90-Day Tithe Challenge
February 2012 through April 2012

GOAL: We want to challenge you to start tithing and see God begin blessing your life as you commit to healthy financial stewardship.

How? We’re asking you to commit to give 10% of your total income for the next 90 days and give it to God through the church. If not a full tithe, then just give something to get started.

Just a reminder that today is day 8 of our 31 Day Wisdom Challenge. As a church we are reading through the Old Testament book of Proverbs. Today's reading is Proverbs 8. You can read it here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%208&version=NLT. Pay special attention to verses 32-36; a stern warning.

Jimmy

In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus teaches about worry. After telling us not to worry about our daily needs (like what we will eat or drink), He says in verse 33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

That means that above all else, we should pursue God. We should fill our lives with His desires for our lives. We should focus on what He wants for our lives, rather than what we want. It means we should serve and obey Him in everything and every circumstance. Put God first in every area of your life.

That sounds simple and overwhelming all at the same time. Here are a few suggestions I would make for getting started:

1. Start today (don't put this off). Take some time today (hopefully this morning) and read a few verses from the Bible (you can even start with Matthew 6:25-34). Then pray. Ask God to help you with your worry by depending more on Him.

2. Look for God in your day. He is there! I can promise you that! He is all around if you'll just look for Him. I promise you that God does not want to be hidden from you. Most of the time we don't "see" God because we're not looking for Him.

3. Look for a way to serve someone else today. This is really God's purpose for your life. Jesus said He came to serve and give his life for people. When He extends the invitation to us to "follow Him" it is really an invitation to serve others. Ask God today to let your life be someone else's miracle (BTW, this doesn't have to be money). Heaven only knows what that might be, but be open to it. Just say something like, "God, today I want You to use my life to make a difference in someone else's life." And He will. And I can tell you this, you will be amazed at how your own needs are met as you are helping to meet the needs of others.

Don't worry. Trust in the Lord. Make that more than a cliche. Make it a reality in your life today.

I love you!
Jimmy

Last week I started a 4-part blog about how to be light in a dark world. The principles I’m talking about come from Mark 2.1-12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202;&version=51;). This is the story of the friend who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. There was a huge crowd trying to get to Jesus. So they cut a hole in the roof so that Jesus could heal their friend. The thrust of what I’m saying is that you have to learn to live positively in a world full of ugliness and meanness. First, you have to care for people. Second, you have to believe that Jesus will “save” them from their sins. Third, you can’t get discouraged – it’s not easy loving a world to Christ. Next…

4. They dared to do something DIFFERENT. As I've already mentioned, the friends of the paralyzed man cut a hole in the roof to get their friends to Jesus. This is the principle of innovation.

Notice what the friends did when they ran into difficulties. “They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach Him. So they went through the roof…”

Are you willing to go through the roof to reach people for Jesus?

At Rocky River we’ve done some pretty innovative things to reach people over the last six years. There are a number of churches in our area that are doing what they do because we pioneered it. And here’s the deal. A lot of times we’ll have people come over to see why we’re growing and reaching so many people. And after the service is over they say something like, “Okay. We get it. Get rid of the piano. Serve Starbucks coffee. Get rid of the suits and ties. And buy our pastor so flip flops and Bermuda shorts.” They have totally missed what we’re about at Rocky River. All of those things are a part of R2C2 but they come from a church with a heart full of love for people and a willingness to be different and innovative for people that are lost and going to hell.

And for you younger [I’m 39] church planters and leaders out there, listen up. Being different means dealing with criticism. Over the years we/I have taken a lot of criticism from the wolves in sheep’s clothing who pretend to care about people but really don’t. If you’re going to be different you have to ignore the naysayers. Or, you can do like I do and let it motivate you.

The point is that to reach people you have to be different, innovative, spend money, and take risks.

Last week I started a 4-part blog about how to be light in a dark world. The principles I’m talking about come from Mark 2.1-12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202;&version=51;). The thrust of what I’m saying is that you have to learn to live positively in a world full of ugliness and meanness. First, you have to care for people. Second, you have to believe that Jesus will “save” them from their sins. Next…

3. You can’t get DISCOURAGED. The friends of the paralyzed man did not give up when they faced obstacles. This is the principle of persistence. That means if the person you are inviting to church doesn’t respond the first time, don’t worry about it. You probably didn’t respond the first time you were invited either. Don’t get discouraged.

I’m sure the friends in this story were tempted to be discouraged. Think about it. Jesus and the disciples are finally touring their town. They take their friend to Jesus but then the place was so crowded they couldn’t get it. That would be discouraging.

QUESTION: What discourages you from bringing people to Jesus—from inviting them to church? Fear, right? The fear that people will think you’re a freak.

The truth is that all of us get discouraged some times in our attempts to reach people. Especially when people seem so apathetic, they don’t have any interest. But we cannot, we cannot, we cannot give up! It’s too important!

And check it out! People are interested in God. They are interested in spiritual things. They are searching for truth. They do need life-transformation.

[Part 4 coming on Wednesday]

Transformers

Scripture Passage: Mark 2.1-12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202;&version=51;)

Last night my son James and I went to see Transformers. I saw it on opening night with some of my hangout buddies. But It was even better tonight with my "main man" - JB3. Seriously, it is a great movie. One of the things I love it about is that there are so many spiritual parallels between a bunch of cool robots who’s mission in life is to save the world, and our mission as Christians which is to partner with God as He saves the world – through His Son Jesus Christ. If you go see the movie look for that theme throughout.

Anyway, it hit me during the movie that we are called to be Transformers. No, I realize that we’re not the ones who make the change in other people's lives, but I am certain that being Transformers is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Here is part two of being light in a dark world…

2. They (the friends of the paralized man) BELIEVED that Jesus would SAVE their friend.
This is the principle of faith.

Luke 5:20 says, “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Jesus recognized the faith of the friends. This man’s salvation depended upon the faith of his friends. And the salvation of your friends, family, neighbors, children, and grandchildren depends on your faith in Christ to save them.

The paralyzed man is the perfect image of most people we know. Most people are paralyzed in life—by life. They’re paralyzed by guilt, loneliness, their past, grief, and even a lack of faith. So here’s the thing—they need you to have enough faith to bring them to Jesus. They need you to bring them to Jesus.

See, there’s a spiritual battle going on in the mind and life of every person. God has a will for your life. Satan has a will for your life. And you have a will for your life. And every moment of your life you are choosing whose will you are going to follow. There is a spiritual battle going on when people come to Jesus and take His mission for their life. And sometimes they don’t have the ability to fight or even the knowledge or desire to fight—that’s when you get in the fight for them. That’s when you bring them to Jesus.

The way you fight for them is to pray for them. And you make others aware that you’re praying for them – enlist them to pray too. But then you have to take action. You have to invite them to church. If you attend Rocky River Community Church you invite them to come with you this Sunday. If you go to some other Bible believing/teaching church then you invite them to join you there.

In a sense, you have to get in the “spiritual battle” for the people in your life – the people you do life with. Care enough about them to be a Transformer!

Live as Light today!

I believe that the hope of the world is the local church. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT! I believe that our local church, Rocky River Community Church, is the hope of the people in our region who are confused about life—who have no hope—who are drowning in debt and sin—and who have not found the meaning and purpose of their life.

That’s why it is so important that we, as Believers in Jesus Christ, radiate the light of Christ – that we shine as bright lights in a dark world. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Over the next few days I want to talk about how to let your light shine before others. I want us to learn how to be a light in a dark world. Today’s blog is about learning how to treat those around you with compassion.

The Bible story I am going to work through is the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man. Read Mark 2:1-12 here at (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202;&version=51;)

Here’s principle number one…
1. They CARED for their hurting friend.
This is the principle of compassion. The men in this story cared for their friend in need.

Our mission as a church and as individual Christians must flow out of compassion and love. In fact, if it doesn’t, the Bible says it is worth nothing. It doesn’t matter how many awards we receive or how many things we accomplish in life, if we don’t do it for the glory of God and with compassion and love for others, it is meaningless.

People need to know that the church—you and me, because we make up the church—people need to know we care. I’ve heard Rick Warren say a hundred times that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Before we can reach our community for Christ they have to know how much we care about them.

Our only motive for reaching people with the Good News can be a Christ-like compassion.

[ILLUSTRATION]
Let me illustrate this by giving you a wrong motive.

I know how badly we all really want a building. But a building is a tool to reach people and disciple them. We’re in a giving/building campaign (www.aplacethatmatters.com) to build a building because we love people and it will help us serve them better. We don’t reach people so we can build a building. We reach people because they are dying and going to Hell. We don’t reach them so we don’t have to show up so early on Sunday mornings to setup church. We reach them because God’s loves them, just as much as He loves us. Do you see the difference? Our business is reaching people and discipling them, a building facility is a tool to help us do that. We reach out to people because we have a great compassion and love for them.

[Part 2 on Friday]

[Learning to Listen to God, Part 3 of 3]

Last week I started a three part series called “Learning to listen to God.” Here is part three. It’s short and simple but very important. Here it is…

3. Spend time with God every day.
Doing what? Reading and praying. Reading the Bible, which is letting God talk to you, and praying, which is you talking to God. You don’t have to read for an hour. Just read every day. You don’t have to pray for hours, just spend some quality time talking about what’s going on in your life. I recommend you spend 10 minutes every morning reading the Bible. And then spend 5-10 minutes afterwards praying. It will revolutionize your life. Not just your spiritual life – your LIFE.

There is nothing that will substitute for this. Here’s why: Because when you spend time with God you develop an intimate relationship with Him. And more than just getting to know God (or things about him), you begin to TRUST God – which is the point. I believe that is what God is wanting from every person reading this blog today. And today, He’s asking you, “Will you trust Me with your dreams? Will you trust Me with your problems? Will you trust Me with your finances? Will you trust Me with your family? Will you trust Me with your loneliness, and your desires and your ambitions? Will you trust Me with your heart? Will you trust Me with your life?

To church planters He’s asking, “Will you trust Me with your church? Will you trust Me with to provide you with money and other resources, a worship leader (always a biggie), and a meeting place, and whatever you need to launch this church? I can tell you from experience that this is crucial!

I realize this sounds like I’m preaching but you can’t trust God until you hear God. And you can’t hear God until you know God. If you would like to get to know God and begin a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, read this prayer and believe it in your heart. God will hear you and accept you and forgive you of your sins. You can begin that relationship right now.

[“Dear God, I don’t want to go any further in my life without hearing from You. Teach me how to listen. Help me to trust You. Today I’m trusting You with my life and my eternity. Today I am believing in Your Son Jesus for my salvation from my sins. Jesus Christ, I want You to come into my life and save become my new Leader. Thank you for saving me. Thank You for Your mercy and love. In Your name I pray. Amen.”]

If you mean this prayer, let me know. I would like to email you some next steps. No matter where you live I can help you get connected to a good church. Or, you can simply click on the links below. God’s best…

[Helpful Links]
www.rockyriverchurch.com
www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576832899/sr=1-1/qid=1138022009/ref=pd_bbs_1?...
www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/1576839753.pdf
www.willowcreek.com/wca_info/find_a_church/ProfileSearch.asp

* Note: I will start a new series later this week.

[Learning to Listen to God, Part 2 of 3]

Yesterday I started a three-part blog about how to learn to listen to God. The idea is that God is speaking – God is moving – God wants us to know what His purpose is for our lives. He wants us to live in the “blessing realm” [sounds charismatic, huh?]. He wants us to have what Jesus says is “abundant life.” But to get there you have to learn how to listen to God.

Man. We have some big stuff coming up at Rocky River Community Church. On July 29 we are going to make a couple of really big and important announcements. To say the least, God is moving in our church. And here’s the thing: When God is moving then He is also speaking. I’m not sure if He moves then speaks or speaks and then moves. What I do know is that it is extremely important to listen to God speak. If you are a leader – church planters listen up – there is NO SUBSTITUE FOR LISTENING TO GOD SPEAK – clearly.

Today I am going to kick off a three part blog-series on how to listen to God.

The FIRST thing you have to do to hear God is…
1. Get rid of the distractions. Bill Hybels (www.willowcreek.org) says that when God spoke to Moses He didn’t need to use a “burning bush.” He simply used the burning bush to get Moses’ attention. God was basically saying to him, “Moses, slow down. STOP and LISTEN! Take a rest from your busy schedule. I have something I want to say to you.” Moses did and the rest is history.

Moses was no different than the rest of us in that he was busy. He had the same kinds of noises and distractions in his life as we do. He was worried about his job; he had a wife and kids to take care of. He had a full calendar of activities. He had people to please. He was running in a million different directions. Those things, that stuff, important as they are, were distractions that kept him from hearing from God. So God used the burning bush to make him slow down, step away from the noise and distractions of life, so he could listen to Him.

See, talking with you, helping you understand your purpose and your reason for existing, is very important to God. It’s important to you. But sometimes we let everyday life, and the noise of everyday life, drown out God’s voice. So, sometimes God has to reach out and grab your attention.

Question: Is God trying to speak to you today? What are you missing by not listening to Him? What is it going to take for Him to get your attention?

[How to Listen to God, Part 1]