Categories
Perspective

Waterfalls

It is estimated that 30 million people visit Niagra Falls each year. There is something so captivating about watching and listening to the strength and beauty of water flowing over rock. The majority of us will stay on the safe side at the bottom looking up…never venturing to experience the falls from the top. However some are brave and willing to try.

Yes, some brave people do kayak over the edge of waterfalls!

The perspective from the top is completely different than what we are used to seeing. I imagine the river narrowing and the water gaining in strength and speed. Perhaps there are more rocks to avoid as you venture toward the edge, with the roar increasing in volume along with the spray of mist rising from the falls. And then of course is the uncertainty of surviving. I think for most people this would be truly terrifying.

I remember one night we were praying for a woman who was going through a lot of turmoil in her life. As we were praying, I saw two different perspectives of a waterfall: one the terrifying view from the top and then the beautiful view from the bottom. I shared this with the group and asked her to put her hope and faith in the hands of the Lord and allow Him to help navigate her life ‘over the edge’. I told her that there will be a time when she would look back and see the awesome saving power of God. It’s been a few years now and yes, she is in a much better place…she survived.

I can only hope that this perspective would bring peace to those traveling down the river of life. Perhaps you’re feeling the water speeding up and hearing the roar of what’s ahead, knowing you can’t get out of the boat. Jesus will help you navigate…put your trust and faith in Him. When you get to the bottom make sure you thank Him, enjoy the view and share your experience with others.

Author: Jonathan Rovetto

Categories
Biblical Church

Mama’s Meatballs

Mama always knew that when I went back home for a visit I would want her to cook me my favorite.  That was, of course, her meatballs…famous in the Tri-State area. 

I found out later that she had a secret ingredient: stale Italian bread.  I always wondered why there was a loaf of stale Italian bread in the bread cupboard.  She would soak the Italian bread and then use it to make her famous meatballs.  She would make enough to eat and then freeze the rest so I could take some back home.  My father made an outrageous tomato salad that I would also request…yummy!  When we would have family gatherings people would always bring their specialties, often requested by other family members.  I’m sure we can all relate.

Meatballs, tomato salad, whatever food we prepare will cost us time, money, and labor. There is no comparison when we try to duplicate the experience at a restaurant.  Nobody can make meatballs like my mama! 

Spiritually it’s the same way.  It’s interesting to compare the corporate church model to the house church model, which I believe is more Biblically based.  Think of your restaurant experience…you decide to go to a restaurant with a famous chef, get dressed up, you drive up, if it’s a fancy place you can get valet parking, you enter and get seated, you check out the menu, get served, eat the food, pay and leave a tip, then you leave.  If you don’t like the food or experience, next time you can go to another restaurant, maybe one not so big and fancy. Eventually you’ll find a place that fits your style and taste.

Compare that to a family gathering or a picnic.  You have to give some thought to the event, decide what to bring, go out and prepare your meal, make enough for all to enjoy, share your gift with others and hopefully take home some leftovers that others lovingly prepared.  When we meet together we are expected to bring something. Participating is good for us and good for the church.

I Corinthians 14:26 What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church.

The challenge in today’s Christian experience is that we are accustomed to pay for services rendered. We expect an experienced cook and staff will do all the work. We just show up, enjoy and pay for it.  If we don’t enjoy the experience we feel free to go to another church.  As stated in scripture, a proper house church needs everyone to participate and bring something.  In my experience this is the hardest hurdle to overcome.  It’s so hard to break the mindset of coming to a meeting expecting to get and not give.  Yes it takes work, time to interact with God and courage to share something personal but over time each of us will develop a special dish (gifting).  We will eventually find joy in the preparation and joy as others consume.  Also, don’t forget to make enough so others can take some home.

Author: Jonathan Rovetto