Monday, September 30, 2002
Today is the last day of the 60th month of the ChurchMouse Chronicles “Thought For The Day.” I have been pondering what comments I could or should make in regard to these past five years.
On a personal level, it has kept my heart and mind active in my pursuit of God and has been a discipline for me to write each day.
On an amazement level, I am amazed that I have continued these daily thoughts for five years and that people have been reading them.
On the ministry level, I am humbled. Anything that I may write that is helpful to you is only by the hand of God and He must receive the glory. No one is capable of writing these every day on his or her own. It is truly a “God Thing.”
And finally, without your encouragement, your prayers and financial support this is not possible.
-1 John 2:28 NIV
And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
Sunday, September 29, 2002
The other day I stepped out on the deck and almost fell down. The deck was coated with ice. That tells me one thing—winter is on the way. I don’t like winter very much, but I do have to admit that when I lived in Mexico for a year, I did actually miss the snow.
Acknowledging the fact that winter is just around the corner makes me realize that we are nearing the end of another year and just how quickly time passes. We need to make the most of each day that God gives us and live each day in the light of eternity. When things come up that trouble me, I need to ask myself how important is this when compared to eternity.
It amazes me how many people give no thought to eternity or to the things of God until they come face to face with death. It seems that many people say that they believe in God, but take no time for Him in their daily lives, somehow thinking that they will have time to “make things right” with God before they die. But none of us is guaranteed another day, not even another minute. It seems that I just keep hearing of young people dying quite unexpectedly.
I really don’t think God is too concerned about how much stuff I have or what kind of house I live in. I think He is much more concerned about my spiritual well being, and if I am showing His love to others. I have come to realize that my priority is to be the furtherance of His kingdom, and He will take care of the rest.
-Ardis Rivera
-Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Saturday, September 28, 2002
I have had some very interesting conversations lately. Within a 24 hour time period, I had three people talk to me about a trend they have noticed in various churches. This is the trend of churches entertaining people rather than ministering to people.
I have no problems with Christian entertainment. I thank God for good Christian music and movies. I enjoy going to a Christian concert and being entertained. But the church is not the place to be entertained.
I feel that in many cases, the church is trying to bring in people with entertaining programs, flamboyant preaching and professional musicians. I do believe that churches need to do the very best they can in presenting Christ to a lost world, but there is a danger of losing the focus. Is the focus of everything we do really Christ? Or has the focus become “Our Program”, “Our Pastor”, “Our Music Program”? Are people getting saved? And once they are saved, are there people in place to disciple the new converts? Are we encouraging people to mature in the Lord?
If the focus in our churches is on the leadership and the programs that are in place, the people will never come to a place of spiritual maturity. But when the focus is on Christ, and His work on the cross, we will see the people leaving changed, because it is very difficult to come in contact with Jesus and leave the same.
As I was thinking about this subject, I was reminded of a song that came out a few years ago. It’s called “Playing Church Again”. I think the words of the song speak very clearly about a problem in churches today.
Plastic smiles greet me at the door
And lyin’ eyes cover up the night before
Make sure to be seen ‘til it’s time to go
I’ll be back next Sunday for one more show
(Chorus)
‘Cause we’re playing church again
we’re hiding our worst in our Sunday best
And nobody’s hurtin’, we all just pretend
‘cause we’re playing church again.
“How are ya doin’? “oh me, I’m just fine.”
We look real pretty while inside we are dyin’
Just look how it looks and not how it feels
‘cause everyone’s perfect but nobody’s real
so I put on my robe and I hang up my needs
And I sit there and stare, and Jesus watches and bleeds
And everyone’s healthy and wealthy and wise
And sinners aren’t welcome unless they’re coming to tithe
He gives grace to the humble, the weak and the poor
If we don’t need Jesus, tell me, what did He die for?
1990 Word Music Robin Boudreau, Phil Kristianson, Claire Cloninger, Bonnie Keen
I do believe that it grieves our Lord that for many, weekly worship has become a show. When it becomes more about us and less about Jesus, there is a problem
-Ardis Rivera
-2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Friday, September 27, 2002
What would you do if your church closed its doors? Last night I received an email telling me that the pastor from a certain church had resigned and that the church was closing it’s doors. I am well aware of this church and its historically strong ministry in its community. As it turns out it is not closing its doors yet but may not have enough people left make it viable. And the area community of about 2000 people has about 200 wounded Christians who are displaced from their church and they probably do not know where to worship or if they even want to worship. It’s a sad story that is being repeated many times across America and around the world today.
If you have been only occasionally attending your church and you have not been involved in its ministry, I want to encourage you to jump on board and roll up your sleeves. Your church needs you. And if your church has too many people with your spiritual gifts that it doesn’t need you, go find a church that does need you, roll up your sleeves and get to work. Christians can no longer be “lazy” and they must become like “Lazarus,” rising from the dead! The problem with too many Christians is when Jesus calls them out of the “grave of apathy” to ministry, they refuse to come forth or they come forth only to crawl back in the “grave of apathy” and play dead!
THE CHURCH NEEDS YOU AND YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND IT NEEDS YOU NOW, NOT WHEN YOU ARE OLD A DECREPIT! There, someone has finally said it. Now, roll up your spiritual and physical sleeves to make a difference in your church and your community!
-Isa 57:14-15 NIV
“Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” 15 For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Thursday, September 26, 2002
The fall on Seekers Bay is especially beautiful as the leaves change color and reflects off the water. I am thankful to be able to get up in the morning and see such beauty of God’s creation.
But that beauty of God’s creation through nature does not compare with the beauty of God’s creation of people. Have you given any thought lately how beautiful people are? At our Wednesday night Bible study we have an 85-year-old widow in attendance. Her husband was a long time Assembly of God pastor in our community. Often we do not appreciate older people. However, I do. When she prays it seems that God must stop whatever He is doing and listens. But not only that, it feels like maybe all of heaven stops what they are doing and listens, her prayers are said with such depth and power.
Last night she shared how many years ago she had a nervous breakdown that took her fifteen years to recover from. During that time she barely spoke to anyone and from the depths of her depression called upon the Lord for fifteen years and one day He gave her an idea that enabled her to conquer her depression.
Our senior saints are just one of many segments of society that are often forgotten as the beauty of there youth begins to fade. I encourage you to take time to rediscover the beauty of people and especially those senior citizens in your life. They are some of the most beautiful people on the earth and are precious in the sight of the Lord.
-Lev 19:32 NIV
“‘Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
A little girl once asked her parents to explain to them how she could get to heaven. The startled evangelical couple gave a blank stare at each other. How did this work again? After all, they accepted Christ at special services in their church when they were children and had never personally lead anyone to Christ. Now their own daughter was opening the door to the most important area of her life and they were speechless.
Unfortunately this is far too common of a scene in Christian homes. Somehow parents take their children to Sunday School and church thinking that leading their child to Christ and training them in the way of the Lord is the responsibility of the church and not theirs. One of the greatest rights of parents is to be the spiritual mentors to their children, which including introducing them to a saving knowledge of Christ. No one is better equipped to do this than you as a parent and don’t let anyone deprive you of the privilege.
When I was a young boy my grandmother, whom I lived with, knelt with me and I asked Jesus into my life. It was nearly 50 years but I still remember it like it clearly. I cherish that memory and so will your children.
Parents are supposed to be the spiritual mentors of their children.
-Deut 6:5-7 NIV
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
About two or three miles from my house this past Sunday evening there was a terrible accident involving a car and a motorcycle. The car came up from behind and hit the cycle, killing the female passenger. It caused me to think of how our lives can be changed or even ended without notice, even if we are doing all the right things. We must make a committed effort to enjoy life and appreciate our families and friends. We never know what the next year, month, week, day, hour, minute or even the next second will bring. That’s why we should live each day with our priorities on the things of God, focused on the things of earth in the light of eternity.
-Isa 57:1-2 NIV
The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Monday, September 23, 2002
God is all-comforting and the Holy Spirit resides in our lives to comfort us. But it is difficult to comfort someone on the run. When a child gets hurt it is hard for a parent to comfort them if they are running all over, screaming in their pain. Adults are not much different. We must sit down before the Lord and spend special moments with Him, listening to Him and allowing Him to comfort us.
-John 14:26-27 NIV
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
-Ps 23:1-24:1 NIV
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Sunday, September 22, 2002
Here’s another church story.
The congregation was filing in to the church as usual. The church was located in a nice part of town and the people were proud of their heritage. But this Sunday, there was a homeless man in front of the church. Many of the people were noticeably bothered; some were embarrassed. But they quickly passed by the man to get inside their church.
The music was wonderful as always. But a few people were still bothered by that man in front of the church. What was he doing there? Why couldn’t he just go somewhere else?
The time came for the sermon. No one had seen the pastor yet, and there were a few whispers concerning that, then the back door of the church opened and in walks the homeless man. You could hear the gasps of unbelief—what did he think he was doing in here? And worse yet, he started walking up the center aisle and went directly to the pulpit. Then, he started taking off the raggedy clothes, revealing his true identity. The “homeless man” was their pastor. He proceeded to tell them that not one person had said a word to him, had offered any type of help. He then began the sermon that dealt with loving our fellowman.
The people who God sends to us may not come in 3-piece suits. They may come in rags. Last Sunday, a man wandered into the service (we had an outdoor service). I am sure this man would not be welcome in many churches today. He probably hasn’t been in a church service in years, if ever. The thought that came to me when I saw him was this: this is the reason we as a church exist—to reach out to whomever God sends our way. I pray we will never discriminate and treat one person better than another, just due to outward appearances. God is no respecter of persons, and we are called, as His children, to show His love and grace to anyone who comes across our paths.
-Ardis Rivera
-Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Saturday, September 21, 2002
In the past couple of days, I have been reminded of a couple of stories that I heard a while back. I am going to relate one story each day this weekend. I don’t know if they are true stories or not, but they do give us something to consider.
Jim was a college student, and a new Christian. He loved the Lord with all his heart and had been looking for a good church. One Sunday, he went into a large church near the campus. The people in the congregation were typically very well dressed and they had an image to uphold in the community. When Jim walked in, dressed in his ragged jeans and t-shirt, it was obvious to everyone (except Jim) that he just didn’t fit in. As Jim started walking down the aisle, no one moved to make room for him. So, he continued down the aisle. There were murmurs among those in the congregation that at least when he realized that there was no room for him, he would leave. When Jim got to the front and still hadn’t found a place to sit, he just sat down on the floor, right in the middle of the center aisle. As the service started, all eyes were on Jim, but his focus was on one thing—worshipping his Savior.
After a few minutes, a noise was heard in the back of the church. Brother Joe, who had served many years as a board member, started walking down the aisle towards Jim. Now this was not an easy task, since Joe was in his 80’s and walked with a cane. People started smiling, thinking that Joe would take care of the Jim situation and then they could “worship” in peace. Joe slowly approached Jim and when he was alongside Jim, Joe sat down on the floor beside Jim and put his arm around him.
When the pastor got up to preach, there were tears in his eyes. He said that he would not preach a sermon, because there was no more powerful sermon than what had been demonstrated to them that very morning, the love of God in action.
Perhaps this is just a story, but I fear that this scene happens many times every Sunday. I remember to this day when I visited a church shortly after I was saved. Not a single person greeted me. As a matter of fact, I received a few looks that made me feel that I was not welcome there. Now I was not dressed in ragged clothes, I was dressed in much the same way that the people in the church were dressed. I had been brought up in that denomination. But the message I received was very clear, I was not welcome.
The question arises: Are today’s churches merely social clubs and you have to meet certain qualifications to be a part of the group? Have our churches become cliquish? Or are our churches open to the baby Christians, the mature Christians, the lost and whoever is seeking the truth. There was a joke out a few years ago (actually it is a sad story) that said that a certain man was praying and said, ”Jesus, I went to the church down the street, but they made it known that I wasn’t welcome there.” Jesus answered him and said, “Don’t feel bad. They didn’t let me in either.”
-Ardis Rivera
-James 2:1-4
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Friday, September 20, 2002
The window of greatness is only opened as wide as your love for God will take you!
-Mark 9:35 NIV
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Thursday, September 19, 2002
When the power of God seems to be loaded with blanks or His aim is off, nothing could be further from the truth. God never loses His power and He never misses. To think that God could experience power failures or shortages or that He can’t focus in on His target at any time is ridiculous. God is always “right on” and “ready.”
I said all of that to say this; You can’t hide from the love of God, the power of God, the wrath of God or the call of God! He knows where we live and we all stand “spiritually naked” before Him!!!
You can run but you can’t hide from God!
-2 Kings 18:5-7 NIV
Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. 6 He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses. 7 And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
I confess that there are times that I kneel to pray that I just don’t know what to say to God. I could be burdened with my own cares or perhaps those of others. Sometimes I just don’t understand the crazy things people do and the lives they live. It may be my own crazy life that I would like to discuss with God. I may be finding it hard to understand why these burdens even exist. Sometimes I’d just like to ask God, “Why” but I am not too sure that it is good spiritual “etiquette.” Perhaps you can relate.
I don’t know where we ever got the idea that we are supposed to withhold our thoughts and questions from God because He already knows them anyway. Furthermore, if we can’t go to God with our cares, concerns and failures are we then to think that He is only interested in our lives when things are all rosy and cheerful. Not so. God is our loving Father in all the seasons of life.
-Heb 4:14-16 NIV
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
Have you noticed how big people’s feet are getting these days? Many men are wearing size 12-15 shoes and women size 8-10. It used to be that men wore size 9-11 and women wore size 6-7. Why do people need bigger feet? The obvious answer is because their bodies are getting bigger and they need more support. But there are other changes in our lives that require bigger support as well.
The burdens that most people carry today are extremely heavy and constant. Bigger feet can’t help with that but bigger hearts, in the spiritual sense, can. With husbands and wives both working, retired people unable to make ends meet on their retirements and the increasing large number of single parent families the burdens of people has gotten not only heavier but continuous. And children are carrying pain far beyond their years. It is important that they get relief from time to time.
But where can people find relief from their burdens, even for a few moments a week? Some get it through alcohol, sex, drugs, pornography, power, fortune or fame. Others lay their burdens at the feet of Jesus. And sometimes people wander into a little church somewhere and someone greets them at the door and says, “Good morning. Welcome. It’s good to have you here today.” And for a brief moment inside the doors of a quaint simple church with basic loving folks their burdens were left outside the door.
At the end of the service they may find themselves kneeling at an old altar in the front of the church laying their burdens at the foot of the cross. And as they lift their heads and wipe away their tears they will notice the church, the body of Christ kneeling with them in prayer. Then to their surprise they see the tears of the church, God’s people, who have petitioned God on their behalf to lighten their load, helping to carry the burden they brought before God. And someone gives them a hug and says, “Welcome. It’s good to have you here today.”
Do you know of any churches like that? You ought to. Our churches today do not need bigger buildings, bigger programs, bigger staff or bigger ideas. Our churches need bigger hearts to help carry the bigger burdens of the generations we serve. We don’t need any more youth movements we need a heart movement!
It doesn’t take a Bible degree, rehearsals or preparation of any kind to say, “Welcome. It’s good to have you here today.”
-Heb 13:1-2 NIV
Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Monday, September 16, 2002
How to Raise Beautiful Children
Human beings have always been fascinated by beauty. Early civilizations had their beauty methods just as we do. And when it comes to our children we are even more concerned at how they look. We spend millions of dollars annually on clothes, hair, teeth, and other cosmetic improvements for children. The teenage market for clothes, makeup and fad items is staggering. And yet we see increasing numbers of “beautiful” children with low self-esteem, depression and suicidal tendencies. So how do we raise beautiful children?
1. Find a good church that is scripture based in teaching and practice, then attend regularly and get involved in it. And don’t gripe about every little thing that goes wrong; therefore maintain a positive healthy approach to your church family.
2. Read and teach your children about the love of God and His Son Jesus. That is not the role of the church. The church is there to reinforce what we teach our children!!!
3. Sing songs of praise with your children when they are little and they will never forget them when they grow up.
4. Be an example of a beautiful person by letting the love of God show through you into the lives of your children.
Do these things guarantee that your child will grow up to be a beautiful person? No. Not any more than a flower who receives proper nourishment will grow to be a beautiful flower. But one thing is certain; if you never nourish a flower the likelihood of it growing up to be beautiful is very slim and if you put poison on a flower it will certainly never be beautiful. Children are not so much different!
1 Peter 3:3-5 NIV
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Sunday, September 15, 2002
Today most of us (hopefully all of us) will be going to church and hearing a sermon. I love a good sermon. I like to take notes and go over them later. But, many of us forget that we each preach sermons every day. Our co-workers, friends, families (yes, and even our enemies) are watching us. Our actions speak much louder than the words we say. When we claim to be under the Lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ, but cannot submit to those in authority over us (bosses, pastors, teachers), what does that say? How about our business dealings, are they fair?
A few years ago, the Christian rock group Petra had a song called, “Seen and Not Heard.” I have lent out the CD, so I couldn’t double check the lyrics, but the general idea of the song is that Christians need to be seen more and heard less. That doesn’t mean that we don’t tell others about Christ, but our actions need to line up with what we say. There is another song and I can’t remember the song title or the author. There is one line in the song that has always stuck in my mind. It says “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day”. The Christian guitarist/singer Phil Keaggy has used a phrase on many of his CDs that says, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.”
On this Sunday, as we go to church and worship, let us evaluate our lives and make sure that our actions line up with what we say. And if they don’t line up, let us go to our Heavenly Father and repent.
-Ardis Rivera
-Galatians 6:1-5
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
-Acts 26:20b
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Saturday, September 14, 2002
I was just reading an article about some workers in England. The government had contracted a company to paint the white lines on the edges of the roads. The workers came across a dead badger. So, what did they do? They painted right over the dead animal, rather than removing it first. My first thought was that it couldn’t be true, but there were pictures in the article to prove it.
In life, there are times when we are going along, doing what do and we come across something that could keep us from doing what God has called to do. It could be a sin that needs to be dealt with; it could be that God wants us to stop and re-evaluate what we are doing and how and why. When that happens, we can stop and take care of the issue, whether it is repenting of a sin, or possibly taking a second look at what is being done and seeing if changes need to be made. Or, we can forge ahead, ignoring the thing that is right in front of us. Usually, the second option is not a good idea. A sin that is not dealt with will start to stink in a short while (kind of like the dead badger). And if a new direction is needed, and not taken, disaster can result. Usually, ignoring things does not make them go away, they just become worse.
I don’t know how the workers would explain their actions. I know I would not like to remove a dead animal, but that is preferable to painting over it. Removing a dead animal is not a pleasant task, but it is far better than leaving it lay. Getting rid of a sin is not always pleasant, but it needs to be done. And changing the way things are done is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done. You know, that painted dead badger is not going to stay there. If no one removes it, it will eventually decay. No matter how it is removed, once it is gone, there will be a spot in the road with no white line. And in the meantime, there will be an undeniable stench.
-Ardis Rivera
-Lamentations 3:40
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord .
-2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?
Friday, September 13, 2002
To become a musician requires that one practices. To be a career professional requires one to study. To become an athlete requires continued testing of great endurance. To become a Christian requires only the willingness to accept the free gift of God, eternal life through faith in Christ. Nothing is easier than becoming a Christian!
However, many Christians have forgotten to practice their faith, study the scriptures and they continue to be tested for endurance!
-Ps 37:23-24 NIV
If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Thursday, September 12, 2002
One year ago yesterday there was great tragedy. One year ago today we received a very special gift from God, out first grandchild. It is amazing that day-to-day experiences can be so different.
Being a grandfather has really caught me off guard. I never realized what a wonderful experience it is. I wish it for everyone. God has wonderfully given us families where our role changes over a lifetime. First we had our parents, then we had each other, then we had children and now we are grandparents. The only thing that will make our lives better is the gift from God of more grandchildren. I’d like a hundred of them!!!
-Prov 17:6 NIV
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
9/11. Those words are forever burned into our minds and history books just like Pearl Harbor. Many are concerned today about safety and there is a security high alert. A lot of people around the world have lost their lives, their loved ones, their home and their dignity this past year. The hatred of the few has caused heartache for the many.
Our president has waged a war on terrorism, and certainly terrorism cannot be allowed. But killing terrorists and innocent people will never eliminate hatred and mass murder around the world. In Minnesota we have lots of Mosquitoes. We also say that when you kill one mosquito a hundred more come to its funeral. Although we must fight the fight and protect our country, terrorism has been going on for generations’ worldwide and we will never eliminate terrorism through acts of violence. For every terrorist we kill, others will pick up the cause and continue to terrorize.
What then shall we do?
We must turn hatred into love through the shed of blood of Christ.
How do we do that?
Through prayer, major spending, training and physical effort to evangelize the world.
Who is going to do that?
It all starts with each of us.
When do we do this?
We should start today.
Until we change the way we love we will never change the way we live.
-Mark 16:15 NIV
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. Bitterness leads to hatefulness and hate is contrary to the God that we serve. Any hint of unforgiveness should be served a heaping helping of grace. Unforgiveness must be fought off with the strongest weapons of love because when it festers into bitterness it is only an emotion away from maturing into hate. And hate has no place in the body of Christ here on earth or in eternity.
It is better to forgive and forget than to forget to forgive!
-Eph 4:29-32 NIV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Monday, September 9, 2002
The beautiful sunrise this morning has a double reflection of the sun glistening off the water. It is breathtaking. I am reminded of how much I appreciated the beauty of God through His creation.
This morning I have been reflecting. Two weeks ago I was just getting up in Kearney, Nebraska on my way to California with our youngest daughter who moved out there to go to school. Thirty-Six years ago today Lonna and I were waking to the joy of our wedding day. Reflections are good as it reminds us of God’s blessings and his provision. Has everything been perfect in our lives in those thirty-six years? Certainly not but God has made provision for us and he has blessed us with four daughters, three son-in-laws, one grandson, family and many friends. For all of these things I am grateful and truly blessed.
It is probably not your wedding anniversary today but it still may be a good day to reflect and count your blessings.
-Ps 61:5 NIV
For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Sunday, September 8, 2002
Growing up around sheep, I remember my father talking about how he wished he had a good sheep dog. Good sheep dogs cost several hundreds of dollars at the time and that was not an option, but that did not take away the desire of my father to have one. Then, one day, a neighbor offered us a free border collie puppy, just to see if the dog would be a good sheep dog. Smoky was a natural. My parents took her with them when they worked with the sheep and she learned very quickly. I remember a time when it seemed that everyday the sheep would get loose and go to the pasture across the road and we would take Smoky with us and round them up and bring them back to their pasture. Well, the day came that we needed to move the sheep across the road, and since they were so willing to go and were already spread out eating, we left the gate open so we could move the water tanks over. You guessed it—by the time we turned around, the sheep were back in their old pasture, and Smoky was very proud of the fact that she had done her job.
Smoky knew the sheep—she knew their habits. She spent her life watching them. It was that act that killed her before she lived a year. She was laying in the ditch, watching the sheep across the road, and a car came and hit her. If Smoky had not been doing her job, she would have lived a long time. We were given a brother of Smoky’s, but he was not overly concerned about the sheep. He spent lots of time with them, but he was chasing them, to the point of killing them. That dog didn’t live long, either. But most of the dogs we have had, have preferred to spend their time in the shade. They would probably go and do what was asked if they had to, but we knew that the goal was to stay in the shade and as close to the house as possible.
As sheep owners, my parents appreciated Smoky, and my mother still talks about her. Smoky did her job and helped the shepherds. I think the pastors are in many ways like a sheep dog. God entrusts His people to them, and He asks them to guard His people and protect them. God is still the Master and Shepherd, but the pastors are the ones in the field with the sheep. And like our various dogs, there are those that lovingly watch and care for the people; there are those that injure people; and there are those who do their job, but would prefer being in the house with the family. I think of the many pastors that I have had in my life, and there are few that have really impacted me, and those are the pastors that took the time to get to know me and seemed to want to spend the necessary time to achieve that end. I will never forget how my father said that evidently we weren’t very important in the eyes of the pastor we had at the time, because he never took the time to get to know us. But I am not just talking about pastors here. It isn’t just the job of the pastor to get to know those around us in church—we each have that responsibility. We need to reach out and get to know those around us on Sunday mornings. When people sense that the pastor and the people in church really care about them, maybe they will want to know the Master those people serve.
-Ardia Rivera
-John 10:11-13
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
Saturday, September 7, 2002
I was raised on a farm and we raised sheep. I guess that’s why I realized at a pretty early age that the Bible was not complimented us when it referred to us as sheep. Sheep are pretty stupid animals. They also need a lot of care and attention.
Sheep tend to stay together. Now that can be good, but if one finds a low spot in the fence or a hole in the fence, and that one decides to make a break for it, typically the entire flock follows. There is not a lot of independent thinking that goes on in a sheep pasture.
Sheep are not capable of keeping themselves clean. They depend on the owner/shepherd to take care of this for them. They are also very vulnerable to attack animals. Sheep are not capable of fleeing danger—their bodies aren’t designed for rapid fleet. Again, they need to be protected.
Sheep need a lot of care. They need to be wormed several times a year; they need injections against some pretty strange diseases (like overeating disease), and they have to be shorn.
One thing that I noticed was that when one of us would call the sheep, they would raise their heads and sometimes come running to us. They would run if they saw that we had the feed bucket in our hands. However, when someone else would come and call the sheep, they paid no attention. They didn’t recognize the voice and they didn’t respond.
There are many voices that call out to us these days. Some are looking to cause us harm, some are good, but there is the one voice that is the best voice we can hear. There are things in the media and the world that will only bring harm to us if we listen. There are voices that are good—those of friends, colleagues who do want the best for us. And then there is the one voice we need to which we need to be listening and that is the voice of our Master. He only wants to protect us, guide us and lead us home. I encourage you to be listening for the voice of your Master and Savior, and then respond to it.
-Ardsi Rivera
-John 10:26-28
But you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
Friday, September 6, 2002
How much does it cost to attend church? That’s really an interesting question because that is the way some people think about it. If that were not the case then why is that people put in a certain amount of money in the offering every Sunday when they are at church but when they miss a Sunday they don’t put in double for the following Sunday when they are in attendance?
-2 Cor 9:6-9 NIV
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Thursday, September 5, 2002
Some of the old time preachers really poured out the hell, fire and brimstone from the pulpits in their churches. They scared hell out of the people. And the guilt, oh my, the guilt. People used to have sleepless nights threshing through their souls. And the church thrived and survived.
But will the same be able to be said of the new “7-11” Church? Everything is designed for the worshipers convenience, the price is high and the message is passive-permissive. The worship songs often consist of about seven words repeated about eleven times.
But there are those who will rationalize and say, “But look at the numbers!” And so I have and I am still not impressed with churches that are a “mile wide and an inch deep.” And neither should you be.
-Rom 1:16 NIV
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:
1 Cor 1:18 NIV
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Wednesday, September 4, 2002
Have you ever questioned God? Did He answer you?
Many would teach that God is offended by our questions. Although our lack of faith may disappoint Him, I don’t think God is offended by our questions. I think He is offended by our silence. And God doesn’t make a practice of answering questions that are never asked.
-Ps 4:5-8 NIV
Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. 6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. 7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Tuesday, September 3, 2002
The tragedy of helplessness is not that people are helpless but rather that they don’t get any help. So the question must be asked, “Who is the helpless person? The one who can’t get help or the person who won’t give help?
Last year we were trying to finish our remodeling project on our house. We had ran out of money about four times, the project was 18 months behind and were tired, tired, tired. I called a friend of mine who does finishing work in houses to ask him how to do certain varnishing of cabinets, etc. No doubt sensing our frustration he volunteered to come and help us for the weekend. Under his direction we worked together and finished the cabinets and vanities in our house. It was no little sacrifice that he made. He is five hours away. He could have been doing many other things or spending time with his family but he was sensitive to our need and us. And the timing was perfect because we really needed someone to come along side of us to help us move forward in the project. Were we grateful? Yes, beyond words. He was a friend who layed down his life for us that weekend and we will never forget it.
A wise man once told me, “There may be a time you can’t get help but there is never a time when you can’t give help!” I have never forgotten it and neither should you. What may be a small act of kindness from us may be just the thing that someone needs in their life at that moment and may be of monumental encouragement to them, perhaps even eternal.
When you feel led to help someone remember who is leading you!
Monday, September 2, 2002
Today is Labor Day in the United States. Someone once said that the day we celebrate work, very few people actually work.
God has given us work as a blessing. Some people think of it as a curse, citing the passage in Genesis where God tells Adam that he will eat by the sweat of his brow. But looking at the passage, I see that God cursed the ground and caused it to bring forth weeds. In the prior chapter, before the fall of man, God told Adam to work the garden and to take care of it. We all need to have to have something to do.
I believe we are to do our jobs to the best of our abilities, no matter what the job is. Some people think that since their “day job” is not in ministry, that they can’t really serve God in their jobs. I don’t remember who said it, but I heard the statement that if God calls you to be a ditch-digger, be the best ditch-digger ever. Those around us are watching. How can we claim to be Christians if we cheat our employers by not doing our best at our jobs?
Not everyone is called to full-time vocational ministry, but all are called to full-time ministry. The pastor’s full time ministry is in the church; someone else’s full-time ministry may be working in a restaurant, and someone else may have a ministry in a school. Wherever God has put you, do the best you can—your real boss is God anyway.
–Ardis Rivera
-Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Sunday, September 1, 2002
At our church, we have been going through the hymns and choruses that we know and making lists of the songs we know and can do. I am truly amazed at how many songs I actually know. It also amazes me how many songs have kind of fallen by the wayside and aren’t used a lot anymore. Going through all the piles of books and finding the good old songs has been fun, but I wonder why many churches don’t use some of these songs anymore.
I realize that there are always new songs coming up, and it is fun to sing them. But there are people in our churches that grew up with the old hymns and long to be able to sing them. As I have been looking at the words of some of these old songs, I have come to the conclusion that we need to be teaching them to the younger generation. I think we are doing our congregations a great disservice when we don’t pull out some of the old hymns. Some of these songs were written in the midst of great suffering and they have stood the test of time. As I have been going over the words to some of these great songs, I am amazed at the great truths that are in them, and am saddened that there are many Christians today that don’t even know these songs.
I heard a statement that intrigued me. A prominent German theologian (his name was not given) was asked what the basis for his faith was and the one asking the question expected a deep, theological treatise for an answer. The theologian said very simply:
Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
I encourage you to dig out the hymnal, and you will be rewarded with a wealth of truth.
One other thought: When we were in Mexico in June, a group of girls between the ages of 3 and 8 (I’m guessing) got up before the service started and sang (from memory) the old hymn At The Cross. They didn’t sing just the chorus—they sang all the verses. Could you do that?
–Ardis Rivera
-Psalm 78:1-4
O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old-
what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord ,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
