marriage." It was amazing as we began the day and Pastor Edmund was welcoming everyone to the event, how he shared that they planned on doing this event last year and have Pastor David out, but had to cancel it because we were not in our building. But now, this year we did this event and what perfect timing it was as we have been studying through the book of 1 Corinthians and have been teaching on the role of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. So to have Pastor David come and teach on the Spirit-filled Marriage was perfect timing! ONLY THE LORD CAN DO ALL OF THIS!
We were blessed to have a few of the youth watch our girls so that Rebecca, Noah, and I were able to go to the Seminar. Thank you Vicky and Carol! Each of the teachings were a blessing and the fellowship was sweet! In fact, during the coffee and cake time, each table had a list of questions to discuss during this time. It was a great time to talk about our marriages openly and listen to everyone share their thoughts on the specific questions.
At the very end of the event, Pastor Edmund had each of the couple stand up and face one another. He then instructed us to take off our wedding wrings and to renew our vows! That was awesome! To look into the eyes of my beautiful wife and tell her once again that I love her and am commited to her!
Joey on a Train in Düsseldorf
Here is a pic of me on a train in Düsseldorf, Germany. I didn't want to put this pic on the blog, but a brother in the Lord, Jimmy from CC Downey, told me - "come on man - you got to put this on your blog." This picture was taken back in December when we went up to Düsseldorf to do some outreach with the CC Downey team. Jimmy - there you go!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Blessed Visit from the Radford's
On Sunday, May 3rd, we had a Skype meeting with our Support Team back home. Since we have been blessed with the technology of today, we try to meet with them via Skype every other month to pray with them and to give them an update of what the Lord is doing here. During this Skype meeting, someone on the team asked us, "Are you guys in the church building yet?" I began to let them know that we are not, but we are getting closer. I also let them know what were the final things that we needed to get done in order to get back in.
Well, at the very end of the Skype meeting, Ken Radford sat before the computer and told us that he would be willing to come and help if we needed it. One of the main things that we needed to get finished in our church was the electrical work, and since he owns an electrical company, he began to offer his help. I was totally shocked that he offered this, and knowing him, I knew that he was serious.
To make a long story short, by that Thursday, Ken, Vivian (his wife), and Nick (one of his sons) were boarding a plane in Ontario, California to come out here for one week to come and serve us here in Herborn, Germany. I could not believe it when I picked them up at the airport!
We were EXTREMELY BLESSED to have the three of them out here with us. We have a good friendship with the Radford family as a whole, so we were blessed to be able to have them out and host them in our new home in Germany!
Throughout their week here, Ken and Nick were able to help out with electrical work, painting, and clean up here at the church. I know that in just a short sentence it doesn't seem like much, but they were a complete blessing to the church in this way. Vivian was able to hang out with Rebecca and the kids and have that sweet time of fellowship (koinonia) with Rebecca.
There is so much that they did for us here in Herborn. They blessed our marriage, our family, Pastor Edmund and Martha, and Calvary Chapel Herborn! If I have not said it enough, they were a blessing!!!!
Below is a group photo that we were able to take in Marburg on their last day with us! Sorry we dont have any pics of them working at the church, but there are a few of Pastor Edmund and I painting. Nick was taking the photos and so he didnt get any of him and his dad doing the work. Sorry.
Radford's and Ropers at the Marburg Castle (Schloß)
Pastor Edmund - leading the way in servanthood
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Erster Mai
The day started off with a time of worship and praise until our Lord. He has been so good to us in the midst of the many trials that we have been facing and so we sang songs of praise unto Him! Pastor Edmund then came up and encouraged us out of Acts 2:42 in regards to the topic of fellowship.
"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
He really encouraged us as a body what true fellowship is really all about and he encouraged us to live it out on that day.
It was such a blessing for all of us to be able to be together as a body OUTSIDE OF OUR CHURCH BUILDING! We are getting pretty close to being inside the building! Keep praying!
We then continued in BBQing tons of FLEISCH - MEAT!
It was just a great time to have together as a church and encourage one another!
Aliyah and her stroller!
Hermann and Thomas starting the grill
Calvary Chapel Herborn listening into the message
Praise unto the Lord!
Matthias and his boy Simeon
Rebecca and Noah enjoying the beautiful weather!
Pastor Edmund bringing the Word
The Children had a blast on the jumper throughout the day!Daddy & His Boy
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Family Day @ Kiddyx
Last weekend we had a family day at a place called Kiddyx. It is located in Siegen-Buchen about 40 minutes away from us. It is a great place for the girls to be able to fun around for hours and have a blast. Mommy and Daddy were able to have a good time too! Thought you would enjoy the pics
Our Front Yard
The girls wanting to help daddy out
our patio finished - walking path being worked on
you can see the posts to our fence that will be built
Katie riding her little bike on the patioUpdate of Stephanie
Here are the last two emails that I received from my sister in regards to my other sister Stephanie...
Not sure if you got a hold of them but they got the results of the cat scan and they found the stone that he dropped in a different part of her kidney. They say that they are going to leave it in there because it's in an area that urine doesn't pass through.
She had a temp of 101 but it has now come down to the regular 98.6,. They have her doing breathing tests 10 times and hour to make sure that she doesn't get phenmonia. ( this can happen after having a surgery). They have done xrays to make sure that she doesn't have an infection. They are also checking her vitals every 2 hours to make sure everythign is getting better.
I talked to mom about an hour ago and she said that steph is doing better but she is going to stay the night again. She will probably be released tomorrow. They are then going to stay at G-mas for a couple days to make sure that everything is ok before driving all the way back home.
