If your faith is determined by your circumstances, it’s never going to work.” Michael McDowell – Professional Race Car Driver
Author: Arw27
Hi,
My name is Alan and I have been in ministry, for many years. I started out at Grace Community Church in their sports ministries, in Softball, Basketball and Semi Pro Baseball team, where I coached, led devotions, and shared my testimony on the baseball team with other teams we played. After leaving Grace, My wife Kathy and I were at Simi Valley Community Church, where we were lay pastors, and also got involved in Parenting classes called Growing Kids God's Way. The church ended up splitting and were part of the original people that helped start Cornerstone Community Church with Francis Chan and Ron Wilson. During that time, we continued in parenting classes, couples bible studies, and small groups. I became a non staff Pastor/Elder some years back and did it till I stepped down on December 31st, 2019. Nothing bad, just felt that the Lord was calling me to do something else, after 25 years at Cornerstone. Presently, I joined a band with our Homeless Ministry (PADS) and we just started a group on Friday nights, that ministers to professing believers who are going through some type of recovery. My desire, is that there will be some type of home/small church that I will lead, based on what the Lord seems to be calling me to. It is a really big step of faith, at 65 years old.
A couple other things to note. I was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and left there when I was 20 years old. My passion was baseball, and my desire, was to play professionally. I gave my life to Jesus when I was a young teenager, but lack of a consistent fellowship and some family problems led me away. I also, started letting baseball be my God.
I moved to California when I was 20, and works for an offshore drilling company for about 2 and 1/2 years and then went back to school and Cal State University where I met my wonderful wife in Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). We were married in 1980 and Lord willing, look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary in August. We have 3 daughters that all live close by, until my middle daughter just moved to Tennessee.
My Career, had been since I got out of college, with a degree in finance, a combination of IT, consulting, Executive Vice President, RE Broker and Loan Broker, and a short time as a VP Senior Financial Analyst with Bank of America.
Well, I hope that gives you a little glimpse into my life, and where I think the Lord is leading. Please feel free to write.
God Bless
Alan
It’s more than a Game, both in Life and Baseball,
It’s more than a Game….both Baseball and Life.
Mariano Rivera, on blowing the save, Game 7 of the 2001 World Series!
“I have to believe that every pitch I throw is the right pitch and is a great pitch, and the next one will do the job. Always, always.” Rivera once told ESPN.com. “When I talk about the Lord, I’m not talking about praying to him for him to give you what you want. People always pray for something they want. He’s going to give you what you need. That doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game. It really has nothing to do with baseball.
Who Spiritual Beings are, and what they are like.
Who Spiritual Beings are, and what they are like.
From Living Waters Blog. Sorry, I can’t seem to merge these two sites together.
Father, help us when we try and put back on that heart of stone, that you have taken away. Help us to remember, Your Grace is sufficient for us, and that we must forgive ourselves, as you have forgiven us. Help us daily, to walk in that Truth and in your Spirit, that you have freely given. Help us also to forgive other, as you have freely forgiven us. Amen
What was figuratively described in v. 25 is explained as literal in vv. 26, 27. The gift of the “new heart” signifies the new birth, which is regeneration by the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:18–20). The “heart” stands for the whole nature. The “spirit” indicates the governing power of the mind which directs thought and conduct. A “heart of stone” is stubborn and self-willed. A “heart of flesh” is pliable and responsive. The evil inclination is removed and a new nature replaces it. This is New Covenant character as in Jer 31:31–34. The Lord will also give His “Spirit” to the faithful Jews (cf. 39:29; Is 44:3; 59:21; Joel 2:28, 29; Ac 2:16ff.). When Israel becomes the true people of God (v. 28), the judgment promise of Hosea 1:9 is nullified. All nature will experience the blessings of Israel’s salvation (vv. 29, 30). When the Jews have experienced such grace, they will be even more repentant—a sign of true conversion (v. 31). Ezekiel profoundly proclaims the doctrines of conversion and spiritual life. He includes forgiveness (v. 25), regeneration (v. 26), the indwelling Holy Spirit (v. 27), and the responsive obedience to God’s law (v. 27). These are all clearly presented as he prophesies Israel’s conversion. As a nation, they will truly know their God (v. 38), hate their sin (vv. 31, 32), and glorify their Savior (v. 32). † 36:32 not … for your sake. God’s glory and reputation among the nations, not Israel’s, causes this restoration to be promised (cf. Ps 115:1; Ac 5:41; Ro 1:5; 3Jn 7).
Living Waters 