tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453Tue, 16 Aug 2022 08:51:36 +00002008January 14Senior Pastor, International Family Churchhttp://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/noreply@blogger.com (International Family Church)Blogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-431459994565937874Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +00002010-03-22T17:33:19.401-05:00An important part of "Staying The Course" is to make right choices while you are hurting, while you are discouraged, while you are frustrated, while you are confused and under pressure. The right choice is often the harder choice. When we are in the middle of terrible stress, we naturally want to take the path of least resistance. But, those are the exact moments when you need to discipline http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2010/03/stay-course-all-way-through.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-5003366131856154161Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:52:00 +00002010-01-18T09:57:18.058-05:00Near the end of 2009, I went away to pray and the word of the Lord rose up in my heart for 2010. I pray this word will encourage you and focus you as it has me!"Determine NOW, with a made up mind, I'm Staying the Course in 2010." My blessings and opportunities will be much more this year, but they will be camouflaged by much adversity and difficulty. These challenges are designed to distract http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2010/01/happy-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-1391216898696028585Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:11:00 +00002009-08-17T15:21:14.499-05:00Recently, the phrase, "For you have not passed this way before" kept rolling around in my heart. I found it in God's instructions to Joshua as he was about to finally lead the children of Israel into their long awaited Promise Land. "...set out from where youar e and follow it....that you may \[ be able to see the ark and] know the way you must go, for you have not passed this way before."(http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/08/you-have-not-passed-this-way-before.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-2166792721932313693Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:12:00 +00002009-08-03T16:19:18.152-05:00Saying "yes" to God even when it means saying "no" to your friends or even to yourself may be a difficult thing but it is so good for us. It stretches our faith and often leads us into the very thing we are looking for. We must be careful that we are not planning and praying that our plan will work, when we should be praying first and then following God's plan.Recently, Proverbs 16:3 has come http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/08/gods-plan-not-yours.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-7958930840039976288Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:51:00 +00002009-07-22T18:57:47.275-05:00Let's pick up our story, from last time, as Joshua is about to lead his people into the Promised Land. This story, even though it took place thousands of years ago, teaches us some important lessons about new experiences in our lives today.Joshua commands the people," when you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, set out from where you are and follow it. "(Joshua 3:3) On our http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/07/follow-ark.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-6138186192929418612Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:05:00 +00002009-07-15T15:12:25.544-05:00In one of my recent messages, I made this statement, "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark - professionals built the Titanic."Many times we say we want something new and then when new things come, they frighten us. New experiences and opportunities can be daunting, but they don't have to be. If we insist upon clinging to old methods, old ideas, old http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/07/are-you-afraid-of-new.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-7432555120732485756Fri, 29 May 2009 14:05:00 +00002009-05-29T09:12:19.734-05:00Everything we undertake in life has a beginning and an end. Typically, we are excited at the beginning of an opportunity, a relationship, or a venture. We are also happy when we can celebrate our achievement and have the satisfaction of a fulfilled desire at the end. But, between the beginning and the end, every situation or pursuit has a "middle" - and the middle is where we often face our http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/05/im-still-here.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-6038825152752886125Wed, 06 May 2009 19:40:00 +00002009-05-06T14:45:25.807-05:00Nothing is more important than your concept of God; the picture you have of Him in your mind. That and that alone will determine how you approach Him, not only in times of need, but every time.As long as you see God as an auditor before whom your books never balance, or a teacher whose class you dread, or a parent who you can never please, you will never want to spend any time with Him.If you http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/05/whats-your-concept-of-god.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-5198905510284635062Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:28:00 +00002009-04-24T12:33:37.715-05:00Hey, "too busy" believer - listen up! "He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing (John 15:5) Want greater results in your life? Then, spend more time with God! Want to abound more? Then, abide more. It is the branch with the strongest, least obstructed connection to the vine that has the greatest potential for fruitfulness.But, look out! A http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/04/abiding.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-4622064139775134618Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:55:00 +00002009-03-02T12:59:03.383-05:00I have said for years, and I believe it more now than ever, that here at IFC, we are not about building a great church - we are all about "Building A Great People."IFC is:A Healing Place - where the sick are made whole and the broken-hearted are restored by the love of GodAn Empowering Place - where destinies are discovered and gifts are developedAn Equipping Place - where God's Word is taught http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/03/we-are-ifc-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-2238900757322155853Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:51:00 +00002009-02-21T11:03:45.542-05:00Many call IFC a "white church" while others call IFC an American Church = well IFC is neither one of these. We are an International church that love is building. We are a cross-cultural, multi-generational, economically divers church. We are a church of over 40 different cultures from around the world, and while we celebrate our diversity, we honor only one culture, "The Culture of the Kingdomhttp://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/02/we-are-ifc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-4185340035078048399Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:59:00 +00002009-02-02T11:09:38.577-05:00Who Is IFC?IFC is the single Mom who wants more for herself and her children.IFC is the man who gave up on God and religion but discovered a loving God who wants a relationship with him.IFC is the immigrant who left their family and country looking for a better life.IFC is the young adult who found a cause worth dedicating their life to.IFC is the business professional who understands the need http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/02/who-is-ifc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-4688458372123966541Sun, 18 Jan 2009 23:33:00 +00002009-01-18T18:41:19.737-05:00Since we are in the process of our 21 day corporate fast, I would like to share some thoughts that will helpgive you some God-focus to your fast.In Romans 12:1, Paul instructs us to, "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." How do we fulfill this verse? I believe by fasting. We "present" our body to God as a "living" sacrifice by http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/01/are-you-hungry-for-something-fresh.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-4355451954167203588Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +00002009-01-01T16:02:21.135-05:00As we begin our new journey into 2009, I want you to incorporate three phrases into your overall focus for this new year."STAY ALERT".................................."STAY STEADY"..........................."STAY CLOSE""Stay Alert" as a two fold meaning. #1 - The Bible tells us in I Peter 5:8 (Message) "Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is posed to pounce, and would like nothing better http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2009/01/happy-new-year-everybody.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-7317357343353216833Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:22:00 +00002008-12-12T18:34:52.878-05:00I was up early this morning, took a quick glance outside and said, "It's a gray day, a gray day." Then I answered myself with a phrase I've said before, "The sun in shining somewhere on the other side of those clouds."I went downstairs to my office, sat at my desk, and I heard these words come out of my heart, "Always remember, the only thing between you and the sun are the clouds, but even the http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/12/doom-gloom-crisis-not-welcome-here.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-5299955050306189932Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:54:00 +00002008-10-09T17:03:01.702-05:00 " The Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires."I'm convinced that if believers had a real awareness of just how powerful God's Word is, they would pay more attention to it. When Joshua was taking over Moses' job, God told him to meditate on His http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/10/power-of-gods-word.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-5268483381676950604Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:32:00 +00002008-09-18T15:45:37.373-05:00Last time, I made a comment on my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter's little prayer, "God, help me obey on the first try...." How profound and oh, how it convicted me of my slow obedience.I'm reminded of Peter's slow obedience in Luke 5:4&5. Jesus asks Peter to go out into deeper waters and lower his nets for a catch. Peter struggles with His request and responds, "Master, we toiled all night [http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/09/obey-on-first-try.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-5765431705508644024Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:29:00 +00002008-08-20T12:51:00.931-05:00I recently had the honor of performing two weddings two weeks in a row. Both weddings were very special. It is always a great joy for me to participate in the lives of the bride and groom and unite them as husband and wife. I have come to realize that in all the many weddings I have been involved with or attended, there is one constant that always stands out to me - Brides are Beautiful! http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/08/we-are-church.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-110779764086186203Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:58:00 +00002008-07-14T21:02:45.982-05:0010 Mistakes Couples Make1. Avoid Conflict2. Avoid Each Other3. Unresolved Conflicts4. Habitual Criticism5. Showing Disrespect and Dishonor6. React Defensively7. Deny Responsibility8. Rewrite History9. Refuse to Get Help10. Believing that changing partners is the solutionAmos 3:3 "How can two walk unless they agree."http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/07/10-mistakes-couples-make.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-8418915748205593768Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:22:00 +00002008-07-01T07:24:44.192-05:00How To Build Quality RelationshipsAskListenAcceptRespectRiskEncourageAdjustForgiveGiveLoveLaughComfortPrayRejoiceSharehttp://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/07/how-to-build-quality-relationships.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-1820335528333672253Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:06:00 +00002008-06-17T21:10:34.899-05:001. Love thinks the best.2.Be a giver not a taker.3. Treat each other like Kings and Queens.4.Never let the sun go down on your anger. 5. Avoid hurtful word with your spouse6.Nothing hidden - total disclosure - zero tolerance.7.Build memories and rehearse them8.Never stop doing the little things9. Be quick to listen - slow to speak - slow to get angry.10. Be a quick forgiver.11.Refuse to divorce.http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/06/build-regret-free-marriage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-4861213448661131187Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:16:00 +00002008-06-08T13:18:35.632-05:00I recently found this in one of my notebooks:What Money Can and Cannot Buy-A bed but not sleepBooks but not brainsFood but not appetiteBeauty products but not beautyA house but not a homeMedicine but not healthLuxuries but not cultureAmusements but not happinessCompanions but not friendsFlattery but not respect!http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/06/what-money-can-and-cannot-buy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-9106171023227327818Sun, 18 May 2008 13:10:00 +00002008-05-18T08:10:00.519-05:00As I think back over my life, I am so thankful to God for the friends He has given me. The Bible has much to say about friendship - let's take a look at some of the things Proverbs has to say about friends.Proverbs on FriendshipA true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Pro. 17:17 (TLB)Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy. Pro. 27:6 (TLB)http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/05/proverbs-on-friendship.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-1856025356588265102Wed, 07 May 2008 13:05:00 +00002008-05-07T11:33:40.679-05:00Friends are one of the true treasures of life - they are what make us rich.Why Friends Are ImportantThey laugh with usThey cry with usThey build memories with usThey stand beside usThey confront usThey believe the best in usThey help us growThey keep us from temptationThey make our lives betterTake time to thank God for the great gift He has given you in your true friends!http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/05/why-friends-are-important.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3416209917706231453.post-3213389895346440869Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:59:00 +00002008-04-30T08:03:55.952-05:00Don't take yourself too seriouslyStop being so complicated -simple pleasures are the bestLook for opportunities to help other peopleBe more spontaneousDon't base your joy on outward circumstancesDon't try to be perfectDon't be so easily offendedQuit sweating the small stuffFinally, get it....it is almost all small stuff!Let God be GodLaugh every change you get!http://blog1.intlfamilychurch.com/2008/04/how-to-lighten-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Pastor Jonathan Del Turco)