This last Tuesday at our food pantry--it was truly like a little bit of Heaven!
We had over 35 clients who came to receive food--and I was so excited that we had enough food to give out 14 items to each person. Normally we have been having to give 12 items, but God has really been providing lately. So right off the bat everyone was so excited when I announced the extra items!
Soon afterwards after we had gotten everyone inside and lined up down the hall as we do each week, it was like a worship service! We were singing lots of hymns--and almost everyone was singing! Even the folks who could not speak a lot of english were singing the best they could! A sister from another congregation who speaks fluent spanish was there to translate for me which is a big breakthrough for us. We had a couple of ministers from Highland Oaks Church of Christ there to help us love on people and pray with them.
Oh it was just so beautiful! You could feel hope abounding. My heart was full of joy!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Discovering Real Christianity
Over the past five years, I have spent much of my time as a minister serving somewhat unchurched people--many from low income backgrounds. I have learned much about Psychology and Sociology that I never learned when I took those respective classes in college.
I have learned much about what so many children who grow up in unGodly homes go through and the handicap many of them have--when they are constantly pulled in two directions--with those of us trying to reach them for Christ having some influence and then those preying on them if you will--on behalf of Satan having influence. I have learned that many people who may be poor economically--still are people who want to keep their dignity and are not all looking for a handout.
And in all that, I have learned some tidbits about real Christianity here and there. But tonight--I learned some more!
I spent some time with a man tonight who has over the years, been knocked down peg after peg and is in his mid-fifties and feels like a failure. Because of that feeling of failure, he gave up trying to make it in society some years back and basically lives off of charity. Its not that he is sorry or lazy--he just is embarrassed and is afraid to go out and ask for jobs--knowing he has a college degree--but that he messed up so bad over the years--that he will be asked hard questions and he just can't handle that. So he has very little. He eats at a church kitchen everyday and usually eats enough there to make that his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He would gladly do some work if any were available to him. But he is just a beaten man, who fortunately is able to live with an old friend who is in bad health and he helps take care of his friend.
This man is not a regular "church goer" but he is a Christian. I personally watched him be taught the Gospel and watched him be baptized some years back. But what struck me so much--was that this non-attending church guy--has a greater love and appreciation for the Lord than most I have ever known who are regular church attendees.!
While he has little and lives very simple--he constantly gives thanks to God for all he does have and all he has been delivered from! Isn't that what God really wants from all of us--for us to have grateful hearts?
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with this man and many others he eats lunch with at a place called "Christ's Kitchen" in Victoria, Texas. I am so looking forward to meeting many of his friends who eat there everyday and those who serve and provide those daily meals. I long to spend time with people who really live out the kind of love Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels!
I am so blessed to get to often witness--"Real Christianity!"
I leave you wtih thse words from Jesus:
The Sheep and the Goats "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 3For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matthew 25:31-46, NIV).
Hooray for Christ's Kitchen in Victoria, Texas! Hooray for Jesus!
Blessings,
Bruce
I have learned much about what so many children who grow up in unGodly homes go through and the handicap many of them have--when they are constantly pulled in two directions--with those of us trying to reach them for Christ having some influence and then those preying on them if you will--on behalf of Satan having influence. I have learned that many people who may be poor economically--still are people who want to keep their dignity and are not all looking for a handout.
And in all that, I have learned some tidbits about real Christianity here and there. But tonight--I learned some more!
I spent some time with a man tonight who has over the years, been knocked down peg after peg and is in his mid-fifties and feels like a failure. Because of that feeling of failure, he gave up trying to make it in society some years back and basically lives off of charity. Its not that he is sorry or lazy--he just is embarrassed and is afraid to go out and ask for jobs--knowing he has a college degree--but that he messed up so bad over the years--that he will be asked hard questions and he just can't handle that. So he has very little. He eats at a church kitchen everyday and usually eats enough there to make that his breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He would gladly do some work if any were available to him. But he is just a beaten man, who fortunately is able to live with an old friend who is in bad health and he helps take care of his friend.
This man is not a regular "church goer" but he is a Christian. I personally watched him be taught the Gospel and watched him be baptized some years back. But what struck me so much--was that this non-attending church guy--has a greater love and appreciation for the Lord than most I have ever known who are regular church attendees.!
While he has little and lives very simple--he constantly gives thanks to God for all he does have and all he has been delivered from! Isn't that what God really wants from all of us--for us to have grateful hearts?
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with this man and many others he eats lunch with at a place called "Christ's Kitchen" in Victoria, Texas. I am so looking forward to meeting many of his friends who eat there everyday and those who serve and provide those daily meals. I long to spend time with people who really live out the kind of love Jesus teaches throughout the Gospels!
I am so blessed to get to often witness--"Real Christianity!"
I leave you wtih thse words from Jesus:
The Sheep and the Goats "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 3For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life" (Matthew 25:31-46, NIV).
Hooray for Christ's Kitchen in Victoria, Texas! Hooray for Jesus!
Blessings,
Bruce
Saturday, January 9, 2010
"One Body, But Many Critical Parts"
Tomorrow I am preaching from 1st Corinthians 12 and talking about "One Body, But Many Critical Parts." It would be so easy for me to look at myself as someone very important in my congregation since I am the "minister/pastor/preacher" or whatever else people might call my role. But I really don't look at myself that way.
I serve with two wonderful men on my leadership team that are both qualified to be shepherds--a role I am not yet qualified to serve in. Both men can teach and preach God's word, they shepherd the flock well and they hold me accountable, teach and mentor me often. I honestly look at them to be just as more qualified as me in all spiritual roles--I just happen to be the full time guy who gets paid for doing this work. They are both engineers and do this work on a more volunteer basis.
Then I have many members of our flock who do so much important behind the scenes work that is absolutely invaluable to our mission and to the well being of our congregation. We often look at the "up front" people like the teachers and preachers as the important roles--but every single person in the body of Christ plays a very important and "God-Designed Role." No one spiritual gift or service is more superior than another. We are all working towards the same goal!
I am so thankful for all of the workers in our mission to reach the lost in Mesquite. Whether it be our members, or the many Christians from other congregations who help us--every single one of them play such an imporant role in executing the Great Commission! LETS KEEP REACHING OUT TO LOST SOULS!!!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
I serve with two wonderful men on my leadership team that are both qualified to be shepherds--a role I am not yet qualified to serve in. Both men can teach and preach God's word, they shepherd the flock well and they hold me accountable, teach and mentor me often. I honestly look at them to be just as more qualified as me in all spiritual roles--I just happen to be the full time guy who gets paid for doing this work. They are both engineers and do this work on a more volunteer basis.
Then I have many members of our flock who do so much important behind the scenes work that is absolutely invaluable to our mission and to the well being of our congregation. We often look at the "up front" people like the teachers and preachers as the important roles--but every single person in the body of Christ plays a very important and "God-Designed Role." No one spiritual gift or service is more superior than another. We are all working towards the same goal!
I am so thankful for all of the workers in our mission to reach the lost in Mesquite. Whether it be our members, or the many Christians from other congregations who help us--every single one of them play such an imporant role in executing the Great Commission! LETS KEEP REACHING OUT TO LOST SOULS!!!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Friday, December 25, 2009
CHRISTMAS AND VALUES OF OUR KIDS
Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Tonight was so special--as we celebrated a yearly tradition in our home-where me, Christi, and Jaici and Jayden watched "Its A Wonderful Life." I was beginning to think it would not work out for us this year--but by the grace of God it came to pass.
The movie is so special for so many reasons. First and foremost it is special to me because it gives my kids a chance to see some real values besides what I preach on each Sunday--that are truly good and wholesome and reflect Christ. George Bailey is so the kind of man I long to be each day. He truly cares for others and puts himself first--just as Christ tells us we are to deny ourselves. As I write this, I realize the movie is not a particularly Christ centered movie--but does have a lot of Godly focus to it.
George Bailey sacrifices often, his wants and dreams to serve and bless others he loves. He learns at an early age, the values his father taught him--to look out for the little guy and to remember those who would not have so many blessings in their lives. And while George's dreams are much bigger than his father's--he winds up following in his father's footsteps and helping the poor and working class of Bedford Falls have a chance to own their own homes and have a little taste of the American Dream! My favorite part of the movie is when George is sparring with Mr. Potter and tells him--and I paraphrase--"That rabble you speak of, are the ones who do most of the working and dying around here and is it too much to ask for them to have a place to live and a roof over their heads." I so love that moment--where he stands up for the little guy and his father's ideas!
I so want my children to grow up at least being exposed to such values! My kids don't have to follow in my footsteps and be full time ministers--but I do want them to grow up to understand the importance of serving others and showing love and kindness and not live their lives being self-centered and self-focused. If you ever look at the word "SIN"--just take out the middle letter "I." "I" and self focus leads often to sin and an unhealthy life.
Life is so much more than materialism and looking for the next best and biggest thrill. The kind of love and compassion that was shown George Bailey towards the end of the movie and the blessings he saw--was partly because God was teaching him about what was most important--and then partly because he had lived his life serving and blessing others. I want my children to know that a life spent serving others is a life that can bring real joy and peace and value to their lives!
Jesus tells us that it is better to give than to receive! And HE was right! Merry Christmas!
Bruce
Tonight was so special--as we celebrated a yearly tradition in our home-where me, Christi, and Jaici and Jayden watched "Its A Wonderful Life." I was beginning to think it would not work out for us this year--but by the grace of God it came to pass.
The movie is so special for so many reasons. First and foremost it is special to me because it gives my kids a chance to see some real values besides what I preach on each Sunday--that are truly good and wholesome and reflect Christ. George Bailey is so the kind of man I long to be each day. He truly cares for others and puts himself first--just as Christ tells us we are to deny ourselves. As I write this, I realize the movie is not a particularly Christ centered movie--but does have a lot of Godly focus to it.
George Bailey sacrifices often, his wants and dreams to serve and bless others he loves. He learns at an early age, the values his father taught him--to look out for the little guy and to remember those who would not have so many blessings in their lives. And while George's dreams are much bigger than his father's--he winds up following in his father's footsteps and helping the poor and working class of Bedford Falls have a chance to own their own homes and have a little taste of the American Dream! My favorite part of the movie is when George is sparring with Mr. Potter and tells him--and I paraphrase--"That rabble you speak of, are the ones who do most of the working and dying around here and is it too much to ask for them to have a place to live and a roof over their heads." I so love that moment--where he stands up for the little guy and his father's ideas!
I so want my children to grow up at least being exposed to such values! My kids don't have to follow in my footsteps and be full time ministers--but I do want them to grow up to understand the importance of serving others and showing love and kindness and not live their lives being self-centered and self-focused. If you ever look at the word "SIN"--just take out the middle letter "I." "I" and self focus leads often to sin and an unhealthy life.
Life is so much more than materialism and looking for the next best and biggest thrill. The kind of love and compassion that was shown George Bailey towards the end of the movie and the blessings he saw--was partly because God was teaching him about what was most important--and then partly because he had lived his life serving and blessing others. I want my children to know that a life spent serving others is a life that can bring real joy and peace and value to their lives!
Jesus tells us that it is better to give than to receive! And HE was right! Merry Christmas!
Bruce
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
AN EXCITING DAY FOR AT THE CROSS
Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,
Today was just unbelievable! And yet--not really given I have seen God do BIG things over and over and over again! We served 37 or 38 I think today at our food pantry--and served over at least 50 or 60 with all their family members for our luncheon we served today for those coming to our food pantry! It was so wonderful! Some sisters from Highland Oaks Church of Christ provided a bunch of coats/jackets for adults and kids, as well as a bunch of food, a shepherd from Saturn Road Church of Christ provided a BBQ brisket, a sister from our congregation did a bunch of cooking this morning, and with several other volunteers from HIghland Oaks--and it was just beautiful! You could feel so much Jesus love in the air!
I cannot express how wonderful it felt to see so many people--many who are really hurting and struggling to just survive--and many children--so full of hope today! I saw smiles from people who probably are not smiling a lot. Several older hispanic women who have so little--really there were all colors and shapes and sizes of people--and all were seeing how good Jesus is!
Such days I have experienced in ministry--nothing else can top them! So much more to do! Please be in prayer for the Lord to continue to provide the funds we need to keep the work going in Mesquite! Merry Christmas everyone!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Today was just unbelievable! And yet--not really given I have seen God do BIG things over and over and over again! We served 37 or 38 I think today at our food pantry--and served over at least 50 or 60 with all their family members for our luncheon we served today for those coming to our food pantry! It was so wonderful! Some sisters from Highland Oaks Church of Christ provided a bunch of coats/jackets for adults and kids, as well as a bunch of food, a shepherd from Saturn Road Church of Christ provided a BBQ brisket, a sister from our congregation did a bunch of cooking this morning, and with several other volunteers from HIghland Oaks--and it was just beautiful! You could feel so much Jesus love in the air!
I cannot express how wonderful it felt to see so many people--many who are really hurting and struggling to just survive--and many children--so full of hope today! I saw smiles from people who probably are not smiling a lot. Several older hispanic women who have so little--really there were all colors and shapes and sizes of people--and all were seeing how good Jesus is!
Such days I have experienced in ministry--nothing else can top them! So much more to do! Please be in prayer for the Lord to continue to provide the funds we need to keep the work going in Mesquite! Merry Christmas everyone!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SHAWN'S NEW HOME AND LIFE
Dear Loved Ones,
While I hurt and grieve deeply, I am also so envious of what Shawn Anthamatten, disciple and worker for Jesus, is now or will soon be getting to see. Job offers some insight here:
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze? "Tell us what we should say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. Should he be told that I want to speak? Would any man ask to be swallowed up?
Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart"? (Job 37:14-24, NIV).
While Shawn had seen God's power at work many times, there is no doubt in my mind that if not already, he will soon be seeing "the wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge." Shawn is seeing the wonders of God's great works! Shawn is receiving his just reward--no more sadness, no more sickness, no more struggle. Now he gets to walk the streets of gold and see great glory! Oh happy day when Jesus walked! Oh happy day that Shawn now walks with Jesus all day everyday--and gets to see Jesus!
What an awesome God we serve! We love you Shawn!
Bruce
While I hurt and grieve deeply, I am also so envious of what Shawn Anthamatten, disciple and worker for Jesus, is now or will soon be getting to see. Job offers some insight here:
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze? "Tell us what we should say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness. Should he be told that I want to speak? Would any man ask to be swallowed up?
Now no one can look at the sun, bright as it is in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. Out of the north he comes in golden splendor; God comes in awesome majesty. The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart"? (Job 37:14-24, NIV).
While Shawn had seen God's power at work many times, there is no doubt in my mind that if not already, he will soon be seeing "the wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge." Shawn is seeing the wonders of God's great works! Shawn is receiving his just reward--no more sadness, no more sickness, no more struggle. Now he gets to walk the streets of gold and see great glory! Oh happy day when Jesus walked! Oh happy day that Shawn now walks with Jesus all day everyday--and gets to see Jesus!
What an awesome God we serve! We love you Shawn!
Bruce
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
MORE REFLECTIONS ON SHAWN
I guess around 3 months or so ago, me and Shawn and our two boys went out to East Texas to stay at a farm a friend of mine has out there. Shawn is not much of an outdoorsman, but just came to hang out. I was going through a rough time personally and needed to be away with a true and real friend. And thats exactly what happened!
Our boys played all day each day and Shawn and I would either walk around the farm or ride on the "Gator" or just sit on the front porch of the farm house and just talk. He would share struggles he was going through and I would do the same. We prayed together a lot and it was so peaceful. There were many moments where he did not necessarily have the words to fix my problems, but he listened so well and offered the comforting words of compassion he could offer. It was enough. Just him being there with me soothed me and sustained me--God used Shawn well during that time to bless me.
Our boys had a great time--but so did us two "old men" who were once boys their ages playing together many years ago! We just talked a lot and enjoyed our time together as two real friends and brothers! Each afternoon and evening, we would drive into Mineola for a meal or to go to Wal-Mart to get more shotgun shells. He really enjoyed seeing Bryson get outdoors and have the kind of fun boys are supposed to have! Although, Bryson almost killed all of us the first time he held a shotgun! :) But the Lord kept us all alive! :)
Oh, how I long to be back on that front porch out in the country talking to Shawn as he sat there smoking his cigs and drinking his Dr. Pepper. The two only material things he ever really cared about having! For Shawn was the most unmaterialistic person I ever met! Oh what I would not give to just have that simple time with my simple friend again! What I would not give to just be able to say: "Shawn, you have such immense value and you make such a difference in my life and so many others' lives! I love you bro! I love you my great friend of many years!"
Good times--oh yes--great times! I am so blessed!
Bruce
Our boys played all day each day and Shawn and I would either walk around the farm or ride on the "Gator" or just sit on the front porch of the farm house and just talk. He would share struggles he was going through and I would do the same. We prayed together a lot and it was so peaceful. There were many moments where he did not necessarily have the words to fix my problems, but he listened so well and offered the comforting words of compassion he could offer. It was enough. Just him being there with me soothed me and sustained me--God used Shawn well during that time to bless me.
Our boys had a great time--but so did us two "old men" who were once boys their ages playing together many years ago! We just talked a lot and enjoyed our time together as two real friends and brothers! Each afternoon and evening, we would drive into Mineola for a meal or to go to Wal-Mart to get more shotgun shells. He really enjoyed seeing Bryson get outdoors and have the kind of fun boys are supposed to have! Although, Bryson almost killed all of us the first time he held a shotgun! :) But the Lord kept us all alive! :)
Oh, how I long to be back on that front porch out in the country talking to Shawn as he sat there smoking his cigs and drinking his Dr. Pepper. The two only material things he ever really cared about having! For Shawn was the most unmaterialistic person I ever met! Oh what I would not give to just have that simple time with my simple friend again! What I would not give to just be able to say: "Shawn, you have such immense value and you make such a difference in my life and so many others' lives! I love you bro! I love you my great friend of many years!"
Good times--oh yes--great times! I am so blessed!
Bruce
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