Blog Archives - River of Life Church

Shimano Clipless Pedals and the Holy Spirit

9/30/2013

My youngest daughter, Rachel, celebrated her 21st birthday a couple weeks ago and this past weekend she opened her present. Her brothers and sister got her Shimano clipless road pedals and cleats. My wife and I gave her biking shoes. The boys put the cleats on the shoes and the pedals on her bike. The bike was put on an indoor trainer and Rachel was able to try out her gifts.

It is a trick to snap the shoes into the pedals and then unsnap them when you stop. I have seen people forget or struggle getting unsnapped which results in tipping over or a wipe out, depending upon your speed. The bike shoes and pedals increase your effectiveness of each pedal stroke – both down and up. This effectiveness becomes very evident in long rides or races.

Spiritually, each of us could use some performance equipment to increase our spiritual transformation over the long road of life and during intense times when life feels like a race. Jesus Christ appeared to hundreds of people over a 40 day period after rising from the dead. When He returned to heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to increase our spiritual transformation.

Acts 8:15-16
When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life will guide, comfort, encourage, reveal, teach, speak, fill with fruits of the Spirit and give spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit increases the effectiveness of each Christian over the long road of life and during intense times when life feels like a race.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your life today and get ready for a good ride!

Harvest Time is Here!

9/27/2013

I saw the first combine harvesting this year’s crop of soybeans yesterday. The beans have been dropping leaves and drying down well after a late spring planting. There are still fields of beans that have green leaves on them. Harvest is a demanding and rewarding time.

The demands are getting the crop into storage in good condition before winter. The rewards are the results of tilling, planting, fertilizing and cultivating are now filling storage bins. When I farmed, we picked our corn, ground it and blew it into a silo to feed our dairy cows throughout the year. Sometimes the fall would stay warm and dry. Some years the fall was wet and cold. Still other years, the fall disappeared quickly into an early winter blanket of snow that remained until March.

Jesus compared people who are ready to follow Him as their Lord and Savior are like the harvest.

Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.”

Telling others about Jesus and discipling people to be followers of Him can be very demanding, however there is nothing more rewarding than being used by God to see a life transformed by Jesus Christ.

As you harvest your garden, see the leaves turning color and the farmers combining their fields, think about the spiritual harvest around you. Pray for harvesters and step into the harvest fields with them.

Going Back in Order to Go Forward

9/25/2013

Peter Scazerro’s book, “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” is based on the premise that it is impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. One of the ways we remain emotionally immature is by failing to break free from the power of our past.

When we say, “Yes” to Jesus Christ, are sorry for our sins, and completely commit our lives to Jesus, we become a new creation. The Bible says the old is gone and the new has come. You and I are new people in Christ Jesus. My mistake was believing my past no longer had any implications on my present and my future.

Scazzero sums it up in two essential biblical truths:
1.       The blessings and sins of our families going back two or three generations profoundly impact who we are today.
2.       Discipleship requires putting off the sinful patterns of our family of origin and relearning how to do life God’s way in God’s family.

The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis gives us a model of how to go back to go forward. Young Joseph was immature and he grew up in a family that brought lying, half-truths, secrecy, and jealousy to a whole new level. Joseph became an emotionally and spiritually mature adult who lived out his destiny in God.

> Joseph had a profound sense of the bigness of God.
    o   Know that God is at work in every situation.
> Joseph admitted honestly the sadness and losses of his family.
     o   Do not resist going back and feeling the hurt and pain of your past.
> Joseph rewrote his life script according to scripture.
     o   Consider the script handed to you by your past and then open a door to God’s future by rewriting it with God.
> Joseph partnered with God to be a blessing.
     o   Daily choices centered around your own walks with God are critical for you to serve as an instrument of blessing to many.

Going back is a journey to be made with trusted companions in the faith. Going back in order to go forward is something you must do with mature friends, a mentor, or counselor – people who will help pull you back from the gravitational pull to past sinful destructive patterns of your family.

Nairobi and Finding Peace in Troubling Times

9/24/2013

The Westgate Shopping Mall was stormed by 12 to 15 militants this past Saturday. They have killed at least 65 people, including three Kenyan soldiers. Four days later gunfire and explosions are still heard at the complex which conflicts with reports that the building is secure. The Somali Islamist al-Shabab movement said it had carried out the attack in retaliation for Kenyan military operations in Somalia.

Six of the attackers have been killed and it is not known if there are still hostages in the shopping mall, if there are explosives planted in the three story building, or if there are any attackers remaining in the mall.

I listen to the news with interest because I have been to Nairobi, Kenya four years ago and recently, a team of eleven from our community had been at Nairobi’s airport on their way to and from Rwanda. I recall each of the airport security personnel carried a rifle which we are not accustomed to seeing in the United States.

Jesus told His disciples that there is peace in Him while trouble in the world will continue.

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.”

Nairobi, Syria, Egypt, Boston, and a Navy yard in Washington, DC all are evidence that we still live in a troubled world. How do you find peace in troubling times?
1.       Bury yourself in Jesus Christ. Have a real and close relationship with Jesus.

2.       Marry yourself to God’s word, the Bible. Read the Bible each day for guidance and truth.

3.       Carry yourself in confidence. The world has troubling events, but your encouragement is to be that Jesus has overcome the world!

A Desire, Destination and Dream

9/23/2013

Last week four guys fulfilled a desire, a destination and a dream. Greg voiced his desire to go to the Boundary Waters this fall and go camping. He invited Larry, Larry’s son Andy and I to join him. A destination was chosen: Wind Lake and dreams of catching fish were forming. None of us had ever camped together before and this was Larry and Andy’s first time canoe camping. Because Andy is a junior in high school we left noon on Thursday to limit his absence and because I needed to be back by Sunday before 8am we made it a two day one night trip.

The first lake was crossed well and the daunting 175 rod portage was accomplished with some huffing and sweating. The new campers became seasoned paddlers with the gusty winds in our faces making the second leg of the trip harder than the first. The first campsite was taken, so we paddled to the next and it became our 24 hour home.

A fish supper, some adventures and good memories were made on this short trip. The true measure of success is that the first-time campers want to go again next year.

Adventures with God are so good that we want to do them again. Like the canoe trip, God-adventures do not just happen. They take a desire, a destination and a dream. When you desire to be used by God, He will give you a destination to be used. It may be your workplace, neighborhood, or on a short-term mission trip. Then dream of how God will use you as a fisherman or woman.

Matthew 10:5-8
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 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.

Trying to Eat Hornets, Bees and Fireworks

9/18/2013

Remmy, is my son Elliot’s, three legged dog. Remmy lives at our home because Elliot is in an apartment that does not allow pets. The story of how Remmy became a three legged dog will be for another blog. This blog is about the goofy things Remmy does.

Remmy likes to roll. The thing that is unusual is she likes to roll on random objects: a bowl, an apple, a stick, or just the grass. It does not seem to matter, but maybe it does to Remmy. Our conclusion is that her back itches and rolling vigorously on an object is like scratching her back.

The warm days of autumn and ripe apples on the ground have attracted a variety of bees, hornets and wasps. My wife got stung yesterday as we picked apples to freeze and can. Remmy snaps at the buzzing insects. So far, she has not gotten bitten.

We had a fire in the fire pit this past weekend. My kids found some fireworks we purchased a few years back and lit them off. Remmy would lunge and snap at the burning wick before it would explode or shoot into the air. So far, she has not gotten a roman candle go off near her muzzle. So far.

We try to warn Remmy of the dangers of bee stings and firecrackers. She has ignored all warnings. A small sting or little explosion would teach Remmy to respect the danger and keep distant. Multiple stings or fireworks going off in her mouth would be harmful to her.

God must watch you and I in similar ways that we watch Remmy. God sees dangers that we are not aware off or you and I treat lightly. Perhaps you have gotten a little hurt by alcohol, speeding, of living recklessly. The lesson learned has kept you from returning to those activities that is against the way God calls you to live. It may be that you have physical or emotional scars from a sting or blast you did not expect.

The devil has all kinds of harm to afflict your life. Do not try to eat the devil’s hornets, bees or fireworks.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Why I am Glad Aaron Alexis was NOT a Christian

9/17/2013

Aaron Alexis is identified as the gunman of yesterday’s shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington DC. Information is getting pieced together about who Alexis is and what his motive was for killing twelve people. He was a former Navy reservist, worked at various Navy offices over the summer, and had clearance to work at the Navy Yard where he was killed during Monday’s shooting.

Alexis’ profile includes that he was a Buddhist. The ethical conduct of Buddhism is acting in a non-harmful way and living a non-harmful lifestyle. Yesterday’s actions by Alexis do not reflect the path of Buddhist living.

Aaron Alexis could have been a Christian, Hindi, Pacifist or any other belief that resolves to live a life of peace and love towards others. I am saddened Alexis will spend eternity separated from God. I am glad that he did not believe in Jesus, because his actions would have mocked all that Jesus calls us to live and be.

However, my actions of gossip, fear, and distrust conflict with the way I should live as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. In what ways am I better than Alexis? In the way that I have received forgiveness for every sin I ever committed against God in my past, present and future.

Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Tragedy hit the Navy Yard yesterday. Tragedy also hits whenever Jesus gets ridiculed by the terrible behavior of those claiming to follow Him. I am glad Aaron Alexis did not make this claim.

Top 10 Symptoms of Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality

9/16/2013

I am reading through Peter Scazzero’s book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Scazzero believes that it is impossible to be spiritually mature, while remaining emotionally immature. He shares his stories of bottoming out in his marriage and the journey that led him on a revolutionary discovery.

I agree with his premise and conclusion. Our spiritual transformation is capped by our emotionally health. Scazzero states, “ It is essential for us to clearly identify the primary symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality that continue to wreak havoc in our personal lives and our churches. The following are the top ten symptoms indicating if someone is suffering from a bad case of emotionally unhealthy spirituality:
1. Using God to run from God
2. Ignoring the emotions of anger, sadness, and fear
3. Dying to the wrong things
4. Denying the past’s impact on the present
5. Dividing our lives into “secular” and “sacred” compartments
6. Doing for God instead of being with God
7. Spiritualizing away conflict
8. Covering over brokenness, weakness, and failure
9. Living without limits
10. Judging other people’s spiritual journey

In my life right now, #6 and #9 are symptoms most active in my life.
Which of the 10 symptoms is most active in your life?

I appreciate the prayer Scazzero writes in the book following the chapter identifying the 10 symptoms:
“Lord, when I consider these symptoms, the only thing I can say is, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Thank you, O God, that I stand before you in the righteousness of Jesus, in his perfect record and performance, not my own. Lord, I ask that you would not simply heal the symptoms of what is not right in my life, but that you would surgically remove all that is in me that does not belong to you. As I think about what I have read, Lord, pour light over the things that are hidden. May I see clearly as you hold me tenderly.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”

I look forward to reading the rest of the book.
Let me know your thoughts on the book, the daily office and whether you agree or disagree with Scazzero.
Comment here:

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

9/13/2013

Today, while praying for my children and extended family, I prayed a something I had not prayed before. I prayed that they would be reminded of what God did in the past, will do for them today and will do for them in the future. I asked that God would remind them that He was there in their past, He is there today, and He will continue to be there in their future.

God was.
God is.
God will be.

Consider the ways you remember God coming through in your past. Ways that God was present through desperate and challenging circumstances. Let it build confidence that God will be with you today. This will help you notice His presence more throughout your day. God will be with you in your future. He will lead and guide you in the events of your life that are on the distant horizon ahead.

Revelations 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Twelve Years Later

9/11/2013

Today, marks the twelfth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on our nation which killed almost 3000 people. Twelve years later memorials are built at the Twin Towers, Pentagon and in Shanksville.

Today, as is done on every anniversary, the names of the victims who died are read out loud in New York City. The President of the United States attends a memorial service at the Pentagon. Smaller services are held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, usually attended by the president’s spouse. A moment of silence will be observed by Americans across our nation on this somber anniversary.

Last night, President Obama addressed our nation concerning our response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons within its’ own country. Twelve years later, America is tired of wars, conflicts and strongly resists bloodshed by sons and daughters serving in the military. Yet, we recoil at the sight of children included among those killed by chemical warfare in Syria.

Twelve years have made America resilient, but resistive.

The promise of no boots on the ground is heard with jaded experience of previous strikes that were not going to involve troops entering the conflict or war, but did. The candle of hope for a diplomatic solution was lit recently when Russia proposed for international monitors to take over and destroy any chemical weapons found in Syria.

Today, is a somber day for America, but not hopeless.
Lamentations 3:21-26
Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is Your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for Him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.