In recent years, we have seen a paradigm shift in corporate America from “Personnel Departments” to “Human Resources”. This transition represents a growing awareness of the most important aspect of most organizations: people. Recognizing the value of the human contribution in industry represents a new way of thinking about capital resources.
Living in one of the most beautiful areas of Southern California, we are also surrounded everyday by 
another type of resource that we can easily take for granted: natural resources. From the amazing expanse of our local ocean to the majesty within our mountains and the myriads of wonders in between; our backyard is replete with natural resources of all kinds. There is enough to keep us learning and adventuring for a lifetime.
There is another type of resource that abounds in our neighborhood: spiritual resource. Like very few other places on the planet and throughout history, our community boasts a diversity and wealth of access to spiritual resource. One of these local information depots is Calvary Bookstore, a non-profit Christian resource center in Oak View.
The scriptures say, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). On Sunday mornings throughout the valley, people gather to worship God and learn of His ways. As part of that experience, it is pretty common to hear a message from the Bible with an application to our everyday lives. The intention is that these truths and spiritual principles would begin to be applied to people’s lives and the result would be a deeper connection with the presence and changing power of God, new wisdoms in choices, and a more amazing abundant life experience.
History shows us that this learning opportunity as part of worship has always been part of the church experience since the beginning. The book of Acts records that first century followers of Jesus would generally gather in homes on Sunday morning to pray, eat together, enjoy fellowship, and be taught of God’s ways.
Today, every individual in our community who wants to own their own copy of the Bible can. If someone needs a Bible, they can even get a free one at Calvary Bookstore. There are also myriads of convenient translations available, some contain special study notes inside, and others are multi-colored or multi-lingual. Just about every variation conceivable is exists. It is amazing to consider that it was only a matter of centuries ago that people were sentenced to death because of their insistence that the Bible should be available to common people in their own language; namely English.
In addition, there are so many other resources including scripture commentaries, teachings, spiritual writings of all sorts, life stories and testimonies, study aids, audio, video, etc., that sometimes it may be difficult to know where to begin. I am excited that Calvary Bookstore exists to help provide spiritual resources to our community and support the many ministries that take place throughout the valley and beyond. Calvary Bookstore is a volunteer run, non-profit ministry serving the entire Ojai Valley and beyond. Our staff of volunteers invite you to visit and check us out. New holiday hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 – 4.
The Bible says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. (2 Timothy 2:15) I believe we need to be diligent in our value of our “human resources” and protect human life wherever we can, both locally and abroad. I believe we need to be diligent in our stewardship of our natural resources, and protect the environment that it can be enjoyed by future generations. I also believe that we should be diligent to support, protect, and use our spiritual resources and grow in our connection with God. We have so many resources available; what will you do with them?