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[While Brad is on sabbatical, Mark Phifer-Houseman, our Pastor of Leadership Development will be sharing in this space from time to time]
Dear River Friends,
The death of Michael Jackson this past Thursday highlights one of the critical problems for Christians in America. We are inundated with powerful media images, music, and stories which arrest our attention and overshadow the Scriptures, the stories of the Kingdom, and the life of faith. For example, how many of us know that July 10 is the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth? (I feel like a nerd even writing this, like I should be downloading bootlegged versions of early Jackson 5 just to keep my “coolness” index balanced.) Whatever we might think of Calvin, which is probably very little, his life story and thought have had a foundational impact on how Americans, both Christian and non-believing, conceive of God, obedience, and faith.
What is the solution to this double dilemma of media inundation and our desire to be cool or relevant? Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be in the world, not of the world. Paul urged us to not let the world squeeze us into its mold, but be transformed by renewing our minds – yielding our lives to God in worship, prayer, and service.
We need constant exposure to the powerful images, stories, and teachings of the Kingdom to renew our minds as individuals, families, and a church community. Gayll’s sermon this past week highlighted our need to build up our connection to faith heroes, normal people whom God moved to take him at his Word, who have persevered through trials, who have learned the lessons of prayer, faith, and patience to pass on to us.
There are two opportunities that are before us as a community. First, for those of us who are around this weekend, we will have one of my faith heroes coming to speak and minister to us. Michael Koh is a pastor and apostolic leader from L.A. via Malaysia. He pioneered several churches in Malaysia under its Muslim regime and tough spiritual climate before moving to Pasadena for studies at Fuller and pioneering a church planting ministry there. He will be speaking about prayer and the life of faith and then sharing more deeply with anyone who would like to come over lunch at SJSU.
Second, Gayll mentioned some books – biographies and books directly on the life of prayer for summer reading. For those who were out of town, in Kids’ Community, or didn’t take them down, here is the list again – these titles will raise your passion for God, your hope that He can work in your life, and instruct us in the ways of God, especially in prayer, faith (for a vision or large task), and patience.
- George Muller’s Spiritual Secret, Roger Steer
- The Autobiography of George Muller
- Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret. Spiritual biography of pioneer missionary in China.
- Pastor Hsi, Mrs. Howard Taylor. Biography of an amazing Chinese scholar turned pastor and opium recovery leader.
- Death of a Guru, Rabi R. Maharaj. Autobiography of a Hindu guru who turned to Christ.
- Is that Really You, God?, Loren Cunningham. Spiritual lessons on hearing God’s voice from the founder of YWAM
- Mountain Rain, Eileen Crossman. Story of pioneer missionary to Lisu people of China.
- Prayer, O. Hallesby. Foundational prayer classic by an early 20th century Norwegian theologian and leader.
- Too Busy Not to Pray, Bill Hybels. Great easy read on starting a prayer life by founder of Willow Creek movement.
- Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire or DVD series: When God’s People Pray, Jim Cymbala. Very helpful and faith building stories and teaching on prayer, the Spirit, and faith.
- Practicing the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence’s classic invitation to experience God in the mundane, in our work, in every moment of our lives.
Peace,
Mark
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