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I have a terrible habit of starting books and never finishing them. I’m not as disciplined as I liked to be at reading. So, I purchased a short book and have determined to finish it. Remarkably, I only have 13 pages left! The book is called “90 Minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper. I am incredibly curious about what Heaven is going to be like so when I saw this book in the bookstore, I scooped it up and started reading. It’s a strange book. It’s not the most compelling book I’ve read, but for some reason, it has really encouraged me. It definitely makes me want to be a better Christian and to share the love God with others. For that reason alone, I recommend it. You might could get it at the library. It’s a fairly quick read. Before I forget, the book is basically about a guy who died in a car accident and went to heaven, and then was revived. The book shares his story of 90 minutes in heaven, and then his recovery and how his life has been changed as a result of being in heaven for 90 minutes. It’s worth the time to read it.

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

What are you passionate about? I’m not passionate about many things. I’m not a passionate, emotional guy. I sometimes wish I were more passionate and charismatic and enthusiastic. It’s just not me. And it may be that become more passionate in time. But, in my own, conservative, not very passionate, passionate way (does that make sense), I am passionate about winning, eating chicken wings, and some other not so important things.

But what is God passionate about? What thrills his heart and soul? I’m convinced if there is one thing God is passionate about, it is people. God loves people. He loves you. And me. I think He has more than proved this by sending His Son to take on flesh and bones and to die for the sins of the world. God “looks down” on a lost and hurting world that He cares so much about and did something about. He sent us Jesus to heal us, give us hope and make us new again. Amazing.

But think about your community. There are people all around you. Lost and hurting. Apart from God. And God loves them so much. And He so wants them to experience the new life that only comes from Him. That, to me, is God’s passion. Bringing new life to people. Look at the Scripture verses above. You’ve been lost and hurting in your lifetime as well. Have you experienced new life in Christ? It’s available to you, and your community. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your community. Pray for a movement of God’s Spirit among us. Pray for lives to be changed. And go out and show others God’s love. Show it, and tell them about it. Invite them to church. Invite them to a Connection group. Have them over to your home. Share your life with them. Share the comfort you have received from God. And maybe one day, they will drop their defenses and let God make them new as well.

Good morning everyone! I hope you’re off to a great day. I heard from a couple of people yesterday that they went to read the day 9 devotional on my blog and it wasn’t there!?! I don’t get it! I posted it yesterday morning, and when I checked the blog this morning, there it was! I hope everything is working now!

Anyway…

Let’s pray! Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me!

“I no longer call you servants because a servant doesn’t know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends for everything I’ve learned from My Father, I’ve made known unto you. You didn’t choose Me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” John 15:15

On this past Sunday morning, we started a new series of messages on prayer. One of the things I really want our church to grow in this year is prayer. So, as our devotional this morning, let’s review the main points from the first message on prayer.

Sunday’s message was on the purposes of prayer. Here are the purposes we talked about:

1) Prayer is dedication
2) Prayer is communication
3) Prayer is supplication
4) Prayer is cooperation

Prayer as dedication shows that we are dependent on God. It shows that our lives our dedicated to depending on Him because we realize how badly we need him. One of the greatest enemies of prayer is our over estimation of our ability to take care of ourselves. Have you humbled yourself before God today and recognized your need to depend on Him today?

Prayer as communication points to the fact that we can communicate with God directly! We don’t have to some other medium to get to Him. He has opened up a direct line of communication with Him through Christ. He calls us friends! We are not simply His servants or slaves! God calls us his friends and wants us to know that we can communicate with Him anytime, anywhere- all the time for that matter!

Prayer as supplication means we can ask God for whatever our hearts desire. God wants to give us what we want! Doesn’t that sound a little too good to be true? But it is! He says multiple times in Scripture that if we reverence Him, living our lives for him, then we can ask Him for what we want and he will answer. The point is not that we can ask for a million dollars and get it. The point is, if our lives are lined up with what God, what we want will line up with His will. And don’t miss the point of bringing any and every request before God! He cares for you and wants to hear from you.

Finally, prayer as cooperation means that we get to work with God on His plan for earth through our prayers. God has limited Himself in such a way that He is saying, “I will not do certain things unless my children believe me for these things by praying ans asking for these things to happen.” I have no idea exactly how these works, but God calls us to pray! And prayer changes things! I don’t have to understand it! I just know that God says I can cooperate with Him in prayer.

Application – Pray. Talk to God. If you’re a Christ-follower, He calls you His friend. Grow your relationship with Him by spending some time talking with Him today.

PS – This message outline on prayer comes from Rick Warren.

As always, let’s start this morning with a simple prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

For the last seven days I’ve been using the Core Values of The Bridge to guide the devotions. Today I will cover the last of our eight core values. Just as a reminder, these values serve as a guide to our church. When we think about adding programs or ministries or activities to our church, we have to ask ourselves, “Does this keep with our core values?” I hope you share these values and can use them as a guide for your own life.

“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant…Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:1,7

The last of our eight core values is:

Every Member has a Ministry.
We value using spiritual gifts for service.

Have you ever been on a youth trip in a church van? If you have, you likely have many memories! Some great memories, some frustrating memories, and some that smell! I’ve been on a lot of youth trips as a former youth pastor. And inevitably, there was always a problem with the van on every trip. One particular trip, we needed to drive to a location out of state about 6 hours away. About an hour into our trip, one of my fellow youth workers asked, “Do you hear that?” I didn’t here anything. And then, BAM! The back, passenger side tire blew out. Fortunately, with a full van and hauling a loaded trailer, I was able to maintain control of the van and get to the side of the road safely. Now, I know how to change a tire. But every vehicle is unique. I was faced with finding where the jack was located on the van, finding the spare tire, how to remove the spare tire, where does the jack go to lift the van, etc. If it were up to me to have figured out how to do all those things on that van, I would still be a youth pastor because I would never have figured it out. But, enter Kevin. My good friend Kevin. We call him Fleegle – that’s his last name. Kevin was driving another van behind us. He pulls off the road behind us, jumps out of the van and immediately gets to work changing the tire. He knows exactly where everything is located and what to do. BAM. New tire installed. And we’re on the road again. Thank you Jesus! No, really. Thank you Jesus! If it weren’t for Kevin, I’d still be on the side of I-40, looking for that jack.

So what’s with this story? Every member has a ministry. God has shaped us all in a certain way. He has given each of us gifts and abilities to serve Him, each other, and our churches. If I didn’t have Kevin, I was up the creek. But God had Him along on the trip, with Kevin’s particular gifts, to help us along the way. God has equipped you with a particular shape. The Bible says that if you are a Christ-follower you have been endowed with at least one spiritual gift. You also have a heart for certain things, abilities, personality and experiences that make you who you are. And you know what? I’m not you. I don’t have your shape. I’m shaped differently. And there are times when my shape will not be enough (like changing tires) and I’m going to need your help. I need you and you need me. That’s the way God made us. How can we use our shape to serve God, each other, and our church?

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

Today’s Scripture
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

The 7th of eight core values at The Bridge is:

God is Honored in Excellence.
We value excellence and integrity in all areas of ministry.

Jesus once told a story about a man who was going away for a journey. Before leaving, he gave a certain amount of “talents” (a talent was a unit of currency worth more than $1000.00) to each of his servants. To one he gave five talents. To another, two talents. To the last, he gave one talent. The story never says that the man ever instructed the servants about what to do with the talents. It only says that he “entrusted” his property to them. The servant with 5 talents put them to work and produce 5 more. The man with two also doubled his talents. But the man with one talent went out and worked really hard and produced 20 talents. No, not really. You know the story. The man with one talent went and hid his talent and it produced nothing. And he was disciplined for not making use of the money he had received. But wouldn’t it be a better story if the man with one talent had gone out and done something amazing with it?

The point is that each of us has been entrusted with many things from God. Time, talents, and treasure. You may be a five “talent” guy or gal. Or maybe you’re just a one talent guy or gal. The point, again, is that you’re talented! (pun intended!) And God wants you to do the best you can with what He has given you. I surely don’t want to hear the rebuke from God that the one talent guy received from his master – “You wicked and lazy servant!” Ouch. God is honored in excellence. However many “talents” you have received from God, put them to use! Reproduce them! Share them. Serve others with them. Help to build God’s kingdom. Work hard at home, school, and work. Do your best. God is worthy of that kind of effort!

Happy Sunday Morning to you! If you’re up and spending some time with the Lord this morning I applaud you! I have the hardest time being disciplined on weekends about escaping for some time with God! I pray that God speaks to your heart this morning (or day or evening – whenever you read this!).

Remember to start with prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

The next of our core values at The Bridge is:

Timeless Message, Relevant Way.
We value relevance without compromising doctrinal soundness.

The good news about God’s Son Jesus dying for the sins of the world that we might believe in Him and receive Him into our life is a message of good news for all the world. Everyone, everywhere ought to have opportunity to hear and respond to this message. This message should never change. But, as our core value states, the way we present that message needs to relevant! Too often, we want to package the Message in the way that suits us best and share it only that way. But every culture, every community, every person is different. We want to share the good news with them, but we should also want to find a way to relate that message in the most relevant way to the hearer. In the Scripture above, the apostle Paul talked about his strategy to present the good news in a relevant way to different audiences.

What about us? Who are we trying to share the good news with? Is our good news only packaged in one way, or are we praying and looking for ways to present the gospel uniquely and with relevance to the people God has placed in our lives??? The good news is the same. We may just need to find new and relevant ways to share this news “for the sake of the gospel, that [we] may share in its blessings.”

PS – How are you doing in reading through the NT? I’m a little behind still, but I’ll do my best to catch up! I love reading Scripture and noticing new things, being remind of old favorites, and realizing how much I’ve got to learn about my great God and Savior!

Good morning everyone. Don’t forget to start with prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself…Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 22:37-39, 28:19-20

The 5th of our 8 core values at The Bridge is:

Health
We value a balance of the five purposes (Evangelism, Worship, Ministry, Fellowship, and Discipleship) and believe that this balance will help create church health.

I have a son. Jackson. He’s two years old. He is almost 3 feet tall and weighs in at about 31 and ½ pounds. I fully expect that in two years from now that Jackson will not be 3 feet, 31pounds. He will grow. We will feed him, he will play, and he will be healthy. And healthy things grow. If he has not grown in 2 years, I’d better be concerned. There must be something wrong with his health.

The same is true in the life of faith. As Christ-followers, God intends for us to grow and mature. And there are certain principles of the faith that will help us grow. If we practice these principles, we should develop in our faith – we will love more, serve more, worshp more, etc. If are no different today than we were 2 years ago, we need to evaluate our spiritual health.

There are at least 5 basic purposes for which God has created us. A healthy balance of development in all these 5 purposes will lead to our own spiritual health and the health of our churches. These 5 purposes are found throughout the Bible. You find them above in Matthew – the great commandments and the great commission. If you want to know more about these purposes, keep reading my blog over the next 25 days. Or get a head start by getting a copy of Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life.

Discover your purpose in life. Get healthy. Grow. If you’re not growing, evaluate. And ask someone you know to be a dedicated follower of Christ how you can grow!

Have a great day!

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

The next of the core values at The Bridge is:

God Created Us for Relationships.
We value families, small groups, and authentic community.

Being a part of a church isn’t like being in a family. It is being in a family. A church is a spiritual family. When you become a Christ-follower, you become a part of God’s forever family. That is what we were made for. We were made by God and for God and to be a part of His forever family. There should not be any lone ranger Christians out there. But all too often, you will here people say, “I love God. I just don’t like the church. There are too many hypocrites there.” What does that sound like in the ears of God? The church is referred to in Scripture as the body and the bride of Christ. So when someone says, “I don’t like church,” that is the same as saying to God, “I love you, but I don’t like your body.” Or, “I love you, but I don’t like your wife.” Can you imagine someone saying that to you? “I love you, but your body repulses me.” Not a very kind thing to say. But that is how we treat God when we reject being in connection with a local church body. God loves the church. And we should too. Is it a perfect place with perfect people? No. But as Rick Warren has said, “If you ever find the perfect church, don’t join it. Because then it won’t be perfect anymore.” (not an exact quote!)

God created us for relationships. He designed us to depend on one another for encouragement and strength. Each of us as Christ-followers has a responsibility to connect ourselves with a local church. And we won’t find the perfect church. But we can use our gifts and talents and abilities to make it a better church. And I want to encourage you, don’t sit around and wait for others connect relationally with you! You take the iniative to build relationships within the church that will foster your spiritual growth and the growth of the ones you connect with. Join a Connection group. Find a prayer partner. Join a ministry team. Relate. God made you for it.

Good morning everyone! I pray that this blog for this morning is as good the second time as the first! My first attempt (30 plus minutes of work) was deleted when my blog provider had technical difficulties. I hope “take 2” at this devotional makes sense and actually makes it on my blog!

Anyway…

“Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me.”

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

The third core value at The Bridge is:

Biblical Teaching is for Life-Change.
We value application of Scripture.

I love cats. I’m a cat guy. Nothing against dogs. I like them as well. But I love cats. I especially love big, fat, lazy cats! I love lounging around and having a big, fat furball there with me. We have a cat as a pet now – Daisy. She is incredibly thin. I can’t explain why. She is amply fed and sleeps about 18 hours a day. The other 6 hours she eats and lays around the house. I have not idea why she doesn’t gain weight. Lucky her. Most other animals (and humans for that matter) would gain a lot of weight if they did as little as Daisy. Our bodies are meant to consume and then produce. We consume, then we exercise to offset our intake. If we don’t, our bodies become unhealthy. The same is true in our spiritual lives. God wants us to consume (His Word) but then to do something about it. The Bible is meant for transformation, not just information. Our spiritual fitness is not what it needs to be if we are simply a wealth of Bible knowledge. We don’t teach the Bible at The Bridge in our services or in our Connection Groups simply to create biblically literate membership. The last thing we need is a lot of Bible know-it-alls. God wants us to be Bible do-it-alls! We’ve got to apply what were learning or it does us no good. The scripture tells us, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” It’s not how much you know. It’s how much you apply. Should we want to win a Bible trivia contest or love our neighbor?

So how’s your spiritual fitness? Are you attempting live out what you’re learning? The truth is, it’s hard. The Bible is not so easy to apply. Often, the Bible calls us to do things that don’t make sense to us. Other times it calls us to do things we don’t want to do. Love your enemy. Serve. Forgive. Go the extra mile. Turn the other cheek. God knows what He is doing. He is not going to lead us astray. Read God’s word and ask Him, “How does this apply to my life?” What do I need to do as a result of what I learned? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin I need to avoid?

As you read through the New Testament this month, keep in mind that the Bible is meant for transformation, not just information. Take a step of faith and do something radical – apply the Bible to your life.

Don’t forget, as we begin today to pray:

“Lord Jesus Christ speak to me. “

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

The 2nd of our core values is:

People Matter to God.
We value a community of acceptance, love, and service.

I love this value! People matter to God! And if people matter to God, people ought to matter to me! All people! Everyone God created is valued by Him! He loves us all. We were created by Him and for Him! And if wasn’t enough that He created us, despite the fact that we rebelled against Him, we still matter to Him! He loves us despite our rebellion! Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Our number one priority should be for us to honor God with our lives and bring Him glory. But if we want to please God, we ought to become passionate about what He is passionate about! And God is passionate about people! He loves people so much, He took on flesh and bones and sacrificed Himself to restore us to Himself! God is crazy in love with people!

Are you passionate about people? Honestly, you may not be. But as you get to know God better, you will see His passion for people and will want to develop that passion. God showed His passion for people by sacrificing for them. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, he gave…” For us to follow God’s model of passion for people, we can begin by sacrificing for them. What can we give away to help people get to know God better? Our time? Our talents? Our treasure? Will you pray for those apart from God? Will you sacrifice your free time, vacation time, personal time to build relationships and show people that God loves them?

People matter to God. They don’t need our judgment. They need to see the love of God displayed through our lives. God wants all men (and women) to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Let’s do our part in loving and sacrificing for a world of people that God loves!