Blog Archives - River of Life Church

Graduation Journey

5/31/2013

It is the time of the year where graduation ceremonies and open houses become a part of our social calendars. Students celebrate the joy of accepting their high school diploma or college degree. There is often the excitement of not fully knowing the next steps that are ahead of them.

This year marks a graduation for me. I began taking seminary courses eight years ago. I took one class each term just to sharpen the blade for me spiritually. Two years ago, I began intentionally forming a master’s degree and stepped up to two classes each term.

One of my strengths-finders characteristics is learner. I have enjoyed the challenges and discovery I have encountered from Theology, Greek, Preaching, Missiology and Christian Ethics to name just a few topics taken. The church I serve has gained from my coursework. I have shored up some loose boards in my theological and professional shack.

I am blessed that the next steps ahead of me are serving the people and community I love. There is still an excitement I feel. I believe it is from a sense that the Holy Spirit is renewing us in significant ways. This is different than a revival; it is a renewal from our God who makes all things new.

If you are graduating this year, I congratulate you for finishing well. If you have someone in your life that is graduating, celebrate with them and pray for the exciting journey that is ahead.

A Scary Calm

5/28/2013

Worry and anxiety are a reflection on how big we think God really is in our world. The disciples of Jesus were fearful while in the middle of a storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. They called out to Jesus for help. Jesus scolded them for their worry.

Mark 4:39-41
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

It was a real storm with very real implications if they capsized. Jesus’ ability to calm storms was not considered and they were terrified when they experienced what He could do.

What storms are in your life?
Do you trust God to be big enough to bring resolve and calm your storm?
What kind of calm from would terrify you?

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I Love My Church!

5/24/2013

I really love my church. You may say that is a very good thing because I am the pastor of the church. Truth be told, there are pastors serving that do not love their church. More specifically, they do not have a love for the people they are serving, teaching, equipping, challenging, encouraging, praying with and praying for. I just do not know how a person can do that.

I am finishing up a master’s program and yesterday did a case study presentation. It was based off our leasing challenges in our church. I worked with another student that is serving another ministry, some dynamics were added to make it a more integrative project. We presented the case study to the class for their questions, comments and concerns.

I found myself inwardly defensive when any criticism came up. Even though we made it a fictitious 151st Church of the North Suburbs, I felt like they were criticizing the people at River of Life. My insides wanted to defend and say how they did not know the quality of the people, they did not know their passion, and love for the Lord.

While talking to the Lord on the drive home about my inward reaction, I realized that my reactions came as the result of profoundly caring and loving the people in our church. I see a husband who has taken the most significant steps towards Jesus he has ever taken in his life. I see a young child that loves to sing to Jesus and talk to Him. I see a single person trusting the Holy Spirit to open doors in their workplace for a better shift. I see a wife and mother depending upon the Father to watch over her family.

I love that we are on a journey together. We are building a better church culture for the next generation. We are serving our community in creative ways led by the Holy Spirit. We are pursuing a naturally supernatural life as Spirit-filled and Spirit-led followers of Jesus Christ. I love the privilege of leading this adventurous group of people. I love being able to live this calling in
1 Peter 5:2-4
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.

I love my church!
I hope you do too.

Why Baccalaureate May Be the Last Christian Service a High School Graduate Will Attend

5/22/2013

This is a re-posting of a previous article from ReMarkablog with some revisions.
Tonight is our high school’s baccalaureate service. This is a student-initiated inter-church Christian service for the graduating seniors. A mix of students from various churches lead the worship and students are selected to share about their faith. A pastor in the community that has son or daughter graduating is invited to share a message to the graduating class. For many students, this may be the last Christian service they attend.

Following graduation, there is a summer full of open houses, summer jobs, and heading off to college. Unless the college freshman is attending a religious university with required chapel, many students forgo attending any church and often neglect their spiritual life altogether. A survey by George Barna shows that 65% of Christian high school students will leave their faith. So, if there are 100 Christian students in a room, 65 of them will stop attending church and leave their after they graduate from high school.

Several reasons account for this change. New freedom, the change of routine and busyness of their freshman year changes their routine of life. Proper sleep, balanced diet, regular exercising and many other healthy disciplines are cast aside during college years.

Another reason their spiritual life is neglected is because it was something they had to do while growing up in their family and had never become a real relationship with God who loves them. I call this the “take your medicine” or “eat your vegetable” syndrome. They had to do it because they were told it was good for them, but the more they went, the less they enjoyed Christianity.

Many students face the same temptations in college that they did in high school, but now away from family or friends experimented and after plunging in, found it difficult to get out. Other students had never thought critically about the big questions of life. A brilliant professor or the belief systems of other students pulled them off of unsecured moorings. Still other students walk away from their faith because they grew tired of seeing people profess faith in Christ, but did not live a faith in Christ.

The baccalaureate service comes at the beginning of a student’s most important years of their lives. The next five years many students serve in the military, graduate from college or tech school, start a career, marry and begin a family. More than ever, they need the words from the Bible to transform their lives.

Ephesians 2:4-10 (NLT)
But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.

What would you say to the graduating class if you were giving the baccalaureate message?
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Tornado in Moore, Oklahoma

5/21/2013

The grim news of a tornado hitting the city of Moore, Oklahoma yesterday, May 20, killing 51 may become bleaker as the death toll is expected to rise today searching for missing persons. Twenty children from two elementary schools are among the dead.

One woman asks what many are asking; "I am speechless as how this happened, why it happened," she said. "How do we explain it to the kids?" Some residents are explaining it for a second time. Moore was devastated by a tornado in 1999 killing 36. The Bible explains that sun, rain and natural disasters, happen on the good and the bad.

Matthew 5:45
" ...that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Jesus encountered people who viewed every disaster as God’s judgment on their wrong-doings. There are times God has judged people that were perversely rebellious. Jesus makes it clear that this is not always the situation.

Luke 13:1-5
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

In this world, there are tornadoes, buildings that collapse, disease and death. There are terrible losses related to natural disasters. Repenting and trusting in the Lord Jesus gives us security in the midst of storms. A man in Moore, Oklahoma has summed it up:
"The Lord took care of us," said the man, 72. "My security is not in my hands. It is in the Lord's."

Pray for the people of Moore, Oklahoma.

Biblical Investing

5/20/2013

Is investing scriptural? It depends upon the motive. Investing because of greed or to get rich quick is not operating on godly principles from scripture. However, investing as a good steward of your finances or saving for future needs such as college or retirement are participating in biblical investing.

King Solomon was one of the wisest and richest kings over Israel. We can draw three key principles of investing from passages of scripture he wrote.
1.       Diversification
2.       Ethical investing
3.       Wise counsel

Investment Principle #1: Diversification
Ecclesiastes 11:2
Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;
you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
v Do not place all your investment in one area, but several
v Investing in many areas spreads risk
v Invest in different types of investments: bonds, domestic and foreign stocks, real estate. Mutual funds offer a high degree of diversification within a single fund. Even there, invest in different types of funds: small-, mid-, and large-cap funds, emerging markets, growth and income, etc.

Investment Principle #2: Ethical Investing
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
v Ask yourself if investing in this company or product pleases God
v Hospitals or medical clinics that perform abortions, cigarette manufacturers, casinos
v Mutual funds - The Social Investment Forum tracks mutual fund companies that strive to adhere to Judeo-Christian values on a regular basis. You can also check Sound Mind Investing newsletter.

Investment Principle #3: Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
    but with many advisers they succeed.
v Utilize financial planners and investment counseling
v Join an investment group
v Always use more than one adviser, including your spouse.
v Know, understand what you are investing in
v Do not risk money you cannot afford to lose
v If a loss will cause bills not paid or family stress – do not invest
v Do not make a hasty decision

Once you have enough in savings for 3-4 months of expenses, investing can grow your money for retirement, college and generous giving.

Pinning Ceremony

5/16/2013

Today, I will attend the pinning ceremony of my youngest son. The pinning ceremony signifies the completion of his professional registered nursing education. A nursing pin is a type of badge worn by nurses to identify the nursing school from which they graduated. At pinning ceremonies, faculty members present these pins to newly-graduated nursing students as a symbolic welcome into the profession.

The tradition of the nursing pin and the ceremonial pinning originated in the 1860s at the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London. Having been recently awarded The Red Cross of St. George for her selfless service to the injured and dying in the Crimean War, Florence chose to extend this honor to her most outstanding graduate nurses by presenting each of them with a medal for excellence. Often the Florence Nightingale Pledge is on the program or read during the ceremony.

The Florence Nightingale Pledge
“I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to faithfully practice my profession of nursing. I will do all in my power to make and maintain the highest standards and practices of my profession.
I will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping in the practice of my calling. I will assist the physician in his work and will devote myself to the welfare of my patients, my family, and my community.
I will endeavor to fulfill my rights and privileges as a good citizen and take my share of responsibility in promoting the health and welfare of the community.
I will constantly endeavor to increase my knowledge and skills in nursing and to use them wisely. I will zealously seek to nurse those who are ill wherever they may be and whenever they are in need.
I will be active in assisting others in safeguarding and promoting the health and happiness of mankind.”

I am very proud of my son’s successful completion and his pledge to God to bring healing to the hurting through prayer and treatment.
Matthew 14:14
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Minnesota Approves Gay Marriages

5/15/2013

Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday, May 14, signed a bill making gay marriage legal in Minnesota, the 12th state to take the step, as thousands of onlookers cheered.

“What a day for Minnesota!” Dayton, a Democrat, declared moments before putting his signature on a bill. “And what a difference a year and an election can make in our state.” Echoing those sentiments was State Rep. Karen Clark and Sen. Scott Dibble, who are both openly gay.

Rainbow and American flags flapped in a sweltering breeze during the ceremony, held on the Capitol’s south steps. The crowd, estimated by the State Patrol at 6,000, spilled down the steps and across the lawn toward downtown St. Paul.

The comments to articles and blogs often include harsh interchanges among those who are celebrating the decision and those who oppose. Opponents to this bill are viewed as bigots, haters, homophobes, and warped. Reading some of their comments, I agree that some may be exactly so.

Those who believe marriage is between one man and one woman often base it upon the teaching in the bible. The bible is a written record of God’s revelation of who He is and how He wants us to relate to Him and each other. Throughout the bible are commands and principles that are given because they are best for our lives. Honesty, kindness, purity and love are qualities that bring success to relationships.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

It is very clear that the bible records that God opposes homosexuality in the same way He opposes divorce, stealing, and injustice. Same-sex marriages do not promote healthy relationships. Studies at John Hopkins University School of Public Health, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexual profiles published in the Journal of Sex Research, studies in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, reports from the Sexually Transmitted Disease Information Center of the Journal of American Medical Association, studies in the American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychologists articles, and findings of the Journal of Social Service Research report the negative consequences of homosexual relationships. Negative effects include: multiple partners, short commitments, high health risks, compulsive behaviors, high violence in gay relationships, high suicide rates, and reduced life span.

The bill legalizing gay marriages has major implications for our medical community, insurance companies, law enforcement, family counselors, schools, and work places. All studies, research, and statistical reports indicate that this bill will increase pain, suffering and brokenness to the GLBT community. And for that, I am grieved.

God has His best for us and His ways work. The passage of this bill does not anger me. It saddens me.

What is the Role of Insurance for a Christian?

5/14/2013

Jesus has promised to be our provider and protector. Does it indicate a lack of trust if a Christian carries insurance?

The purpose of insurance is to transfer or manage risk.
Types of insurance include:
1.       Homeowners/renters insurance
2.       Auto insurance
3.       Health insurance
4.       Disability insurance
5.       Long-term Care insurance
6.       Identity Theft insurance
7.       Life insurance

Jesus told His followers that the sin stain in our world results in trouble that will come to everyone living in this world.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The disciple James writes that one thing for sure in this world is that nothing is certain.
James 4:13-17
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

So, should Christians have insurance?
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" (Ps. 118:8).
"...God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory" (Phil. 4:19).

As a young man and early in my marriage, I felt that having insurance indicated that I did not trust God to protect me or my stuff. Raising a family of five made me reconsider. Insurance is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. If something is not specifically mentioned in the Word of God, then we must draw from the principles and teaching of the whole testimony of Scripture.

Here are some of the biblical principles to guide us. We are to obey the authorities over us. Thus, when we are required by law to have insurance, such as auto liability and home owners insurance if you have a mortgage loan, we must obey. We are to take care of our families. We should plan ahead for the future benefit of our families. This could also include preparing for the undesired and unforeseeable early demise of a parent. Life insurance can be seen as a lack of faith, love of money, prudent planning, or possibly wise stewardship of funds.

1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No one would consider it be wrong to buy an umbrella on a sunny day for protection on the possibility of rain in the future. Having faith and trust in God does not mean that we'll never have serious sicknesses, accidents or unforeseen calamities that require additional funds. And if that is the case, then wisdom would have us prepare for that eventuality if we are able to do so. Very few people go through life without sickness and no one goes through without death. As followers of Christ, we need to understand that faith is not blindly going through life oblivious to our mortality and the massive expenses left behind. Rather, it is having the God Spirit necessary to submit to whatever God brings our way.

So now what?
1. Evaluate “what if” scenarios
     o   “What if” a tornado, hail, accident, death
2. Pray
     o   About what types of insurance you should     carry
    o   About amount of insurance you should carry
        § Not enough = neglect
        § Too much = greed

Bad Mothers of the Bible

5/13/2013

This is a reposting from Remarkablog with some revision:
There are bad mothers in our world today causing pain and heartache for their families living in dysfunctional households. Mother’s Day is not a day they want to give flowers or even a card. My grandfather was an alcoholic and my mother broke the cycle of alcoholism. The abusive environment she grew up in resulted in unresolved anger, bitterness, and resentment that spewed out into our family. My siblings and I often heard our mother say how much she hated us as we were growing up.

The Bible does not gloss over and air brush people to make them look good. The Bible contains raw, truth- filled events and people including mothers who were bad.

Lot’s wife was fleeing with her family their city of residence, Sodom, because God was going to destroy the city for its’ great wickedness. God had warned Lot’s family not to stop or look back. The longing of what she was leaving behind was too much for Lot’s wife. She looked back and became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19)

Lot’s daughters become mothers by getting their father drunk and having sex with him as he lay in a drunken stupor. (Genesis 19)

Potipher’s wife tried to seduce their handsome slave, Joseph. When he refused her forceful advances she accused him of attempted rape and he was thrown in prison. (Genesis 39)

Maacah, used her influence as queen mother while her son, Abijah ruled over Judah. She re-instituted the cultic worship of the fertility gods Baal and Asherah. (1 Kings 15)

Jezebel married Ahab, the warrior king of Israel and together they became wicked rulers who followed false gods instead of the only true, God. (1 Kings 16)

Athaliah – following the death of her husband and son, each of whom reigned as king, massacred all but one of her own family so she could rule over Judah. (2 Kings 11)

Herodias, hated John the Baptizer, because of he spoke against her marriage to Antipas. She was the divorced wife of Antipas’ half brother, Philip. Her daughter’s dance pleased the king so that he promised to give her anything she wished. Herodias had her daughter request the head of John the Baptizer on a platter. A king can never break his promise. (Matthew 14)

Our mother has great regrets from the past and each of us has forgiven her. This Mother’s Day, we will take her out for lunch, help her with some errands around her home, and each of will say words which were not always said or felt growing up. Today, the words are authentic and freely spoken often. “I love you, Mom.”

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

If you grew up with a bad mother, how has God restored you?
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