RIVER OF LIFE - Pastor Todd's Blog

Real Love

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:35:45 -0800

Have you heard the story about the single guy who was looking for a wife? As he boarded an airplane one day, a beautiful young woman also boarded and sat down next to him. He couldn’t believe his luck, so he decided to ask her what kind of man she was looking for. She said, “Well, I like Indian men; the tall, dark, silent type.” She added, “But then again, I like Jewish men. They are good businessmen and very smart.” She continued, “Then again, I like outdoorsmen who are, you know, the rugged type who wear jeans and a flannel shirt, drive a four-wheel-drive pickup, and like to camp out.” After a moment of silence the woman said, “By the way, what’s your name?” Thinking quickly, the man responded, “Geronimo Goldberg, but my friends call me Bubba!”

There are people today who, in their desire for love, make all kinds of concessions and compromises. They are willing to become something they’re not in order to win or keep the love of another.

Love that is won by masquerading as something or someone you’re not isn’t true love. It’s false love that is based on a faulty premise. It won’t last because you cannot keep up the act forever. Sooner or later, the true you will come out. Then what?!

The love of Jesus is REAL LOVE! The Greek word used to describe it is agape. Love with no strings attached. Love with no loopholes. True love that keeps on loving. Every person can honestly say, “Jesus loves me just as I am.” That’s true. But aren’t you glad He loves us too much to leave us just as we are? So He begins His work in our lives, transforming us into His very likeness. This is a great work He has promised to complete (Phil. 1:6).

Don’t make the mistake of trying to be something you’re not in order to win the affection and acceptance of another. Instead, rejoice in God’s love for you. Jesus is the one who knows you best, and loves you most!

Pastor Todd

The Wedding

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:28:47 -0800

This is a very special week for our family. Our oldest son, Nicholas, and his beautiful fiancée, Jamie, are getting married. This morning Sheri and I reflected back over the years. We talked about the day we brought Nicholas home from the hospital to our little grey duplex in Kearney, Nebraska. What a bundle of joy and energy! It seems like yesterday and yet so far away.

Three years later we took Nicholas to the Cox South hospital in Springfield, Missouri to meet his new brother – Paul David. It was love at first sight (sort of), and they have been buddies ever since. Nine years later little sister came along. As Tori grew, Nicholas and Paul David were tagged, “the brothers.”

This morning Sheri and I thought back to Nicholas’ first day of school in Manhattan, Kansas. I can still see him standing there outside the school with his blond hair shining in the sun and his brown eyes just dancing with spirit. Amanda Arnold Elementary has never been the same since! I believe the teacher survived.

The next twelve years went by in a blur of activity until graduation day came along. And now in just a few days, Nicholas and Jamie are getting married. Wow! Tell me, where does the time go?

Life is full of special days and defining moments. The greatest day in anyone’s life is the day you give your heart to Jesus. That single day not only changes the rest of your life, it determines your eternal destination. The second greatest day is when you become united to that special person God created and ordained for you.

There is another great day coming – the day we see Jesus face to face. As the old song says, “What a day that will be!”

While some days are more special than others, every day is a gift from God. So slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Live each day to the full. Live each day for the glory of God.

Pastor Todd Weston

Moms

Tue, 08 May 2012 06:58:16 -0800

Have you ever considered what a job description for a mother would look like? After just a brief consideration, here are some things I thought would appear on a job description for moms – attorney, advocate, chauffeur, coach, cook, counselor, disciplinarian, doctor, intercessor, judge, maid, nurse, nutritionist, psychologist, referee, sleep therapist, social director, spiritual mentor, teacher, and trainer.

Or as someone suggested – manager of miracles – which spells MOM!

Several years ago I came across this acronym for M-O-T-H-E-R –

·        M is for the many things she taught me
·        O is for the other things she taught me
·        T is for all those things she taught me
·        H is for the hundreds of things she taught me
·        E is for everything she taught me
·        R is for the rest of the things she taught me

Moms are teachers. And of all the things moms teach their kids, instilling the things of God into those young hearts and minds ranks right up there at the top. Remember, it won’t return void. God promised!

So keep up the good work moms. Stay at it. And when you are having one of “those” days, hang in there remembering that you are doing God’s work! And 1 Cor. 15:58 gives this word of encouragement, “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.” (The Message).

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Todd Weston

The Unity of the Spirit

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:43:38 -0800

There once was a blacksmith who had two pieces of iron he wanted to weld into one. He took them as they were, all cold and hard, and put them on the anvil, and began to hammer with all this might. But after several blows with the hammer, they were still two pieces of iron. They would not unite. Then he remembered what he should have never forgotten. He thrust both of them into the fire, took them out red-hot, laid one on the other, and with one or two blows of the hammer the two pieces of iron became one.

The fire of the Holy Spirit has a unifying effect. That’s why Paul called it, “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). And Paul said we are to endeavor to keep it.

Endeavor. The word means – to make effort, to give diligence, to labor, strive, or study. Keeping the unity of the Spirit is going to take some work. That’s true because the Church is made up of different people from different backgrounds with different experiences and preferences. It’s also true because there is a diabolical enemy who is bent on hindering the work of God by destroying unity. So we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit.

Keep. It’s significant that Paul said keep, not create. The unity of the Spirit cannot be created by people. It can only be created by the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, it already exists in those who have accepted Jesus and have the Holy Spirit living within them. You can’t keep something that isn’t already there. So the assignment is to protect the unity that is produced by the Holy Spirit. And in verses that precede the text, Paul gave some ideas how that can be accomplished:

1.      By walking worthy of the calling with which you were called (4:1)

2.      By demonstrating humility and gentleness (4:2a)

3.      With patience bearing with one another in love (4:2b)

The unity of the Spirit is kept when Christians live and act like Christians. It’s kept when we do the Fruit of the Spirit, not the Works of the Flesh (see Galatians 5:19-23).

The bond of peace. A bond is something that fastens, binds, or holds together. The unity of the Spirit produces the bond of peace that holds churches together.    Let’s strive together to keep the unity of the Spirit. It’s a blessed thing (Psalm 133). And let’s stand together against anything that would diminish or destroy it.

Pastor Todd Weston

Ready for the Rapture

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:17:47 -0800

I cannot think of a single Bible theme that stirs more interest than the Rapture of the Church. Of course, the identity of the Antichrist or the definition of the unpardonable sin might come in at a close second! Do you remember the success of the “Left Behind” series. People are fascinated with the Rapture.

The Bible emphasizes three truths about the Rapture – it’s sure, it’s soon, and it will be sudden. When the trumpet sounds signaling the event known as the Rapture, there will be no time to think, pray, repent, or anything. Those who are ready will go. Those who are not ready will be left behind (see the parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13).

So John tells us how to be ready in 1 John 2:28, “And now, little children abide in Him that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” Here is how that verse reads in The Message, “Stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we will be ready for Him when He appears.”

The way to guarantee that you won’t be ashamed before the Lord at His appearing is to abide in Him! Stay close to Jesus. Don’t see how close you can get to the world and still make it to heaven. Don’t gamble with your eternal soul. Walk with God every day like Enoch who, “Walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24).

In this way you will be able to face the Rapture with confidence. Abide in Jesus and you will be ready for the Rapture.

Pastor Todd Weston

The Church Ministry Center

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:24:29 -0800

Several years ago a dear Baptist brother was led by the Lord to give his house and five acres of land located next door to what was then First Assembly South (now River of Life) to be used as a ministry center. That was in 2006. Last night we gathered for a reception at the Church Ministry Center (CMC) to rededicate it for its intended use.

Among the ministries that have utilized the CMC are Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, and Impact Youth which meets twice a week, and other various ministry groups. Because of the phenomenal growth in RLA Kidz, the upper elementary ages will begin using the house in the next few months for their Sunday morning worship event.

An additional ministry opportunity coming in the Fall is the Guest Quarters/Retreat Center for missionaries and evangelists. Our plan is to renovate the master bedroom suite in early September to create a beautiful and comfortable place to house visiting missionaries, evangelists, and their families. Rather than sending our guests to a local motel which during certain times of the year charge very high rates, we will be able to put our guests at the CMC next door. In this way we are not only utilizing the property God gave to us, but we are being wise stewards of the funds God has entrusted to our care.

Oftentimes, missionaries and their families will visit a community for several days to conduct services or have meetings with various churches and church leaders. Just imagine what a blessing it would be to them to be able to stay in a beautiful house equipped with a swimming pool and all the comforts of home right in the heart of Estero! God blessed us with the CMC, and now it is our privilege to use it to bless others.

We have additional plans for the CMC, and there will be many other ministry usages of the property. I want to thank all who participated in the shower by bringing items to furnish the CMC for ministry (we are still registered at Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond if you want to participate). There will also be opportunities for us to do practical ministry at the CMC like cleaning and upkeep of the property. Thank you in advance for your joyful service!

Just one other thing. Whenever you drive by please say a prayer for God’s continued anointing on all the ministry taking place on this ten acre property – whether it be at the Church or the Church Ministry Center. It all belongs to God, and it’s all being used for His glory.

Pastor Todd Weston

Creativity & VARIETY

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:10:03 -0800

Did you know that the God we serve is a God of great creativity and variety? Consider the creation itself. Aren’t you glad God didn’t do it all in black and white? How boring would that be?! Instead, God created it in color. And He didn’t make the face of the earth a smooth surface. He threw in some hills and valleys, mountains and deserts, streams, lakes, and oceans to make it interesting.

Aren’t you glad everyone doesn’t look alike? Can you imagine living in a world where everyone looked alike, dressed alike, thought like, and talked alike? God fixed that. Every person is an original design. No copies. No one else looks like you (unless you have an identical twin!) No one thinks exactly the way you think, or talks exactly the way you talk. God loves variety.

Think about the animal kingdom and marine life. Talk about creativity and variety! Can’t you just see the angels watching in wonder as God created a Giraffe? I can see the Lord turning to the angel Gabriel and saying, “Hey Gabe, watch this,” and there appears a Hippopotamus! I think God had a blast creating all the different animals? I mean, how on earth could you create a Platypus and keep a straight face?

So if God is full of creativity and variety, why do people created in His image tend to get stuck in ruts?! Why do we lose our love for adventure and settle down for the humdrum, monotonous, and predictable? Maybe it’s a result of the fall of man. A lingering effect of the curse of sin. Honestly, I don’t know.

But here is what I do know. If I want to be like my Creator, I must not be controlled by a spirit of rigidity that refuses to bend. I want to be possessed by a spirit of newness (Romans 7:6) because God has said, ”Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19), and I don’t want to miss it!

So the next time you go out for ice cream, ditch the vanilla and go for something really radical like…chocolate! Hey, why give up a good thing?!

Pastor Todd Weston

A Willing Heart

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:18:37 -0800

In Exodus 35 preparations were being made to build and furnish the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. For the Tabernacle to become a reality, workers and supplies were needed. We read about men who were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship (vv31-35). These men were gifted by God in architecture, design, construction, and so on. We also read about women who were gifted by God in spinning and sewing (vv25-26). Others who were not gifted in those particular areas participated through their giving. All these worked under the leadership of Moses to erect and furnish the Tabernacle for ministry.

Ministry is a very practical thing. It utilizes both spiritual and natural gifts. Sometimes we think of ministry only in terms of spiritual giftings like teaching and preaching, singing, evangelism, operating in the Spiritual Gifts, and so on. Obviously, those are all very important and needed ministries. But so are the ministries that require our natural giftings.

For example, several women have worked alongside Sandy Klug using their natural gift for sewing to make 250 pillow case dresses and shorts for the children of the Dominican Republic. What a wonderful use of a natural gift! For the last few weeks Lynda Van Bibber, Karen Droke, Diane Reed, and other ladies have used their natural gift for cleaning and organizing to work at the Church Ministry Center (formerly known as the Church House), preparing it for the Water Baptismal service conducted there last Sunday night, and for our future ministry plans. Kevin and Rebecca Murphy are using their natural gift of pool service to clean and maintain the pool at the CMC. John Baker used his natural gift in painting to refresh the church walls, and Steve Reed used his natural gift to power wash and repaint the walkways in front of the church. Thanks to these and the many others who are using their spiritual and natural gifts to serve the Lord through the context of this His church.

In a few weeks we will have the opportunity to do what the children of Israel did in Exodus 35. The Church House was recently vacated to make room for increased ministry activity (thus the new name – Church Ministry Center). On Sunday night, April 15th, at 6:00, we are having a shower/reception/dedication service at the CMC. The purpose of the shower is to stock and furnish the CMC with needed items for ministry. We are registered at Target and at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. You can also pick up information at the church concerning items that are needed.

In Exodus the people were so enthusiastic in the giving they had to be restrained. Imagine that! They gave more than enough. I pray that like the Children of Israel (v29), we will be compelled by a willing heart to give and serve. We have some exciting plans for the future of the CMC. I look forward to seeing you there Sunday night, April 15th, at this beautiful property the Lord gave to our church for the work of the ministry and the glory of God.

Pastor Todd Weston

Only One Life

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:14:59 -0800

I grew up in a musical family. My mother’s family was musically gifted. My grandparents were musical evangelists who traveled throughout the Midwest with their two daughters conducting revival meetings. They played a variety of musical instruments. We still have copies of their promotional pieces with the four of them surrounded by enough instruments to stock a small music store.

My dad’s family wasn’t musical at all. But at a very early age he demonstrated a God-given gift for the piano. In the ‘60’s he traveled for three years as the pianist for one of the great gospel quartets – The Blackwood Brothers. Since then, my parents have ministered all over the country in various venues, proclaiming the gospel through music.

I have one sister – Cheri. She was born with perfect pitch (she can tell you what key your hair dryer is blowing in!) and is an accomplished pianist. For the first several years of my life I showed little if any musical talent. I began to think the musical blessing had bypassed me completely. Then my dad bought me my first bass guitar. It was love at first sight!

That was nearly forty years ago. Since then, music has been a huge part of my life and ministry. In 1984 I married a beautiful young lady who is very musical. We now have three children who are gifted and involved in music ministry. So the legacy continues.

Last month we saw the passing of a musical giant. Whitney Houston’s death shocked the world. Whitney began singing in church. She started by using her talent for the Lord. Can you imagine the impact she could have made for the kingdom if only she had used her gift for Jesus? Instead, she ended up using it for that which profits nothing. She made the same mistake as Esau who sold his birthright for a bowl of beans. What a waste!

This reminds me of the repeated refrain in the poem, Only One Life, written by missionary Charles Thomas Studd –

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

We all have a gift. Some are blessed with several. Whatever your gift may be, use it for Jesus. Use it for His glory, and the advancing of His kingdom. When this life is over, it’s over. As the great missionary said, “Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Pastor Todd Weston

Grace for Grace

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:28:45 -0800

While reading the Gospel of John the other day I was captured by the phrase that appears at the end of 1:16, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” So what does the phrase “grace for grace” mean?

First, we need to know the meaning of grace. Yes, grace is the unmerited favor of God. Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace. But it doesn’t stop there. We not only need grace to get saved; we need grace to live the life of the saved.

Grace is the free empowerment of God for life and service. It’s the thing that provides us with “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Everything we need in order to be saved and serve Jesus comes to us by grace.

Back to the phrase, “grace for grace.” The idea here is grace following grace, or grace by degrees. Think of this phrase the next time you go to the beach. Stand there and watch the waves coming in one after another. You will notice that before one wave is gone, another has come. There seems to be an endless supply as wave follows wave.

That’s the way it is with God’s grace. Before the last wave of grace has gone, a new wave has come. And it will never stop because God has an infinite supply of grace!

You will also notice that the waves increase in size as they approach the beach. Likewise, grace may start small but it increases in size depending on the size of the need. The Bible calls it abounding grace.

James 4:6 says, “He gives more grace.” What a comforting and encouraging thought! That no matter what I face in life, God will always give more grace. You will always be able to say, “God’s grace is sufficient for me!”

Think of it like this –

·        My failures < GRACE
·        My burdens < GRACE
·        My challenges < GRACE
·        My fears < GRACE

And on and on it goes. God’s grace is always greater than!

No matter what the future holds, God will always provide the grace to get us through. Thank God for His amazing, abounding grace!

Pastor Todd Weston