Falling In Love With Jesus

I can't speak for other ministers and pastors, but I hate it when the line between my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my vocation gets blurry. And when I say I hate it...I really HATE it. Why? Because it is sin, and God hates sin, and if God hates sin, well then I hate it too. Even in my life. Especially in my life.

What I want is to fall in love with Jesus all over again. I don't think there is a specific prayer to pray or spiritual formula to make this happen, but I know it can happen. I honstly think it simply comes from spending time with Jesus. I really need to spend time with Jesus. Not preparing sermons or Bible studies, or reading the spiritual book de jour...just quality time with the one who loves me more than any one on this planet.

"But I have this against you, that you have left your first love."

Jesus Christ, to the Church at Ephesus - Revelation 2:4

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for creating me, loving me, saving me, and carrying me through each day. Forgive me when I ignore You. Forgive me when I get too busy for You. Please help me fall in love with You all over again. This is my deepest prayer. Amen

aj

God's Protection

Psalm 121:7

The Lord will protect you from all evil...

As I drove to work today there was a surveyor in the middle of a busy intersection. For those of you who know Bixby / Tulsa he was at 151st (which is Highway 67) and Memorial; not to mention it was right at 9:00 am. There is only one bridge in Tulsa that crosses the Arkansas River, and it is a mile and a half north of where this guy was standing. It is an understatement to say this guy was taking his life into his own hands.

There he was peeking through his theodolite (the little telescope looking thing) protected only by his hoodie, and three small orange cones. As I sat at the stop light and watched him work, I thought to my self. If someone loses control of their car, or if they are not paying attention, this guy is a gonner. But he never flinched...even as I passed only a few feet away.

I don't know if that guy was a fatalist, or if he thought those cones could actually protect him...but it sure made me think. I am so glad God is my protector. I imagine we all race through life...brushing elbows with death, and never know it. All the while God is around us like a hedge of protection.

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - aj

The Flip Flop

Hello, my name is Andy, and I am a sporadic blogger. The first step is just admitting it.

I haven't been very consistent in my blogging. I can give you all the reasons I've been sooooo busy that I haven't had time to write, but you already know them. I'll just say. This week I'll do better.

What I'd like to do over the next few months is simply blog about going to 2 Worship Services and 2 Sunday Schools. I've been holding lots of emotions and thoughts in over the last few months, but now that the cat is out of the bag I have some freedom to start talking about the plan.

Riverview is a great church. We are 54 years old, and have only had a few pastors. I'm probably 7 or 8 on the list. My wife and I (and the kids) love it here. When I came to Bixby we saw immediately that the church needed to move to dual services. Going to 2 worship services is no big deal, the church has been planning this for a while, but adding a Sunday School has really raised the anxiety level at RBC.

As of today (Monday, September 22, 2008) we have held 2 Town Hall Meetings in which I 'roll out the plan', and then answer questions. My gut feeling about the THM's is that they went very well. I really hope to keep people informed and encouraged about this transiton. There were several questions, and I think they helped me understand the needs at Riverview at this 10 seconds.

I know there is not much meat in this post, but it is just the beginning. If you read this please pray for me. I wan't God's will to be done. I wan't to follow God's leadership, and I wan't God to be glorified. I am the pastor of a great church, and I know God is going to use us to do indredible things for His Kingdom and His Glory.

aj

Why Do I Cry...Everytime...

Every time I watch this video I cry. Why? Maybe its the song. I love this song. Maybe its Dick Hoyt's love for his son reminds me of my love for my sons. Maybe its because I can see Rick Hoyt delighting in his father's love, and I am once again blown away by my FATHER'S love. Sometimes I think it is because I like guys who gut it out. Who sacrfice. Who lay it on the line for others.....nah...it's the love.

Part VII - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Conversations with the Father

If My People…Pray

When I travel I love calling home to talk to my children. Just hearing their voices makes my heart well up with joy. They usually tell me about their day, and what fun they had, or maybe about a new ‘owie’ they have suffered. I then hear Dustie in the background say, “Tell Him what you did.”, and a full confession ensues. I don't even mind hearing them ask, “What are you bringing me?”

However, I don’t like coming home from a long trip to be ignored because the boys are distracted by a video game, the television, or some other toy. Just for a short time I want their undivided attention. I want to know they love me, and that I am important to them. Especially more important than the plastic noise makers that do not care for them nor love them like I do. Somewhere in the back of my mind it clicks; they are captivated by the gift, and not the gift giver.

I wonder how often conversations with our heavenly father resemble the conversations between us and our children. When you talk to God is your main concern what He is going to give you? Do you only go so deep with God so as to tell Him about your most recent ‘owie? Do you ignore God while giving your attention to the trivial things of this world?

I am certain of this; our Father in heaven longs to have a meaningful relationship with His children, and a fundamental part of that is simply spending quality time talking with Him. Will you spend quality time with your Father this week?

aj

Summer Recap

Our first Summer at Riverview has been a wild one. In May our Music Minister Charles Collins retired (it was expected), and we had a great retirement reception for he and Linda in our Fellowship Hall. The best part of the evening was when close to 100 former and current Youth Choir Members came to Riverview to surprise Charles with an encore performance of three of their favorite songs.

In June Dustie and I went to Falls Creek, and my mom came and stayed with they boys for that week. Also in June Riverview called Susan Pisarra to be our new Director of Childhood Ministries, and somewhere in that mix Victor Mendoza also started as our Associate Pastor for Adult Ministries. Not to mention on the Friday of Falls Creek we made a quick trip back to Bixby for David and Ruth's wedding. David is our Interim Music Minister, who, Lord willing will lose the title interim in the next few weeks.

In July Susan started on a Sunday, and we held VBS the following week. Dustie's mom and niece were here from Alabama for 3 weeks during that time, and the week after they left we left town for a week going to Grand Lake, and Ponca City for a short getaway. And then, school started the week following our return.

As of today (August 21st, 2008) - The building project is almost completed, and it will be very helpful as we are making lots of plans for going to Multiple Sunday Schools and Worship Services in January of '09. Sadly enough though we are now praying for God to send us a great Youth Minister. Mike Keahbone has been called to a church in OKC. We will miss him greatly, but we know God has a plan for him and for RBC. No worries.

Dustie is working 3 days a week at OSU Medical Center, Nolan and Mason both ride the bus to School, and OB is going to Pre-School 2 days a week at a local church. In fact...I need to leave to take him here in a few minutes.

Thought I would simply catch you up on the Summer excitement. Hopefully I'll get back into a groove, and can do some more writing this Fall and Winter.

Keep us in your prayers. We need it.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part VI

What…Me Wicked?

“If My people…will turn from their wicked ways…”

The trouble with wickedness is nobody likes to think…let alone admit they are wicked. Yet God says He will only hear from heaven, forgive sin, and heal the land when HIS PEOPLE turn from THEIR WICKED WAYS. What then does God consider wickedness? The following are lists from the Old and New Testaments. Notice how the wickedness described in each list wouldn’t even make the six o’ clock news today.

Old Testament

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.

New Testament

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power…

Revival quenching wickedness is the ‘big’ sins that make the hair on the back of our necks stand up; it is the things believers do, or don’t do in disobedience to the Lord. However, God promises revival will come when God’s people turn from their sin, and renew a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part V

Seeking His Face

What does it mean to seek God’s face? In Strong’s Concordance the word seek is defined as searching out by any method, specifically in worship or prayer. The word face is used 2,100 times and most often obviously refers to a person’s face. However, when referring to God the word is not talking about God’s physical face, but is instead describing the presence of God. In fact, in 2 Chronicles 4:19 the showbread in the Temple is called the ‘Bread of the Presence’, and is the place where the Spirit of God dwells. It is interesting the word face in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and presence in 2 Chronicles 4:19 are the exact same word in Hebrew.

So then, if we want to see revival we do not have to seek a new program, a fancier building, or a bigger budget. We simply need to seek God’s face. How can we seek God’s presence? According to the above definition it is through humble, repentant worship and prayer. So what is the game plan?

1.) Don’t attend church next Sunday. (Huh?) Come be a worshipper of God!
2.) Prepare Saturday to worship on Sunday. (Get your clothes laid out, and go to bed early.)
3.) Tune out distractions when you get here. (Leave the cell in the car.)
4.) Treat actively participating in worship as a privilege, not a boring, mundane, chore.

John 4:24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

See Ya Sunday - Bro. Andy

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part IV

Part IV – Making Prayer a Priority

“If My people…pray…”

“I would rather teach one man to pray, than to teach ten men to preach.”
C.H. Spurgeon

During Ramadan devout Muslims pray eight times a day. Orthodox Jews devote three times every day to prayer, and a committed Buddhist will spend hours in meditative prayer and chanting. Christians pray when they are ten miles out side of town and about out of gas.

Every great revival throughout history has been preceded by corporate, fervent, extraordinary prayer. Corporate prayer is people praying together. Fervent prayer is praying with a sense of urgency, and extraordinary prayer is praying at times that do not fall into your regular routine of prayer, such as praying before meals and at bedtime.

Suggestions to help you make prayer a priority in your life:

* Make time for prayer.

* Set aside specific times to give to God in prayer.
* Eliminate distractions.
* Keep a prayer journal.
* Pray through scripture.
* Pray for the right things.

It is a good thing to pray for those who are sick, and those who might have other physical needs, but it is not always the best thing. Make an effort to pray for the spiritual, not just the temporal. Pray for people to be saved, pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and repentance among God's people, and pray for Christians to be bold and genuine in their walk with the Lord.

God says, “If My people…pray…” Let’s be those people.

aj

Basic Evangelism

I saw this video clip on another blog, and had to post it. I'll figure out how to put the youtube picture on my blog, but until then watch this clip from E.R., and think about how the Church does evangelism today.

In my mind this clip shows the urgent need of evangelism, and how Christians often try to soften the blow of sin and its results, when in truth lost people when faced with their own mortality want to hear about a real God, and forgiveness, so they can avoid a real hell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNuSBGa1mLM

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part III

Part III – Humbling Ourselves

“If my people…will humble themselves…”

When our boys are rebellious sooner or later they usually come into subjection under their parents (usually). However sometimes it is not until we put into practice the “this is going to hurt me worse than it’s going to hurt you” principle. I will assure you, as a father I gain no joy or pleasure when I have to force my sons to respect and obey me. On the contrary though, it is hard for me to put into words the pride, joy, and love I experience when I ask them to do something, and they say, “Yes sir”, and hop to it.

The word humility is only used four times in the Old Testament, and is a synonym for meekness. To be humble on the other hand is used thirty-eight times, and means to be brought low before someone. The best way to understand the word humble is that it is the opposite of pride. Proverbs 29:23 “A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” If you can picture someone bowing before a king you understand the Old Testament use of ‘being humbled’.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 we are not talking about a vanquished foe, but instead the author is describing a nation who has turned away from their God, is suffering the consequences of rebellion, and is now returning on bended knee seeking forgiveness. The key is not simply that they have been humbled, but THEY HUMBLED THEMSELVES.

What kind of relationship do you have with your heavenly Father? Do you honor, respect, and obey God simply because you love Him, or do you only HUMBLE yourself before the Lord when you are forced to by difficult situations in life?

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part II

What’s Your Name?

“…who are called by My name…”

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel was specifically known as God’s people. The phrase “who are called by my name” is literally rendered “upon whom My name is called”, and is used to signify ownership. (Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) The New English Translation has it like this: “If My people who belong to me…” So then, revival comes when the people who belong to God repent and come into a right relationship with Him.

Believers today need to understand and apply the same truth to their lives as well. If you are saved, you do not belong to yourself anymore. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know…you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price…”

In fact, we are still “called by His name”. The name Christian is only used three times in the New Testament, but by the middle of the first century it was commonly used in Rome, and soon throughout the entire empire as a derogatory term for followers of Jesus. “I am a Christian” became the triumphant confession of many second century martyrs who joyfully proclaimed their loyalty to Jesus as they died for their faith.

We casually say we are Christians, but we need to remember the name means we are ‘followers of Christ’ - WE BELONG TO HIM. Being called a Christian may no longer qualify someone to be a martyr, but it should not be a religious brand name we wear like a designer shirt either. The name reminds us of the one we follow…the one who died for us…the one to whom we belong.

aj

2 Chronicles 7:14 - Part I

Who Needs Revival?

“If My people…”

Quite often those of us in the church think revival is kept at arms length because of all the lost sinners out there running wild. For many church goers it appears that if the world would just be more Godly everything would be set right. God would hear our prayers, forgive our sin, and heal our land…a nation wide revival. Come on lost world – get with the program. (Sarcasm)

However, the Bible tells a different story. The promise of God to grant national healing, and forgiveness of sins in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not a result of the heathen being converted. It is instead the result of God’s people humbly repenting, turning from their wickedness, and seeking God’s face.

Over the last few years the catch phrase in the church has been, “It’s not about me.” Well this time it is about me, and it is about you. We are the one’s who must repent and seek God. Revival will never come if WE, the church, do not change our ways, and begin to hunger and thirst for God and his righteousness.

“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent …”
Revelation 2:4-5

aj

Reaching the "Nones"

Who are the “Nones”? The Spring 2004 issue of Church Planting and Evangelism, a magazine published by the North American Mission Board, described the “Nones” as a growing segment of the U.S. population who claim no religious affiliation in public opinion polls. If the “Nones” were a religious body, they would be the fastest growing denomination in the country.

The National Survey of Religious Identification claims the “Nones” number more than 30,000,000 (that’s right - million) in the U.S. “If viewed as a religious group, they would only trail Catholics and Baptists in numbers.”

The numbers are staggering, and they remind us that the fields are truly ripe for the harvest (Luke 10:2). However, do not let the enormity of the task cause retreat. The same survey discovered that 50% of the “Nones” agreed strongly that God exists; indicating an openness to discuss spiritual matters.

Remember, Bixby is no different than the rest of America. The Bixby Chamber website estimates there are 360,000 people living within ten miles of our community. Moreover, Tulsa Metro Baptist Association research reveals that 80% of Tulsa County is ‘un-churched’…or ‘nones’. This means there are a quarter of a million people in our community, and surrounding area who do not have a church home. Subsequently, tens of thousands likely do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Bottom line - we need to get busy.

In Luke 10:2, Jesus told seventy followers the fields were ready for the harvest, and that they should pray for God to send out workers into His harvest. Then in Luke 10:3 Jesus sends them, the seventy, out into the harvest. WE ARE THOSE WORKERS. This Summer make it a priority to:

• Learn how to share your faith with a “None”.
• Share your faith, on a regular basis, with someone who needs Jesus.
• Invite someone to church every week.
• Work in the Lord’s fields.
• Pray every day that God will send workers into His harvest.
• Learn who the “Nones” are in your life, and minister to them.
  
  aj

Food For Thought

I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.
Psalm 119:47

Not too long ago on the all sports network I watched the world champion hamburger eating contest. For those who care Joey Chestnut won by eating 102 hamburgers in six minutes. Consider these other amazing culinary conquests. Six pounds of baked beans in under two minutes, 1 ¾ pounds of butter in five minutes, 65 hard boiled eggs in six minutes, and my favorite 128 oz of mayonnaise in eight minutes. (Folks that is over four big jars of mayo.)

How is your spiritual appetite? Do you gorge yourself once a week at Sunday School and Church only to starve the other six days? I am not a dietitian, but I am quite sure eating four jars of mayonnaise, or 102 hamburgers can not be healthy. In the same way taking in spiritual nourishment once a week is not the path to spiritual health and vitality. Instead we need a steady diet of Bible study and prayer? Here are a few suggestions which can help make regular Bible study a reality in your life:

- Schedule time for Bible study. If you do not plan it, it will not happen.

- Eliminate distractions.

- Start small. Remember newborns do not dine on steak and potatoes. Your appetite for scripture will increase just like your appetite for food has grown over the years.

- Make Bible reading and Bible study a positive habit in your life. The good news is many experts estimate it only takes three weeks to develop any habit…good or bad.

- View personal Bible study as a privilege not a duty.

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus

AJ

Casting Pearls

Be careful in voicing judgments according to your Christian convictions. Jesus gave the reason in Matthew 7:6; He said doing so is like “casting pearls before swine”. Because pearls have no value to pigs, they will simply trample them under their feet. His other illustration was wild dogs turning on you, and tearing you to shreds.

To see this you only need to watch a news program when a Christian takes a stance on their spiritual convictions, believe me, the claws will come out in the secular media. The following is a case in point. I read this article on the KOCO TV 5 website about a documentary filmed at a Christian Church Camp in North Dakota called “Jesus Camp”. For the full article go to http://www.koco.com/family/9935738/detail.html

Some of the words used to describe the camp in the article are ‘shocking, indoctrination, frightening, brain-washing, and child abuse.” Folks, it is a short jump from mentioning Christianity and frightening brain-washing in the same sentence, to linking the two together. In fact, one mother was vilified because she home schools her children, and teaches them to question science. I thought asking questions was the whole point of science?

The bottom line is this; we may live in desperate times…but not in hopeless times. Jesus is still Lord, God is still on His throne, and the Holy Spirit is still working in the hearts and lives of men and women. Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel, (Romans 1:16) take your stand for Christ.

Matthew 5:10-12
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great…

AJ

Tithing Recession

Is there a recession? I keep hearing how the US economy is in a tailspin, but frankly I don't see it. Maybe it just hasn't trickled down to the people I live around.

I went to a Tulsa Drillers ball game the other night (thanks for the tickets Dr. R), and I was amazed at the amount of money flying out of wallets - mine included...not to mention it was the end of a long month...right after tax day.

As I looked around half of the people were texting with their cell phones, souvenirs were flying off the shelves, and I know for a fact, my kids made a $12.50 stop at the concession stand for,
(1 - Cracker Jack, 1- Cotton Candy, - 1 Soft Pretzel) and trust me there were lots of people buying lots of expensive 'refreshments' during the entire 3 1/2 hour game. Finally after the game there was a fantastic fireworks display that lasted at least for 20 minutes. Premier Pyrotechnics a fireworks display company quotes this type of display at $7,000.00.

As I took all of this in I was thinking to myself...if this is a recession...God must really bless America, 'cause we got it good. I laugh because we think we are in a recession yet we buy $4 coffee, $3 gas, and $1 water quicker than you can say cha-ching. We go to $10 dollar movies, spend $100's on Cable TV & Internet, and buy cars that would be 30 years wages in some countries around the world...and that is just the tip of the iceberg...or maybe its just the tip of the Titanic. Anyway.

As my thoughts turn to the church I wonder if a 'recession' will affect tithing? Will people stop giving? Will ministry falter? I sure hope not, but only time will tell. The truth is; church people haven't been the best tithers while things are good, so I am setting the bar of my expectations kind of low.

So let me encourage you to decide right now to be obedient to God in your giving no matter what happens with the American economy. Choose to be a good steward with out looking to the circumstances around you.. Remember - this whole world is God's and all that it contains, (Psalm 24:1) so don't sweat the little stuff...like a recession. You belong to Him, and your Father owns the store.

God Bless - Andy

Praying for the Lost

Please read this !! It is another testimony of God at work at RBC. The idea is inspired and self explanatory. Having a prayer list for people who are lost is something we MUST DO. I do not say we must do it because it is a good idea, or because I am the pastor, and I can say "We must do it." I say we must pray for the lost, because it is Biblical.

1 Timothy 2:1-5
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (NASU)

Let me say this: If you are worried about offending someone by putting their name on a prayer list, then use their first name only, or even just their initials. God knows who they are, and He will hear our prayer as we pray for people to be saved.


Hello church! This is Marci S. writing here. Most of you probably don't know who I am because I'm such a quiet in the background kind of person. But that's OK you don't have to know me. I'm writing because recently one of Andy's sermons made me start thinking. It was the one about prayer. Ephesians 1:17-23. One of the things he said was that we need to have perspective and pray for spiritual things more than physical needs. He said that sometimes we pray for a lost person's health but don't pray for their salvation. I immediately thought of my young cousin Austin. He is somewhere around 6 yrs old and losing his hair in large patches. They don't know why. When I heard about it I thought 'I need to pray for him.' He and his family are not saved and I don't remember anytime recently praying for their salvation. After Andy's sermon that Sunday I realized that I have so many unsaved relatives who need prayer. I know we as a church in our Sunday school classes have prayer lists and that sort of thing but I would like to start a church wide prayer list of nothing but unsaved family, friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. I proposed the idea to Andy and he thought it was good. So after a week of praying and thinking about how to do it here's what I feel we should do. I have opened an email account the address is salvationprayers@hotmail.com I would love for everyone in the church to be involved in this. Please send the names of every unsaved person you know to this address. Also please tell me if you would like to receive the list to pray for these people. If someone that you put on this list gets saved please let me know! We want to see the results of our prayers and praise God for them. Also if someone we are praying for is starting to go to church or is asking questions or anything that shows you God is working on their heart please send me those updates. I will update the list and send it out either monthly or weekly. At first probably weekly as I expect to have frequent emails to start with. I realize this will be a very long list and it will take a long time to pray for every individual on the list. A good goal would be to pray through the list once a month. Take several people each day and pray for them. I would recommend printing out the list. If you do this you could even cut the list into sections. Each day as you get ready to do whatever you are doing grab a section and put it in your pocket. Every time you think of it pull it out and pray for those people. However you do it is fine those are just a few suggestions. If we get everyone praying and everyone prays for each person at least once a month think how many people are in our church, that's how many times each person will be prayed for that month. Not just that one time that you pray but I hope hundreds of times. We need to pray for the lost to come into our church. Every week at the end of the service we have an invitation. We have seen a few people saved and every single one is reason to celebrate. But every week that no one comes I wonder why not. I think to myself, maybe that means everyone here is saved. That's good right? But then I think, why aren't there lost people here? Aren't they our mission? Is everyone in Bixby saved? No. We need to start praying for the lost. It's not our job to go out and bang down doors and drag people in. It's not our job to have a big exciting program to bring them in. It is our job to pray, and to be available to talk to anyone God leads us to. If we don't do this then Andy is preaching to the choir. Yes the things we learn are good for us to learn but what's the point of us being the only ones who hear it? We'll become, as Andy said himself, religious fatheads. I believe that many of us in our church have gone through personal revival in the past year, myself included. It's time to move it outside our church walls and the walls of our homes. One of the most important things we can do is pray. So sorry if this email got a little long I tend to do that! If you want to put someone on the list please send me their names. If you do not want their full name listed just let me know what you want listed. We can do first names, initials, whatever. God will know who they are. For those who would like to get this list emailed to you please send me a message and I'll add you. If for any reason you ever feel you need to be taken off the mailing list just let me know. I think God can use this in mighty ways. God can do awesome things! Thanks! Marci

Remember - this is a work in progress so be patient with any glitches or tweaks. Thank you Marci. May God bless this part or our prayer ministry.

AJ

A Brid in the Hand

I read an article in World Magazine recently that told the story of birdwatchers in Scotland who were privileged to observe the very rare Red-Humped Swallow. However, while they were watching that bird, another bird, a Sparrowhawk swooped in, and made the rare specimen a rare meal. One spectator, Mike Sawyer, told Britian’s Metro, “We were horrified, we had just called other birdwatchers to tell the news, and then had to call back to say it had been eaten.” (Copyright © 2006 WORLD Magazine, December 02, 2006, Vol. 21, No. 46)

How often are we, the church, guilty of simply watching the lost and hurting world around us, when instead we should intercede? Let’s not be idle. When someone is hungry; feed them. When you see a need; share. When a heart is broken; give comfort. And, when a soul is lost; share the words of life. Christians are not merely spectators in the grand scheme of eternity, we are participants. So then, commit to being involved in the Ministry and Missions of Riverview Baptist Church. Say to yourself right now – “I will be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer”. (James 1:22)

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ (NIV) Matthew 25:35-36

Have a great week - Andy

Praying for a Pastor

For a few weeks now Riverview has been asking God to lead us to the right man to be our Associate Pastor. I am so happy to announce to you that God has done just that. Yesterday at the end of our worship services RBC officially invited Victor Mendoza to come to Riverview in view of a call on April 27th. Pray for Victor, Janeen, Alyssa, and Jessica as they pray about answering God's call on their lives.

To make a short story long. Victor has been a member at Riverview for ten years, and a Deacon here for eight years. He was called into ministry a few years ago, and and has since completed his undergraduate degree in Leadership Management, as well as taking several classes through OBU. I was praying for Victor, and asking God to open up a church that he might Pastor, and then it hit me...Victor is the man for Riverview.

I asked Victor if he would be willing to submit his resume to RBC, and he was. About two weeks later as I prayed for confirmation that Victor as the man; two different people at exactly the same time...I mean precisely at the same time on the same day contacted me to say God had given them a word of "CONFIRMATION" - their word not mine - that Victor was the man. One person called me at 11:20 on Tuesday, and the other emailed me at the very same moment.

There are several other 'WOW' events in this whole process, but needless to say. We are excited that God would so clearly lead us to the right person.

Just thought I'd share that with you...Praise the Lord.

AJ

I Have An Announcement !

There was something missing in last week's worship service...did you catch what it was?

No? Well let me give you a hint. We usually do it at the end or beginning of the service, it takes about 10 minutes, and it has nothing to do with worshipping God.

You guessed it. This announcement is about announcements.

We didn't give announcements last week during the WORSHIP Service and to our amazement...everything went fine. Construction is still under way, prayer meetings are still being held, people are still excited about coming to Riverview, and as far as I could tell no one's life was affected because we didn't make official announcements about upcoming activities in the Church.

After praying through this, the other pastors have agreed our worship services will be more worshipful if we don't have to 'kick off' or conclude our worship with announcements. I know churches have been giving announcements since Moses was a pastor, but please trust me in this. God will be honored in our time of worship when our focus is on HIM, and not other distractions. In turn God will honor our faithfulness to Him by meeting all our needs according to His will and by His power.

I don't know how much of a case I need to make for this conviction, but allow me a few points:

1. Worship is supposed to be focused on God, and making announcements focuses on us and our activities.
2. It takes time away from singing praises to God, and the preaching of His Word.
3. It either starts us off on an awkward note, or forces us to end with a 'thud'.
4. No matter how hard we try announcements just don't fit in a worship service.
5. Who decides which announcements are worthy of pulpit time, and which aren't?

Plus - We will continue to announce activities:

1. On Slides before the Worship Service.
2. On the Web Page.
3. In the News Letter.
4. By E-mail Announcements.
5. In the Bulletin.
6. Through the Sunday School.
7. Through Ministry Organizations - Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Student Ministry, etc...
8. With Information Tables in the New Foyer.

A quick story to Illustrate:
I once had someone announce a ministry opportunity during the worship service; it turned into a 10 minute guilt trip / scolding - not to mention the 6 or 7 minute follow up video.

In a fast paced world with hectic schedules; a world in which we (the Church) are lucky to get someone's attention for 1 hour. Why take precious minutes away from focusing on God, and not being rushed to respond to His Glory, Love, and Grace?

aj

Easter Sunday

What a great day. The music was great, the crowd was great (I heard 600), and the sermon wasn't too bad...I hope. I simply want to give God praise, because He is worthy of such worship and proclamation.

I pray every Sunday will be a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and every day will be a day we live in the Power and Hope of His glory. We are blessed to be a part of what God is doing at Riverview, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the grace He has showered upon us.

This week please:

• Pray for someone you know who is lost without Jesus.
• Invite one (1) person to church.
• Do something kind for someone you wouldn't normally give any attention to.

Let's see what God can do through us this Spring!

aj

A Far Death Experience

...as opposed to a 'near death experience'. Last week my blood pressure got really high. It seems Doctors prescribe medicine for a reason, and when you don't take it...bad things happen.

Sitting in our staff meeting my heart began to flutter, I felt tightness in my chest, and I had an excruciating headache. I made my way home dug up my left over blood pressure pills, and tried to rest and relax.

Fortunately my episode was not as bad as thought it was (its funny how your mind plays tricks when your heart skips ticks), but while lying there thinking "I'm coming Elizabeth...it's the big one" - my life flashed before my eyes...in slow motion. - go figure -

I probably thought all the same things every dying man thinks. What about my family? Has my life made a difference? Is this going to hurt? Truth is we will all die someday. Maybe even some of us - today. Luke 12:20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you...

My point is, there are things in life that are bigger than $3 gas, Democratic Primaries, and March Madness...there is nothing like a far death experience to help you put things in perspective.

CLEAR !!!!! -- AJ

Easter and the Wascally Wabbit

Question: What is the connection between hiding eggs, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

One little boy gave this answer: Jesus’ Disciples really liked eggs, but Jesus had high cholesterol so they couldn’t eat them. When the Disciples thought He was dead and gone they decided to have eggs for breakfast. It just so happened this was the morning Jesus was raised from the dead, and appeared to His disciples. When Peter looked up and saw Jesus coming he said, “Quick fellas...hide the eggs.”

The truth is no one knows for sure the origins of Easter, but our best bet comes from Bede, a late-seventh-century historian and scholar from Anglo-Saxon England. He says Easter's name comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, associated with spring and fertility, and celebrated around the vernal equinox. So there you go. As Christmas was moved to coincide with the pagan celebration of winter, Easter was likely moved to coincide and replace the pagan celebration of spring. (Christianity Today, “Why Easter?” by Ted Olsen, 4/10/98)

It’s interesting that Easter is observed by the churches of the West (that would be us) on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox. Meaning Easter became a "movable" feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. However, Eastern Orthodox churches observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival. That being the case, this year Passover begins at sundown on April 20th making Sunday the 27th Resurrection Sunday.

Just by looking around it is easy to see that Easter has not become as commercialized as Christmas. After all, angels singing and a bouncing baby boy are much more marketable than torturing and killing an innocent man. However, many people, even Christians miss the point. When Easter is elevated to the status of a ‘holy-day’ (not to mention that we miss the date entirely) we potentially diminish the importance of the other fifty-one Sunday’s throughout the year, when in fact every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

See Ya Sunday - Andy

Bed-luh-m

I was told last night at prayer meeting the Bedlam Basketball game was in progress. At the posting of this article, I still do not know who won. I first published this article on November 21, 2006 before the OU / OSU football game.

Bedlam – (1) a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion; (2) an insane asylum or madhouse. (Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2005)

In 1247 the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem was founded in London, England. Three hundred years later in 1547 when the monastery was dissolved, the institution was transferred to a state run lunatic asylum, and the name was shortened to Bethlehem Hospital. If someone was considered insane, and institutionalized at that hospital, it was said they had gone to “Bethlehem”, or the way it sounded in the local dialect, the person was at ‘Betlam’. In effect the word bedlam has become a euphemism for a sixteenth century madhouse.

Now then; if you live in the state of Oklahoma, you know this is Bedlam week, and this coming Saturday Stillwater is going to be a madhouse. This is the week to not just be a fan, but a fanatic. Tens of thousands will brave the weather, traffic, and each other to attend the game. Literally, millions of dollars will be spent on tickets alone, as well as thousands more on soft drinks, and gasoline, not to mention the millions of dollars paid for merchandise, and television advertising. Sometimes we (myself included) go crazy over a three hour game that has no lasting significance in the greater scheme of life and eternity.

This year let’s get as excited about Jesus as we are the ball game. How? Be willing to invest as much money, time, energy, and passion to the Lord and His work as you are this week’s game. I promise; if you make such a commitment, you will find greater satisfaction than if your team wins, and the result is not merely bragging rights for a year, but an impact for eternity.

Unholy Trinity

Scanning Sports Illustrated today I came across an article on the Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.) squash team which has a ten year winning streak. They hold nine consecutive national titles, and it is the longest winning streak in college sports history. However what impressed me most was a sentence in the middle of the article, "Trinity, which was founded in 1823 has no religious affiliation..." (Sports Illustrated, February 11, 2008, pp.62-64)

Wow! How do you go from being named TRINITY because of the Congregational dominance in your area, and having a founding president who is an Episcopalian Bishop to - no religious affiliation whatsoever? How? By slowly turning the heat up on the frog in the pot over a one hundred eighty-five year span.

Sometimes I wonder if Trinity College is a microcosm of the American Church. We have religious names like Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, and we have religious history, meaning our churches / denominations are not new kids on the block...but are we disconnected from our source? Is the body disconnected from the head?

Be vigilant and pray. Satan wins the greatest victory not when a church is destroyed by fires, or tornadoes, but instead Satan is most effective when a church appears to be busy, well run, and well attended...yet unaffiliated with Christ.

John 15:5
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (NLT)

SG - AJ

Sunday Morning Miracle

I arrived at church feeling so sick Sunday morning I didn't think I could walk from my truck to the church. I had been sick since about 4:00 am, and I wasn't worth much by 9:30. However, people began praying for me, and by 10:30 I was ready to go. I honestly believe God healed me, and enabled me to preach. Praise the Lord.

God has certainly been blessing Riverview. God is moving in our Worship Services, and His Word is bearing fruit in all of us. It is exciting to watch the flock take what they learn, and apply it, and put it into active service for the Lord.

Next week we will have a GUEST PREACHER in the Morning Worship Service.
His name is Charlie Keim, son of Buddy Keim, and father of our own Jeannie McSherry.
Charlie will be here Sunday to baptise his grandson Elijah McSherry.

Let me share with you what I expect: I expect God to do something great this Sunday Morning. I'm preparing myself for a ONE DAY REVIVAL. You see we have been gifted in different ways. I am a Pastor/Teacher, and Charlie is an Evangelist, and I believe God has been using me to plant and water seeds, and He will use Charlie for the harvest.

Pray for Bro. Charlie, and pray for your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers you might invite to hear what could be the sermon that would change their life forever...for eternity.

SG - Andy

Gone

Week - February 25-March 1

Monday through Wednesday I worked hard preparing for this coming Sunday's Message. I also visited St. Francis Hospital, and attended a Funeral on Wednesday. I go to the church early on Wednesday mornings, and stay until after church, about 8:30 PM. Thursday & Friday I was at a Missional Church Conf. in OKC...Mike, Aaron, and Dave made it a memorable one, and Friday night and Saturday I was back at OKC for the Mission Ignition Rally (Formerly R.A. Congress).

Needless to say...I've been gone. I haven't seen my family all week, and I miss them dearly. Nolan went to Mission Ignition with me, but he was hanging out with his old buddies from Hobart, so I didn't see him much on the road.

It was so beautiful when we got home as soon as I unloaded our luggage, I rigged up a couple of fishing poles, and Mason caught his first fish out of our pond. A little sun perch, but he cast out the line, hooked him, and reeled him in. After much trying, and catching and releasing two trees behind him, Nolan caught a perch as well. It was great. Mason wanted wanted to cut them up and cook them, but I told him we needed to let them grow a little. That fillet would have been the size of a Wheatthin.

I don't have any deep theological truths to contemplate, or political scandals to parse...Just that I missed my family, am glad to be home, and praying for a great day tomorrow at Riverview.

SG - AJ

Spiritus Gladius

Why name my blog Spiritus Gladius? Aaron sent me a picture the other day of the stained glass from the sanctuary at Riverview. The glass containing the name of the Apostle Paul has a picture of a Bible, and a Sword, and the words "Spiritus Gladius". The Sword of the Spirit."

I instantly knew this would be the name of my blog. I love the Bible, and I am so thankful Riverview has placed a high priority on Bible teaching in my ministry. The other Pastors, ministers, and lay leaders do such a great job in their calling here that I am free to STUDY, PRAY, PREACH THE WORD!!!

Right now it is Monday Morning, and I am excited to begin studying for next Sunday's message. I feel like a detective on a new case looking for clues. I sometimes imagine myself as an explorer turning over every rock in the scriptures, looking behind every leaf, trying to take in every nuance of the passage. However, just like every Monday, not only am I excited, I am also fearful. I feel completely empty. I am convinced if God does not fill me up, and illumine my mind to understand the TRUTH of His Word. Next Sunday I will be like a rain cloud with no rain. (Jude 1:12) All promise, and no production.

So please - keep me in your prayers. If you were going in for heart surgery, would you pray for your Doctor? You bet. The truth is - if I were a heart surgeon it would be less important than my job now. For if I were a heart surgeon, and I messed up, you might die (temporal), but if I twist the gospel, or mis-interpret scripture...this has an eternal impact.

Pray that God will always guide me to 'rightly divide the Word of truth.' 2 Timothy 2:15

SG - Andy

My Testimony

I guess the first thing I'll share with you is my testimony.

I was raised by my mother and step-father along with four brothers and sisters in Lamont, Oklahoma. I was saved when I was nine years old at Camp Lela near Pawnee, OK, and was baptized a few months later at the Lamont FBC. When I was ten years old, I felt God calling me to be a preacher, and from that point on I knew that was what I was going to be. At the age of fifteen I surrendered to preach at Falls Creek, and God began opening doors for me to preach and share my testimony at FCA meetings and Youth Groups in my area.

In college I became involved in the Baptist Student Union at NOC, and I started traveling with that group doing several Youth Retreats and Revivals in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. In the spring of my freshman year Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City let me do an internship with their youth and children’s workers that lasted a year and a half. In the Fall of 1989 I transferred to NWOSU, and soon after arriving at Northwestern, Cherokee FBC called me to be their Minister of Youth and Activities. When the pastor left I gave my resume to the pulpit committee knowing I had been called to preach, but they felt that I was not ready. One night after a deacons meeting an older deacon, as well as an old friend said, “Brother Andy, if God has called you to preach, He will provide a place for you to preach.” That night the pulpit committee from the First Baptist Church of Helena called to see if I would be interested in sending them a resume.

During our tenure at Helena we went on a mission trip to South Dakota, and while there God moved my heart for little churches struggling in that Southern Baptist pioneer area. Needless to say Dustie and I took a tiny church in Sioux Falls, and worked hard for three years nearly to the point of fatigue. The church grew and became self sustaining, but we left after three years spiritually, financially, and emotionally drained. After our ministry in Sioux Falls, God led us to the Kansas City area, and this is when I began my formal seminary training.

During seminary at MBTS I was the pastor at the Seaman Baptist Church in Topeka. We were happy there too, and the ministry was thriving, but after about three years Immanuel Baptist Church of Blackwell came calling. It was a long, hard decision to move to IBC but we felt God leading us back to Oklahoma. Moving to Blackwell was like coming home for me, and I could write a book about what God did in Blackwell, and the love we experienced with our church family there.

In September 2005 FBC Hobart called me to be their pastor. Again it was a hard decision, and God orchestrated some amazing events to take us there. Hobart has had a tremendous history in Baptist life in Oklahoma, and I am thankful to be a part of that history.

In January of 2008 God brought us to Riverview Baptist Church in Bixby. We are excited about the future of RBC, as Bixby is the fastest growing town in Oklahoma. We have a great staff, a loving church, and the FIELDS ARE RIPE FOR THE HARVEST.

I have been through alot in my life. Maybe I'll blog about it later. I just know God has used every event, every person, every ministry, every church, every victory, and every trial to shape me into the man, husband, father, and pastor that I have become.

To God be the glory.

SG - Andy