Digging Deeper

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16

I am at Granger Community Church for a conference for the next few days. Yesterday while in worship the band played a song that God used to really speak to me about how He is love. I thought it was a perfect song explaining how God is love what He is calling us to. Here is a video link to a performance they did of it. Enjoy!

Thank You Father for speaking to us in so many different ways and at just the right times. Amen

by Rick Phillips

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. -1John 4:11

I have seen so many examples of this love for others at The Ridge but one of the most memorable ones for me is the single parents car winterization that occurs each year. We just had one this past week and WOW! it was amazing. We had well over 100 volunteers helping at 7 garages and at the church to care for these people that, for the most part we don’t even know. After the day was done, we had serviced 86 cars, used 25 gallons of wiper fluid, 450 quarts of oil and gave 50 haircuts. Three Ridge people even gave up their own cars in order to allow time for some extra time and effort to be put into a few cars. All this for free just do we can show people the love of Jesus.

Over the years some of these single parents have come to call The Ridge their church home. One person in particular was an old friend of mine and a few years ago she came to have her car serviced. Her youngest daughter said she wanted to come back the next day for church. She reluctantly agreed and they returned. When she came in that day a person she did not know, working “First Impressions”, welcomed her with a hug and a smile. That love touched her so much it gave her the courage to stay and return the next week and the next. Not long after that she gave her to Christ, got baptized and has become a very active member at The Ridge. Some of you may know her. She is Sallie Moran.

I have watched, first hand, as Sallie has grown and strengthened her faith muscles. God has and continues to soften her heart and now she is one of those people serving at the annual single parents car winterization and greeting others with a hug and smile at “First Impressions”. She also serves on the communications team during the week helping to get the message handouts ready and the Powerpoint you see on the big screen. And she has committed to serving at the Greenville campus each week to help get it started. All this because of one simple act of love she received from another.

So, don’t ever think it’s not worth it. You never know when or where Gods love, through us, can touch another’s life.

Father God, we praise You for your love and we pray that You will use us to reflect that love on others. Lord, thank You for using us as a conduit for that love and for multiplying that love in others, like Sallie, to build Your kingdom and create new servants to continue that outpouring of love. Amen

by Rick Phillps

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; -1 Corinthians 13:4

We’ve all heard about God’s love and it is my hope and prayer that we all have experienced it at some level. But, what about the love that we show others? Do we return His love to those around us? Do we return it to Him too?

Here is a little test taken from the Crazy Love book that may help answer that for you. I must warn you it is a bit convicting. Most of us have heard the “love chapter” from 1 Corinthians 13.  Read it below but instead of the word love substitute your own name.

___________ is patient and kind; ___________ does not envy or boast; ___________ is not arrogant or rude. ___________ does not insist on ___________’s own way; ___________ is not irritable or resentful; ___________ does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ___________ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ___________ never ends.

How’d you do? Me? Not so good. I can make it through a lot of them but, honestly, I get stuck the most on the first three words. However, this is the model that has been given to us. Read it again and place God or Jesus in the blanks. Fits pretty well doesn’t it? Some might say it’s a little iffy on the “does not insist on His own way” but that would not be be true. He never insists. God has shown us His way through Jesus and we have the choice to accept or deny it.

Do you meet God’s standard? I don’t know about you but according to this test, I have some stuff to work on.

God, we praise You for Your amazing Love and for the example You have given us to model our own lives around. Lord, forgive us for failing at this. Father, use us to love and influence each other to build up Your kingdom and reach those around us with Your kind of love. Amen

by Rick Phillips

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)

Over the past few weeks I have been taking a Life Group through a study of a book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. Here’s a brief description of the book:

God is Love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love.

Have you ever wondered if we’re missing it?

It’s crazy if you think about. The God of the universe–the creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor–loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs and try not to cuss.

Whether you’ve verbalized it or not…we all know something’s wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and don’ts–it’s falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, you will never be the same.

Because when you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

This study and this book have really made me to re-examine my relationship with God. There have been some very difficult and challenging things in these chapters. But through it I see and feel a closer, more passionate love with the Creator. I have also witnessed that growth in the others in our group.

If you feel that you are not madly, crazy, in love with God I challenge you to read this book. And strive for that love, and strive for that God.

God is love…

Please join me in this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I love You. I love that you have shown me what love really is and that even though I am who I am. Even though I fail to show love toward others and You at times, You continue to love me unconditionally with  that crazy, radical love. Lord help me to walk and talk in that love and to reflect that love on others each and every day. Amen

by Rick Phillips

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. -1 John 4:1 (NIV)

I have spoken to many people over the years that seem to have gathered their “Biblical knowledge” from things other than actually reading the Bible and seeking answers from God Himself.

I too have fallen into this trap at times. I love to read but sometimes I get caught up in what others are telling me about God’s word and I forget to go straight to the source. I’m certainly not saying reading things other than the Bible is a bad thing. I’m just saying when you are reading about scripture remember to compare what it is saying to actual scripture. Does it measure up?

The same should apply to what we hear on the radio, TV or even from the pulpit. We are all fallible people. Sometimes we get things wrong. Sometimes others, meaning well or not, misquote or misinterpret things. The Bible is the word of God. If what you are being told by a human being does not line up with it then there is something wrong. Even if that person is trusted and well educated they could be mistaken or misled.

I think sometimes we try to twist or warp the Word to fit our world so that it makes better sense or suits our needs and desires. I once had someone very close to me say “well, the Bible could be interpreted many different ways”. The Bible can only be interpreted one way. That would be Gods way. However, it can be misinterpreted many different ways. That would be mans way.

Through prayer, ask God to reveal to you what He means about certain things. Seek His guidance in sifting through what is right or wrong, good and bad.

Father, forgive us for just following along with others when Your word is right there for us to read for ourselves. Lord, guide us in Your word and how to apply it in our lives all for Your glory. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

by Rick Phillips

Continued from yesterday… http://sridgecc.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/the-electrician-part-1/

Then one afternoon as we were all sitting around talking and sharing about all the wonderful things the Electrician had done for us. I heard a knock at my door. The Electrician had come once again. I ran to the door and opened it a crack. He held a large 500 watt light bulb in His hand. My heart screamed in silence, “Not now…No Lord…no you can’t…everyone will be watching…I don’t want any more Light today…not with everyone here…I don’t know what it will reveal.” I heard the people in my home laughing and talking in the living room behind me.

The Lord gently took my hand and led me out of the room into a dimly lit hallway with many doors. He told me to open those I would like. Cautiously, I opened the first door and was shocked as a cold evil wind rushed out of the darkened door. I quickly shut it as it took my breath away. The next door I opened blinded me with a brilliant light bulb. I saw glimpses of radiant people walking around and their laughter was like music to my soul. The light was too bright and hurt my eyes but I knew I had seen some of the Glory of the Light. The last door I came to had a 25 watt light bulb in it. I recognized it for I too had had that dimness, but I was shocked at how weak the light was. I knew I would never be satisfied with that little light again and couldn’t go back. I was beginning to understand that I had already gone too far into the Light … Then the Electrician looked at me with tender eyes of love and said, “Everyone has to make the choice of how much of the Light they want, but there is always a cost.” “Oh Lord,” I responded. “I can never turn back now even if everyone leaves me.”

So I invited Him into my house. Few noticed He was even there for they were so busy among themselves. He put up his ladder as usual in the middle of the room and took out the large 300 watt light bulb and screwed it in. As soon as the light came on it tripled the size of the room. There was another couch, chair and now a dining room. Just as I feared, garbage, and dirt was piled in the once darkened corners. Everyone responded in different ways.

Many of the people were shocked at the condition of the house and left. But a few stayed and began to grab brooms, shovels, and mops and began to help clean the debris. It was hard to believe that they understood , and they accepted and loved me just as I was. The Electrician came over and embraced me and said, “My child, the ones that are staying live in homes that have even greater Light than you do. They also had others help them clean their homes, and still do. That is part of the healing process. Many times things have to be cleared out that are too heavy for one person to carry out; or there will be a stain and another person will know My solution. I made you all to help heal and restore each other.”

And then I noticed that around everyone’s waist was a workman’s belt with wires and light bulbs dangling from it. As they helped to restore the room, they would put light bulbs into the mended lamps and the light grew and grew. The Electrician then said to me, “Dear one, there are still many rooms in your house that I want to bring to my Light, will you let me?” Oh yes Lord,” as my heart melted in surrender.

And then He fastened a workman’s belt around my waist and said, “You will also help to bring Light not only into your own home but also help to light others lives and hearts. You are My children of the light.”

The room was cold, dark and damp but it had become my friend for I had lived there ever since I remembered. Heavy blankets of isolation, loneliness and fear insulated and protected me from the outside world.

But one day there was a knock on the door…my heart froze…yet everything in me told me that He had come. But the darkness swallowed my muffled cries…Once again He knocked…”Oh Lord, Lord, Come in!” The door opened and there stood the Electrician.

He wore radiant white overalls and hat and around his waist was a large leather workman’s belt with various tools, wires, and light bulbs of different sizes dangling from it. He tipped his hat and with a softness in His eyes came in with a large white ladder and put it into the middle of the dark room. He then proceeded to climb up the ladder and insert a small 25 watt light bulb into the bare socket hanging from the ceiling. He came down and folded up the ladder and left.

I crawled into the middle of the soft warm light and fell asleep. The healing light began to restore and strengthen me.

Hours later I woke and began to walk around the circumference of the light. And then I noticed a shovel lying in the midst of the debris so I went over and picked it up and began to clean the area. It was a tremendous amount of work and took days, but finally it was clean. And then as the days followed I would find myself laying on my back just staring at the bare light bulb dangling from the ceiling and loving the Light. It had become my friend and comforted me.

Then one day there was a knock once again at my door, and I knew it was Him. I ran to the door and opened it and once again it was the Electrician. He smiled at me as He came in: I knew that He was pleased with what He saw. He carried in His ladder and put it in the middle of the room, walked up it, took out the smaller light and put in a larger 100 watt light bulb. Instantly the light in the room increased. And for the first time I noticed a chair and couch. I quickly began to explore my new found space as the Electrician folded up His ladder and left.

I loved the Light…I loved everything about the room…except…and then I noticed the piles of garbage and dirt hidden everywhere. And then as I began to size up the situation I saw a greasy film over everything, and piles of old books, records, and souvenirs were scattered everywhere. I had had such an insatiable appetite for things and more and more things, but it never filled me. Only the Light from the Electrician filled that void now. I knew that all of this clutter had to go so I rolled up my sleeves and over the next several months began to shovel, sweep and polish. Finally, for the first time in my life, I felt that I had a home that was mine.

How strange it was because I had looked everywhere for it and to have had it inside all along amazed me…but then I had never had the Light before.

Then one day there was a knock at the door. It sounded very similar to the Electrician but I knew it wasn’t. I opened it and people who were lovers of the Light had come to visit me. They loved my home and often came to visit.

To be continued tomorrow…

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. -John 3:20

This may be a tough scripture for some to swallow. Many people, myself included, have said something similar to ”I need to get some things straightened out in my life before I can try this church thing”. Why??? God knows the darkness that surrounds us. Do we think if we can get out of it first He won’t find out? Jesus weeps for the us. He sees where we are and He wants us to reach out to Him. He will light the path that leads from the darkness. The light comes from Him, His Word and His followers. They will light the way home. We can’t do it alone.

Often times we hate the light because of the conviction we feel. We are embarrassed. Or angry at ourselves for what we have become. The darkness then fools us into believing it’s the light’s fault, that the light is judgmental. That’s just not true. The light is freeing. The light exposes the darkness for what it really is, evil. It shows us what our lives have become in the darkness. People are not evil they just get caught up in the darkness and then do evil things.

I don’t know what your darkness might be but I do know that the light of our God in heaven can shine anywhere, anytime. There is nothing He can’t lead you from. If you are walking in the darkness, even if it’s just a little shadow I urge you to step into the light. Let God reveal to you what the darkness truly is and what it has done to you. Bathe in the light, let it cleanse you and let it free you from your darkness.

Lord, forgive us of our sins. Father, shine your light on our darkness and wash it away. Light for us, the path to you and give us the strength and courage to follow it. Amen

by Rick Phillips

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

Yesterday we talked about the light shining on the darkness for others. But, another important thing the light does is it reveals the darkness in and around us.

Because of sinful nature, through out our lives we stumble, stagger, walk and sometimes flat out run in and out of darkness. But, with Jesus in our lives His light will shine on that darkness and reveal it to us. Often times though, in our stubbornness we think we can handle it without Him. “That’s ok Jesus, I got this one under control.” Don’t be fooled by that one. Our flesh is drawn to the darkness. Not always but we all have a weakness. It may be food, the computer, drinking, flirting, gossip, gambling. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying all of these things are evil but they can and do lead us into the darkness if we can’t control them and most times without the light of Christ we can’t see just how dark it is getting.

So, how do we keep that light on? Being in the Word is another great way. Life Groups or Bible studies are very important. Being with other believers is another important thing. Not just on Sunday at church but in Life Groups and social events. I’m not suggesting a “holy huddle” of only Christains but some time with other believers. Also, prayer and meditation are a great way. Talk to God about your struggles. Don’t be shy or embarrassed, He already knows about them anyway.

There are many other ways to keep that light on. Explore what works best for you. Maybe all of them will. It works for me. (I need all the light I can get sometimes)

Father Gad, we praise You and thank You Lord for lighting they way and revealing to us when we are headed into or neck deep in the darkness. Forgive us Lord for our stubborness in thinking we have it under control. Amen

by Rick Phillips

This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. -1 John 1:5

When you were a kid were you afraid of the dark? I was. You never knew what was out there where you couldn’t see. What was lurking just out of sight in the darkness. But, the light made it all go away. The more lights you had on the better, right?

When you walk with Christ the pure light of the Father lights your way. But, you must continue to walk with Him. Believing in Him is not enough, His light will shine through your actions and His presence in you. If you choose to walk alone and ignore God and His direction in your life the darkness will creep in and can eventually overcome you. Now I’m not saying He has abandoned you. If you have accepted Jesus and the gift God gave us through Him, He will always be there but you. But as a follower of Christ we have a mission to be a conduit for the light.

Dictionary.com defines conduit as “A means by which something is transmitted.” That is what a believer and follower of Christ should be. We should not just transmit the message of Jesus but we should transmit the light and love of Jesus in everything we do. When we do that we shed light on the darkness not only for ourselves but for those around us. When we are around others that are lost or trapped in darkness the light should shine from us so they can see what is in that darkness and then see a path away from it.

So your mission this week, hopefully always, is to shine. wherever you go shine the light of Jesus Christ around you. Then watch what it does to people. Just remember it’s all from Him and to His glory.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being that light. For revealing to us what is in the darkness. Lord we open ourselves up to be a conduit of Your light and we pray that You will use us to reveal to others what is in the darkness and that they can see a path to You through that light. Amen.

by Rick Phillips