My family and a few fellow church members went to see the new movie "Courageous" Sunday after worship. POWERFUL is what keeps coming to my mind!!!!
It is an incredible story of a group of men, in a very difficult job as law enforcement officers--who are all family men in one way or another--who begin to see how desperate they need to lead their families in a Godly way! I think this movie is as critical to the need for Godly men to lead their families well--as the importance of Godly marraiges that "Fireproof" advocated!
If you have not seen the movie, go take your family today. And men--brothers--let us all start today fresh--in leading our families the way God calls us to lead them! Many blessings will flow for generations to come!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
New Seasons and Life Transition
God so often does as He will do and takes us all on amazing journeys if we are willing to take the ride! Almost 8 years ago, I took a ride with God that required me to step out of the restaurant business that I'd known for so long and to go back to school to get finish my education and work in full time ministry.
I had no idea then that I'd ever have the opportunity and privilege to teach and baptize dozens and dozens of people and share Jesus with many others. I never dreamed then that I'd plant a new church and oversee an aggressive evangelistic ministry and a congregation at the same time.
In my early days of ministering to the poor and to the broken and to the unchurched, I never dreamed of the hardships and struggles that serving God in such a capacity would have on me and my family. I never realized the sacrifice a minister/missionary must go through if they are truly committed to reaching lost as well as to God's people who are members of the body/church. I plan on trying to be a help to younger men in the future who may impart on such a journey--to make sure they pace themselves.
I look back on so many big moments during my time as a full time minister and local missionary. A wedding at a hospital bed of a man dying, who him and his fiancee wanted to make their 16 year relationship right with the Lord. Many one on one Bible studies of people seeking something better. Midnight baptisms of those ready to turn their life over to Jesus who did not want to wait! I remember baptizing a couple and their two teen age sons one night at midnight and then marrying that couple a week later. Hugging, loving on, and singing with many hungry people at our Tuesday morning food pantry. I remember so many funerals I preached, some of Christians--some of non-Christians. The non-Christian funerals were so painful, but nonetheless important for the planting of seeds for those loved ones remaining alive. I remember late night visits to an apartment where a loved one just died of a drug overdose or some other gut wrenching, awful tragedy. Many hospital visits when my encouragement seemed almost feeble compared to what those folks were going through. Leading worship times with a bunch of kids that I loved deeply, but wanted to whip everyone of them for being so rowdy and wild when I thought they should have known better. I remember the years we had our two apartments next to one another at Allenhurst--and so many of our members and Allenhurst residents feeling like those apartments were their special refuge where they could feel closer to God. I remember all kinds of local Christians as well as Christians from congregations as far as Lincoln, Nebraska coming to help us share Jesus at places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments. I remember many children over the years that Christi and I came to love as our own children! I remember many classes I taught and sermons I preached--where I was so hoping some would "get it" and understand how much God loved them asd wanted a closer relationship with them! Some of those messages I preached, I remember preaching them out on the grounds of Allenhurst or Peachtree Apartments with all kinds of people either out there with me or standing outside their apartment doors or windows curious about all this "Jesus" talk! :)
But of all those memories, I am most encouraged to remember so many people who were once in full rebellion towards God--who are now living faithful for the Lord--who have undergone supernatural changes because of the living Jesus Christ within them! I CAN ASSURE YOU, SUCH MOMENTS AND THERE ARE MANY--MAKES ALL THE WORK AND SERVICE WELL WORTH IT!!!!! GOD DOES SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS!!!!
However, a few months back I could tell that perhaps the Lord wanted to do some different things and we were not able to keep our funding at the church for me to be able to continue to draw a full time salary. I began to work part time back at CiCi's Pizza South Mesquite--where I first became a Christian back in 1996 developed so much as a man, a leader, and a Christian over the years. And just recently, I became the General Manager of that restaurant.
While I am still the senior minister overseeing At The Cross Church, there is much I am no longer able to do in terms of time with people, time to go out and fundraise, time to spend just getting to know new faces at the apartments or other parts of Mesquite where we try to take and introduce the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ! Fortunately, it appears like God is slowly but surely sending more good workers and leaders to help carrying things forward!
While in some ways I am sad to no longer be in that full time ministry role, I know its also much better for my family! I have three teen aged kids who need more and more of my focus and they and my sweet wife must now be my first line of ministry! I'd love to say that as a minister working hard to bring many lost souls to Christ--I often failed at giving my own family what they needed! I am enjoying the new challenge of running a business again and being more focused on my family.
So I will still be preaching some, helping to over see the flock, and other ministry duties--but I won't be able to give that work the time I once did.
However, I will continue to be a tireless fighter for encouraging churches to get of their pews and go take the Gospel into all parts of Mesquite where the children living there will have little hope for a better future. I will continue to be an advocate for the poor, the hurting, the sick, the broken, and the little guy! I will continue to speak out loudly about things I know are bad for Mesquite and for the Christian Community as well. I hope to be able to one day help other men who feel called to go take Jesus to the rougher parts of Mesquite or in their respective communities--SO NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND SIMPLY BECAUSE NO ONE TOLD THEM OR SHOWED THEM THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST! Lord willing, we will one day be able to rebuild Mesquite as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem!
I hope to be able to help other churches strengthen their evangelistic efforts and maybe assist new church planters on some of the "dos and don'ts" of such works.
I hope to be able to develop a closer relationship with God that I may have sometimes missed out on the past few years because I was too worried about everyone else's relationship with Him but not my own or my family's. But we all learn as we travel down the road. I have learned much. It has truly, truly been a great honor to serve God in the capacity I have these past few years. I look forward to new ways of serving Him in the future!
Special thanks to so many who have helped financially or with boots on the ground in our work these past few years! Special thanks to my sweet wife and our children for all they have endured and sacrificed with me and the service they have rendered to Jesus the past few years!
Now we move forward and the dream of many lost souls finding Jesus continues and a better life while disciples of Christ are here in this world.
Come have lunch or dinner and see me at CiCi's Pizza. Or come worship with us at At The Cross Church on Sundays at 1pm. Either way, Heaven is sure gonna be awesome!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
I had no idea then that I'd ever have the opportunity and privilege to teach and baptize dozens and dozens of people and share Jesus with many others. I never dreamed then that I'd plant a new church and oversee an aggressive evangelistic ministry and a congregation at the same time.
In my early days of ministering to the poor and to the broken and to the unchurched, I never dreamed of the hardships and struggles that serving God in such a capacity would have on me and my family. I never realized the sacrifice a minister/missionary must go through if they are truly committed to reaching lost as well as to God's people who are members of the body/church. I plan on trying to be a help to younger men in the future who may impart on such a journey--to make sure they pace themselves.
I look back on so many big moments during my time as a full time minister and local missionary. A wedding at a hospital bed of a man dying, who him and his fiancee wanted to make their 16 year relationship right with the Lord. Many one on one Bible studies of people seeking something better. Midnight baptisms of those ready to turn their life over to Jesus who did not want to wait! I remember baptizing a couple and their two teen age sons one night at midnight and then marrying that couple a week later. Hugging, loving on, and singing with many hungry people at our Tuesday morning food pantry. I remember so many funerals I preached, some of Christians--some of non-Christians. The non-Christian funerals were so painful, but nonetheless important for the planting of seeds for those loved ones remaining alive. I remember late night visits to an apartment where a loved one just died of a drug overdose or some other gut wrenching, awful tragedy. Many hospital visits when my encouragement seemed almost feeble compared to what those folks were going through. Leading worship times with a bunch of kids that I loved deeply, but wanted to whip everyone of them for being so rowdy and wild when I thought they should have known better. I remember the years we had our two apartments next to one another at Allenhurst--and so many of our members and Allenhurst residents feeling like those apartments were their special refuge where they could feel closer to God. I remember all kinds of local Christians as well as Christians from congregations as far as Lincoln, Nebraska coming to help us share Jesus at places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments. I remember many children over the years that Christi and I came to love as our own children! I remember many classes I taught and sermons I preached--where I was so hoping some would "get it" and understand how much God loved them asd wanted a closer relationship with them! Some of those messages I preached, I remember preaching them out on the grounds of Allenhurst or Peachtree Apartments with all kinds of people either out there with me or standing outside their apartment doors or windows curious about all this "Jesus" talk! :)
But of all those memories, I am most encouraged to remember so many people who were once in full rebellion towards God--who are now living faithful for the Lord--who have undergone supernatural changes because of the living Jesus Christ within them! I CAN ASSURE YOU, SUCH MOMENTS AND THERE ARE MANY--MAKES ALL THE WORK AND SERVICE WELL WORTH IT!!!!! GOD DOES SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS!!!!
However, a few months back I could tell that perhaps the Lord wanted to do some different things and we were not able to keep our funding at the church for me to be able to continue to draw a full time salary. I began to work part time back at CiCi's Pizza South Mesquite--where I first became a Christian back in 1996 developed so much as a man, a leader, and a Christian over the years. And just recently, I became the General Manager of that restaurant.
While I am still the senior minister overseeing At The Cross Church, there is much I am no longer able to do in terms of time with people, time to go out and fundraise, time to spend just getting to know new faces at the apartments or other parts of Mesquite where we try to take and introduce the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ! Fortunately, it appears like God is slowly but surely sending more good workers and leaders to help carrying things forward!
While in some ways I am sad to no longer be in that full time ministry role, I know its also much better for my family! I have three teen aged kids who need more and more of my focus and they and my sweet wife must now be my first line of ministry! I'd love to say that as a minister working hard to bring many lost souls to Christ--I often failed at giving my own family what they needed! I am enjoying the new challenge of running a business again and being more focused on my family.
So I will still be preaching some, helping to over see the flock, and other ministry duties--but I won't be able to give that work the time I once did.
However, I will continue to be a tireless fighter for encouraging churches to get of their pews and go take the Gospel into all parts of Mesquite where the children living there will have little hope for a better future. I will continue to be an advocate for the poor, the hurting, the sick, the broken, and the little guy! I will continue to speak out loudly about things I know are bad for Mesquite and for the Christian Community as well. I hope to be able to one day help other men who feel called to go take Jesus to the rougher parts of Mesquite or in their respective communities--SO NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND SIMPLY BECAUSE NO ONE TOLD THEM OR SHOWED THEM THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST! Lord willing, we will one day be able to rebuild Mesquite as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem!
I hope to be able to help other churches strengthen their evangelistic efforts and maybe assist new church planters on some of the "dos and don'ts" of such works.
I hope to be able to develop a closer relationship with God that I may have sometimes missed out on the past few years because I was too worried about everyone else's relationship with Him but not my own or my family's. But we all learn as we travel down the road. I have learned much. It has truly, truly been a great honor to serve God in the capacity I have these past few years. I look forward to new ways of serving Him in the future!
Special thanks to so many who have helped financially or with boots on the ground in our work these past few years! Special thanks to my sweet wife and our children for all they have endured and sacrificed with me and the service they have rendered to Jesus the past few years!
Now we move forward and the dream of many lost souls finding Jesus continues and a better life while disciples of Christ are here in this world.
Come have lunch or dinner and see me at CiCi's Pizza. Or come worship with us at At The Cross Church on Sundays at 1pm. Either way, Heaven is sure gonna be awesome!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Thank You Highland Oaks Church of Christ!
I took a break today from my home church to go visit my wonderful brothers and sisters at the Highland Oaks COC congregation and was so filled full of good spiritual feeding and felt much love!
When you work in mission work--and I believe my work the past few years has been primariliy local mission work--its often easy to forget what we once knew in our former church lives of being surrounded by at least fairly mature Christians who long to grow in the Lord and who have a certain amount of understanding of God's word. So often missionaries can feel alone. But Highland Oaks, who has been a strong partner in our work in Mesquite--has always done such a wonderful job of making me, my family, and our mission work not feel alone! But instead the Highland Oaks family has done so much for At The Cross Church of Christ--and the mission work we do at places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments! Not only have the HO family helped us over and over with needed funds--but many of their members have helped us with kids and youth, our weekly food pantry, and other mission work needs!
The HO family has also been such a blessing to my family personally. Any time my family has gone through a crisis since I've been in ministry, their elders and other members have surrounded my family and loved us through that time!
Whenever I visit and worship with the HO family, they make me feel as if I am one of their members!
I thank God for the HO family! I believe one day--a number of people just in our area of mission work in Mesquite--will drive by that congregation--and tell their children--those people at that Highland Oaks Church played a big role in our family serving God today!
What a legacy!
I thank God for the Highland Oaks family!
When you work in mission work--and I believe my work the past few years has been primariliy local mission work--its often easy to forget what we once knew in our former church lives of being surrounded by at least fairly mature Christians who long to grow in the Lord and who have a certain amount of understanding of God's word. So often missionaries can feel alone. But Highland Oaks, who has been a strong partner in our work in Mesquite--has always done such a wonderful job of making me, my family, and our mission work not feel alone! But instead the Highland Oaks family has done so much for At The Cross Church of Christ--and the mission work we do at places like Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments! Not only have the HO family helped us over and over with needed funds--but many of their members have helped us with kids and youth, our weekly food pantry, and other mission work needs!
The HO family has also been such a blessing to my family personally. Any time my family has gone through a crisis since I've been in ministry, their elders and other members have surrounded my family and loved us through that time!
Whenever I visit and worship with the HO family, they make me feel as if I am one of their members!
I thank God for the HO family! I believe one day--a number of people just in our area of mission work in Mesquite--will drive by that congregation--and tell their children--those people at that Highland Oaks Church played a big role in our family serving God today!
What a legacy!
I thank God for the Highland Oaks family!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Random and Reflective Thoughts From A Church Planter
Four years ago, when we planted At The Cross Church of Christ--man I was on a mission! I had already been on a severe high the previous two plus years of leading what used to be the Nehemiah Ministry at Allenhurst Apartments and later Peachtree Apartments were added as well. I had been a part of dozens and dozens of people who had been exposed to Jesus and they were excited and we had a lot of Bible studies, baptized a lot of people, and while we saw our shares of heartache--TIMES WERE GOOD!!!! We were gonna teach the Gospel to and baptize every lost family in Mesquite!
Then we planted a new congregation that would be a transition we thought at the time, of the ministry rolling into a new congregation that was designed to be a place where many folks around Mesquite--after being exposed to the Gospel--who might not normally fit in the typical church--could find a home and feel accepted. Those early days of being a new church planter after having already been running hard leading a tough apartment ministry were quite challenging. I think I learned some very poor leadership and work habits during those days that are now catching up with me both physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Back then it was just a few of us from established church backgrounds, with a lot of new Christians including many kids and there was much to do! I remember many worship services of me leading singing and doing the preaching as well. I remember many Sundays of going and picking up a bunch of kids and a few adults from the apartments for Sunday worship and then handling most of the worship service and then getting all those kids back home and still try to interact and communicate with the rest of my flock including new visitors. Then I'd roll my thoughts back around to start preparing for the next Sunday, making visits at Allenhurst, preparing for Tuesday afternoon tutoring at our church apartments, Wednesday night Bible class, trying to find the time for one on one Bible studies-- and the list goes on and on!
Then there were early situations where I had new Christians who would get involved with sin and I'd ignore it as long as possible--wanting to be understanding that new and older Christians alike are gonna stumble. But a situation would come up where we could no longer ignore the blatant sin that person or persons were involved in--and as soon as I would try to lovingly pull that brother or sister or couple aside to express that they needed to get out of that sin and that we wanted to help--I'd get just blasted and those folks would get angry and then leave the church--and my heart breaking! Lord knows that happened too many times. And of course, there are simply some things Bible college can't prepare a shepherd leader for in terms of dealing with the flock. I was so new at such a role and even though I often sought the wisdom of older and wiser spiritually mature men--it was still such a challenge. In fact, even today, it is sooooo unpleasant to hold adult Christians accountable for their behavior. Early on, we had a leadership team--but I'm simply learning that even veteran church leaders are not always apt to jump into dealing with situations that are "bloody and messy" if you will. So lets just say such things about leadership are just tough! However, if I could go back and do it again--I'd still offer just as much love, mercy and grace--but I'd apologize a lot less and be a lot more up front and honest about what God's word says about almost every situation in which His people might be faced! We live in a society today that so often says "No one should ever bother or question me in what I do." So, I'd often grieve over the loss of a family that we had labored so hard to help and then they'd leave after the lesson was over. So many new Christians are slowly trying to come out of a world that says: "I'm accountable to no one." Even though we know even Jesus was accountable to His Father. The Kingdom of God and the Lord's Church are simply not places to practice democracy and self-focus. Every Christian is subject to spiritual leadership. It takes a lot of time for people to really start changing and transforming.
Lord knows the many situations of members' lives I'd lay awake thinking about and praying for God to intervene in ways I simply could not. Lord knows how often I'd start questioning and wondering what mistakes I'd made that caused us to lose this family or that person. I've learned by the grace of God--that sometimes--really often times--it has nothing to do with the preacher or church leadership or even other members. So often God's people get so caught up in spiritual warfare and they struggle so much to just keep the motivation to even be around other Christian people.
So many benevolence matters that I often felt I needed to handle myself--especially if that person or persons seemed to be growing spiritually or if their children were heavily involved with our ministry. We will touch some on benevolence later in this series.
And in the middle of all those matters, I was constantly trying to find more volunteers and workers from other congregations to help us--as well as trying to constantly raise money for the work. I could tell early on, our tithes would always be a real challenge. And praise and honor to our mighty God Almighty for always providing and providing for the workers in His harvest field! I could tell so many faith stories about how God is such a wonderful and faithful provider!
So many wonderful things to reflect on, and yet so many mistakes I know we and I made throughout this process. And yet, I rejoice on some of those mistakes because God has been using to them to train and equip me for future kingdom service! I'll share more about some of my mistakes and learning curves over the past few years in my next blog edition.
Then we planted a new congregation that would be a transition we thought at the time, of the ministry rolling into a new congregation that was designed to be a place where many folks around Mesquite--after being exposed to the Gospel--who might not normally fit in the typical church--could find a home and feel accepted. Those early days of being a new church planter after having already been running hard leading a tough apartment ministry were quite challenging. I think I learned some very poor leadership and work habits during those days that are now catching up with me both physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Back then it was just a few of us from established church backgrounds, with a lot of new Christians including many kids and there was much to do! I remember many worship services of me leading singing and doing the preaching as well. I remember many Sundays of going and picking up a bunch of kids and a few adults from the apartments for Sunday worship and then handling most of the worship service and then getting all those kids back home and still try to interact and communicate with the rest of my flock including new visitors. Then I'd roll my thoughts back around to start preparing for the next Sunday, making visits at Allenhurst, preparing for Tuesday afternoon tutoring at our church apartments, Wednesday night Bible class, trying to find the time for one on one Bible studies-- and the list goes on and on!
Then there were early situations where I had new Christians who would get involved with sin and I'd ignore it as long as possible--wanting to be understanding that new and older Christians alike are gonna stumble. But a situation would come up where we could no longer ignore the blatant sin that person or persons were involved in--and as soon as I would try to lovingly pull that brother or sister or couple aside to express that they needed to get out of that sin and that we wanted to help--I'd get just blasted and those folks would get angry and then leave the church--and my heart breaking! Lord knows that happened too many times. And of course, there are simply some things Bible college can't prepare a shepherd leader for in terms of dealing with the flock. I was so new at such a role and even though I often sought the wisdom of older and wiser spiritually mature men--it was still such a challenge. In fact, even today, it is sooooo unpleasant to hold adult Christians accountable for their behavior. Early on, we had a leadership team--but I'm simply learning that even veteran church leaders are not always apt to jump into dealing with situations that are "bloody and messy" if you will. So lets just say such things about leadership are just tough! However, if I could go back and do it again--I'd still offer just as much love, mercy and grace--but I'd apologize a lot less and be a lot more up front and honest about what God's word says about almost every situation in which His people might be faced! We live in a society today that so often says "No one should ever bother or question me in what I do." So, I'd often grieve over the loss of a family that we had labored so hard to help and then they'd leave after the lesson was over. So many new Christians are slowly trying to come out of a world that says: "I'm accountable to no one." Even though we know even Jesus was accountable to His Father. The Kingdom of God and the Lord's Church are simply not places to practice democracy and self-focus. Every Christian is subject to spiritual leadership. It takes a lot of time for people to really start changing and transforming.
Lord knows the many situations of members' lives I'd lay awake thinking about and praying for God to intervene in ways I simply could not. Lord knows how often I'd start questioning and wondering what mistakes I'd made that caused us to lose this family or that person. I've learned by the grace of God--that sometimes--really often times--it has nothing to do with the preacher or church leadership or even other members. So often God's people get so caught up in spiritual warfare and they struggle so much to just keep the motivation to even be around other Christian people.
So many benevolence matters that I often felt I needed to handle myself--especially if that person or persons seemed to be growing spiritually or if their children were heavily involved with our ministry. We will touch some on benevolence later in this series.
And in the middle of all those matters, I was constantly trying to find more volunteers and workers from other congregations to help us--as well as trying to constantly raise money for the work. I could tell early on, our tithes would always be a real challenge. And praise and honor to our mighty God Almighty for always providing and providing for the workers in His harvest field! I could tell so many faith stories about how God is such a wonderful and faithful provider!
So many wonderful things to reflect on, and yet so many mistakes I know we and I made throughout this process. And yet, I rejoice on some of those mistakes because God has been using to them to train and equip me for future kingdom service! I'll share more about some of my mistakes and learning curves over the past few years in my next blog edition.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry
Tonight my family and I watched an incredible and most powerful movie that every Christian ought to watch! Its a story about a man who befriends neighborhood boys one by one--and eventually winds up having a weekly Bible study with 20 or so boys--all of whom seem to become Disciples of Christ. Four boys in particular, wind up later on all being involved in ministry in some way--and one being a full time pastor. The movie is a powerful reminder that it doesn't take a college degree in ministry or to work for a church full time--to make a major impact for the Kingdom of God--and for many precious souls God longs to be with Him for eternity! It gives me chills to think, what if--just on every street there was one Christian who opened up their home regularly for chats about the Lord, counseling/prayer opportunities for the hurting, and Bible studies. Imagine how differently our communities and neighborhoods would look and feel? Imagine if each of us began to tell others about how Jesus has changed our lives. Imagine! " Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:16-20, NIV).
Monday, February 28, 2011
Getting Recharged
Some weeks back, as I was on the verge of being at almost burn out again and struggling to discern several big issues concerning my congregation, the outreach work we do in Mesquite, and my family at home--I stepped back and took a 40 day semi-sabbatical. I say "semi" because there were some days that I did some church/ministry work--but I nonetheless stepped back quite a bit from the day to day operations of the church. God blessed us with a young man named Spencer Gunnels who is our Associate Minister now and Spencer was able to take on a number of administrative tasks I handled for the last few years. Spencer also was able to take on planning Sunday worship and between him and some other wonderful brothers, they split up the preaching. After so many years of often feeling alone (human wise that is), I felt so thankful God had sent me a Timothy if you will! I could speak volumes more of the blessing this young man has been to me and the mission work we do in Mesquite! Spencer is full of fire and passion for the cause of Christ!
During my 40 days, I didn't pray and fast as much as I'd planned along with other important spiritual disciplines. I did however, take some extra intentional time with my family and paid attention to some extra details here and there regarding my children and it was a great blessing! I took some extra time to just shower my wife with love and adoration. I did a lot of chatting with God. I took some extra time to catch up with old friends and relatives. I did a lot of reading. And I was able to do a few service projects in the community that is tied in with the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission--although the cold weather kept those projects to a minimum.
One of the issues I was trying to discern, was if I would need to eventually become a bi-vocational minister who preaches and ministers and works a secular job as well. Sort of like Paul who not only planted churches, preached, and wrote half the New Testament--but who also made tents for a living on the side. So I started working some shifts a couple of days a week at my old job as a CiCi's Pizza Manager in South Mesquite. I was quickly reminded of how much I used to enjoy being able to serve guests and give good service and be free to talk about the Lord and evangelize when I was a manager there all those years past. Getting my feet back into secular work has also reminded me of how much God values hard work and us being productive with our hands. It has given me such a tremendous respect again for people who get out each day and work hard to provide for their families and honor the Lord. I think every preacher/minister out there ought to spend some time regularly working a little in the work force just to keep touch with reality.
While I was on my sabbatical, God definitely spoke to me about the fact that it is time I began living out my victory in Jesus! What I mean is simply, I spent too many years thinking I had to immerse myself into those I ministered to's daily lives. And while all that wasn't bad and I learned a lot and there were some impactful relationships and discipling that took place--too often I was putting myself out there as a subsitute for God and His word--without realizing I was doing that. And it took a great toll on me and my family. What I thought at times was shepherding, was basically babysitting some adults and some kids who were simply not ready to change and really give their lives over to Jesus. Not in every case--but too many. So I have learned now to put boundaries in place and accept that there are some things I have to allow the Holy Spirit to do--that I am definitely not Jesus! Good for the Kingdom! But again, God's name was constantly praised and we all learn new things daily! Many people over the last 6 years at Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments, and other parts of Mesquite as well as many Facebook Friends--have heard much about the good news of Jesus Christ! And there is much more to come!
Now that Allenhurst Apartments is going to be handing us our new church apartment soon, we are most excited and revved up to get going with that renewed work! Spencer Gunnels will be spearheading that new project!
There is more exciting news to share, but I need to go do a little devotional with my family--which means I need to get off the computer and leave my office. But I know this--GOD IS SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Grace and peace be upon each of you!
Bruce
During my 40 days, I didn't pray and fast as much as I'd planned along with other important spiritual disciplines. I did however, take some extra intentional time with my family and paid attention to some extra details here and there regarding my children and it was a great blessing! I took some extra time to just shower my wife with love and adoration. I did a lot of chatting with God. I took some extra time to catch up with old friends and relatives. I did a lot of reading. And I was able to do a few service projects in the community that is tied in with the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission--although the cold weather kept those projects to a minimum.
One of the issues I was trying to discern, was if I would need to eventually become a bi-vocational minister who preaches and ministers and works a secular job as well. Sort of like Paul who not only planted churches, preached, and wrote half the New Testament--but who also made tents for a living on the side. So I started working some shifts a couple of days a week at my old job as a CiCi's Pizza Manager in South Mesquite. I was quickly reminded of how much I used to enjoy being able to serve guests and give good service and be free to talk about the Lord and evangelize when I was a manager there all those years past. Getting my feet back into secular work has also reminded me of how much God values hard work and us being productive with our hands. It has given me such a tremendous respect again for people who get out each day and work hard to provide for their families and honor the Lord. I think every preacher/minister out there ought to spend some time regularly working a little in the work force just to keep touch with reality.
While I was on my sabbatical, God definitely spoke to me about the fact that it is time I began living out my victory in Jesus! What I mean is simply, I spent too many years thinking I had to immerse myself into those I ministered to's daily lives. And while all that wasn't bad and I learned a lot and there were some impactful relationships and discipling that took place--too often I was putting myself out there as a subsitute for God and His word--without realizing I was doing that. And it took a great toll on me and my family. What I thought at times was shepherding, was basically babysitting some adults and some kids who were simply not ready to change and really give their lives over to Jesus. Not in every case--but too many. So I have learned now to put boundaries in place and accept that there are some things I have to allow the Holy Spirit to do--that I am definitely not Jesus! Good for the Kingdom! But again, God's name was constantly praised and we all learn new things daily! Many people over the last 6 years at Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments, and other parts of Mesquite as well as many Facebook Friends--have heard much about the good news of Jesus Christ! And there is much more to come!
Now that Allenhurst Apartments is going to be handing us our new church apartment soon, we are most excited and revved up to get going with that renewed work! Spencer Gunnels will be spearheading that new project!
There is more exciting news to share, but I need to go do a little devotional with my family--which means I need to get off the computer and leave my office. But I know this--GOD IS SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD ALL THE TIME!!!
Grace and peace be upon each of you!
Bruce
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Influence
I took a break from my congregation today--something more preachers need to do more often--and my family and I visited Spring Creek Community Church. The message from Pastor Keith Stewart was on "Influence," a series he was beginning today. I was most moved by the message and what God was telling everyone in that assembly.
He mentioned a quote from a man whose name now escapes me, how there are 5, not 4 Gospels. There is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John--and then there is each of us. Many lost people out there today--may not read the first 4 Gospels any time soon--but they will read us. What will they read?
Pastor Stewart was talking about our great need in this country and even within the Kingdom at times to "persuade" or just "Be right." What good is it to be "Right" if we can't do it in love?
Who will be motivated to hear the Christian message if it is delivered in harshness or rudeness?
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13, that "Love is not rude."
Let us share God's word with non-believers with love, sweetness, and kindness. Even if they don't grab hold of that word immediately--keep loving them and being kind. For God is love!
We don't just need more civlity in politics and government--we need it desperately in the Kingdom of God and within the Lord's Church!
Here is the sermon link if you'd like to here it: http://www.springcreekchurch.org/series2011/i_current_series.html
He mentioned a quote from a man whose name now escapes me, how there are 5, not 4 Gospels. There is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John--and then there is each of us. Many lost people out there today--may not read the first 4 Gospels any time soon--but they will read us. What will they read?
Pastor Stewart was talking about our great need in this country and even within the Kingdom at times to "persuade" or just "Be right." What good is it to be "Right" if we can't do it in love?
Who will be motivated to hear the Christian message if it is delivered in harshness or rudeness?
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 13, that "Love is not rude."
Let us share God's word with non-believers with love, sweetness, and kindness. Even if they don't grab hold of that word immediately--keep loving them and being kind. For God is love!
We don't just need more civlity in politics and government--we need it desperately in the Kingdom of God and within the Lord's Church!
Here is the sermon link if you'd like to here it: http://www.springcreekchurch.org/series2011/i_current_series.html
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