Yesterday I went for a little walk with my little Daughter Bella (4). I was going to get the mail and asked her to join me for the 1/2 block walk to our mail box. She was so excited to go on a walk with dad. She ran to get her shoes and quickly put them on. We proceded out the door walking hand in hand laughing and gigling as daughters often do with their dads. These are the moments that I love as a Father.

As we were walking down the street I asked her what is Christmas about. She yelled out presents! I said yes that is part of it but do you know anything else? She looked at me and said Christmas Tree and lights. I smiled and said that is part of it, but do you really know what Christmas is about? She nodded and I said it is about the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. Her eyes lit up when I said Jesus. I proceeded to tell her that Christmas is Jesus birthday and He came to save us from our sins. My little girl said "Oh that is great dad!" She then said that she loved Jesus and presents. We both laughed and I enjoyed a great moment with my daughter.

Can I ask you when was the last time you went for a little walk with your Heavenly Father? When was the last time you took a few short minutes and walked with your Father hand in hand just waiting for Him to speak to you. As much as I loved spending time with Bella, your heavenly Father loves it more when you walk with Him. I can see God calling each of us out for a little walk to share some thoughts of truth and love.

You see God used to take little walks in the cool of the day with Adam and Eve. He even came after they fell and was walking in the garden, calling out to them . I believe the Lord is still walking and calling.

Hear him calling you today.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

 

 

 

When you read the phrase in the Bible the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob what come to your mind? Do you see a God who showed up to 3 different men and giving them their purpose? Or do you see the mulitple generations that God was speaking too? Personally I began to think today about my life and those that are coming after me. In other words my life is just bigger than me and my generation.

I want to be a leader who is more interested in leaving a legacy that leaving a big name. I want to begin to lead with my son Benjamin (8 years old) in mind. I need to begin to see God as a God of generations who is building and adding to each coming generation the blessings of the former generation. This is the mindset that changes the world to come and begins to impact the world that is here right now!

Can I encourage you today to be a person who begins to think beyond yourself. To begin to see life through the lens of generations and not a lens of your life time. When you breathe your last breath what will they say about you? More importantly what will continue to live on because of your life that you lived?

Let the cry of your heart and life be for real change to come to future generations because you lived your life with eternity in mind. As for me living in Las Vegas, I have determined to impact the city in my lifetime and see it changed in the generations to come.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

I am asked that question by my friends and by so many people. In the economic challenges of our day, people are wondering how Vegas is fairing. Well Vegas has been hit the hardest of all cities in America. We have the highest foreclosures and one of the highest unemployment rates of any city. The local billionaire Adelson looks like he may have to declare Bankruptcy because of what is happening. People are very fearful and wondering what is going to happen. Tourism is down and the hotels and gaming are hurting.

So what is the bright spot? The Church of Jesus Christ is the bright spot in our city. God is pouring out His Spirit in unusual ways in our church and other churches in Vegas. This is the greatest hour for the church in Vegas. I know that our church is reaching more people and plans on launching another campus to reach even more people. We believe the greates hour for Jesus in now in Las Vegas. People are realizing that there is more to life than houses, money, stuff and influence. The one thing that people are finding is Jesus! He is the hope of Vegas, American and the nations of the World.

So how is Vegas doing? It is doing great because Jesus has not given up on Las Vegas. Jesus said in Matthew 16 that He would build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. It is a time to build and step out to reach more people than ever before.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

As I sit back and observe the landscape of America I realize we need some great change in our nation. The nation is at a time of great turmoil and unrest. I believe that this is the greatest hour not for a policitician but for the church of Jesus Christ. This is our time to begin to step out and declare that we know where true change comes from and it is from the Lord.

You see we have a power that the Democrats nor Republicans posess. The Lord has given us the Power of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the agent of change that operates in and through us. The Bible says in Romans 8:2 that the Power of the Life Giving Spirit has freed us from the power of sin. In other words the Power of the Holy Spirit gives us the power to change in the inside and outside. We must realize that we are not victims of circumstances around us. No sir we are more than conquerors because of the Holy Spirit inside of us. You have the agent of change living big inside of you.

Today is the day of change for you and for those around. Lets not wait for the White House but let us rise up in God's House and declare the Power of the Spirit is here for real lasting change.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

"It's All About People."

Something shot off on the inside of me when Lead Pastor Benny Perez said that to our pastors during a recent staff meeting. I started thinking about the lady who came up to me after a Sunday service with tears in her eyes. "The doctor said I don't have skin cancer!" she exclaimed breathlessly.  It was only a week earlier that she had cried as she received prayer for an ominous looking mole that had reappeared on her face. Now tears of joy flowed freely as she told us the good news.

I was also reminded of the lady I visited in the hospital, a woman who used her faith to defeat cancer twice within 18 months but was now on her back as doctors searched for the source of an intestinal blockage. As I sat near her bed, we talked and prayed. I realized that I was receiving as much ministry as she was.

I also thought about our 11:30am Sunday service. As I stood in the back of our worship center, I looked out at a packed house of people who were hanging on Pastor Benny's every word, hungry to hear that their sins....past, present and future had already been forgiven.

We hear a lot about "victorious living." Real "victorious living" will only become a reality in your life as you allow the compassion of Jesus to flow through you so that others will be touched by the hand of the Master.

Matthew 25: 40 "...Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me."

Pastor Mitch

Recently I had to deal with disappointment. I won’t tell you what it was, but needless to say it affected me more than I thought I would. Surely, if we’re honest with ourselves I think we have all experienced disappointment at some point in our lives. In my quiet times with the Lord I felt that He told me it’s alright to be disappointed. The test is not the disappointment—it’s how you respond to being disappointed. Even Jesus experienced disappointment in the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples (Matthew 26:36-46). Here are some things God spoke to me about concerning my response to being disappointed:

 

Don’t react. Our natural tendency is to react to a decision instead of processing through it. Take time to process why the decision was made and your feelings towards that decision. As Christians we need to trust that God is still on the throne and even though we may not like a decision—God is bigger and is not confined to man’s way of doing things.

 

Trust your leadership. Don’t trust them merely because they sign your paycheck, instead trust that they are making good decisions because they are who God has placed over you.

 

Talk through your disappointment. I had three people I talked to—one was my wife and two other godly men who I admire. This helped me get things off my chest and at the same time allowed me to listen to good, godly advice that encouraged and lifted me up. DON’T talk to people who will feel sorry for you. Talk to people who will push you to move on and do better. Feeding your disappointment “bug” can lead to forms of depression and negative feelings towards those who brought on the disappointment.

Think about what you can learn from the experience and take away the positive. Use this as a tool for personal and spiritual growth.

 

Don’t condemn or judge yourself. Disappointment is a natural response when something doesn’t go the way you wanted it to go. Failing at something or not having something fall your way doesn’t mean that you are a failure.

 

Read Job 38 to remind yourself how great God is—He is for you and not against you. I leave you with Revelation 3:8a (NLT), “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close.”

 

Dream Big!

Pastor Justyn

I am preaching a series on Grace. I initially thought it would last around 4 weeks but it has been going for 9 weeks. One of the things that God is doing in our church is breaking people free from Condemnation.

So many Christians are walking around filled with Condemnation for things they have done in their lives. Yet the Bible says in Romans 8:1 that there is no Condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is no if, ands or buts to this statement. God means what He says and wants us to take it to heart.

Notice that the only thing we need to do is be in Christ. Christ has done it all so that we can live free through His shed blood and atonement through the Cross of Calvary. Remember the only time you feel condemnation is when you sin. Yet this is exactly the time that God wants you to remember there is no condemnation because Christ has taken your sins: past, present and future to the cross. You don't have to run away from God but run to him in your time of need. God has set it up that you can come boldy to the throne of Grace and obtain mercy in time of need.

So today remind yourself and the devil that you are not going to live under condemnation anymore. You are free to live for Christ and when you do fail there is the throne of Grace where you will receive mercy.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Have you ever stopped to think that each weekend is God's Weekend? It is time for most of us to set aside some quality time to worship the Lord in a weekend service. Our eyes and ears are tuned towards heaven as we recalibrate after a long week of work and other activities. The services are often the times when we hear more clearly about Jesus and His plans and purposes for our lives and the lives of others.

I want to encourage you to really expect God to move in the services each and every weekend. In fact don't come to church by yourself but take the time to invite someone new. This coming weekend can change the life of a person for eternity. So have fun this coming weekend but make sure you remember it is God's Weekend and He is waiting for you to come with somebody so that He can make a difference.

This past weekend at The Church nearly 30 people got right with God and over 300 people got set free from Condemnation. The lives of all these people will never be the same. I rejoice over what the Lord did in thousands of lives over the weekend. I already know that the best is yet to come. Personally I cannot wait for this next weekend to see what else the Lord has in store for us.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

How do we respond to the cultural wars around us? California just voted and passed Prop. 8 which was bitterly contested. Some labeled it as a hate bill against homosexuals, while others said it was denying civil rights to a segment of society. Where do we as Christians stand in the midst of these cultural wars and what should be our Spirit and Attitude?

Well I believe that it is not so much the what of our communication but the how we communicate it. You see so many people have more trouble in how we say something and not just what we say. So many times in the past some Christians have said the what with the how of hatred and arrogance. I don't believe we have to say the what with a horrible how. We can state what the Bible says and what God says in a Christlike manner. The more meekness we show to those against us the more Christ will be seen. Remember that Christ was meek and humble. Meekness by the way is not weekness but power under control. We need to have our power under control. God is not intimidated and neither are we. We must be a people who are secure in what God has stated and keep on stated it over and over again. Remember we did not write the Bible we are the ones reading it and implementing it.

Standing for the sacredness of marriage as clearly defined in the Bible and defined by society for thousands of years is not bigotry or hate. Rather we are affirming the sacredness of marriage as between one man and one woman. In fact we need to remember that divorce is running rampant and that God has spoken on that issue. It is time for Christ followers to begin to be the salt and the light. Not reflecting our own biases but reflecting the Word of God in our daily lives. For this to be true we need to lean into the Grace of God and know that we cannot do it in our own power. Truly we need the Holy Spirit operating more and more in our lives so that we can stay strong in the greatest war: The Culture War.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Today we wake up to a new reality in America. We have our first African American President who will take office very shortly. It is amazing to see how far we have come as a nation in the area of race and the electing of a person of color to the highest office in the land. 

We stand at this historic moment let us remeber that the Bible tells us in I Timothy 2:2 to pray for those in authority. We are called to honor the King and pray for God's wisdom and insight to come upon them. I pray for President Elect Obama that God would lead and guide him in all of his decisions. That President Elect Obama would use the Word of God as his guiding light in times of cultural and economic turmoil. We know that the Lord is in charge of the affairs of men and that He puts up and pulls down.

Let us be the church that rises up in prayer and we take to heart that we are the light and salt of the world. I believe the greatest days for our nation and for the Church of Jesus Christ is ahead of us.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Today America will vote and elect the next President of the United States. I love that I live in America where I get the honor to vote for those that will govern. I want to encourage everyone to go out and let your voice be heard by casting your vote. This is a very important election and I know there are heated debates coming from all side. I would just let you know one thing. True change never has come from the White House only from God's House.

I want to remind you that Jesus is the true agent of lasting change. He is the one that never was voted in and never will be voted out. Remeber that Jesus declared in Matthew 5 that His followers are the Salt of the earth and the Light of the World. It is only when true Christ Followers step up and let their light shine that true change will really occur. Let us this Election Day do our part as Americans but let us live our life as Christians!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

This weekend was just amazing for us here at The Church at South Las Vegas. We had such a powerful sense of God's Presence in all of our services! I was so overwhelmed by Jesus that I almost forgot I had to preach.

I just believed that the Lord wanted to reach people in an usual way. In fact at our 11:30 service He did just that. At the end of worship I felt I needed to get up and make an altar call for people to get right with Jesus. To my surprise hands started shooting up all over the worship center. Before we knew it nearly 25 people raised their hand and came forward to have Jesus become Lord of their life. The church went crazy with Praise and Worship and Shouting. It remined me of being in a sold out NBA game where the fans are going crazy! We were certainly going crazy for the right reason: People Getting Right with God.

I was reminded of the words of Jesus in John 4:35 "Do you not say. There are still four months and then comes the harvest? Behold I say to you life up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are white for harvest!". It is time to look up and open our eyes for the great harvest that is here now.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Today is going to be a great day. I am going to speak at the Dream Center for Pastors Tommy and Matthew Barnett. These are some of the most incredible Pastors in the world. I appreciate their passion to reach people and give them hope in Jesus Christ.

I have spoken at the Dream Center numerous times over the years. I must admit it is one of my favorite places to preach in the nation. The reason is that I get to see the lives of thousands of people who have been impacted by the message of Jesus. The outreaches and the creativitiy to reach more people is contagious. I cannot help but at times weap as I see so many people changed because of the Dream of 2 men.

How about you today? What Dream has God given you that has the ability to touch other people and bring them to Jesus. Your God Idea can touch thousands or just one. The point is that every person is special to Jesus. I want to encourage to Dream big Dreams for God. Don't limit yourself and think it is only for other people to Dream. No you can Dream and see those Dreams come to pass.

As I speak tonight I know that I will be more impacted than the people I am speaking too. I always leave the Dream Center changed and believing God for more in my city of Las Vegas. So today Dream a little bit and see what God will do with your Dream.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

I remember going to the same restaurant with my wife and ordering the same thing. She challenged me to tray something for the first time. I remember ordering a new dish and wondering how I would enjoy it. As it came out I surveyed the landscape on the plate and thought I should of ordered what I normally do. Reluctantly I tasted the new dish and to my surprise I loved it. I devoured that food on the plate faster than it was brought out. The server commented that it looked like I liked the dish.

It is amazing how many of us are relunctant to try something for the first time. How many of us are fearful of trying something new. There is a story of a now well known singer. He was a very talented piano player who performed in a local bar. People came from all over to hear him play the piano. One night a high roller requested the man to start singing as he was playing. The piano player refused because he did not sing in public. The customer complained to the manager. The manager came and told the piano player if he did not sing he would not get paid.

The piano player sang for the very first time in public. The audience never heard the song "Sweet Lorraine" sung like he had sung it. From that point on the piano player became a singer. He went on to become American most well know entertainers with songs like "Unforgettable" and "When I Fall In Love." His name is Nat King Cole!

Nat King Cole would have lived all of his life as a no name piano player, if he did not sing for the first time. What do you need to step and do for the first time? What has God laid up inside of you that you may not know is there? It is time to step out and do something for the first time. It is time to stretch yourself and experience something new.

Somebody is waiting for you on the other side of something new.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Some days you just need to have some fun. In fact, there are days at church that you just need to have some fun. This past Sunday night we had our Fun Fest for our kids and families of our church and the community. We turned our church into a Fun Zone. We had carnival rides, bounce houses and obstacle courses. There were so many games for the kids to win candy and other prizes. I saw nearly 3,000 people come to church and have fun for a few hours on a Sunday night.

As I walked around I began to think that God loves to see this happen. People having fun and enjoying life at church. We want to show people that as Christ Followers can enjoy life and have fun in a clean, creative and joyous way. People need to find life at church! We must exude the God Kind of life in our services and events. Remember, Jesus said He came to give us life and life more abundantly! (John 10:10).

So today take a little time and have some fun. Go out on a walk and enjoy God's creation. Take your family to get some ice cream. Go to the movies, mall, beach, park and have some fun. Ride your bike and get some fresh air. Life is too short not to just have some fun.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

How many of us love surprises? I know most of us love surprises as long as they will be good surprises. Yet in life we do get surprises that we either love or don't love. The cool thing about life is that it will continue to give us surprises.

I had someone recently surprise me by slipping a check into my hand for 500.00 dollars. It was made out to me as a surprise blessing to me and Wendy. It brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart that someone appreciated me and gave me a suprise blessing. I have had our church blessed by individuals who surprised me by handing me checks for incredible amounts of money. As a Pastor of a growing church with a great vision it is always a welcome surprise to receive financial blessings to help us reach more people.

How about when you get another surprise. When the doctor surprises you with a diagnosis you were not ready to hear? How about a spouse who surprises you with information that is devastating? How about your employer who surprises you with a notice of you losing your job? There can be so many of these surprises that come at you in life. It is in these situations that you can be sure there is someone who is never surprised. His name is Jesus.

You see God is never surpriesed witht life's turns and change of events. The Bible declares that God is the Alpha and Omega, He is the beginning and the end. God knows all and is never surpised by anything in your life. In fact God will order your steps to get through all of the surprises that spring up in life. You don't have to be worried that God is taken by surprise over the situations in your life.

So today take heart and know that Jesus is watching over your life, even during the surprises. He declares He will never you nor forsake you. He is with you in the Valleys and Mountain Tops! He knows what is coming and you can trust that He will bring you through all of the things you are facing today!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Well it is 2:45 in the afternoon and I find myself getting just getting to write my blog. I wonder if anybody has ever had a day like I had today. It started at about six this morning as I found myself having to deal with a problem that I had not anticipated. I actually had to track down information that seemed to be easy but just became more complicated as I looked. I found myself hating the computer and the internet because I wanted to talk with a person and not just interact with a screen.

It lead me to think maybe other people are finding out what I am finding out: that the world is less personal and more mechanical. All I wanted today was to talk to a person who could help me; not another computer voice that did not know what I needed. Has this ever happened to you?

Today I want to be a little more personable to those around me. Take time for a little smile and a little "I hope you are having a great day." Life is about people and we must not forget that people matter. I know this is hard for those of us who are task oriented, but it is a lesson to learn everyday.

Well I feel better after venting a little bit. Thank you for taking the time to read some of my thoughts.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Pastors and Leaders have asked me how are we doing in this economy in Las Vegas? Well I recently found out from the Las Vegas Review Journal that my state and city are now officially the hardest hit places in America. We are feeling the economic pain more than anybody else. Here are some of the challenges: Highest foreclosure rates, highest unemployment rate in the last 20 years, construction grinding to a halt, housing market continuiing to decline, tourism declining and fear running rampant in the city. It is a challenging time for the city, for people and for the church.

So what are we doing? We are living by Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be ADDED to YOU." As Christ Followers we belong to another Kingdom, which is over and transcends the earthly kingdom. Our Kingdom is ruled by another King and His name is Jesus. We are not taking our cues from the stock market or housing market but from God's Kingdom. We refuse to allow fear to control us into believing the lie that God cannot care for us! Our people are Keeping first things first: The Kingdom of God!

So what are learning in Las Vegas?

1) God's Kingdom brings provision to those that trust Him.

2) God's Kingdom gives us the right perspective and priorities to live by.

3) God's Kingdom is ruled by a higher source: King Jesus.

4) God's Kingdom adds to us when we keep it first.

So be encouraged today. God is taking care of us in Vegas and he will do the same for you.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

 

In the hectic pace of life do you ever feel like you are living on the edge? I often find myself so busy in life that I forget to enjoy life. Even though I am in the ministry and love what I am doing, I still find myself weary and needing some rest.

I have had friends tell me that I need to slow down (and maybe I do) and just chill out a little and let my body rest. But the challenge is not my body but rather my mind and emotions. You see I have learned that most of us need rest for our souls. Our souls are our mind, will and emotions. Most people may know how to rest their bodies but how about their souls?

Jesus in Matthew 11:28 -30 said "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This is how we find rest for our souls: Jesus! Everything in our life must be in the life flow of Jesus.

Jesus is not just to be experienced in a church service but His presence should be experienced everyday we wake up. Jesus is here to give us rest for our wearied minds, hearts and emotions. Today do you need some rest for your soul? You can find it in Jesus.

So take a moment out to realign yourself with the one who promises rest. He is with you, giving you His strength and Power for the journey called life.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Acts 4:31  "And when they had prayed..."

Last night we had a prayer meeting with nearly 350 people. God spoke to my heart to call a prayer meeting. It was not one designed to beg God to move but rather to thank God for moving on our behalf.

We spent time in worship and praise to Jesus! It was in that moment that literally the place began to be filled with the Glory of God. People began to praise spontaneously to the Lord. People began to shout, sing and lift their hand as God's Presence swept into the building. The Lord reminded me of Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit..."

Today let me encourage you to pray and have the Holy Spirit fill you again with a fresh enduement of power. This is the time to pray and focus in Jesus and His power that is being poured out into our lives.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Keeping our eyes on Jesus... Hebrews 12:2 a

I remember seeing a movie in which a woman was hanging over a cliff with the hero stretching his hand towards her. His words ring out in my memory as he calls out, "Don't look down, keep looking at me." As she listens to him and changes her focus from her possible fall to his hand she begins to calm down. Her fear begins to be overcome, not because she is in a better position but because she has changed her perspective! As she looks to the hero she reaches out to his extended hand and is pulled up to safety.

I cannot help but see Jesus in this picture. He is our Hero who is extending His hand out to us and is telling us "Don't Look Down!". We must look up because that is where our help is coming from in our time of need. The hand of God is reaching down to all who will look up and call upon Him and His provision. Like Peter walking on water, let us keep our eyes on Jesus and not the circumstances around us. Even when we begin to look down and around Jesus is only a prayer away.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Have you ever heard the phrase "What goes up must come down?" When you look at life you can certainly say this phrase may be true. Look at the stock market: up and down. Look at housing: up and down, look at life: up and down, look at your moods: up and down and look at you family: up and down. I began to think that everything in the natural will go up and down.

There is only dimension that stays steady and is going up: Jesus. In James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no VARIATION or SHADOW OF TURNING." The Lord is the only one that does not go up and down. He is not changing nor is He getting weaker or confused. God is the only one who is not on a roller coaster and is not freaking out over the ups and downs of life.

This is the time to stay steady with our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is Sovereign over all things, so don't let your mind or emotions keep going up and down with the turns in housing, the stock market or life. The Lord is steady and He will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on him.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

 

In the times we are living in let us put our eyes on the right source: Jesus. I was paying for something with cash and I actually looked at the money and saw the phrase "In God We Trust." I thought isn’t that ironic, as so many people are trusting in money rather than God.

How about you? Do you really trust God in these turbulent times? This is the time for us to remember what the Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." (NLT) This is a season of trust in the supernatural God we serve! Jesus will show you the path to take.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

The Lord gave me a message to preach to my church this past Sunday. I had my sermon ready to preach on Grace (pt.5) but in my office before the first service I felt prompted by the Lord to preach out of Joshua 1:1-5, 10 and 3:15. I began to see that the Children of Israel crossed over during flood season. Flood season is a season of destruction and fear. Anytime there is a flood it is not a good season. Nobody ever prays for a flood! We may pray for rain but never a flood. A flood is never a good thing.

You see many of us are in flood season. We are facing major floods in America: economic flood, mortgage flood, banking flood, stock market flood and housing flood. There is widespread fear in the heart of people. But as read further in Joshua the scriptures tell us that the Jordan River floods during harvest time.

The Lord is looking for a people who will step into the middle of the flood and believe that He is still a God who can take us through the floods and into our harvest. The greatest obstacles provide the greatest opportunities. It is time for us to see that we have the Presence of God living in us and as God directs us through the flood, we must be looking to the harvest.

Find yourself in a flood, it may be an indication of a harvest.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Today was my day off and I forgot I did not write my blog. Instead I got up before the sun rose and went golfing and had a great time with some friends. Some people cannot understand why I love golfing so much. Well here are few reasons:

1) Golf courses are some of the most beautiful places to walk.

2) It is a game that challenges you to think.

3) It is a game of self improvement.

4) It lets you get out and breathe some fresh air.

5) You only have to focus on one shot at a time.

6) Sometimes you play well and other times not so well, but you always have fun.

7) It always has a new challenge to face.

8) It helps me relax and enjoy the beautiful desert.

9) I usually get comped!

Life of a Pastor

Benny Perez

Got to speak to the youth minsitry last night. As some of you know I have taken over the youth and I preach along with Pastors Justyn and Jabin. The ministry has grown nearly 300% in just the last 6 months! God has really began to move in awesome ways in the youth.

Last night we had hundreds of youth that were praising Jesus with Passion! I preached and we saw 15 young people give their hearts to Christ. It is the most incredible feeling seeing young people surrender to Jesus and have their sins forgiven and a purpose released into their lives. I drove home thanking God for all that He did and looking forward to next Wednesday night.

Hey, I might want to find another Lead Pastor and go back to youth full time.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Last night I was thinking that what our church needs is more of the tangible Presence of God in our services. Living in Las Vegas we are constantly bombarded with what we can see and experience with our eyes. If we are not careful we can strive to have a cool church that is so hip and relevant but yet miss out on what is really important.

Lights and plasma screens do not change lives, only the Presence of God changes lives. We are aware of making the church look relevant and nice for people to come and worship. But I am still convinced that only the Power and Presence of Jesus is the only thing that can really change the lives of people.

In Exodus 33:15 Moses is speaking with God and makes an astounding statement, "The Moses said to God, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here." I want to make a declaration today, Lord I don't want to do anything unless Presence is with us. No program or ministry unless the Presence of God is operating and moving in it.

Today spend some time alone in God's Presence and remember that we want Him more than anything else.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

10 Things I RE-Learned This Week 10.03.08

Pastor Justyn

 

 

• Being a true leader means making tough decisions. This week I had to be “the bad guy” a few times. A position that I haven’t had to be in too often.
• Life isn’t fair.
• Hire very slowly—fire very quickly.
• Separate business from personal emotions and feelings.
• Don’t hire people based on promises. Hire people based on passion.
• Be careful what you promise and be slow to make promises.
• Realize what’s really important in life and invest in that. This week had an “uneasy atmosphere” due to transitions and finances. When it’s all said and done my wife and kids bring out the best in me including peace and so I invest my time into them more and more.
• Money is never the solution—God-given ideas are.
• What’s here today can be gone tomorrow later today!
• Keep trusting and supporting those who God has placed over you.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Well we just finished one of the most powerful weekends we have had this year! It was our Vision Weekend where we celebrate all God has done from last September to this September. Our church is now 5 years old and we all wonder where did the time go?

The weekend started off with our Saturday night service where I did not preach. The Presence of God was so strong I just tapped in and people began to get healed and touched. A lady who had suffered a broken back came up and God powerfully touched her. She ripped off her brace and began to move, dance and jump. All the pain gone and movement restored! The people shouted to God and it was on. Hundreds of people were touched as the service lasted 2 1/2 hours as God moved among His people.

Sunday was even better as I preached through the fourth part of our series on Grace. Hundreds of people responded and were literally liberated by the message of Grace. So many got saved and rededicated over the 5 services.

We ended with our Vision Celebration last night. The place was filled as we shared about the past year and about the future. It was a night like no other and everybody left encouraged. A few of the highlights:

1) Church has grown to 2,700! 22 % increase over last year.

2) Youth Ministry has grown 300% in the last 8 months.

3) Children Ministry now has over 720 children actively attending.

4) Giving has stayed even from last year and we will hit 4 million dollars in total giving this year.

5) Announced plans for second campus and the people cheered.

6) Safe House for young girls escaping the Sex Industry is opening next week.

7) 899 people getting right with God!

8) 1,409 guests visiting our church.

9) 225 water baptisms

10) 563 Volunteers active in our church.

Some More Highlights

A.R.M Conference – Speakers Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor Benny Perez, Dr. Samuel Chand – with standing room only for evening services and over 250 Pastors and Leaders attending the morning sessions.

Fun Fest with over 2,500 in attendance

 

Egg Hunt with over 13,000 in attendance

 

Movement Conference with over 1,000

 

Six Super Saturdays with over 4,000 in attendance

 

Mexico Missions Trip to Ensenada

 

Television Ministry on 2 times a day in Boulder City and now 2 times a week in Las Vegas.

 

We rejoiced last night, but back to believing God for more this next year.

 

Life of a Pastor,

 

Pastor Benny Perez

Well today I leave to go do a Men's Conference in Phoenix Arizona. It has been a difficult week and now I am going to preach to a great group of men. Some people say I should take some time off and then come back slowly after I have processed all that has happened. I know that in some circumstances this should be the thing to do.

However I read when Jesus found out about the death of John The Baptist that He went to a remote place to grieve and the crowds showed up. What did Jesus do? He began to minister to those that came to Him. I believe that in the midst of my grief that I can still be used by Jesus to reach out and touch others.

I believe that one of the paths to healing from emotional trauma is to reach out and help others. Never forget that whatever you give away will come back to you. So tonight and tomorrow morning I am giving away hope and healing in Jesus. I look forward to the return of it in my life.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Last night as I was finishing dinner I felt a prompting to pray instead of watching T.V. After the kids went to bed I told my wife I needed to go pray outside. As I walked out into the desert night I felt a sense of peace and stillness. I looked up and saw all the stars and begin to contemplate on the greatness of God! It was in that moment that I realized how much Jesus really loves me and is concerned with all aspects of my life.

I sensed what an awesome priviledge we have to come to the Throne of Grace to obtain mercy in time of need. The scripture came pouring into my being from Philippians 4:6-7 not to worry about anything instead pray about everything! So last night instead of watching T.V I spent time under the stars praying about everything. As I poured out my heart to God I began to sense the Peace of God. That He is going to take care of everything, all I need to do is trust Him.

How about you today? Maybe it is time to turn off the T.V and tune into the Lord through prayer. Jesus is the best show on tonight. Go speak to Him tonight and then let Him to speak to you.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

It is great to Pastor the Greatest Church in America. You see most of the time as a Pastor I am ministering to my people, but during this time of my life the people are really ministering to me. We have been so overwhelmed with the love and prayers of our people. I know that having 2 1/2 thousand people is great, but having loving, caring Christ Followers is even better.

Thank you to all of my friends and Pastors who have written emails, sent texts and have overwhelmed us with flowers. You love and compassion is such a support during this time. The Bible says in Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Thank you to everybody who is living this scripture!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

It is Tuesday morning, the day after Wendy was in the hospital. As many of you know we lost our fourth child in the 3rd month of pregnancy. It has been one of the most challenging times for us as Parents and Pastors. Even though we did not get to see our baby with your eyes he was already in our hearts. It is during this time that Jesus and His Word become even more real to me.

I found comfort in Psams 16:7 - 11 and will share some of my insights:

1) Continue to Bless the Lord even in the hard times.

2) God is the one who is directing my steps.

3) God is always with me and He will keep me stable.

4) God will bring me out emotionally from this trauma.

5) God is still God and will continue to lead me towards abundant life.

6) God's Presence brings comfort and joy.

7) God has a special reunion for me and my son.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

 

Today I was at the hospital with my wife Wendy. I want to thank everybody for their prayers as we walk through a tough time in our lives. Many of you know that Wendy lost her baby after 3 months of being pregnant.

It is hard time but I thank God that He is with us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I will write more tomorrow.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Just had an awesome time last nigt preaching for Word of Life Christian Center in Hawaii with Pastor Art Sepulveda. It is one of the most passionate places where one can preach. The Move of God was awesome as so many were touched by the Power of God.

Thank you to all of you who were praying for me as I was ministering in Hawaii. I know what you are thinking "It must be tough to preach in Hawaii?" It is not tough to preach in Hawaii, it is tough leaving my family.

Pray for us this weekend here in Vegas. We plan on seeing more people get right with God and for our services to be Passionate.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

I remember seeing a book that said "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff It Is Still Small Stuff." But then I read that Jesus said if you are faithful over a little he will make you ruler of much (Matthew 25:23). I don't think we need to sweat the small stuff  but pay attention to the little stuff. God is looking for us to pay attention and be faithful in the small stuff and then we can handle the bigger stuff.

Today what are you going to pay attention too? The little details are important to help you get elevated to the bigger stuff.

Remember stuff just happens,

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Today I am thinking about who am I trying to please. As a Pastor I constantly fight the urge to please people even when I know I cannot possibly do it all. One of the traps is really focusing to much on people and not enough on God.

The question should be asked today "Is God pleased with me?" When you live a God Centered life then all the pressure is taken off of performance and put on being who God has called me to be. Living a God Centered life will cause me to be a pleasant person to others without letting the pleasing people mindset to dominate my life.

How about you today? God or man first. I will take God!

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

I learned an important lesson today. I need to continue to plan out my day or my day will plan it out for me. I usually get set the night before but was running late and decided to go with the flow. The problem with the flow is that it is not flowing in the direction I want.

Solution is to stop and get back to the important things and let the urgent things keep flowing down stream.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

It is Monday Morning and I get a chance to think about what happened this past weekend in church. I get to rejoice and thank the Lord for what He did through us. This past weekend was exciting as 54 people got right with God! The church was alive with excitement and passion for God and people. As my friend Craig Groeschel says we had the "IT" factor working this weekend. The result people coming to Jesus.

So this Monday I am feeling so grateful to be in ministry, serving Jesus. I have learned to take life one day at time. Today is a good day.

Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Change can be a very difficult word for all of us. People love to get comfortable in the routines of life. Most of us resist change and don't pray to God for change. Yet we realize change does come, because change is the only constant in life.

Remember that you will never grow unless there is change. So when change comes quit complaining about change because complaining never changes change. Instead realize that God is growing you through all the change you are experiencing. His Grace is sufficient as you are going through changes.

So today whatever changes you are experiencing, learn to embrace them, learn from them and grow from them. You will see a better you on the other side.

The Life of a Pastor,

Benny Perez

Felt prompted to get to church early this morning. I got to the office at 5:45 am before the sun had really risen. Then I went to the worship center to pray and seek the Lord. I was reminded how often times Jesus rose early in the morning to spend time with the Father. The scripture came pouring back into my mind "Don't worry about anything but in everything with prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known to God." Phil. 4:6

This morning I learned that:

1) Prayer really does relieve the worry.

2) Starting the day early with prayer makes you more focused.

3) Beating the sun to meet the Son makes a world of difference.

4) I get more done in an hour with nobody around than 2 with the office buzzing.

5) I like praying not just at 5:45 am every morning.

Benny Perez

Well yesterday I drove over 700 miles in one day. I left Vegas to drive to San Diego to see my friend's Sergio Delamora's new church. He is building an incredible facility and I wanted to get ideas for our new building. I took 4 staff members and left at 5 am in the morning and got back home to Vegas at 6 pm.

I learned on this one day road trip a few things:

1) Travel with people you like. This applies to doing ministry with people you like.

2) Getting out of your familiar surroundings gets the creative juices flowing.

3) Look and ask as many questions as you can.

4) Learn from others ideas and ask the why behind those ideas.

5) Remain a teachable person.

6) Don't try and copy but learn to adapt things for your environment.

7) Don't too many of these trips in one week.

Thanks for reading my first blog.

 

Benny Perez

What is God doing in your church? Let us know so we can celebrate with you.