MosaicRC

When we read the account of Abram in Genesis 12 how he was called and obediently/faithfully went, we could say to ourselves, “I wish I could have faith like that.” But when we search deeper into the bible and find out more of the life of the man Abram, we find him to be more like us than first meets the eye. In Acts 7 we hear Stephen, while being questioned, retell the history of Abram saying, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’ So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living.”

What’s more is that while he was living in Ur (lower Mesopotamia) and Haran (Assyria), Joshua 24:2 tells us that they (Abram’s family) were worshippers of idols/false gods. Abram/Abraham is a true life story that shows you and me that Abram, like us, was only flesh and blood. It was through God’s revelation and Abram’s quest for God that Abram turned into a man of great faith. As we walk with Abram, we will learn what it looks and feels like as God molds us into people like Abram, people of faith.  Walking with God is a long journey, but the destination is faith.

Baptism Mosaic RC August 10th, 2008

There is really no better way to celebrate a Sunday service than with Baptism - to see one who has made a commitment to Jesus to serve Him all of his/her life and make the public declaration by being immersed in water.  Wow, it is awesome!  Arlene Quintero said, “I was sprinkled as a baby by my parents’ decision, but I wanted to be baptized today because it is my faith and my decision.”   Baptism is an important part of the Christian faith.  It is by baptism that we profess to the world that we are followers of Jesus Christ.  It is much like the wearing of a wedding ring.  It is the outward symbol to the commitment we made to our spouse.  All of that said, it was a great day; and I was honored to be a part of it.  Congratulations Arlene!

Next Sunday we resume our walk with Abram in Genesis 12.  Read the chapter before Sunday, and see what insights you get as we follow his footsteps to mature faith.

Blessings to all,

Rod

Isn’t this road called faith we are on kind of confusing?  I mean it seems easy enough, just trust in God and go.  Right?  But I find it isn’t as simple as it looks.  We are constantly having to choose which way to go, passing opportunities and having to turn around to retrieve them or learn from them.  It is a road filled with mystery and adventure at every turn, but when do we arrive?  Isn’t that a good question, and exactly how do we get to our destination?  Most people chart out on maps or Google the directions when taking a long road trip. How can we chart our course when it comes to faith?  I am glad you asked.  We go to the people who have already forged the trail and arrived to the destination.  For this trip we go to a man named Abram from Ur, i.e, lower Mesopotamia.  His address is found in the book of Genesis of the Bible.  He was the first everyday guy who took the trip and successfully arrived.  His story is great; he did it like someone like me.  He made mistakes, blunders, and had mishaps; but he went all the way.  Not only did he go all the way, but he was blessed beyond measure.  So come along with us as we retrace his story on Sundays.  It is sure to be encouraging, insightful, and comforting to see how God is patient with people just like you and me.

Hope to see you on Sunday,

Rod

Mirrors have been around for thousands of years.  The first ones were from around 6000 BC, polished stone used for probably the same things we use them for today.  During the times of Jesus they used bronze and copper, highly polished, but the reflection was blurred or dull.  Paul’s word to the Corinthians gives us a little insight, saying, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1Cor. 13:12).   At any rate, reflecting is found in the Bible as a metaphor for following the example of Jesus.

As we, Mosaic RC, strive to reflect Jesus to our community in the essence of an ER, Rehab Center, a Gym and a church to call Home we invite you to come and be a part.  There is a place that only you can fill.  You see, people are the church and together we function as these ways reflecting the glory of God.  Each one of us is made in the very image of Him, but how much better with each other?  Whether we are at church on Sunday or any place else on the other 6 days let’s reflect, mirror, or be the example of Christ.  With that said, go out and let the community look at you and see Jesus!

Blessings,

Rod

What is it about feeling at home that beats most all others?  After a hard day at work or being away from home for an extended period of time, the anticipation of finally getting there is almost too much to bear.  Then when you actually walk through the door and are able to catch your breath, you can let down and relax.  It is the best!  At home you are who you are, no pretense, no expectations, just you, God and maybe your family.  Home is where your heart is.

Mosaic RC is…  a home.  It is a sanctuary where we gather, let down, and catch our breath.  A place to be around people who you know and who know you.  Somewhere to be lifted up and encouraged by people on the same journey as you.  A sanctuary to draw close to God and to your church family.  I know when I walk through the doors of Mosaic RC I have  the same feeling as when I walk into my house.  God is calling Mosaic RC to be a place where home is a happy word, a church where there is acceptance, love, and a place to know others and be known.  See you on Sunday where Mosaic RC is Home Sweet Home.

Rod

Greetings Mosaic RC,

Have you heard the old saying, “No pain no gain”?  Well, at one time in my late teens I, Rod Hayes, was pretty consistent in a weight lifting regiment.  I know … you can’t tell anymore, but that was 25 plus years ago.  I remember the first day I worked out - muscles pumped, heart rate up, and feeling so good about myself.  Then the next day - rolling out of bed and almost unable to move, the day dragging on, and every muscle in my body hurting so bad.  I wanted to just crawl back into bed and sleep it off.  Instead, I continued on, working out and increasing my strength.  I found that after the third day, the pain was gone; and I started to feel a lot better.  It was a matter of discipline for me.  After a while, I saw progress in the building of strength and the tone and size of my muscles.

Our Christian walk is similar, It is a progression of exercise that makes us spiritually strong and spiritually fit.  The most important exercise is that of time with God through prayer and reading the Bible.  In our days, it seems like our most valuable commodity is time.  I promise there is no better way to spend it than with our creator.  As you do your daily exercises this way, you will begin to see a strong relationship being built, one that will impart strong faith and godly wisdom.  The truth of God will be in you, and it will set you free!  So go ahead, pick up that Bible, and spend some time with the greatest personal trainer ever known.

Rod

Good day Mosaic RC,

People who go into rehab have certain unhealthy behaviors that need to be changed for their good. However, you certainly don’t have to be an addict to find yourself with bad habits or unhealthy behaviors. Just living in this world is enough.  In our broken world, we desperately try to cope with disappointment, pain, and heartbreak. We find ourselves trying to medicate, escape, or numb ourselves with whatever means available.  For some of us, we find habits that form in a dependence of substances or learned emotional reactions. Others, in search for love, become addicted to sex as a substitute for love. The world is unrelenting, and it is hard to live in with the unceasing clamor that moves at breakneck speeds without becoming unfeeling and calloused.

But what if there is a way?  What if I told you that you could live in this world with peace and freedom and be truly loved.  It is true! The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us life and life to its fullest (John 10:10b).  The trick the Apostle Paul tells us is that we need the Holy Spirit (Romans 8 ), so we can navigate this crazy world.  Jesus is the giver of the spirit, and He promises that He will be with us forever if we choose to follow Him.  Rehab usually starts after you find yourself so tired that you can’t even struggle; they call that the “end of the rope.”  Listen to what Jesus invites us to:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

God has called Mosaic RC to be an oasis in the harshness of of the world, especially in Rancho Cucamonga.

Rest in Jesus,

Rod

Hey, hey, Mosaic RC!

As you consider an E.R. room, what goes through you mind? I sense sirens, ambulances, lots of adrenalin, rushing around, monitors, defibrillator paddles, blood, and doctors. Usually what we see in the physical world is so obvious, because it is all so tangible. However, there is a world that is not so obvious: the spiritual realm. It is invisible to our eyes, but it is as real as your arm. As we live life, we are constantly under the attack of an evil militia. Ephesians 6 tells us how to combat this enemy. But what about those of us that have been so brutally beaten and bruised? Where do we go to find solace? Who can heal our aches and pains - bandage our open wounds that the world has so harshly inflicted? Where do we refer our friends that have afflictions from this unforgiving world? I believe that God has called the church to be that place. Unfortunately, some churches seem to be hard to get into. Much like the uninviting waiting room in the urgent care, they say, “Take a number and have a seat. We’ll get to you ’soon.’”

I pray that God would make Mosaic RC an emergency room that has plenty of beds, workers, and patients to recover from their injuries while they are met and healed by Jesus - the “Great Physician.”

Go heal the sick and raise the dead,

Rod

Post Script,

I wanted to say thanks to all of you who have so graciously cooked for all of our new parents. Thanks for loving so generously!

Howdy MosaicRC,

Well Dads, how was your father’s day?  Mine was very relaxing.  Isn’t it wild how much responsibility there is in being a good dad?  When I stop to think about the enormity of the influence I have over my children, it is sobering.  Where could I go other than the Bible to get the coaching I need to be a great father.  I mean earthly fathers, as good as some are, still disappoint, let down, and fail their kids.  But our Heavenly Father never does.  He is our everlasting father (Isa. 9:6). He will never leave or fail us (Deut. 31:6).  He loves us as his own.  John 17:23 tells us that He loves us as much as He loves Jesus.  Whether you are a new dad or a father of many years, the Bible has the instructions on how to be a great dad; and it is never too late to start with what the Book tells us.  Here are 3 things I see as imperative in a great dad:

1. John 17:23 Love you kids like crazy
2. Deut 31:6  Take time to be around kids
3. Prov. 22:6  Teach you kids

I’ll leave you with this,

My dad didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.  ~Clarence Budington Kelland

See ya soon,

Rod