Wednesday, July 31, 2002
Spiritual gifts are only as effective as the attitude of the person who possesses them.
-Phil 2:5 NIV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
The economic forecasts keep saying things are going well and getting better even though three of the largest companies in the world have recently filed bankruptcy and more are likely to follow. It appears that the economists will say anything to keep people from coming to grips with the reality that there has been terrible mismanagement, lies, greed and corruption in some of the most reputable corners of the American financial scene and perhaps in the government itself. Sounds like a lot of preachers these days, saying only what people want to hear!
-2 Tim 4:3-4 NIV
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Monday, July 29, 2002
Our first worship service is next Sunday, August 4th at 10 AM. We have just finished four days with a booth at the County Fair. Next Saturday, August 3rd, from 2-5 PM we will have our first annual “Praise in the Park” at Robinson Park in downtown Pine City. Our special guests will be David Kolbish, soloist and worship leader for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Mike Turner, “The Banjo Man” who plays eight different stringed instruments. It is going to be a great time! There is a sense of great anticipation. We have done everything we can to prepare for Pine City Community Church’s beginning, the historical first service. The rest is up to God.
People often expect great results from projects that they put in God’s hands and expect Him to do everything. My experience is that when I do my part God always does His. And I can be at perfect peace knowing that the results of my efforts are in His hands.
-Gal 3:1-5 NIV
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing-if it really was for nothing? 5 Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Sunday, July 28, 2002
In the space of four days, I attended three funerals. It’s strange how the only time we see certain people is at a funeral. On Wednesday, I saw a lady who I had not seen in 30 years or so, and yet when we were young, we were very close. Even though she lived 60 miles or so away from me, her grandparents lived just down the road and every time she was with her grandparents, we were together. It was good to be able to talk about the old times and the fun we had together. We also promised to keep in touch.
Today is my birthday and with each passing year I realize that time is passing quickly. I know that if I am going to share my faith with this friend, I need to start now. I have been thinking about other friends that I haven’t seen in a long time and have started wondering where they are. I found the addresses for some college friends a couple of months ago, and even though my intentions are good, I still have not gotten letters off to them. I just heard that an uncle died a few months ago and no one had been notified—another letter that never got off. I remember the times that I was known for always keeping in touch with friends, but all of a sudden, it seemed I was always too busy or too tired to write a letter. This being my birthday, I pray that by this date next year, I will be able to say that I have contacted some old friends and renewed communication. I don’t want to stand by the casket of a friend, knowing I never had the time to share my faith with that good friend. And I can think of no better tribute when my life on this earth is done than to have people say that I shared my faith with others.
–Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Saturday, July 27, 2002
When we were in Mexico last month, I was listening to a teaching and for some reason I jotted down a note to study the holiness of God. I would like to say that I immediately got into a detailed study of the subject, but I didn’t. However, I have thought about it quite a bit lately. I think a lot of people hear the phrase “the holiness of God” and think of God as a stern old man, who will destroy all the fun we could ever hope to have. How many of us have heard someone say that he/she wants to wait to get right with God, in order to have fun while young. However, I am beginning to see it differently. Of course, God is holy—perfect, without sin. But that doesn’t mean that He wants to take away all fun from our lives. I believe it is the opposite. Because He is a loving Father, He wants the best for His children, and He wants us to be completely happy and fulfilled. I believe that the happiest people on earth should be the Christians. He also wants us to be like Him. I wondered how we could be holy, being sinful creatures. But holy means to be set apart for God’s use—to be consecrated to Him. That means that even as a sinner, I can be holy if I set my life aside to serve God each and every day. And when I fail, God, in His great love, is there to pick me up and encourage me on.
Don’t misunderstand me—I am not holy because of anything I have done, but Jesus’ death on the cross makes me holy once I accept His salvation. God no longer looks at my sin—He looks at the blood of the Son that makes me (and you) holy in His sight.
When you hear someone talk about the holiness of God, remember that due to Christ’s work on the cross, God sees us as being holy, just as He is holy. If that doesn’t make your day, I don’t know what will!!!!!!
–Ardis Rivera
-Leviticus 11:44-45
For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth.
For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
Friday, July 26, 2002
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd…”
-Contributed by Martin Wishnatsky
Thursday, July 25, 2002
The moment God touches our lives for the first time, it causes us to react. Some people run and others kneel. Which did you do?
-Isa 6:8 NIV
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
In the past 7 days I have officiated at three funerals. Nothing reminds us more of our own mortality than death. So far this year three friends that I grew up with in Pine City has buried one of their parents. Yesterday I preached a salvation message at one of their funerals. There is a sense that a little of us die with each death of the previous generation of the people that we know. So today I just want to remind you that life is very short and extremely precious. Keep your priorities in order and your heart in tune with God. Very soon we will be the previous generation.
-Eccl 12:1 NIV
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”-
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
“Bringing home” more money to your family may not be nearly as important as “being home” with your family!
-Josh 24:15 NIV
But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD
Monday, July 22, 2002
When I was a child we used to sing a song in Sunday School and church that went something like this:
The windows of heaven are open,
They’re shining for you and for me.
There’s joy, joy, joy in my heart….
I want to remind you that the windows of heaven are open for you to see a little bit of heaven. There are two ways to get as good of look at eternity as you can get there on earth, scripture reading and prayer. If you want a little joy in your heart try a little scripture of prayer in your life!
-Isa 55:6 NIV
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Sunday, July 21, 2002
There is a verse in Isaiah 1 that struck me the other day. Isaiah 1:3 says that even animals know who their masters are and yet Israel did not know and recognize who God was for them. Sometimes I wonder how anyone can claim there is no God. It seems to me that just looking at the world around us and the vastness of the creation that we can see should be a testimony to a great and loving Creator. After all, He could have made everything black and white and we would have never known the joy of being able to see so many different colors. Or He could have just given us a couple different kinds of plants. But we have an uncountable number of things He has given us freely to enjoy. And when I think of the great love He has for us in sending His Son to die for us so that we can spend eternity with Him, I wonder what could possibly keep someone from embracing such love.
Yet there are many people that for one reason or another choose to deny the existence of God, or at least, choose to not think about Him. The problem is that none of us knows how many days we have left before we will stand before Him. I think of Felix in Acts 24. He told Paul that he would call for Paul to tell him more about God at a more convenient time. I don’t know if that convenient time ever came for Felix, but I am sure of one thing—his appointment with God did come.
If you are reading this and for some reason, you have been putting off making a decision regarding God and where you stand with Him, please don’t wait for a more convenient time. Come to Him today and accept the greatest gift you could ever receive. And if you know of someone that needs to hear the good news, but for some reason you haven’t shared that good news with that person, do so now. A more convenient time may never come. I just received word from a friend of mine that her foster father is in the hospital with tumors in various parts of his body. She asks prayer for him, that he will get saved before it is too late. This family probably knows that he may not have much time left and that they need to be quick to share their faith with him. But no one is guaranteed another day—let’s be showing the light in a dark world and doing our part to bring people to the Lord. This would be the best way to show you love for that person.
-Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 34:8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the Lord , you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Saturday, July 20, 2002
It is very common to hear the name of Jesus used in some very disrespectful ways. When I was growing up, it was very rare to hear Jesus’ name used in a flippant way, much less to be used as a swear word. Now, it can be heard everywhere. It grieves me to hear His name used in such ways. I stopped to think that if this grieves me, a sinful human being, how much more is the heart of our Lord grieved when people use His name in such ways. I was reading a devotional message the other day and a point was made that made me think—when Jesus was on the earth, those around Him never used the name Jesus when addressing Him. They called Him names such as Master, Rabbi and Teacher. The name Jesus means “The Lord Saves”. When we consider what Jesus did for us and how much He loves us, how can we use His precious name in any way other than in devotion and love.
I guess I can understand how the unsaved can use His name in some very questionable ways. However, as Christians, we need to be careful how we use His name. Sometimes I wonder what Jesus thinks of the pastors who use His name to build big ministries that basically make the pastor a rich man. Don’t misunderstand me—I believe that God will bless a ministry that is truly seeking to reach the lost and hurting. But we all know that there are those ministries that basically are in place to soothe the ego of the founder.
As I was considering this thought, I was reminded of several Scriptures that talk about the name of Jesus and of just as many songs that refer to the precious name of Jesus. I am including the words to one song that has been going through my mind. It is my prayer that each of us will reevaluate how we view the name of Jesus as we prepare to gather together tomorrow to worship Him. He is our Savior, Lord and best friend. Let us treat Him with the love and honor He alone deserves.
Jesus What A Beautiful Name
Riches, Tanya
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
Son of God, Son of Man,
Lamb that was slain.
Joy and peace, strength and hope,
Grace that blows all fear away.
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
Truth revealed, my future sealed
Healed my pain.
Love and freedom, life and warmth,
Grace that blows all fear away.
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
Rescued my soul, my stronghold,
Lifts me from shame.
Forgiveness, security, power and love.
Grace that blows all fear away.
Jesus, what a beautiful name.
© 1995 Tanya Riches (Hillsong) (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity’s Hosanna! Music)
When you consider all that Jesus has done for you, does He deserve anything less than the utmost honor we can give Him?
-Ardis Rivera
-Acts 2:21
And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved
-Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
-Romans 10:13
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
-Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Friday, July 19, 2002
We have a tough time meeting the standards we place on one another. Our standards for others are higher than we place on ourselves and cannot be met. The world looks in and finds our expectations of one another ridiculous. God looks in and feels left out. After all, God’s expectation for us is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves. It is the standard of the kingdom.
-Luke 10:27 NIV
He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Thursday, July 18, 2002
God has a strange sense of humor! Just about the time you think things are going one way He does something to clearly show the direction He would have for it. This morning I sat and determined to postpone something I was planning because it just wasn’t coming together. An hour later someone called unexpectedly and committed to helping with the project. That changed the situation and put it back together again. I love how God works. It made me laugh out loud!
Too often we forget that God truly is involved in our daily lives including our plans. In the starting of our new church there are daily obstacles to overcome. There is something new every day and things are moving at a very fast pace. Some days it seems that we are not getting things done and yet, at the end of the day, there is a stack of completed work. But the most exciting thing is when God does the little things that we are not in control of.
God wants to do the little things in your life as well. We all need to enjoy our relationship with Christ. Sometimes He will make us smile or even laugh out loud. Although you may not feel these things happening in your life they can.
So why are they happening for us right now? First, we absolutely cannot do what we are doing on our own. It is truly a “God thing.” Secondly, we expect God to help us, to fill in the blanks of our ministry and our lives. We do all that we can do and from there we really depend upon God to supercharge us to what He wants us to be or do. And finally, I am constantly looking for God to do miracles around us and through us. I don’t want to miss a thing God is doing and I especially want to recognize the miracles he does when He does them. If you never look for miracles, like anything else, you probably won’t see them.
-Heb 2:1-4 NIV
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
I just finished a book written by Frank Peretti called The Wounded Spirit. Unlike most of Peretti’s books, this one is not fiction. It is based on his experiences as a child when he was severely tormented by classmates because of some very visual effects of a disease he had. He speaks very candidly about the torment and how he felt he just had to take it, even being told to ignore it since it was just a part of a normal childhood. However, the effects of the constant badgering still affect him. I think all of us can relate to one degree or another. And perhaps some of us have been on the other side of the fence, being among those who torment others because they are different in one way or another.
It seems that it is very easy to make fun of someone who is different. I don’t know why that is the case, but I believe that as Christians we need to watch how we treat each person with whom we interact. There is not one person that is beyond the reach of our Savior, that He does not love with everything He has. Let us make an honest effort to treat each person we meet as Jesus would treat that person. Would He make fun of a physical deformity? Would he poke fun at a person who could not afford a nice home? I don’t think so. If we could see the effect our words have, maybe we would think twice about them. It is easy to see the effects of a physical cut and it is easy to see if the cut is healing, if there will be a scar or if infection is setting in. But we can’t see the effects of our words. But they are just as real and many people are walking around wounded because of our words. These wounds may be infected and slowly killing the person and no one even realizes. May God guard our words and actions today and every day, so that we do not inflict wounds to those around us. May our words bring life, not death; health, not hurt.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
-Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
-Proverbs 15:23
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-
and how good is a timely word!
-Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Tuesday, July 16, 2002
A young couple that are youth leaders at their church went with us to Mexico in June really need our prayers today. I have never seen a couple happier about being parents. They had been praying for five years to become pregnant. Today I received a phone call telling me that the baby she is carrying has no heartbeat and they were at the doctor for further tests. As I was on the phone they called on the other line to the person I was talking to sobbing. Their baby had died.
It broke my heart to hear the news. I wanted to reach out and hug them from sixty miles away. They are scheduled to have labor induced Thursday morning. I cannot comprehend the pain that they are now feeling because I know the pain that I am feeling for them. This is a wonderful young couple committed to the cause of Christ. But even more than committed they are warriors in the Lord’s army. They would walk through the fire at the Lord’s command. This is a couple of royal blood as precious children of our Heavenly Father. Their hearts are as big as any I have ever seen as they passionately seek and serve God.
I can’t help but say, “Oh, Lord, this should not be” as I find myself pleading their case before our Heavenly Father. In these moments with God I am reminded of the hymn;
My hope is built on nothing less that Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not ask no other fame but solely lean on Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
And I continue my day with my pain fastened to the Rock that will hold me, this dear young couple and others who are feeling their pain. Please remember to pay for them today.
-Ps 29:11 NIV
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Monday, July 15, 2002
Yesterday we took about a 30-mile boat trip from Seekers Bay across Pokegama Lake, down the Snake River and all the way up Cross Lake to Norway point and back to our house. We got back about 9:20 P.M. and it was getting dark. As we were coming through Seekers Bay toward our house I saw something I have never seen in a boat before, a quarter moon reflecting off the water. The reflection was just a few feet from the boat, making me feel as if I could just reach out and touch the moon. It was quite beautiful. I felt as though I was given a special look at more of the beauty of God’s creation.
As I considered this awesome somewhat majestic site, the thought came to me that our lives are a reflection. As surely as the moon on the water is a reflection of the moon in the sky, our lives reflect to others what and who is in is. And we really don’t fool anyone. People either see Jesus in us or they don’t.
-2 Cor 3:17-18 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Sunday, July 14, 2002
Lately we have been hearing about leaders who have abused their positions. Unfortunately, the church has not been immune to the problems. Maybe it is time to take a look at what it means to be a leader and what the Bible says about leadership.
First, let me clarify one thing—I have never wanted to be a leader, but it has just come about in the past few years. However, every parent is a leader. You may think that if you are not a parent or in a leadership position, this does not apply to you. But each of us has someone that is watching us, especially as Christians. The world is hungry for the truth and those around you are watching you and you may be the only Christian they know. That makes you a leader.
Lead by example.
People are much more concerned with what you do than with what you say. If parents want their children to treat others with respect, the parents must show respect to each other first.
When I was in a supervisory position at work, I never felt guilty about asking someone to stay late to finish a project because I had done it many times alone and usually I ended up staying with the other person to help finish the project. Leading doesn’t mean pushing or pulling people along—it means walking alongside someone and at times, holding up another, to help that person become successful.
Hold everything lightly. Especially in ministry, the ministry I may have today is not mine. It belongs to God, and I need to remember that. It is up to Him whether I stay in that position or if God moves me on to something else. It is very easy to become jealous when someone else comes along who would like to help in a particular area. However, if God brings along someone to help in your ministry, it could be that the ministry is going to grow to the point that you will need help, or that God is getting ready to move you on to a new area of ministry. Each of us needs to be ready and willing to move on to something new when God so leads and we can only do this as we allow others to come alongside and learn from us. This can apply in a relationship too. Especially when one person has spent a long time sharing Christ with a friend and then another person comes along that actually leads the person to the Lord. Remember, God knows all the seeds you have planted and does it really matter who actually leads a person to the Lord, as long as the person gets saved?
I thought of an illustration—holding anything tightly tends to suffocate. If I hold something tightly clenched in my fist, no air can come in and death will eventually occur. However, if I hold it in my open hand, it is free to stretch out, try things and come back to safety. And the blessings of God can pour out and reach that thing I am holding.
Being a leader means becoming a servant.
I can think of no better leader than Jesus, and He came as a servant. It means loving those you are leading, and loving them sacrificially.
We need to examine our hearts. Who are we really serving? Are we really serving God or are we serving self? All ministry comes from God, to be done for God and He decides how long we serve in any particular place. Let us be willing servants and leaders in the Family of God.
-Ardis Rivera
-1 Corinthians 4:1
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.
-1 Corinthians 4:16
Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
-Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Saturday, July 13, 2002
God has a plan for each one of us. Our job is to listen to Him and determine what that plan is. Once we know what His plan is for our lives, we still have the choice to follow or not.
I have been learning a lot lately about tuning in to God and trying to find out what is His plan for my life. It isn’t always easy, but God is very patient and understands that we don’t always “get it”. However, I firmly believe that once we understand what it is that God wants for us, we can still say no and refuse to fall in line with God’s plan. God will continue to gently nudge us in the right direction, but at some point, He will allow us to continue in disobedience and allow someone else to pick up the very thing He meant for us to do. That means someone else will receive the blessing. I remember hearing a story regarding Kathryn Kuhlman. She was asked why she felt God chose her for such a widespread healing ministry, and her reply was that she felt that she was God’s second choice, and that the person God originally intended for that ministry was called and refused, so God moved on and allowed Kathryn to take on the ministry.
I can think of nothing sadder than to stand before God, only to hear that I missed out on a great blessing because I chose not to follow God’s leading in my life. It isn’t always easy to follow God. There may be people around that won’t understand. But what is more important, pleasing God or pleasing those around you?
Has God been nudging you in a certain direction? What is keeping you from following that leading? I challenge you to step out and try God. If you feel you aren’t up to the job He is putting before you, remember that He will equip you to do what He has called you to do. He won’t beat you up for making a mistake, and the rewards for being faithful are out of this world. By the way, once you step out, never look back!!!
-Ardis Rivera
-Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Friday, July 12, 2002
There is a book that circulated through the Christian community recently and was used for Bible studies, Sunday School classes and leadership training called “Experiencing God.” It was highly appreciated by many. The question we should each ask ourselves periodically is how is and what is our experience with God.
But I think it is time for a new book. I would call it “Experiencing Church!” Unfortunately for many, “experiencing God” and “experiencing church” can be two quite different experiences. When I hear of and see the turmoil in so many churches I have to ask, “Why does this happen? What is the root of the problem?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer but I do know this. When there is turmoil in the church, everyone involved needs to do self-examination of his or her heart and head. The fruit of the problem may be spiritual but the root may be nothing more than the lack of common sense!
Too often we approach church life inappropriately, spiritualizing everything that goes on and everyone’s problems. The truth is we can cure a lot of the problems in our churches by using our heads with some good old-fashioned common sense and common courtesy. Good hearts doing stupid things creates turmoil in the church, not peace!
-James 3:13-18 NIV
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Thursday, July 11, 2002
When I looked out over Seekers Bay this morning the view was spectacular. The sun danced off the water and its glistening was vibrant as if to say, “This is the day the Lord has made. It is so beautiful today that you will not be able to help yourself from rejoicing and being glad in it!”
Then I took a moment to thank the Lord for the simple things in life that cost no money or take no effort but are just given to us to enjoy. The sunrise is one of those simple things. No price can be put on what I see in the mornings from the artist of creation, the hand of God.
I am thankful that I have learned to enjoy and take the time to experience the simple things from God. It’s funny how those little things have become so big to me!
-Ps 111:2-3 NIV
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. 3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
With gambling so prevalent these days, there are losers from coast to coast. Because people often seek God when the “chips are down” we shouldn’t expect God to be blessing anyone with winning at the casinos! God’s more interested in winning souls than jackpots!
-James 1:16-18 NIV
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Tuesday, July 9, 2002
It’s pouring rain outside my house today making it a good day to write. As I was in the midst of writing I noticed my foot was feeling a little damp. No bother I though as I was out on my deck earlier carrying in things before they got soaked by the rains so it must be water on my foot from being outside. Ten minutes later my foot felt like it was getting wetter and I turned around to see several important pieces of paper floating behind me in a large puddle of water was forming in my basement office. And from the pouring rain outside my window the puddle wasn’t going to get smaller anytime soon.
Immediately I rushed into panic mode and did the manly thing. I called to my wife, “Honey, come downstairs and help. There’s a crisis!”
Isn’t that the way it is with sin and its consequences in our lives? People stray from God’s will for their lives, fib just a little bit, stay a little too long with a co-worker of the opposite sex after a lunch meeting or fudge on sales report just a little. People ignore the warning signs in our lives, going farther and farther until they are completely out of God’s will. People often lie to everyone around them and begin an affair with a coworker. Then they are neck deep in sin. Now they are in the “CRISIS MODE.” HELP GOD!!
Had I stopped and examine my foot when I noticed it first getting wet there would be no need to “move” my office for a day and pull out the towels, squeegee, and wet-vac. I could have mopped up the trickle with a towel and continued my writing.
Examine your heart today and if you are moving in the wrong direction. Ask God to help you move more in line with him. No matter where you are today, it’s not too late to turn the other way. God could never love you more than he does right at this instant, and he will never love you less.
-Garrett Novak
-Num 14:17-19 NIV
“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: 18’The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.’
Monday, July 8, 2002
When we hear God’s voice it is important that we answer. Because we have a free will we have the ability to answer “yes,” “no” or “not now.” How does God respond when we fail to answer “yes?” He goes and finds someone else who says “yes” and they receive the experience and blessing.
It is a huge mistake on our part to believe that we are the only ones who God can use for a specific task to do His work. The calling of God in our lives is a privilege and a blessing and should never be taken lightly.
We should also understand that God calls most people to ministries that include a vocation outside of pastoring or teaching. It is like the farmer on his tractor working the field and he sees the letters “PC” written in the sky. Being a Godly man he assumed that God was calling Him to ministry, the “PC” meaning “Preach Christ.” And he was partially right. God was calling him to ministry but the “PC” stood for “Plow Corn!”
Usually God doesn’t call us away from our vocation but rather to minister through our vocation. The question God is usually asking His people is, “Will you be a minister in your work place?” The bigger question is, “What is your answer?”
-Eph 6:10-20 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Sunday, July 7, 2002
I heard a story about a person that visited a shop where a silversmith was refining silver. The visitor noticed that as the craftsman heated the silver and the impurities rose to the top. The craftsman skimmed all the impurities off the top. He then repeated the process various times. The visitor asked the craftsman how he would know when the silver was pure. The craftsman replied that the silver was pure when he could see his reflection in the silver.
Trials and hard times come to each of us. I believe that many of the hard times are one way that God uses to purify us. My desire is that I will come through the fire in such a way that the sin is removed and God can see Himself in me and in that way, others will see God in me.
-Ardis Rivera
-Job 23:10
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
-Zechariah 13:9
This third I will bring into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”
Saturday, July 6, 2002
I have been thinking lately of how important is the Word of God to me. It’s easy to say that God’s word is important, but a look at our lives would reveal how important it is. Am I willing to shut off the TV to spend time in God’s word? Am I willing to get up early to spend time in God’s word? Our daily habits will reveal just how important God’s word is to us.
When we go a while without physical food, our bodies let us know about it. We start feeling hunger pains and for those that go extended periods without food, there come the outward signs that come when someone hasn’t eaten. Spiritual starvation may be harder to detect. Sometimes I wish God would send a big sign of some sort that would tell me I need some spiritual nourishment. Usually this doesn’t happen—at least it hasn’t happened in my life. I usually get to the point where I feel spiritually dry and realize that I have been neglecting my spiritual life. How refreshing the Word is at those times. However, it would be much better to continually be in the Word and not risk spiritual starvation.
I do wonder at times why it is so easy to take such good care of our physical bodies, being sure we feed them and take care of them and yet we neglect the spiritual body. Care for our physical body is important, but it is so much more important to take care of the spiritual body. Our physical bodies will only last a few years—our spiritual body will last all of eternity. Which is more important to take care of? I would challenge you to take some time to do a personal inventory and check out just how important God’s word is in your daily life and if you realize that you have been starving your spiritual body, start taking the necessary steps to put your spiritual body on a healthy diet of God’s Word.
There is a song that I just recently heard that is running through my mind. The chorus says in part:
I want more, more, more
Jesus, more of You.
I want more, more, more
Jesus, more of you.
This is my prayer today. How about you?
-Ardis Rivera
-Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Friday, July 5, 2002
The measure we use to see the work of God’s hand is terribly distorted by our own desires and ambitions. When we are called to minister we are not called to personal fame or fortune but to the famine and failure in the lives of others. Until we understand that we cannot understand anything of ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ.
-1 Cor 2:1-5 NIV
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
Thursday, July 4, 2002
We celebrate the freedom we have in America this year with a sense of greater patriotism than in the past. Things have changed since 911. Although we are truly blessed beyond measure, we do share some great freedoms with the rest of the world. We share with all mankind the ability to love.
As I observed the poverty of so many in Mexico I also noticed one interesting thing, they were pretty happy people. In fact, it is very humbling for me to sense how dissatisfied we can be with so much and how happy they can be with so little. You see we share a common blessing, the ability to love. And that ability enables us to love one another and love God.
How much we possess has little to do with our ability to love. And things certainly don’t make us happy. Unfortunately, some Christians measure their blessings by what they have in Christ and not who they are in Christ!
-Eph 1:3-10 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Wednesday, July 3, 2002
The Lord never knocks on the door of a heart that is not able to open to Him. Although it is a matter of will, people are prepared for the “eternal knock.” It is like two cars meeting at an intersection, one is the natural need for God and the other is circumstances. When these two mystically meet God knocks on the door of heart and asks to enter. The answer is up to the person. If he or she says “yes” they commit their lives to Christ and put their faith in Him. If they say “no” they may wait for a considerable period of time before the natural need of God and circumstances meet again at that special intersection. Therefore, it is important to encourage those who have heard God knock to respond and invite Jesus into their lives.
If you are hearing the “eternal knock” today, open the door of your heart and let Jesus in. Remember, Jesus is a gentleman and will not kick the door in. You must open the door and let Him in. And he will change your life forever!
-Rev 3:20 NIV
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Tuesday, July 2, 2002
I once had a business partner that continuously reminded me that we must celebrate our successes. I have never forgotten how important it is for people to take a few moments and smell the sweet aroma of success and reward themselves for it. Unfortunately, for many people, success doesn’t come often. Therefore, celebration and rewards can be few and far between.
But, unlike the business world, there is something we as Christians can celebrate everyday regardless; our faith in and love for Christ. We don’t need a holiday to celebrate Jesus. In fact, if we celebrate Him only on special occasions one has to question the validity or the depth of our faith. We should celebrate Jesus every day. I have often taken a deep breath in the presence of the Holy Spirit and inhaled the sweetness of His presence. There is sweetness in the air that is unmistakable and unforgettable. Yes, as we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we must celebrate Jesus often.
-Matt 5:6 NIV
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
-Ps 145:3-7 NIV
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Monday, July 1, 2002
It is always difficult to get back in the groove after ministering in Mexico. The updates for the final three days in Monterrey have not been sent but you should receive them in the next day or so. The Lord blessed us in many ways while we were there. You will hear more about it on the updates.
Pride is something that we all struggle with from time to time. We especially find it in church when it comes to worship and seeking God. In our conservative Scandinavian culture we find it difficult to show emotion. Therefore, worship in this part of the country has a tendency to be motionless and emotionless. In Mexico, people express their love and appreciation for God entirely different. Even in the poorest church they pray with vigor, shout hallelujah, are often moved to tears and have no struggle kneeling before the Lord, even on cement or dirt floors! The contrast is dramatic considering that we have all of the comforts of modern buildings with cushioned carpet.
Men often think it is macho to be without emotion when it comes to faith, worship and many other things. Women don’t want to call attention to themselves by showing emotion in worship. Why do so many people struggle showing the emotions of their faith? Is it because we are self-conscious? Could it be we are embarrassed by what we believe? Are we afraid that others will think we are Jesus Freaks? But the greater question is, “How can we not show emotion in worshiping a God that we love so much and a God that loves us so much?”
-Prov 29:23 NIV
A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
