Sunday, November 30, 2003
As I am learning to navigate the city of Monterrey, I have been given some advice. I have been told to go by landmarks and not street signs. I remember being told that the turn off to one church was at the big yellow sign. I thought—what happens if they change the sign? I have been told the different mountain ranges and their forms will guide me, but at this point they all look the same.
As you travel through the road of this life, you will have many things that will try to act as guides. But there is only one thing that is certain. Once I learn the differences in the mountain ranges, they will be a good guide to getting around the city. They are pretty permanent—at least no man will come and move them. In the highway of life, you have only one guide that is completely trustworthy and that is the Word of God. His Word will never change. It doesn’t change with the newest fashion trend. It is constant and you can trust it to lead you on the right path.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 119:105 NIV
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
As I have been thinking about my trip to the “ranchos” this past week, I have been thinking about the community that is struggling to keep the church going and keep the believers strong with no pastor. I think about the faithful servant who holds prayer meetings, when sometimes she is the only one to come. There is a saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” God has placed her there, and she is being faithful—doing what she can until a pastor arrives to shepherd the flock.
You may think that as a young person there is not much you can do for God. Be faithful to Him where you are—in your home, in your school, in your job, with your friends. Do whatever you can to spread the Gospel to those around you who don’t know Christ. God will bless you for your faithfulness.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matt 28:18-20 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Friday, November 28, 2003
In the United States, today marks the start of the shopping season for Christmas. It is easy to get in a car and run to the store whenever we need something.
In the “ranchos”, we saw people walking everywhere or using horses. The one thing that really surprised me was when the pastor’s daughter arrived home from kindergarten. The teacher had all the children sitting on his motorcycle, bringing each one home. And the people are truly happy.
Today, take a moment to thank God for the ease of transportation that most of us have.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Today many of you will be sitting down at tables loaded down with lots of wonderful food. I would encourage you to never take for granted the fact that you have lots of good food to eat.
When I visited the “ranchos” on Monday, I realized that the diet of most people there was pretty simple—beans, rice, tortillas, eggs, and when possible, a little meat. But meat probably is not common and what they do eat comes from the animals they raise or what they find in the wild. I realize that it is easy to take for granted having lots of great food. Today, thank God for His wonderful provision and remember those in prayer who are working for the kingdom who have very little to eat.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Tim 6:6-8 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
On Monday, I accompanied a pastor from Monterrey and his wife to some “ranchos”—rural areas off the main highway. We turned off the highway and it appeared that there was nothing. Farther down the road, we would pass a small community and then farther down another small community. This continued for miles and miles and miles.
The pastor and his wife said that many of these communities have no church, and probably many have not heard the Gospel. I have been praying that God will send someone to share the Gospel in each of these small communities.
Be thankful for your church. In one community where we stopped, a dear lady is valiantly trying to keep the “church” going by having prayer meetings. There are people accepting the Lord, but there is no pastor. One man accepted the Lord who used to make fun of the Christians meeting for church and now he wishes that there were someone there to preach and teach the people. Never take your church for granted. It is a gift from God.
-Ardis Rivera
-Isa 52:7 NIV
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
In a couple days, you in the United States will be gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving. What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Is it a day of no school, no work, lots of food and watching TV? Or is it truly a day of Thanksgiving?
In the next couple of days, I am going to share some thoughts about Thanksgiving, and some of the things I saw on a trip out of the city on Monday. I pray that as you consider these things the week of Thanksgiving, that you will realize just what Thanksgiving means, not just this Thursday, but every day of the year.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 95:2-3 NIV
let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Living in a country where English is not spoken, there is always the possibility of misunderstandings. Even though I consider myself fluent in Spanish, there are times that things just are not communicated clearly. At those times, I end up not meeting someone where I thought we were to meet. Cell phones are wonderful at those times when we are trying to locate one another.
That will never happen with God. He is fluent in all languages and He even knows what you are thinking before you can even say it. So don’t be afraid of God misunderstanding you. It won’t happen. You can talk to Him with all confidence and boldness.
-Ardis Rivera
– Ps 145:18-19 NIV
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Living in a country where English is not spoken, there is always the possibility of misunderstandings. Even though I consider myself fluent in Spanish, there are times that things just are not communicated clearly. At those times, I end up not meeting someone where I thought we were to meet. Cell phones are wonderful at those times when we are trying to locate one another.
That will never happen with God. He is fluent in all languages and He even knows what you are thinking before you can even say it. So don’t be afraid of God misunderstanding you. It won’t happen. You can talk to Him with all confidence and boldness.
-Ardis Rivera
– Ps 145:18-19 NIV
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Can you be like David on this Sunday morning? David said he was glad to be able to go to God’s house. Oftentimes we grumble and complain about having to get up and go to church, especially if our friends don’t go and they talk about getting to sleep in on Sunday mornings. But being able to worship freely is something you should appreciate and not take for granted. There are millions around the world who put their lives in danger every time they gather for worship. They would be shocked at the attitude of so many here about worship.
Be thankful you can worship freely at the church of your choice. And when you’re at it, let your pastor know how much he (or she) means to you and your family and tell him (her) that you are praying for him(her). You will make his or her day.
-Ardis Rivera
-Ps 122:1 NIV
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Today, in the United States, the country is remembering the assassination of President Kennedy, who was killed 40 years ago. On the same day, C. S. Lewis, author of many Christian books, including the Chronciles of Narnia, died.
It is sad to see a man shot as he rides through the streets of an American city. A nation grieved. I remember those days vividly. But what is sadder is when a person enters eternity without Christ.
We have two men who died the same day. One was a world leader, but his sins have become public knowledge. One was a devoted Christian, who wrote books that have brought many people to salvation.
In the scales of heaven, your power and position mean nothing. What does count is your relationship with Jesus Christ.
-Ardis Rivera
-Philippians 3:7-11 NIV
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Do you long to do great things for God? Great. But don’t be surprised if along the way God gives you some pretty normal things to do. He may even give you some tasks to do that you consider to be boring. Just remember that nothing you do for the kingdom is of little importance to our King.
-Ardis Rivera
-Eccl 9:10a NIV
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Today is a national holiday here in Mexico. I asked some people what the holiday celebrated and most didn’t know. I looked it up and found out. As a foreigner living here, I wanted to know what my neighbors and friends are celebrating. I think that happens a lot. We celebrate holidays without really knowing what we are celebrating.
As a Christian, you have a reason to celebrate. But the foreigners (those who aren’t Christians), want to know why you celebrate. Make sure you can tell them. If you are a new Christian, you may not be sure what to say, but a simple statement like “I celebrate because my sins are forgiven and I have a home in heaven” is a good start.
Be sure to tell people why you celebrate being a Christian.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Peter 3:15 NIV
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
As a young person, get in the habit of daily Bible Study and prayer. You may think you don’t know even how to start. But ask God to help you. This is a discipline that you need to learn now. Learn now to love the word of God. Get hooked on it. It will keep you from making some very serious mistakes as you go through life.
-Ardis Rivera
– Psalm 119:9-11 NIV
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
The other night I came home and stepped in some mud. This mud really stuck to my shoes and I couldn’t get it off. Yesterday, without thinking, I put on those shoes and the mud had now dried and everywhere I went there was a trail of dirt.
Sometimes, you are tempted to go somewhere you really know you shouldn’t go or to do something you know isn’t right. If you decide to give in, you may not see the effects this has on your life. They aren’t visible like the mud and dirt on my shoes. But playing with sin leaves dirt in your soul and spirit.
I had to use the broom a lot yesterday to clean up the dirt left from one simple step in the wrong place. If you have played with things you shouldn’t have, ask God to take His broom of the Holy Spirit and clean the “mud” out of your life.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Do you ever feel alone? Do you ever feel like no one understands you? I just want to remind you today that you have a friend who will never forsake you. He is with you when you feel alone. He understands you. In reality, He is the best friend you can ever have. And His name is Jesus.
If you have been feeling lonely and perhaps misunderstood, try talking to your Friend who is right there, waiting for you to talk to Him. He wants to hold you tight and let you know how much He loves you.
-Ardis Rivera
-Jeremiah 31:3
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Sunday, November 16, 2003
Last night I spent a wonderful time at the house of a pastor and his family. What really impacted me was how this pastor’s children knew how to welcome strangers into their home and make them feel comfortable.
You may feel as a young person that it is your parents’ job to welcome people into your home and to practice hospitality. But, the hospitality of these young people meant a lot to me and I came away thinking that I can learn from them.
Now is a good time to learn how to be hospitable to those who enter your home.
-Ardis Rivera
-Romans 12:13
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality
Saturday, November 15, 2003
Did you know the Bible talks about complaining? The Israelites were punished for complaining in the wilderness of Sinai. Complaining is contagious. I used to work with a woman who always complained, and without realizing it, I picked up the habit, until one day I sensed that God was telling me to stop it. I hadn’t even realized I was doing it.
What would your parents think if you obeyed without complaint? Try it. You could be in for a pleasant surprise.
-Ardis Rivera
-Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[1] the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Last night I visited a church near here. The people loved the old hymns and not just the “old people” either. The young people were singing them with all their heart—it appeared that some of the youth knew them by heart.
Many young people think the hymns are for the older people. But their message has stood the test of time. If you aren’t acquainted with hymns, I encourage you to find a hymnbook and sit down and read some of the words.
As an example, I encourage to read the words of this hymn and make it your prayer today.
Search me oh God and know my heart today
Try me oh Savior Know my thoughts I pray
See if there be some wicked way in me
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
(Public Domain, Charles Denyer and Elizabeth Fuller)
-Ardis Rivera
-Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
What do you do in your free time? What kind of music do you listen to? What kind of movies do you watch? What about video games?
There are many good things available to you, but there are things that only will hurt you. Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs you like. Are they edifying or destructive?
As a young person, don’t allow the devil to get a foothold in your life. Stay away from things that promote ungodly actions or lifestyles. Ask yourself if God would be pleased with what you do for fun. If you think the answer would be no, stop, repent and look for things that will please Him.
-Ardis Rivera
-Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
The other night I was in a meeting and a man came up to me and greeted me. I knew that I had met him, but I have met so many people in the two months that I have been here, that I had no idea what his name was. Before too long, I remembered his name and was very relieved.
You don’t have to worry about God forgetting your name. In a day when in many places, we are identified by a number rather than by name, God knows your name. He knew your name before your parents did. He created you and has a wonderful plan for you. Just give Him control of your life and allow Him to work out His perfect plan in your life.
-Ardis Rivera
-Jeremiah 1:5a
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
-Isaiah 49:16
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
Tuesday, November 10, 2003
I like Matthew. He was a tax collector, hated by his fellow Jews. But one day, Jesus came to him and said, “Follow me”. And Matthew got up and followed Jesus. He didn’t stop to ask his friends or family for advice. He followed the master. Then he had a dinner and asked his friends to come and meet Jesus.
The call is the same today. Jesus is calling you and me to follow him. The choice is ours. Let’s be like Matthew, and follow Jesus, without looking back. Matthew became one of the few that turned the world upside down. What can God do with you, if you will let Him?
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 9:9
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
Sunday, November 9, 2003
Do you ever feel like you are not important to God? It is easy to think that with all the people in the world, how can God notice you? Well, He does. He knows you and even knows how many hairs are on your head. Your parents don’t know you that well.
You are important to God. I was thinking about how important we are to God. In Acts, we read of the wonderful way God used the apostles to evangelize the world. Many thousands of unnamed people came to Christ. But there are times that a person is named. Just think, in the chronicles of heaven, your name was shouted out when you accepted the Lord. The angels shouted “David (put your name here) just came to the Lord. Let’s have a party.”
You are important. So important that Jesus hung on the cross for you. Don’t believe the lie that you are not important.
-Ardis Rivera
-Acts 17:34
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Saturday, November 8, 2003
When I was growing up, we lived in a really old house. It had been built during the Civil War. There were two chimneys in the house. Sometimes, the chimneys allowed unwelcome creatures, like bats, to get in the house. I remember trying to kill a bat that had come down through the chimney.
The only time the bats would come in would be when the fire had gone out. If there was fire, no bats.
The devil wants to come into your life, but if you will keep the fire of the Holy Spirit and the love of God burning bright in your life, the devil can’t get in.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;
Friday, November 7, 2003
I have been hearing cats behind my house. The construction workers said that one of them was pretty wild. The other day I saw that cat under my car. I like animals and kind of miss having lots of pets around, so I thought I would try to befriend it. What better way is there to befriend a cat but to give it food? So I found a bone from a previous meal and put it under the car. A little later, I was rewarded with the fact that I was allowed to pet the tiny cat.
I have the feeling this little creature has been treated badly in many ways. He was pretty wary of my actions. But the food won him over.
There are people around you who may be suffering many things that no one knows of. Who knows what a kind word could mean to someone. It doesn’t cost anything, except a few minutes. And it could be worth a million dollars to someone who is hurting.
-Ardis Rivera
-Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Thursday, November 6, 2003
The first cold spell hit a week and a half ago. Being a northerner in Mexico, I didn’t think much of it and didn’t bring a jacket. Guess what. I got sick.
Sometimes we think we can handle things when really we can’t. God never intended for you to do that. If I had been smart, I would have taken the jacket and not gotten overly cold. Then maybe I could have avoided some pretty miserable days.
Make sure you never go anywhere without the protection of the Holy Spirit. He will protect you from all sorts of things.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2003
The other day I ran out of gas for the stove. When the tank was newly filled with gas, the first thing that happened was that I burned the food I was cooking (not just once, but twice). I thought that since that has never happened since I have been here, it had to be the gas (not really). It was due to the fact that I wasn’t watching what I was doing.
But it is easy to blame our problems on everyone else rather than take the responsibility for them. There are times when other people really do cause us problems, but we have to be willing to take responsibility and suffer the consequences when the problems come due to our own actions and decisions.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 51:1-4
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Tuesday, November 4, 2003
I used to have a cat that was my favorite pet. Like all cats, he had an independent nature. But there were times when I would go to bed and he would come and lay on my chest. It was kind of annoying because I couldn’t move without moving him. And he made it clear he didn’t plan on being moved.
One night as I was trying to get the cat to move, I sensed God telling me to notice the cat. He didn’t want anything from me. All he wanted was to be in my presence. He wanted to be so close he could hear my heartbeat and could hear each breath I took. And if I moved, he was so close that he moved right along with me. I sensed that this is what God wants from us. He wants us to snuggle up close, listen to His heartbeat, and when He moves, we move right along with Him.
When is the last time you have snuggled up with God? He is waiting for you.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart
Monday, November 3, 2003
Pride comes before a fall. I was complimenting myself the other day for finally learning to get to one church and pastor’s house in this city. As I was thinking how good I was doing, I missed the turn-off. It meant turning around and trying to find my way back.
God can’t use proud people. He wants servants, humble servants who are willing to obey Him. In one part of the Bible we are called God’s slaves. What does a slave do? Whatever his master tells him to do.
I encourage you to decide you want to be God’s slave. You couldn’t ask for a better master.
-Ardis Rivera
-Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Sunday, November 2, 2003
God has a calling for you. You might think what can you do for God as a young person. The first thing is to be faithful to Him right now. Don’t let anything prevent you from spending time in His word and in prayer. Then be the light He wants you to be where you are, in your school, in your home and with your friends. Be faithful now. Don’t wait until you become an adult. Start now.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Saturday, November 1, 2003
Where I live, you have to buy drinking water. It is not recommended to drink the tap water. The tap water looks just fine to me. But there are some very small things called bacteria that can make you sick.
Just like the tap water, a certain sin can look pretty harmless and innocent. But it can hurt you. Don’t take the chance by playing with sin. Stick with the safe route, the route where Jesus is your guide. It’s just not worth the risk.
-Ardis Rivera
-2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
