Automobile drivers know that the rear view mirror is an important part of a vehicle…but they don’t fix their eyes on it, always looking at what’s behind. It’s going to be disaster if they do! And do you notice that it’s so small compared to the windshield in front of you? What is it saying? That we’re to look ahead more than we look back! As we enter into the new year, I have a Word from the Lord for all of us: THE LORD SAYS, `Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I’m doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18Isaiah 43:18
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  

WP-Bible plugin) –



God is saying, …”don’t think about the past. It’s over. If you can learn from it, learn well, but the book’s closed on it.”



Listen to what God is saying in this verse. Forget about what’s happened before. He says don’t think about the past. It’s over. If you can learn from it, learn well, but the book’s closed on it. We need to understand that God is far more interested in our future than He is in our past. Some people think that God is stuck on their past. That all He wants to do is remind them of the things that they have done wrong. God is more interested in your future than He is with your past. That’s where you’re going to spend the rest of your life. He says, “Forget about your past. Forget about the former things. Don’t think about it. Look at the new thing I’m going to do.”

Israel was being punished for their sins and rebellion against God. God wanted to give hope and encouragement to His people. He wanted them to know that even though they were being punished they were not being forsaken. God wanted His people to understand that the punishment that they were experiencing would not be the end of them. The fact is that God want to give them a fresh start in life, a new Beginning in life. Israel no doubt was discouraged because they thought this was the end of them. They had gone too far, they had sinned and rebelled against God to the point that He would no longer be their God. Maybe they thought ‘God would not deliver us again, it’s over’. They could remember the former things, but they couldn’t see their future. That is why God said; “ I am going to do something new.



Every new day His mercies are fresh and every day is an invitation to receive afresh His mercy, His forgiveness.

Maybe that is where you are this morning! You feel that you have made so many mistakes, you have failed God so many times and you have sinned it all away. That God doesn’t want anything to do with you. You feel and believe that you have no future with God. The good news is, God is saying, “ It’s not over, I have plans for your life. I am about to do something new for you. ” And you don’t have to wait for a new year to do that. Every new day His mercies are fresh and every day is an invitation to receive afresh His mercy, His forgiveness. God wants to do a new thing in your life. Come to Him with humility and repentance today, with heart wide open to receive His healing grace and with your mouth ready to declare His goodness and faithfulness!

A SPIRIT-FILLED, CHRIST GLORIFYING NEW YEAR TO ALL!



The Bezalel Circle

In keeping with the Conviction, Mission, and Vision of Calvary Chapel Dumaguete which is anchored on the foundation of true faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a group of gifted artistic Christians called The Bezalel Circle is organized.

"Genesis"

The CALVARY CHAPEL DUMAGUETE MISSION STATEMENT

WE are a family of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, worshipping, discipling and mobilizing people towards Christ in love — equipping them for unity and maturity, encouraging and sending them out to serve.



Bezalel Circle Sunrise Fellowship/Photoshoot at the Rizal Boulevard

Photos by Michael Farrar

Photo by Gail

SYNOPSIS:

The name Bezalel (Hebrew בְּצַלְאֵל – “beZel El”, transcribed as Betzalel and most accurately as B’tzalel) is taken from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, which means “in the shadow of God”. BEZALEL is the name of the chosen chief architect of the desert Tabernacle. In Exodus 31: 1- 6Exodus 31: 1- 6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin the Lord said to Moses,

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you…”

Cartoon Art by Lanni

OUR CONVICTION

WE acknowledge that

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17James 1:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  

WP-Bible plugin)

WE acknowledge that

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1Peter 4:10r 4:10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.  

WP-Bible plugin)

WE acknowledge that

In Jesus, “we are chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him
who works out everything in conformity
with the purpose of His will …” (Ephesians 1:11Ephesians 1:11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  

WP-Bible plugin)

ALL for the praise of His glory.

OUR MISSION:

In obedience to the Lord’s calling —

• WE offer ourselves as an extension of the Lord’s hand to do HIS will in assisting the church and its different ministries. We hope to be of help by providing the various ministries information, guidance, ideas and skills they may need to maximize the effectiveness of their creative and art projects;

• we would like to teach and to share to those who display an interest in gaining the knowledge and skills for creating art in its various forms;

• we will encourage one another to devote ourselves in reaching out – to help others discover and develop their gifts of the arts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• WE commit ourselves to serve others as a privilege of the Lord’s calling, always dwelling “in the shadow of God” upon Whom all things are possible.

Photo by Mark Diamoaden

OUR VISION:

In prayer —

WE desire GRACE from the Lord that we may become a blessing to the church and its various ministries;

WE desire WISDOM from the Lord that our teaching others on the gifts HE has given will bear much fruit for the glory of HIS Kingdom;

WE desire HOPE from the Lord that others may see the fullness of their gifts through the power of the Holy Spirit and use them for HIS glory;

WE desire HUMILITY from the Lord that we may create works of art as an expression of the beauty of worship, proclaiming the glory of God;

WE desire ACCEPTANCE from the Lord that our service may be a fragrant offering sweet and pleasing to HIM;

ABOVE ALL, We desire MERCY from the Lord that we will remain faithful to our calling until HE returns.

VERSE:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you…” (Exodus 31: 1- 6Exodus 31: 1- 6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin)

MARK MICHAEL ANTHONY DIAMOADEN – Ministry Leader

Members:

Ana
Gail
Lanni
Beth
Jaycee
Marlyn
Besheil
Jennie
Cheew
Kylie

This day the whole world focuses on one event — Christmas. Everything will become secondary for one 24-hour period while we celebrate Christmas. But what is so special about Christmas?  It is the centerpiece of our history. Even our calendar is dated from



God split history with the event of Christmas. Everything is either A.D. or B.C.

the reference point of Jesus Christ. God split history with the event of Christmas. Everything is either A.D. or B.C. What is so special about Christmas? Read Philippians 2 and you’ll know. There is the greatest explanation in the Bible of who Jesus Christ is and what He came to do. This is the bedrock, the foundation of all that we believe. I want to give you the 4 R’s of Christmas –

1.THE RELEVANCE OF CHRISTMAS: GOD CAME TO EARTH - When Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed at the Island of Leyte on Oct.20, 1944, fulfilling his promise to return, that was big news. That is nothing compared to the news when God invaded earth. It was big news when man landed on the moon and walked there. It’s bigger news when God landed on the earth. Jesus Christ is God Himself. It was God that came to earth!

God invaded earth. That is the relevance of Christmas. Over and over the Bible repeats and Jesus proclaims that He is God. We must remind ourselves that Jesus did not begin His existence in the manger at Bethlehem. He was without beginning. Jesus even declared in John 8:58John 8:58
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.  

WP-Bible plugin – “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”

II. THE REALITY OF CHRISTMAS: GOD BECAME A MAN – This is even more difficult to understand. If you were God and were going to come to earth, of all the ways you could choose to reveal yourself, would you come as a baby? As a human being? The reality of Christmas was that Jesus Christ was a real man, flesh and blood, bones, hair. He was a real person, not a myth, fable, a nice story. Our God has not remained remote and unapproachable. He has come to us in person. He did not just write us a letter. He did not just send us a representative. He did not just speak His laws from a mountain. He came to us as one of us. The Infinite became an infant. The Eternal One became a little one.



Jesus didn’t stay in a crib in a manger. He grew up went to a cross and… laid down His life for us.

III. THE REASON FOR CHRISTMAS: JESUS CAME TO DIE- Jesus didn’t stay in a crib in a manger. He grew up went to a cross and voluntarily laid down His life for us. The Bible says He did it for two reasons: 1) To demonstrate God’s love (Romans 5:8Romans 5:8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  

WP-Bible plugin); and to 2) To die for our sins – (I Peter 2:24r 2:24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.  

WP-Bible plugin). Somehow what He did 2000 years ago can make a difference in my life right now. I can be completely forgiven for everything I’ve ever done wrong or will ever do. That’s the reason for Christmas. The angels said, “For unto you this day is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

IV. THE RESULT OF CHRISTMAS: JESUS IS LORD – He did not remain dead. He rose again! And the Father has given Him the place of top honor in the universe. He’s honored above all else – the highest place. Is He your Lord today? Celebrate Christmas worshiping, adoring, loving the Lord of all!

A CHRIST-CENTERED AND SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!





December 16, 2009r 16, 2009
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.  

WP-Bible plugin

A bunch of crazy, creative people got together at Calvary Chapel Dumaguete, Philippines to remember and celebrate the night “when God left the throne on high, when the balance of the world hung upon a helpless babe, when the journey to the cross began with a shrill cry.”

The Bezalel Circle Ministry got together to “worship the child we now call Emmanuel, Redeemer, Savior, Friend…”

We got together because “this child changed everything…
provided the way to salvation…
offered His life for ours.”

We got together to have fun and fellowship because “Christmas means God loves us…The great gift of Jesus was given to all and for all…”

That’s why we celebrated! that’s why we sang!



Fellowship Song

(To the tune of Come Together by the Beatles with two extra stanzas)



We’ve got old P Jo, Mark and Madam Lanni
Gail and Marlyn, Jenny, JC over yonder
We got Beth and Besh-i-el
Don’t forget the Lola she is here just as well.

We’ve got the glue gun – that is very slow to heat up
That is, go and plug it, it will pop and soon a’blow up
Sparks a’flyin out, smokes a’comin through
Ika pila na ning sunog, ika usa? duha? tulo?
Come together, Right now Bezalel

We got production, we got m-eatings, deadlines
We got, our Lord and Awesome Savior! Makin styro creatures
Craftin a glass window from a fourth inch plyboard
Can’t hold us no more ‘coz we’re in one big accord
Come together, Right now Bezalel

Tikki’s a’very happy, no more year end slideshow
Lanni’s a’frettin, Monday, Pnotes still a no go
Mark is cool and funky too,
Psaltyscope he built up really lit up the show
Come together, Right now Bezalel!

We are not over Kuba, P Jo’s riddle still rules
Di cya mag iya iya, Gail’s got a new Nokia
Jenny’s a pretty girl, and a’sweet as can be
P Jo’s quite good looking, but it’s so hard to see
But we’re praisin’ Jesus right now! Bezalel…




Photos

My kids are very excited, counting down the days…to our Manila trip.



They long to be with their cousins, uncles, aunts, grandpa and grandma! My dad and mom can’t wait either. They’ll be surprised to see the kids grown up and tall! Whew! Time flies so fast indeed. But in every second that ticks, every minute that passes and every hour that turns to shadow, the closer we get to see our Savior Jesus! That, I can’t wait!

I don’t claim to know the exact date when He will return. Nobody knows – only the Father. Yet God has given us signs to sense where we are now in the fulfillment of His plan and program. And indeed, it’s very near. But how many of the world’s people today expect it? How many really long for it? Or how many dismiss it as a fable or as nonsense borne out of a fictitious tale? How about you who profess to be a Christian? Do you “still” believe it? Or we have been seduced by the world and caught up in the web of deception that our vision of His coming has been blurred so that our life-style show it?



“…have we been seduced by the world and caught up in the web of deception that our vision of His coming has been blurred so that our life-style show it?”

Jesus warned, “Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap…Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Lk.21:34,36).”

A little girl had been listening while her mother’s friends were speaking about the imminent return of the Lord. After some time she was missed, so her mother went in search of her. She found her looking out a window at the top of the house. Asked what she was doing she said, “Oh, Mother, I heard you say Jesus might come today, and I wanted to be the first to see Him. See, I washed myself and put on a clean dress.” 1 Jn.3:3 says, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure.”

Beloved, before you really get stressed out and started pulling your hair this Christmas season, remember what it’s all about: Jesus was BORN TO DIE for our sins, DIED TO LIVE AGAIN for our justification, ASCENDED back to the Father to intercede for us and one day soon will be COMING AGAIN to take us where He is! In the meantime, we’re to be the Salt and Light of the world as we abide in Him who is faithful and true!





Many people have asked me this question. For some suggest that there are several reasons why a Christian should have nothing to do with the modern celebration of Christmas.

First, some say that a Christian should have nothing to do with the modern celebration of Christmas, because of the name of the holiday, Christmas. The very name Christmas is offensive to some because the name is derived from the combination of two words, “Christ” and “mass”. The word means “the mass of Christ.¨ Some, therefore, are offended by what they think is an association with the Catholic Church. But the root meaning does not in reality have anything to do with Catholicism it means “Christ is sent.” It would seem that name accurately presents what the holiday is all about. In fact Galatians 4:4Galatians 4:4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  

WP-Bible plugin says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.”

Second, some say that a Christian should have nothing to do with the modern celebration of Christmas, because of the use of Christmas trees. Some quote Jeremiah 10:2-4Jeremiah 10:2-4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. ³ For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. customs...: Heb. statutes, or, ordinances are vanity ⁴ They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.  

WP-Bible plugin as forbidding the use of Christmas trees (Go and read it). If indeed this passage referred to decorated Christmas trees it would most certainly be wrong to have them. But when we read this verse in the context of the whole chapter we find that what is being described is the practice of felling trees and carving idols from them.

I, personally, do not put up Christmas tree in our house not because it’s idolatry, no, simply because it’s something that you can live without. In our family we like to always keep things simple. Now it is true that some Christians are offended or stumbled by Christmas trees so for them it’s wrong. I respect that. But I don’t find it a sin to put up one. Why? Because just as we are redeemed people, we’re called to redeem our society and point them back to the cross. What do I mean? I can use a Christmas tree to tell people that God also has a tree, it’s called the Cross and explain to them how Jesus was hanged on a tree(1 Peter 2:241 Peter 2:24
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. on: or, to  

WP-Bible plugin).



“I can use a Christmas tree to tell people that God also has a tree…”

And Thirdly, some say that a Christian should have nothing to do with the modern celebration of Christmas, because December 25th is the wrong date. Jesus was probably not born on December 25th. This date was chosen because it was a pagan holiday already being celebrated. It seems Christian leaders endeavored to keep Christians from being a part of this pagan celebration by giving them a Christian festival on the same day, celebrating the birth of Christ.

Would the Lord be opposed to the celebration of a non-biblical holiday? We might find some guidance in what transpired in John 10. Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem at the beginning of an observance of a non- biblical holiday (non-biblical in the sense that it was not commanded in the word of God) called the Feast of Dedication or Feast of Lights (Channuka). How did Jesus respond? Did He stay at home and refuse to participate? Did He condemn those that did participate? NO!! He was right there in the temple in the middle of the celebrants using it as a teaching opportunity.

That’s what we’re to do. What is not an obvious sin we can use as a teaching tool about Jesus Christ. We should be right there among them looking for every opportunity to tell them about the reason for the season, the child who was born to save them from their sins. Let us approach this Christmas echoing the glory expressed by the angel in Luke 2:10-11Luke 2:10-11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  

WP-Bible plugin, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!”

You can’t help but feel angry, troubled, upset, and sad about the tragic massacre in Maguindanao. The brutal murder of 57 people has plunged our country into a state of sadness and utter disbelief: How could someone do such a thing? Is there anything that could have been done to prevent it? What is happening to our society? Why is there so much evil in this world? The inability of some to reconcile the existence of a loving God with that of an evil and depraved world is one of the primary reasons why many reject the message of the Bible. However while this tragedy will prompt some to question the existence of God, in truth, it is only by turning to God that any real answers can be found.

…When we trust God and choose to follow Him, our suffering is not in vain…

The Bible teaches that God created the whole universe. He created our world and everything in it, but the world He created was very different from the world we live in today. Genesis 1:31Genesis 1:31
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. And the evening...: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.  

WP-Bible plugin says that “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” However when Adam and Eve disobeyed God everything changed, sin and death entered into the world – and into the heart of man. God created man with a free will – the ability to make choices. He could have made us like robots, pre-programmed to love and obey Him. Instead He gave us a choice, because He wanted us to come to Him willingly. Mankind suffers because of its sin, and it is because of our sin that we are separated from God, who is perfect and holy. However there is hope.

The Bible says that everyone has sinned, that the punishment for sin is death (both physical and spiritual), and that our sin separates us from God. Furthermore, there is nothing we can do to obtain the holiness (or perfection) necessary to enter into God’s presence. Left to ourselves, without God’s intervention, we are hopeless. However because God loves us, He has graciously given us a way out of our predicament. He provided us with a substitute, Jesus Christ, who was perfect and blameless, to take our place and bear the punishment for our sins. Because He died for us, we can be forgiven.

When we trust God and choose to follow Him, our suffering is not in vain. The Bible says that God uses trials and obstacles to teach us and draw us closer to Him. Yes, closer and closer…until we finally see Him face to face and leave this world of sin. But in the meantime we’re here to represent the Lord – to love and to care, and to preach the gospel in an uncompromising boldness. When I see tragedy like this, more and more I’m reminded that man’s heart is indeed evil and the only solution isn’t a social program, isn’t a political reform, not even a higher education – but Jesus Christ. When the love of Jesus invades and permeates any one’s heart, that life will never be the same again! I know…for He did it to me!

Let the love of God in Christ fill your whole being today. Let Him touch you again…so that you can be His hand to touch others throughout this week until He returns!

PRAISE AND WORSHIP SEMINAR on Dec. 5 (Saturday) from 9 am—11:30 am and from 1:30rom 1:30
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  

WP-Bible plugin pm till 4 pm here at CCD. (Lunch will not be provided). This is a requirement for those who want to join the Praise and Worship Team in our church. If interested, please sign up at the back after the service.

The Office will be closed on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, 2010Jan. 1, 2010
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
 

WP-Bible plugin. No Prayer Meeting this Tuesday, Dec. 29

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Ptr. Jo would like to meet with those who attended the recent Praise & Worship Seminar and desires to join the Praise & Worship Team on January 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm here at CCD.

ATTN: ELDERS & MINISTRY LEADERS please mark your calendar! January 15-16, 2010 will be our PRAYER AND FASTING and YEAR-LONG PLANNING. The venue will be at CCTC.

TAKE NOTE: Dec. 31 will be our New Year’s Eve Worship Service at 6 pm.