Praise and Worship

Worship, according to God's Biblical instruction, involves a lifestyle which includes dynamic experiences of encountering His presence through profound conversations with the Lord.

These experiences involve singing, praying, and so much more. We praise and worship God with instruments (Ps. 150: 3-6), with voice (Ps. 149:1), with hands (Ps. 47:1), with the dance (Ps. 149:3), also with uplifted hands (Ps. 134:2), with reverent surrender (1 Tim. 2:8), and most importantly, in spirit and in truth (John 4: 23).

About Pastor Duarte

Reverend Ruben Duarte is the Senior Pastor of THE LIFE CENTER Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, Texas. Along with his pastoral duties, Pastor Ruben, being an accomplished musician, also serves as chief worship leader of his congregation. Pastor Duarte's outreach in worship ministry includes rallies, conferences, governmental gatherings, and ministerial meetings--- predominantly throughout Texas, but also extending throughout America, Mexico, and Israel. He has several recordings of songs which he has written to enhance the worship experience of the Christian community.

Pastor Duarte is married to his wife of 28 years, Lamar, who actively supports him in pastoring the church as she heads up women's ministries and much more. They have a 16 year-old daughter named Gabriela.

Dream Church

Recently, I dreamt that I entered into a uniquely impressive church building. Although it was not a typical 'megachurch'-sized sanctuary, yet it was much larger than a moderate-sized church.

Three features impressed me greatly about this particular church:

1. On the platform were three 'super-sized' white wooden chairs, (honoring Farther, Son, & Spirit). Each chair was royally adorned with brightly colored ribbons which criss-crossed each chair.
   
   The impression I had was that although this church seemed to be of modest means, yet they honored God in Large ways.
   
2. In the foyer were folding chairs---unlike the 'cushy' ones in the sanctuary---which were set up in rows. The view was totally blocked by the wall which separated the foyer and the sanctuary.
   
   The impression I had was that the people who sat in the section were so hungry for God--they were happy to just be in proximity of the abiding presence of God during the services.
   
3. There was a spacious balcony which overlooked the sanctuary. Instead of seats, there were beds, lamps, and furnishings which could likely be found at a cozy inn or bed-and-breakfast cottage.
   
   The impression I had was that this area was dedicated to those with a deep need to just be refreshed, rested, and blessed.

Capturing a Glimpse of the Possible Future of TLC.

2009---Leaving History Behind

A we enter this amazing new year which God has in store for us, it will take every ounce of faith and focus to walk victoriously on the road ahead. The Lord has tremendous blessings in store for His people as we navigate the 'highway of the Lord' ahead of us. HOWEVER, WE MUST BE DEEPLY FOCUSED TO KEEP OUR EYES ON THE ROAD.

Rear-view mirrors are necessary in watching for traffic which is approaching from behind so that we can take proper precautions and actions. REAR-VIEW MIRRORS WERE NEVER MEANT TO ENGAGE US IN TAKING LONG, EXTENDED, NOSTALIC, REGRETFUL GLANCES AT THE "STUFF" OF THE PAST WHICH WE CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT. If we an do so, we will endanger ourselves by veering uncontrollably off the road.

STAY FOCUSED ON THE MARVELOUS ROAD AHEAD!

As we enter 2009, grab a hold of the steering wheel of God's Word and promises, appreciate the experiences of the past in relationship to how they've taught us to handle the future, raise up your standard of worship unto God, purpose to leave history behind, and celebrate the brand new victories which are in store for you and yours in this brand new year of the Lord.

From our Family to Yours--Happy New Year 2009!