Bridging the Gap...

Good Friends...

2012-02-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

I have been out of commission over the last several days due to the flu bug. During that time, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the value of having so many good friends in my life.

I have had many, many people praying for me and many who have contacted me. There have been others who have stepped in to help take over some things that I was responsible for-one who stepped in to speak on Sunday, one who stepped in to lead our small group, assist others in ministry etc, etc, etc...

I have also watched others step in to be a good friend to those in need. Visiting the sick in the hospital, preparing meals for those in need, giving food away, and even providing financial help.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17)

We all need good friends, we all need to be a good friend. Is there someone who needs you to reach out to them? Is there someone you just need to say thank you to?

Finding Joy in Humility

2012-02-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

We usually don't associate joy and humility. Humility is one of those words that has some very negative connotations for us. We think of it as putting ourselves down, allowing others to take advantage of us or simply believing that we should be treated poorly. We would rather be treated as if we are more important than others and often believe that this is what will bring us joy and happiness. Yet the Paul tells us this:

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:5–8)

Paul makes it clear that humility is to characterize Christ-followers. In fact, Paul would tell us that we can and will find joy when we choose humility. We are to follow Christ's example and have the same attitude that He had and be willing to serve others as he did.

What do you think about when you hear the word humility? Can you find joy in humility? Whom can you serve today and treat as being better than you?

Love Intentionally

2011-09-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a teaching series called "Fanning the Flame"-we're addressing the question of How do you Stay in Love and Keep Growing in You Love for each other. Can you do that, is it possible to stay in love with the same person for the rest of your life and not just settle and live together or separate to find someone else?

The answer to that question lies in your understanding of love. Most of us think love is something that happens to us-we fall in love. God, however, has given us a living example of love and it is not something that happens to us but something the we chose to do.

The only way to "stay in Love and Grow in Love" is to LOVE INTENTIONALLY... to chose to love in spite of what the emotions are... to choose to serve the other and put their wants, needs and desires ahead of ours.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4)

"...in humility consider others better than yourselves." Please notice that he does not say they are better than you-only that we are to consider them better. This is the choice we get to make every day.

So, what will you do today to consider those closest to you better than you?

Is It possible???

2011-09-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I began a new series (Fanning the Flame)on relationships-specifically marriage. In a world where most marriages and relationship fall apart, people today want to know is it possible for two people to stay together forever and be happy while doing it.Most people have never seen it happen. Most people have watched as one or both spouses have walked away from each other.

Yet, in spite of all of this, I believe that most people think that it IS possible for two people to stay together and grow in love together and even be happy in the process. They just aren't sure that it can happen to them.

Jesus said:

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4–5)

I believe God has placed that desire and longing within us. And, I believe that it is possible for two people to stay together forever and be happy. Tell me what you think...

Later this week, we'll discuss the key to staying in love-because there really is one.

AreYou A Good Listener?

2011-08-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Someone has said: "Most people only listen while waiting for their turn to speak." That may sound harsh but it certainly has proven to be true a lot of times in my life. It seems that most of us want to be heard more than we want to others. Most if us want to be understood more than we want to understand. We love to talk and hate to listen.

Yet one of the greatest needs of leaders, parents, pastors and others is the need to listen-the need to hear and understand what others are saying. The book of Proverbs is filled with instructions about listening. This week we will focus on what it has to say... Here are a few verses.

If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know. ” (Proverbs 19:27 CEV)

My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time. ” (Proverbs 4:10 CEV)

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. ” (Proverbs 15:31–32)

Here is one thing to do to become a better listener: (we'll talk about more later this week).

Be quiet while someone else is speaking: This is easier said than done.

Get rid of all your distractions-turn off your cell phone, your the tv, ipod or whatever else can get in the way.

Focus all of your attention on the one who is speaking.

Try this: Wait one full second before you even think about responding.

You will be surprised at what you will hear and even at what you will say.

Are you a good listener? What are some things you've learned that help you? let me hear from you..

Your Name Matters...

2011-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know that there are times when it does not matter what people think about us. Times when we choose to go against the popular thing to do the right thing. But Proverbs tells us that a good name or our good reputation matters more than great riches.

We will be known by the way that we live each day, the way that we treat others. People will take notice of the things that we do. The question is this: Will they see us as people who consistently live out what they say they believe? Or, will they see us as just another hypocrite who says one thing and does another?

Your name and my name matters. What do people who live with you, who work with you, who know you think about when they hear your name or mine?

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. ” (Proverbs 22:1)

OVERLOOK IT???

2011-07-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

It happened to me yesterday. I went to a place of business to find out what it would cost to get something fixed. I asked about the cost and how long it would take to get addressed. The man responded with an attitude that caught me by surprise and then walked away from me as if I did not exist. All of a sudden I was faced with what I would do... Can you relate?

All of us make decisions every day about what we will do with the things that have been done to us. Sometimes those things happened a long time ago-sometimes it will happen today. What will you do? What should you do?

There are times when the appropriate thing to do is to address it and do it well. Sometimes the best thing to do is to walk away and over look it.

A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. ” (Proverbs 19:11)

I have to admit that I failed to handle the situation yesterday well. I spoke out of frustration and anger. I did not say a lot but what I said was not said very well. Quite honestly, it was one of those times when I just should overlooked it and let it go. So, today I'm going to seek to be better prepared to do what needs to be done.

What about you? Got anything that you need to overlook and let go?

Keep Quiet...

2011-07-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

All too often we are quick to talk about anything. We pass along our opinions, thoughts and ideas about everything-Politics, Hollywood, Our Neighbors, the President, Congress, the World. We love to tell what we think about it whether we know much about it at all. It's amazing how much we can talk and never really say anything worth listening to.

I realized this as I was having lunch with someone last week. I found myself giving an opinion about a subject that I hardly knew anything about. My lunch partner graciously set me straight on the subject. I felt like a fool...

Some years ago, someone told me that it is better to sit there and be thought a fool than to stand up and speak and remove all doubt. Seems that Proverbs gives us the same advice...

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. ” (Proverbs 17:28)

Maybe I need to say less and learn more. What about you?

You Never Know...

2011-07-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

We often think that we know-we believe that we know-we think that we can look at a person and know what is happening in their life.

Proverbs 14 lets us know that appearances can be deceiving. We look at others and they look so happy and seem to have it altogether. We think they are doing great and we never even stop to consider what they may be going through in their own lives.

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. ” (Proverbs 14:13)

Another ancient saying puts it this way: Be kind for everyone you see is fighting a tough battle.

Today-pay attention to those around you-they may seem to be loving life and having it great, but if you take the time to ask you may find out that, like you, they have some tough issues they are facing. They may be laughing on the outside and dying on the inside. You never know...

Watch Out!

2011-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

There are more verses in Proverbs about the Tongue than any other topic. All of us know the power of the tongue-all of us have said things that we immediately wish we could take back. But, what you say can never be taken back.

A wise man once told me that your tongue does not come with an eraser-once you say it, you can't take it back. My thought for today is WATCH OUT-think about the meetings you have and the people you will see today and Guard your lips...

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

Watch out and you will save yourself and others a lot of pain and heart ache.

TheQuestion for Today. Are you STUPID???

2011-07-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

I know this is probably not the best way to start off this morning. However, here's the verse that got my attention as I was reading Proverbs 12:

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. ” (Proverbs 12:1)

I hate to admit it, but sometimes I am a STOOO-PID man. My first impulse is to react negatively when I am corrected or criticized. Early on in my life, I would always get defensive whenever anyone would try to correct me. I am getting better but still have a long way to.

Someone who loved me once told me that my defensiveness would cause people to stop taking to me about these areas and when they stopped talking, I would stop growing. I got upset when he first told me this, but I have come to realize that he was right. I need to have people talk to me and I need to listen.

I do know that I have learned a lot about myself and have grown tremendously whenever I have listened to others who cared enough to talk to me. I have also learned they are not always 100% correct in what they have to say, but often there is some truth in it that I can learn from. So, I don't want to be a STUPID man-how about you?

How do you respond to correction and criticism? What are you learning? Let me hear from you.

Generosity is the Key...

2011-07-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Reading Challenge for July is the book of Proverbs. I am already behind in blogging some of my thoughts but I'm beginning today through the end of the month.

Solomon tells us in chapter 11 that Generosity is the Key to prosperity and refreshment.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. ” (Proverbs 11:24–25).

I think about those who have given and been generous to me and the way that I have been helped and refreshed by them. I want to be that kind of person as well. I want the Bridge Church to be known for our generosity and willingness to help others. I don't want to be known for withholding but for giving.

So, today I am going to look for opportunities to be generous to those God brings into my life. I want to be generous with my resources, my time and my attention to those who need it.

How have you been helped by the generosity of others? How will you be generous today? How can we become more generous as a Church? I would love to hear from you...

Messy Spirituality

2011-06-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

We are doing this series called Messy Spirituality and are challenging the way that we think about Spirituality. We seem to think that the truly spiritual people are those who have it all together. They always read their Bible, they always pray and always do the the right thing. So, most of think that we can't be very spiritual because our lives aren't like that.... Can you relate?

The reality is that the Bible is filled with men and women whose lives were messy and filled with all kinds of mistakes and sin. They did not have it all together-they were human like the rest of us. But, God moved into their lives and ised their brokenness and mess to do great things and to change their lives.

He still does that for us today. He takes our mess and works in it and through it to change us. Watch this real life story-maybe it will encourage and inspire you... Let me know what you think.

Generosity...

2011-05-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

"Free from the love of money" 1 Tim. 3:3

"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:27

Today, as I met with a group of men we discussed what it means to be generous. Someone has said that being a follower of Christ and generosity are inseparable ideas. I agree-following Christ should make us free from the love of money and stuff-willing to share and give.

Let em share how I have seen generosity demonstrated in the last few days with the people I love a do life with. People gave away over 700 shoes. Another group served and gave food to almost 100 families. Several people worked to clean up an area our kid's playground area. Someone took a guy out so the he could buy groceries. Another gave his time to visit with a sick friend. People gave financially to help us reach this community.

On and on and on I could go. I see generosity all over the place and it makes me ask myself: How can I be generous today?

So, what stories of generosity have you seen lately? I would love to hear from you...

Willingness Matters More than Power

2011-05-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another amazing day at the Bridge Church. Pastor Tim delivered a great message on giving and service. He said some great things but there is one thing that continues to resonate with me.

We think that is it our power and influence that God will use to change the world. And most of us have very little power and influence so we think that we have very little to offer. But, we are wrong.

It is our willingness to be used by God that matters more than any power or influence and even fame or fortune.

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (1 John 3:18)

So, the question for you today is this: Am I willing?

Time To Celebrate...

2011-04-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been wild and crazy here at the Bridge Church. I just want to take a few moments to Celebrate the great week God is doing through the Great People at the Bridge Church.

We have taken on a major painting project in our Kidz Zone Ministry that is 95% complete. Our Food Pantry is helping to provide food for several hundred people each month. We put together over 13,000 Easter Eggs that were given out to over 1,500 people on Saturday. And, our Easter Services reached hundreds of people with the good news that Jesus is Alive and LOVE WINS.

In the process we have seen over 20 people come to Christ and dozens of significant decisions have been made. Lives are being changed. I have to be honest, I am tired and I know that many of you are as well, BUT I am so excited about all that God is doing. Let's never forget why we do what we do-people matter and everyone needs hope!!!

Thanks to each and everyone of you who have been a part of all of this. There is nothing more fulfilling than doing great work with great people. Take some time to celebrate all that God is doing. What a privilege to serve alongside all of you. Love you all...

Forgive them...

2011-04-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Over the next couple of weeks I want to look at the last words Jesus spoke while on the cross. The first is found in Luke...

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

In the last 15 hours Jesus had faced betrayal by a friend, agony in the Garden, being deserted by all of the disciples, three trial in front of the religious leaders of Israel, being denied by Peter, three trials in front of Rome, several beatings, insults and mockery from those he loved and finally he was chosen to be crucified in the place of Barabbas. He then had to walk the path to Golgotha and be nailed to the cross. We can't even begin to imagine all of the pain and agony he felt.

I get bent out of shape if someone says one thing about me that is not true. I get upset if a friend turns against me. I have never had to face any real physical pain that comes close to what Jesus endured-yet I know if I ever had to, I would not deal with it well at all. I don't know about you, but whenever I face tough times my focus gets placed on me and I rarely think of others.

Yet in the middle of all that he was going through-Jesus was thinking and focused on others. His first words from the cross were "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Forgiveness is why Jesus went to the cross and forgiveness was on his heart as he hung there. All of this tells us there is no sin too great, no action so harsh that the grace of God can't reach us and forgive us and give us a new start.

I find great encouragement and hope from these words. I believe that you can regardless of your story. And just maybe, we can also forgive those who had hurt as just as Jesus did. Waht do you think? I'd love to hear from you...

Where to Start...

2011-01-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

As we head into this new year, I want to address some critical issues that keep us from living the life we long to live and the life that God has called us to live. But where do we start????

These issues really have to do with the way that we think than with the way that we live. I am NOT saying that our actions aren't important. They are-but our actions come as a result of what we think and believe.

For as he thinks within himself, so he is… (Prov. 23:7)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. (Rom. 12:2)

The place to start-it is in our thinking.

Over the next few weeks, I will address four major areas that impact the way that we live because of the way we tend to think. (These are the same issues that I am addressing each week The Bridge Church). My prayer is that we will allow God to transform our mind so that we can live a transformed life.

So, this week, we will address: Living with Nothing to Prove....

What are the issues that you face as you head into this year?

What are the changes that you most want to see in you life?

What do you want to be different for you a year from now?

I'd love to hear from you...

So Proud...

2010-12-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

(Wow. I can't believe it has been so long since my last post-way too busy these days.)

I am going to use this post to brag about the people who are a part of the Bridge Church where it is my privilege to serve...

In a down economy and in a state with the largest unemployment in the nation, our people have stepped up their giving in some astounding ways. Many of the people who give have had a very tough year-some have lost their jobs, many have taken pay cuts and many are looking at having far less this year than in other years. Yet, they decided to make giving and sharing a top priority.

We have started a Community Food Pantry that is serving 100's of people. All of this is made possible through the generosity and service of the people here.

Dozens of people have received assistance with rent, utilities and other basic needs through our Benevolence Funds.

Yesterday was an amazing day as people brought dozens of packages and presents to give away to over 100 people in need in our Community. Check out this link. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=258848&id=58282719234

I am so proud to be a part of a group of people who don;t make life about us but about others. I am so proud to be a part of a group of people who believe:

...for God so loved the world that He gave... So, we give!!!

What are you proud of? I'd love to hear from you....

Choosing to Obey...

2010-10-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

I love the opportunity for new experiences. Last week I received a call from a friend who asked if I would baptize her in the river. I was a little surprised by the request because she has been a Christ follower for many years.

As we talked she told me that she had never been baptized publicly since she had committed her life to Christ and felt that it was time for her to do it. She wanted to be obedient to God's leading in her life.

So, yesterday about 20 of us went down to the Truckee River, in the pouring rain, and we witnessed her baptism. I must say that it was a new experience for me to baptize someone in the pouring rain. All of us were wet and cold but it was a great celebration.

I can tell you this, I will never forget this baptism. Partially because of the pouring rain but mainly because of her desire to obey God's prompting in her life. I went away thanking God for her example of obedience. And asking myself, where in my life do I need to choose to obey.

Where in your life do you need to choose to obey today???

Nothing to prove...

2010-08-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being with a group of pastors earlier this week in a meeting with Larry Osborne-Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church. He shared a statement that had been passed on to him.

"You have NOTHING to prove and NO ONE to Impress."

This is something that I know but often forget. As a pastor and a person, I often struggle with living this out. I can get caught up in the following...

Trying to prove my value and worth by what I do.
Believing that the bigger the numbers we have the better pastor I am
Trying to impress people with my speaking skills
Wanting everyone to be okay with every decision we make
Letting some criticism wreck me

This truth is something that I need to be remember all of the time. My value comes from who I am a God's child. He loves me and I don't have to try to prove anything to Him or impress Him with my great abilities. I belong to Him and that is something that no one or nothing can ever take away.

So. today I can relax because "I have nothing to prove and no one to impress." By the way neither do you...

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)

Money, Money , Money... Whose Is It?

2010-08-02T09:33:00.001-07:00

I began a new series yesterday called "Money Matters". I am trying to address some of the basic issues about money that we all face and the truth is that Money Matters to all of us. Money plays such a huge role in our lives and we need to figure out how to handle this issue well.

The most basic issue that we need to answer is the ownership issue. Whose money is it? Who owns it? I work hard for it, I sacrifice a lot of time energy and effort for it. It's mine and I should be able to do with it what I want to. Isn't that the way we normally? I know it is for me. I have struggled a lot with this issue in my life and I've made some bad financial decisions because of it.

King David understood who owned it:

O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. (1 Chronicles 29:16)

Two things to remember:

1. It all comes from God.

2. It all belongs to God.

One of the things that helps me remember this is to constantly ask God how I am to use the resources that He has given to me. I also seek to constantly focus on what I DO have and not on what I DON'T have. So, this week I will take a few moments each day to write down the things that I have that I get to use and enjoy and THANK God for His amazing provision in my life.

What will you do to remember that it is His? I would love to hear from you.

Personal Confession...

2010-07-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have a personal confession to make today. I've been doing a series on the Bible the past couple of weeks. One of the great things about teaching is that not only do you learn more that you teach but you are also reminded of the areas where you need to grow. I have been challenging our people to read the Bible for their own personal growth and relationship with God.

My personal confession is that I find it easy to read the Bible so that I can have something to teach and not necessarily for myself. I can sometimes go for days doing this and I find my personal walk suffering when i do. Can anyone relate to what I'm talking about????

Over the past few weeks as I have been preparing for this series God has helped change that focus. I have made some changes in my schedule and in my attitude to get back on track and this verse is helping to guide me.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

I am taking the first part of my day to get alone with God and spend time in His presence and in His word for me-not for teaching. It's making a difference in my life and I'm loving it. So, the next time you see me ask me how's my personal time with God going? I will do the same with you.

Do it now...

2010-06-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Over the last several day on three different occasions a person or couple has came to mind that I had not seen or thought about for some time. My initial thought was maybe I should stop and contact them now. But I was so focused on my agenda that I just keep plowing ahead. I told myself that I would do it later....

The first time that it happened, I did nothing and forgot about it. But, later, I found out that this person was going through a very difficult time and was feeling very alone. I believe that God was trying to get my attention and wanted me to reach out.

The second time it happened, I told myself that I would deal with it later-but forgot it again.. But this time, my wife brought up the person and so we made contact. I was so glad that we did. This person was a dear friend that we had not talked to for several weeks. We were able to go see her and her husband. She had been battling a long term health issue and it was much worse. Turns out that this was the last time we would get to see her. She has since passed. I was so grateful that my wife was more sensitive than me.

Today, I had the same impression and stopped everything to contact the person. I was able to do so and had a chance to encourage someone who is going through a tough time. I was encouraged by our time together.

Is there someone on your mind right now? Someone you have been thinking about? Maybe you need to stop what you are doing and contact them. My advice is to DO IT NOW-don't wait.

Taking Charge of Me...

2010-06-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

I have been doing some reading today and came across a great line from author/speaker Jim Collins that has given me much to think about. He said,

"Whether you prevail or fail, endure or die, depends more on what you do to your self than on what the world does to you."

This reminds me of the fact that I must take care of myself. I am responsible for what I do with my life. I can't blame others or the circumstances that I face or the world that I'm in if I don't move forward in my walk with Christ and keep growing in my relationship with Him and in my role as a leader. I must take charge of me-no one else can. You must take charge of you-no one else can.

So, these are questions I must ask myself every day, several times a day is this:

What am I doing to take care of myself and keep moving forward? How am i changing both personally and professionally to make a difference? What am I doing to change the world instead of allowing the world to change me?

So, today, I take charge of my time. I take charge of my walk with Christ. I will take charge of my health and exercise. I take charge of my responsibility to keep growing in my life.

What will you do to take charge of You???

You Make A Difference

2010-05-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, you will make a difference today in someone's life. I know it's hard to believe that we actually do make a difference. Most of us are just trying to get by, doing the best that we can and we rarely stop to think about whether or not we make a difference. But, YOU actually do...

You are the SALT of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matt. 5:13)

Salt was extremely valuable and important when Jesus said this. In fact, salt was more valuable than gold in some areas. Why? Because it was used to preserve the food they ate. The presence of salt in the meat and vegetables kept it from spoiling-salt always makes a difference.

So, what difference will you make today or this week? I sometimes think that what I do doesn't matter or that I have to do something spectacular for it to matter. But, I've come to realize that most of the time it's the little things that matter most.

A phone call...
An encouraging email...
Meeting someone for coffee...
Cooking a meal for a family....

This week there are two people that I am going to try to contact to spend some time with them. I am going to reach out to them today and see what God does.

So, what will you do today or this week to make a difference? I'd love to hear from you....

Our Distinguishing Mark

2010-05-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Billions of dollars are spent each year by businesses and individuals trying to "brand" themselves and "distinguish" them from others. What is it the "distinguishing" mark for the Christian? is it the fish on the back of the car? The bumper sticker? Is it our great theology? (And we need to have great theology). None of these are what Jesus talked about. Here's what he said...

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).

We are to love others in the same way that Jesus loved. He is our example of what love should look like in this world. Jesus made it clear that this is what will tell others we belong to Him. Which also means that if we do not love others, they have the right to say that we are not his disciples. Kind of interesting, isn't it? This means that people who do not claim to follow Jesus can say that we do not follow Him if we aren't loving like He did.

So, the question you and I need to answer is this: Are we loving like He loved? Pretty simple to comprehend and yet very difficult to apply. Based upon words, actions and attitudes, what would others have to say about you and me? Would they know we are His disciples or not???

May we love others well as He loved others well....

"Stand Up"

2010-04-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but sometimes I fell like I fall so short of what God wants to do in my life and how God wants to use me. Sometimes I get focused on my weakness and failures and feel that I have very little to offer to God or others. But then God reminds me that He chooses to use those who are weak and broken-those who have failed and will fail again. All He asks of me is to "Stand Up."

Peter had failed Jesus-he had denied him three times and deserted him. Peter had even gone back to fishing-but then He encountered the Risen Lord and Peter's life was changed. Peter was the first one to stand up and speak to the small band of disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:15). Peter was the first one to stand up and speak to the large crowd who had gathered on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14).

God chose to use a weak and broken man-one who had failed miserably. All Peter had to do was "Stand Up". When he did, God did some amazing things.

I wonder what God will chose to do today in my life if I am willing to "Stand UP"? I don't know, but I do know I will never know if I don't "Stand Up". So, today I will "Stand Up". What about you, will you "Stand Up"? Let me know, I'd love to hear what God is up to in your life.

Real Life Change...

2010-04-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I love stories of life change.

I attended a Graduation Event at the Reno/Sparks Gospel Mission last night. All I can say is WOW and Praise God.

Eleven men and women had completed an intense, in-house recovery program that lasts anywhere from 13-16 months. And believe me, it is intense and comprehensive. What a great celebration of Life-change. It reminded me that it's never too late for real life change.

They shared story after story of addictions, ruined lives, guilt, shame and broken relationships that had been transformed by the power of the gospel and the commitment of the mission to address real life issues for everyone. A story of a broken marriage-put back together. A story of a mother who was reunited with her child. Stories of addictions that were broken and lives with no direction or hope filled now with both.

Some shared they came against their own wills and wanted nothing to do with Jesus Christ. Some came because they were at the end of their rope and had nowhere else to turn. Everyone of them talked about how they had encountered Christ and He had changed their lives. That's the power of the gospel.

I can away energized about continuing to preach the gospel and being reminded about the Hope that we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ for our lives to be transformed. Whatever challenges are in front of you, whatever personal battles or addictions you may face today, there is Hope for your life to be transformed by the power of the gospel and there is Hope for those that you love as well.

I don't know about you, but that excites me...

Rocks or You???

2010-03-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

How will you use your voice this week and where will you point others? Each and every day we make choices about what we say and how we will use our voices. We can choose to make a lot of noise about us, about others, the world we live in or the Savior that we know.

All too often I find myself focused too much on me or others or the things going on in our world and saying very little about the Savior that I know and love. I know that my life needs to back up what I say. But there are times that I need to use my words to point others to the one who can bring life.

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds went wild. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to make the crowds stop. Jesus would not and said,

"I tell you if they keep quiet, the stone will cry out." Luke 19:40.

If we don't the the stones will. I don;t know about you, I don't want to be outdone by the rocks on the ground. I want to use my voice to point others to the one who gave His life and rose from the dead so that we could have life.

What will you do??? Will it be the rocks or will it be you???

Significance...

2010-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great discussion with some men this morning about the issue of significance. We all want to make a difference, we all want to do something of value that will last. The question is what does bring significance and value to our lives? What motivates us as we live?

One person has said, "Significance is not possible unless what we do contributes to the welfare of others." Jesus emphasized the same point when he said,

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

If this is true, then the question we must ask is this--How am I making a difference in
the lives of others? Am I serving others or am I really trying to get them to serve me? But, let's be honest, sometimes it is hard to know if this is happening or not.

As a pastor, it is much easier for me to measure my significance by things like:

Are more people coming today than last week?

Are we meeting our budget?

Are our small groups growing?

How many positive emails do I get as opposed to negative ones?

When I do this, I find myself getting too focused on me and what I am doing and I also drive myself crazy. I do believe significance is measured by my willingness to serve others. Maybe I should ask:

Whom did I seek to serve today?

How did I respond to the one who interrupted my schedule?

What sacrifices did I make to meet the needs of someone else?

So, what do you think? How do you measure significance in your life? When you go to bed at night, how do you know if you've truly made a difference in someone's life?

I'd love to hear from you...

Talk is Cheap-Take Action...

2010-03-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

I am always challenged by God's Word as I teach God's word. Last week we dealt with James 2:14-26. It is so easy to get up and talk about something and so challenging to put it into practice. James emphasizes that real faith will always take action and not just talk.

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)

In the middle of my study last week, I received an email from a friend who was very upset with me. I had promised I would do something for him several months ago and I have not done it. My first thought was to be mad about what he was saying. Then I thought, I have plenty of reasons why I have not followed through...

I have been very busy.

He never followed up with me.

I simply forgot about it.

All are true, but none of them really matters. The truth is that I made a promise and have done nothing. As I think about it, I do that more often that I would like to admit. I say...

I will pray for you...

I will call you...

Let's get together for coffee...

And I never take action. Once more I am reminder that it's not what I say that matters, it's what I do...

So, today I am going to pick up the phone and call my friend and begin to take action on what I said. What action do you need to take today???

R U Lstening???

2010-02-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest challenges that most people face is "Listening Well." At least once a week something happens that reminds me of the fact that I still have a long way to go on this one. On some level, I take comfort in the fact that this is not a new problem. It's one that the early church needed to deal with as well...

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

Here are a few things that I am trying to focus on to get better:

Give my full and complete attention to the person: Turn off the cell phone, close my computer, turn off the tv, etc.
I listen more and talk less. (This is a tough one for me because I have so much to say)
I ask a lot of question to make certain I am understanding.
I take notes.
I make certain I follow up if needed.

These things are helping me but I still fall short of where I want to be...

Do any of you have any suggestions that help you become a bteer listener that might help me as well? I'd love to hear from you...

How Do You Identify Yourself?

2010-02-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new teaching series this weekend called "Life: Some Assembly Required" from the book of James. It's a great book with a lot of wisdom about how to live your life and I'm so excited about teaching it.

But there is one thing that jumps out at me in James 1:1 and it's the way that James identifies himself to his readers...

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (James 1:1)

He calls himself a SERVANT of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is quite amazing when you know who James really is. You see James is the brother of Jesus.

“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? (Matt. 13:55)

Now if I had been writing this letter, I know what I would have said. I would have said, "Hey, my name is James and I am the brother of Jesus. I grew up with him. I got to see things you don't know about. I did not always get along with Him and I did not believe He was the Messiah. But, He appeared to me after His death and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7) and I've been convinced ever since. So, since Jesus is my brother, you can trust what I am about to tell you because I am speaking with experience and authority."

BUT, James did not do this. He never tells us anything about his background nor about his family. He simply says, I am a SERVANT of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This makes me think about how I identify myself. Sometimes I want people to know who I am and who I know. I want people to think more highly of me because of who I am..I say thinks like ...

I am a pastor and I studied at...

I am the Senior Pastor at the Bridge Church

I know so and so...

I am a husband

I am a father, etc. etc..

All of this is true, but perhaps the best way to identify myself is to simply say:
I am a SERVANT of God and the Lord Jesus Christ... Maybe if I were to do this it would help me keep the right focus about who I really am and who needs to be in the spotlight. I don't know.

Tell me, what do you think??? How do you identify yourself?

What Breaks Your Heart?

2010-01-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading a book that is challenging me on so many levels. The title is "The Hole in our Gospel", by Richard Stearns president of World Vision. The book tells of his journey and how God called him from a very lucrative CEO position in the business world to lead the ministry of World Vision.

He quotes Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision, who challenged others to pray with him, "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."

I believe that God's heart is broken over the suffering and injustice that many face in our world today. God's heart is broken as we become more and more insensitive to the cries of the poor, those suffering from AIDS, malaria, TB and other diseases simply because of a lack of drugs that we take for granted. God's heart is broken over the more than 26,000 children who die each day from starvation and the preventable diseases that are related to their poverty.

God is breaking my heart over the needs of the poor, the unemployed and those who are suffering in my own city of Reno where 95% of those living here are unchurched and thousands are unemployed and finding it more and more difficult to provide for their families. Jesus said...

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

The gospel requires that we do more than just preach the truth, we must act to help alleviate the suffering in this world. Our hearts be broken for those in need. I don't know what all that means for me today, nor for the Bridge Church that I am called to lead. But I do know that doing nothing is not an option. We are responding more today to the physical needs of those around us. We are helping to assist the local mission here, we are working with an organization that helps teen-age mothers and we are partnering with a local food bank. But, I believe that we are called to do more and trust that God will direct as as we seek Him and pray that we will be obedient to His call.

So, let me ask you: What breaks your heart and what are you doing about it?

Christmas means HOPE...

2009-12-23T11:46:00.001-08:00

Hope is the word that comes to my mind when I think of Christmas. Hope that says we are not alone and forgotten. Hope that says God loves and pursues. Hope that says God gives a Savior who came for everyone. Jesus Christ came to bring Hope for all of us.

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

I know that 2009 has been a very tough year for many. Maybe, it has been tough because of the economy, because of difficult relationships or because of challenging health issues or for dozens of different reasons. Regardless of your situation, there is Hope for you. Hope because God sent His son into the world that we might live through Him.

I don't know about you but I am putting my Hope in the one who came to rescue me. My hope is that you will do the same...

Reflection...

2009-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

Due to the generosity of the great people at the Bridge Church, Kim and I were able to get away for a few days last week. Thank you so much!!! We had some great time together and it was a blast. I am definitely married to the greatest lady ever.

An added benefit for me was some additional time to read, reflect and refocus on my relationship with Christ. I have been going so fast trying to do so many things for the past few months that I realized that even my time with the Lord has been rushed. I have lost out as a result. I become worried and focused on many things and rush through my time with Him.

The Lord reminded me that He is not rushed, He is not in a hurry and the He longs for me to be with Him just as I long to be with my wife and family. My tendency is to be like Martha and not Mary-a passage that I spoke on the Sunday before my time away where Jesus made it clear that only one thing is needed.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

As we move into the busy rush of Christmas-my commitment is to take time to stop everything and reflect on my relationship with Christ and His love for me. What about you???

Celebration...

2009-11-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

This word is one that I am thinking about a lot this week. I have so much to celebrate in my life at this time.

-I am celebrating one year of ministry here at the Bridge Church. I am so grateful to be here with so many amazing people who love God, each other and want to share the love and hope they have in Christ with this community and city. Thanks for the privilege of doing life together.

-I am celebrating new life. We have several people who will be baptized this Sunday. I never get over the transforming power of the gospel. May we be faithful to continually proclaim it.

-I am celebrating the fact that I work with a great staff and leadership team who love each other and are willing to do whatever it takes to reach a lost and dying world.

-I am celebrating God's faithfulness to provide for His ministry, for my life and for my family. God is SO GOOD!!!

-Finally, I am celebrating the fact that I can to take a couple of days off this week to be with my family and give Thanks for all that God has done and is doing in our lives. I am looking forward to slowing down a little to do this.

So, I'm curious. What are you celebrating this week? I'd love to hear from you.

Your Greatest Need!

2009-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of our new series called Turning Point. A Turning Point is when you come face to face with a new truth or idea that you have to make a choice about-you have to decide what you are going to do with it. You can choose to ignore it or reject and keep on living as you are or you can embrace it and allow this new truth to begin to change your life.

Many people came to turning points in their lives as they came face to face with Jesus. They had to decide what to do with some new truth or idea that they had never considered.

This week we are going to look at Mark 2:1-12 and talk about "Our Greatest Need". Four friends brought their friend who was paralyzed to Jesus so that He would heal him. But instead of healing Him, this is what happened.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
What do you think the four friends are thinking? What is going through the mind of the man who was paralyzed? Why would Jesus forgive the man instead of healing Him?

What is the point Jesus is trying to make? Maybe he is emphasizing that his real need is not what he thinks it is. Is is possible that what we think we really need is not what we actually need? Is it possible that the things that we want the most are rarely the things that we need the most? Maybe our real need is forgiveness and maybe once we understand that, then everything else looks different.

So, tell me what you think? What do you most people think is their greatest need today? Would they or you agree with Jesus?

"What Women Wish Men Knew About Women" Part One

2009-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

It doesn't take a degree in psychology to see that men and women are very different in hoe they view life and they ways in which they interact. It is the wise man who seeks to develop a greater understanding of that difference when it comes to his wife and the other women in his life. Over the next few days, I will address a few areas from the message that I did on Sunday that I believe will help men better understand and relate to women.

Women Need Thoughtful Affection:

Women want to have a sense of closeness and connection with their husbands. They want to know that they are number one in their life and that they are on their minds. Gary Smalley in his book "Love is A Decision" says there are at least five ways to communicate affection to your wives:

1. Words of Affirmation: Never underestimate the amazing power of positive and affirming words in your relationship.

2. Quality Time: Means exactly what it says that you set aside time in your calendar and schedule to spend quality time with her. I believe that you need to find a way to do this for a few minutes each day if at all possible and then you find a way once a week to have extended time together.

3. Gifts - flowers, cards,candy etc. These gifts don’t have to be large ones-in fact sometimes the small ones matter the most. Gifts are just one way of telling her how much you love and appreciate her.

4. Physical displays (touch). Hugs, holding hands, etc. And, I would add non sexual physical touch.

5. Acts of Service - helping around the house, washing the dishes, cooking dinner, taking out the trash, etc.

Take some time this week to discuss this area with the women in your life and find out what they have to say about this area of their life. Tell me what you think. I'd like to hear from you.

Communication

2009-09-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

One of the biggest challenges we all face in our relationships is the issue of communication. The average person speaks enough words in one year to fill 66 books, 800 pages long. Most men speak about 15,000- 20,000 words a day. The average woman 30,000 words a day. We are a nation of talkers who say a lot but not a lot of communication takes place.

You and I possess a great power that we seldom think about:

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Prov. 18:21).

Think about this: When it comes to COMMUNICATION:

7% is what you say

38% is how you say it

55% is your Body Language

My biggest challenge in communication is LISTENING... I must listen more than I speak, I must listen before I speak and I must seek to understand before I am understood.

So, how are you doing when it comes to communication? What will you focus on as you interact with your family, friends and others today? I would love to hear from you on this...

Designed to Connect

2009-09-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

We began our RE-L8 series yesterday on relationships. The first message addressed "Why Relationships Matter."

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Gen. 1:26-27)

Relationships matter because of our design. God is a relational God who created us to be relational people. I am learning more and more the value of relationships and the need to make them a priority in my life. Relationships don't just happen, they occur when we make them a priority in our lives.

For the next few days, I am going to talk about the ways that we are designed for relationships. First of all, we are designed to connect. We are created to connect in relationships with God and each other. When we have no connection we experience loneliness and life loses meaning.

Learning to connect with others is vital for us to have the kind of life that we are designed to have. Connecting is something that takes time and attention in our lives. In order to connect with God and those we love, we must be intentional about focusing on them and getting to know them. We spend time with them and learn about them and allow them to learn about us.

So, I ask, how are your connections? Are you growing in your relationship with God and the people around you? What will you do today that allows you to deepen those connections?

My Greatest Passion...

2009-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from an amazing Leadership Conference and have been energized and reminded of the great needs that are all around us and the great calling that we have to be involved in making a difference in this world. We have a message of God's Grace-a message that gives HOPE to those who hear and respond.

Paul committed his entire life to communicating this message of God's Grace. Communicating God's Grace is what mattered most to him and it was something that he was willing to die for and ultimately did. This was Paul's greatest passion.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

(Ac 20:24).

So, I've been asking myself: What is my greatest passion? What fuels my heart, what gets me up in the morning? What wakes me up in the middle of the night? I want that kind of passion for my life. This is what truly matters most in this life. I want that kind of passion for the people of the Bridge Church. I want this message to continually change me and to change the world in which I live. The message of God's Grace and hope is the message that is and will the focus of my life and of this church. May we be as passionate about living it and communicating it as Paul was.

The needs are great and the stakes are high. Why? Because every person matters to God. Every person needs to know about His grace and the Hope that comes through Jesus Christ. That is the reason why we are here.

So, I ask, what is your greatest passion????

Him More, Me Less...

2009-07-20T09:57:00.001-07:00

I know that none of you can relate to this and that I should not admit it, but I can spend a lot of time thinking of ways to make myself look good and wanting to be the center of attention. After all I am pretty good...

I can spend a lot of time comparing myself to others and thinking of ways that I am better than they are. I can spend a lot of time thinking about how much better we do ministry than other churches. I can spend a lot of time and energy thinking about the best way to grow this church and advance the cause of Christ and if I am not careful, my real motive is that i want to make me look good.

So, whenever I read John 3:22-30 and listen to what John the Baptist had to say, I realize that I still have a long way to go in my walk with Christ. John had built up a great reputation and a big following of disciples. Many were coming out to hear him until Jesus came on the scene. All of a sudden John took a back seat to all of this.

Some of John's disciples were concerned that many were leaving John to follow Jesus. Perhaps they thought this would be an issue for their friend. John, on the other hand, was handling all of this quite well. John knew what his role was and was quite happy to fulfill that role and was able to celebrate all that Jesus was doing and he even encouraged people to follow him. John said...

He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)

John's role was to point people to Jesus and trust God with the rest. That is what I want for my life. I want Jesus to become great and for me to become less. Pray for me to let this be the focus of my life. I will pray that it be the focus for you as well. If this is what we do as His church, then we will accomplish His purpose for our lives...
He must become greater; I must become less.

God Knows...

2009-07-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Once more, I am reminded that God knows me inside and out and He still loves me and forgives me. Luke makes all of this clear as he relates what happens with Peter on the night that Jesus was arrested.

Earlier that evening Peter had declared his devotion to Jesus even if it meant that he would have to die.

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:33-34).

I love Peter because I can relate to him. He was so certain that he would stand firm and not fall away even though Jesus said that he would do so. You would think this would make Peter more aware of his actions, but he got caught up in what was happening and allowed his fear and insecurities to take over. He did exactly as Jesus had said he would.

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62).

Peter failed and when Jesus looked at him, he lost it. I believe that in that moment Jesus communicated to Peter that He still loved him and forgave him.

As I seek to follow Christ in my life there are still times when I blow it, when i fail and do something I should not do or fail to do something that I should. It is at these time that I need to be reminded that He knows all about me and yet he still loves me.

I am not saying we should excuse our sin and failure. I am saying that we need to remember that we have a Savior who knows we will do so and yet he still loves and forgives. I need to do this and maybe you need to as well...

"What Do YOU want?"

2009-07-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

In our reading this morning, I was stuck by the fact that Jesus asked the same question on two different occasions in Mark 10.

“What do you want me to do for you?”

He first asked it of James and John who wanted Him to give them the honored positions of sitting beside Him when He set up His kingdom. They felt that they were important enough to be there, By the way, Jesus said that is not a request that I can grant. That responsibility belongs to someone else. And the other disciples were upset because they all felt they deserved to be in those positions.

The next time he asked it of Bartimaeus who was blind. Bartimaeus quickly responded that he wanted to see and that he believed Jesus could do that. And, Jesus did. He healed his eyes so that he could see.

Why did Jesus grant one request and not the other? Maybe the issue has to do with what we really want. So, maybe Jesus is asking me: What do you want me to do for you? That is a question the I will be thinking about today as I help to lead a funeral service, as I prepare for Sunday and even as I think about our celebrating our country’s independence tomorrow. I think I want Jesus to help us remember a dear saint who loved Him and loved His church. I also want Jesus to be the center of our worship on Sunday and I want to thank God for our freedom and I want to Honor Him with my life today and not focus on me-which i can easily do.

I think Jesus is asking you: “What do you want me to do for you?” What is your response? I would love to hear from you. Have a blessed and safe 4th of July weekend.

My Highest Priority...

2009-06-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

This has been one of those weeks. You know, the kind that is filled with things that happen which were not on your daily planner or my to do list. Many of them important things and others just could not be avoided. .

These kinds of weeks can be very frustrating for me because I like to get things done. I admit that I am a driven person and I like to keep moving forward. Sometimes my highest priority becomes getting thing s done. So, today I came in ready to change the world. As I spent some time praying and following the Summer Bible Reading Plan that many at the Bridge are following, God reminded me of my Highest Priority.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

(Mt 22:37-40).

Today, my highest priority is not to focus on things that make me look good or even advance the mission of this church to make it look good here and in the city. I am not to try to please people and get them to like me. I am not to focus on getting a lot of things checked off my to do list. My Highest Priority today is the same as it is every day: Loving God and Loving People... Getting things done is important and necessary, but Loving God and Loving People must be the priority in all that I do.

Faith or Fear... Which Will it be Today?

2009-06-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

This morning as I was in my time with God, I came across a passage that I can so relate to. Maybe this is an issue for you as well.

Then he (Jesus) got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27).

The disciples had seen Jesus do so many amazing things and then when something happens that they were not anticipating they allow fear to take over their lives. I find myself doing the same thing several times in my day when something happens that I was not anticipating. It could be...

...an unexpected phone call

...an appointment with someone that does not go the way I was thinking

...a higher than expected bill

...an unexpected response from a friend

...changes in our world

You name it, it can be almost anything that can cause me to respond in fear. Yet, I know that I can trust Jesus to take care of each and every moment of my life. He always has and always will. SO the big question for me today is: Fear or Faith: Which one will drive me as I face whatever comes my way today? I'll let you know how it goes.

Are you getting into it?

2009-06-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we started a new teaching series "God I Gotta Question". We are dealing with some of the big questions that people have about the Christian faith for the next few weeks. The question for yesterday was "Can I Really Trust the Bible?" . (You can listen to the message or get the notes by clicking on this link.)

The Bible is, by far, the most unique book in all of human history. It was written over a period of 1,400 years, by over 40 different authors from very walk of life. It was written on three different continents in three different languages. Rulers and nations have tried to destroy it. Many have given their lives so that you and I can have access to it in a language that we can understand.

The Bible still remains the number one best seller each year. There are over 7 billion copies of the Bible in existence today. The United Bible Society distributed over 278,000,000 copies of all or portions of the Bible in 2007. It has been translated in to over 2,500 languages. Most of you reading this today have several different translations of the Bible in your homes.

For me, the big question for most of us not do I trust it or believe it, but am I getting into it and allowing God to speak to my life and change me? So, I simply ask: Are you getting into it today? If not , why not pick it up right now?

My Top Five Percent...

2009-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am away this week on a personal retreat for study, planning, prayer and reflection. It's always hard to force myself to stop and get away for these, but when I do, I am reminded that I must do it more often.

I am reading a book by Wayne Cordeiro tilted, "Leading on Empty". It's a great book about our need to slow down and take time to refill our tanks and renew our passion.

In one of the chapters, he made some interesting statements. He said that 85% of what we do could be done by almost anyone else. 10% of what we do could be done by someone else with a little bit of training and education. But, only 5% of what we do can be done only by us. Pretty humbling to think as about, isn't it?

I have been giving a lot of thought to these statements over the last couple of days and I believe that he is correct. His point is that we must make certain that we take care of the top 5% of our lives first, if we don't do it, no one else can and no one else will.

So,as I have spent some time thinking, here are my top 5% that I must take responsibility for each and every day... These must get by best time and not my left over time.

1. A growing and vibrant personal relationship with Christ.
2. A genuine, healthy and authentic relationship with my wife and children.
3. Leading a God-honoring, Christ-centered ministry.
4. Taking responsibility for a physically healthy body and a creative mind.
5. Taking time to enjoy life with family and friends.

So, what do you think? What is it that you are doing that only you can do? What are your Top Five Percent? I'd love to hear from you...

Celebration...

2009-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have come to realize that I need to take more. I get so focused on what needs to be done that I rarely stop to celebrate what has happened. This week I realized that I have something significant to celebrate. Kim and I have now been at the Bridge Church for 6 months. The time has flown by. I am celebrating because God brought us to this amazing church to these amazing people in this amazing city. I am also celebrating because God is doing a great work in this place and I am thankful to be a part of it.

Tomorrow is a day of Celebration for us at the Bridge. We are celebrating new life in Christ as we have several people who will be Baptized and we are celebrating Communion together. we are taking some time to pause, remember and celebrate our God and the things that He is doing in our lives. It will be a blast.

So, are you taking the time to pause and remember? What are you celebrating in your life? I would love to hear from you.

Glimpses fuel me...

2009-05-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Life has been very busy over the last couple of weeks and I have had the opportunity to have some new experiences for me that have allowed me to catch a glimpse of God at work in some amazing ways. And I find my passion for God being fueled as I think about them. Here are just a few of those glimpses...

Last week, I had me first Memorial Service here at the Bridge Church. A dear saint who had walked with the Lord for over 60 years passed from this life into God's presence. We had a great celebration of her life. I loved hearing stories from the many people whose lives were touched by her faith.

We are in the process of looking for a home to buy and things have changed so much since we last did this that it is an entirely new and challenging experience for us. But God has provided a great Realtor to help us in this process. And we are catching glimpses of God as He closes some doors and opens others.

Then, last night we had an international experience with God's hand all over it. A couple from China cooked an authentic Chinese dinner for me and Kim and another couple from our church. The couple from China have been here for a year teaching at UNR (the University of Nevada here in Reno). They will return home in a few weeks. The food was amazing but the conversation was even better. They asked several questions about Christ and what it means to follow Him. I caught another glimpse of God as He is at work in their lives drawing them to Him.

These experiences, these glimpses of God are fueling my passion for Him.

How have you seen God recently in your life? What glimpses of Him are fueling your life today? I'd love to hear about them...

We need each other ...

2009-05-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

I love being a pastor and am so thankful that God has called to it. I love the people of the Bridge Church and living here in the Reno-Tahoe area. It just doesn't get any better than this.

But this has been one of those weeks where I have felt overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. I have met with several people who are facing some very big challenges in their lives. I have also heard some stories of things that have brought tears to my eyes. It seems people are hurting now more than ever. Some are in pain because of mistakes they have made, some because of the mistakes of others and some because of the condition of our world.

There are hurting people all around us. In fact some of you reading this can relate on a personal level. We all can.

All of this reminds me that we desperately need each other. We need people in our lives who know us and love us. People who will reach out to us and will be available for us. People who will walk with us.

Today, I encourage you to reach out. Make yourself available to those around you. You never know what will happen in your life or in theirs as you do.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

What do you think?

Plans...

2009-04-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that we all make our plans and, we should make our plans, but then we think that we will be able to accomplish whatever it is we set out to do. Then life happens and our plans seem to be stopped. We don't know what to do and we find it hard, almost impossible, to make adjustments.

Maybe what is happening is that God has his plans and He has another thought in mind for us-a thought that has never entered into our minds. This is what happened to Saul in Acts 9.

Saul is adamantly against the Christians. He has made plans to disrupt what they are doing and he believes that he is doing God's work. But, then, God steps in and changes everything. He stops what Saul is doing and actually redirects Saul's life to accomplish the plans that God has for him.

God does this. He stops us and changes things whenever he wants to in whatever way that he wishes to. That is what I think I need to remember. God will accomplish His plans and he may even change my plans today to do this. God has done this in my life more than I can count. And, he may do it again this week.

Do you find yourself at a place where your plans are not working? Are you in a situation that you never thought you would be in-but you are? Maybe, just maybe God has something different in mind for you and maybe it's in these situations that we most need to look up and ask Him for our next step. Whose plans are driving your life today?

Think 5 to 1

2009-04-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

This week I have been doing a lot of thinking about marriages and relationships. Partially because of the message I am working on, some counseling I am doing and a couples date night. I am constantly amazed and reminded at the power of words in our lives.

There are two interesting verses from Ephesians that deal with how we use our tongues and the power of our words.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)

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

We are to be people who are willing to speak the truth to each other. But, we must do it in a manner that is best for the person we are talking to. Many of us grew up in an environment where we heard many more negative words than positive ones. We must learn how to balance this in our lives.

In the book, How Full is Your Bucket, the authors reference a study by psychologist John Gottman who suggests the 5 to 1 ratio. Gottman found that marriages are significantly more likely to succeed when the couples interaction are close to 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative comments and emotions. (page 55).

In fact, Gottman teamed with two mathematicians to test this. They recruited 700 couples who were just married and video-taped a 15 minute conversation between the husband and wife. They counted the number of positive to negative interactions between the couple during that time and then predicted whether or not each couple would stay together or get divorced.

Ten years later they followed up with each couple. The results were stunning: 94% of those they had predicted would be divorced were. All of this based upon a 15 minute interaction.

As you think of relationships: your marriage, your children and family, your workplace and church: think 5 to 1. We must be people who are looking for ways to encourage each other as well as challenge. It appears that people thrive and change when there is an environment that gives 5 positive comments to every negative one. What would happen if we all thought 5 to 1?

Tell me what you think...

Authentic Christ-Centered Community

2009-04-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we are continuing our series "Unstoppable Becoming the Church God Intends."

Our focus will be "Authentic Christ-Centered Community". We live in a world, particularly here in America, where we have a "what's in it for me" attitude and unfortunately that same attitude is often what we have when it comes to the church. We want a place that focuses on what I want instead of looking for a place where I can help focus on others. But that is not what the church is to do.

An authentic Christ-centered community is what God has called the church to be. A place where Christ is the center and focus and the needs of others matter more than what I want. A place where we love and serve Him and each other. And, when we do, we find life and we give it away and we watch God grow us up and grow His church. This is the attitude that I want to have and the kind of church that I want to be apart of and the kind of church that God intends to build. What kind of church are you looking for?

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)

An Authentic Christ-Centered Community will be Unstoppable...

Great Celebration...

2009-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was an amazing celebration at the Bridge Church. This was my first Easter with you here and I am so thankful for the privilege to work and serve alongside a group of people who truly love Jesus and want to impact lives for the kingdom.

On Saturday we were packed with hundreds of children, parents, grand parents and volunteers at our first ever Community Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks so much to the dozens of volunteers who served with glad and willing hearts. You all are amazing. Next year, we will have to move it to the park.

Sunday, both services were packed and everyone was at their best. Our greeters were ready to meet and assist the hundreds who came.

Our Childrens' workers made Easter an exciting celebration for kids.

The worship and tech team was absolutely amazing, it was the best I've ever heard them.

Tim's drama impacted many people.

Also, there were dozens of people who made decisions for Christ and a commitment to reconcile broken relationships. Praying for all of you.

I was able to interact with many new people who felt warmly welcomed and encouraged by being there. It was evident that God was at work.

Let's keep it up. Let's remember the power of the resurrection to transform our lives everyday. let's continue to reach out and share this life with those around us. Let's celebrate Jesus everyday of our lives.

Proud to be here and to serve the Savior with you... We have much to celebrate!!!

Day 21: You have a mission...

2009-04-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest truths about the fact that Jesus has risen is that it means we get a new start, a new beginning a do over.

Peter found this out. He had denied Jesus three times on the night that Jesus was arrested. He felt that his life was over. He felt that there was no hope. He thought that he had blown it so badly that Jesus would not want him and definitely would not have anything for him to do. This was not true.

Jesus met with him and some other disciples for breakfast one morning and Peter got the shock of his life. Jesus still had a mission for him to accomplish.

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:17)

The resurrected Lord still had a purpose and mission for Peter. Peter, the one who had denied him, still mattered to Jesus and still had work to do.

You matter to Jesus-regardless of what you have done. You matter to Jesus, he still has a purpose for your life today. You have something to accomplish that matters for eternity.

Take up that purpose and let that be what motivates you today and every day for the rest of your life.

Day 20: He Is Alive!

2009-04-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

The sorrow of the disciples and those who followed Jesus turned to joy on the first day of the week. They went to the tomb and found that it was empty. But more than that, Jesus showed up in the room where they were meeting.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20)

They were overjoyed when they SAW the Lord.. What an understatement.

Can you imagine what it would heave felt like to have seen him that day? If you had been there. Followed him. Believed in him. Trusted him. Watched him die. Saw the tomb where he was laid. Lived in fear for the past few days thinking you may be next.

Now, he is in the room with you. Now he is alive...

Then he shows up seven days later so that Thomas could see and believe. And it was at that time that he spoke about me and you...

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God! Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:26-29)

...blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

God's blessings come to those who have not seen and yet believe. I believe today because of the testimony of those who saw him. I believe today because of the witness of history. I believe today because of my changed life.

He is alive and I celebrate. I have hope for today and tomorrow. I believe life can be different. That relationships can be reconciled. That sins can be forgiveness. That you and I can start all over.

I believe because Jesus demonstrated that he is who he said he is. The resurrection proves it and life will never be the same.

So, today, tell someone. Today celebrate and remember.

Day 19: It's Friday But Sunday's Coming...

2009-04-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. ³⁴Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. (John 19:33-34)

It's Friday and Jesus is dead.

Today is the day that we call Good Friday. Have you ever wondered why we call it that? Here's what took place on Good Friday.

Jesus had been arrested.

He went through 6 mock trial overnight.

He was beaten and mocked.

The same crowd that worshiped Him on Palm Sunday now cries crucify Him.

He carried His cross-stumbling and falling. Needing help to carry it up that hill.

He was nailed to the cross and hung between two thieves.

His clothes were gambled away.

He hung there for 6 long, excruciating hours.

He died there before either of the thieves.

They took Him off that cross and laid Him in Joseph's tomb.

And, we call this good. If we had been there and was one of his disciples, I don't think we would have called it good. It would have been horrible, painful and devastating. We would not have thought it was good.

We call it good because we know that Sunday is coming. Today, all hope seems lost. Today all dreams are gone. Today Jesus is dead. But, today is not the end of the story. Sunday is coming.

Today is not the end of your story. Maybe today everything seems hopeless for you. It is not. Remember Sunday is coming. Resurrection is only a few hours away. New life and hope are just around the corner. Hang on. It's Friday but Sunday's Coming...

I can"t wait for Sunday. How about you???

Day 18: A Willing Servant...

2009-04-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

The situation becomes more tense for Jesus and his disciples. Judas betrays Jesus and brings those who wish to arrest Him. Peter is more than ready to fight for His friend but this is not what Jesus plans to do:

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? (John 18:10-11)

Jesus is fully committed to following through with the Father's wishes for Him. He surrenders himself to the soldiers and is taken into custody. He begins a long night of trails-going back and forth between Annas and Caiaphus and ultimately standing before Pilate. In everything that happened, He was a willing servant to it all. He never sought to defend Himself or to get out of what they were doing.

Jesus surrendered to all of this because of His love and commitment to His Father and to us. He is ready to suffer and die so that we might live. He is arrested late on Thursday night and it is now early Friday morning and it is all about to begin.

Jesus willingly followed God's plan for His life. May I do the same...

Day 17: What Matters Most...

2009-04-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

You can tell a lot about a person and their values when they know the end is near. The things that matter most become the things that they talk about. Jesus knew that he would be arrested, tried and crucified all within a few short hours.

So, what does he talk about? What is on his mind? He prays. But he does not focus on his situation. Instead he focuses in his disciples and on us.

What does he pray for? Take a look....

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)

He prays that we, those who believe in Him, may be one. He prays that we demonstrate and display unity to let the world know that the Father had sent him and that the Father loves us.

At this moment, Jesus is not focused on the pain and hell that he will face on the cross. Instead, he is focused on the one thing that he knows will matter most in the end and will be the most difficult to accomplish: UNITY.

Unity is what matters most to Jesus right before the end comes. Unity must matter to us. May we work hard to demonstrate to the world who Jesus is and who we are by the way that we treat each other. We are ONE with each person or group who embrace the Savior. We are not in competition with anyone.

We focus on how we are different. Jesus said we should focus on how we are alike.

As we approach Easter Sunday, let us remember that we are part of what God is doing in this world. We have a message of life and hope to proclaim because we know a Risen Savior. We are one with the Father because of Jesus and one with each other. May we focus on what matters most and display unity with one another.

Day 16: Take Heart...

2009-04-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus gives us two promises in this verse. One that I like and one that I don't like so much. First of all, he makes it clear that I can have peace regardless of what is happening because of him. Then, he says that i can expect to experience trouble in this world-that is just the nature of this place. But there is something that I can do about that...

I can TAKE HEART because he has overcome the world. And since he has overcome the world, I can also.

Today, I choose to TAKE HEART. I don't have to allow the troubles that come to dictate my attitudes and actions. I can choose to have a positive outlook because I know that regardless of whatever I may face today it is temporary.

This week as I look to Easter morning and the resurrection, I know that he has overcome all of it and since I belong to him, I TAKE HEART!

Will you?

Day 15: Staying Connected...

2009-04-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest challenges is staying connected to God. I love to get things done. Like a lot of other people, I like being busy. I want to do things that matter in people's lives and honor God. There are always things that I want to accomplish and do.

The problem with that mindset is that I can get have so many things to do that I start to rely on me to get it done and not trust in Him. I move from one thing to next without ever stopping to think about it. There are times when I get a lot done but then realize that what I have done does not make a real difference in the lives of others. God's power and blessings are not there. It was all a real waste of time.

You see. my power source comes from staying connected to Him. It comes from remaining and trusting in Him.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

Jesus said " ...apart from me you can do nothing."

I think what Jesus means is that apart from Him I cannot do anything that truly matters for people or for Him.

I want to do things that matter.

I want to focus on accomplishing meaningful tasks.

I want to make a difference in people's lives.

I want to honor God with what all I do.

I can only do these but staying connected to Him. With Easter coming up, there are a lot of things that I need to and want to do. My first commitment though and greatest focus needs to be staying connected to Him. Please pray that I will do it and I will pray that you will also...

Day 14: Not Alone...

2009-04-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

One of the worst feelings in the world is when you feel all by yourself, when you feel that no one knows and no one cares and you feel ALONE.

In a world with over 6.5 billion people, how can we be alone, how can we feel alone. Yet, we often do.

This, I believe, is also one of our greatest fears. We are afraid to be alone. When we struggle we feel like we are the only one and we are on our own.

I believe that Jesus understood this about us. He knew that one of the reasons his disciples did not want him to leave was because they would feel alone, abandoned. But, he made it clear that after he left, the Holy Spirit would come and not only be with them, but in them.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18)

So, no matter how I feel or what others do, I am not alone. God, himself, lives within me through the Holy Spirit to comfort me, empower me and remind me that I am His. I am NOT ALONE!!!

Day 13: The key to happiness..

2009-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hope you are getting as much out of John as I am...

People are looking everywhere to find the key to what will bring lasing happiness for their lives. We often think that we will find happiness and meaning for our lives by focusing on us. Jesus makes it completely clear, both by words and actions that happiness and meaning comes as we are willing to "wash each other's feet". As we are willing to serve others and put their needs ahead of us.

Jesus knew that he only had a few more hours left on this earth. He knew that in less than 24 hours, he would be dead. So, how does he choose to spend his last evening with his disciples? He chooses to be their servant and wash their dirty, stinking feet.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John13:12-17)

So, the key to happiness, to being blessed is to be found by serving others. We find our lives by being willing to give it away.

Father, today may I serve others and give my life away.

Day 12: For God's Glory...

2009-04-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

John 12 tells us what takes place on Palm Sunday. Jesus entered Jerusalem and a great crowd came out to worship him. Because He had raised Lazarus from the dead many now believed in Him. There was a great celebration taking place.

Yet, Jesus knew that in a few days this same crowd who was worshiping Him would cry out for Him to be crucified. He knew their worship would be short lived. In spite this, He was committed to follow through with what He came here to do. He was not after the praise of men. There was something else that motivated Him. He was committed to go to the cross in order to glorify His Father.

Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12: 27-28)

As we continue through John, we will see all that Jesus went through to accomplish what God sent Him to do. We will watch these crowds turn against Him-even His disciples will desert Him. Yet, nothing stopped Him from glorifying God.

I have to ask myself if I am as committed to God's glory as Jesus was. Will I remain steadfast in my love for Him and my willingness to live for Him regardless of what happens? I want to do this, but I often find that I allow other things to get in the way.

I find myself getting so focused on the things that are happening around me that I forget what matters most.

A critical word can consume me.

Bad news from someone I love can stop me in my tracks.

Pleasing people can become my focus.

My own ego and desires can get in the way.

My prayer is that God will give me the same resolve that Jesus had. So that regardless of what happens to me or around me, my commitment is to follow through with what God has called me to do. I don't want to get carried away by the praise of men. I want to live for God's glory and nothing else. Please pray that this will be true of me as I am praying that it will be true of you as well.

For God's Glory...

Day 11: Finding Motivation...

2009-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

John 11 is filled with LIFE and HOPE along with a little confusion. After hearing that Lazarus is sick, Jesus does not immediately go to see him even though he loves him dearly. Jesus waits because God has a bigger plan and purpose in mind. He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead... God's glory and his love for people was what motivated him.

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (John 11:4)

I wonder how often I jump when people want me to instead of being in tune with God's will and making certain that I move because he says to-not because some one expects me too. Jesus had this incredible ability to hear God's voice and respond to the needs of people. He did not react to what was happening, he was strategic and intentional with his time and relationships. He waited until the right time. Sometimes waiting is the best thing we can do. I must ask: what motivates me?

As a result of this, Jesus was able to step into a very hopeless situation and bring real hope not only to the sisters but to many others who were there. Listen to what he said to Martha...

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (John 11:23-27)

Jesus makes it clear to her that he is the source of life for this life and for the next. He is the one who can bring life from death, who can give purpose in the middle of chaos and who loves us even when we think he does not. He may not act like or when we think he should. But act he will and it will always be for God's glory and it will always be because he loves us dearly.

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:43-44)

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead...

Life and Hope are found in a person, that Son of God. This one who has the power to raise people from the dead and give them life. The one who is motivated by God's glory and love for people.

So, today I look at what motivates me. What is motivating you today?

Day 10: Security Guaranteed

2009-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

People worry about their security. In this day of changing economic times, uncertain job situations and global challenges we feel more threatened and less secure. We wonder if we can make it through the day and, well, the future, is very scary. We become more and more anxious about everything.

But Jesus makes an incredible promise. He says that He came for one reason. He came to give us life-full and free. Both now and forever.....

...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10b)

He goes on to say says there is something that we can stake our lives upon-something that will never change. He gives an unconditional guarantee to those who have surrendered their lives to Him-those who are His sheep.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29)

Jesus makes this incredible promise to us-we have life through Him and no one or nothing can take that away. We are secure.

I don't know about you, but there are times when this can be hard for me to embrace....

-I struggle with sins that ought to be gone.

-I often face hard problems and situations that are definitely my fault.

-There are days when I don't feel like I am His.

But, then I remember that my security is guaranteed by my Father and life, eternal life, is promised because of what Jesus has done for me. So, today, regardless of what is happening in our world and whether or not I fail, I am in His hands. I have His promise that I am His and no one or nothing can change that.

If you know Him, if you have heard His call and surrendered to Him, you are His. Let this be the focus of our lives today.

Security Guaranteed...

Day 9: Tell Your Story...

2009-03-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

The unfortunate truth for the church today is that many people will never share their faith with others. There are lots of reasons why this happens. Some people feel that they don't know enough, some are afraid they will offend and others think that they will face rejection

I love this story from John 9 about the man who was born blind and was healed by Jesus. You would think that everyone would be excited that someone who had been born blind could now see. But this was not the case. This, however did not stop the man who was healed. He had a story to tell and he did not care what others had to say. He knew he WAS blind but NOW he could see. I'd be excited about that...

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:24-25).

Tell your story, it's the one thing that you know with absolute certainty. Tell how God is at work in your life-you are an authority on you. When you do that you will be amazed at how God will use that in the lives of others.

Life Way Research recently published an article entitled: Americas Open to Outreach. They surveyed over 15,000 people who do not attend church and found that almost 2 out of 3 would be open to a conversation about faith and church if it came from a family member, friend or a neighbor. 63% of the people you come into contact with would be open to hearing your story and a spiritual discussion. The article goes on to say that the fact that Easter is only a few days away is another reason to tell your story.

So, my question for you is this: Are you telling your story? If not, why not? God will use your story to influence and encourage others. And with Easter coming up, this may be one of your best opportunities to do so. I'm praying for that chance today as I interact with those God brings into my path.

What about you? I would love to hear how you are sharing your story and what God is doing... It's your turn.

Day 8: Stop Throwing Stones...

2009-03-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

John 8:1-11

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. (John 8:7-8)

Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. This is probably one of the most well known portions of the Bible. It is well known because of the audacity of the Pharisees to bring the woman, who was caught in the act of adultery, to Jesus. (I've always wondered why they did not bring the man who was with her if she was caught in the act). It's well known because their motives were not concern for the woman or for what was right, but their concern was to trap Jesus. It's also well known because of the way that Jesus responded to them and to her.

It's easy for me to get upset and angry with the Pharisees because of the way that they treated this woman. It's easy for me to want to throw stones at them for their self righteous attitude. Why is it so easy for me to become like them?

It's easy for me to be quick to criticize others and think I am the one who is so right.

It's easy for me to belittle others and judge them.

It's easy for me to make fun of them.

It's easy for me to want to see others "get it" because they "deserve it".

Why is it so easy for me to do that? I think it's easy because, like the Pharisees, I want to feel good about me so I tear down others. Just like the bully on the playground I want to make others look bad so I can feel good. And, at that point my motives are no better that those of the Pharisees.

I am so glad that Jesus did not get drawn into their little game. Instead, He stopped and took some time to think. He made the point that we all need to take a look at ourselves and our own sin before we are so quick to start throwing stones at each other. Sometimes I allow my ego to get in the way of loving God and loving people.

That does not mean that we have to agree with everyone or never love people enough to point out their sin and shortcomings. Jesus certainly cared enough for this woman and the Pharisees that He did not throw stones at either, but lovingly pointed out where they were wrong.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”No one, sir,” she said “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:9-11)

I need to take a look long at myself first and make certain that I do what I do because I love God and I love others. Not because I want to look good and be right...

It's time to stop throwing stones...

Day Seven: Are You Thirsty?

2009-03-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

One of the things that advertisers know is that we are thirsty people. So, they play into the thirsts and desires that we have. We have all kinds of products out there that promise us life and fulfillment. We have all kinds of celebrities and beautiful people trying to convince us that we can be satisfied if we just buy what they are selling.

I have to admit that there are times when I get sucked into their promises and buy what they are selling. Only to be disappointed after I get it because it does not bring the satisfaction that is promised. How about you-I bet this has happened to you at some point?

But Jesus makes a promise to us with only one condition...

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, asthe Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37-38).

The question I ask of us is this: Are you thirsty?

If you are, where are you looking to have your thirst quenched?

Have you been disappointed lately with the things that have claimed your attention?

Do you find yourself thinking, if only I had this or that, then I would be satisfied?

Jesus makes an amazing promise to those who are tired of running after all of those things to find
fulfillment. He says "if you are thirsty, come to me and drink." When we do he promise us that we will not only find life for ourselves, but we will also become a source of helping others find it as well.

So, are you thirsty today?

John 6: Where else can we go?

2009-03-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

John 6 records the Feeding of the 5,000: one of the most amazing chapters in his gospel. Many people began following Him, not because they thought He was the Son of God. They followed simply because they wanted to have their stomachs filled. Jesus wanted them to know that in order to follow Him it would require they give themselves completely to Him as the Son of God, not just someone who could give them food to eat. Some of what He said was hard to understand and difficult to follow. As a result many left him. It was more than they bargained for. Jesus wondered what the twelve disciples would do.

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-69).

I love what Peter said to Jesus when He asked him if they wanted to leave. Peter said Lord, where else can we go? You have the words of eternal life and we believe and know you are the Son of God. Peter was saying, Lord we seen to much, experienced things we never thought possible. We may still have some questions, but one thing we know is that you are indeed the Son of God and where else can we go? Where else would we want to go?

I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life when following Christ has been hard to do. There have been times when I have had questions that could not be answered, there have been situations that I thought I would never face and answers I could not give. There have been some moments when I have wondered if it was really worth it. (Can you relate?)

But then I remember all that God has done in my life. I remember all that I have seen and experienced and these words that Peter spoke have been words that i have come back to over and over. And I have to say the same thing that he does. "Where else would I go? Where else would I want to go? Jesus is indeed my only hope for this life and for the one beyond.

I don't know all of the answers, everything doesn't always make sense to me. I don't know all there is to know, but I do know one thing: that Jesus is indeed the Holy One from God and He is the one I can trust with all of my life even when I can't get it all to make sense. I give myself completely again today. Where else would I go?

What about you...

Day 5: Jesus Equal to the Father

2009-03-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Jesus was always challenging the status quo among the religious community. Not just to upset them, but because He cared for people. The Jews became upset with Jesus because he healed a man on the Sabbath. They were far more interested in following man made rules than in observing God's law to love and care for people. They became upset when Jesus called God "My Father" because in so doing he was saying that he and the Father were equal. Then Jesus said these words...

Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does

(John 5:19).

Jesus did not deny their claim that he was making himself equal to God. Instead, he wanted to make it absolutely clear that He was equal to God. The fact that he could heal was just one clear indication that His claim was indeed true.

I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)

He goes on to make it clear that life, eternal life, comes through Him.

I can rest in the fact that Jesus is the Son of God and that life comes from believing in Him. This message should be an encouragement to us and is one that we must make clear to others as well.

Your thoughts....

Day 4: The Focus I Need!

2009-03-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

John 4:
John gives us another action packed chapter from the life of Jesus. There is a lot here to think through for your day. This is what caught my attention:

"My food", said Jesus, "is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:34)

There are a lot of things that can claim my attention during the day. Some things are good, some not so good and some things are better than others. There are things I like to do and some that I have to do.

Jesus was saying that the thing that sustained Him was doing the Father's will. He was saying that the thing that gave Him life, even more than physical food, was to accomplish what God had called Him to do. His greatest joy was to always please His Father more than anyone or anything else.

I can't always say this about my life. (Maybe you can relate?) Sometimes I find it easier for other things to become the focus of my life. I find greater satisfaction from doing what others want me to do or what I would rather do, than to always focus on doing God's will in my life.

My prayer for today is that I will focus my life on accomplishing my Father's will and allow that to not only be the focus of my life, but mt greatest joy and satisfaction as well.

How about you?

Day 3 More and Less

2009-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

John 3

There are several things that catch my attention in this chapter. The conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus about being "born again" and Nicodemus trying to understand what He means. Then there is perhaps the best known verse in all of the Scriptures:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

But there is something the John the Baptist said that grabs my heart today. John's disciples were upset that Jesus was also baptizing people and that many people were beginning to follow Jesus and leave John. They thought it would bother John as well. However, they were wrong. John had a much different perspective of his role here. John understood that his role was to point others to Jesus and he knew that ultimately meant that Jesus' ministry would grow and his would shrink. He was not upset, nor was he bothered about it.

He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30)

This verse always challenges me. I want to have the humility and grace that John has. I do want Jesus to become greater and I become lesser, but I often allow my ego and pride to get in the way.

I often want to make it be about me and not about Jesus.

I often have a hard time celebrating when I see God blessing others in a way that I am not.

I want to receive criticism well.

I find it much easier to say this than to live it.

But, I do want to live it.

My prayer today is that others would see more of Jesus and less of me. Jesus must become greater and I must become less. If you want to know how to pray for me, this is it.

So, can you relate? How do you deal with this in your life? Your thoughts...

Day 2

2009-03-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

I love the way the John tells us about the life of Jesus in his gospel. John focuses on several miracles that Christ did while he was here. I think it is very interesting that His first miracle occurred at a Wedding Celebration. First of all, Jesus chose to be at this wedding and then he chose to step into a very embarrassing situation for the host. (Running out of wine during this occasion was a tremendous social no no!).

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (John 2:7-10)

Jesus chose to turn water into wine at a public celebration and it was really good wine!!! In fact, those who were there said it was the best. Evidently Jesus thought there were some things in life worth taking the time to celebrate and enjoy. Doing this can be a big challenge to me. I love to celebrate, but I often find myself focusing on the next thing that needs to get done and not taking the time to stop, enjoy what God has done and celebrate. So, today, I am going to take some time to celebrate what God is doing.

I celebrate that I have the most amazing wife and children and will take the time to tell them so. I celebrate that I get to work with an amazing staff who loves God and people. I celebrate that God has brought me and Kim to "do life" with some of the greatest people in the world at the Bridge Church. Wow, I am so blessed and today I CELEBRATE.

How about you? What do you have to celebrate and enjoy? Your thoughts...

Day 1

2009-03-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

We live in a fast paced world with more things to distract us than anyone can count. Often our time alone with God gets overlooked and pushed aside. I want us to do something about that in our lives.

Yesterday, I submitted the 21 Day Challenge to our church and was pleasantly surprised at how many responded indicating they would be participating (I got the idea from a friend of mine in ministry). I am thrilled!!! We will be reading through the Gospel of John one chapter each day-leading up to Easter Sunday, April 21.

Let me give you some background to the Gospel of John:

It was written somewhere between AD 80-90. John tells his purpose in writing, "... these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31).

In order to accomplish his purpose, John tells us about seven miracles in his gospel to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God: turning water to wine (2:1-10), healing a nobleman's son (4:46-54), healing a paralytic (5:1-9), feeding the 5,000 (6:1-14), walking on the water (6:15-21), healing the blind man (9:1-41), and raising a dead man from the dead (11:1-57).

To further prove Jesus is the Son of God, John records seven "I AM" statements where Christ affirmed that He was God: Bread of Life (6:35, 41, 48, 51); Light of the World (8:12); the Door (10:7, 9); Good Shepherd (10:11, 14); Resurrection and the Life (11:25); the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6); and the True Vine (15:1, 5).

I will attempt to post some of my thoughts and ideas here as I read each day. I would love for you to add your comments as well so that we all can share in this experience and learn from each other. So, please join in the conversation....

Day 1: John 1

This verse grabbed my attention today:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

Jesus did not come to be a great teacher, although he was an amazing teacher. He did not come to be a great example on how we should live, although he lived a life that was absolutely pleasing to God. Jesus came for one reason to become the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John recognized this and it changed his life. Jesus came to sacrifice His life and take away my sin. And this has changed my life forever. He is my only hope for salvation and the forgiveness of my sins. I can live in the freedom that comes from knowing that I am forgiven. My prayer is that I would live in this truth today and allow God to use me for His glory.

Your thoughts about John 1...

His Masterpiece...

2009-03-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was another great day of worship at the Bridge as we had worship artist Kreg Mebust join us. It was the 4th week in our series: Unstoppable. The title was "His Masterpiece and we focused on Eph. 2:1-10. Check out this link (http://www.thebridgereno.com/media.html) for the message and to view the incredible art work that Kreg created during each service.

Paul wants us to understand where we have come from, what God has done in our lives and what he is now doing with us. Listen to these amazing words.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Eph. 2:10 NLT)

We are God's Masterpiece for the world to see.

A masterpiece brings glory and honor to the artist not to the art.

A masterpiece tells us a lot about the one who created it.

Each masterpiece is unique-unlike any other.

As followers of Christ, we are God's Masterpiece to the world. We show the world how the grace of God changes a life and what God can do with lost, broken and messed up people. We are to demonstrate good works in the world that point to Him. These are good works that God had planned for us long ago. Good works that make a difference.

Here are some questions for us to consider this week:

How often do you think of yourself as God's Masterpiece?

If you truly believed that you are, how would it change the way you view what God wants to do in and through your life this week?

What gifts and talents do you have that God has given to you?

What good works is God calling you to do today? Who is God calling you to serve? Who is God calling you to love and share your life with?

As we understand and embrace our calling as God's Masterpiece, we will see God's glory displayed and will be an Unstoppable part of His Kingdom in this world.

Your thoughts...

A Difficult, but Necssary Decision

2009-03-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

By now most of you at the Bridge know that we have decided to cancel our Missions Trip to Mexico. Our missions team leaders began to wrestle with this after a travel alert was given by the state department a few weeks ago. This was a very difficult, but necessary decision.

It was difficult for many reasons. One because our love for and involvement with Mexican Medical Ministries for quite some time. Another because we had more people signed up to go than ever before and this would have been the first trip for a lot of them. Finally, we love the people there and were looking forward to sharing our lives with them for a few days.

So, after much prayer, lots of advice and input, the decision was made to cancel the trip. We felt the risks of going at this time outweighed moving forward. Our main concern at this point is for the safety of our people, especially since we had several students who were going. Our desire is to put together another trip there as soon as possible. We will keep you informed.

Please join with us in praying for Mexico and those who are ministering there at this time. We know our God is in charge and He will honor His name despite the turmoil and violence going on there. He will build His church.

There are times when following God means that we should take risks and there are times when we should not. I wonder what your thoughts are on how to know the difference when you need to make such a decision. I would appreciate your comments...

Entering in…

2009-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, I’ve finally made the decision to enter the blogging world. (I know it's about time...) I know there are a lot of voices out there adding their thoughts and insights and I believe that it is time for me to do the same.

Some of the thoughts that I will share here will relate directly to what God is doing at the Bridge Church here in Reno and how we can continue to grow in our relationship with Him. Other thoughts will relate to issues in our community, state and world and some will be my own ramblings about what God is doing in my own life and family as I seek to take the next step in my walk with Him.

Please feel free to add your comments along the way. I want this to be an interactive dialogue where we can learn from each other. My hope and prayer is that the thoughts and ideas that are shared here will be used by God to encourage and challenge you as you take the next step in your journey with Him. I look forward to our time together.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 8:33 am