May 12, 2011

I was reminded again this morning of a very important portion of scripture…Romans 12:18, “ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

This passage of scripture brought to mind a truth I heard preached on long ago.  We are never less like Christ when we are saying negative things about other people.  It is a trap that is very very easy to fall into.  Not only do we hurt ourselves, but we hurt the person who is bearing the brunt of our criticism.  We hurt the church if that’s our common behavior within our church family, and we hurt Christ because He loves that person.

So, how about parking our critical spirits far away from the church so we don’t harm the members of Sierra Bible Church or our other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Think about it.

Pastor Rick

May 5, 2011

I don’t usually celebrate all the Hallmark Holidays.  But…Mother’s Day is different!

I miss my Mom.  She died 29 years ago from Parkinson’s disease.  She was my closet friend and my biggest fan.  She was highly gifted musically, and she played the piano by ear.  I would come home from college with a new quartet number, and she would sit down at the piano and by the fourth or fifth word she would be playing the music. I always remember the long trip from Worchester, Massachusetts, to Buffalo, New York, to visit my Mom’s Mom and her sisters.  It was an annual event and took about eleven hours on the road.  We sang all the way.

Kind, compassionate, a Mother par excellent, a devoted follower of Jesus, and a life well lived with no complaints in spite of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  Her countenance never changed, she was always beautiful.  Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

Pastor Rick

 

April 28, 2011

The afterglow of the Easter service remains.  It was amazing to see the John Muir Building at the fairgrounds filled to overflowing.

The music was incredible.  Pastor Mark’s sermon was so visibly profound, which we all knew was a blend of his heart and the journey he is presently experiencing in his own life.  Ken Mansfield’s story was amazing.  His journey from the heights of show business success to the darkness of losing it all to the light of Christ was a blessing.  Then Liz’s rendition of “Imagine”, accompanied by all the signs of all the hardships of this life, let us know we have a forever future.  Our prayer warriors prayed with lots of people who were radically challenged by God’s Spirit.

Thanks to all who worked so hard to make it happen.  We are so very blessed.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick

April 21, 2011

I met this morning with our staff, and we spent a lot of time discussing the logistics for our Sunday Easter Service.  The dozens and dozens and dozens of volunteers that will help move chairs, risers for the choir, tables, tablecloths, and signs to direct people to information about SBC to the fairgrounds – it is a massive effort!

Our time was closed in prayer for everyone who will attend the Easter Service.  Whether young or old, believer or doubter, male or female, we prayed that everyone who comes will know, when the service is over, that Jesus is not only alive but that He is alive in us!

I encourage your prayers for everyone.  We know those that come to church only on Easter and Christmas and live without Christ, live far below God’s design for them.  So, pray, pray, pray that the resurrected Christ will do a marvelous work in all our lives as we celebrate the defeat of death and the power of life in Christ!

We’ll see you there,

Pastor Rick

April 14, 2011

Well, at last count, we have 10+ new Life Groups beginning the week following Easter.  If you sense the Lord prodding you to host a Life Group, please let Lori know at 532-1381 x-116.  We will be happy to add you to the new group list.

If you’re not in a Life Group, I am sure one of the 10+ new groups would be happy to have you join them!  Again, you may call Lori and get into a group close to your home that, hopefully, meets on a night you are available.

This new series on Heaven is amazing.  I guarantee that much of what you believe about Heaven is not true.  You know the scripture that says, “…the truth will set you free…”  Well, the “truth” about Heaven will make a huge difference in the way you live.  So…don’t miss the truth, and sign up or call Lori to join a group for this exciting series.  You will be blessed!!

Looking forward to Heaven,

Pastor Rick

 

April 7, 2011

I think it’s been said that time is a treasure so don’t waste it.

The last 2 hours have been a very tender gift to me.  I went to be a blessing and ended up being incredibly blessed.  The blessing came from the hands of God through the hearts of Walt and Becky Moberg.

I won’t tell you any more about the visit, but I do make this challenge to you…look through the list of your friends, family, and those you know in need, and prayerfully determine to be a blessing to them.

The Lord may just turn the tables on you, and you will be blessed to pieces.

Beyond blessed,

Pastor Rick

March 24, 2011

I have just come from a Staff meeting about our Easter Celebration.  Instead of 5-6 services, we are going to attempt 1 large service at an offsite location.  The content is outstanding, and we are going to have a special guest with an incredible life story.

Then, we will be kicking off an all-church Small Group study on Heaven.  The vast majority of church people that I know have all sorts of distorted beliefs about Heaven.  The truth is it is better than we could ever imagine.  During this Small Group series, we will start to get it right.

So, pay attention to the announcements regarding signing up for a Small Group.  You do not want to miss this series!  If you are willing to host a group, please let me know.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick

March 10, 2011

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18

This is one of my favorite verses.  God doesn’t give us any room in our relationships to justify saying something harmful or hurtful to someone else.  Then, He reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  That seems to indicate however we treat others reflects on our attitude towards God.

Here’s the challenge for today.  Pray for God to help so that you can treat everyone you encounter today like gold, “no matter what”!  My suspicion is that if we actually consciously did that, it would be a wonderful day for us and we would make our Heavenly Father smile.

Have a good day,

Pastor Rick

February 10, 2011

I just came from a wonderful gathering…

On the second and fourth Thursdays of every month, a lot of gals from our congregation and other congregations and the community come together as mothers of preschoolers (from which they get the name MOPS).  Lots of refreshments, beautiful babies, and a cadre of mothers…they come together to sharpen their mothering skills and to share the biblical instruction around family.

This morning, there was a panel of men (Paul Griebel, Walter Moberg, Zac Britton, and our own Pastor Mark) sharing their experience and wisdom in raising kids.  Quality biblical advice and encouragement were sown into the lives of these mothers.

As I walked back to the office, I thought to myself, “This is an amazing church that ministers to so many people in so many ways.”  I couldn’t help but be thankful for the privilege of being a part of the ministry of Sierra Bible Church.  How about you…?

Pastor Rick

February 3, 2011

Intentionality…

Most of us have good intentions when it comes to coming along side someone who is hurting or sending that note of encouragement or visiting that new neighbor.  The struggle is, life takes over, and that place of significant ministry loses out to the mundane and usual that occupies us. It requires a strong determination, a sense of the heightened importance, and the consciousness that this is what God wants us to do.

Having said all that, would you be intentional about praying for Pastor Mark and his family, Becky Moberg and her family, Dale Beyersdorf and his family, and anyone else you know who is going through a difficult and challenging time.  Maybe it could be at the top of your list of things you need to do today.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick

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