Footprints and Offsets

I keep hearing about carbon footprints and carbon offsets. My personal beliefs on this are probably not popular. Can you say money scheme and power grab? Anyway, it has got me thinking about the Church. I think in these terms we can define a huge problem. Carbon offsets are all about reacting to what has happened. For too long the Church has been in the offset business. Always reacting to the culture. I believe we need to move into the footprint lifestyle! What kind of impact are we leaving on our culure if we are only reactive? When I look at Jesus I do not see reaction but action that impacts His culture. Same goes for the early church! If all we do is react, we are always a step behind. God never lags behind but always leads His people to pave the way. The question is how can we do this with less funds than the World? God is a creator. We must tap into the creative nature of Christ in us and make a difference!

Carbon footprints are about changing culture. To make a footprint on culture means we may stir up a little controversy, but that is what has to happen to have impact. I don't have all the answers but I know Christ left a huge footprint on culture. Through love for all, uncompromising faith, and a boldness to do things differently than the establishment! What about us?

Footprints or offsets.....

Spirit filled or relevant

I believe we are to be a missional church and missional believers. What does this mean? We are to make sure we are relevant to the world around us. A missionary that travels to a foreign country must learn the culture then make the message of Christ relevant. It is the same principle with us today in our unique cultures. I also believe that a Spirit filled life is the only way we can truly reach every culture we find ourselves in. How can we balance the two, relevant and Spirit filled.

In the church world today it seems churches are either one or the other. It doesn't have to be this way. Being Spirit filled is more than hype and emotion, although the Spirit of God brings alive our emotions, also being Spirit filled is more than lively or upbeat worship music with high entertainment value as some have attempted to promote. Being Spirit filled is truly a lifestyle of being led by the Word and the Spirit's presence. In the Word it is very clear that God gives His Spirit, to those who ask, to help us witness and have an incredible impact in our World in a relevant way. As we are led by His Spirit we will speak the truth in love, we will confront the spirit of this world, and we will allow God to release His power through us to truly make a difference. The most important aspect of being Spirit filled is to use His leading to serve our generation. The creativity of the Father can be released and we can expect to see our world transformed. Join me and lets discover the relevancy of a Spirit filled life! What do you think?

Let the River flow,

Riverlife '08 (pt.4)

The adventure is experienced to the fullest when it is shared with others. Relationships are vital in the kingdom of God. When you take a vacation or go on an adventurous trip you either want to take people with you or you can't wait to share the experience with others. It should be the same with our life with Christ. Tell someone, take someone with you, enjoy life together.

Honestly, this is sometimes difficult for me. I can often be a very private person, not easily letting others close. Or, I can sometimes get so busy in the duties of ministry or with the busy lifestyle of my family that I fail to reach out to others and enjoy the adventure with others. Have you ever noticed how the enemy will fight you and keep you from spending time with your friends and family? This is because he knows if he can keep us isolated, life ceases to be an adventure and simply turns into survival. Join with me and this year lets determine to care more for each other, share the adventure together, and enjoy life together in relationships!

A great way to jump in the adventure together is Network Community Groups. They happen on the 2nd and 4th Sunday Evening of each month at 4pm in homes around our area. For more info go to Riverlifechurch.com or contact the Riverlife office.

Let's do life together,