A Father's Day Prayer

Shared during the Gathering on Father’s Day by Rich McDaniel.

“Jesus did something that was unprecedented in history—because he talked to the Father in heaven with a term of endearment. You know what it was? It was Abba.”

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For all the fathers, aspiring daddies, fill-in daddies, grandfathers, uncles:

Abba, we love you and we need you. We stand before you here in this moment as your children. We are aware of your love and we’re amazed by it, we’re astounded by it, we don’t know how to process it.

But Lord we also stand before you as daddies, as padres, as papas, who fervently love our little ones, our children, whom we brought into the world. And Lord we need you. Abba, we need your help. So we pray for this. We pray, Lord, and we commit as we pray that we surrender ourselves right here. We surrender our will. And we pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that your will be done on earth in me as it is in heaven. That begins here and now. We pray that you would take us and use us.

And Lord, we draw near to you as James said, draw near to me and I will draw near to you. So we are drawing near, we choose, we resolve, we commit, we purposely step into, this drawing near to you. That we might live in your kingdom, in your presence. That’s what we pray for. We want to live in your presence. And Lord as we seek to do that, we pray that you would move us from this place of awareness, and that that awareness would turn to conversation, and the conversation would turn to communion, and the communion would turn to union, which is that which you call us to. For we realize, Lord, that the best thing we can do for our children is to be like you, is to be transformed, and to live the life of faith with integrity in their eyes. We pray for that.

Abba, we need you as well for our children. There are so many things in their lives that we simply cannot touch or influence. And so we pray, Lord, that you would protect them, hedge them in from the power of evil, which is all around them in a confused and distracted and often evil world. We pray, Lord, that you would protect them.

And we pray, Lord, that you would nurture them. That in their life experience, that you would bring them to the point where they can see you, and then know you, and then love you. We pray, Lord, that you would nurture them.

And, Lord, as they go through life with you in your presence, we pray that you would bring them peace, not the peace of the world, but your peace. The peace that is not a freedom from trials because trials are needed for character, but we pray that you would give them that sense of your presence in trials, because that’s what gives us ultimate peace.

And we pray as well, Lord, that you would give them joy. We pray for more than happiness, because happiness comes and goes with circumstance, but joy is integral to who we are in our spirits, and the knowledge that you are with us and for us and that nothing can be against us in that context. So we pray for their joy, for joyfulness.

And so, Lord, we pray all these things as we commit ourselves and then our children into your hands. May it be so. For it is in the name of Christ, the Messiah, our Lord and Savior that we pray. Amen.

New Found Freedom

Dear sinner,

I hope you don’t mind me addressing you in that way, but I found it be a blessing when someone points out to me just who I am. I’ll get to that later.

This blank document stares back at me as I wonder where I could even begin to start to explain the things God has done in my life through His power, strength, compassion, and kindness. I guess admitting that I don’t deserve any of it after the things I’ve done is a good place to start, knowing that maybe the person reading this sometimes also might feel like a failure.

Grace.  A simple word with deep meaning that continues to show up in my daily life every morning. Here again, given to me, when I’ve done nothing to deserve it.  I think it manifests itself in that first deep breath as an awareness settles into my heart:  God loves me.  And the proof in that is that I’m here writing this to you right now.

Where are my manners?  Hi, I’m Kyle.  My friends call me Ky.  I’m a born-again Christian with a sin-soaked past. Even after being reborn, I struggle with sin, and, to be honest, I think most Christians do, but talking about it is really hard.  I hope by writing this, I kick down a few of those bricks that keep the wall of shame separating us.  We’re all human and more alike than we are different.  And I know, because of our humanity, there is something in your life that you wish there wasn’t.  Me, too.

I remember looking in the mirror and wondering how on earth God could “choose” someone like me.  It made no sense.  I knew little about the Bible.  I had a massive blind spot when it came to sin in my own life. And if I’m being truly honest, I took God’s forgiveness of sin for granted for a long time.

My relationship with God was always there—it never disappeared by any means—but when the pandemic hit, things felt confusing.  As a full-time working mom outside the home, my morning commute, AKA “my time spent with God,” disappeared.  I used that alone time to pray, to talk to Him, to hand over worries and fears, and to relax and rest in His presence.  I would use my lunch breaks to sit in my car and read the Bible. On my way home, I’d pray for strength to continue the work of a wife and mom and pray for the patience I would need upon entering the chaos that is the Lara household.  Once the world shut down and I was home every day, waking up in chaos because my routines went out the window, I was submersed in fear of Covid-19. I felt like I couldn’t hear His voice anymore. I started to cope with stress in unhealthy ways.

It’s here that I’d like to mention my relationship with alcohol.  Before the pandemic hit, I never would have even assumed I had a problem with drinking.  I would drink socially and responsibly. It wasn’t until the world embraced a life-altering pandemic, and I didn’t know how to cope with the fear and stress it brought into my life that it became a daily habit.  It is not that I would down an entire bottle of whiskey every night, but I was drinking every single evening. I also wouldn’t ever drink to excess—there was no blacking-out, vomiting, or alcohol poisoning—but in many ways it was worse. It was not at all obvious, in fact, it was very unnoticeable and even acceptable.

As soon as I started cooking dinner, I’d grab a hard seltzer. That first sip, unknowingly, was creating a reward system connection in my brain.  I made it through another day, cheers!  Some days, one was enough, on harder days, one could easily turn into four.  And here’s something about alcohol that is really warped: It doesn’t take away anxiety, it just delays it.  That delay showed up just in time for bed, and I found myself unable to sleep.  The things I stressed about in the day that seemingly disappeared as I drank my drinks would pop into my head the minute I would lay down.  The inability to sleep is debilitating.  Don’t worry, I fixed it: I added sleeping pills to the mix.

It’s so strange writing this all down because, although I’m standing on the other side of this, I’m only now realizing the depths of trouble and darkness I was in that God pulled me out of.  Taking inventory of His goodness brings me to tears.

Every story has a breaking point, right?  Here’s mine.  I went to visit friends whom I haven’t seen in nearly two years.  In celebration of seeing my childhood best friend, we of course had a few drinks.  The funny thing was, I was so careful about not overdoing it.  I had bottles of water between my drinks, and I had a stomach full of food.  What could go wrong?  I woke up the next morning with a headache from hell.  Literally. 

It was July 4th.  Our plans were to head to the pool, then spend the night at the baseball field watching a ball game followed by fireworks.  Waking up feeling like that instantly brought on the weight of shame, which masked itself by pretending I was okay. If you know the weight of holding shame, I’m sorry.  It’s a lot, and we were never meant to hold it.  I chugged water, took some Tylenol, and headed to the pool with a heavy heart and a fake smile.

I still had fun, but it wasn’t me.  It was not the vibrant, fun-loving, young-hearted, full-of-life Ky.  It was a subdued, forcing my way through, trying hard to be happy Ky.  And no offense, but she sucks and isn’t really all that great to be around.  And of course, after spending the day feeling like crap, the only normal thing to do would be to drink again that night.  Yep, the vicious cycle continued.  This time was different though.  I knew how awful that headache was that I had just experienced, and there was no way I would want to be in the car for three hours driving home the next morning with a hangover.  I limited myself to one drink.  It didn’t even taste good.

After coming home, I craved God.  I can’t explain it other than that, and I only know that feeling because it’s not the first time in my faith-walk that I’ve wandered away.  I felt so far from Him, but thankfully there are a few places where I know I can reach Him.  One place is Riverbend Community Church.  The service that was preached July 4th was recorded online, and so on Monday, July 5th, I sat down with a basket of laundry that needed to be folded and listened to a life-changing message by Pastor Chris Dean.  He spoke about a fractured life that had come to an unnecessary end because of addiction and an eye-opening awakening that he was living that same fractured life.  BOOM.  My heart recognized the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and I knew this message was meant for me at this time.

After hearing that message and buying the book that Pastor Chris suggested, my life has been incredibly different.  I'm now 15 days sober.  I haven’t had a sip of alcohol, and the sleeping pills are no longer needed.  If you’re thinking, “Wow, what an accomplishment”, you’re right… but I hope you realize that it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Jesus.  I mean, it’s the Gospel coming to life before your very eyes—a part of His story and His glory. And well, the fact that I get to be a part of it all makes me want to fall on my face in worship, which I do, daily, in place of my hard-seltzer habit.

In the book, John Elmore writes, “It is Christ’s will to eradicate sin and addiction from the church, and He will sanctify His bride, one person at a time, one struggle at a time, and one day at a time.” And this truth is found in Ephesians 5:25-27.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Listen, amidst the year 2020 when the pandemic was at its height, as well as my stress and fear, I tried going a day or two without alcohol and felt really proud of myself, but it was so difficult and tiresome as my mind was constantly thinking about that drink in the back fridge waiting for me after a long day.  And after that day or two would pass, I rewarded myself with double the amount I’d typically drink.  To say I’m 15 days sober is almost unbelievable, but I know it’s possible because I brought Jesus into the fight against what was made to destroy me.  And in true God-fashion, He took what was meant for my harm and turned it into something good.  Freedom.

I’ve since started a sober-living journal where I am able to write out my feelings, thoughts, struggles, and temptations as I confess to God that I can’t do another 24 hours without alcohol without His strength.  It’s my little book packed with confession, surrender, thanksgiving, and—most of all—hope for a future where I keep God first always.

There is no way I’d want to end this without telling you that this is not just me and God doing this work together.  It’s all God and then some.  God has brought the people into my life that are encouraging and keep me accountable.  He has given me a husband who is supportive and understanding.  He has given me children who deserve a present mom, not a hungover one.  He has given me a community of believers who want to see me succeed in what God has for me.  And He has given me the heart to recognize His faithfulness in my life, so that when I do mess up, I will remember that it’s in my weakness that His strength can carry me on to begin again.  One day at a time.

Special thanks to Pastor Chris for sharing his struggle and the book, Freedom Starts Today by John Elmore, which has been life-altering, and to Riverbend Community Church for not only preaching the Gospel but living it out as they walk alongside the ones who are willing.  From one sinner with struggles to another, I am forever changed because of the way Jesus loves you.  It’s His love in you that has overflowed from your heart right into mine.

A sinner with a Savior,

Ky

A Glimpse at Robbin Hunsberger

Robbin’s Story--Adjusting the lens and finding beauty

Is this “home”? was a question often playing in Robbin Hunsberger’s mind.  And God, in His amazing way, gave her beautiful, unexpected ways to say “Yes.”  Robbin lived in Moore Township, Northampton County her entire childhood. It was there as a young child that she prayed a simple prayer, all by herself, to begin a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Later, as she was graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Robbin wondered, “What next?”  An employment offer to manage the kitchen at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center came.  Robbin reflects, “The way I’ve seen God talk to me is through the timing of things—the ‘coincidences.’” Could this really be God’s plan? Could this be her new “home”; not a high-end restaurant with complex, elegant menus? She had a certain peace and excitement and accepted the offer, but it took about two years for Robbin to adjust her lens, give up the typical expectation of a CIA chef, and recognize the gifts in God’s placement at the camp. Once she gave up her own agenda, she was able to see the beauty and joy at Pocono Plateau. “I helped my kitchen crew understand that cooking for kids is a ministry.”

This was right for a time, then in 2005, the physical strain and exhaustion from being in food service brought Robbin to a transition. And God in His graciousness connected her to a second career without requiring any training or retooling.  “It’s good I didn’t fight life changes.” Robbin now works as an office administrator at a church in Bethlehem Township.  While working at the church, she connected with youth pastors Shad Gilbert, Joe Velarde, and Ryan Knepp, who were feeling called to start a church particularly designed for young people. This group was seeing youth, raised in the church, drop out of faith families as they finished high school.  After she and the team prayed for about a year, they ventured out, following God’s call to a new “home” for worship and service, and began Riverbend Community Church. “That whole experience got me to see the power of God. We were all doing all we could do, and it wasn’t enough. It was only God who could make it happen. It reminds me of a quote from the makers of The Chosen, ‘It’s not your job to feed the 5,000, only to provide the loaves and fish.’”

Robbin was one of the original members of the Riverbend leadership team as it was being planned. Pictured (l-r) are Jesse Velarde, Amy Velarde, Joseph Velarde, Robbin Hunsberger, and Ryan Knepp.

A Gathering from April 2010, about six months after Riverbend launched. The church was meeting in a rented ballroom at the Sheraton on Airport Road, and would set up and tear down all equipment every Sunday. On the stage leading worship are (l-r) Sam & Pastor Chris Dean and Adam Pinto, Pastor Joe in front preaching, and Robbin running media.

At first, Robbin shouldered many tasks at Riverbend on a volunteer basis while continuing her weekday work with the other congregation.  It has been a joy as more and more people have connected with Riverbend to share some of her original tasks with others.  She loves to see how quickly people come in and start finding ways to be a part of the family at Riverbend, shouldering the work together.  She loves that there aren’t the typical hoops to jump through before people can find a place to fit and contribute here.

From the outside, if people would just read a checklist of descriptors, they might think she has a kind of difficult life.  She is single. She has chronic pain.  But Robbin has a different perspective. She said, “My life is easy.  I’m at peace. My family gets along.” When the chronic pain entered her life, interrupting a life filled with ultimate frisbee commitments and outdoor adventures, she said, “Okay, Lord. This is what we’re doing now.” She remarked, “My whole life is how it is because of my faith…I’ve given up the right to myself, to my own agenda.”

And each time she gives up her agenda and adjusts her expectation lens, God brings more.  “He does a lot that is extra, that is beautiful. The Lord does fun things!” One of the fun things that has evolved is a weekly open house-type gathering. Right now, Robbin and her sister live together in Easton.  She and her sister cook for a group of friends they have met through various connections over the years.  Their goal is to provide a place to belong, a place to be “loved on,” a home.  One person shared, “You guys are lucky. You don’t find this many places.”

Robbin describes herself as a pretty logical, practical person, but even that is being adjusted.  She’s been talking with God about how she doesn’t have something she’s really passionate about…and how did He answer?  Gingerbread houses!  It doesn’t make any sense.  It’s not practical.  It’s not useful. But it is so much fun to do, to plan, to anticipate, and to create.  “God has given me a fun outlet—a pastime.”

One of Robbin’s gingerbread house creations.

Throughout her life, God has been challenging Robbin to adjust her lens of expectations.  Each time she did this, she saw God’s hand at work and received God’s beautiful gifts of joy.  Looking back, she realizes that these seasons and the beauty in them were only visible when she adjusted her lens to align with God’s vision for her.

Psalm 84:5 “Happy are those whose strength is in You.”

Editor’s Note: This story is the first piece in an exciting new project from the Riverbend Writing Team, the Stories Series. We are excited to bring more stories of God at work in our community to you in the future! For more thoughts on the project and how it ties into our recent series on Hebrews 11, read Stories Matter. If you have a story of God’s faithfulness in your own life you’d like to share, leave a comment on this post or on Stories Matter to be contacted by the writing team!

Handling Transitions in Authority

… One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

January 20, 2021 marks the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States of America.  In the days and months leading up to this moment, we have witnessed a discord and contention that has fortunately only reared its ugly head several times over the course of our country’s history.  People within the church stand on both sides of the issues.  This piece is not meant to argue for or against a viewpoint or say that one side is right and the other is wrong.  It is not an endorsement or a rejection for any political figure or party.  Whether we are inaugurating the 46th president or the 47th president, our response, as followers of Christ, should be the same.

Ultimately, we live under God’s authority, but we also live in a society that has a government authority.  On the surface, the government appears to be entirely a manmade creation.  So, it stands to reason that we have the choice to ignore the government and its leaders if we disagree.  This is a false assertion and has no scriptural basis except if the government or leader is asking you to disobey God’s authority.  A repeated theme throughout scripture is that God establishes and maintains the kingdoms and authorities throughout the earth.  Leaders over the course of history have both rightly and wrongly used this theme to substantiate their claim to rule, but it doesn’t make God’s ultimate authority less true.  The best summation of this theme is found in Romans 13:1-7:

1Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

There is a lot to digest in these verses.  Entire books have been written on them, and it can be easy to quickly go down various theological rabbit holes. There is a time and place for that, but for now let’s run with the main theme. The main theme is that whomever our mayor, governor, senator, or president may be, it is not a surprise to or mistake by God.  He has allowed them to come into a position of authority so that ultimately God’s will can be accomplished for our good.  We do not have the right to resist authority just because we don’t agree with them or because they seem immoral.  It is also important to note that these verses do not say God places a leader into power because he endorses their agenda, they achieved their rule legitimately, or that they are a mouthpiece for God.  Whether you are excited about or dreading the new leaders of our nation, ultimately, we can have peace knowing that our country’s leaders are in their position because God has allowed it, and they will be held accountable to him.

So, what now?  What should our response be, whether we agree or disagree, with our new leaders?  We should pray.  Paul instructs Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 that in order to display Jesus Christ to an unbelieving world, he can “wage the good warfare,” hold faith, and have a good conscience by:

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

We shouldn’t just pray for those whose policies we agree with, or whose morals we agree with, or who will give us greater power.  Notice how Paul tells Timothy to pray for “all people, for kings and all who are in high positions.”  We desire to see Christ made known, not our beliefs prioritized. 

Ultimately, our hope is not in man, or country, but in Jesus.  We look forward to the day that Jesus comes again and rules over the new heaven and the new earth.  While we await his return, we should pray that our leaders will be given the strength and ability to display Christ-like leadership, so that all people can “come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I encourage you to look to the Psalms for examples of how to pray.  The Psalms are prayers or songs that are written by God (through man) for God, so we get a glimpse into God’s heart and desires.  Psalm 72 is a great starting point.  It is a royal psalm, meaning that it acts as a prayer for David’s heirs to be Godly kings over Israel.  Looking even deeper, this psalm is also a Messianic psalm in that it looks forward to the day that the Messiah, Jesus, will rule as king over all nations.  Oh, that we would have a president and leaders that are Godly! 

1 Give the king your justice, O God,
   and your righteousness to the royal son!
2 May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice!
3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness!
4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the children of the needy,
    and crush the oppressor!

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,
    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
    like showers that water the earth!
7 In his days may the righteous flourish,
    and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

8 May he have dominion from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth!
9 May desert tribes bow down before him,
    and his enemies lick the dust!
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
    render him tribute;
    may the kings of Sheba and Seba
    bring gifts!
11 May all kings fall down before him,
    all nations serve him!

12 For he delivers the needy when he calls,
    the poor and him who has no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
    and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
    and precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live;
    may gold of Sheba be given to him!
    May prayer be made for him continually,
    and blessings invoked for him all the day!
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
    may its fruit be like Lebanon;
    and may people blossom in the cities
    like the grass of the field!
17 May his name endure forever,
    his fame continue as long as the sun!
    May people be blessed in him,
    all nations call him blessed!

18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    who alone does wondrous things.
19 Blessed be his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
    Amen and Amen!

20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Notice the two repeated themes throughout the psalm are justice and righteousness.  God’s desire for the kings of Israel was for them to act justly and be righteous.  This is not of themselves because in verse 1 it says that they must be given to them by God.  So, our starting point in prayer for our new leaders should be their character; that God will give them justice and righteousness.  God is fully just and fully righteous, no one can fully know justice or righteousness except through God.  A leader’s character will steer the direction of the nation.  A character that emphasizes self-glorification, pride, and falsehood will breed a nation that mimics the same.  The result will be destructive versus constructive.

The psalmist moves on in verse 4 to talk of how the king should defend the cause of the poor, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.  The psalmist desires the entire nation to be cared for and protected.  He is calling for the king to treat everyone fairly and apply justice equally, no matter one’s status.  If one group is valued over another, it will breed oppression.  By providing equitable justice you protect the whole.  Imagine stepping on a Lego while barefoot.  It hurts.  It’s a pain, felt on a small portion of your foot, that is capable of bringing your entire body down.  Now imagine you came to a room where you have to walk across a floor covered in Legos.  Before even beginning, you’d immediately go put on shoes to protect yourself from the object that will cause pain.  No one would choose to walk barefoot just because their feet, which are small, dirty, and insignificant compared to the rest of the body, are unworthy of shoes (protection).  That’s absurd; your entire being would suffer because you chose to not care for something that was vulnerable and exposed.  So it is with the poor and needy in our midst.  Treat them for what they are, a human being made in the image of God.  Their suffering is our nation’s suffering.

In verse 5, the author desires for the king and future kings to fear God throughout all generations.  The stresses of leading a nation are great.  They can quickly distract from what is most important.  For the strength and stability of our nation, we should desire for our leaders to have strength and good health.  We want them to be able to endure the stresses of serving the nation.  We want them to serve faithfully and fulfill their leadership roles.  In this way, they can be “like rain,” or in other words be a provision for all who need it. 

The psalmist moves on in verses 8-11 to talk of a desire for the king to be ruler over all nations.  This is not an excuse for us to pray that America be the greatest of all nations for America’s sake.  Rather, we should consider the context it is written under.  The desire is that all nations be brought under God’s rule.  In this way, all people, not just Israel, not just America, may experience God.  Our prayer should be that God will use our country and our leaders to spread His glory, His freedom, His peace, to all nations.  Not that we would be great for the sake of ourselves, but that we may help deliver the needy and “the poor and him who has no helper.”  Our prayer is not that America would be great, but that God will do great things through America.  We desire to see our land prosper, but not to increase our own comfort.  We want to help save the lives of those who are needy, those who are oppressed.  We want to help redeem others.  In doing so, God’s name will be praised throughout the earth.

The beauty of this psalm is that it is not just a wonderful picture of what God desires of a nation’s leaders, but that it will be brought to complete fruition when Christ returns.  In the meantime, our new leaders are God appointed leaders.  God has allowed them to be placed into a leadership role.  Our nation will either further turn from God or turn to God.  As followers of Christ, we should earnestly pray for them even if we don’t agree with them; that God will give them a character of justice and righteousness.  No matter what happens over the course of their leadership we can always trust the promise of Psalm 74:12, “Yet God my King is from old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”