Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Two or More part II

Inside the concert.... open the eyes of my heart....

Two or More Concert at Calvary Chapel...

Hey Guys.. check out this short video(s).. Two or More were in concert last night..well more like a awesome worship service... man if you didn't get a chance to make it.... we will have them back real soon.... Enjoy
God bless
Ben

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Status Update

we are back in business... blogging again and now new and improved... we will be showing videos from pastor's and of course just the basics musings in Lubbock Texas...
so with that I say.. Hello

Blessings
Pastor Ben

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

We Made our local newspaper... Praise God

On Monday, May 18, Ben Martinez, pastor of Calvary Chapel Lubbock, 4218 Boston Ave., was up early.
By 6:52 a.m., he had finished his quiet time, listened to a Christian podcast, and was on his way to the gym. From approximately noon to 1 p.m., he ate lunch at Mi Tierra with someone named Ricky and took a picture of Ricky with his cell phone. From 3:11 p.m. to 3:19 p.m. he listened to a version of "I Surrender All" on the Internet. At 5 p.m. he headed back to the gym, planning to go to Starbucks afterward. He finished his workout by 7:27 p.m.
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It was a busy day.
And if you were one of the currently 98 people who follow him on Twitter, you'd know all about it.
Twitter, an internet microblogging service that allows users to "tweet" their opinions, whereabouts, and plans in abbreviated real-time, is the newest kid on the social networking block.
Friends are made. Lives are followed.
Its appeal is rooted in its haiku-esque functionality, which restricts individual posts to 140 characters.
Church leaders across the country have quickly caught on and more and more are harnessing Twitter's power, as well as that of other sites like Facebook, for the Kingdom of God.
Lubbock pastors are no exception. Some use for it fellowship, some for outreach.
Martinez is one of several local pastors who utilizes the service to foster a sense of community within his congregation and keep church members instantly in the loop, not only regarding church happenings, but their personal lives as well.
"It's a good way to keep our congregation updated on prayer requests or events in the church," he says. "Also people are really just interested in people's lives. Like, 'oh, what's the pastor doing? What's he studying?' "
But most importantly, says Martinez, who regularly cites Bible verses in his tweets, "it's a means to preach the Gospel. A means to encourage and exhort people."
On Good Friday, members of New York's Wall Street Trinity Church twittered the details of Christ's final hours on earth with usernames like @JosephArimithea, @pontius_Pilate, and @_JesusChrist.
A May issue of "Time" magazine reported on tech-savvy churches that incorporated Twitter into their services. They encouraged members to twitter their thoughts on the sermon - which are instantly relayed to church video screens - as a running interactive commentary. Offering a digital spin on the idea that nothing done for God is in vain, the magazine quoted one pastor as saying, "If God leads you to continue (Twitter) as a form of worship, by all means do it."
At that, Martinez chuckles.
"I did hear of some churches that will do that, where you can tweet or text your questions while the pastor is actually preaching," he said. "We're not at that point ... we're just doing it as a means of staying connected in this day and age."

Remember I Love you
Pastor Ben

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Hello back to blogging again

Hey everyone... I haven't posted here in a long while... I have been blogging on the Calvary web-site... but I am back... look for weekly updated blogs....
So Hope you all have a great day and be blessed in Jesus...

Remember I Love you...

Pastor Ben

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Resurrection Sunday

It is the day in which we celebrate the Greatest Single Fact in the History of the Universe and that is that Jesus Christ was Crucified, was Buried, and on the Third Day Rose from the Dead and He is Alive! What an amazing thing for us to Celebrate! Easter is always a great opportunity to invite folks that normally won't go to church.

May the Bless You and Keep You!

Pastor Ben

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Pastor's Conference in Dallas

Hello all, we are in Big D... Dallas Texas for our annual Tx/Okc Pastor's Conference and are having a blast... crazy stories thus far... but the most exciting story of our trip is a employee named Rosie who we got to know today ... Prayed to receive Christ this afternoon... PTL...
more to come on this story...
Pastor Sof & Yvonne, Pastor Terry & Crystal came up today and are praying for a great conference....
Here are some pics from Yesterday and Today... God Bless ... will post tomorrow too...


God Bless

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Fasting Part II

Biblical Fasting - Is there a proper method to fasting?Biblical fasting, unlike fasting for medical or health reasons, must be done with an attitude of seriousness and sincerity. When we fast, we willingly deprive the body of nourishment and the pleasurable taste of food. The body requires food for sustenance; therefore our hearts and minds must be totally focused and directed towards God so that He may be the full source of our strength during our period of fasting. Fasting must also be done in an attitude of humility. It is not necessary for others to know we are fasting; it is directed towards God. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).

In addition to our attitudes towards God and our stance before man, our motives must also be correct. We should fast in order to further the building up of God’s kingdom by seeking to minister to others. The prophet Isaiah received from the Lord the acceptable motives for our fasts: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter -- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Fasts may last for varying lengths of time -- one day, three days, seven days, and more. We should prayerfully seek the Lord about the length of our fast. Fasting should have an object in mind; we should have a clear idea of the need and purpose. One of the most pressing reasons for Christian fasting may be revival -- “Will you not revive us again. . .” (Psalm 85:6).

Pastor Ben

Monday, March 23, 2009

Fasting!

Seems like every time I study or listen to podcast the theme of Fasting comes up... a biblical fast...
So what is fasting... its purpose and how can I get closer go God by doing it... well the bible declares in that a "biblical fast" is abstaining from food for Spiritual reasons....
I came across this article that I thought would help.... Here is Part I of a three part series on Fasting...

Biblical Fasting - Is fasting necessary for today’s Christian church?
Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline which was encouraged by Jesus, Himself, while He was on earth. When questioned as to why the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist fasted while Jesus disciples did not, Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). Jesus was indicating that fasting would become a necessity when, the bridegroom (Jesus) was taken away. While Jesus, who was God manifested in human form, was still on earth, His followers enjoyed a close fellowship and friendship with Him. Jesus bestowed power and authority on them to the extent that they had limited power to preach, heal the sick, and cast out devils. Similarly, when Jesus sent them out to minister to the populace, He instructed them to take few provisions. “Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one’” (Luke 22:35-36). Jesus was teaching that after His departure, the entire dynamic would change and the disciples would need a different type of preparation and provision.
Fasting was to be a vital part of this new preparation. The new covenant is based on the truth that we have received everything in Christ, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Nevertheless, we cooperate with the Spirit in the working out of our salvation with much prayer, meditation, and the study of God’s Word. In addition to all these spiritual practices, Christians should also employ the humbling discipline of fasting.

God Bless you
Remember I Love you
Pastor Ben

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Men's Outreach " Need Prayer" Saturday


Hello all, what a great day we had so far... We put a prayer tent on the corner of Indiana and 70th with a sign that simply said.." Need Prayer" and God moved in a an amazing way... several people stopped by and asked for prayer. One person prayed to receive Christ today... Praise the Lord.

Here are some pics... God is Amazing and I am so privileged to serve Him
Pastor Ben




Monday, March 16, 2009

Journaling!


Been thinking about journaling lately... really sitting down and allowing the Lord to speak but taking some time to write down what the Lord has said...
see at times He speak so clear... I love it... but as human as I am... I forget... yes that's right... sometimes forget what God has said... so in prayer I have decided to begin journaling again...
what ever the Lord wants to speak... I will write down and refer to from time to time...
Here is an except for journaling...hope it blesses you...


Journaling - A Form of Worship-Journaling can be a form of worship. In solitude, we can explore the blessing of writing our hearts to God. We don't have to be professional writers, or even good writers - it's all about the passion for God in our hearts. Journals and letters are powerful tools for recording thoughts, prayers, fears and miracles in our lives. Writing our hearts to God is a fantastic compliment to our daily devotionals with Him.

Journaling - Seek God and Hear His Whispers---Journaling typically works best in a quiet place. Find a daily retreat and explore the power of meditative prayer and writing in your life. Learn to seek God's face during your alone times with Him. Through writing, learn to hear God's whispers in your life…

Reflect… Who are you? What is your background? What experiences brought you to this time and place in your life?

Release… What life changing mistakes have you made? Are there any buried mistakes in your life that still hold you back? Have you released your mistakes to God, so you can experience His true blessings for your life?

Surrender… What event or series of events in your life brought you to your knees? Where did you focus your thoughts and efforts during crisis? When did you turn it all over to God?

Praise… What victories have you experienced in your life? What blessings has God brought your way? Think about God's role in your life, and give Him thanks for all you have?

I Love you
Pastor Ben

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Home Sweet Home

Finally made it back from Tucson... it was a long trip...over 1600 miles in the car... but I am so glad to be back here in Lubbock... I missed all of you.... Although I heard Pastor Terry did an Amazing job teaching on Wednesday... Praise the Lord...
Anyways.. the Conference was a Blast... I really believer the Lord spoke loud and clear...
looking forward to seeing what HE wants to do...
Here are some pics of the trip and will see you Sunday....




Tuesday, March 10, 2009

In & Out in Tucson....Really? YES

Guess what? we found a In & Out in Tucson... so after the teaching tonight we went and forced fed ourselves a hamburger... what a great time.... here are some pics enjoy...Double/Double Animal Style

Good Night from Tucson...

Pastor Ben

What's Happening in Tucson

Hello all... here is an update of our time in Tucson... The Pastor's conference is going great and we are having a blast... Here are some pics Ben and Mike at Casa MolinaCalvary Chapel Tucson Pastor's Conference... on a break...HerHere we are acting goofy...we took our own pic... Tucson beautiful weather and skyThis is a shot from Starbucks... Amazing

anyways will try and post tomorrow...

God Bless

Pastor Ben

Monday, March 9, 2009

Arrived in Tucson

Hey everyone, just arrived in Tucson ..actually late last night... but it is Monday morning and I thought I would update everyone on what's happening here...


Great morning in the Word then breakfast and now hanging out and " Suffering" for Jesus.. in this Hotel... (see pic)

Love you guys and will try to post later...

Josh Reading his Bible...

Hope you have a great day.... Conference starts here at 12:30pm



Pastor Ben

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Please Pray for Micheal Sweet & Family


Hey everyone... please pray for the Sweet family. Kyle Rae Sweet, Micheal's wife went home to be with the Lord on Thursday March 5th.

Micheal Sweet was the front man for the 80's christian rock group called STRYPER... they were married over 23 yrs and have two older children...

Kyle Sweet was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 lost herbattle on 2009 - she is in the presence of Jesus

God Bless

Ben

Monday, March 2, 2009

Hearing God's Voice


Hello everyone.. this past week has had it's many challenges.. but one thing I truly desire it hear the voice of the Lord.. Not so much a audible voice but hearing what He has to say to me in my times of learning & growing - this week I found a excerpt on hearing God's voice.. enjoy

Hearing God's Voice - Are You Ready to Listen? Hearing God's voice is something we all long for-but did you know that it's not hard to do? In fact, God wants you to hear His voice! Hearing the voice of God is as natural as hearing your best friend talk to you. What's more, we can hear Him everyday. He speaks to us in the natural moments of life. Do you want to hear God's voice? Then you must be ready to listen.

Hearing God's Voice - Why Do You Want to Hear Him? Why do you want to hear God's voice? That may sound like a silly question, but motives are important in anything we do. The Bible says this about God's Word: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Do you want to hear God's voice? If you do, it's possible you're hearing Him already, for He may be the one giving you the longing to hear Him.
Hearing God's Voice in the Bible - In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, "God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His Word, given to us to make us wise unto salvation." The Bible itself declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). In another place, we read: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16). Do you want to hear God's voice? Then read the Bible. Find a good daily reading plan, and stick to it.
Hearing God's Voice through Prayer -When you want to have a conversation with someone, how do you begin? Do you stand in front of the person and hope they will talk to you? That might work, if the other person is outgoing enough, but usually we begin a conversation by opening our own mouths and talking, engaging the other person's attention. It's the same with God! He loves to hear us talk to Him, and it's in those moments that we prepare ourselves to hear the voice of God.
In an ordinary conversation, we speak, then listen for the response of the other person. It's the same with God! Once we've prepared our hearts to listen through prayer, we're more likely to hear the voice of God. Does He speak to us through an audible voice? Some claim He does, but usually that's not the case. We may not actually "hear" the voice of God, but He speaks to us in many ways. Here are some of them:
God speaks through His Word
God speaks through our thoughts
God speaks through conversations with others
God speaks through circumstances

God bless you.. and remember
I Love You.
Pastor Ben

Monday, February 23, 2009

Quiet Time


Hey everyone, just a note to ponder???

What is a Quiet Time? Spending time with the One who created me is the best thing I could think of... Here is an excerpt on the subject...


Quiet Time - Be Still and Listen -Quiet time could refer to those precious moments after the kids are in bed, but for Christians, a quiet time is more than that. Quiet time, or devotion time, refers to our daily appointment with God, when we shut out as much outside interference as possible.


Quiet Time - The Outer Challenge -Quiet time is a goal that sounds simple, but which meets with greater challenges than many physical endurance contests. In America particularly, we live in a world of noise. Everywhere we go, even in our own homes, there is some kind of noise to distract us, from telephones to TV to traffic. But making time for daily devotion is critical to hearing God!


Quiet Time - The Inner Challenge -Quiet time involves an inner state of being, as well as an outward condition. Have you ever noticed that when you sit down to read your Bible or pray, your mind begins to wander or you suddenly remember what you needed at the grocery store? Inner "noise" can be just as troublesome as outer noise when it comes to having quiet time with God.


Quiet Time - What's the Big Deal? Why Is It Important?Quiet time can be so difficult to prioritize. It's tempting to make excuses or just not bother. Preparing our hearts to hear from God requires a focused effort. Noise, whether outside or inside, distracts us. If we fail to understand the importance of having a regular, committed quiet time with God, we are not likely to hear His voice…the one that whispers, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). God longs to spend time with us. Consider what He was willing to do for us, in order to reunite us with Him. Is it asking too much that we devote daily time to Him?


May the Lord bless you.

Pastor Ben

Friday, February 20, 2009

Live Stream on your IPhone


Hello all, I am so excited that we are now able to broadcast our service Live via the Internet..
We are Livestreaming every Sunday and Wednesday's service and we also have archived each study at http://www.calvarychapellubbock.org/
God is so good as His Word goes fourth, people all over the world will hear the Gospel message.
If you don't live in Lubbock or cannot make it here personally. Check out our Sundays or Wednesday services online or on your IPhone..
May the Lord bless you and keep you.

I love you!

Pastor Ben

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Haven't Posted in a While..

Hey everyone...sorry I haven't posted in a while... the days seem to get busier and busier...
I will try and post events and such that coming up....

Basketball Game: Monday@ 8:00pm... come out and support out team....

Staff Meeting on Wednesday night... 9:00pm... I know its late but that's seems to be the best time for us...

Movie Night: March 6th @ 7:00pm " Ultimate Gift'

Volunteer Appreciation Night: March 7th @ 6:00pm come out for dinner and fun...

anyways hope you have a great day, week,month...

I Love You
Pastor Ben

Friday, January 23, 2009

WHEN I GROW UP...

Mike Gipson came by to day to show us this Monster truck on redbull...

I just had to take some pics....
Here is Mike standing in front of " Transfromers Truck"

This Truck is wanting to " EAT US"



And of course when my truck saw it... turned to me and said "When I grow up...I want to that BIG"

Blessings

Pastor Ben

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Faith comes by hearing... the word of God

Now that's FAITH!
Romans 10:17 tells us that " Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God... We are in a new season of ministry and life... Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God...

I pray that we would be strengthened in our Faith this year.. to accomplish all that God wants for us...

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His Word!


I Love You


Pastor Ben

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