Dear Fellow Workers in Christ,
As I was reading through 1 Kings today, I came upon Solomon's prayer of dedication after the building of the great Temple:
Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today (1 Kings 8:23-24, NIV).
I know that when I look around my surroundings of run down apartment complexes and our old building and all the people we serve--many who don't appear to be much when it comes to the human idea of worth and value. And maybe some of you do some side ministry work such as jail ministry or reaching out to people where you live etc. And yet, I look back over the last few years as we have had the privelige to teach to Gospel to and baptize over 100 people--and have planted the seeds of the "Good News" to many more--I FEEL MORE FULFILLED AND BOLDER THAN IF WE HAD BUILT TWO TEMPLES THE SIZE AND MAGNITUDE OF WHAT SOLOMON BUILT!!!!!
I don't mean that in a boastful way at all--God gave Solomon what he needed to build that temple--and HE gave us what we needed to spread the Gospel as far as we have so far in Mesquite! God has not asked us to build HIM a building of bricks and mortar and steel. HE HAS ASKED US TO GO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT HIS SON!
THERE ARE MANY MORE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND IN YOUR COMMUNITY LEFT TO REACH! God has kept HIS promises to us just as HE did to Israel during the time of this prayer Solomon prayed. Let us show our heartfelt grattitude for HIS faithfulness to us--by helping many lost people come to know Jesus Christ!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
EXCITING DAY FOR AT THE CROSS--AND MY FAMILY
This is a note I sent to my congregation:
Good Morning ATC Family and Extended Family,
Sorry I did not get out an e-mail to all of you this morning like I normally do to start the week. I was helping the Heartlands group get set up--and then we had to go to court for Bryson's custody hearing--AND GOD ANSWERED PRAYERS!!! He will not be going anywhere! Oh how our God is sooooo gooood!!! Bryson's grandfather, Tom Anthamatten received temporary managing conservatorship with the ability to direct where Bryson lives--which will continue to be me and Christi's home. The mother will get monthly visits if she chooses--but it has to be in Mesquite. We are very thankful!!!
And more good news! The Heartlands group got a lot of good work done today at our building--including some needed floor repairs in the older building we normally use! Then tonight they were with us (all 29 of them) and we had a beautiful time at Peachtree Apartments!! They passed out Jesus Lights (boxes of light bulbs to remind every family of the light Jesus shines) and one of our church fliers. Before that, we had a short devotional on the grounds where I shared about Peter and John getting to experience the Transfiguration with Jesus in Matthew 17--and how we all get to often enjoy the mountain experience in our worship assemblies, at camp, at retreats etc.--but sometimes we need to come off the mountain as Jesus did--and continue to share and evangelize and help others one day get to experience the light and hope of Jesus Christ!!! We had several kids from the aparments participate in our devotional and then they followed us all around the complex. After all the Jesus Lights had been passed out--we then had the opportunity to pray with a couple of folks who were having some struggles and then we walked around and sang hymns and we prayed over every building in the complex. Its been several months since we did that at either complex we serve at and it felt so good--like authentic Christianity! The Spirit was moving tonight at Peachtree!
Tomorrow night we will be doing the same thing at Allenhurst followed by a fun activity with the kids there. Come join us at 7 at Allenhurst. Wednesday night we will have our devotional on the grounds of Allenhurst below the church apartments and then a cookout like last year. Thursday night at 7pm we will have Spencer and Jairus with us doing some Christian rap along with a devotional--that will be a joint fellowship with the Heartlands Family--GOD LOVES UNITY! Invite a friend--we will have a meal immeidately after our worship time.
Tomorrow morning we will be providing a lunch for the Heartlands family and all the food pantry folks who come in. I am looking forward to some good fellowship. All this starts at 10:30. Come join us if you are free!
I am very excited right now--and very thankful to our Lord! LETS GO REACH MANY LOST SOULS BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!
Love in Christ,
Bruce
Good Morning ATC Family and Extended Family,
Sorry I did not get out an e-mail to all of you this morning like I normally do to start the week. I was helping the Heartlands group get set up--and then we had to go to court for Bryson's custody hearing--AND GOD ANSWERED PRAYERS!!! He will not be going anywhere! Oh how our God is sooooo gooood!!! Bryson's grandfather, Tom Anthamatten received temporary managing conservatorship with the ability to direct where Bryson lives--which will continue to be me and Christi's home. The mother will get monthly visits if she chooses--but it has to be in Mesquite. We are very thankful!!!
And more good news! The Heartlands group got a lot of good work done today at our building--including some needed floor repairs in the older building we normally use! Then tonight they were with us (all 29 of them) and we had a beautiful time at Peachtree Apartments!! They passed out Jesus Lights (boxes of light bulbs to remind every family of the light Jesus shines) and one of our church fliers. Before that, we had a short devotional on the grounds where I shared about Peter and John getting to experience the Transfiguration with Jesus in Matthew 17--and how we all get to often enjoy the mountain experience in our worship assemblies, at camp, at retreats etc.--but sometimes we need to come off the mountain as Jesus did--and continue to share and evangelize and help others one day get to experience the light and hope of Jesus Christ!!! We had several kids from the aparments participate in our devotional and then they followed us all around the complex. After all the Jesus Lights had been passed out--we then had the opportunity to pray with a couple of folks who were having some struggles and then we walked around and sang hymns and we prayed over every building in the complex. Its been several months since we did that at either complex we serve at and it felt so good--like authentic Christianity! The Spirit was moving tonight at Peachtree!
Tomorrow night we will be doing the same thing at Allenhurst followed by a fun activity with the kids there. Come join us at 7 at Allenhurst. Wednesday night we will have our devotional on the grounds of Allenhurst below the church apartments and then a cookout like last year. Thursday night at 7pm we will have Spencer and Jairus with us doing some Christian rap along with a devotional--that will be a joint fellowship with the Heartlands Family--GOD LOVES UNITY! Invite a friend--we will have a meal immeidately after our worship time.
Tomorrow morning we will be providing a lunch for the Heartlands family and all the food pantry folks who come in. I am looking forward to some good fellowship. All this starts at 10:30. Come join us if you are free!
I am very excited right now--and very thankful to our Lord! LETS GO REACH MANY LOST SOULS BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!!!
Love in Christ,
Bruce
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Loving People Where They Are At
I love Max Lucado's book "Just Like Jesus" where the cover caption basically reads "God loves you just where you are at, but He won't leave you there--He wants you to be just like Jesus." This statement is so critical!
For several months, my ministry work revolved around numerous events and outreach campaigns and planning as well as constantly trying to shepherd new Christians and dealing with crisis after crisis of hurting people.
Lately, I have been trying to get back to basics of just going out and loving on people and spending time with the poor, the forgotten, and those who have little background in church. Once or twice a week, I have been going out with our intern Jonathan Brooks to just talk to folks we see at Peachtree and Allenhurst Apartments. Not to mention, I am trying to teach simplistic discipling and evangelism to young men who are seeking a future in ministry. And we are not knocking doors, we are just walking around and when we see people out--we just say hi to them and remind them who are we are and just try to over time--make them feel comfortable and earn their trust.
Some of these folks are very sinful people (like all of us were before Christ). Some of them are not very nice people and don't much care for church people. However, what I keep finding year after year is this: When you just love people unconditionally and treat them with kindness and don't try to be "too churchy and preachy"--many eventually begin to have softened hearts. Some will eventually obey the Gospel and become Christians--and some will not. But its not my job or your job to convert people or save them. Its simply our job to love them where they are at and where they have come from--and teach them God's life changing word!
Are there some folks who need the Lord nearby where you live or near your church that you could go love on and show kindness? Are there some people you know who so long to be accepted and cared for? Remember that we have all come from a place we don't want to talk about--but Jesus' redeeming blood saved us--and by you loving people where they are at--they may eventually be saved also!
For several months, my ministry work revolved around numerous events and outreach campaigns and planning as well as constantly trying to shepherd new Christians and dealing with crisis after crisis of hurting people.
Lately, I have been trying to get back to basics of just going out and loving on people and spending time with the poor, the forgotten, and those who have little background in church. Once or twice a week, I have been going out with our intern Jonathan Brooks to just talk to folks we see at Peachtree and Allenhurst Apartments. Not to mention, I am trying to teach simplistic discipling and evangelism to young men who are seeking a future in ministry. And we are not knocking doors, we are just walking around and when we see people out--we just say hi to them and remind them who are we are and just try to over time--make them feel comfortable and earn their trust.
Some of these folks are very sinful people (like all of us were before Christ). Some of them are not very nice people and don't much care for church people. However, what I keep finding year after year is this: When you just love people unconditionally and treat them with kindness and don't try to be "too churchy and preachy"--many eventually begin to have softened hearts. Some will eventually obey the Gospel and become Christians--and some will not. But its not my job or your job to convert people or save them. Its simply our job to love them where they are at and where they have come from--and teach them God's life changing word!
Are there some folks who need the Lord nearby where you live or near your church that you could go love on and show kindness? Are there some people you know who so long to be accepted and cared for? Remember that we have all come from a place we don't want to talk about--but Jesus' redeeming blood saved us--and by you loving people where they are at--they may eventually be saved also!
Friday, June 4, 2010
SIMPLISTIC DISCIPLING
Last night myself and our summer intern were walking around Allenhurst and Peachtree Apartments. Our intern has no desire to go serve in a traditional church and preach to saved people every week--he has a hunger to work with the "lesser of these" and those who have no church background. The same kind of people Jesus spent most of his time with and served. As we walked around Peachtree, it was so refreshing.
For one, we were really working that complex hard last summer, until my family went through a rough time and I was just way over extended going several nights a week in ministry. But I saw several families and individuals who remembered me and their smiles were so uplifting to me. Of course, there are always a few who seem a bit intimidated by church people and awkward at first. But usually, if you just show them unconditional love and kindness, they soften up pretty quick.
I met a young man named Jose who had just moved here from Chicago. He was tatooed from head to toe and looked as if he had lived a most interesting life. He said he would not have stayed alive much longer in Chicago due to a bad gang situation. When we first approached him, I thought he might be a bit defensive and uncomfortable. And yet, he seemed so happy that we took the time to talk to him and enjoyed being made to feel special--as he is--all of us God created are special! Early on in Genesis we are told clearly that we are made in God's image! We left Jose with a big smile on his face, and I pray that the name of Jesus is still resonating in his head--as thats who we wanted him to really know about--not us. I explained to our intern--that while I always have my Bible in my hand--my first goal is to just make friends with people and earn their trust. Then they are more open to hearing about Jesus!
Are there some parts of your community like Allenhurst or Peachtree Apartments you and your church can go evangelize and show love to people who need that love so desperately! It will bless you and your congregation immensely! God is ready to do big things in your community! Are you ready to go?
Remember Jesus' instructions of what we call The Great Commission:
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 28:18-20, NIV).
For one, we were really working that complex hard last summer, until my family went through a rough time and I was just way over extended going several nights a week in ministry. But I saw several families and individuals who remembered me and their smiles were so uplifting to me. Of course, there are always a few who seem a bit intimidated by church people and awkward at first. But usually, if you just show them unconditional love and kindness, they soften up pretty quick.
I met a young man named Jose who had just moved here from Chicago. He was tatooed from head to toe and looked as if he had lived a most interesting life. He said he would not have stayed alive much longer in Chicago due to a bad gang situation. When we first approached him, I thought he might be a bit defensive and uncomfortable. And yet, he seemed so happy that we took the time to talk to him and enjoyed being made to feel special--as he is--all of us God created are special! Early on in Genesis we are told clearly that we are made in God's image! We left Jose with a big smile on his face, and I pray that the name of Jesus is still resonating in his head--as thats who we wanted him to really know about--not us. I explained to our intern--that while I always have my Bible in my hand--my first goal is to just make friends with people and earn their trust. Then they are more open to hearing about Jesus!
Are there some parts of your community like Allenhurst or Peachtree Apartments you and your church can go evangelize and show love to people who need that love so desperately! It will bless you and your congregation immensely! God is ready to do big things in your community! Are you ready to go?
Remember Jesus' instructions of what we call The Great Commission:
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 28:18-20, NIV).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
THE CHRISTIAN ATHEIST
I recently wrote a post regarding how difficult it is for many Christians to develop an intimate relationship with God. Whether it is an older Christian who sits in the pews everytime the doors are open at a traditional church or a Christian who is in a newer Christian at a more progressive and evangelistic congregation--both often struggle with the same problem--they don't really know God!
There is a book I am reading called "The Christian Athiest" by Craig Groeschel. Groceschel is a pastor who once almost lost his relationship with God--because for years he had served God--but never really knew God! That may sound kinda crazy, but how many of us have actually experienced such things? My wife (who is not ashamed to express this) has struggled with just that struggle in the past. And I see many young people who also struggle with this--they attend church and youth activities--but they really struggle to really have a conversation with God.
I often deal with Christians in my congregation or other walks of life that I minister to--who just absolutely struggle--because when the storms of life hit (albeit often Satan)--they don't immediately turn to God and seek HIM and cry to HIM and praise HIS name constantly! Instead they turn to the world! And then their struggles and pain and heartaches just get worse--because they get the wrong medicine if you will?
Where are you? How is your relationship with God? I mean honestly? Not the standard response we give because we don't really want anyone to know how broken we are. But a "REAL" and honest response that allows ourselves and God to really see what needs to be healed. Well really, God already knows. But HE CAN ONLY HELP US IN OUR REALITY, NOT OUR FAKENESS!
Whenever I help one of our members or just anyone who has a sin struggle or some other kind of problem--I always make it clear that their real problem is not their sin or what appears to be attacking them--but instead--their real problem is their lack of relationship with Jesus!
I encourage all of us to keep really seeking to get to know God! I encourage all of us to begin a series of conversations and dialogues with HIM! If you need to cry or gripe or complain--TELL HIM! He can handle it! If you need to spend more time in God's word--so your spirit is constantly being reminded of a way to live--that will give us more peace and joy and less stress--then open up that "life giving word!"
An elder at another congregation who has been a mentor to me for many years once said this statement to me that was so incredibly thought provoking and really changed my entire outlook on ministry--he said this: "I don't care how much someone goes to church or does good works or can quote the Bible. Either people know the Lord or they don't!" Wow! I am not taking that statement and applying it to many well meaning and sincere Christians who love God, but maybe lack some in their relationship with HIM. But I think it is worth at least pondering for each of our own relationships with the ONE who created us?
What do you think? Are you or someone you know showing the fruit of a "Christian Athiest?" It doesn't have to stay that way!
"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him" (Titus 1:16).
There is a book I am reading called "The Christian Athiest" by Craig Groeschel. Groceschel is a pastor who once almost lost his relationship with God--because for years he had served God--but never really knew God! That may sound kinda crazy, but how many of us have actually experienced such things? My wife (who is not ashamed to express this) has struggled with just that struggle in the past. And I see many young people who also struggle with this--they attend church and youth activities--but they really struggle to really have a conversation with God.
I often deal with Christians in my congregation or other walks of life that I minister to--who just absolutely struggle--because when the storms of life hit (albeit often Satan)--they don't immediately turn to God and seek HIM and cry to HIM and praise HIS name constantly! Instead they turn to the world! And then their struggles and pain and heartaches just get worse--because they get the wrong medicine if you will?
Where are you? How is your relationship with God? I mean honestly? Not the standard response we give because we don't really want anyone to know how broken we are. But a "REAL" and honest response that allows ourselves and God to really see what needs to be healed. Well really, God already knows. But HE CAN ONLY HELP US IN OUR REALITY, NOT OUR FAKENESS!
Whenever I help one of our members or just anyone who has a sin struggle or some other kind of problem--I always make it clear that their real problem is not their sin or what appears to be attacking them--but instead--their real problem is their lack of relationship with Jesus!
I encourage all of us to keep really seeking to get to know God! I encourage all of us to begin a series of conversations and dialogues with HIM! If you need to cry or gripe or complain--TELL HIM! He can handle it! If you need to spend more time in God's word--so your spirit is constantly being reminded of a way to live--that will give us more peace and joy and less stress--then open up that "life giving word!"
An elder at another congregation who has been a mentor to me for many years once said this statement to me that was so incredibly thought provoking and really changed my entire outlook on ministry--he said this: "I don't care how much someone goes to church or does good works or can quote the Bible. Either people know the Lord or they don't!" Wow! I am not taking that statement and applying it to many well meaning and sincere Christians who love God, but maybe lack some in their relationship with HIM. But I think it is worth at least pondering for each of our own relationships with the ONE who created us?
What do you think? Are you or someone you know showing the fruit of a "Christian Athiest?" It doesn't have to stay that way!
"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him" (Titus 1:16).
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Struggle With Being Intimate With God
If you read John 15, it is hard not to see that for us to be able to enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised--we can't just attend church or go feed the homeless from time to time. We have to "stay connected to the vine" as Jesus says. Often I watch my children avoid intimate prayer and discussion with God and I so want them to be able to have that joy and peace that such a relationship offers.
God does not just want "duty prayers" at church on Wednesdays or Sundays. He wants our hearts, He wants our undivided attention!
But I am noticing more and more--as I minister to new Christians and even Christians who have were baptized 5, 10, even 20 or 30 years before--struggle to have an intimate relationship with Christ? And it is killing families and relationships! It is preventing many Christians from ever having the kind of real peace and joy and purpose God intended them to have. It makes sin struggles sooooo much more difficult to ever overcome.
Why is this?
Why are so many Christians avoiding a relationship with Christ? If we read the Psalms, we see a wonderful example of how David communicates with God. Whether he was upset, angry, fearful, or rejoicing--David shared everything with God! God so wants that relationship with us also!
We need to be teaching new Christians how to serve yes--but also how to have a personal relationship with their Savior! There are so many blessings that flow from such a relationship.
Romans 12:1-2 tells us:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
God does not just want "duty prayers" at church on Wednesdays or Sundays. He wants our hearts, He wants our undivided attention!
But I am noticing more and more--as I minister to new Christians and even Christians who have were baptized 5, 10, even 20 or 30 years before--struggle to have an intimate relationship with Christ? And it is killing families and relationships! It is preventing many Christians from ever having the kind of real peace and joy and purpose God intended them to have. It makes sin struggles sooooo much more difficult to ever overcome.
Why is this?
Why are so many Christians avoiding a relationship with Christ? If we read the Psalms, we see a wonderful example of how David communicates with God. Whether he was upset, angry, fearful, or rejoicing--David shared everything with God! God so wants that relationship with us also!
We need to be teaching new Christians how to serve yes--but also how to have a personal relationship with their Savior! There are so many blessings that flow from such a relationship.
Romans 12:1-2 tells us:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Don't we want to have renewed minds that no longer keep us stuck in the muck and the mire? Don't we want to finally move past the life of "KNOWING JUST ENOUGH ABOUT CHRISTIANITY TO BE MISERABLE!" But instead be able to really be transformed into being more and more like Jesus everyday? Don't we want to not constantly be wondering which way to go or struggling with trying to make a decision? Wouldn't life be so much easier if we could more often discern and know what God's will is in every situation?
Such a life of blessings and not a lot of chaos and frustation is available to us--when we actually build a relationship with Jesus. If we do not make the effort to have that relationship, we constantly struggle with all kinds of crap!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
How Godly Men Need To Treat Women
I preached a message Sunday called "What God Can Do With A Little Love And Kindness" from Ruth chapter 3. I was so moved at the kind of Godly man Boaz was, that I used that focus for a talk I gave to our men and boys that night at our men's fellowship.
I reminded our men/boys that we need to be seeking now how to become the kind of Godly men that all women will look at us like fathers, big brothers, and sons--and not what the world tells us to look like--which is often men looking at women like they are meat and useable creatures! THATS NOT WHAT GOD CREATED WOMEN FOR! Our young men need to be learning now how to one day lead their families--and how to treat their wives and daughters. Too many men have destroyed the image of God as a father because their daughters have never seen God in their fathers or adult male figures in their lives. We as Christian men, need to change that image and with God's help and guidance--we can!
It always makes me so sad that so many girls have grown into women and all they know about love--is that they have to give something of themselves to get it--something that was meant to be for a Godly marraige! THATS NOT LOVE! So many scars are left--such as insecurity, feelings of little self-worth, problems with intimacy and a general lack of trust for most men. And I am not even talking about girls who have been sexually abused! Thats a whole other struggle of pain! I am talking about women who felt that to have the love of a man--they had to go ahead and give up their innocence. AND ITS JUST A BIG LIE!
Our women should be treated like princesses--DAUGHTERS OF THE GREAT KING OF ALL KINGS! Thats how God created them!
As we approach Mother's Day--let us, the men of the Lord's Church--be focusing more and more on becoming the kind of men who treat their wives with honor and respect and value the critical role they play in God's kingdom and in our homes. Lets prepare our daughters to one day look for Godly men who could one day lead their families towards heaven--not just some guy who is "fun, wild and cool."
Let us become "Kinsman Redeemers" as Boaz was to women and girls who have never had any Godly men in their lives. And let us help them see that our God is a wonderful Father who is prepared to lavish lots of goodness and love on His daughter children. Let such girls and women see the love of a Fatherly God through us!
I reminded our men/boys that we need to be seeking now how to become the kind of Godly men that all women will look at us like fathers, big brothers, and sons--and not what the world tells us to look like--which is often men looking at women like they are meat and useable creatures! THATS NOT WHAT GOD CREATED WOMEN FOR! Our young men need to be learning now how to one day lead their families--and how to treat their wives and daughters. Too many men have destroyed the image of God as a father because their daughters have never seen God in their fathers or adult male figures in their lives. We as Christian men, need to change that image and with God's help and guidance--we can!
It always makes me so sad that so many girls have grown into women and all they know about love--is that they have to give something of themselves to get it--something that was meant to be for a Godly marraige! THATS NOT LOVE! So many scars are left--such as insecurity, feelings of little self-worth, problems with intimacy and a general lack of trust for most men. And I am not even talking about girls who have been sexually abused! Thats a whole other struggle of pain! I am talking about women who felt that to have the love of a man--they had to go ahead and give up their innocence. AND ITS JUST A BIG LIE!
Our women should be treated like princesses--DAUGHTERS OF THE GREAT KING OF ALL KINGS! Thats how God created them!
As we approach Mother's Day--let us, the men of the Lord's Church--be focusing more and more on becoming the kind of men who treat their wives with honor and respect and value the critical role they play in God's kingdom and in our homes. Lets prepare our daughters to one day look for Godly men who could one day lead their families towards heaven--not just some guy who is "fun, wild and cool."
Let us become "Kinsman Redeemers" as Boaz was to women and girls who have never had any Godly men in their lives. And let us help them see that our God is a wonderful Father who is prepared to lavish lots of goodness and love on His daughter children. Let such girls and women see the love of a Fatherly God through us!
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