Thursday, January 27, 2011

Riverbank Moves to the Lovingston Opry

We are excited to announce that beginning in February 2011 Riverbank is moving to the Lovingston Opry.  We are looking forward to being a blessing to our community by using this facility to meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of Nelson County.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

12 Characteristics of a God Sized Dream

Twelve Characteristics of a God Sized Dream

  1. Builds on what was done by those who went before us Gen 11:31
  2. Requires sacrifice Gen 12:1-3
  3. Causes us to worship Gen 12:7-8
  4. Bigger than we can accomplish ourselves Gen 13:14-17
  5. Requires faith Gen 15:4-6
  6. Requires us to know who God is Gen 15:7-8
  7. God repeats it Gen 15:17-21
  8. Requires us to grow and change Gen 17:3-6
  9. Requires those close to us to grow and change Gen 17:15-16
  10. Must be done God’s way Gen 17:19-21
  11. Must be laid down in faith Gen 22:16-18
  12. Is confirmed by other people Gen 24:60





Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Creating Good Family Conversation

One of the challenges that all of our families face is having quality conversation in the midst of a busy life.  We have four children and it can get hectic and crazy, both with schedules and with the noise.  

Here are somethings that we have found helpful.  We try to sit down and eat a meal together.  This doesn't always work, don't get legalistic about it, but if you put in the effort I believe it is possible.  It may even be a "bedtime" snack at 9:30. Sometimes not everyone is there, but we do it anyway.  

During our "meal time" we always go around the table and have everyone answer a question.  This gives everyone an opportunity to share and be heard.  While someone is speaking everyone else has to listen (At least that is the rule, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't :).  

These are some of the questions that we use;
  • What was the "High" and the "Low" of your day?
  • How did you help someone today?
  • How did somebody help you today?
  • Share something you learned in your Bible?
  • How did you encourage someone today?
  • How did you show Jesus love to someone today?
  • What do you feel like expressing to the family?
As you can see this questions not only spark good conversation, but encourage us to do the important things each and every day.  I usually do not announce in advance what question we are going to talk about.  Make your own questions.  "High & Low" is our favorite.  

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

God is Preparing the Way

Good Morning Riverbank,

I am home this morning on a cloudy day wondering if it is going to snow or not.  The kids are out of school so I am with them, but it doesn't look like we are going to get much snow out of this system.  Probably just enough snow to disrupt the school schedules.

 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon.
Acts 10:9

This morning I was reading the story in Acts about the Roman soldier Cornelius who sent for Peter to come and share with his family about a relationship with God.  Something struck me in this story.  God, through the Holy Spirit was stirring in in Cornelius and causing him to seek God.  Meanwhile, Peter was spending time with God and growing in his relationship with God.  Then God put things together.  He told Cornelius to send for Peter and He told Peter that someone was coming for him.  

Remember, if we are truly seeking God and making ourselves available to be used by Him, He is preparing the way for us to make a difference and be a blessing.  We need to seek Him, be available, and listen.  Then He will do miracles beyond anything we could dream.  

Also, I have included the information on the Healing Wounded Hearts Workshop at Cornerstone of Albemarle below.


Have a great "Almost snow day."

Pastor Brian

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Greater Things Are Yet To Come

Good Morning Riverbank,

Here is the information on the parenting seminar that I promised you on Sunday.  This is a great opportunity if you are able to take advantage of it.  

I pray that you are encouraged and growing in your relationship with God this week.  We had a wonderful time on Sunday looking back at what God has done in our fellowship and looking forward to what He is going to do in this new year.  If you weren't able to make it I will be getting the videos posted soon.  

"For Greater things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city.  There is no one like our God."  

I am excited to participate in the greater things that God is doing.  Like I shared on Sunday as I read through the Bible this past year it was obvious to me that God does greater and greater things as time goes on.  That is part of who He is.  

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Brian


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• • •
We want to invite you to join us for a parenting seminar coming to your area. Also, please pass this email on to friends who might be interested in strengthening their parenting.

Also, if you're a church leader and want more information about the National Center for Biblical Parenting, click here.

Cooperation, Consequences, and Keeping Your Sanity
Presented by Rick Martin
Saturday, January 15
9:00 am to 2:30 pm

Cornerstone Church of Augusta
1156 Tinkling Spring Road
Staunton, VA 24401

The cost is $20 per adult. Sign up online at biblicalparenting.org or call (540) 324-0705.
You will learn practical ways to move from a behavior modification approach to a heart-based approach to parenting. It's amazing how children change the way they live when parents adjust the way they work with them.
This seminar is provided by the National Center for Biblical Parenting and is a practical, biblical approach to parenting. You'll be so grateful you attended because you'll be able to use the material right away.


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