John Risner – Rise Up with John Risner

10 Bible Verses on The Power of Words

April 23, 2020
by John Risner

The tongue is the most powerful part of the body. Here is what the Bible says about it.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (NIV)

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. James 3:5 (The Living Bible)

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (1984 NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.
Proverbs 10:11 (NIV)

Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:34-37 (1984 NIV)

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

Let’s use our words to honor the Lord and encourage others!

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Sneakers & Cemeteries

January 28, 2020January 30, 2020
by John Risner

Nike completely sold out of Kobe Bryant’s signature sneaker this week. In the wake of the superstar’s tragic death, people want something tangible as they reflect on his life and legacy.

The world is grieving Kobe Bryant’s death. It is a loss of global impact. Because Kobe transcended basketball. His “mamba mentality” drove him to greatness on the court and off. He garnered respect from opponents as well as teammates. Shortly after retiring from the NBA he won an Oscar for his short film. He will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats: Laker royalty. 5-time champion. Oscar winner. Father of 4 daughters. Scored 81 points in a single night.

His legacy is unfolding on every TV channel, sports outlet, and magazine. We tout his accomplishments and grieve his life cut short too soon. His accolades rise through tears and wavering voices.

And as we pray for his grieving widow and children, we realize that his biggest impact was on them. For as much as Kobe meant to basketball, to his beloved franchise, to the city of Angels, to millions of adoring fans, he meant even more to Vanessa, and his girls – Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri.

Kobe's life impacted millions, but the biggest impact was on his wife & kids. How will you be remembered? Share on X

He was just 3 years retired from the demanding schedule of a professional athlete. He had aspirations of a life after basketball. He began coaching his daughters’ basketball team and spent more time at home. No one expected his helicopter to go down. No one expected his life to end at 41 years of age. His loss reminds us that eternity is only a breath away.

The Bible tells us, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isaiah 40:7-8)

Kobe will be laid to rest in a cemetery. It’s a place that reminds us of those who have gone on before us. His legacy is unforgettable. And in typical Kobe fashion, that is a challenge to each and every one of us. How will you be remembered?

It’s not too late to make an impact. It’s just too late to get a pair of those sneakers…

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Falling Apart or Falling into Place?

December 31, 2019January 30, 2020
by John Risner

In 2019 my life was dismantled… or was it reordered? The Risner family experienced unprecedented and unexpected changes. We wondered if things were falling apart, but we serve a God who puts things perfectly in place.

We serve a God who puts things perfectly in place Share on X

Early in 2019, my wife Rachel and I heard from the Lord. He was calling us into a new season, into a new assignment. I knew that the Lord was releasing me from ministry in Mansfield. It was difficult to surrender and to accept that the Lord had someone else to lead that church forward. It was difficult to say goodbye to a church that we had invested in for a decade.

This was a church that loved us well. They watched me grow and develop as a leader and as a speaker. They saw our family expand from having two small children into a family of nine. But we trusted in God’s plan more than our own. The idea of starting something new was frightening, and also exciting. We began seeking God’s heart for where he was leading us.

After much prayer and conversations with a church in Fredericksburg, Ohio, it was clear that this was where God was calling me. The congregation confirmed the call with 100% unity.

In the midst of this transition we welcomed Matthias John into our family, the youngest of our seven children. New baby, new job, new community, new house. It was difficult and overwhelming, but we trusted the Lord each step of the way.

God was calling us to minister in the heart of slow-paced Amish country. Quite a difference from an affluent, bustling suburb of Mansfield. On top of other challenges, I suffered a back injury. This limited my activity and made moving very frustrating.

In July we moved our family of nine to Berlin, Ohio. We explored our new world and enjoyed getting to know the people and the community. And we definitely experienced culture shock!

Our church family is passionate about becoming a vibrant community of transformed people. They are deeply committed to sharing the life-giving power of Jesus with the world. I am filled with hope as I baptize believers, dedicate babies, officiate weddings, and preach God’s word at our weekend worship services.

2019 was not a year in which my life was dismantled. It was a year that the Lord reordered my life, calling me to walk by faith.

And here is the good news: God journeys with us all. He sees us through the changing of seasons and the challenges of life. But we don’t always recognize that.

Like the family who was about to leave for vacation. The parents asked the 8-year-old son if he would lead a prayer before the journey. The little boy bowed his head and prayed, “Goodbye God, we’re off for our trip. We will be back next Friday.” We are guilty of behaving this way ourselves.

I want to challenge you to journey with God. The Lord will meet you right where you are. You will never be the same. Trust Him and thank him that He is with you wherever you go. It might be frightening, but you will be transformed into something beautiful along the way.

“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

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7 Church Hacks: How to Make the Most of…

November 30, 2018November 30, 2018
by John Risner

Whether you are a seasoned church-goer or just considering trying it out, navigating a trip to church can be challenging. Where do I sit? Am I allowed to bring my coffee into the sanctuary? Which translation are they reading? Follow these 7 hacks and make the most out of your worship experience this weekend.

Do your homework

If this will be your first visit, go to the church’s website to get a feel for their weekend services. You can also make a phone call to the church office with questions or schedule a tour with one of the staff members. Read the passage of Scripture that the pastor is preaching on and be prepared to serve if you are a volunteer.

Arrive early

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Scope out your seat, talk with others, and enjoy some good coffee. You may even discover a few peaceful moments with the Lord before the service begins!

Be friendly

Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Look for an opportunity to make someone laugh. Tell jokes and stories. You might just leave with a few more friends!

Check in on Facebook

Not only will it dispel Aunt Mable’s fears that you are a heathen, but it is a great way to spread the word about the ministry of the church. WARNING: The Director of Outreach may launch your fan club!

Jump in

Participate in the worship service. It may be more fun than you think! Sing and dance in worship. For help with hand-raising etiquette, check out this video from Christian comedian Tim Hawkins.

Invite a friend

Make plans with someone and enjoy the time together. Do lunch afterward and share the things stirring in your heart. In fact, the chances are pretty good that there will be a casserole dinner in the fellowship hall after the service!

Tend to your soul

Lay down your burdens at the cross. Don’t leave with the baggage that you brought. Whether you pray in your seat or at the altar, ask the Lord to strengthen your heart. Leave with hope in your heart and a smile on your face! Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Going to church will put hope in your heart and a smile on your face. Share on X

Let me encourage you to go to church this weekend. This Sunday marks the beginning of advent, the season leading up to Christmas. Many churches will offer candle-lighting, special songs, or skits. It is a wonderful time of year to gather with friends to worship. And now that you are armed with these church hacks, you can make the most of it!

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3 Simple Ways to Impact the World for Jesus

November 6, 2018November 30, 2018
by John Risner

Evangelism. It’s a scary word. On a scale of 1-10, it’s millennial-having-to-answer-a-phone call scary. We are afraid of embarrassing ourselves, afraid of getting it wrong, afraid of offending someone, and afraid being looked down upon.

But we are called to shine the light of Christ. And we don’t have to be intimidated! Here are three easy ways to impact the world for Jesus:

Be the gospel. Be the kind of person that is clearly different from others—in a winsome way. How do you do this? Do life with Jesus! Talk to God. Study His Word. Worship Him. Walk with Him. If you do these things, your life will change. When you are filled with God’s spirit you are more loving, kind, joyful and patient. You will respond to even the most frustrating of situations with peace and self-control.
Speak the gospel. Telling others about Jesus can seem like a dreadful, daunting task—but it’s not! You tell friends about your favorite restaurant, the latest movie you’ve seen, and what happened in the big game last night. Why not share what God has done in your life? If Christ really does mean the world to you, and if you want to be authentic with others, tell them. If you had been pulled to safety from certain death by a heroic firefighter, you would not be embarrassed to share your story. How much more should you tell those around you about your eternal salvation!
Do the gospel. Do all things with excellence, going above and beyond the call of duty. Others will take notice. Have honesty. Live with integrity, even in the small decisions. Go to your workplace and give it your all. You have been placed where no foreign missionary or pastor has access. God has you there for a reason!

Keep it simple. Keep it real. Don’t agonize about how you are going to reach others for Christ, ask the Lord for help! Share on X

Keep it simple. Keep it real. Don’t agonize about how you are going to reach others for Christ, ask the Lord for help! Boldly proclaim, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

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What Defines You?

January 7, 2018November 30, 2018
by John Risner

What defines you? Democrat or Republican? Mac or PC? Batman or Spiderman? Maybe it is the clothes you wear or your favorite team. As a follower of Jesus, your relationship with Him should be your defining characteristic.

In Matthew 15 Jesus confronts the Pharisees for holding on to traditions rather than the commands of God. He says, “these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8).

The Pharisees had accused Jesus’ disciples of not washing their hands before they ate. Maybe you’re thinking, “I am with the Pharisees on this one! People should wash before eating!”

But the hand washing they are talking about is a ceremonial ritual. It was a symbolic cleansing and the Pharisees had taken the tradition and made it like a law. They were so serious about it that if a rabbi failed to wash he could be excommunicated. Fired. Kicked out. Shunned.

There was once a rabbi in prison who used his ration of water for ceremonial cleansing instead of drinking. He nearly died of thirst…. and he was regarded as a great hero.

What makes us unclean is not our personal hygiene, it’s our sin! It’s not our dirty hands that defile us. What truly defiles a person is the evil that resides in our hearts. But God changes that.

Your life should be defined by what God has done in you. You are forgiven and redeemed. You are loved and pursued. You are valued and treasured. You are righteous and clean. Share on X

Your life should be defined by what God has done in you. You are forgiven and redeemed. You are loved and pursued. You are valued and treasured. You are righteous and clean. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Don’t allow the world to define you. Instead, give Christ the freedom to define your life. When you do, your life will radiate the gospel and point to the ultimate superhero.

Author: <span>John Risner</span>

10 Bible Verses on The Power of Words

The tongue is the most powerful part of the body. Here is what the Bible says about it.

Let’s use our words to honor the Lord and encourage others!

Sneakers & Cemeteries

Falling Apart or Falling into Place?

7 Church Hacks: How to Make the Most of…

3 Simple Ways to Impact the World for Jesus

What Defines You?