Why is RCC becoming Hope Church?
When we began in 2006 we were looking for meeting space to hold a worship service.
Our first contract was with Riverwalk Movies in Jenks. The management was kind to us, but the developer cancelled our contract a few weeks before we could begin meeting. As we had rented space, we incorporated and used the name Riverwalk because we had planned to meet there for a long period of time.

So we are changing our name for three reasons. First, the word “hope” better describes who we are and what we offer to our community. We have found our hope in a faith relationship with Jesus Christ and we have offered that hope to thousands of people in this area by hosting community events. Secondly, we plan to start more churches or partner campuses and the word hope will travel well to any local city. Thirdly, we no longer meet near the Riverwalk area and so the name is often confusing.

Where and when does Hope Church meet?
We have left our Glenoak location and for July and the first part of August we’ll meet in homes for worship. On Sunday, August 15th, we’ll open our new building at 247 E. 141st Street Suite C, in the Glenpool Eye Care building.

Who is Hope Church trying to reach?
We were aiming to reach people who either do not have a church background or have been away from church for a long time. We strive to meet people where they are right now.

What are some future plans for Hope Church?
Starting on Sunday August 15th, we plan to host two services on Sunday morning, at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Our 9 a.m. service will have a “Mommy & Me” childcare room with a live feed of the worship service. This room is designed to allow Moms or Dads with infant or children up to 3years to attend our service but also be with their children at the same time. Our 10:30 a.m. service will have a Children’s Ministry for Birth-5th grade.

In September we’ll restart our small groups which meet on weekdays in homes. The groups meet around the school year calendar. Each week group members share dinner together, a discussion time from the message of the previous Sunday, prayer time, and meet practical needs for each other and people in the area.

We practiced this scripture yesterday.  We have been working hard this summer serving our community through neighborhood parties, lawn care night, cold drink give-away nights, and serving our local fire and ambulance employees dinner.  Not to mention the details on our name change (Hope Church, coming in August) and our new building space.

So last Sunday we met at Camp Loughridge in a beautiful lodge to worship, celebrate, pray, sing, look back, and look forward.  After our worship service we enjoyed grilled food and a cold refreshing swimming pool.  The day was filled with laughter, fun, food, and a sense of God with us. 

How long has it been since you stopped and celebrated?  God tells you that you should every 7 days...take a sabbath to rest and reflect and celebrate the gift of life. 

We pray that the rest of the summer will be used for God's glory! 

Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32, "Be KIND and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you."  Its impossible to be kind to others unless you keep a forgiving spirit.    

The starting point to cultivating a kind heart is to receive God's forgiveness.  The message parapharase of Ephesians 4:32 says, "God through Christ has forgiven you."  I love those past tense words "has" and "forgivEN".  When you write down all of your sins --words spoken, wrong actions, missed opportunities---and then you write those words from Ephesians 4:32 over it...then you will experience the kindness of God.  Once the kindness of God replaces your own regrets and your own grudges then you have the ability and desire to be kind. 

So today, think about the random acts of unkindness you have experienced from others.  Then, choose to kind, compassionate, and forgiving to others.  And make this week an adventure in doing not so random acts of kindess! 

Also, our name will change in August to Hope Church.  The word "hope" better describes who we are and what we offer to our community. Keep watching for details on this webpage or check our our facebook page for Riverwalk Community Church. 

There are many things that can disturb the peace of Christians.  Worry, pain, and stress are common peace robbers.  But perhaps one of the greatest things that challenges your peace is GUILT.  For many believers they live in a cylce of confess a sin, confess it again and again until they feel better or they have punished themselves enough.  But the bible clearly teaches that God really forgives us when we confess our sins.  He fully pardons us based on what Jesus did on the cross. 

There is a great verse that we looked at as we thought of this reality. 

Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing mercy. Micah 7:18 (NLT)

God delights in showing mercy!  If guilt keeps disturbing your peace, then remember as you confess that God actually delights in giving mercy.  His delight in showing mercy trumps his anger over our sins.  Should we sin carelessly or sin to let God forgive us more?  No!  But when we sin, and when we confess, we should remember that our God wants to pardon us...he is not forced to, he does not forgive with a scowl on his face...he delights in showing mercy.  Let his great mercy give you peace today. 

But joy is different.  It lasts.  And you can only get joy from God Himself.  Paul wrote,   "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)   God gives us joy.  And we can still have joy even when it rains on the 4th of July, our favorite team loses at the last minute, or we are standing at the grave of a loved one.  We can have joy not because we try really hard or deny our pain or loss; but because we allow God to fill us with all joy as we trust in Him.  So be happy when you can...be joyful always. 

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love..."  Galatians 5:22.

Now I read a story not long ago about heart transplant patients. When you receive a heart transplant you are invited into a small group of people called the Tribe of the Transplanted. Its like a support group for transplant patients. One of the reasons there is a support group is because the recipients of a heart transplant actually are different people after their surgery. They have different cravings and sometimes different personality qualities. Do you know why? Because scientists are discovering that your heart actually stores memory and emotional qualities…and when a transplant takes place the person who receives the new heart is really changed.

That’s just like the gospel!

Jesus moves into your heart spiritually, he downloads his heart into your heart, and he begins an extreme make-over. The end result is that Jesus’ heart begins to transplant your heart and your heart begins to produce the character traits of Jesus! What a privilege.

As you follow Jesus one of the traits he gives you is the ability to "love".  Jesus tells us to love God, love our neighbor (anyone we can help), one another (or fellow believers), and lastly our enemies.  Who do you need to express love to this week?  Pause for a moment and ask God to show someone who needs to know they are loved this week.  Then, demonstrate the love Jesus has put in your heart ASAP! 

As we meet in homes, our NEW SPACE will be built out.  We will be opening the NEW SPACE hopefully on August 15, 2010.  We can't wait!  Until then, we are going to have a great summer "going to church less, and being the church more!"  We'll spend more time outside of our walls being the hands and feet of Jesus!!! 

Come and make a difference with us!

Parenting is hard.  But parenting alone is HARDER! 

So, if you know a single parent HELP THEM!  Pray for them, cheer them on, listen to their problems, give resources to them, cook for them, etc.  If you were raised by a single parent, THANK THEM!  If you are a single parent, THANK YOU for staying in your kids lives and making big and little sacrifices every day.  God is watching and keeping a record. He is a parent, He understands. 

Join us this week as we talk about HOW TO SOAR AS A SINGLE PARENT and how you can help single parents! 

Still, I'm not really for FORCING YOUR FAITH ON YOUR KIDS.  Moses had a better plan.  In Deuteronomy 6, he says, "Impress these things upon your children."  The things, were to love God and to keep all the commandments.  He goes on to say that parents can impress their faith on their kids by talking about his words and his ways at home, when traveling on the road, at bed time, and at wake up times. 

To make an impression takes time.  Ever make your hand prints in plaster or cement as a kid?  To get a good imprint you have to gently, slowly push your hands into the soft material and apply the right amount of pressure or the image gets distorted.  To slam your hands into plaster would create a mess and poor image.  The same happens with the parent who forces their faith on their child.  It takes more time to impress---daily conversations, teachable moments, failing, reading the bible with your kids, giving your tithes, doing the right thing when its easier to do the wrong thing, praying for more than meals.  Each one of those acts slowly but deeply impresses your faith on the hearts of your children. 

A few practical ideas.  As I strive to impress my faith on my kids, I try to use the ideas given from Deuteronomy 6.  As I drive Graham to school each morning ("when you wake up"), we pray for his day together.  At night when I tuck him in (when you lie down) , we pray together again and try to choose one thing is grateful for from the day.   As we drive places I often direct my boys attention toward something in creation (full moon, unique animals, beautiful sunsets) and ask, "Isn't God awesome?"  

How can you impress your faith on your kids?  Ask God to give you wisdom, develop a simple plan that fits your schedule and goals, and change it up around different seasons.  Over time, you will touch the hearts of your kids, but leave the fingerprints of God.    

Last Friday night, Angela and I, along with four friends attended a dinner with the president of Rwanda.  President Paul Kagame spoke at the Presidential Scholar Dinner on the OCU campus in Oklahoma City.  OCU has hosted students from Rwanda since 2006 in a remarkable exchange program.  If you have read our blog long, then you know that we and our church family have a heart for Rwanda.  We are currently planning a mission trip to Rwanda in the fall of this year with some of the kind people at OCU.  More about that in later blogs. 

As I listened to President Kagame speak I was thought back over scenes from Hotel Rwanda and As We Forgive, two very moving movies.  I thought about the stats of 1 million people dying in 100 days.  I thought about the small but heartfelt efforts of our church to sponsor Land of a Thousand Hills coffee farmers, purchasing a bike for a farmer last Christmas, and the showing of AS WE FORGIVE at a local theater to raise awareness of the hope that is rising in Rwanda.  I also looked around the room at the incredible Rwandan students and thought of all they have experienced in the last four years at OCU. 

Perhaps the highlight of the night was meeting a pastor from Rwanda.  She asked me "why do you want to come to Rwanda?"  I told that I want to see if there is a ministry or project that our church could focus on and make a difference, but secondly, I want to learn from the Rwandan Christians how to live out the gospel like they have.  I shared that I didn't feel I have much to offer their people, but that I have much to learn from them. 

My heart breaks and hopes for Rwanda at the same time.  Perhaps God is giving me a glimpse of how his heart feels for our whole world.  So much to break the heart of God, and yet so much to hope for in Christ.  If you are not investing in a foreign country right now, I boldly suggest that you consider and commit to Rwanda!  Simply google Rwanda and search for mission and ministry organizations.  I recommend, www.drinkcoffeedogood.com., as well as www.rocpartners.org.   

1.  Give them your relationship with God. 

More is caught than taught.  So telling your kids about God does not go far.  They will remember seeing you read your bible, hearing you pray, and watching you live like Jesus in the daily grind.  You cannot give your kids a saving relationship with Jesus, they must choose that when they understand and hear the voice of God.  But you can do everything to give them a picture of what it means to follow Jesus 24/7. 

2.  Give them your relationship with your spouse.

Our kids look to us to learn how to relate to the opposite sex.  They want to know that you love your spouse, that you can fight fair and that no one leaves.  All of those kisses, hugs, and compliments are spied on and recorded.  Tell and show your kids how much you love your spouse. 

3.  Give them a relationship with you! 

Love is spelled T-I-M-E.  But the time has to be well spent.  You can spend time with your kids but not be fully present.  And your kids know when you are distracted and not fully with them.  Plan moments each day that you really give them your complete attention and presence.  You are investing into the future success of your kids and grandkids when you give them attention now. 

Everyone has hectic days.  So plan some daily routines that insure connecting with your kids so that even the busy days have some touch points.  Right now, the drive to school and bedtime serve as two times every day that I almost always can connect with my kids.  On the drive to school I pray with my oldest son and most bedtimes I pray with my youngest.  At bedtime I say four things to my kids each night:  I love you, I'm proud of you, I'm thankful for you, and if I could choose any two boys in the whole world, who would I choose???  Thankfully, they answer ME!!!! 

You can be a SUPER PARENT...just use your super power of relationship!!!

Parenting is HARD!  Want some good news?  I don't know how Superman got his cape but I want to offer one to you. If you are a paernt who has "STAYED", then I want to give you a cape!  In our world today, STAYING with your kids is more than half the battle.  As a parent you are the greatest person of influence in your kid's life.  So STAY in the battle of seeking to be a good parent.  I don't know if you can fly or stop speeding bullets, but if you will STAY and not check out on your kids, I think you deserve a cape. 

Join us in the next few weeks to fine tune some parenting skills.  I'm not a perfect parent, so we'll be learning together.  In fact, I hope you can teach me some things as we go.  But during May, we'll unpack the 3 gifts you have to give your kids, how to impress your faith on your kids, how to lovingly discipline your kids, and how to soar as a single parent.  For now, try on your cape and fix that broken toy....ONE MORE TIME!!!

On Sunday, April 18th, we'll unpack this more in our worship service, but here some quick cliff notes to help you.  Several years ago, as I struggled with forgiving myself, I came up with an acrostic to help me receive God's forgiveness in a deep way.  I based this acrostic on Psalm 51, where David confesses his sins to God and from Luke 15 and the story of the Prodigal Son. 

From these stories and verses I used the word GRACE to help me walk through accepting God's forgiveness and to forgive myself. 

G.o- When you sin, you should immediately GO to God.  It feels like you should not, but scripture says you should. 

R.epent.  Admit your sin and turn from it the best way you now how.  Ask God to help you fully repent.

A.ccept. -Receive God's complete forgiveness. 

C.ommit.  Commit to obey God and folllow Him. 

E.ncourage.  Cheer on your heart with God's word!  1 John 1:9 is a great verse to remind you of his grace. 

Join us this Sunday for more encouragement on how to find hope in God's forgiveness. 

After the powerful movie, our members had a chance to talk with students and hear their experiences.  I was speechless.  It's rare that pastors are speechless!  But I felt such an honor to be with people who have needed and lived out parts of the gospel I have never experienced. 

There is great hope in Rwanda today.  Missionary-pastor Dave Jenkins who leads a church in Rwanda shared with us on Sunday morning wonderful news.  I had a chance to hear more over lunch about his life, his walk with Jesus, and the power of the gospel in Rwanda.  And once again I was speechless. 

Want to make a difference for the incredible people of Rwanda?  Go to www.drinkcoffeedogood.com. or www.rocpartners.org.  and get make a difference in minutes. 

I am really excited to host a group of college students from Rwanda at the movie and at our church service on Sunday.  The students will be leading our worship time!! Also, we are welcoming a new friend, Dave Jenkins.  Dave is a missionary-pastor who leads a church in Rwanda.  He will be speaking at our Sunday morning service. 

I have great expectations for this weekend.  So far our church has given money to mission efforts in Rwanda.  We are also seeking to take a mission trip to the country in the near future.  But, to have people of Rwanda come to our church is such a privilege. 

Please join us at the movie theater on Saturday, March 27, 7 p.m. at Riverwalk Movies to watch AS WE FORGIVE.  (It is a free event and no tickets are needed).  Then, join us Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m. as we experience music from Rwanda and a message from Dave Jenkins. 

The only way to see the actual prints is to cross a rock bridge which is just beneath the surface of a rapid flowing stream.  I should also mention that the stream was right at FREEZING!  Graham and I made the first trek and made it safely across.  The attempt to go back and get Micah was short lived.  Micah and Angela played on their side of the stream and really had lots of fun.  Graham and I finally made it the tracks and in a few seconds he lost interest.  Here we were looking at tracks that scientist believe are 3 million years old and my little paleontologist had a short attention span. 

I was able to laugh in real time.   I realized that Graham had enjoyed the journey there, the scare of the water, the adventure of searching for tracks.  The joy was in the journey...not the destination.  This is so true of our walk with Jesus.  If you only live for heaven...if you keep waiting for someday to do important things or to have joy...then you reach the destination and realize there was alot of life in the journey. 

Slow down today.  Look into the eyes of your spouse.  Smell a flower.  Listen to the wind.  Watch the sunset.  Give a hug.  Worship Jesus.  Laugh.  Cry.  Pray.  Call a friend.  Roll down the windows.  Jump in the deep end of the pool.  Take a nap.  Eat chocolate.  Say thank you.  Dance.  Swing.  Walk.  Play.  Love.   Live right now and enjoy the journey...

I had an "out of nowhere" moment last week.  Our church has been looking for new space to lease and in our area there are not many choices.  We felt that God did not want us to sign a new lease with our current building owners, but we did not have a Plan B.  Still, we sent in our notice on January 31st and began to plan to move out by the end of June. 

I had faith that God would provide a place but I also remembered that sometimes he does not provide until the last moment of the last day.  The uncertainty of meeting space combined with being sick most of the month had me battling depressing feelings.  The opening sentence of my journal entry for February 17 was..."Father, I am so overwhelmed with depressing feelings.  It feels like I just run circles."  I'll spare you the rest. 

But on February 18th, I had planned lunch with a man in our community.  He belongs to another church and although we're acquainted I don't know him that well.  I really did not have a huge purpose that I knew of to meet with him.  I planned to share our mission interest in Rwanda and to see if he may be interested in a trip.  But I have no trip on the calendar!  I felt foolish.  So, I battled keeping the lunch appointment, but I sensed God saying "go". 

At the lunch we had a great time with small talk and talking about Rwanda.  Then suddenly, this man asked if our church needed space.  And I say yes.  And long story short, he offered our church incredible space after our current lease expires.  So glad I fought past some foolish feelings...and that my journal entry on 2/17 did not keep me from obeying the prompting of God. 

Take a chance and look foolish for Jesus.  You never know what God has planned. 

If you have put your faith in Jesus but have never been baptized, I want to encourage you to do it as soon as possible.  When we baptize at RCC it often brings up several questions.  The questions are generally who,  when, where, why, and how. 

Here are the quick answers from our beliefs at RCC. 

Who:  We only baptize people who have willingly put their faith in Jesus Christ. 

When:  We like to baptize people as soon after their conversion as possible.  This is the pattern found in the New Testament. 

Where:  Anywhere you have water.  We have used lakes, pulls, church baptistries, and recently a Rubbermaid trough.  :) 

Why:  We baptize because Jesus said to in the Great Commission and because of the strong teachings about it in the New Testament writings. 

How:  We baptize by immersion or "dipping under water".  We do this because the word "baptism" in the New Testament is best translated as "to immerse" or "cover with water". 

Lastly, let me say, that we do not use any special water.  Nor do we believe that the water has any power in it to wash someone clean or make someone new.  We believe the power is in obeying Jesus' teaching and going public with one's faith.  If you've never been baptized, what are you waiting for?  It is the next step after believing in Jesus Christ.  Want more information?  Email gary@riverwalkchurch.net. 

Still, I have been experimenting with "reframing problems" or otherwise seeing obstacles as opportunities.  James 1:2 says, "consider it pure joy when face problems of many kinds".  This is so easy to read.  Easy to preach. Hard to live. 

In short, the last few weeks have been filled with problems of many kinds.  Days that have included many hours in a dentist chairs, many hours lost in Ft. Worth, and multiple plans for the church that have been written, erased, and rewritten.  UGH! 

So, as I preach this week, it will be with much experience.  Come and join us and learn about how to "see" the problems in your life differently. 

#1:  It's impossible to love people if you are not with them.  In the movie, the main character infiltrates a tribe of people to gain secrets for an attack from the military.  However, once this man meets the people and spends time with them then his heart gets in the way of his spy agenda.  This reminds me that to "love my neighbor" I have to spend time with my neighbor.  It is not enough to be a good neighbor or leave invitations to my church on people's doorsteps.  I must strive to build relationships and actually know my neighbors to the best of my ability. 

#2:  The main character in Avatar goes through a "rite of passage" with the tribe.  Our culture is sadly missing "rites of passage".  Young people are confused as to when they are finally into adulthood.  Is it 18 years old?  Is it 21?  Is when they really financially support themselves?  The movie shows a powerful rite of passage process that parents could look closely at and somehow duplicate in the lives of their children. 

#3:  In the movie, the tribe has their own religion including Mother Earth.  The writers seem to show great respect for the religious beliefs of this tribe.  They even depict the "military" as mocking the religion as stupid.  It's amazing that the writers would explore this theme, as Hollywood constantly treats Christians with this type of disrespect.  What would happen if Hollywood at large respected believers and their beliefs?  I don't think it will happen but interesting to ask why so much respect would be shown to the religion of a remote imaginery tribe.  And while the movie makers bash American military and seemingly our government they seem to take no responsibility for how they treat people of faith. 

Again, I liked the movie.  It deserves the PG rating for language and some scary scenes.  I had hoped to be able to take my son to see it in 3D, but it is not a movie I can allow him to watch at this point.  Let me know your thoughts if you have seen it.

One of my greatest fears is NEEDLES.  I only see NEEDLES in capital letters.  When someone says, "We just need a simple bloodtest"  I start laughing.  There's nothing simple about getting blood out of an uninjured body.  When someone asks, "Do you ever give blood?"  I answer, "Nope, I've never given blood, they have always had to TAKE it."  So, I have issues with needles. 

I'll spare you the details but I had to make an emergency dentist appointment this week.  I will need some dental work which means I will need some shots.  But remarkably, as I have "faced my fears" this week, I have not been as anxious.  Granted I've not had the work done yet, but usually I have great stress leading up to the appointment. 

So far, so God.  I really sense that God is with me.  And I am grateful for this experience. 

What fears are you facing this week?  Take a step toward them and not away...and ask god to show you where He is at in the midst of this trial.  "He will never leave you or forsake you."  (Matthew 28:20) 

After Jesus died on the cross, a man name Joseph took a risk to get his body and give him a proper burial.  Mark 15: 43 says,

"Josepeh of Arimathea TOOK A RISK and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body."

It was a risky move. Pilate had played a part in Jesus's death and the request could have been seen as a trick...or as an act of belief that Jesus was the Son of God.  But Joseph took a risk!  As we walk through our CHASE THE LIONS series I hope God stirs our hearts to take risks.  What kind of risks do you need to take?

To put your faith in Jesus?

    To propose to someone?

        To share your faith with someone?

            To start a business?

To Chase A Lion, you have to take risks.  Ask God to open your eyes to some risks that He wants you to take.  Then, pray like it depends on God and risk like it depends on you. 

I have never met a person named Benaiah.  Which means that no one I know of has named their child after this great man. What a shame.  If God blesses us with another son, I will have to consider this name seriously.  People should name their kids after this hero. 

Benaiah did the opposite of what made sense.  Jesus did this in Scripture often.  The crowds were hungry and so Jesus told the disciples to feed them.  The disciples only saw what they didn't have....Jesus flipped their thinking to rely on him.  He has everything.  Sometimes Jesus encountered people whose loved ones had died...he flipping their thinking by bringing their relative back to life.  Jesus is LIFE! 

If you are following Jesus, then you have to be ready to do the opposite of what feels normal.  Instead of running from lions, you have to chase them.  Instead of waiting until you have enough money to tithe...you have to start tithing.  Instead of waiting until a person brings up the issue of faith...you have to start the conversation.  Instead of waiting until you feel qualified to serve in a ministry or go on a mission trip...you have to dive in.  Readiness is over-rated.  You've never been ready for the best moments of your life....and yet they are still the best moments! 

So, join us as we chase lions.  A great companion for our series is Mark Batterson's book, "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day."  I've had the privilege of meeting Mark and consider him one of my pastors!  If you're tired of living safe...and bored, then don't miss this series and get ready to risky. 

What habits could you start that would improve your mental health?  Stop laughing.  Our minds determine so much about us.  Is there a dream you put on the shelf a few years ago because someone said "you can't" or a baby came along...or life just happened?  Is there a broken relationship from the past that haunts your present?  Make an apology or an effort.  Seek to have peace of mind this year. 

What habits could you begin that would bless you physically?  Working out?  Sleeping 8 hours each night?  Eating better?  Set a goal and chase it. 

What habits could help you grow socially this year?  Many people see friendships as a luxury...a thing they can only have if it happens.  God wants you to have friends.  It is not good for man to be alone.  Frienships improve your health and enrich your life.  Maybe you need to make time for a friend.  You could work out together, eat lunch once a week, go to ballgames together, grab coffee one morning.  Build friendships this year.  It won't just happen you will need to give it time and energy. 

How could you grow spiritually in 2010?  Read the bible this year.  Did you know if you read the bible for 15 minutes a day you would finish it all in 1 year?  If you read the New Testament for 5 minutes for 5 days a week, you can complete it in a year.  (Find some great bible reading plans here http://www.navpress.com/dj/content.aspx?id=138)   Maybe you need to have a time of prayer each day.  You talking and LISTENING to God.  Maybe you need to get over past issues with the church and discover that there really are people who follow Jesus and love others...not perfect people, but Christ-like people.  Attend a church.  Do something crazy like join it! 

Want to know the secret to make your resolution last?  Ask a friend to check on you and cheer you on in your goal.  Just that once a week email, phone call, or hang out time could make all the difference of you keeping your goals. 

Set some goals.  Plan for 2010 to be the best year of your life.  It could be your last.  Or it could be the first that you really felt alive!  If you can only set one goal for this year....make it a spiritual one!

1. Our family advent basket was so fun.
2.  Surprising people with Cups of Kindness!
3.  Sledding on Christmas day with our family.
4.  Giving Angela a personalized gift from friends and family!
5.  Giving each of my neighbors a copy of the New Testament bible and an free online bible!

I think it was such a wonderful season because our family was focused on celebrating the birth of Jesus and giving to others.  Graham took his own money and purchased items for an Angel Tree child.  Angela helped plan and host PTA and Kindergarten events....as well as decorating our home and buying presents for our family and friends.  I really enjoyed giving a copy of the New Testament to each of our neighbors.  For the last two years Angela and I have given each of our 160 neighbors a small gift for Christmas.  It is such an adventure because we never know how we are going to pay for it...and God has provided in such wonderful ways.  Also, I love delivering the gifts a few days before Christmas and praying for the people who live in each home. 

Christmas 2009 will be one of my favorite holiday season's.  I thank God for the joy and peace that has filled my heart this season.  And I am thankful that as a family and as a church, we have been able to give so much.  God gave His one and only Son at Christmas.  It only seems fitting to spend less, give more, and love all people during the Christmas season.  But don't let it end, take the Christmas spirit into 2010 and keep it all year long.   

I am thankful to serve people who really care about others and sacrifice to reach out to others.  It's not too late for you to rethink Christmas...focus on spending less, giving more, and showing love to all people...even those people who are in line in front of you buying that last Zhu Zhu pet!!! 

Merry Christmas! 

Years later King David asked "Is there anyone from Saul's family I can show kindness to?"  The answer was "Yes, Saul has a grandson, Mephibosheth."  Long story short, David had this crippled man brought to his palace and he made him like one of his own sons.  As you rethink Christmas this year consider "giving more" to someone in your past.  Do you have a "ghost of Christmas past?"  Is there someone you have forgotten to thank for their kindness?  Is there someone you have hurt and you should give an apology to?  Is there someone that you could have helped and now you need to express your regret?  Before Christmas make a phone call, write a letter, or make a visit and as David did, "show kindness" to this person. 

Several years ago I was thinking about people I should thank for making a difference in my life.  My childhood pastor, Odell Carptenter came to mind.  He shared the gospel with me when I was 10 years old, helped me pray to receive Christ, baptized me, and personally met with me weekly to help me learn to follow Jesus.  He lived out the complete Great Commission in my life.  I had never thanked him for sharing the good news with me or for any of the other things he did for me.  I sat down and wrote him a long letter.  I thanked him for loving me, witnessing to me, baptziing me, discipling me, encouraging me, for staying married to his bride and setting that example for me, etc.  He was deeply touched by the letter and I pray it gave him a glimpse of what heaven will be like for men like him. 

This year pray and ask "is there anyone I can show kindness to?"  Then, make it a Merry Christmas for a Mephibosheth in your life. 

Give! 

Giving is healing.  It minimizes you and magnifies others.  It empties of you of your cares, hurts, sorrows...and creates room to care for others. 

When Jesus was about two years old, some magi (or wisemen) came to visit him.  Their visit is memorable because of what they gave!  The took approximately two years out of their lives just to find him!!

Read Matthew 2:1-7 and then take note of how you follow the lead of the magi this Christmas. 

You Can “Give More” This Christmas By…

1.  Sharing an attitude of joy with everyone!

 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Matthew 2:10 (NLT)  

2.  Worshiping Jesus.

They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him.  Matthew 2:11a (NLT)

3.  Giving meaningful gifts to others.

Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2:11b (NLT) 

    Gold a symbol of kingship. 

            Frankincense a symbol of priesthood. 

                    Myrrh a symbol of suffering and death.

4.  Obeying God’s Word.

But when it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.  Matthew 2:12 (NLT)

Jesus came to earth as the Ultimate Giver.  Have you received his gift of love, forgiveness, and an eternal relationship?  If not, celebrate Christmas by putting your faith in Jesus.  If not do it now. 

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21 (NLT) 

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to GIVE his life as a ransom for many.  “  Mark 10:45

Want to know how to begin a faith relationship with Jesus?  Email gary@riverwalkchurch.net.