the RISING is coming

the RISING is a new church that is focused on believers. We believe that the Church exists for the building up of believers. It is our goal to educate and inspire believers to live for Christ and to share their faith. If you don’t have a home church, if you’re looking to be challenged with “hard” truths from scripture, if you long for a deeper faith, join the RISING.

During the month of October we will be having foundational nights on Saturdays at 5 p.m. Then on November 4th, we will begin the RISING.

CARPOOL LANE OPENS AT 8:55?

Living in Arizona, the carpool lanes are different than what I was used to in California. Here the lanes open to all drivers during certain times. A couple of weeks ago I was driving into town and it was 8:50. The signs say that the carpool lane opens to all at 9:00 a.m. Over the next 10 minutes the lane became progressively overcrowded with cars, most of which had only 1 occupant. I found it interesting that so many people thought "close enough" is OK. I guess they figured that the odds of being caught by a cop were slim.

But we are called to live at a higher standard. We are often tempted to live a life that is best described as "what can I get away with and still be saved?" We need to live above reproach. We need live as far away from the edge as possible and let our lives be filled with evidence of a relationship with Jesus. Let's stay out of the carpool lane until at least 5 minutes after 9:00. Let's raise the standard, and live up to it.

PUT ON THE COSTUME

Have you ever seen someone who is waiting for a job interview? Or maybe you can remember a time when you sat waiting to impress a potential employer. When you get ready for an interview, you want to dress to impress. Nice pants & shoes. A pressed button down shirt. A colorful tie. You look good. You look your best.

As you sit waiting to be called back, you notice that EVERYONE in the office is dressed much more casually. Its obvious to all who pass that you're the guy that hopes to work with them. You start to feel like you are sticking out like a sore thumb. You might as well be dressed in a clown costume with oversized shoes. You may start to feel kinda dumb.

The truth is, you shouldn't because you are giving it all you've got. It's not a sign of desperation, but a sign of commitment. When you are dressed better than everyone else, you're communicating the message of your willingness to do what it takes to accomplish your goals.

As Christians, we are often embarrassed to let others see us in our "faith costumes." We might shy away from praying in public. We might resist an opportunity to share about our church with a coworker. We don't want to be pegged as fanatical.

But the truth is, would shouldn't feel this way. We need to show everyone where our passion lies. We must tell others about the lengths we'll go to in order to share our faith and build God's Kingdom. So don't be shy...PUT ON THE COSTUME!

AM I STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Friday night I went to a local high school football game. It was the first game of the year at the school where my wife just started teaching. We got there in time for the first kickoff and took our seats about half way up in the stands.

For two hours we watched student after student strive and struggle to find a group to which they could belong. Clicks of friends were everywhere and there was a lot of socializing going on. We sat near the freshmen football team (wearing their white jerseys) and when a varsity player was injured, they all stood together in the stands. Then they went down onto the field. Groups of girls were running around socializing and many were concerned about being left behind from their specific group.

Then I remembered how in high school there is such a strong desire to belong. Kids want the security of being a part of group. They want the excitement of being a part of something bigger than they are. And I realized that I still want all of that.

Of course, I have more self-confidence than I did then. I better recognize people of good character with whom I then want to associate. But I still want the security of friends. I want the fun of being a part of something bigger than me. I want to belong. Don't you.

The good news is, we belong with God. "How great is the love the LORD has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" I John 3:1