God's Financial Plan In Tough Times

1. Give it. First, pay God.
2. Save it. Pay yourself.
3. Repay debt.
4. Pay taxes.
5. Spend it. Go shopping.

The Bible says that the way you manage your money influences how much God blesses you spiritually, how much He trusts you with spiritual blessings. He says if you’re not responsible with your pennies and your nickels and your dimes and your dollars and you’re not very responsible with the physical and material possessions God gives you then He looks at you and goes, "Then I can’t trust you with spiritual truths and spiritual blessing and spiritual responsibilities not only here on earth but for forever in eternity."

Despite economic hardships, God wants us to be faithful to Him in our finances. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

God says, "I dare you to trust me." In the next 3 months , if you do ALL five things listed above, "all these things will be given to you." Watch what will happen. God is always true to His word.

5 Tips for Helping Busy Parents Reprioritize Their Lives

Of the 24 hours – the 1,440 minutes – available to us each day, parents actually spend very little time with their children. In fact, the average father spends only 3 minutes a day with his kids! So, how about you? Do you need a little help getting your priorities straight? Is it money you have but peace you lack?

Well, here are “5 Tips for Helping Busy Parents Re-Prioritize Their Lives:”

1. Ruthlessly Eliminate Stress No one can get their priorities straight if they’re constantly living “under the gun.” If there’s so much stress in your life that you’re finding it difficult to keep your priorities in order, lighten your load first – and now!

2. Make Daily Solitude a Priority Don’t feel guilty or like you’re “avoiding your family” for making time for yourself each day. It’s a must... even if it’s just 15 minutes in the morning for “quiet time” with the Lord. No one will miss you if you “take 5” for yourself every now and then... so do it.

3. Develop a “Blank Slate” Approach In other words, begin and end each day with no agenda. Come before the Lord with open arms, hands and an open mind and heart each morning. Let Him set your day in motion and then give everything back to Him at the end of each day – all your worries, cares, successes, failures. Exchange them for a good night’s sleep. (Psalm 91:1)

4. Give Your Family Your Best – Not Your “Emotional Leftovers” It’s very noble to “give your all” at work. But, what does that leave for your spouse and kids? Not much? Not good! Your family deserves the best you have to offer. They need you healthy, rested, happy, or perhaps more importantly, content. No “table scraps” from your heart for them. Give them the main course. Then, watch how your priorities change by themselves!

5. Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Do this For You This is your life – these should be your priorities. If you’re waiting for someone else to come alongside you and tell you how to live your life, you’re in for a long wait. The time to make the changes is now – so get to it!

Reprioritizing your life doesn’t have to be difficult. But, if you’re like most of us, it does need to be done every now and then. And, with God’s help, you can do it!

(Excerpted from the book, The 10 Building Blocks for a Happy Family by Jim Burns, Ph.D.)

Rock Of Ages Festival - Napa Fairgrounds, October 4th

Newsboys, Thousand Foot Krutch, Seventh Day Slumber, Salvador, Jaci Velasquez, Christafari, Destination 7 and 4 other bands, Motocross Thrill Show with BMX and Boarders for Christ skateboard team. We have added a Latino stage with the Gutierrez Brothers, Childrens Stage with Mark Thompson and VeggieTales...and most importantly, Brad Butcher from Luis Pallau Ministries with Joseph Rojas will present the greatest message of hope for eternity. And, the Gospel will be presented on ALL STAGES!
This is a festival that changes lives. Join thousands in lifting people to Christ! And have a blast doing it!

And it's only $5!!! For more information visit rockofagesfestival.com.

Women Of Faith Infinite Grace Conference October 3-4 2008

Calling all women!

Women of Faith will be held on October 3-4 at HP Pavilion in San Jose on Fri night and all day Saturday.

Relax! Join us and learn why you can stop trying so hard. Come and see what it can mean to rest in God's amazing, unequaled, Infinite Grace!

Women Of Faith Infinite Grace 2008

The Best Question Ever

Nobody plans to make mistakes. They just happen. There's money we wish we hadn't spent, relationships we should have avoided, jobs we'd like to forget. The list is endless. But God promises something much better---and his Word provides a filter to successfully evaluate every opportunity, friendship, and decision in your life!

The question is not, "Is it legal?" "Is it culturally okay?" "Is it allowable?" "Is it acceptable?" "Is it on sale?"
The bank loaned me the money. Zero percent financing. Everybody is doing it. It must be okay.
What God wants us to ask is, "In light of my past experience, current circumstances, and future hopes, goals, and dreams, 'What is the wise thing for me to do?'" This question will save you from a lifetime of guilt, shame, and regrets.

Remembering 9/11

September 11 was a wake-up call for America: a call to think about life and death; a call to cherish family and friends a call to share the Good News of Jesus; and a call to pray.

Spend time today- prayer or a moment of silence in honoring the heroism shown by our fellow Americans that day.

We thank God for the blessings of freedom that we enjoy, and for the men and women who sacrifice to help us keep those freedoms.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35;37-39

Got Kids? See Veggie Tales Live!

Kids of all ages (1-100) love VeggieTales and now's your chance to see the LIVE production of God "Made You Special" coming to California. Bob & Larry are looking forward to seeing all their fans in Livermore.
When: Sept. 18th, 4pm or 7pm shows
Where: Cornerstone Fellowship, Livermore
Cost: $16 (Kids under 2 years old are free!)

Light by the Bay Youth Rally - August 16th @ 6 PM

Church Picnic - August 9th

Church picnic will be at Cull Canyon in Castro Valley on Saturday, August 9th at 11 Am.
Bring your favorite food to share, an opportunity to get baptized, and have lots of fun.

For the map, please click on the picture.
The Address is:
18627 Cull Canyon Road
Castro Valley, CA 94546