Blog Archives - River of Life Church

The Darkness of Depression

2/28/2013

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention record that an estimated 1 in 10 Americans report depression. Studies were done in 2006 and 2008. Participants were considered to have major depression if, for "more than half the days," they reported meeting at least five of the eight criteria, including at least one of the following:
1)      little interest or pleasure in doing things
2)      feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3)      trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much
4)      feeling tired or having little energy
5)      poor appetite or overeating
6)      feeling bad about yourself or that you were a failure or let yourself or your family down
7)      trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8)      moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed…or the opposite: being so fidgety or restless that you were moving around a lot more than usual."

Who Tends to be Most Depressed?
This study found the following groups to be more likely to meet criteria for major depression:
·         persons 45-64 years of age
·         women
·         blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or multiple races
·         persons with less than a high school education
·         those previously married
·         individuals unable to work or unemployed
·         persons without health insurance coverage
From http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdepression/

Depression may be brought on by situations, developmentally, biologically, or spiritually. Christians suffer from depression. Some “Christian” myths about depression:
-“Real Christians” aren’t susceptible to major depression
- Depression is solely a spiritual disorder or moral failure
- Depression = “the Dark Night of the Soul”
- A depressed person cannot be a “good witness”
- Depression is caused by God
- Depressed persons should avoid medicine (psychotropic, mood stabilizers, etc.) and/or psychotherapy and should let their depression “sanctify” them
- Prayer and Bible reading are sufficient to end or minimize depression

So, what should you do?
Because you are mind, soul and body, you should give attention to each.
>See your doctor. Your doctor can discover chemical or hormonal imbalances.
>See your pastor or a Christian counselor. A counselor can help heal your soul.
>Embrace the Holy Spirit in prayer and scripture. The Holy Spirit can heal your spirit.

Psalms 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the Lord;
    He turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.

Murder Mystery Dinner

2/27/2013

Earlier this month, our church hosted a murder mystery dinner. The couple that organized the evening and those who helped make it happen did a fantastic job. The evening began at 6:00pm and ended three and a half hours later. Each of the participant were given a character role with a brief background description along with suggestions of costume.

Over the delicious four course meal, more information was given to each character. Some if it was to be shared to the group and some was only to be given if directly asked. The plot thickened and midway through the evening, one of the characters was “murdered”. Now it was the task for each of us to discover how they were murdered, what room in the plot they were murdered and which one of the group was the murderer.

At the end of the evening, we were full of delicious food, deepened our relationships through a delightful evening and did not correctly guess the murderer. If only real life was this fun all the time!

There is a real killer we face every day of our lives. He is described as a thief and a lion. Our enemy is the devil and he wants to destroy those who love and serve Jesus Christ. Your protection is the full life you have in Christ and being alert.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Bible and 41000 Denominations

2/26/2013

Christianity Today cited that there are 41,000 Christian denominations worldwide. Each denomination bases their beliefs on one single book, the Bible. Each denomination is not necessarily a different belief. Many are similar, but have a different form of church government or have a very, minor yet specific belief that makes them distinct. Some denominations are under the Christian category because they are not Buddist, Hindu or any of the other non-Christian religions, but in reality are not Christian in their faith.

What would be a good definition of Christian faith? The Nicene Creed has been used as a yardstick of correct Christian belief. The creed was first adopted in 325 and modified in 381 at the Council of Constantinople. Here is the version from 381:

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible.

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father [the only-begotten; that is, of the essence of the Father, God of God], Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds (æons), Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;

By whom all things were made [both in heaven and on earth];

by whom all things were made;

Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down and was incarnate and was made man;

who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;

He suffered, and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven;

he was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;

From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Ghost.
And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spake by the prophets.

In one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Many of the 41,000 denominations would agree on either versions of this creed. There is a greater unity among them than what would appear when recognizing 41,000 different denominations. Unity, not uniformity is the scriptural call for the church.

Ephesians 4:3-6
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

God's Academy Awards Night

2/25/2013

Last night was the 85th Academy Awards night where “Argo” was the Best Film winner. Oscar awards were given to best actor, best actresses, best director, best documentary, and the best of many more categories. Today, the news is all about who won, who did not win, best dressed, worse dressed and any other gossipy news. The most shown clip from last night appears to be when an actress took a digger ascending the steps to receive her award.

God has an award night at the end of this age. Jesus is the emcee. One of the awards given is a crown to those who serve as pastors and leaders of Christians.
1 Peter 5:1-4
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Crowns will be given to Christians who endure trials and suffering in this life.

James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Christians who lives aggressively according to God’s standards and principles receive a crown.
2 Timothy 2:5
Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

Get your victory speech ready, you may be receiving an award and watch those steps!

A Holy Spirit Indicator Light

2/22/2013

The printer in our church office has been warning us for weeks that it was low on toner. A warning light flashed and words scrolled by on the printer screen telling us it was low. When printing, a warning box appeared on the computer monitor giving us the same message.

I think it would be great if there was a warning light on me indicating that I was low on the Holy Spirit. A LED message would flash indicating the need to get filled soon. If we had an early warning system, we would never run spiritually dry again.

Last week the printer quit warning us and refused to print anymore. Half of the bulletins were printed, our children’s leader wanted to print material for Sunday and the printer refused. The cartridge was taken out, shook and replaced – still nothing. The old empty toner cartridge was still in the office and was put in replacing the newer empty cartridge – that gained us three more copies.

The Holy Spirit gives you and I some pretty clear warning signals that we are running dry. Our thought life struggles. Those nearest to us recognize less patience, less grace and more irritability. The warning lights are going off and if you do not get filled with the Holy Spirit eventually you shut down spiritually.

Today, the printer is getting a replacement cartridge filled with toner. A back-up cartridge will be purchased also, to avoid running dry again.

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence. God’s ways works and the Holy Spirit wants permission to lead you into doing life God’s way.

Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Getting Ready for Easter

2/21/2013

The season of Lent is significant for my spiritual life even though it was not recognized on the calendar of the church I was raised in and is not on the calendar of the church I serve.

ChristianAnn Drummond, Seminary Student Senate Spiritual Life coordinator at Bethel Seminary shares the following regarding Lent:
“Some reflections on this season of Lent:
Lent is meant to be a season of reflection as we prepare our hearts for Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Lent is meant to be about simplicity. How might God be calling us to remember the simple truths about who God is and who we are? Often the focus of lent becomes "giving something up." However, the real grace is when we recognize that Lent is a season in which God wants to give us something. God wants to help us transform our lives and make us more free as people -- not just freer with God, but in the way we live our lives, participate in our communities and love our families.

So here are some questions as we enter into this season:
>What simple truths does God want me to remember this season? God's grace, God's love, God's redemption, God's healing, God's power, God's character?
>What might God want to change in my heart? How does God want to transform me during these 40 Days?
>How is God inviting me to become more like Christ?
>What might God be inviting me to let go of? What might God be inviting me to hold on to?”
ChristianAnn

Whether you have participated in Lent for years or if you are observing it for the very first time, perhaps God is inviting you to prepare your heart for Easter in a special way this year.

A Great and Tragic Launch Service

2/20/2013

My morning reading in the Bible was an event in Leviticus early in the life of Israel worshiping in the newly assembled tabernacle. The book of Exodus tells of God delivered them out of their slavery in Egypt. The book of Leviticus is about God getting Egypt out of people. One of the first actions God did was to give the 10 Commandments to Moses and detailed instructions on how to worship Him.

Aaron and his two sons were chosen by God to be priests. They were given special clothes and tasks in the tabernacle. After a seven day ordination they hold the first public service. There were sin offerings, burnt offerings, fellowship offerings, and wave offerings. The sacrifices were presented just as God directed. Moses and Aaron go into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people and something amazing happened – God’s glory shows up for everyone to see.
Leviticus 9:24 (NIV)
Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.

This is a great service! This is what we long for each Sunday and every day that we come before the Lord. The launch service at the tabernacle was a huge success. Nadab and Abihu were rookie leaders in presiding over a service that God shows up. They grabbed their ceremonial vessels, put hot coals in them, added some incense to be burned in the vessels, got it burning and offered it to the LORD.

God had given detailed instruction about worship to Moses and Moses passed it on to Aaron, Nadab and Abihu. Nadab and Abihu broke protocol and what happened next was a powerful demonstration that made the people aware that they existed for God.
Leviticus 10:2-3 (NIV)
2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when He said:
“‘Among those who approach me
I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
I will be honored.’”
Aaron remained silent.

The launch service just took a serious turn. Soon the people would be holding their first funeral service as free people. The remaining times that Nadab and Abihu are mentioned in Scripture, two things are told: they offered unauthorized fire and they died without sons.

Sobering questions from that event:
> What am I doing that God has not given me permission to do?
> What am I doing that honors God by living as though He is very holy?

Can You Change The World?

2/19/2013

Recently, I read articles about influencing society, affecting our culture and changing the world. The proposals were profound and meaningful; reduce poverty, increase education, provide justice. There is something in each of us that wants to make a difference for the betterment of our world. There is also the reality that you and I are just one person. I am not certain about you, but I know that I am not wired to rally hundreds of thousands of people to change our world.

You and I can change our homes. You can influence the area of our work, whether it is a cubical, office, or department. One smile at a time, one offer at a time, one person at a time and there is change. It is not likely to be noticed on CNN or national breaking news. It is noticed by the life of the person you touched.

Around the world, global poverty is down from what it was five years ago. Infant mortality is improving. There is still terrible suffering in our world, but people are making a difference one person and one day at a time.

Jesus chose twelve ordinary people. He told them to change their world through their message and acts of service.
Matthew 10:7-8
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Today, smile at the person in the car across from you at the stop light.
Ask the teller at the store you are making your purchase at how their work day is going.
Explore where you can volunteer in your community in the areas of your passion and interest.
Offer to pray for someone in need to day.

You can change your world!

President's Day Prayer

2/18/2013

Today, is Presidents’ Day, which falls on the third Monday of February and is both a federal and state holiday. The day marks the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) and George Washington’s birthday (February 22). No school, no mail and typically no banking. Other than a day off for a portion of the population and stores holding special Presidents’ Day sales, there are very little observances or traditions surrounding this holiday.

Steven Spielberg directed and produced the film Lincoln which premiered October 8, 2012. I did not see the movie in the theater, but wish to watch it when it is released on DVD this March. The film is based in part on Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of Lincoln, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, and covers the final four months of Lincoln's life, focusing on the President's efforts in January 1865 to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution passed by the United States house of Representatives.

Lincoln and Washington are remembered as two of our nation’s greatest presidents because of the adversities they encountered and positive impact they made upon our nation. You and I are called to pray for our president and leaders of our nation. They face tremendous challenges and your prayers can move them to bring godly impact upon our nation.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

This President’s Day, remember to pray for our president and our leaders.

What Would Jesus Say to Oscar Pistorius?

2/15/2013

From world.time.com: “South African prosecutors on Friday formally charged ‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius with shooting and killing his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day. At Pretoria Magistrates Court, prosecutors told chief magistrate Desmond Nair they would argue that Pistorius committed “premeditated murder” on Feb. 14 at his home in the South African capital.

Police have said that Steenkamp was shot in the head and the hand. Local media reports suggested Friday that the police had been called to Pistorius’ home at the Silver Woods secure housing estate in Pretoria just past midnight after neighbors reported hearing a loud argument. They were then called back a second time two hours later, around 3.00 am, after the shooting. The Afrikaans newspaper Die Beeldt reported Steenkamp had been shot four times through a bathroom door and had been hit in the hand, the pelvis, the chest and the head. On Thursday a police spokeswoman discounted initial media reports that Pistorius shot Steenkamp accidentally, thinking she was an intruder, and added officers were investigating “previous allegations of a domestic nature” at Pistorius’ home.”

Read more: http://world.time.com/2013/02/15/details-emerge-of-girlfriend-murder-case-against-blade-runner-oscar-pistorius/#ixzz2KyYkcvJl

Reeva Steenkamp, 30, the alleged murder victim of her boyfriend, Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, 26, was known as a top model, a men's magazine cover girl, an activist and a budding reality show star. She also graduated with a law degree from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

During the summer Olympics, I was cheering for Pistorius because of what I saw on the outside; a determined, hard-working, do not give up winner. If the allegations are true, then what was on the inside is a very different person.

Jesus spoke harshly to the spiritual leaders who looked good on the outside, but inside were corrupt. Jesus’ words apply not only to the leaders then, but to the Oscar Pistorius’ in our world, to myself and to yourself as leaders in our homes, schools, work, communities and churches. We must be authentic, real inwardly and outwardly.

Matthew 23: 28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

The entire chapter is addressing this issue and we can avoid living like a hypocrite by taking Jesus’ call to action in these five areas:
1.       Be Humble(vs 12).
2.       Be Just (vs 23).
3.       Be Merciful (vs 23).
4.       Be Faithful (vs 23).
5.       Be Authentic (vs28).

Reeva Steenkamp posted this prayer on Instagram on January 29:

Dear God,
     I need you. Everyday,
     Every moment, Every second
     that I breathe, I need you.
     I am not strong enough on my own.
     Amen.