Jehu Hernandez

Ryan, who is a seventh grader, is running cross country for Cornerstone for the second year now. And he's having a very good year. He has finished in the top ten in every race he's run so far. In fact, in the first race of the year, he finished 6th out of 185 runners. We found out later that he ran that race with an upper respiratory infection! (Please no comments about what kind of father would allow his son to run with an upper respiratory infection. After all, this is a post about Ryan, not me!) This past weekend, he finished third place in Mertzon and helped his team win the team championship for the second week in a row. They won at the Angelo State cross country meet last weekend, too. Obviously, I'm a proud dad! I used to be a runner in school so I have an appreciation for his accomplishments. Here are some pictures from this past weekend's two-mile race in Mertzon.

I recently loaded the NIV audio Bible onto my ipod, so I've been listening to the Bible as I drive to work. It's interesting how listening to the Bible being read gives me a different perspective than reading it. I've noticed some things in Paul's epistles that I haven't pick up on when I've read them. That doesn't mean I'll stop reading the Bible and only listen to it. Bible-reading is still the primary way that God speaks to me, but listening to the Bible instead of listening to the radio has been a much better way for me to start my day.

I am currently reading a book by Charles Crabtree titled Transformational Discipleship . I'm only two chapters into the book, but it has already given me plenty to think about. Here are a some quotes: The church can be deceived into thinking that because they have converted someone to their fundamental truths, that person is born again. In the same way that Nicodemus was considered a fine, moral man, many in the churches of America who believe they are Christian because of their bloodline or their works or their intellectual indoctrination would be shocked to hear Jesus say to them, "I tell you the truth [no question about it, no deception, no exceptions], no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (pp. 22-23) It seems incongruous to have to emphasize the need for and the process of being born of the Spirit, but observations and experience compel me not to take the issue of basic soteriology (the theology of salvation) for granted. The facts are glarin

The new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of the Assemblies of God takes office October 8th after being elected to their positions last month at the 52nd General Council in Indianapolis. Click here for background information on the new AG leaders.

I went to a high school football game tonight, and I had a great time. I went with my wife and Ryan to watch the Central Bobcats beat the Big Spring Steers. I went because I love to watch football, but especially because one of the best players on the Bobcats team (I think he's definitely the best) is Solid Rock's own Anthony Castillo. Anthony is an amazing athlete. It was exciting to watch him provide so much of the offensive firepower for the Bobcats. He even played some on defense. After the game, I heard the radio commentators talk on the post-game show about how much Anthony means to the team. In fact, he was awarded the Academy game ball for outstanding player of the game! Yes, he is a truly gifted athlete, but more importantly, he's a great young man. And he loves God. He's the real deal. Congratulations, Anthony. This is your year!

I'm trying to lead Solid Rock Church but I feel like I'm in over my head. I don't know that I've got the leadership skills, the organizational methods, or even the preaching ability to do the job God called me to do. Thank God that it's not up to me. I have to remind myself that Jesus said he would build the church. Not me. I guess I'll never be satisfied with myself as a pastor, but I am content knowing that as long as I seek God, He will lead the way. I'll do the best I can to improve my skills, but ultimately, anything I accomplish will be by God's grace.