The River Church Community

Hello blog-readers,

As we are all well-aware, the U.S. and world economy has taken some 
severe hits these past several weeks. The financial picture can leave 
us feeling a mix of emotions - fear, anxiety, regret, shame.... and 
the list could go on. This Sunday Brad will be giving a special 
message to help us gain a Biblical perspective. The message is titled 
"The Economic Crisis: What does God say about worship and money".  I 
encourage you to invite your friends and people in your circles of 
influence who are looking for hope in these dark times. I also ask you 
to pray for Brad as he prepares to give the message. God has given us 
clear warnings in the Bible about the love of money and this message 
will challenge what it is that we worship. Personally, I am thankful 
that we are addressing this topic... as we open up the dialogue about 
money and wrestle with the emotions in our hearts, I trust that the 
Lord will meet us and draw us closer to Him and to one another.

peace,
Angela

Sunday reflection questions: JUST ADDED!

1.  Read Deuteronomy 4:9

Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (ESV)

What language would you use to describe the state of your soul?  What practices tend to the health of your soul?

2. Read the text from Deuteronomy 8:2

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Times of testing show what’s really in our hearts.  What has this time of testing shown you about your heart?  Do you have anyone with whom you share your deepest wrestlings?

3.  Read Matthew 6:24

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (mammon).

Jesus tells us that worshiping wealth will destroy our devotion to God . . . like the adulteress destroys a marriage.  Brad made the following assertions:

·      Worshiping wealth causes us to despise God’s path – wisdom/character

·      Worshiping money makes our love grow cold (for God and others)

Malachi 3:8

·      Worshiping wealth destroys faith

Matthew 13:22

Have you seen or experienced the reality of Jesus’ hard teaching?

4.  How do you feel about the proposal is that the world’s crises might be the church’s finest hour?  What do you need from God in order to carry out your calling as an instrument of His peace?  Take a moment of silence and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to specific people He wants you to bless.

Psalm for the week:

The psalm this week is Ps. 37 and the hook comes from the song "He's always been faithful" by Sara Groves. See below for the link.

New songs for this sunday:

He's always been faithful - Sara Groves

Jesus, all for Jesus - Robin Mark 

See you tomorrow!

kdk