Week of February 28th: Just Say No.

"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do".

John 17:4

Read John 4, and Psalms 10-12  Memorize Luke 10:41-42

From Phil, This week, consider the following.

As a public speaker, it really bothers me when, all of a sudden, I can't pronounce a word. I could, 5 minutes ago, but now, for some unknown reason, it comes out like I've got a mouth full of mashed potatoes mixed with taffy! Remember Fonzie? From the 70's TV show, "Happy Days?" He could never admit that he was wrong---"sorry" just wouldn't form in his brain and never came out of his mouth!

Some of us have this pronunciation problem when it comes to the word "no." Guilt and insecurity drive us at speeds we can't handle. Now, some others never say "yes" and that too is a similar sized problem. A "new you," living as a Disciple of Christ, needs to learn to discover what God wants and what God does not want.

Jesus modeled hard work, but He also moved on when it was time. Never do you see Him in the Gospels, worried sick that someone might get mad at Him for not living up to their expectations! He was confident in what He needed to do and Who it was that He served.

Choose [learn when to say "no" and when to say "yes"] how you spend your time according to the gifts and grace God has allotted you. Put your emphasis on learning about and growing like Jesus, and it will amaze you how other things you can then accomplish!

PUENTE Ministries January 2010

Dear Friends,
Psalms 77:11-14 says, “I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.Your ways O God, are holy. What God is so great as our God? You are the God who performs
miracles; You display Your power among the peoples.” We’re sure it will come as no surprise to you that God has proven Himself a Miracle-Working, Powerful God yet again during this past year of ministry in Costa Rica! In 2009, we saw God’s kingdom advance in the hearts of those who chose to seek Him and work miracles in the lives of those who chose to see them. One of the miracles happened on July 5th, when God brought baby Sophia Constanza Guerra into the world; working a miracle of life for our co-workers, Edwin and Jesse,after 13 years of praying for a baby. Later, God wonderfully provided a new location for the church to meet. We had been looking and praying about a more central location for two years and it seemed like all our options had been exhausted. Then, one day in September, God showed us a place that had opened up in downtown Tres Rios, only a block from the major bus stops and less rent money than our other location and offices combined. “What God is so great as our God?” What a joy it is to work alongside Him! Click here for complete newsletter.

Ron and Pat Morse January 2010 Report

Dear Friends,    (Please Note Furlough Plans below and in attached letter)

 We have been reading and hearing about the various inundations of snow that have been received in many parts of the East coast regions. We wonder how this tallies with the much talked about “global warming” that seems to be of great concern, esp. to politicians. As God’s children, we must be concerned for the proper use of resources and become more careful of our planet. The air, the land, the water – all are vital to our well-being, and we must all do our part to conserve and recycle as well as protect strategic national/world treasures like the remaining rain forests. Yet it seems there are conflicting interests among the elite in this matter, and some seem to be pushing this for various other agendas as well. But it is true that we must be good stewards!

Volleyball games and Love Talk devotions.

Phil reports there has been some very even competion on the Thrusday night volleyball games. Approximately 30 people are divided into 4 teams and there are enough cheerleaders and spectators to keep the games very active. Following the games a small group devotion is the wrap-up for the evening. Floowing are some photos by taken by Emily Cantrell [age 11] Feb 18, 2010 at Oswego Christian Church.

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord?
Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains
Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame
Cause I see the trust in their eyes
Though the sky is falling
They need Your love in their lives
Compromise is calling