Life's Journey

He awakens early in the morning, eats a hearty breakfast, when asked the secret of his long life, the ex-Raider great smiles and quipped, “Not dying.” But there’s more to it than that. A passionate man of God, “I’m a firm believer that God has His hand in everything that happens. He is letting me live for some reason. I try to do the things that I believe He wants me to.”

In the accounts of the Holy Bible. Ezra the priest experienced the “good hand of his God upon him” when he led a delegation to Jerusalem to provide spiritual leadership for the former captives who were rebuilding the temple and the city (Ezra 7:9-10). Ezra found strength and courage in knowing that the Lord was with them each step of the way. “So I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me” (v.28). When we see the Lord’s hand in our lives, it brings forth a deep “Thank You” and a growing desire to do what He wants us to do. If we would view through eyes of faith the course of each new day, We’d quickly see God’s gracious hand in all that comes our way. —Jim Otto, says if you know that God’s hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God’s hands.

Jim Otto, Testifies- of his God given passion, Having had a gladiator's mentality has given him the heart to survive. Remember, He's from an era when NFL gladiators weren't paid well. But there wasn't ever any question about his commitment to duty. Sally and Jim are very spiritual. They believe God is keeping him around because He has a plan for the Raider Nation... He's a benevolent person at heart, and he loves to help others. Jim Otto says God must want me here on Earth for that purpose.

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Oh, What a Feeling!

Oftentimes the things you think you want, or are supposed to do in life, may not always be what God has plan sometimes the correct path in life is not God's Will, for you, Life, it seems, is always full of choices, and different paths you may or may not choose to take. You may think you want to do one thing, or are supposed to go one way, but perhaps you are actually meant to take a different path. Sometimes, if it appears you are not meant to take a certain path in life, trying to travel down the road anyhow can be a little foolish. You can try to travel the same path over and over again, but often the end result will always be the same. Maybe it is a road you are simply not meant to travel?

LB Rod Martin #53 is a good example of a man that traveled down the path of life filled with obstacles, he made many choices throughout his journey as a man and football player picked in the 12th round, which was five rounds after the current draft cuts off. He hauled in three interceptions in the Super Bowl XV win over the Eagles. He played for the Raiders for 12 years and went to two Pro Bowls and was named to one All Pro team.

You have to love this shot of Rod Martin, the look of victory after winning Super Bowl XV. Not only did the Raiders win that Super Bowl, Rod Martin recorded a Super Bowl record three interceptions in one game! That record has stood for many years. What was Rod thinking during the celebration with arms stretched towards the top of the Super Dome, with 3 fingers in the air on both hands indicating his three interceptions to the area in which his family sat amongst the Raider Nation with thoughts of being victorious in the biggest game of his life. Recently at a "Raidersville" pre-game event Rod expressed his decision to persevere at a young age through that path he become a Champion.

For the word of God can revive the soul and give it consolation and hope, and the grace of the Lord is filled with power enabling it to instill joy in the heart of the man. God and His statutes can be more of a surpassing value than all the riches in the world? As we all know Rod Martin's career as a NFL player almost never happened, but for some reason it always seemed that the right people were put in his path. It's when he learned about the power of perseverance every obstacle that presented it self was an opportunity to improve his condition.

We often fail to see beyond the obstacle. Problems are there in every person’s life but the way we look at the problem is what matters. We can make a mess of our lives or we can chose to handle our problem. We need to go beyond the problem to get the solution. Trials make us stronger. Life is full of challenges but God will help us to face these challenges and make us bold as we travel in our journey. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him...James 1:12

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Honor your Father and Mother...

It can truly be said the Fellowship of compassion is a shining example of our commitment to care for the our elderly from generation to generation. "We are grateful for the many friends who have embraced this work with us." Many needy elderly or, orphans, and street children around the world are sustained with life’s basic necessities. This ongoing story of love and care has given new life to thousands of these destitute people—many of whom would otherwise be completely alone. We remember the words of Mother Theresa: "We cannot do great things on this earth. We can only do small things with great love." Compassion helps us all to develop our sense of gratitude. Living fully includes caring for yourself and giving care to others. Keeping both in balance will make your journey through life rich and rewarding. Giving care is sacred.

Recognize that your actions are prayer in motion. Value the gifts of care giving. It's an opportunity to grow in tolerance, patience, compassion, and understanding of the limitless power of love. Let your wise and gentle inner voice guide you in your care giving. There is no perfect way to care. Perfection isn't the goal. Love is... during the off-season Oakland Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski surprised Napa High School senior Michaela by presenting her with the Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Award during class. Michaela was selected by the Raiders to receive a special honor awarded to only six students in the Bay Area. Gradkowski acknowledged Michaela’s achievements while also taking the time to motivate her classmates to continue their success beyond high school.

Michaela’s community work was at the core of her scholarship essay. “She wrote about starting a club her junior year called Care Compassion and Rejuvenation for the Elderly, so she wrote about her experience doing care,” said Michaela. “I also wrote about my trips to New Orleans. I’ve been going for the past four years to rebuild houses there. I also spoke about playing water polo.” Michaela will be using the scholarship when she attends Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington in the fall. Gradkowski, a graduate of the University of Toledo, is no stranger to hard work and dedication to be successful in school and on the field. The Raiders quarterback was excited to make an appearance at Michaela’s high school to present the prestigious award. “To be able to present to her and to see the excitement was very cool,” explained Gradkowski. “I think it was an awesome thing for Michaela. That’s a great achievement as a high school senior to get a scholarship to help out for college.”

While the award was being presented to Michaela in a room full of excited Napa High seniors who were only days away from graduation, Gradkowski offered the students advice. He explained how it is important to continue to focus on education and learning, and to also focus on time management. He wanted to make sure the students took Michaela’s achievements as an example and to continue those accomplishments in their lives. “We need to remind kids how important their education is because nowadays you have to go to college,” explained Gradkowski. “Getting that high school education, doing well and then moving on to college is always good. It’s good to see such a good school like Napa High with someone achieving that.” The compassion and love this young lady illustrated for the elderly and people in need is a reflection of honor to her parents... The Bible tells us, Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12.

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Every Knee Shall Bow before Him...

Jesus Christ the Savior is "very God" but he is also "very human"! He was in every way like us but he did not have the fallen nature of sin in His life, therefore Satan could find nothing in Him and could n...ot touch him. Pilate could find no fault in Him either. Jesus was humble and perfect. The High Priest Caiaphas prophesied, without fully understanding his prophecy, that "one man should die to save the whole nation" (John 11: 49–52) and other nations also. Therefore, God’s plan for man’s redemption took place, in God’s perfect time and place, and Jesus was the perfect sacrificial lamb.

Many people in the world still think it was a dreadful tragedy and mistake that Jesus was put to death, and that this was the end of his ministry, but that is far from the truth. This beautiful plan of salvation (the gospel) was in place before creation began, and everything that happened was foretold in the Scriptures. This was the very reason why Jesus came. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17).

Those who have discovered this truth long that everyone should understand God’s love for them and choose to bow before the Lord today. For one day everyone in heaven, on the earth and under the earth will bow their knee to the Lord Jesus Christ and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). As Oakland Raiders DB #34 Michael Mitchell does, a Christian Raiders player who bows to the Lord before his fellow man, by his faith in Christ. He is a prime example of that day to come...

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Raider Love?

"Can we legislate love into Law." In the Bible, love is commanded. That is what Moses told the nation of Israel: "I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways" (Deut. 30:16). And Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God” (Mark 12:30). How can God command love? His supreme display of love at Calvary gave Him that right. Jesus’ beloved disciple, John, wrote: "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. For whoever so believes?

This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, (1John 3:16, 23). What opportunities do you have to obey God’s command to love? Honoring parents by caring and providing for them? Ministering to a sick friend? Offering a gracious and kind word to someone who is difficult to love? Our prayer should be Lord, because You laid down Your life for us, help me to show love to others. Love is an attitude, love is a prayer, For someone in sorrow, a heart in despair; Love is good will for the gain of another, Love suffers long with the fault of a brother.

The opportunities that the Raider Nation has had over the years are countless, through the commandment of gospel the attitude of loving others has been revealed once again amongst the Raider faithful. On Sunday, July 18, 2010 The Oakland Raiders fulfilled a young boys wish, struck by pituitary germinoma Jailen Cooper's precious heart had searched for answers that evaded him for so long he got lost in a maze of confusion hidden under a mask of innocence; he dared to dream the impossible...

His wish was granted by the make a wish foundation to meet the Oakland Raiders (his wish was granted on May 26) Jailen’s wish started when he received a phone call from Raiders head coach Tom Cable inviting him to spend the day with the team. Jailen’s day included holding one of the Raiders’ Super Bowl trophies, touring team headquarters with All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, getting his own locker in the team locker room, tackling running back Darren McFadden at the end of practice and joining Cable for his post-practice press conference. Truly, a heart warming story of Gods command to Love by the opportunities that present themselves...we as fans could only imagine the joy in this young boys heart...

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Quest for Wisdom...

Have you ever felt like a spiritual failure? If so, then you're in good company. Even the Apostle Peter felt that way after he denied the Lord. When Jesus told the disciples they would abandon Him in His hour of need, Peter insisted that he never would. But Jesus said that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed that day. And he did.

Now Peter finds himself in an awkward moment. Jesus was crucified and had risen on the third day. He suddenly appears to them at the Sea of Galilee. Before they knew it, Jesus was cooking breakfast for everyone with the fish He had just helped them catch. Maybe as they ate, Peter was remembering when, not all that long ago, he denied the Lord by the glow of another fire. Eventually, the Lord breaks the silence. He asks Peter a series of questions, each with the same phrase: "Do you love Me?" Peter had learned his lesson. Instead of boasting of his love for the Lord, he simply answers, "Yes Lord; You know that I love you" (John 21:15–17).

In the midst of his quest for wisdom, Peter struggled with his own passions and with relationships. A person who cherished the companionship of others, Peter finally found love and affection for the Lord. Through his convictions. Peter knew firsthand the grief and the regret that come with broken relationships and the experience of loss. Peters search for truth continued throughout his experiences. Perplexed by the reality of evil and the prevalence of innocent suffering in the world he becomes a power of light in a fallen world.

Reading the gospel will enable you to deepen your spiritual quest. We should look at Peter's awkward moment by recognizing we've all been there, Many of us have regret that has come from broken relationships or loss of love ones. John, tells us "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1John 3:18). The awareness the power of love and forgiveness is emerging amongst the Raider fan base by their generous giving. Many have become the Silver Lining for people in need everywhere you turn there's some type of fundraiser event. The Lords words "Do you love Me? have echoed in the hearts of the Raider faithful learning to love has brought many stories which to speak of challenges of leading a generous life. These folktales form a cultural memory of who we have been. . . who we are . . . and who we might become.

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


Stewardship Of It's People...

We are living in an environment that challenges us to continually evaluate what it means to live the Christian life. So how do we respond? The answer begins with the Bible. Our view of culture must include biblical insights. As we investigate passages of Scripture pertaining to culture. In some measure God "is responsible for the presence of culture, for he created human beings in such a way that we are culture-producing beings. God holds us responsible for cultural stewardship. We should not fear the surrounding culture; instead, we should strive to contribute to it through God- given creativity, and transform it through dialogue and proclamation.

We should practice discernment while living within culture. The products of culture should be judged on the basis of intent, not form. We advance God's theory as the apostle Paul articulates in (I Corinthians 9:19-22). That is, he views human culture primarily as a vehicle to be used by him and his people for Christian purposes, rather than as an enemy to be combatted or by ignoring the opportunity. The Oakland Raiders have long been pioneers, both on and off the field, with regards to the team’s global outreach. The Silver and Black maintains a global presence and communicates with the worldwide Raider Nation through the team's official web sites which feature original and translated content in six different languages - Tagalog, Japanese, German, Chinese, Spanish and English. The Biblical awareness amongst the organization is a blessing within a Culture of a Nation.

Throughout the world people move from one community to another leaving their mark in society generation after generation they bring their customs, foods, culture, and religious views as we view the beauty of God's portrait of creation one can only applaud His purpose...As the team commits to it's multicultural fan base. One can only say, God Bless the Raider Nation...

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"


An Extra Day Off For The Boys...

If the Raiders weren’t going to get the day off Monday, it was never going to happen under Tom Cable. Past regimes have more often than not instituted a so-called victory Monday, where players are given Monday off to go along with the mandatory Tuesday off before reporting to work Wednesday. Cable has never had a victory Monday before, always having the team in to view film and go through a routine of meetings with a light workout. All it took to get Cable to institute "Victory Monday" was eight touchdowns and a 59-14 win over the Denver Broncos. A few players straggled in anyway during the open locker room session to get in a light workout or come in for treatment.

Tuesdays are the mandatory off day for the players via the NFL Players Union. You aren’t required to show your face at the facility, but most guys still come in and lift, get treatment, and get a jump start on film study for the next opponent. In the afternoon, most guys do community service (hospital visits, school visits, speaking engagements, etc.) and sneak in a movie or a round of golf. Oh, my what a beautiful thing my friends. Christ's example shows us today that even the National Football League has it's Sabbath it's a day of physical rest and spiritual rejuvenation. It is meant to be a welcome, refreshing break from their weekly labors, a time during which they must no longer be absorbed in their ordinary weekly cares and concerns of game-day.

God's Word tells us that His commandments are never burdensome (1 John 5:3). They are not meaningless or arbitrary. They were given to humanity in love from a God of infinite wisdom and knowledge (Isaiah 55:8-9). They were given to be a benefit to mankind, bringing blessings when obeyed (Deuteronomy 4:40; 5:29, 33). These commandments include God's Sabbath. It is a day of rest and refreshing, a gift to mankind by the One who designed and created us. It is a time for physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. God knew that we would need this time to nurture and strengthen a right relationship with Him.

Part of the Sabbath command reads, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work . . ." God tells us to take care of our ordinary work and concerns on the other six days, leaving our time and our minds free to properly worship and obey Him by observing the Sabbath. When we are free to focus our minds and thoughts on God's way and purpose, the Sabbath truly becomes the blessing and delight God intends it to be (Isaiah 58:13-14). As for the Silver and Black Monday was just a extra blessing for this past weekend's one-sided victory against Denver Broncos.

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"

The Narrow Road

The road to success is narrow, and many will miss it because the road to failure is broad and easy. Plant your feet firmly upon the rock of your desire to become the best. It is easy to fail; when you do not work hard, and do not have a dream that's all it takes. However, that is all right, because somewhere out there is an ordinary person hoping that is exactly what you are doing nothing. Yes, the road to an average, mediocre life is easy, but for those who have a dream, the road to success is another story.

What mental picture do you have of Jesus? What did He look like when they took Him off the cross, what does He look like now, while we await His glorious return? The question is that Christ stands in heaven, the Lamb, as if slain. Does He bear the marks of His crucifixion, will He for eternity, not as a remonstrance to us, but as a reminder of His love? Clearly, the marks of crucifixion were evident after the resurrection, before He ascended into heaven: I do not even have to go into the crucifixion accounts of the Gospels, easy enough to find and read, for you to get a sense that it was a beaten body taken down off the cross, and I believe that when we meet Jesus we will see the marks He bore in love and continues to do so even in His glory.

The narrow road to success has it's physical appearance throughout one's journey in life. It is interesting that very little physical description of Jesus is given in the bible, It's for a good reason. while we can surmise some from where and when He walked the earth as a man, we are left to let our mind's capture thoughts of what Jesus looks like. I think that allows us to approach Him on terms we are comfortable with, at least until He comes back in glory and removes all doubt. It takes passion and hard work on the part of anyone who wants to be the best. Jesus sent the standard of success by taking the narrow road of obedience. How much work will it take you? That depends on your final goal, or the greatness of your dream. If you want to be the best, then you are going to have to do more than others.

Oakland Raider owner Al Davis who is more responsible for the modern day NFL than anyone else alive in the country. He is, without a doubt, the single greatest living influence in the NFL. The narrow road of success that was put in his path did not come easy the countless opportunities and failures has bored the marks of physical endurance over the years. His road to success came within the heart desiring to be the best in his quest for greatness from a heart, mind, and soul that would not settle for an ordinary life, but extraordinary. These words of hope come from the roots of our country's heritage where ordinary people, who have a dream, work hard to achieve. Winners never look for the easy way out. They simply look at the impossible, and say to themselves with God all things are possible.

Count the cost before you start down this road; for in a month, or in a year will you still be fighting to become the best? Oh, but the road to success is filled with life, happiness, and sweet, sweet victory! Are you ready to travel down this road to success no matter what the price? Learn to enjoy the journey and be committed to the long haul to achieve your heart's desire. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26).

Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"