Eddie Rivero

Sex and Money

Here at New Life Family Church, I really strive to help people lead a balanced and fulfilling life in Christ.  Recently, I read that the top two concerns couples face are: sex and money.

So I told my wife about this discovery, and I said, “Honey, you know families really need help in these areas.  Wouldn’t it be great is we helped them see what the Bible says about these subjects."  She raised her eyebrow and said hesitantly, "Yes??" 

And then, I told her how I had recently heard of the pastor of a church in Tampa, that has developed a 30-day Sex Challenge to help his members improve their relationships and rediscover themselves.  He even wrote a 30 day journal and the challenge was this:  single folks were to abstain from sex for 30 days, even if they are in a committed relationship. Married folks, on the other hand, are supposed to have sex every day for 30 days. Check out his website at www.relevantchurch.com

So my wife (wanting to change the subject) says, “OK.  So what’s the title of the sermon series you're going to do on money?”

Anyway, so at our Saturday evening worship service, I share this scenario with our church.  Would you believe that the guys in my church cheered for me? The women though I was crazy!  I looked over to one of my guys, and told him, "You know I have never seen you so happy in church before?"  He was smiling from ear to ear!

Anyway, we are in the midst of a 3 part message series on "Following God's Financial Plan".

PS:  I haven't given up on the idea of the 30 Day Sex Challenge...

Relay for Life

GOD Moment at the Miami Vineyard

As many of you know, after 3 1/2 years of ministry in Little Havana, our building was sold (December 2007) and we were forced to relocate and retool the way we did church.  Out of one church we relaunched two churches (a Spanish speaking congregation in West Little Havana and an English speaking congregation in Miami Springs).

The Miami Springs congregation (which I lead) meets on Saturday evenings and this has allowed me to visit some churches on Sundays.  Last Sunday, I visited the Miami Vineyard pastored by my good friend, Kevin Fisher.  Little did I know that God would use this service to speak a word of encouragement to me in this church planting process (I'll tell you about this later)  The Vineyard church is going through a stewardship series and the guest speaker was Kevin Cross a speaker, author and Christian financial consultant (www.account417.com)

Well if you know a little bit about our church in Little Havana, you may have heard about the "Miracle Offering".  In January 2005, the Lord did a powerful miracle at our church when one Wednesday night, the Miami Vineyard showed up at our church with a miracle offering of $57,156.25.  The story behind this event is amazing and I'll post it on a separate article.  It was published in Charisma, the Miami Herald, The Pentecostal Evangel, and other publications.

Here's the thing.  Kevin Cross (who is a friend of Kevin Fisher) was so touched by this "Miracle Offering" that he has shared this story (and the video) literally around the world.  Here's the "coincidence".  On this Sunday, here I am, trying to slip in unnoticed in the crowd for a church service, and someone recognizes me and goes up to Kevin Cross (before the service starts) and says, "You'll never guess who is here!  It's Pastor Eddie Rivero.  The guy you were talking about in the first service"   Kevin Cross was blown away because here he has shared this story about the Vineyard and this inner city church in Little Havana and he never thought he would one day have the opportunity to meet me. 

Now, here's my side of the story.  As we have launched into this new church plant, we have really seen the hand of God.  The night before, there was such an excitement in our service, that I just know God is in this.  The morning I walk into the Vineyard (dressed in jeans and a t-shirt) all I was looking for was a time of worship and a Word from God.  Well, I got a Word!  As all of this in unfolding, I sense God tell me, "I didn't forget you back then (when we received the miracle offering) and I'm not going to forget you now."  WOW!!!!!  I tell you, God know what we need to hear and He is true to His Word.  "He will never leave you and He will never forsake you."

Increase or Decrease Comes By Association

The law of association says that "You'll become the average of the five people you spend the most time with!"

For some people that's good news, but for many people that's terrible news.

When it comes to your associations, you have two basic choices…
you can either decrease the amount of time you spend with negative influences or you can increase the amount of time you spend with positive influences.

Disconnect from people who disrespect your God-given dreams and drain your energy.

We need to be around people who believe in us, inspire us, and motivate us toward reaching our vision, dreams, goals and destiny!

Birds of a feather flock together and winners walk with winners!

“Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3

Associate with anointed people of faith and avoid toxic relationships.

With the right relationships we can become everything God wants us to be!

Life Is Good

Life is good. The possibilities for joy and true fulfillment are more abundant than ever before. It is great to be alive, on this day, in this place, with things just as they are. And you are truly blessed to be you, with your own unique and valuable gifts to offer each new moment.

Making the most of this beautiful moment is really quite simple. Just allow the authentic, driving purpose that lives within you to be expressed in your thoughts, words and actions.

Sure, there are difficult problems and formidable challenges in this world. And yet even the challenges and difficulties eventually bring positive value to life. For in working through those challenges, you learn, you grow, you create and you discover new, delightful possibilities. When life compels you to give your best, you end up getting better, stronger, and more capable of living with richness and joy.

Life is beautiful right now, as it is. And what's better, is that you can make it even more so.

-- Ralph Marston

Making A Difference

This afternoon, I spoke with a friend who is a missionary and we discussed his desire to help mentor kids on the West Coast of Florida.  He is interested in reaching out to kids and their families and helping kids with homework and tutoring.  I shared what we are doing in our after school program (150+ kids) and some of our experiences in the areas of fund raisings, grant writing, and community participation.  When I hung up with him my mind started to go back and remember kids (and families) that we have helped along this journey.  Wow.  Sometimes, we are so wrapped up in the day to day grind that we fail to enjoy some of the victories.

Fallen Hero

Well this has been a very challenging week. Many of you heard of a police shooting in Miami (Sept. 13, 2007). This week the funeral services for Officer Jose Somohano were conducted at FIU. The Arena was packed with dignitaries. Officers from many different agencies and from around the State were present along with the public. The service was very moving and our heart felt condolences go out to the Somohano family.

One of the highlights for me was when the president of FIU announced that the university would offer Officer Somohano's two children a complete scholarship once they are old enough to attend FIU. Yeah! No matter how much we can do as a community, that will never pay back the service of a hero who gave his life to defend and protect our community. Thank you, president Modesto A. Maidique for your generosity and heartfelt compassion for the Somohano's.

It's in moments like this that you realize what is important in your life. You think about family.. your spouse and kids... you never know when your life can take a turn that you never expected.

A few weeks ago, a great man of God, Dr. D. James Kennedy passed away. He will forever be know for his compelling question, "Are you sure that if you were to die today you would go to heaven?" We never consider eternity until we come to moments like this. When death knocks on our door we suddenly realize our mortality.

I can honestly say that I have settled that issue in my life and I have peace in my heart that if I were to die this very day, the Lord himself would receive me into His loving arms.

It's not about religion, it's not about how good you are or what good works you have performed. There is only one way to God... I know that always causes controversy, but the Son of God said, "I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except by me."

If you are truly seeking the path to God, don't give up... invite Him to show you the way.  He will.  Peace

Trip To The Holy Land

Back in 1999, I had the opportunity of traveling to Israel.  For those of us who are followers of Christ, it is the trip of a lifetime to walk where Jesus walked, stand on the ground where Jesus taught multitudes, and visit the ancient city of Jerusalem.  It was an awesome experience.  This year, I plan to go back to the Holy Land sometime around October/November.  My friend, Bo McComas of World Missions Travel (www.womito.com) is helping us put together our travel schedule.  This time, I hope to travel with a few pastor friends and some of their church members.  We hope to do some teach teaching at the sites.  I can't wait!