TOP TEN REASONS WHY...

Why do I love the newly released CD “Love & Hope Worship Project”?

10) It was recorded and mixed right here in Cleveland.
9) The musicians are local yet none from the same church or even the same denomination/tribe.
8)The rich lyrics challenge and inspire me.
7) All proceeds go for a greater cause of compassion www.loveandhopechildrenshome.com
6) The musicianship is just incredible … second to none!
5) It includes the artistic contribution of local church planters. Bethany Liston Solyntjes and Chris Solyntjes.
4) I get to hear the voice and guitar of Rockside Church's worship leader when we started 10 years ago ... Bryan Karas
3) I get to hear the voice, guitar, mixing, directing of Rockside Church's worship leader presently, Britton Roberts. Two outstanding musicians and men of God.
2) The spiritual richness leaps into my soul to inspire me to love God more as I listen.
1) It's a model for the church of Cleveland of a project of collaboration, compassion, worship and excellence that we all can continue to enjoy. Thank you Rufus Hayes Jones IV, Mike Aquilino, Kevin Sanderson, Ryan Wilkins, Jill Rasmussen, Noelle Shearer.
Why do YOU love it?

RESCUES

As I flipped among the 3 local Cleveland news channels last night following the local story of 3 kidnapped ladies being freed after 10 years, I kept hearing phrases like …

“prayers have finally been answered”
“These stories rarely turn out well. This is a miracle.”
“We just thank God!”
“I thank God, it’s a blessing.”
“Yes, law enforcement officers do cry”
“We’re saying thank you, God.”

These comments came from citizens on the street, news journalists and law enforcement alike. Facebook site is called “Miracle in Cleveland” and twitter hash tag called #MiracleinCle

Charles Ramsey, the hero who responded to Amanda Berry’s scream for help, said “God was smilin’ on somebody, ya know what I mean?”

I can remember joining one of our church members from that neighborhood at a candlelite prayer vigil in Amanda Berry’s front yard 10 years ago and was deeply moved by the faith, hope and sincerity of so many from the community.

Thoughts today?
1) I’m encouraged to keep praying for heaven to open over Cleveland!
2) God is looking for partners like Charles Ramsey willing to help rescue others.
3) There’s a lot of faith in Christ among the general population (non-clergy) of Cleveland.
4) For whom are you holding out HOPE?

Isaiah 61:1 says of Christ
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

FANTASY CHRISTMAS OR THE REAL DEAL

Mayonnaise and handmade quilts, mashed potatoes, Christmas trees and butter. Those were a few of the answers texted in yesterday morning at Rockside Church when I asked “what is something you appreciate the real version over its imitation?” Just like the difference between getting out on the field and fantasy football, there is REAL CHRISTMAS and then there’s FANTASY CHRISTMAS. Christ came to have a personal relationship with all who make room for Him. He came to be our Savior and Lord, to bring joy and peace to the invitee. Then he wants us to spread that GOOD NEWS on to others. There’s a lot of FANTASY CHRISTMAS going on in our culture today. This year, may we develop a greater appetite for the REAL CHRISTMAS. Emmanuel – God is with us!

THE TRAGIC SHOOTING IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT

Taking prayer out of public schools is getting a lot of attention in light of this recent tragedy. I remember reciting The Lord’s Prayer each morning in the fifth grade with Mrs. Mullens at Center Street Elementary School. That freedom is gone. BUT…
Mommas can still pray over their kids before they get on the bus each morning.
Pastors, priests and rabbis can still gather with colleagues and pray for their city.
Daddy’s can still pray with their kids over dinner or when tucking them in at night.
Churches can spend some of service times praying.
Children who love Jesus can pray for their classmates and pray to themselves any time throughout the school day if taught to do so.
Teachers and Administrators can humbly call on God for the daily task before them.
Churches and denominations can still host prayer meetings.
We can still support our local Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Moms in Touch, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Youth Alive, Chi Alpha, etc.
We can Google and participate with on-line prayer opportunities.

Why not exercise your FREEDOM TO PRAY this week! Our children are counting on it!